First Video

Craig put this short clip together of us in the hospital.

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Evan's Birth

Here are the last few images of me with a pregnant belly... EVER!


They had just started the epidural, but the pain was still pretty bad.

I'm posting this because when the nurse gave me that orange popsicle, it made my day.

Mom was so excited when they announced that it was time to push. I, however, was feeling a little differently. I had gone from 2cm to 10cm in 30-40 minutes. And even though I had the epidural, it was UNBEARABLE.


At this point I was shaking uncontrollably. For anyone who thinks that having an epidural takes away all of the pain, think again. It certainly helps, but it is still the most unbelievable pain you will ever feel.

There he is!! Thankfully he arrived after only about 15 minutes of pushing, what a huge relief.







Ella meets her brother for the first time. She was so tickled.





Joanne was there to take pictures for us, I cannot thank her enough!

Uncle Mike loves babies.


Our family.

I can't even explain how happy I am that he is here and safe. We really weren't sure if we were going to be able to have another child, and now that we do, I am grateful beyond measure. God is great.

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Finally, a picture!

I'm sorry it has taken so long, but we are adjusting to life with a newborn. This was taken by my Mom moments after his birth.



I will be posting many more as soon as I get a chance, but this sweet little baby is attached to my breast most of the time. I really need to teach Craig my current workflow in Lightroom so he can manage the pictures.

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Evan Donald

Born 12/13 at 1:33pm, 6lbs 12oz.

Baby is wonderful and I am recovering. Hopefully Craig will be posting images soon.

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I DO NOT WADDLE!!

Let's be clear.

I may walk a little differently, but that is because I HAVE A HUMAN SKULL WEDGED IN MY PELVIS!!!

I cannot stand the term "waddle." I mean, does anyone think that it's polite to tell a pregnant woman, a woman who is incubating life, that she waddles?

Total weight gain for this pregnancy is 26 pounds. I can actually still fit in my junior size 3, low rise jeans. The term waddle implies fat, which I am not.

Thank you for listening, it will all be over soon (including the hormonal outbursts, LOL).

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Gingerbread House

Craig and Ella made a gingerbread house last evening, we are trying to enjoy our last few days alone together.

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Baby!!

I will be induced this Thursday, thank goodness the end is almost here!!! Seriously, 40 weeks for a pregnancy is a little ridiculous, don't ya think? We were reading about tigers last night and their gestational period is 15 weeks. Not bad.

If you've carried a full term baby, then you know how miserable you can feel towards the end. EVERYTHING hurts and it's impossible to get comfortable. Everyone comments on how small I am, but I just don't think my body was built for pregnancy. I am at capacity!!

And I know what you old-timers are thinking... "it isn't that bad," as you roll your eyes. But seriously, if you had your last child more than 20 years ago, you memory has faded. Be honest.

We love visitors, both at the hospital and at home, but if your kids are sick, please don't bring them! I'm not a freak about germs, but 'tis the season for RSV.

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Bathroom

Last Saturday Craig and Ella painted the "kids" bathroom.





Whenever we embark on a home improvement project, I ask (ok, insist) that we leave a time capsule of sorts behind. So we painted our names and the date behind the mirror. I've hidden notes, pictures and other items throughout the house because I think it would be fascinating to discover these items in the future. I'm hoping that future owners will find our time capsules in 30, 40, 50 years.


I love this frog tissue holder, Target has the cutest things.

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Macaroon Kiss Cookies

I'm so happy, I felt good enough to make cookies!!


These are one of my Christmas favorites, and you can choose to leave some cookies plain, without the chocolate kiss.

1/3 cup softened butter
3 oz softened cream cheese
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg yolk/reserve white
1 tsp almond extract
1 1/4 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
5 cups coconut
1 bag unwrapped Hershey Kisses

Preheat oven to 350.

BEAT butter, cream cheese and sugar in large bowl. Add egg yolk, almond extract and beat well.

STIR together flour, baking powder and salt, gradually add to butter mixture, beat well. Stir in 3 cups of coconut.

COVER and refrigerate for one hour. Shape dough into small balls, dip in egg white and roll in remaining coconut. Place on cookie sheet covered with parchment paper.

BAKE for 10-12 minutes, remove from oven and immediately press in chocolate kiss. Cool one minute and remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack.

Do not overcook, they are done even when they are still shiny.

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