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!!

Little Pumpkin

Katherine has been very excited about Halloween. She doesn't really know what Halloween is, but she loves dressing up in her duck costume (the first week that she had it, she insisted on sleeping with it every night, and this week every day that she's gotten dressed she requests to wear "duck").

This weekend, we got to celebrate Halloween with our Pittsburgh family:

She also runs around the house with her pumpkin that she got on a trip to the pumpkin patch with Aunt Mary and Uncle Dave. The pint-sized pumpkin is perfect for her, and she uses her whole body to pick it up, calling it "bum" because she can't quite say pumpkin. :-)

Here are some other sweet moments from our little pumpkin:

Shopping for our family Halloween party, Katherine insisted on hugging the pumpkin in the cart

"Don't you dare try to take away my pumpkins....."

"Kat in Boots" -- Katherine was very proud to wear Mama's shoes after work today.

Sleeping Like a Big Girl

Katherine's transition to her "big girl" bed has gone relatively well. We have a 2 step system set up in her room, so she can never fall more than 6 inches, and always falls onto something soft (either a second toddler mattress, or the carpeted floor).

The first night was a challenging transition, but when we finally left Katherine to fall asleep on her own, she did a great job. Sometimes when we go in to check on her she is sleeping in the middle of her floor, and we lovingly scoop her up and put her in bed. Usually, though, she's sleeping peacefully on the top level of her bed.

Although she is usually good at going to sleep quickly, Katherine has recently discovered that she has some freedom in her room, and walks around to explore and play a bit. Here you can see her sleeping with a pile of her favorite books:

Sweet dreams to all! :-)