Three

Family Man

A bit belated, but I couldn't forget to thank the 

wonderful fathers in my life for Father's Day.

My dear husband.  Truly, the best dad I could want for our children.

(And just in case you're curious...those are not headbands on 

Henry's head.  They are his "superhero crown".)   

Daddy's little men

Claire's drawing of our growing family.

From left to right: me, Joe, Claire, Henry, and baby George

Also, so thankful for my own dad, 

for how he loves his children and grandchildren.

And, of course, the other incredible fathers and grandfathers 

we have in our lives.  So thankful for each of them!

A song for my Sweet Husband

"Family Man" by Andrew Peterson

The First Day of the Rest of your Life

Dear George, 

You have been in our lives such a short while, but we love you so much already. We can't imagine our family without you.  

I wanted to take some time to remember the events surrounding your birth - those precious details that can easily fade from memory, but I so desperately want to hold onto them forever.  Truly, one of the best days of our lives.  

I suppose it all began Tuesday morning with my check-up at the doctor's office.  I left feeling quite discouraged, thinking I might possibly be pregnant forever.   Fast forward about 15 hours.  I woke up around 2:00 a.m. with contractions about 5 minutes apart.   I waited until 6:00 to wake up your dad, then told him it was time. He jumped out of bed, anxious to meet you.

We arrived at the hospital and were checked in around 7:00.  

Your dad always knows how to make me laugh.  

Pulling out his senior picture from high school, he says

 it's a perfect focal point for me during labor. 

He's still as handsome as ever! 

Playing cards in between contractions.

One very important detail to note: I won that round of Golf.

Or maybe given the situation, Daddy let me win.  Smart man!

The delivery itself went well.  I was dilated to 5 cm for several hours, which was rather discouraging, but within a half hour I became fully dilated and ready to push. You just didn't want to be rushed, but when you were ready, you let us know.  You were born at 1:33 PM.  The doctor didn't announce your gender.  He just laid you on my chest, and I remember the first thing I said was, "It's a boy!". We were shocked.

We didn't want to share this before you were born, but a few weeks ago, when a different doctor realized you were breech, he made the comment: "She's definitely breech.  Her head is up here."  We hadn't been told your gender up to that point, so when he said that, we weren't certain if he was using those terms generically or if he let the secret slip.  But needless to say, we were both surprised and so excited about a beautiful baby boy.

Something also worth mentioning is that the doctor showed us a knot in your umbilical cord.  He says it's not too often that he sees a true knot.  

Another interesting side note: Grandpa and Grandma Sternberg and Aunt Kelsey were just pulling into the hospital parking lot at 1:30 when they heard the song "Hold us Together" by Matt Maher.  In it, they noticed the lyric, "This is the first day of the rest of your life."  It continues:  "Cause even in the dark, you can still see the Light.  It's gonna be all right."  Very appropriate to welcome you into the world!

And there you are!

I hope I never forget how this moment felt.  

True joy.

Love at first sight.

The following day - checking in with Dr. Tabor who delivered you.

He was pleased to see you doing so well.

Daddy waits with you during your hearing test.

One thing we've learned about you is that you're not a great test taker.

                             You failed your hearing test...twice.  

                             The nurse assured us, however, that your hearing seems just fine.

                             You also failed your bilirubin test...twice.  

                             Your lab work came back perfectly normal though.

Perhaps you just needed more time to study.  Pop quizzes are tough!

Getting ready to head home.

When Grandma told your big sister that you were coming home, her response was perfect.  She said, "It's a miracle!".  It really is.

Proud Grandma wants to tell the world.

IT'S A BOY!

Claire and Henry in hover mode.

Reading books to you.

As Henry sat by your bed, I overheard him say, "The first thing to remember is that this is an airplane".  So many things for you to learn, George.  But no rush.  You have your whole life ahead of you.  And two older siblings eager to teach you.

They're also eager to share their toys with you.  

I saw them slip these toys into your bed.

(A warning: Don't be surprised if this phase passes sooner rather than later.)

The boys have made it clear how happy they are to 

outnumber the girls in our home.  But Claire and I aren't worried.  

We know we have the boys wrapped around our little fingers!

Well, George...this really is just the beginning.  The first day of the rest of your life. I can't wait to see where life leads you. Wherever it is, our prayer is that you are led by the Lord.  May He lead you daily in your decisions and in your actions, that you will always be a witness to His Light.  We love you.

Introducing...

Our Baby Boy!

Born June 4, 2014 1:33 PM

George Elliot

8 lbs 12 oz, 21.5 in. long

More information to come...

Countdown

It's been an interesting end to a rather routine pregnancy.  It all began a month ago when the doctor found that our baby had flipped and was breech.  Because of a few factors, the doctor didn't want to try to turn the baby, so a C-section was scheduled for June 2.  Amazingly, however, at 38 weeks the doctor found that the baby had flipped again and was once again heads down.   This doesn't typically happen so late in the pregnancy, so needless to say, it was great news.  The C-section was canceled, and it's now a waiting game.  

Truthfully though, when yesterday, June 2, came and went, it was hard to know I could have been holding our baby.  But I know the day will come.  This baby can't stay tucked away forever!

In the meantime, it's good for us to enjoy our 

other kids...after all, we're soon to be outnumbered!

Claire has been hard at work diapering all her dolls and 

stuffed animals...and for Henry, well he's been busy diapering his trucks.  

Claire had a great time at her Big Sibling class at the hospital.

She learned all about how the baby is born and also how to care for the baby.

She was in her glory.

She was so excited to get a tour of the hospital,

 she asked the teacher, "Is this a real hospital?"

Claire's drawing of what her new brother or sister will look like.  

Cute huh?

Claire's "Big Sister" certificate.

And there's the baby, looking rather large at 39 weeks and 2 days. 

You better enjoy it while you can, Baby.  You're days are numbered!

Spring Roundup

Spring has sprung, and it's time to do a bit of catch up on our blog.

Claire's class trip to John Ball Zoo

Brielle, Avery and Claire

 Easter 

Joe and Henry get ready for the big Easter egg hunt at the park.

 Henry was happy to find a couple pieces of candy and call it a day. 

Claire searched a bit longer before coming back with her stash.

Easter morning

Love Her!

Visiting Great Grandma Puplis Sunday afternoon.

A random picture, but I had to include it.

Joe makes me laugh with his fashion forward outfit.

Baby and me at 7 months pregnant, 6 weeks ago already.

TULIP TIME

When I was pregnant with Henry, my labor began at the Tulip Time festivities.  I give credit to the elephant ear I enjoyed.  I was hoping for a similar scenario this year, but to no avail.  Oh well, at least the tulips were beautiful!  

Claire loves her Dutch dress and would probably wear it every day.  Henry didn't have a costume this year, but it didn't matter because he loved this outfit he chose for himself.

Claire took this picture of Henry.  Caught standing in the tulips! 

Smells like Spring.

Henry's Birthday Blog

Henry Samuel,

 you are 3 years old!

Henry, you a such a joy.  You make us laugh every day.  

Your current list of likes:

                                                            Baseball, Baseball, Baseball!

                                                            Superheroes

                                                            Trucks, Trains, Boats and Planes

                                                            Music - "The Crooked Man" song

                                                            Cheese, for every meal of the day

                                                            Socks, yes socks.  All the time.

Milestones from this past year:

                                                           Your fourth and hopefully final surgery

                                                           Graduating physical therapy

                                                           No more pacifier

We celebrated your birthday with family over the course of the weekend.

First, we celebrated with Grandpa and Grandma Rosen.

Chocolate Cake!

Grandma's impressed with Henry's appetite.

Reading stories with Grandpa

On Sunday afternoon we celebrated with the Sternberg family.

We had a baseball themed birthday party.

Hot dogs, veggie dippers, cheese cubes (of course!), peanuts and popcorn

It was a beautiful day, so we were able to play outside for a bit.

Checking out a nest of baby rabbits that Grandpa was rescuing.

Grandpa's homemade gift:  

A train shaped wooden puzzle in an "H" shaped box.

"Pin the Baseball on the Bat"

Joe explains the rules of the game.

The birthday boy sneaks a peak.  I guess we'll let him get away with it this year.

Three candles on the baseball cake.

Monday evening we had a nice visit with Grandpa and Grandma Puplis.

Henry takes Grandma on a tour.

Goofing around with Grandpa.

What a wonderful weekend to celebrate Henry's life.  

We simply couldn't imagine our family without him.

Happy Birthday, Buddy!