2.24.2012

And then there were four...

Today our baby girl was born. Eden Marie is finally here! My water broke late last night, and after contraction on top of contraction, we arrived at the hospital at 4 cm dilated, 100% effaced and at zero station, and she was coming down fast. She arrived via c-section at 1:56am, weighing 8 pounds, 7 ounces, 21 1/2 inches long and is an amazing eater. We have been taking tons of photos but will share those next week once are home and I have a chance to edit and upload. Ryder is amazing and is loving time with his family, specifically all of his grandparents! He loves sitting on his dad's lap with Eden. He pats her and hugs her and makes sure that she always has her hat on. He is going to be an amazing big brother! I am sure many more stories to come and LOTS of pictures too! Happy birthday Eden Marie... We couldn't love you more! Love you all and thank you for your thoughts and prayers!

2.23.2012

1 week to go...

In one week she will be here.  I am so excited to meet her and so ready to get her delivered...
I am excited about finally seeing her little face and watching how Ryder is with her. (I am hormonally optimistic...) 
One of the things that I love do is kissing the the balls of their tiny feet and then having their toes curl around your lips.  There is just nothing better...
I came across this picture that I took of Ryder's feet and of course burst into tears.
I have heard in motherhood that the days are long and the years are short.  These toes are about to become a big brother and toddle their way to being two.  I just can't believe it.  
I find myself watching Ryder and I just know that even though we can't fully prepare him for what is about to happen to him, I just know that my little guy is going to be an amazing big brother.  He is kind, sensitive, empathetic, nurturing, and gentle.  He will of course show her the joy of dirt and combining it with water and showing her how to wrestle, but I think he will make the best big brother, especially to a little sister. (Did I mention how funny he is?) I am trying to savor every single second... 
Thank you all for your encouragement and prayers in this last week.  

2.22.2012

Lent

Lent started and I wanted to share this devotional that our family will be doing. (I meant to get this up earlier but alas, my brain is mush!)

getting ready (AKA odds and ends...)

We have been running lots of errands getting ready for next week.
Things like Costco and Trader Joes for household staples and favorite foods.  Our freezer is stocked and that always feel so good, especially when its with our favorites!
I have been scrapbooking things like Valentines day and our family photo shoot:
And journaling to the kids when Ryder naps. 
I have been making little trips to Target for things to stock my hospital bag with: 
I have been telling people who ask, "When is your baby coming?"
I can say "Next week!  Holy Smokes!  
I am just going off my lists and trying to stay as organized as possible...
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On a completely different topic:
I have been craving fruit and juice and popsicles etc...
So in all the errands that we have been running, Kit came across these Jamba juice packets at Costco and we really liked them!
The three of us shared one packet and it was really tasty!  I KNOW that you can do it cheaper, but it was really easy and they tasted awesome! We used orange juice and milk, though they recommend apple juice.
I hope you are having a great week!

2.21.2012

bulbs

Kit and Ryder decided to plant some dahlia bulbs that we bought at Costco.
Kit was hoping to get them planted before Eden's arrival and Ryder was all about helping. 
They are such buddies!
First he tried to lift this bag...
Then went with one that was a little smaller...
We can't wait to watch them grow...

2.20.2012

family photo shoot

Over the weekend, my sister-in-law Mallory did a little pregnancy photo shoot for us.  We are just about a week and a half until our daughter will join our family.  I remember when Ryder was on this way, I kept thinking how it would never be just Kit and I again, not in a sad way, but just the coming of change with a new chapter of life.
I am feeling the same way with the anticipation of our Eden. I just know how great life will be with her here...
So to commemorate the upcoming arrival of our fourth member of the family, here are our favorite pictures of our growing family.
 Have a wonderful Monday!
ps, Ryder has a case of bronchitis and the follow up appointment was scheduled for March 1.  I told them we would be a little busy... Please pray that our little boy gets well before his sister arrives. Thank you friends!

2.17.2012

some big kid bed updates and a little bunting project

Some big boy bed updates:
So Kit and I had said that we would try at the beginning of this month to get Ryder to sleep in his big kid bed.  He loves putting me to sleep on it, he loves bringing his blankets to it and laying down and we read together on it, but he is NOT ready for any actual sleeping.  After a couple of tries, we have decided to move to our plan B.  We will move the big boy bed out, move his crib into his new room, where he will sleep until we feel he is a little more ready, and miss Eden will be in her newborn pack and play in her nursery, until Ryder is ready for his new bed.
I have to say I am really bummed for this reason:
In recovering from a c section, I really wanted him to be able to get himself in and out of the bed on this own, and not have to lift him out of his crib.  Not so fun on the abdominal muscles or incision...
It has been really funny though when we have tried the toddler bed, he has gotten out, and walked so quietly down our hall, and he comes out to us with a look that says "You know I can get out of that bed by myself right?" We will wait until he is more ready.
 But you know what, he is not ready now so we are postponing.
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement in this process. I can't tell you how much this VERY hormonal mama appreciates them!
So here are the pictures of Eden's room prior to making some bed switch-a-roos:
Her reading nook 
(and I am sure that we will be spending lots of time with the Boppy in this chair♥.)
My sister made that pillow...
Cole-
You are amazing!
Girly books!
Her blessing tree from our shower:
Her book shelf:
Her big brother:
(I could not love this kid more!)
Do you guys remember the scene in Peter Pan where Wendy is told she is having her last night the in the nursery and that equals growing up?  Please tell me that someone remembers that scene...
Well, this is the picture of Ryder on is last night in his nursery (Feb. 13)...
I think that we can hold off on the growing up for awhile, right?
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Ok, on a different note:
A little bunting project for miss Eden's room.
The primary colors in Eden's room are gray, yellow and white, but I have been having fun bringing in some pink accents.
So after making this miniature bunting frame for her book shelf:
 I wanted to bring some pink accents to the other side of her room.  While Kit was out of town, I thought I would tackle this little sewing project.
I used these fabrics:
 This template:
(I know it looks silly to write top on it, but this triangle was not equilateral so I wanted it to be pretty uniform...)
 
 I traced the triangle on the fabric:
And sewed them all together:
Here is the finished product:
We think that we will hang it on her changing table or maybe we will decorate her crib with it...
Oh I can't wait!

2.16.2012

miss eden in full bloom

Two weeks from today we get to meet our Eden Marie and I am getting so READY!  For her baby book, I took pictures of us each month and I still can't believe what the human body is capable for doing!  It really is a miracle...
So, in honor of our 2 week count down:
 There is no 2 month picture for the very simple reason that I was a little too busy with morning sickness, vomitting, and taking care of my 14 month old.  I was really not fun.  Poor Ryder!  I was so happy when I started feeling better!
Eden Marie~
I am so honored that I have had the privilege of carrying you.   We can't wait to meet you little girl.
You are so loved...