March 26

Hello All, I just came home from visiting a good friend in Austin for the past week. Peso and her husband were roommates in college and he also flies in the Strikeagle. We were at SJ and they are currently in Pensacola heading over to Lakenheath this summer. She just had here third son, a real cutie. Bootsie enjoyed getting to know the older boys who are 4 and 2. Unfortunately, she left a couple cat scratches on the youngest who enjoyed taken things from her. The kids had fun playing all over the house. The weather kept us from going outside, so we did get a little stir crazy. The time with my girlfriend Tracy was great and we did get to visit some despite the five children under foot.

Last Wednesday, I went to a good friends to play in her clay studio. I made a slump plate, which I am very excited about and really enjoyed visiting with her more. She was so generous and invited me to come every week to play! Yeah!

The girls are doing well. Luvy is rolling everywhere and she is working on her first tooth, which just broke through. Bootsies vocabulary continues to expand. I also think she has a candy gps system in her because she finds it wherever we go, fortunately, the eat all your food and then you can have a piece, is actually working for her.

Peso seems to be doing well and staying very busy. We are very excited this separation is half way done. The girls and I can't wait to welcome him home, as all in Mountain Home say Amen to that! That is all for now. Love, Ralee

March 13

After two weeks or more of not blogging, I find myself inspired again. I am currently battling what I can only determine as post-partum depression. I have spoken with several dear friends and a doctor, so I am taking several steps to overcome this frustrating experience of sadness which sweeps over me often. Thanks for all the prayers and calls. As a result of just not feeling like doing anything because of the depression, I haven't taken the time to do things I love to do. One being keeping in touch with friends and family, which is why I blog.

We have really not done anything recently that is all that exciting. We have celebrated birthdays with friends, taken pictures in the bluebonnets-love springtime in Texas and just enjoyed our family.

Bootsie continues to love Mother's Day Out and is picking up words left and right. The other day she told my dad, "Papa, don't help me!" as she was helping herself get out of the car. She is Miss Independence. She wants to peel her own bananas, put on and take off her own clothes and even tries to go outside and explore on her own. The exploring alone is a constant source of conflict. The biggest news with her is that we have bought a Dora potty and are now working on going potty in it several times a day. SHe isn't quite proficient, but she is getting there and really enjoys getting stickers every time she goes to the bathroom. I will spare you pictures!

Luvy is 5mos. old and weighing in at 15lbs.12oz. Yeah! She is continuing to be an easy going baby and a source of joy to all of us. Her eyes have yet to choose their color, but I think they will be brown like mine and her sisters. She is rolling on each side and from front to back. She is sleeping well from 9:00pm-7:00am give or take 30minutes-praise God!

Now that the weather is warming up, I am able to get out and go jogging more and my mom and I do Pilates in the evenings on the days I don't get out for a jog. Thanks to the good Mexican food and my parents real sweet teeth, I am finding loosing weight to be ever a challenge (sure blame the parents for the sweets). I have started reading more, which helps me feel good by keeping my mind working. All these things to say, I am doing well, loving my time with my family, missing my friends in Mt. Home, and feeling confident that by God's grace and maybe a little meds, I will get out of this post partum funk and enjoy life more. Blessings, Ralee