Moving On Up

Some of you might recall back in November when we announced our pregnancy, I had alluded to a project we were working on to prepare for the new baby. Well, we're finally finished and very eager to put it to good use. But before we show off the final product, that is Claire's new "Big Sister Bedroom", here's a brief history of the project.

This is what the room looked like before we began the renovations: functional, but definitely more musty and drafty than warm and cozy.

We began working on the room last summer and proceeded in stages, taking it slowly, but enjoying the process.

Claire watches Grandpa unload the truck.

The Demolition Phase

The insulation

Grandpa also put in a little peekaboo window for Claire. This spring, we'd like to add some shutters and flower boxes to the windows, which will be a happy addition.

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And now for the big reveal...

We're still missing a few details, like curtains and furniture, but all in all, the room is complete, and we are enjoying it thoroughly.

A closer look at the Dick and Jane wallpaper that my mom and I hung.

The toy room - a pleasant surprise in the renovating process and a wonderful addition to our home.

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We are so grateful for the help we've received throughout this process. As it is with much of our home, we appreciate that this room is filled with the fingerprints of those we love. I think of Mom teaching me the skill of wallpapering, Joe staining with Pauly, and his bonding with Dad over much work and many Reese's Pieces. And of course, I think of all the support and encouragement others have given along the way. We thank God for each of you.

Holland Aquatic Center

This weekend we celebrated Sylvia's birthday at the Holland Aquatic Center. I can't believe she's 6 years old already!

Claire's thoughts: "Frightening but Fun"

There was, of course, an obstacle course challenge between the boys.

Mike did well.

Joe did better...

but once again...Laura was forced to educate them both as to how it's really done. You go girl!

(Sidenote: I love Mike's expression in this picture)

Children's Museum

A few pictures of our visit to the Children's Museum this weekend...

fun at the bubble table

a lesson on dental hygiene

a giant Lite-Brite!

A Healthy Heart

This morning's ultrasound with the pediatric cardiologist could not have gone any better. While Baby was not eager to cooperate for pictures, he did great through the heart exam. The doctor was able to get an ideal view of the heart and examined it thoroughly. He studied every nook and cranny, and after extensive observation, was able to give us the news we longed to hear. He reported there was no heart defect! It looks and functions as it should. On top of that, the sonographer saw no sign of the brain cyst that had earlier been detected, and the left hand, which was thought to be slightly deformed, also looked perfectly normal. All around, Baby is growing just as he should be. We don't take good news for granted, so needless to say, we're thrilled! Baby will still need surgery to repair the hole in his abdomen. I didn't meet with the surgeons or neonatologists today; I'll be doing that in another month, so we'll have to wait to hear how they plan to handle that. But for now, we continue to celebrate each victory as an answer to prayer.

The doctor did note that for the safety of the baby, they will need to do a Cesarean delivery. There's just too much risk in damaging the baby's liver with a natural delivery, but at this point, we're fine with that. We'll do whatever is best for the baby.

So without further ado...a few more pictures of baby. As mentioned earlier, he didn't want to cooperate for the pictures. Apparently he was too busy playing with the umbilical cord in front of his face to let us get a good look at him. He's definitely our son!

3D view of Baby playing with the umbilical cord.

Baby's profile with his arm in front of his face.

Baby's face

A short video of Baby

(There's not much to be seen, but still kinda fun!)

Briefly on Baby

Hi everyone! I wanted to offer a brief update on Baby. As of now, there's not much to report, but I will be going in Thursday morning for another ultrasound, along with meetings with the cardiologist, pediatric surgeons and neonatologists. We expect to get much more information as to how Baby is progressing and what is to come after his birth.

I met with Dr. Luce this morning for my regular check-up, which went well. Baby is active and growing. She did mention to me that in their recent board meeting with all the doctors, specialists and geneticists, our baby was presented as a case study for group evaluation. They discussed his condition and how to best repair his omphalocele, which might be more complicated than usual because of its severity. She reassured me, though, that the surgeons are incredibly skilled and that Baby is doing very well. I will, of course, offer an update after our meeting on Thursday. If you could, please pray for us. I am a bit nervous, but also trying to be optomistic. Thank you....and a Happy Valentine's Day to you all!

Mr. Fancy Pants

Today was "Dress for Success" Day at Joe's school. He looked so snazzy in his corduroy suit, I just had to take a picture.

Birthday Weekend

Happy 2nd Birthday Claire!

She started out the day opening a couple gifts from us.

a giant tub of animal crackers

and her very first tricycle.

She can't quite reach the pedals, but by this summer, she'll be a pro.

Then Grandpa and Grandma Rosen came over for a birthday brunch for both Claire and Grandpa, who celebrates his birthday on Wednesday.

Claire didn't quite appreciate the fact that there was fire on her birthday cake. I'm glad my little girl is safety conscious, but she still has a few things to learn about birthday traditions.

In the evening we celebrated with the Puplis's at Pizza D'oro. Grandpa and Grandma make the best birthday pizza in town!

Aunt Melissa taught Claire the ways of the candy dispenser.

Sunday we had lunch at Grandpa and Grandma Sternberg's house.

Grandpa made this gift for Claire!

(Side Note: Uncle Mike is a dork)

The party developed into a balloon bounce extravaganza.

...which then turned into a "sword" fight!

What more could any two year old ask for?