Sweet KaeLynn

Perfection (n.) A sweet baby girl fresh out of the oven.

Thursday morning, July 29, I got the text that my little sister was in labor. I had all of these back-up plans for how I was going to get out of the house quickly and make it in time for KaeLynn's birth- but they didn't work out quite how I'd thought. Fortunately, Sar saved the day by coming over to watch the kiddos while I made a mad dash for Muncie. Perhaps too mad of dash? I got a ticket. in a work zone. (Explain THAT one to your road construction husband!) After the friendly state trooper sent me on my way, I made my way, within the legal speed limit, to Muncie.

I arrived at the hospital right right before Miss KaeLynn entered the world. I got to see her shortly after she was born, and she was so perfect and beautiful. Both girls were actually! Michelle was amazing and started breastfeeding KaeLynn right away. She tried so hard, and was unbelievably persistant as she faced a variety of challenges and obstacles those first few days.

I was excited to be there when the nurse gave KaeLynn her first bath, and I went all Stepharazzi taking a bazillion photos to document the occasion. Let me show you this one (taken during her bath) and I'll let you guess why I think that she might be Eli's soul mate.

Saturday, we went back to Muncie so that Matthew and the boys could meet sweet KaeLynn. Again, she was a hit! The boys were super excited to see Michelle too, and were up in her lap right away.

Michelle helped Owen hold KaeLynn and he just loved it. He adored that little girl.

I of course, also had to hold little Miss again, but it didn't last long...

Because SOMEONE got jealous. Let me clarify that it WASN'T KaeLynn...

But it's okay, because look how CUTE he is!! That's a ridiculous level of cuteness, no?

Now, KaeLynn is 6 days old and she's gained close to a pound already. Michelle is feeding that baby well!! I'm so incredibly proud of Michelle for sticking with her breastfeeding commitment even as the challenges mounted against her.

Seeing my little sister become a mommy was one of the most incredible things that I have ever experienced. She will give this parenting thing everything that she has. She will do whatever it takes to be everything that her daughter needs. She will be an amazing mother, and I couldn't be more proud of her! I love you Michelle! You're amazing!

Holiday World!

It's hard to believe that my little boy is big enough/tall enough to appreciate the wonders of an amusement park, but last Wednesday proved that he is.

Grandma Carol, the boys and I spent the entire day at Santa Claus's little gem, Holiday World. Owen was thrilled from the moment that we walked in the gate. I can vaguely remember looking at an amusement park through a child's eyes- and I remember it being a spectacular thing. The day was all about Owen, (Much to Eli's dismay). He got to pick all of the rides that he wanted to ride- and he had an awesome time. I couldn't believe how brave he was. He rode every ride in the amusement park area that he was tall enough for-- even the log ride with a fairly good-sized drop! He was super proud of the fact that he rode a roller coaster too.

After we finished riding all of the rides that he was tall enough for in Holiday World, we headed over to Splashin' Safari. Owen rode two BIG slides and he recalls those as his favorite rides of the day. He was so brave, and had such a awesome time. It was super fun to get to do these things with him for the first time.

Grandma Carol saved the day by watching Eli and keeping him happy while Owen got to ride. Eli did ride some things too-- until he decided that he was too mad to even look at the rides. His 'tude didn't last long, and turned around significantly after he had some lunch in his belly. He had a blast at Splashin' Safari- and loved playing in the shallow pools. He eventually conked out in the wagon and got his nap out while Owen finished up his day.

Our first Holiday World adventure was a total success, and we definitely made some great memories. I wish that we had more pictures of our day and of some of the bigger stuff that we rode, but we were having such a fun time, the camera was sort of forgotten.

Thanks so much to Craig and Marlene for making our awesome day possible!