Here's the picture:
Monday, June 23, 2008
Request
Per the request of the happy couple: The previous post contains an older photo of the couple. Here they are shortly after Brandon popped the question. Aren't they a cute couple?? They both look extremely happy. Hopefully, these expressions will remain long after the vows are said and during the ins and outs of everyday. That's the working part of marriage. Maintaining your love for each other through the first year, the babies, and life. That is what happiness really is anyways, isn't it? Finding that no matter what, your spouse is the one you'd chose over and over again. Shawn, after 3.5 years of marriage and over 5 years together I'd still chose you. I love you, I love you, I LOOOOVVVEE you!!
Here's the picture:
Here's the picture:
Friday, June 20, 2008
Congratulations, Laura & Brandon!!
I have a special message for Brandon and Laura. Congrats!! We are so happy for you. You are a delightful couple, and we are so excited that you have found your one true love. Now comes all the hard work preparing for the big day and the even harder work preparing for a lifetime together. We love you!
For the rest of you: Shawn and I are delighted that his sister, Laura has said yes to a very happy proposal. We will soon be welcoming a brother-in-law to the family and we couldn't be more excited. Brandon you are a lucky man, Laura is a priceless gem. Always treat her that way;o) They are planning a summer wedding. Date, of course, still unknown. We can't wait!
Here is the happy couple some weeks back:
For the rest of you: Shawn and I are delighted that his sister, Laura has said yes to a very happy proposal. We will soon be welcoming a brother-in-law to the family and we couldn't be more excited. Brandon you are a lucky man, Laura is a priceless gem. Always treat her that way;o) They are planning a summer wedding. Date, of course, still unknown. We can't wait!
Here is the happy couple some weeks back:
Little Quack
Everyone needs a lovey. And for Evelyn that's Little Quack. He is named after a character in a book Auntie Jessie and Uncie Goober got Evelyn for Christmas. I decided that since he is so soft, squishy and cuddly that he should be Evie's lovey. At first I put him in the swing with her during naptime. Now he is there for bedtime and naps. I hadn't realized how attached she had become until after her bath on Tuesday. For some reason I decided to put her to bed with him and that's when the cuddling started. She couldn't get enough. I even brought her to her 9 month pictures and she wouldn't give him up. Which was COMPLETELY adorable. Her are a few of the pictures I snapped of Evie with her lovey.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Big changes
I was going through my Creating Keepsakes magazines last night and came across a page which had pictures of a child as a newborn and then again at 6 months. In the spirit of that I'm posting two pictures of Evelyn. The first is of her on her third day of life and the second taken yesterday. Isn't it amazing the changes?
We take our role of parenting very seriously. At church we were given this priority of parenting: "A parents priority is to gradually transfer a child's dependence away from the parents until their dependence rests solely on God." Wow--what an awesome responsability. Something that we are striving for at every opportunity.
We take our role of parenting very seriously. At church we were given this priority of parenting: "A parents priority is to gradually transfer a child's dependence away from the parents until their dependence rests solely on God." Wow--what an awesome responsability. Something that we are striving for at every opportunity.
Happy Father's Day!!
Happy Father's Day, Shawn! You're an amazing father and I am so blessed to have you on this beautiful journey. I look forward to raising Evelyn with you and the other children God will bless with. I could never, never, NEVER do this without your strength and wisdom.
I don't know how many people realize how Shawn has grown into the role of father. A few years ago he was too nervous to even hold a little baby let alone change their poopy diaper or hold them as they cried. He has come into this a novice and has grown to be adept at caring for children. We have a lot to learn and there will be mistakes but I am forever blessed to have him by my side.
I have to also thank 2 VERY special men in our lives. The first is my father, Jeff. Dad, you are an amazing example of God's fatherly love. Thank you for the sacrifices you have made so that you could provide for us. Thank you for always encouraging me to be what I want to be. Thank you for always cheering me on and always believing that we were and are amazing. Thank you for never once making me feel like you regretted three girls. Thank you for helping us to believe in ourselves. Thank you for being the kind of parent that cared where we were, who we were with, and what we were doing. Thank you for the well deserved discipline. Thank you for trying your hardest to be the best dad. You were, are and will always be my hero. I love you!
Verlynn, thank you for raising such a fine man. Thank you for teaching him how to be a gentleman. For teaching him right from wrong. Thank you for being a man he could look up to. And being his friend. Thank you for welcoming me to your family. For believing in our dreams when we needed you to. For encouraging us. You are an awesome father who has sacrificed much and never complained. Your strength is unmeasurable. We love you!
I don't know how many people realize how Shawn has grown into the role of father. A few years ago he was too nervous to even hold a little baby let alone change their poopy diaper or hold them as they cried. He has come into this a novice and has grown to be adept at caring for children. We have a lot to learn and there will be mistakes but I am forever blessed to have him by my side.
I have to also thank 2 VERY special men in our lives. The first is my father, Jeff. Dad, you are an amazing example of God's fatherly love. Thank you for the sacrifices you have made so that you could provide for us. Thank you for always encouraging me to be what I want to be. Thank you for always cheering me on and always believing that we were and are amazing. Thank you for never once making me feel like you regretted three girls. Thank you for helping us to believe in ourselves. Thank you for being the kind of parent that cared where we were, who we were with, and what we were doing. Thank you for the well deserved discipline. Thank you for trying your hardest to be the best dad. You were, are and will always be my hero. I love you!
Verlynn, thank you for raising such a fine man. Thank you for teaching him how to be a gentleman. For teaching him right from wrong. Thank you for being a man he could look up to. And being his friend. Thank you for welcoming me to your family. For believing in our dreams when we needed you to. For encouraging us. You are an awesome father who has sacrificed much and never complained. Your strength is unmeasurable. We love you!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Firsts
Ahh, the sweetness of sleep. Evie made a third night without much waking up. We got up at 4am to nurse briefly but it was hardly noticeable since she has been known to wake 3 times a night on average. Not that we are thinking of trying for a second already but it does make the idea more palatable when you are getting decent sleep at night.
Evie saw her first fireworks last night. They were spectacular but apparently not so much for Evelyn. Right in the middle she fell asleep. Jumped a few times with loud ones but didn't so much as open an eye. I tried to nurse her when we got in the house but she was out cold. I sat her up and all she did was slump on my lap with her eyes closed. It was the sweetest thing you ever saw. She slept through 95% of her first parade as well. She woke up just in time to be terrified of the fire truck sirens. She was so scared she buried her face in my shoulder. If she wasn't so afraid it would be quite endearing. Of course, they threw candy to her...a 9 month old who can't eat candy or even run to get it. We gave it to the cute little girl sitting next to us. She spent all of the parade picking up candy. I'm not sure how much she actually saw. I'm sure it will be the same next year for Evelyn.
Evelyn has a new sound she makes. I'm not even sure I can describe it. It's a loud grunting noise. Normally I would say that when a person grunts its because they are unhappy or working hard. Evelyn's is out of pure bliss. She does it when she gets to standing and when she is playing in water. I'm hoping we can get it on video so that we can always remember the sweetness of it. Time flies so fast that it's hard for my memory to hold on to the little moments. It isn't until it's gone that you realize how much pleasure it gave you and how much you will miss it. The first time I realized it I was listening to the newborn cries of my friends baby, Emma. Evelyn's cry had lost some of its newness. How much it had changed in only 2 months time. It was hard to face that moment. That these little bits and pieces of a new life where disappearing, changing to a new bits and pieces. Never to be seen or heard again. Everything within me wanted to cry out "STOP" but I know that she needs to grow and change. It's the way of life. It's easier to let this happen because the journey that we are on is a sweet one. The newborn she was and the baby she is now has been a joyous ride. I look forward to seeing the toddler, preschooler, child, teen and young adult that God is molding. She has been a miracle from the start and continues to be that everyday. And I thank God everyday that I am a witness to His greatest most precious of miracles.
Thank you, Lord for this beautiful, perfect little one. May we care for, guide, protect, nurture, and teach according to your will. Amen.
Evie saw her first fireworks last night. They were spectacular but apparently not so much for Evelyn. Right in the middle she fell asleep. Jumped a few times with loud ones but didn't so much as open an eye. I tried to nurse her when we got in the house but she was out cold. I sat her up and all she did was slump on my lap with her eyes closed. It was the sweetest thing you ever saw. She slept through 95% of her first parade as well. She woke up just in time to be terrified of the fire truck sirens. She was so scared she buried her face in my shoulder. If she wasn't so afraid it would be quite endearing. Of course, they threw candy to her...a 9 month old who can't eat candy or even run to get it. We gave it to the cute little girl sitting next to us. She spent all of the parade picking up candy. I'm not sure how much she actually saw. I'm sure it will be the same next year for Evelyn.
Evelyn has a new sound she makes. I'm not even sure I can describe it. It's a loud grunting noise. Normally I would say that when a person grunts its because they are unhappy or working hard. Evelyn's is out of pure bliss. She does it when she gets to standing and when she is playing in water. I'm hoping we can get it on video so that we can always remember the sweetness of it. Time flies so fast that it's hard for my memory to hold on to the little moments. It isn't until it's gone that you realize how much pleasure it gave you and how much you will miss it. The first time I realized it I was listening to the newborn cries of my friends baby, Emma. Evelyn's cry had lost some of its newness. How much it had changed in only 2 months time. It was hard to face that moment. That these little bits and pieces of a new life where disappearing, changing to a new bits and pieces. Never to be seen or heard again. Everything within me wanted to cry out "STOP" but I know that she needs to grow and change. It's the way of life. It's easier to let this happen because the journey that we are on is a sweet one. The newborn she was and the baby she is now has been a joyous ride. I look forward to seeing the toddler, preschooler, child, teen and young adult that God is molding. She has been a miracle from the start and continues to be that everyday. And I thank God everyday that I am a witness to His greatest most precious of miracles.
Thank you, Lord for this beautiful, perfect little one. May we care for, guide, protect, nurture, and teach according to your will. Amen.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Normal
Why is it that coming back to "normal" leaves you a little depressed? Shawn and I have been a little sad to be back in Mapleton without the surroundings of our family and friends. We miss you.
Next question, why does every baby (ie. Evie) ALWAYS wait until a nice, fresh diaper to make number 2? It's like two minutes of clean diaper and then we have to go to the changing table AGAIN!! It would be quite irritating if she weren't so cute and look at you with those angelic little eyes. We started swimming class yesterday and Evie LOVES it. And that is a very strong LOVE! She was making this funny noise throughout the class along with her usual squeal of pleasure. I am so excited she got her love of water from me and not Shawn's family (sorry Andrews'). Another VERY pleasant surprise. She has slept through the night the last 2 nights. Of course, I am hoping it is not a fluke. A full nights sleep without disturbances is heavenly. It has been so long I don't even remember my last night of uninterrupted sleep. Her pregnancy had me up constantly with leg pain, restless leg, and lets not forget bathroom runs. I can't say I've had uninterrupted sleep quite yet though because the first night she did get up at 12:30 to nurse but not again till 9 am. And last night, Shawn the worrier was up thinking there was something wrong with the monitor. He of course wanted to go check on her and I said N-O. I didn't want to run the chance that she would wake up to the door opening. She got up this morning at 7:30. It says something about your little ones sleep habits if the parents are up panicking that their 9 month old didn't wake up in the middle of the night. Luckily, I have pretty good hearing and can hear her shifting in her sleep.
When we are at home I have been blessed with 2 hour morning naps from Evelyn. It allows me to get a nap in (did I just type nap--I must subliminally want one). I mean a shower. And some cleaning. The rest of the time, I have to keep removing her from "n0-no" situations. This includes: playing in the dog's water dish (much fun), playing around the toilet (ick), and picking up dog hair as a toy (ick--we're getting her shaved, the dog not Evie). Of course, since it's forbidden that is ALL she wants to do. Fifty toys on the floor and she is playing with the door to our bathroom. She is very determined to get her own way. I told Shawn that the answer to most of her questions is going to be "because I'm the mama." She is bound to be a great leader with her determination and stubbornness.
I wanted to post a few pictures of our travels.
Great-grandma B made a blanket (which she calls "Evie's baby blankie) for Evie's dolls. Evie was beyond thrilled. The bright colors caught her eye and she was wowed by it.
"Oooooh"
Great-grandpa B. who when he sees Evelyn asks "aren't you smiley."
Evelyn caught the spoon of rice cereal with her hand and then proceeded to wipe it all over her face, eyes, hair and ear. What a messy monkey!!
Next question, why does every baby (ie. Evie) ALWAYS wait until a nice, fresh diaper to make number 2? It's like two minutes of clean diaper and then we have to go to the changing table AGAIN!! It would be quite irritating if she weren't so cute and look at you with those angelic little eyes. We started swimming class yesterday and Evie LOVES it. And that is a very strong LOVE! She was making this funny noise throughout the class along with her usual squeal of pleasure. I am so excited she got her love of water from me and not Shawn's family (sorry Andrews'). Another VERY pleasant surprise. She has slept through the night the last 2 nights. Of course, I am hoping it is not a fluke. A full nights sleep without disturbances is heavenly. It has been so long I don't even remember my last night of uninterrupted sleep. Her pregnancy had me up constantly with leg pain, restless leg, and lets not forget bathroom runs. I can't say I've had uninterrupted sleep quite yet though because the first night she did get up at 12:30 to nurse but not again till 9 am. And last night, Shawn the worrier was up thinking there was something wrong with the monitor. He of course wanted to go check on her and I said N-O. I didn't want to run the chance that she would wake up to the door opening. She got up this morning at 7:30. It says something about your little ones sleep habits if the parents are up panicking that their 9 month old didn't wake up in the middle of the night. Luckily, I have pretty good hearing and can hear her shifting in her sleep.
When we are at home I have been blessed with 2 hour morning naps from Evelyn. It allows me to get a nap in (did I just type nap--I must subliminally want one). I mean a shower. And some cleaning. The rest of the time, I have to keep removing her from "n0-no" situations. This includes: playing in the dog's water dish (much fun), playing around the toilet (ick), and picking up dog hair as a toy (ick--we're getting her shaved, the dog not Evie). Of course, since it's forbidden that is ALL she wants to do. Fifty toys on the floor and she is playing with the door to our bathroom. She is very determined to get her own way. I told Shawn that the answer to most of her questions is going to be "because I'm the mama." She is bound to be a great leader with her determination and stubbornness.
I wanted to post a few pictures of our travels.
Great-grandma B made a blanket (which she calls "Evie's baby blankie) for Evie's dolls. Evie was beyond thrilled. The bright colors caught her eye and she was wowed by it.
"Oooooh"
Great-grandpa B. who when he sees Evelyn asks "aren't you smiley."
Evelyn caught the spoon of rice cereal with her hand and then proceeded to wipe it all over her face, eyes, hair and ear. What a messy monkey!!Monday, June 9, 2008
Vacation!
Ahh, rest, relaxation and family. No better combination then that! I call this the poor-man's vacation. Staying with my parents and buying groceries instead of eating out. We're loving it. Evie is loving it. My family and for a little bit, Shawn's family, is enjoying it.
We took a VERY COLD trip to Duluth and enjoyed the North Shore and Split Rock Lighthouse. It was neat to see. Shawn loooves nature so he particularly had a great time. Evie could've been anywhere as much as she noticed. Mostly we have been visiting family and relaxing.
Evie is getting her 6th tooth. I would say it is the most stubborn and the most painful. She has pain with eating and it has been causing ear pain. Poor little thing. These teeth also keep me up at night because she wakes more frequently. It was really hard to get up this morning:o) Despite the pain Evie has been a darling. Hardly any fussing and so talkative and interactive. I am such a proud mama.
Loving the rest. Hate to go back to reality. Will enjoy it while it lasts.
We took a VERY COLD trip to Duluth and enjoyed the North Shore and Split Rock Lighthouse. It was neat to see. Shawn loooves nature so he particularly had a great time. Evie could've been anywhere as much as she noticed. Mostly we have been visiting family and relaxing.
Evie is getting her 6th tooth. I would say it is the most stubborn and the most painful. She has pain with eating and it has been causing ear pain. Poor little thing. These teeth also keep me up at night because she wakes more frequently. It was really hard to get up this morning:o) Despite the pain Evie has been a darling. Hardly any fussing and so talkative and interactive. I am such a proud mama.
Loving the rest. Hate to go back to reality. Will enjoy it while it lasts.
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