A shot of our little girl...she sure makes us smile.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! Happy Birthday Jesus...

and Baby Gabriella Grace!

Born December 23rd, 2008

6 lbs. 10 oz., 19.5 inches

@ 7:16 pm

God's timing is perfect so we are home for Christmas to have turkey as a family in our home. Owen is adjusting quite well to having a little sister and loves her so much. He wants to help put her hat on, give her a blankie, give her hugs, etc...
Life...so precious...we are in love and very happy to be the parents of two kids!
Owen loves that Gabriella loves pink...he's becoming quite a fan of pink as well. :-)

Gramma Momma made it! She drove in this afternoon and will be with us for a bit of her vacation! Isn't it great being a teacher? :-) She came bearing gifts, food, goodies, and...a bob the builder hat? Owen loved it and wore it through dinner. He also did something he hasn't done in awhile...he went and put on my shoes and walked around...until they fell off. What a goofball! Gramma Momma is saying how much he has changed...she hasn't seen him since October! Wow! How did that happen? Sorry momma! We are so happy to have her here and be waiting for Grampa Phil and Auntie Emmy to make their appearance as well.

I have not been "sitting" around lately, but the other day I had to. Owen is seemingly aware of "baby sister" and talks to her, rubs my belly, and even gave her a "hug." The doctor thinks she's about 6 1/2 lbs. by now so we are eagerly waiting her arrival. I didn't think I wanted a Christmas baby, but I am finding that this is a wonderful time to be expecting a little one. I think about the birth of Christ and Mary as a young mother in such a different light. What a gift! Anytime is perfect...God's timing and will is always perfect. And we may need to be reminded...He is always good. God bless you and your family this season and into the New Year!

Merry Christmas!...or almost...

We spent the afternoon a week or two ago with the cousins so we could get some "Christmas" pictures. They did pretty well smiling. I had Owen practicing all day without saying "cheese!" because when he says "cheese," he scrunches up his face and looks mad or in pain. Here is a sweet-"am I doing it?"-mom smile. :-)

Then I tried to get a close-up...My sweet little angel.

Yesterday was a big day for Owen...he got to have "breakfast with Santa" at a church down the road. Granny Nanny and Papa Steve picked him up at 7:45 and he came home around 11...smelling like syrup! I just know he had a blast! Last night we went to the Holidazzle parade. It was warm (for December) and we got to see lots of lights, floats, and fun characters in the parade downtown Minneapolis. Owen's favorite part was the choo choo train float.Everything has been going great with the pregnancy. Baby Girl is movin' and shakin' and growing and developing wonderfully. My doctor thought i was measuring small so she asked if I wanted an ultrasound to do some measuring. Why would I not want to see my little girl if given the chance??? :-) She is small but not TOO small. There are no worries according to that ultrasound and she seems to have a strong heart too...her heart rate is ranging from 140-179. I think that is the entire range for healthy hearts!

Here she is smacking her lips or sticking out her tongue ( I can't tell). She looks to have Owen's round cheeks and cute little nose. We will see her in person in a few short weeks here (or less)! We are truly excited!