Early Days with William

I love January in Mesa. The cool weather, Christmas is over, kids are back in school, and it gave Grandma and I some time to recover and love on baby Will. He is growing so much and changing every day. I think being the 4th baby I am so busy I don't notice how much he changes. He is so sweet. He sleeps 3-4 hours at night and loves any attention that he gets. I love spoiling little newborns with lots of love, snuggles, and sleeping in my arms, but honestly I feel like the one who is spoiled to be blessed with such a good baby.

My mom came and stayed with us for a whole month. It was such a blessing to have the extra hands. Someone to hold the baby for me while I help the other kids and spend time with them. I am doing my best to make sure each child feels special and knows that I love them. Going from 3 to 4 isn't much harder, there is just no downtime. I am up with Will at night, up with the kids to get to school, playing with Christian and Will during the day, laundry, cleaning house, etc, then kids come home and we head to activities, homework, dinner, reading, bedtime, and bed. My day never stops. It is a crazy life but I love it. 

 Christian also loves mommy time while baby Will is sleeping. He has been so considerate of baby Will and his needs. Letting me know whenever he is crying or hungry, and never throwing tantrums when I am tending to Will. He is an amazing big brother.

Christmas 2014

We were given many blessings this Christmas. A new healthy baby, Grandma Miller visiting, and a beautiful growing family; I felt very close to the savior this year. As our family grows I hope we are setting a good example and standards especially for spiritual holidays. The kids loved having Grandma visit and using baby Will in our annual nativity play. It is so wonderful to see them grow and share their little testimonies of the birth of the savior and his part in their lives. 

Even with a week old baby we still managed to uphold some of our favorite Christmas time traditions. Making chocolates, visiting the temple lights, the nativity play, and a trip to the playground on Christmas day. It was a wonderful time of year. 

Elizabeth takes her role as the angel very seriously. She even told me that she was glad William is a boy so that she won't have to compete with another girl for the role.

We told Christian we had to put on our costumes. He insisted on being Iron Man instead of a shepherd. It was a Christmas miracle.

Our little nativity family.

 We made and ate Christmas cookies.

A Christmas in the Stoker house is not complete without a few Superheroes around. 

 And we opened a few presents. Lizzy received a new pink and purple bike from Santa complete with a basket and a seat for her doll on the back. 

Her goal this year is to learn how to ride without training wheels. 

 Jackson received a new karate uniform.

baby daddy snuggles are the best

1 week old, sporting his Christmas gear.

 Baby and Grandma on Christmas morning.

 Christian loves being a big brother.

 Elizabeth and Jackson making some cookies with Lizzy's Easy-Bake-Oven

 We love the temple, especially during temple lights. It is a chance for the kids to go to the temple and learn more about the birth of Christ with a fun twist. Plus most of the time it is the only chance we have to get bundled up for an outside adventure. Christian passed out by the end, so sweet.

Family Photo Shoot

William is doing well. He looks just like his father. He sleeps for 3-4 hours at a time. Eats plenty and has gained a pound in the two weeks since he left the hospital. He likes watching his brothers and sister, and is content in the swing where he is snugly and warm. And this week at just 17 days old he showed us his first smile, at his dad of course, but it was a huge smile followed by a small smirk that melted my heart and brought tears of joy to my eyes.

We tried a family photo shoot last week but mostly I was unsuccessful. William didn't like any of the cute outfits that his Aunt Sarah sent him. But after a lot of food and rocking he finally fell asleep and I was able to capture his sweet spirit sleeping softly under our Christmas tree.

We are so blessed with all of our children. It was the perfect Christmas.

Welcome to the World William James

9 long months. This pregnancy was the longest of all my pregnancies. Waiting for my next baby boy to arrive, I can't explain the excitement and apprehension I felt. Would I be able to take care of 4 children? Is he going to be health? Will the surgery go well?

All the nerves we unnecessary. The surgery went better than expected and I am in excellent health. I really think Heavenly Father has blessed me with healing powers and made me strong. And William is beautiful. A perfect little piece of heaven sent to our family. We have already enjoyed the blessings, and the love we have for this precious little soul. He is amazing. The children love him. Christian has taken to his role as the older brother, watching over William and making sure he is cared for well. Every time he cries Christian comes calling me. Jackson loves being the oldest and holding his baby brother. He will hold him forever if I let him. Elizabeth loves to entertain William. She likes singing to him and talking to him. It is very sweet to walk into the room and see her sitting by his swing softly singing at his side.

I couldn't ask for a better baby and a more joyous Christmas gift.

William James Stoker
Born December 18th, 2014 at 7:48am
6lbs 14oz
19 3/4 inches long