A Few of Our Favorite Things...

It's been too long since I've posted the daily happenings around here. So, in an attempt to do a little catch-up...here are a few of this month's favorite things.A new baby carrier wrap...I'm borrowing from a friend.

"Baby Gorilla". A puppet from the library that is Joshua's new best friend. Joshua has loved pretending to be a baby gorilla in the past (walking around on his knuckles)...so finding this little guy was the perfect thing! Joshua is a very diligent father...especially when in comes to burping his baby!

A cute watchful brother...he really does just love his "baby sister". He's the first to tell everyone about "Elizabeth Ann".

I call the spot under Greg's chin his "sweet spot". Elizabeth is always content (whether Greg is standing up or laying down) if she's snuggled up there.

You wouldn't want to play a dangerous game like soccer without the proper protective wear. Nathan is such a conscientious boy and Joshua is a willing follower. I just try not to worry what the neighbors must think!

While the Cat's Away...

This weekend Greg has been in Utah for his brother Ethan's mission farewell. We've been "living it up" around here without him. This includes a stop at Goodwill (where we found a special deal...5 clothes items for $5!), lunch and the play place at McDonald's, playing at the park, and crafts from the $1 baskets at Michael's. After we'd totally "splurged" at Michael's, Nathan had a little talk with me in the car. He was pretty sure we'd better stop spending so much money...I think the fact that my 5-year-old is concerned that we're "getting a little bit spoiled" is a good sign that we've survived pretty well without Daddy. =)

Here are some pictures of Nathan and Joshua in their new Sunday outfits...courtesy of our Goodwill shopping spree.

P.S. We really will be glad when Daddy comes home!






Nathan being "Mr. Cool"

Photo Shoot and Photoshop

Nathan just loves all of Elizabeth's clothes! We were lucky enough to get quite a few hand-me-downs from a friend, and Nathan has gone through them all with me, sorting sizes, finding what matches...and eventually planning what to wear for Elizabeth's "photo shoot". I've realized this is his first chance to play dress-ups with a doll! When I told him he got to be my assistant photographer, he even got dressed up himself. (Button-up shirt, tie, belt, etc.) It's him I should have taken pictures of!

The long story short is that the photo shoot itself was disasterous. The pleasant Elizabeth got grumpy...after laying her on the lawn on a blanket, I remembered the lawn has recently been fertilized...the list goes on! So much trying and planning and NOTHING darling to show for it.

The great irony is that after I'd given up...brought Elizabeth back inside...changed her back into her sleeper and wrapped her up and gotten her to sleep...I tried a couple last shots. It's after all the "trying hard" was over that we got the beauty below.

This is the shot as I first took it:

This is after a little fun in Photoshop Elements:

Visit from Mom Franson

After my mom and dad headed home, we had about a week of doing family life on our own. Then, Mom Franson flew in and has been here through this past week. It's been a great time to get to share Elizabeth and be taken care of! We're so grateful she would come!

Family Pictures

Sharing the Moments with Grandparents

We were so lucky and blessed, really, to have my parents come and be with us for more than a week! They arrived the evening before we were induced. It turned out to be such a great chance for Nathan and Joshua to really connect with them again...the first we've seen them since their mission. Couldn't have asked for a better time to be together!

At the Hospital

We had a scheduled induction on Friday, April 17th. After spending all day on pitocin and hoping for progress (with little to none) they kept me in the hospital overnight on some "prepping" medication...and started me on pitocin again the next morning. Finally, mid-morning they broke my water and progress happened! By 1 p.m., Elizabeth was born! We are so grateful to have her safely here!

Nathan and Joshua seeing their little sister for the first time.

Playing peek-a-boo.

Isn't she lovely?!

Our Little Sweetheart!

We are so excited to announce the birth of:

Elizabeth Ann
Born: Saturday, April 18th
Weight: 8 pounds 14 ounces

More information and pictures to come!

Two Things to Love about March

#1--Kites

Recently, we were at the dollar store recently and found a kite for a dollar...then as we were checking out we found an even better deal. 2 for $1! We were so excited! We carefully put the kite together and waited until Greg got home to give it a go. The effort that ensued on Greg's part was totally endearing. Never has a Dad tried so hard...with such a crummy product! After running all over the nearby baseball field trying to have success...and thankfully, finally breaking the kite in the process... I decided we ought to "splurge" and head to Wal-Mart to get a "real kite".

Ten dollars and two evenings of fun later...we're so glad for a reason to be happy when it gets windy in March! (Although Joshua and I were smart enough to stay in the car at least part of the time this time...because it was 32 degrees and we were sure we could see snowflakes swirling in the wind.) So, don't be worried Joshua didn't have his chance to hold the kite. Some of us were just smart enough to choose otherwise. =)

#2--Basketball (See my other blog for the details.)
Playing with Preschoolers

Finished Quilt

I just need to sew the little pink bow on the turtle and this quilt is done! Kind of fun to have a "finished product"! Now I'm going to work on some matching burp cloths. Will post progress as it comes.