Picture Palooza

Here's a quick news update(with a lot of pictures) of what's been happening with the Blocks lately:

As promised, here are the pictures from Aunt Mary Beth and Uncle Casey's wedding:

Here comes the beautiful bride!

Up close of Katherine as the flower girl

Even their dogs, Hampton and Laney, were there-- dressed to the k-9's

Mr. and Mrs. Cruise

Katherine was very excited to wear fancy gloves with her fancy dress!

The 2 most beautiful ladies of the day ;-)

Ted escorting his mom

Katherine walking down the aisle with the ring bearer

Their first kiss!

The beginning of happily ever after

Katherine had a great time playing with the other little girls at the reception

Daddy + Daughter dance

At the wedding with Oma

We've also been adjusting very well to being a family of four. Katherine asks for Marie every morning as soon as she wakes up, and insists on giving her hugs and kisses throughout the day. Here's one of our favorite pictures of the two girls together:

Katherine begs to hold Marie, and is always very gentle

Also, Marie's umbilical cord fell off! She loved her first "real" baby bath so much that she fell asleep in the tub. :-) In general, sleeping is one of Marie's favorite things to do. She's sleeping long stretches at night (which we know may change, but we'll enjoy it while we can!), and is usually very easy going during the day as well. At her last checkup she was 7lb 14oz. The doctors were thrilled with her weight gain (10oz in a week), so they told us we don't need to wake her for any feedings (hooray!!!).

Marie loved her first bath in the Cleanwater Tub

She was so relaxed that she fell asleep!

 We've all been enjoying the extra family time together while Mommy's on maternity leave. Here's a picture of Marie hanging out with Joshua during one of our many special evening spent at Grambie and Grandpop's with the cousins:

Joshua and Marie "hanging out" together

Today we also ventured out to the mall to meet Santa for the first time. Katherine was very excited until we got close to him, at which point she started screaming and crying (so we didn't even try for pictures). She MUCH preferred the choo-choo train, and rode it twice. 

Taking a play break at the mall

We also got Grambie's help to take some family pictures at the mall. Here's a sneak peak of what you'll likely see in our Christmas card (which we're hoping to get sent out by Easter) ;-)

A VERY special day!

Yesterday was a very, very special day!

First it was Grandpop's (and Aunt Kathy) birthday! We enjoyed a great celebration with the family over dinner and dessert. We haven't given Grandpop his gift yet, as Katherine is extremely excited to give it to him. Anytime you mention the word "birthday" she exclaims "Pop-pop, pat-zoo!" (that's the only hint Grandpop gets on what his birthday gift is). ;-) We look forward to celebrating a little bit more when Katherine and Daddy return.

Happy birthday Grandpop-- we love you!!

Next, at Grandpop's birthday celebration, we finally got to meet cousin Joshua! Joshua was born 3 days after Marie, so he's technically her "little cousin," however he's actually a good bit bigger (Joshua was 8lb 4oz at birth). Congratulations to Kari, Dante, and Luke! We're so thankful for Joshua, and we're excited to see Marie and Joshua grow up so close together.


Finally, today was Aunt Mary Beth and Uncle Casey's wedding day! Katherine had a blast being a flower girl, and we're all thankful that Daddy and Katherine got to be a special part of the wedding. We can't wait to share pictures whenever Daddy and Katherine return. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Cruise-- we wish you a lifetime of happiness.

quick update-- I just got this picture from Daddy this morning and thought I'd share:

All this celebrating has us exhausted, so hopefully Marie will sleep soundly tonight. :-)

Happy Birthday (almost) Uncle Casey!!

Although he won't "officially" be Katherine and Marie's uncle until tomorrow (when Aunt Mary Beth and Casey tie the knot!!), we wish Uncle Casey the happiest of birthdays!

Katherine enjoying special time with Casey and all at the Rehearsal Dinner!

Katherine and Daddy are lucky to celebrate with Casey and the Texas clan as they get ready for Aunt Mary Beth and Uncle Casey's wedding. Mommy and Marie miss them all bunches, but we send our love.

All snuggled up at home, thinking of Casey on his birthday!

We know this year will be filled with joy, and we wish you a very blessed and happy birthday.


Happy birthday also to Aunt Karen-- Grambie's sister! May this year be filled with peace and happiness for you.

Welcome Marie Grace!!!!

After two long weeks of "the baby who cried labor" we are thrilled to announce that Marie made her grand debut last night! The birth went very well, and Marie, Mommy, and the family are all doing well.

Born at 10:17pm on 11/26/12

7lbs 4.5oz

19 3/4in

with deep blue eyes and a very full head of hair :-)

Katherine got to meet Marie today, and she did a great job being a big sister. She picked out a blue pig (a current obsession of hers) and a blanket to give to Marie, and Marie gave Katherine an Elmo book. Katherine didn't seem to totally understand what was going on, but by the time she left, she was sure to share a hug and kiss with her baby sister.

Thanks for your continued prayers and support. We are so blessed not only with beautiful daughters, but with amazing friends and family to encourage and support us as well.

still waiting...

In case you're wondering, Marie still hasn't made her debut. Mama's contractions have slowed to just occasional, so it could be several more days before she decides she's ready to go.

We enjoyed some spicy foods and even an "almost birthday cake" with the Koes family this weekend. Even though it didn't inspire Marie, at least the food and company were great!

Grambie pointed out that we hadn't started a guessing contest as to Marie's arrival, so feel free to post under "comments" your guesses as to when Baby is coming, and any specifics on what she (or maybe surprise he) will look like, etc.

Bonus points for guessing early dates!!

Happy Birthday Opa! (and maybe Marie???)

Happy Birthday Opa! We were hoping that Marie's birthday would come before Opa's, but after a day full of contractions yesterday, she quieted down and seems perfectly content in Mama's belly.

We're hoping that Opa's birthday inspires Marie to get moving soon, but regardless of her arrival, we're thankful that we have such a wonderful father and grandfather to celebrate today!

Getting Close!

Marie hasn't arrived yet, but she's getting close! Mommy's been having consistent contractions since last night, but nothing so close together that we're rushing to the hospital (yet). Here's a picture of Mama and Marie from last night:

We had a great "Sprinkle" to celebrate Marie and Joshua on Sunday. I stole this picture from Aunt Kari and Uncle Dante's blog, but it's fun enough to post twice:

We'll keep you updated as Marie gets closer. We can't wait to meet her!!