Sister Meets Brother

Addison's first meeting with baby Samuel took place Saturday afternoon at the hopsital. She knew that he was important to us, but that was about it. As you can see she wanted to be near him, but not really ready to break the touch barrier.

It wasn't until we got everybody under one roof that she realized that Samuel was a part of the family. This morning as a bit of a surprise. Both kids got up at the same time and when Addison saw Laura with Sam, she raised her hands up towards her mom.

The surprising part of all this was that she wasn't asking to be held by Laura, she was wanting to hold baby Samuel. She was perfect with her first time holding Sam. With him in her lap she simply had one arm over his body and at time gently moved her hand against his head.

Once she got her Samuel fix it was time for breakfast. Both kids ate well and we began the journey towards a new schedule and family life. Both kids have cried throughout the day, but it hasn't caused an early end to a nap yet for the one that was sleeping at the time.

The calmness of bringing a second child home has been true for the first 24 hours. The little things that Addison did that made us wonder if she was okay are things we expect and are ready for. We're confident that Samuel will have some things we aren't ready for, but very happy with how things are going.

Grandpa Jim and Grandma Lou got here this afternoon and they quickly went one on one with their grandchilren. It was also an opportunity for Addy to get some gentle caresses in on Sam.

We are enjoying the time together and still find it hard to believe there are two car seats in the car and two babies in the house. It is a blessing to be sure and so many good days, months, weeks and years ahead.

Our Little Family of Four

What a difference a day makes! Yesterday morning we woke up not really expecting anything other than another day of waiting. Months of anticipation and planning had been replaced by watching the minutes and seconds trying to decide when to make our way to the hospital.

Friday morning Laura woke up around her normal time and said she felt different and that she may be having contractions. It didn't take long for her to be certain she was having contractions and preparing herself for labor. We began making calls to get Addison in the hands of loving family and friends.

Addison knew their was something different about the day, but as is her way, she simply rolled with it. Her nana and papa brought her to the hospital in the afternoon where she sat on the edge of the bed wanting to be near her momma. It wasn't long before she wanted down and began playing hide and seek in the room (a game she has started playing for the past month or so).

She left the hospital not really knowing that she would soon have a little brother. Someone that she will be able to play with, eventually tell on, and love in ways that we are never able to express... especially for a little girl that does some sign language and loves to say, "go, go, go".

The labor and delivery process went sooo much quicker this time and we are beyond thankful that was the case. Like his sister Samuel appears to like attention, since he waited until a shift change to join the family.

When the day was done and the nighttime hours came upon us, the hectic day became quiet allowing the events of the day to settle in. We were no longer blessed with one child, but God had entrusted us with yet another.

Most parents at one time or another look upon the face of their child and wonder, "why us" or "can we do this"... I don't know the answer to the first, but I know we can always do what the Lord has granted us.

Not only are we blessed with wonderful children, but are reminded once again of how many love and care us. We are grateful for many things and praise God that as always His will was done and His protective hand was upon the events of the day.

We thank all of you for your prayers. We love you guys.

We're Ready... I Think

Well, our New Year is off and running. Well, everyone is running but me. Addison has pretty well mastered running on her toes now. And Darby runs to whomever she thinks is most likely to play with her. Poor dog... I think she knows we'll soon be bringing home another baby, and her chances of one-on-one time with either of us will again take a major hit. Addy doesn't have any idea. I've just been praying God will prepare her in His perfect way, because I'm going to need her to keep being her sweet self.

I think we're ready for Samuel to get here. His room is pretty well put together, and the borrowed bassinet is in it's place. My bag isn't packed, but neither is Matt's. I'll try to do that soon. My body is ready. I don't sleep much at night, my back is only getting worse, and playing with Addy is really hard. Good thing we're close. January 16 is right around the corner now!



This is Addison watching Aunt Krista put make-up on. She seldom left Krista alone while they were here.

Below, Grandma Lou is reading one of Addy's many books. She really loves to read. And, lest you think she's always sweet, I included a pic of one of her "fierce faces."

Darby had a good Christmas too. This is her guarding her new toy from Aunt Krista. The other picture is Addison and 2 of her favorite friends: Baby Stella and Aunt Krista!