The Cat Is Out Of The Bag

We are so happy to announce that we are expecting our second baby in February. Please join us in prayer for a healthy pregnancy and a very happy and healthy baby!

The way we told my family:

We sent them a save the date/announcing baby # 2 post card.

 

Patrick's parents came in for a visit so we surprised them this way today:

 

 His shirt says I'm the big brother. The is the best picture I could get of him because he was wanting to play.

Fall Things Make Me Happy

Today we went to Deal's Orchard. Enjoy our little photo opt.

A photo that is bound to become a tradition.

Warning the next few pictures need a cute warning:

A photo of the three of us:

Charles and I

Rolling Over

Charles rolled over for the first time from his tummy to his back this morning. He will roll either way now! He accomplished this at 9 weeks and 2 days! GO BABY CHARLES!!!!

Take me to my Mummy

This little cutie earned the 100% boy this morning when he lovingly sprinkled everywhere.

What can I say: He loves his mommy! I love how cute he is in blue jeans. Baby's got his blue jeans on.

It's in his kiss... That is where it is at...

Our sweet boy is 7 weeks old today. He is holding his head up better everyday, he will stand up for about 15-30 second (supported of course), smiles randomly and when talked to (of course when I pull out the camera he refuses to smile), and he is beginning to grasp onto things---my hair is his favorite thing to grab. He also is starting to follow objects better. When crying for his food if you hold the bottle in front of him he will stop (one smart baby) unless you don't get it to his mouth in a timely fashion. He is just too precious and when he is held up to my cheek he kisses me. Which of course makes my day.

The cute outfit is from the Fish's. He is so adorable in it thanks so much!!! The outfit says in case you can't read it: "Awesome like dad."

Take'em to the Pound

We went to the Carroll Homecoming Parade today. It was a warm day. I just put a hat on Charles to keep the sun from burning his little head. A very kind lady put the blanket up to keep the sun off of him but he wanted to be held not lay in the stroller.

Thanks for those that helped out with homecoming. A special shout out to Mrs. Cordes, Mrs. McKenzie, Mrs. Mortenson, and Student Senate you did an awesome job!!! It has been really nice getting to take care of the baby without worrying about homecoming plans. I appreciate all you have done. Words cannot express how much it means to me that I could cuddle with Charles these first weeks.

Charles and I at the parade.

Charles in his stroller right before the parade and before he cried to get out of the non-moving stroller.The rest of the pictures are of the Band. They did an excellent job. Good luck tonight on the half-time show. Pump up the crowd. Play and cheer our team to a victory. Take Winterset to the Pound!!! GO CARROLL TIGERS!!!

Way Back Wednesday: Compare

All pictures from when we were 6 weeks:

Brooke

Charles

Patrick

So what do you think????

A Special Visitor

Charles and Heather. He loved being cuddled and was fascinated by her red hair. Maybe red heads are in his future?

My oldest best friend and college roommate. We have known each other since elementary school and became close friends in middle school. It was very special to me that she flew out this past weekend to visit and see our newest addition. The next visit must be during the summer so she can stay longer.

I promise I didn't spike his hair for this picture. Although it fits with his outfit Born to Rock and Roll. His hair after being washed is out of control.

Sporting his Frog Onesie.

Belly time so that he develops strong neck muscles. This also helps in head control, turning over, pushing up their upper body, and eventually helps with turning over and crawling. He is not always a fan of this time.

Charles with his Giraffe Geoffey and Baloo Bear. He will follow them if you move them around.

1 month

Our little cutie all dressed up for church this past Sunday. He was so adorable.

Our little monkey at one month. Today is his first month birthday. It has been an interesting month getting to know our little one. Each day we think we figure out something about our little boy, and then sometimes boom everything changes. So goes life I guess. We are so happy to have him in our lives.

This month he has found the mobile on his swing, enjoys listening to Frank Sinatra, holds his head up by himself more and more, and seems to be smiling and cooing some. He loves to swing and to be held.

We Have A

Belly Button!!!!!Last night (August 25th) around 8-9 pm we checked Charles' and noticed he now has a belly button! No more cord! Let the real baths begin. I can't wait to see him splashing in the water.

So this is what love is

Charles has been blessed with excellent Grandparents. They have been so helpful since his arrival. Plus I never knew that I could love someone so much, and my love for Patrick and family has grown even more. I thought I was protective when I was carrying him, but now that instinct has grown by leaps and bounds.

Mama C helping Patrick change his first diaper ever. He did a great job even though he had three people trying to tell him what to do. Believe me Charles didn't make this first job easy for him. I must say he is becoming a pro at changing diapers. Mama C is a great teacher. Mama C is a natural with babies.

Pop with his cuddle time. He could make any baby sleep by just holding them. I told him numerous times that he should not hold him before feeding time because he wouldn't eat as well. Pop has the magic touch though at nap/bed time.

Grandpa and Grandma arrived and are already in love with Charles. They are now helping out with baths, and things around the house. We are blessed to have roughly 2 weeks with grandparents. I don't know what we would have done without each and everyone of them.

I couldn't resist adding this sweet picture of Charles. He is already a deep thinker can't you tell?

Belly Bump Pictures

20 weeks21 weeks 22 weeks

So I look bigger at 20 weeks than I do at weeks 21 and 22. I blame it on the shirt. I'm doing great just have times that I am extremely tired. I also struggle with going up stairs and when walking up hills because I become short of breath. I cannot complain so far I have had a great pregnancy. I cannot wait until Monday we find out if baby Box is a boy or girl.

19 Weeks

Well in two days I will be 20 weeks-so much for being on top of things. Please excuse how horrible I look. This picture was taken after a long day. Instead take a look at the baby bump that is beginning to grow. I have not been taking weekly pictures until this point because not much was changing-I guess Baby Box was ready for more room.

Pregnancy Higlights:

How far along: 19 weeks(in the picture)
Size of Baby: The baby is about the size of a large tomatoe. Roughly 8 1/2 oz. and 6 inches long.

Maternity Clothing: I went shopping this past weekend and everything is short sleeves or sleeveless. I purchased one pair of pants, a skirt, and 3 t-shirts. I still fit in my jeans but with dress pants I must wear the belly ban. Dress clothes have been the hardest.

Gender: WE FIND OUT APRIL 11th!!!! I am so excited.

Movement: I am starting to feel more than just little flutters. This baby is going to be a little mover and shaker I can already tell. I can feel the baby most when I am sitting or laying down, but I do feel little kicks when I am standing too. The baby also seems to enjoy listening to the band play because during the concert Monday night I believe the baby was dancing. Patrick has been able to feel the baby kick about 2 times so far.

Sleep: I enjoy sleeping- I wish I was not up and down so much.

What I miss: Sleeping on my stomach or back. I get so paranoid when I wake up to go to the bathroom and I am on my back or stomach. Caffenine- Most days I do not have any but every once in awhile I will have some chocolate or a small soft drink.

Cravings: So far I have not had many cravings but when I want something I want it immediately. I really like orange juice and lemonade.

Symptoms: I am mostly good. I do get really tired at times and I get dizzy sometimes.

Things People Say: I haven't had many comments yet. I'm sure they will start coming soon.

Words of Wisdom: None at this time.

Best Moment this Week: Patrick and I went to Omaha and purchased our nursery furniture this past Saturday. Not baby related we also got to see Rob and Jill and get caught up with them over dinner.

A New Addition

God had blessed us with a little one that is due on August 10th. Make your guess now: Boy or Girl?