Christmas morning!

 

Madden was a little diappointed when he first woke up. We told him that Santa was coming to bring him presents and when Santa wasn't actually there, he was sad. He quickly got over it when he realized that he could finally open all of the presents.

 

On Christmas Eve, we went to the Raabs for their traditional crab dinner. I keep my distance from the crab (yuck). Our friends, the Morgans came with us this year. The kids had a blast with their cake walk gift exchange. My favorite picture is the one with Kade picking his nose!! After dinner, we came home and let Madden open one present. He was a little sad that it was jammies and not a toy but he got over it. More pictures to come.

cute little sleeping babe!

 

all dressed up for Grandma Cindy!

 

 

 

Grandma Cindy bought this dress for Halle while she was here. We ventured out to church yesterday so she had a chance to wear her new dress. I had so much fun dressing her up, Matt keeps reminding me that she's a baby and not a doll. But I don't care, she just looks sooooo cute!

Halle is a wonderful baby. She's a great nurser and a pretty good sleeper. She doesn't really like when mommy eats chocolate, it gives her some unwelcomed gas but I just can't resist. It's Christmas time and there is chocolate everywhere. She rarely cries. She grunts when she's hungry or uncomfortable. We were supposed to have her 2 weeks doctors appointment today but I had to call and cancel because we're snowed in. Madden stil loves his baby sister. He has been such a good boy considering all of the change in his life, and considering we've been stuck at home for so long. He jumps at the chance to get a diaper or binkie. He is such a good helper!

More snow!!!

 

 

 

We have about 3 feet of snow now and it's still snowing. My picnic table and grill are completely covered in snow. We're snowed in again today. Matt ventured out to work today since he closed the office 2 days last week. I imagine he'll be pretty busy today. He's always busy when there's snow to shovel!! I just hope it stops snowing soon. 3 feet of snow is more than enough. However, it's supposed to keep snowing, for a long time. I think it's time for me to invest in some real snow boots!

the box!

 

Aunt Abby sent us a huge box full of baby girl clothes. Madden loved the box. He played in it for two whole days until the box completely fell apart. It was a lifesaver. Since we've been snowed in, Madden's been a little bored. The huge box was just what Madden needed to keep him busy for a while. Thanks for all the baby clothes....and the box!!!

2 feet of snow....

...and it's still coming down. Matt closed his office today and every school district is closed. Some hospitals even canceled non-emergency surgeries. He spent over an hour this morning snow-blowing the drive way. Let's hope it stops snowing soon!

 

 

 

 

Thank you girls!

Convertible Car Seats : Car Seats : Baby : Target


This is what my sisters and sister in law got for me. My old carseat is completely falling apart. Thanks so much girls, I really appreciate it! Your new niece is anxious to meet all of you.

Thanks MOM!!

 

Thank you for all of the cooking, cleaning, baking, rocking, diaper changing, Madden entertaining, shopping, sewing, organizing....I couldn't have done it without you! We love you! See you soon!

sweet girl!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is what Halle did today!

 

 

 

This is what Mom did today. I'll post more pictures when we finish them.

a few pictures!

 

 

 

 

More pictures and details to come!

Baby!

 

 

 

 

Halle Reese
born 12/6/08 at 8:34 am
6 lbs 15 oz
18 inches

The baby decided to come a bit early. My water broke Saturday morning around 4:15 am. I didn't think I was in labor because it was about 18 days early. I called the doctor and they said to come in. Finally the contractions started to pick up when we got to the hospital. We arrived at about 6:15 and I was dialated 2 centimeters. We were sure it was going to be a long day. After a while, I switched to the birthing ball which relieved quite a bit of the contraction pain. At about 8 am, they called the doctor, she was at home. The contractions started to get more painful so I started asking for the epidural. The nurse told me that would take care of it as soon as the doctor arrived and checked me. All of a sudden, the contractions picked up and I was in a lot of pain. I got back on the bed and the nurse checked me and said we were ready to deliver. She called in a few other nurses and I started pushing. I pushed once (while laying on my side) and the head came out. The nurses turned me over and I pushed once more and she was here! Whew! No doctor! No epidural! Ouch! The ER doctor arrived about 3 minutes too late. My OB arrived about 5 minutes too late. We are home now and feeling pretty good.

Madden was very excited to bring her home. We have already had to have a little talk about why boys and girls are different when he noticed that she didn't have a peepee. I wasn't quite ready for that talk but now he knows all about it. Just ask him, he'll give you all the details.

More pictures to come!

Madden's favorite place!

 

Madden has a new favorite place to hide. The closet! Why does he like to hide in there? Because he likes to take care of his business in there. He prefers the closet to the toilet. He has no problem staying dry all day long, but we still can not convince him to use the toilet for his other business. Any suggestions? I'm desperate. We've tried charts, stickers, toys, candy, popsicles, etc. I'm about to give up. But, I really would like for him to be able to start preschool as soon as the baby is born but he can't unless we take care of this issue. HELP!

2 cm and really low!

Whoohoo! It's not much but I feel like I can see an end in sight. I just hope the baby is on board with my plan. She can come anytime between December 15th and 23rd. We'd like to be home by Christmas! My doctor is on board!

fishing!

 

I just love this picture. After he rode his bike for a while today, he decided that he needed to practice fishing so he could go with Papa Bob when he comes to visit again. Everytime he casts out, he does this cute little routine. He spins around, lifts a leg and then casts out. It's adorable! He told me he caught the biggest fish ever!