Calista's Blessing Day

We went to Utah for a wedding and ended up blessing Cali on a whim while we were out there. Two of Blaine's brothers and their families were also visiting his parents and helping them move into their new home so we thought we might as well bless Cali while we were with so much family. It worked out great. I was even able to go right out and buy her a blessing dress just hours before it happened (we were in Utah, afterall). Tyson, our nephew, also participated and lucky for us, Blaine's parents new next door neighbor also happens to be their Bishop so after a quick introduction, he called our Bishop and hours later, Cali was blessed in Grandma and Grandpa Allen's home. I must say, it was a little strange to be able to bless her with out taking her to court and the temple like we are used to, but it was beautiful all the same. I am so lucky to have such a great husband who loves his children and is able to give them father's blessings. One thing that Blaine blessed Cali with that stuck out to me was that she would be close to her older siblings and that she would develop a strong relationship with me. Made me cry!

The whole family

My girls and I

Daddy and Cali

Mommy and Cali

The men that participated: Grandpa Allen, Uncle Steve, Dad, Uncle Wade, Cousin Ty, and Grandma and Grandpa's Bishop


Pretty Cali in her beautiful blessing dress

Utah Trip

We went to Utah this week for a friend's wedding. Blaine's parents just happened to be closing on their new home this week also so Blaine was able to help out with painting and other things. Two of his brothers and their families also ended up coming out to help and so we ended up having a little mini reunion. It is always a party when we all get together.
Mettea, Lizzie, and Luke adoring their new baby cousin, Cali.

Luke was so sweet with Cali.

Eating yummy Mexican food left us wondering why there isn't great Mexican food in Colorado. Steve and Kelli were wondering the same about Georgia.

Fabulous Poser

Bella got herself dressed the other day and asked, "Mom, do I look fabulous?" And then she struck this pose. I just had to take a picture.

Cali picture overload?

With a subject so cute, I just can't resist posting more pictures!

Precious Pictures...6 Weeks Old

My good friend, Kris, is a fabulous photographer. Right now it is just a hobby but she has such a great style and eye, people are pushing her to turn her hobby into a business. Today Cali got her very own photo shoot. Even though Cali wasn't really a willing participant and she even peed all over Kris (so sorry about that Kris!), Kris was still able to capture these sweet shots. And since I always have good intentions about birth announcements but never really get around to them...pretend like you just opened this up in the mail but you get to choose your favorite pose!

Blaine, Tirsa, Bella and Ezra happily welcome CALI to the family.

Calista Tenna Allen
Born August 6, 2009 at 5:18 am
7 pounds 7 ounces
20 inches long

Isn't She Lovely...

This song from Stevie Wonder has new meaning to me now...

"Isn't She Lovely"

Isn't she lovely
Isn't she wonderful
Isn't she precious
Less than one minute old
I never thought through love we'd be
Making one as lovely as she
But isn't she lovely made from love

Isn't she pretty
Truly the angel's best
Boy, I'm so happy
We have been heaven blessed
I can't believe what God has done
Through us he's given life to one
But isn't she lovely made from love





And, I might add a verse...

Isn't she chunky?

Father/Son Camping and Mother/Daughter Lateover

Blaine took Ez to our ward's father/son camping trip. Bella was devastated that it was an all boy thing and so she and I decided to have an all girls night. Bella chose 5 friends to come over along with their moms and we ate pizza, played, painted nails, watched a movie, and stayed up late. Cali even got her toenails painted...they look super cute but she curls her feet so I can't get a good picture. It was a fun night for all.

The Boys...



The Girls...

We survived the first month of 3 kids!

Cali is now 1 month old. Blaine and I were both commenting about how long this month has been. I'm blaming it on sleep deprivation. I do feel like I am finally adjusting to 3 kids and the demands of being the sole provider of food for Cali. What a change this has been from caring for our other two newborns. I miss those days when Blaine could feed the baby just as easily as I could BUT, I am learning to enjoy the special time that Cali and I get together all day long (and night, of course) as I nurse her. Cali is becoming a chunky monkey and weighed in at 9 pounds and 1 ounce a few days ago when I took her in for a weight check.

Today we made our church debut but only stayed for Sacrament meeting and she stayed in her carseat the whole time. I took this picture of her after church because she looked so cute in her church clothes. After taking it, my camera stopped working! I guess I'll be buying a new camera this week!

Bella pulled Cali up alongside her so that they could watch a Barbie movie together. Bella keeps talking about how she and Cali are going to play Barbies together. I hope Bella is patient for another year or two!

Ez is always saying, "I wanna hold" and anytime he is near the baby, he is kissing her. He is one sweet big brother.

Bella has loved playing Wii with Daddy. She is our little guitar hero!