Baby, Baby, Baby, Oh

Haleigh was glad to see me when I arrived on Tuesday evening. Little did she know that the next day she would have a baby sister, and her life would be changed forever. For the better, of course.

Darci and Andrew posed for me for a tummy shot.

Haleigh got to spend a little time with her mommy before Ella's arrival.

She shared some kisses with Daddy.

And did some tricks.

She showed off her big sister crown... for a few minutes, at least.

And she shared it with Shelly when she stopped by with a Jimmy Johns delivery for Andrew.

Haleigh thought it was so funny to see Shelly wearing her crown.

Daddy shot some video, and before long,

Baby Ella was here!

 Don't cry, baby.

Time to get weighed.

7 pounds, 14 ounces.

Grandpa Charley introduces Haleigh to her baby sister.

Grandma Leslie shares the good news.

Darci, looking like she's just been for a walk on the beach. Seriously, how can she look that good?

Haleigh is wondering exactly what has happened here?

Darci and Baby Ella share Kangaroo Care skin to skin bonding time for the first hour after birth.

Haleigh relaxes in her stroller.

She's not quite sure what's going on here.

Grandma Leslie shows Haleigh the baby.

Haleigh sure has some funny expressions. Is that what you think of your new sister?

Baby Ella made her presence known.

Time to get her tiny footprints.

Look at those black toes!

Daddy and Haleigh watch the nurse get Ella all wrapped up.

Grandma Leslie and Ella Kathryn.

Daddy and his girls.

Haleigh shares some kisses.

Time to move upstairs.

A stop to drop off Ella in the nursery.

Grandpa and Grandma with sweet baby Ella.

Haleigh gets a little Mommy time.

Kisses for Mommy.

Grandpa Jim and Ella.

Granny and Grandpa and Ella.

Daddy shows Haleigh how to give Ella a kiss.

Sweet kisses for my baby sister.

Welcome to the world, Ella Kathryn. We are blessed.

Grandpa Celebrates 92 Years

We gathered for lunch on Thursday to celebrate Grandpa's 92nd birthday. He received a few birthday phone calls while we were there.

Since Haleigh came home with me after the birth of her new baby sister, she was able to join in the celebration.

Of course, we had Grandpa's favorite, cherry birthday pie. It is his favorite for a birthday or any day. He likes two kinds of pie: warm cherry pie and cold cherry pie. Thanks to Rheadawn for baking and delivering the cherry deliciousness.

Happy Birthday to you...

Happy Birthday, dear Grandpa, Happy Birthday to you!

Haleigh enjoyed the singing and her finger.

Grandma had some pie and ice cream. A double dip!

Paul recorded the memories.

Grandpa with the youngest three of his five children, Jim, Janet, and Paul. Barbara and Carol will be visiting soon.

Haleigh is number 12 of their 14 great grandchildren. (If my calculations are correct, that is. You know I don't do higher math.)

She posed with Grandpa for a birthday photo too.

As we left, Grandpa was making his daily trek to the mailbox. I'm guessing there were a few birthday cards in that stack of mail.

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

Ella Kathryn

Announcing our new grandchild

Ella Kathryn

born May 4, 2011

7 pounds 14 ounces

20 inches long

She is welcomed by Andrew, Darci, Matthew, and Haleigh.

We are blessed to have one more person to love.

Every good and perfect gift is from above. 

-James 1:17a

(Don't worry, I have more pictures, just wanted to get these up on her birth day.)

5, 6, Pick Up Sticks

It was great to get back to the lake this weekend. We watched the Royal Wedding, did some reading, spent some time on the computer (Jim), and picked up a few

(a lot of) sticks.

Just when I thought it was safe to relax a bit, I looked out and saw this:

That doesn't look safe at all!

Um, how did you get on top of the garage, anyway? And why?

Oh, I see the ladder, but don't you know you're too, um, old for that?

Yes, I know there are sticks on the roof, but won't they just blow off? Eventually?

Ok, now they're all in a nice pile.

So let's play with fire now, ok? At least it's not too dry out, 

since it's been raining for almost 40 days and 40 nights.

Almost.

But the best thing about the weekend at the lake? 

Finally seeing blue sky.