A bit busy

We have been a bit busy lately and I am finally getting around to writing again.  Not only did we celebrate Gabe's fifth birthday on December 19...

 but we also welcomed our baby girl into the world on December 23, Hila Faith! (For those wondering about the pronunciation, it is Hi-la, with a long I sound.)  She is named after my great grandmother whom I always admired.

Isaac joined Gabe in the ranks of big brother!  Here is our first family photo of 5!

Isaac and Gabe have both done well with the changes.  Isaac has always done things on his own timeline and there was no exception to accepting his baby sister.  Unfortunately, he was sick with a virus and ear infection the first week of her life.  He has not shown much jealousy towards her at all, just some indifference in the beginning couple of weeks of her life.  He really liked to tell her everything that was going on (because he is quite the talker these days), but he kept his distance.  Which was actually a blessing since he was sick!

But last week, he came over to Hila on my lap and gave her the tenderest touches and then said, "I want to hold Hila.  (or as he says it, Hiya).  Of course, I jumped at the chance and took as many photos as I could.

Gabriel has adored Hila from the beginning and it is so sweet to see him always want to love on her.

We were lucky to arrive home on the night of Christmas Eve so that we could spend Christmas morning with our two boys and our families that were all so wonderful to travel to us for Christmas!

We truly couldn't have asked for a better Christmas gift!  We hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas and we wish everyone blessings in the new year!