Cousins visiting

We have some new visitors here to see their cousin. Claire was a natural with Caroline and Parker is curious. We went to the downtown mall and wrote on the "freedom of speech" wall. There is definitely alot of action in the house..tonight is the tie-breaker game of boys vs. girls in "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader".

Merry Christmas

We've had a wonderful Christmas. Jonathan's mother and grandmother were here to help us eat and survive-and we even got to go out to dinner! Uncle Jason and Aunt Jennifer came for a few days too so we had a real xmas gathering with all the trimmings.

Photo session

I turned our den into a 'studio' and took some shots...thought I would share. Meanwhile, still going on very little sleep.

3AM

Here is a peek of what I see at 3AM these days......I don't think sleep is near:)

Pictures

So, when we do have a minute to breathe, we take pictues instead of sleep:)

Our Christmas Present Arrived

Our baby girl has arrived! Caroline Elise was born on December 4th at 6:27 pm. She weighed 7 lb 14 oz and was 21 1/2 inches long. I went into labor at 3 AM! I couldn't believe it really happening. She is so wonderful-we are overwhelmed with love. I think I cried everytime she went to the nursery and returned because I just can't believe she is ours....such a blessing. We got home yesterday afternoon and things are very crazy but I am posting some pictures. Thanks for all calls and e-mails...sorry I haven't been able to return any of them yet.

Days since birth: 3

Hours of sleep since birth: 7

Somehow....

Somehow we found a tree wider than me......

AND another tree taller than Jonathan!!.....................

We went out to a nice dinner downtown tonight as a possible (hopeful?) last big date night for awhile. We had an excellent Italian dinner, saw the city tree (pictured) and strolled around people watching. Here are some snapshots, including a badly lit shot of downtown and the downtown skating rink. It is about 35 degress and I am loving it!

A House Divided

We made it through another Iron Bowl. Yes, there were moments of silent celebrations but for the most part we kept our sentiments at a polite level. Of course, that was harder for the supporter of the winning team....

We also got some of our Christmas decorations out. This is the first year I have ever had an artificial tree. We got it because we wanted to be able to put it up early and keep it up late if necessary. We got a fairly inexpensive one because we feel like this is a temporary thing-and now that it is up, I feel more sure it is indeed temporary. Thank goodness for the Bath and Body Works Wallflowers (I love the Winter scent) and Yankee Candles (I am using Mistletoe scent this year) to ease the loss of the fresh tree smell.
Behold the tree. We are part of the minority that still loves colored lights:) We also found a place for our stockings...not easy with no mantel.

I can't think of anything else to do before baby! I guess I'll read more, see more movies, and rest. I am not complaining. Yet.