Summer Life 2016

 Nona loves a bath and doesn't even come close to fitting in the sink anymore, but she still loves the bath. She never liked having more than just her feet in the lake this summer, but love warm water baths.

 Nona loves chillin' with her big sister, Miya. Miya is so good with her and loves helping and holding her.

 Miya and Nona's hands.

Cannon laid down for and was out. So fun to see my big kids still look like they did years ago taking a nap.

Miya doesn't like holding Nona while we are out in public because we have had 4 people as me if Nona is my first grandbaby. They think Miya is her mom. I have decided it is because I look so good they can't believe I just had a baby and not because I look old enough to be a grandma. 

Andra

 Andra holding Holly (Katrina's baby)

It is always hard for me for the first year after having a baby. This time around I decided that I needed to talk to my doctor and get on some medication for my depression. It is helping a ton. The day I came home from the pharmacy I was worried and discouraged because the pharmacist couldn't believe I would take the medication while breastfeeding. One of the tender mercies I was blessed with was Andra at my house when I arrived. She is a labor and delivery nurse and so smart. She text a mid-wife friend about the medication and talked me down and let me know I could take it and still breastfeed. Also Andra is funny, kind, beautiful inside and out. I am so lucky to have her as my sister-in-law and friend. Anyone that can make me laugh through my craziness must be super awesome. She is such a great cheerleader for me and I love her.

Cannon turns 12

Dear Cannon,

You turned 12 this summer and got the Priesthood in July. You talked about this big step for a few weeks before your birthday and the worry you had about the new responsibilities that would come with the Priesthood. You are such a deep thinker and really want to do what is right. I am so proud to be your mother. You are kind and tender, yet tough and smart. You still tell me you love me as you get out of the car at school, which, makes me so happy. You are witty and make us all laugh with your jokes. You are a good example to your friends and family. You love Nona and take such good care to be a good brother to all the girls. You are growing into such a great young man and I am so excited to watch your journey continue into adulthood. It is so fun to be your mom and I love you so much. I am so grateful Heavenly Father trusts me to let me be your mother. You have great things in store for your future.

Love,
Mom

 Cannon and Nona ready for church on his big day.

Moments to Remember

These pictures are two of the things I didn't expect to get to experience again after Lyla and I don't want to forget. I love being able to nurse my babies and the times I get to just sit and enjoy them. Nona was not an easy baby at the start, but these times have always been a blessing when I could enjoy her not screaming. She is such a great sleeper now. We have done sleep training and she is able to put herself to sleep with very little crying most night and sleeps from 7:00 until around 6:30 most nights. She takes great naps during the day and is mostly happy when she is awake. What a blessing she is to our family. I am so happy to have her here.

Combs/Nuber Family Reunion 2016

 Ethan, Henry, Peter and Holly

 Nona and Holly

 Nona sleeping in the bed after her morning feeding.

This year we did the Combs Family Reunion combined with Phil's family on the Nuber side at Black Butte Oregon. We have four houses around different parts of the resort so I didn't see much of my older kids. We shared our house with Katrina and Ethan so I got a lot of time hanging out with Katrina and Holly while others were off playing. Nona was a trooper for just being three months. The older kids loved the white water rafting, treasure hunt/scavenger hunt, time with cousins, volleyball games at night and the last night of games including the tug-of-war. We had planned on warm weather there in Eastern Oregon, but it was cooler and windy with rain at times. It was fun to get to see family some of which I had never met even being in the family for 18 years. Phil's mom did a ton of work to get people there and for her genealogy games and charts.