The latest addition to the Ackerly family arrived on March 27th at 8:05am and he was our biggest baby despite entering the world 2 weeks early.  He is an angel and we feel so very blessed to have him with us.

The gift of Cason is such a blessing in so many unique and different ways. With our first angel, Noah, we were stressed and uncertain about our ability to raise a puppy - let alone a human being!  We relied on family at every turn and somehow he is still alive and trucking despite some serious bumps and bruises from newbie parents. 

Then along came Cecily with her zest for life and stubbon personality.  She has proved to us that the impossible is possible and has redefined what we hope and wish for as parents for all three of our angels.  She opened our eyes to truly living in the moment, placing family first, and respecting and appreciating the things that we used to take for granted.  It is a much better way to live.  

And now three years later here comes Cason with yet another experience for us to share as a family.  In just a few short days he has climbed into my heart (and everyone's heart in our family) to make a special space that is entirely all his own.  I think we appreciate Cason in a completely new way and the night wakings, pain from breastfeeding (oh my how you block stuff out...) and the typical newborn surprises are all a lot more fun.  I am taking the time (whenever I can find it) to just cuddle and hold him close and soak in his new baby smelll.  AND it is wonderful.

Perhaps the greatest gift is watching the three kiddos interact. (Not seen in this picture is the wrestling match that ensued... Cecily tackled Noah in an attempt to tackle Cason... She is definitely in training for the WWF.)  She has been quite gentle thus far with her brother except for a few jabs to the eyes and a few grabs to the arm.  All in all... she is handling it quite well!

Noah on the other hand is very protective of Cason and is quick to point out when Cecily is being what he considers "naughty".  I heard him recounting the rules to her and even some rules to Cason... he likes to be in charge but we are grateful for his help. He is proving to be a very devoted big brother and it is amazing how helpful a five-year old can be.

We have yet to get a great picture of Cecily and Cason as she is quite eager to hug a little too tightly.  But she looks on with love and she signed baby hurt and pointed to his band-aids upon seeing him for the first time.   My heart melted.  She gave him a big kiss and a pat, pat, pat. 

This is one of my favorite moments.  Cason made a fist and put it up for Noah.  Noah responded with his fist and a big smile, "he's giving me knuckles!"  They have already bonded and Noah does not like to leave the room unless Cason is coming, too.  He is also insistent that Cason goes to bed first... something that I wish was in the cards... but Cason has other ideas!

We would not have survived this week without all of the support from our family and friends.  A big thank you to my Mom and Dad who moved into our house to help us get sorted.  They cooked, cleaned, did odd jobs around the house and cared for Cecily (Noah was being cared for by Auntie). They did pile after pile of laundry, and prepared meal after meal - all without being asked.  They even woke up with Cecily in the night to ensure I could focus on Cason and that Brien could sleep.  (Yes, he is totally, 100% spoiled!)  And yes, I am equally spoiled. And thank you to Auntie Neeta for taking in Noah and making him feel like Luke & Ian's 3rd brother. 

We are so excited and happy to have three special angels.  Let the games begin!
Onwards and upwards!