Is it July already?

I can't believe that it has been SO long since I blogged! I'm trying to use the new Blogger app. Welcome back!

Merry Christmas!!

Here's wishing you and yours a very, merry Christmas!

...and here's a story from our kids. Cute (and long!).

A little cuteness

I'm a big fan of tummy-time, and so is Annemarie ...most of the time. I caught a cute perspective of her tummy-time struggle the other day and loved it so much I want to share it with you.

It was a hard-fought battle, and just when she thought she could rest in my arms, I started taking more pictures of her. I think this one is great -- her eyes say, "Are you kidding me, fool?!"

Sibling Love

Annemarie has been blessed with two of the sweetest big siblings in the world. Brayden and Layna have loved all over their baby sister for a week now, and there's no sign they'll stop anytime soon. Here are some of the pictures (and video!) of their lovey-dovey-ness.

Out and About

Sunday was a beautiful day here in Memphis! We decided to take Annemarie out for some fresh air. First, she set out for a walk with the family. ...and Layna had her baby, too!

Then it was off to the Memphis Botanic Gardens so Brayden and Layna could show her all around the kid's area called My Big Backyard.

Out of the House

On Saturday, Mia and I treated Nicole and Annemarie to a quiet day at home -- we took the kids to do a bit of shopping, a quick driving tour of Memphis, and then spent the bulk of the day at the Memphis Zoo (which is awesome!!). The kids saw all their favorite animals, including the giant pandas, grizzly bears, sea lions, elephants, prairie dogs, and penguins.

We also caught a few moments for sweet family pictures!

Having Fun

Annemarie has been doing very well. Yesterday, I took her to meet Dr. Hanson, her pediatrician, for a quick weight check -- she was only 2 oz under her birth weight already! She's looking great. I took a couple pictures of her while she was in my lap and resting in one of her new quilts that our friend, Kristyn, made.

Earlier in the week, the kids received fantastic new hats from another friend, Casey, made -- and the kids love them! (Annemarie got a little apple hat!)

We headed out to enjoy Starry Nights at Shelby Farms, an excellent light show through the park that ends with a big play area around the playground. The kids were able to play in the snow from a snow machine and feed some of Santa's goats. ;)

Early Days

Brayden and Layna were very excited to tell all their friends at school that they had a brand new baby sister! While we were at the hospital, I picked up some special "It's A Girl" lollipops that they could take and give to their friends. Layna was ready to with hers!

Back at home, Annemarie received a beautiful wreath from Gigi and Gido, got some tummy time with Dad, and then caught a good nap on Mama.

When the big kids got home, they rushed Annemarie again and Layna spent the night glued to her!

Welcome Home!

Welcome home, Annemarie! We headed home on Tuesday afternoon and she was greeted with a sweet sign from the hospital!

It wasn't long before Brayden and Layna got home from school -- and wow, were they happy to see her!! Both of them rushed to hug Nicole and to get their hands on their new sister.

Sweet brother

Layna was SOOO excited to finally have her baby sister with her in the flesh, that she sang and danced and entertained her all night. Here is a quick video of some excellent moments!

We decided that a special night like this deserved a birthday party -- a pizza birthday party! So we gathered around the table, chowed down, and then sang to Annemarie with a yummy collection of cupcakes.

First Full Day

Annemarie woke up this morning for the first time! She had a great night in the hospital, sleeping very well. She stayed asleep all night except for when Nicole woke her to nurse. Hopefully she'll be a good sleeper!

Here are some shots from the morning.

Sweet sleeper

Taking a hearing test (and sleeping through it!)

After a morning of exams and check-ups, Nicole and Annemarie were given the green light to go home if we were ready ...and Nicole was very ready! We loaded the girls up and hit the road!

Stay tuned for pictures and videos from our first night at home (the kids were over the moon to finally have her home!).