A Day at the Zoo

Me, Isobel, Evan, Bridget, Philip and Dad all went to the zoo a few weeks ago. It was awesome to be all together, and it was a beautiful KC day. Not too hot, but like 120% humidity! It rained a little bit which was nice. The kids really wore their Papa out. He took them on the carousel and walked all around the zoo, shared his lunch, bought ice cream and toys...all the fun stuff. It was so fun!

Welcome Evan Olivia

So, it has been way too long since I've updated this blog page. I really want to catch up on what's been going on the past few months, and what could be more exciting the birth of our adorable girl, Evan?! So for those of you who were wondering or hadn't heard, here is how she made her arrival into the world. Well, I had a planned c-section on Tuesday April 21, 2009. We got to the hospital about 5:30 in the morning and got all checked in. After a few tests and some very unpleasant "prep" work, we were ready to go to the delivery room. I had to go by myself and I was a nervous wreck. I don't really know why, since this was my second time around, but I was. They didn't let Courtney come back until they had started the surgery and I was really scared that he would faint dead away when he walked through the door, so I told the nurse to make sure he didn't see anything! As soon as they were able to see the baby I heard the doctor and nurses say "Whoa, look at those cheeks!". They pulled her fat little head out and she started to cry...which was my cue to join her. I don't think either one of us stopped for at least an hour. I could see them cleaning her up and my first thought was how she had the cutest hiney I had ever seen! It was so fat! She weighed in at a whopping 9 lbs 9 oz. She was 20 3/4 inches long. Anyway, we had a wonderful experience. Everything went so well, they let me keep her with me the whole time which was wonderful. Even the breastfeeding went well even from the first time...this girl LOVES her milk! She is absolutely the most adorable, sweet, angelic child in the world. I can't believe how much your heart can grow with each one that God gives you. She is so special to us, and her big sister Isobel adores her too. So here are some pictures of her "birthday".

Isobel turns 2!!

Isobel had a great birthday this year, complete with sesame street decor! She turned 2 on April 26, so we decided to have her party on the 18th (only 3 days before little Evan was born!) It was really nice to have all the family over to celebrate with us. She got some really cool stuff too...thanks everybody!!

Isobel's First Haircut

BEFORE

AFTER

Isobel had her very first haircut this weekend! Her hair was getting so long...especially in the front. It was time to cut off her little "dog tails", but don't think that Mommy didn't have a really hard time seeing them go! We went to a place that cuts hair just for kids, she loved it! She got to sit in a cinderella princess car while they cut her hair and watch Sponge Bob Squarepants. She had so much fun playing...needless to say it wasn't a pretty picture when it was time to leave. Our friends came with us too. Shawna and her daughter Dani came along to get a quick trim up. They gave us an adorable certificate with her before and after pics and the date and time on it. They also gave me her first cut locks of hair in a little bag for a keepsake. It was so fun, but bittersweet. Isobel is getting so big, and with the new baby coming I'm reminded everyday that she won't be the baby anymore! We also just got her a big girl bed and are working on potty training. I can't believe it! Well, here are some more pics of her big day at the salon. :)

Christmas 08

Well, Christmas this year was wonderful! Isobel was so excited to open presents. Santa left her new books, which are always her favorite. We spent Christmas eve at Granny and Pappi's house. It was so great to be with all the family. I think Isobel's favorite Christmas gift was getting to hang out with Philip...he's her hero! Then Christmas morning we opened presents and played. I made my famous cinnamon french toast for breakfast, yummm! Later that evening, we headed to Peculiar for supper at Fred and Bridgets. We got to see Philip and Freds newest skills on the Wii. Very cool! On Friday we headed up to Iowa to go to the Shriver family Christmas. We had a great time as usual. Isobel got so many new toys I don't know where they all will go! Of course her favorite thing was a Sesame Street book. She's getting really good at putting her puzzles together too...although the dogs decided the pieces tasted pretty good. I learned my lesson for letting things sit around too long! We had such a wonderful holiday and New Year. We are so excited for everything that 2009 will bring...including our newest addition due April 25. To all of the family, thank you so much for your love and support. We love you all!

Isobel's Play Day

So, this day we were at a play area in a shopping center and Isobel had so much fun! She loved playing with all the toys...and she walked a lot that day! I told her that she had to walk because the big kids would step on her if she crawled, so she did. It was funny seeing how excited she got over everything. We would have stayed longer but some bully wouldn't let Isobel play on anything, so we ended up leaving after a little while. I managed to snap a few pics before we were "kicked out" by the slightly husky girl who obviously had sharing issues! Anyway, we had a great time, maybe next time we'll get to stay longer!

Isobel's casts

So here is an update on how Isobel's physical therapy is going. She has been doing great walking on her own more, but she's still not off and running yet. Her therapist noticed that she stands with her right leg locked to the side and kind of tilted in on her arch. So an ortho tech looked at her feet and legs and said that she would benefit from some special boots that help straighten them. So yesterday after her PT session Linda (the ortho tech) made casts of Isobel's feet and legs to send in to get custom made boots. It will take about one month to get them back and they're SUPER expensive (thank goodness for insurance!) so we're really hoping they will help her. She is still making excellent strides and tries so hard. Right now she is able to walk across the room by herself, and she is just now learning how to stand up without holding on to something. We are so proud of her! She did great getting her casts on...Daddy held her in his lap and they all sang songs. She showed everyone how many songs she already knows the words to! Anyway, we'll keep you posted on how she's doing. We'll all just continue getting ready for Christmas...the tree is finally up!