Merry Christmas

I am taking a moment to sit and update our blog while the kidlets are sleeping. We had a wonderful Christmas with Kevin's family. With everyone in town there was a grand total of 30 people in the house - 15 being grandchildren under the age of 11.

On Christmas Eve we had our annual talent show and reading of the nativity. It was fun to watch the little ones participate in the nativity. Before going off to bed we were able to open our new pajames and the cousins exchanged gifts.

Elise in her Christmas outfit.



















Hunter dressed as a wise man, Kenyon as a shepherd



















Elise was an angel (wearing mommy's blessing dress)



















Eli and Elise in their Christmas pjs.



















all 15 cousins in their Christmas pjs.















Kenyon was the first to wake up. Kevin had to catch up with him before he went downstairs, but it didn't matter. Kenyon didn't even notice that Santa had come. He was only interested in having a gummy worm. When Kevin mentioned that Santa had come, he ran upstairs to wake Hunter. They were so excited to see all the presents and surprises.

Hunter was thrilled to get Jack Sparrow's Black Pearl Ship and Kenyon loved his castle. I was thrilled and surprised, (more like speechless) when I opened the Canon Rebel XTi from Kevin. I couldn't believe it but am thrilled to have such a great camera. I have taken more pictures in the last couple of days but I can't help it. It is so much fun. This year I bought Kevin a new set of skiis and boots. He is excited to go skiing again and do something he loves to do. Our big surprise from Santa was the Wii. The boys are loving it and getting better every time they play. Elise was thrilled with her new clothes and toys that she wore herself out.




























Such a happy moment.














The boys wearing their new touqes Grandpa Keith got them from Canada.
































After finishing our Christmas at home we headed over to Grandpa and Grandma Grange's. The boys were excited to open more presents. Elise was a happy girl when she finally woke up. She has the cutest smile these days. The boys spent the afternoon playing Grandpa's Wii and having a great time with their cousins.

Aunt Jenny with the newest additions - Elise and Elijah.







































Hunter playing the Wii



















Kenyon and Daddy having a moment.













Kevin having fun with the newest game at the Grange home - No Brainer.

Elf Video

Check out the kids...

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1141528552

2 Week Appointment

Today was Elise's appointment. While we waited for the doctor, the nurse went ahead and did the PKU. After having blood drawn twice in the last week, I think Elise was finally tired of it. She actually cried - not too much, but there were some real tears this time. I think her pain tolerance is really high, which will serve her well in this family. Anyway, she is looking good and thriving. She weighs 7 lbs 3 oz and has even grown a little - 20 1/4 inches long. She still is really tiny, since I can't seem to find any clothes to fit her. That probably won't last so I will enjoy it for as long as I can.

Elise is a very happy baby as you can tell from these pictures we took tonight.

A Week in Review - Tanning, Turkey, and Pictures.

Last week we found out that Elise's bilirubin level was at 17.7 which is really high. So she spent 4 days in her mini tanning bed. During those days, she slept all day and I missed holding her. So I started her scrapbook. Thought I should start now since she doesn't require too much and also take advantage when the boys are in school.

On Friday we took Elise back in to be tested again. Her levels are in the normal range so no more tanning for our one week old.















Wednesday, November 21...
We had to get out, so we dressed Elise and took the boys to Walmart. How exciting that can be. Since Elise was dressed I remembered I needed to take a picture of her at one week. It was late but she was actually awake, so I got a few good ones.








































Thursday, November 22... Happy Thanksgiving
Today we were invited to a friend's home to have dinner with their family. It was a very relaxing day and it felt good to be out. The boys had a great time playing and Elise was a wanted baby. She was a good girl who loved being held.















Wide-awake Elise.



















Tanner, Hunter, and Kenyon showing off for the camera.














Tuesday, November 27...
Elise was sleeping so soundly that I thought I would try and take some pictures of her to mark 2 weeks. So here are a couple of them.

5 days old

Time is certainly going by fast. Elise is such a delight. I had to take her into the Dr. today for a blood test due to her jaundice. It is throughout her body now and so we had to see how serious it is. Because of the jaundice she is sleeping a lot (awake only about 2 hours a day), even though that is what newborns do. When her blood was drawn she didn't even cry. She just looked at the nurse and sucked on her binky. What a pro. I can't wait to see how she does next week.

Well here are some pictures of Elise since she has been home.

November 16...





























November 17...














November 18...

Elise - The day after...

Here are some pics from this morning.

Had-a-baby-it's-a-GIRL! part 2

Had-a-baby-it's-GIRL!

Wednesday Morning Chelsey gave birth to our beautiful baby girl. She was 6 lbs 12 oz, and was 19.5 inches long. Mom and baby are doing just great. We have named her "Elise Ava." I am sure there will be many more pictures to come when Chelsey gets back from the hospital.

Ready to POP!!!

I am 36 1/2 weeks and feeling like it is time. Last Sunday I was having really bad contractions in my back, so I was not doing so well. I made an appointment with my Doctor on Monday so we could make sure I would be okay with Kevin going to CA this weekend. Well it turns out that I am 2 cm dilated and 30% effaced. So things are moving forward and how happy that makes me.

Kevin left for CA this morning and so I am taking it really easy so I don't have this baby while he is gone. I am hoping that once he gets home Sunday it won't be much longer. Taking it easy certainly gets boring, so I have been making bracelets and hair bows to do keep myself somewhat productive.

I have not been good at taking pictures of my growing belly this pregnancy. But this past Sunday I had one taken.