Laundry, Laundry and more laundry...

I didn't think it possible but boy has the laundry increased with this little guy. :) We were making another batch of laundry soap and I got to thinking I should share this recipe. It really helps to cut down on costs. Thank you Allison for the dry measurements, I have been playing with the recipe I had and it really helped. This cleans great now (except when I forget to pretreat the chocolate stains) ;D

Homemade Laundry Soap
1 Bar Fels Naptha Soap (we have found it at Maceys or King Soopers, laundry section)
3 Cups Washing Soda
3 Cups Borax
Hot Water
5 Gallon bucket

Grate your bar of Fels Naptha into a saucepan, add 3-4 cups very hot tap water. Cook on low, low-med heat, stirring until it is all dissolved.

When it is almost done, prepare the bucket by filling 3/4 full with your hottest tap water. Add the Borax and Washing Soda, stir until dissolved. Then add the saucepan of Fels Naptha. Stir and set aside to cool.

We keep a big spatula near the bucket, you will need to stir before each use. Use 1 cup per load (or more if they are really soiled).

1 Week Already

Can you believe it, a week has gone by already. Just wanted to share another picture of the little guy. The girls still love him like crazy and we are steadily working on switching his days and nights for sleeping.

Here are some pictures Emily has taken from her camera. "My Brother, by Emily Ireland"

We are so blessed! Our little family has a new addition sent from God above and we are so grateful. How could all of this be ours?

He's Here!

Yesterday was the big day! I can't even tell you how excited we are! Little Jackson Joseph Ireland was born yesterday around 2pm weighing in at 7lbs 3 oz and was 19.7 inches long. The girls got to come meet their little brother later that evening and just love him to pieces. He is healthy as can be and we hope to be coming home from the hospital later today.

We just wanted to share the great news with everyone! Love to all!

Still Waiting... Your turn to guess!

Ok so the little man is still all warm and comfy, I think content to hear his sisters from the inside, lol. Joe was thinking yesterday would be great because his birthday would be 6/8/08. Now for those that know how memory challenged I am, I agree, but we missed it. So Audrey had a great idea. Lets see who can guess when this little guy will come and the name we will choose?

Known information to help with your guess...
I am 2-3 cm and very "soft" as the doc would say
My official due date is June 26th
Lizzy came 2 weeks early (but I have to admit I did everything I could to help)
Joe says in regards to his schedule a Thursday or Friday is better ;D

Names...
We really like Isaac, Bo, Bear (not sure on spelling) and Jackson
I love Joseph as the middle name but it doesn't work with some of those


So now that you have read this, make your guess and lets see who gets it!

On the baby front

Just thought I should post the latest on the baby front. At my appointment yesterday I was dilated 2-3 cm (for those who haven't had kids, sorry to share the gross details :}). So doc says it could be any day so we just have to wait and see! We are still working on his name and will probably wait to see his beautiful face to know for sure. We are so excited to meet this little man!

Everyday Emily gives brother hugs and kisses. She is happiest pulling up my shirts to give loves to my bare belly. The girls are so excited. They are forever planning toys that he will be able to play with when he gets bigger and scary movies he can watch with daddy. Lizzy has decided she will keep him out of harms way and catch him should Emily drop him :D.

I also had to share a little funny from the girls. Lizzy is always talking about getting married, especially to DJ. This morning she told me, "when I get married to DJ, can I get my hair cut first?". Too cute, DJ, I hope you know you have a fan in the wings!

The other day they were picking flowers out front...
emily... "Mom, I picked these flowers for you"
me.."thanks Em"
lizzy... "those are for when you get married"
me.. "but I am already married to daddy"
lizzy... "for if daddy dies, for the next time you get married"

so sad and funny all at the same time. their little brains are too funny.

Lots of great fun!

The girls and I got to have a few adventures this past week. First we headed off to the Pueblo Zoo. It is a smaller zoo but lots of fun still. It is a great outing as well because our Hogle Zoo pass from Utah works here and we got in for free!

Behind Emily is her favorite "little deer", I have forgotten what it is but it sure is cute!

Next we got to go to the City Park for...get this..... 25 cent rides! The girls had a blast. I am sure we will be going there more this summer :). Joe got to come this time too! They were so cute on the train too. Parents are allowed to ride but Lizzy insisted that they go alone. It sure was hard watching them go all the way around the pond without us! I kept worrying they would stop and we would see Lizzy trying to climb out but she did awesome!