Gabriel Gets Some Berries

Wow, there sure are a lot of Mulberries on that tree!

Mama and Daddy say I can't eat the ones that are on the ground.

They sure are fun to stomp on though!

What do you mean I've had enough mulberries?  

I was just getting started.

A Perfect Morning Walk

Yesterday was a perfect day here on the wetlands of NW Iowa.  I took Gabriel out for a stroll, and we were greeted by a little painted turtle in our driveway.  That was perfect because I ran in and got my camera.  Now I can take you on our walk too!

The deep spring air was mildly damp and humid.  It had rained the day before, and the moistness caused the scent of honeysuckle and alyssum flowers to linger in the air, making me feel as giddy as if I had drunk sweet wine.

A fanatical bird was perched on the Quail Hollow street sign squawking at us as if we had invaded it's territory.  

We headed down the nature trail and a light wind gave me shivers.  Not because it was cold, it was pleasantly warm, and the delicate breeze felt like feathers caressing my bare arms.

I was delighted to see the Boysenberries are ripening!

 

Gabriel fell asleep on the way home.  I got a shot of our street...

and more turtles!

Baby Robin and Gabriel

We recently had a nest of robins right under our top deck, above our walk out basement, and right above my studio window.  We loved that we could peek through the boards and see the eggs!  

We watched as they hatched and became tiny chirping balls of fuzz.  We watched the parents bring them lots of yummy insects and worms.  We watched as they got bigger and perched on the side of the nest looking down at the world around them.  And we were lucky enough to be home when they were learning how to fly.  

 One of the babies perched on our patio swing and wasn't bothered a bit by us coming out for a closer look.

Gabriel was enchanted with this cute little chirping creature.

He wanted to give it a ride on the swing.

Mama Robin was waiting nearby with a yummy snack for her brave little baby.

Meet My Men:

Hubby Brett and Baby G

Baby G Rolls Over

Today is my lucky day. You can't plan for good luck, it just happens when it happens.

I was having a photo shoot with Baby G in the living room when all of a sudden, for the very first time, he rolled over...and I got it all in pictures.

Pre-roll...

roll in progress...

I did it!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from SpiritMama and the Sananda-Morris Family!

Can you believe how cute these "boot" socks are? I found them at a local baby boutique called "Baby Bugaloo" and I couldn't resist. They are made by "Dolly and Dimples", and they came with another pair of socks that look like English riding shoes.

Many blessings to you on this beautiful Christmas day!

Family Portrait Gone Awry

We went for a family portrait on Saturday. Gabriel was not in the mood to pose. Josiah was fussing with Gabriel and we told her to just keep looking at the camera and smile. That made her mad so she refused to smile and then left the photo. So here is what we end up with:

These were taken by my mom on the side line. I'm sure the photographer, Jay got at least one good one!?

Here are some shots from the weekend. I love this one. Josiah took it. I don't even mind that my head is cut off because it is the first picture I have with Gabriel where I don't look pale and pasty. I'm wearing G in my new Zolo sling.

Look at this proud (and handsome) daddy!

And my beautiful, not so little girl:

Baby Gabriel Has Arrived!

Gabriel Alexander Morris was born on 11/2/08 at 7:05pm
Weighing 9 pounds and 21 inches long.





He was born at home in our piano room in a birthing pool. This picture was taken less than a minute after his birth. My husband, Brett was in the pool with me the whole time.


The labor was about 5 hours long, and we all came out great! This picture is his first with big sister, Josiah, taken about an hour after the birth. She is a wonderful helper!







He is wonderful and we are so blessed to have him.

:- )