Kailey's Favorite Thing

The incredibly well cared-for doll known as, "Baby."

Kailey with her current most beloved of babies, her cousin, Karsen.

Anyone who knows Kailey well, knows that she LOVES babies. This is not an "Oh, babies are cute." This is, "Mommy, I just saw a baby, now my day can be complete." She points every, single baby she sees out and says that she loves it, especially if it's a girl. While at the hospital the other day to see new baby Liza, Kailey professed her love for five babies and proceeded to talk about Liza non-stop for hours. Every night she puts her baby doll in a nightgown, feeds it, puts it to bed, tucks it in, gives it a bear, turns on it's mobile...an entire bedtime routine. In the morning she then dresses the baby and gets it ready for the day. Without fail, this happens every day, and she's only three! Talk about a good babysitter someday!

So, you can only imagine with what joy and excitement she has been announcing to the world (including perfect strangers) that she is getting a new baby at her house! This time not a pretend one, but a real, live baby to cuddle and love. That's right, Baby Critz #4 is due to make his or her appearance around September 1st! We are blessed, grateful and so appreciative of all those who have been praying for us during the ride we've had this fall. God is good all the time, and those moments when His goodness carries us through the rough places fill us with a deeper appreciation for these times when His goodness overflows into abundant blessings we wholeheartedly desire! So we celebrate with Kailey as she receives the "yes" answer to her many, many prayers. And John V is relieved because he feels a little closer to the "lots of kids" he keeps insisting we need around here. Apparently four is more like "lots" than three. :)
Thanks for being the kinds of friends we know will share our joy! Love to you all!