1st trip to mass
We loaded up the crew and headed to our first mass as family of 5.
Ingrid was pretty worn out afterward, so she needed a nap – ha!
Tag: family
Present from Aunt Kari & visit from Uncle Jason
Aunt Kari sent the boys a package a few weeks before Ingrid was born. We held off on having them open it until after she came home. They loved what they found inside the envelope. Although I have to admit, I think I ate most of their Raisinets. Sorry boys!
Uncle Jason came to visit tonight. He brought puzzles for the boys (which they love) and got to meet Ingrid.
She’s here!
I thought for sure I’d have a 10/01/10 baby, but she held out for one more day. That’s right, SHE! We had a little girl today and she is absolutely beautiful! I’m thrilled she’s finally here. The last days, weeks, months, ok most of the pregnancy was pretty rough on me. But as with the boys, it was totally worth it.
We went to the hospital about 4:30 this morning (our fantastic neighbor came over to sit in the house with the boys sleeping upstairs until my mom could drive over.) They decided to keep me after monitoring me for a couple of hours. Once in the delivery room, (the largest corner room they have in the place with a great view of a creek,) I managed to endure the contractions for another hour or so and then decided to have my nurse call in the anesthesiologist to provide me with some relief in the form of an epidural. I’m not one to endure pain for the sake of pain; I know my limits. So once the kind man gave me my numbing drip, I was able to rest/doze off and get ready to meet our new baby. My water broke on its own, shortly after, I pushed once, and at 12:19 P.M., little Miss Ingrid Anmarene was out!
When they announced to us that we had a girl to add to our family, I was in disbelief. Prior to her arrival, I had come around to the notion of having 3 boys. I just assumed that is what we’d have. But no, clearly God has other things in store for us – and we are so thankful for the newest gift He has given us.
My second moment of disbelief came when I heard how much my “little” girl weighed. I thought for sure they were a pound off, but no, she weighed in at 9 pounds, 12 ounces. That’s bigger than both of her brothers. All 3 kids were the same length: 22 inches. My little Sheck babies…they’re long ones! No “newborn” clothes are worn in our house. We skip right to the 3 month clothes.
Ingrid is the first granddaughter on both sides of the family and the first great-granddaughter of the 7 great-grandkids on Jake’s side of the family. Let the inundation of pink begin!
Family photos
I wanted to get one last “foursome” family photo before the baby comes. We set up the tripod in the middle of the street and snapped away. (One of the benefits to living on a quiet, rarely traveled street.) I can’t believe we’ll be adding another baby to the mix in a few short weeks.
The Great Get Together
It’s State Fair time!
Once again, we loaded into the suburban and hit the fairgrounds with the kids and our friend, Michelle. It was chilly this year! we all needed extra layers and the boys each donned their stocking caps. Just a few days earlier, people were still dressed in summer clothes.
We hit our favorite cookie spot early on so we could enjoy them throughout our tour. We also made a stop at the Miracle of Birth building. This year, our visit to the building had a particularly “special” meaning, since we are going to experience our own miracle of birth in a few short weeks!
The other memorable stop during our visit was to the giant slide. Nolan and Lincoln loved the ride – Lincoln even asked to go again.
Party for Papa
My mom wasn’t feeling well on my dad’s actual birthday, so we delayed the celebration by a couple of days. We had a delicious dinner, complete with pulled pork sandwiches, multiple salads, and of course cake, provided by our family friend, Teri. (She makes an amazing rum cake.) The boys once again were candle blowing assistants for Papa.
3rd Annual In Nissedalen I Like to Be
The annual cousins’ gathering at Nissedalen was a bit smaller than in years past, but we definitely weren’t missing any food or fun. The weather was perfect! We did have a short rain delay, causing us all to head inside the main cabin, but we played the games Kristin organized (minute to win it style) to pass the time. The boys had a blast, but that probably goes without saying. Lincoln loved jumping off of the dock and Nolan had fun being pulled on the tube.
Boys visit Nissedalen
Kari was in town this weekend (and it was her birthday) so being the wonderful brother he is 🙂 Jake so Jake loaded up the boys and headed north where she was visiting. I didn’t feel up for the trek, so I opted to stay home and get a little (much needed) rest. Judging from the pictures Jake took, everyone had a lot of fun. Stacie and Larissa were also there, so there was no shortage of extra hands if Jake needed help corralling the kiddos. And of course, no visit to the lake would be complete without some casting practice. Forget actually fishing for fish, my kids just like to cast and reel the casting weight back in 🙂
4th of July (on the 3rd)
We celebrated our Nation’s birthday a day early this year. We took a few friends along with us to Jake’s parents’ cabin. It was a fantastic day to be on the lake! We arrived a little before lunch time and everyone headed for the water. We had lunch and then went back for more water play. At one point, the boat had a minor tow rope issue, so Jason, Jake & their dad had to take it to the boat launch to have a look. While they were fixing the problem, Jake turned into a lobster. You could see how red he was getting from across the lake! (Needless to say, the next few days will probably be pretty painful for him!)
We ended the day with a few fireworks on the beach – the kids loved the sparkles. On the drive home, the boys all crashed. Not surprising, I know, since we had spent the entire day outside in the fresh air. Still, the little sleepers always manage to bring a smile to my face – they are just so precious (and quiet) when they’re sleeping.
Father’s Day and 50 years
We spent Father’s Day at my parents’ house this year. The weather was beautiful! We played in the backyard, which the kids loved. Bocce ball, hula hoops, wiffle ball, oh and of course, “water squirters!” Good times.
After dinner, we headed to Jake’s grandparents’ 50th anniversary party. 50 years! What an awesome event to celebrate! Jake had taken some of their wedding slides and scanned them, so those at the party were able to “relive” the original celebration along with Lois & Dale. (Photos taken by Jake’s cousin, Beth.)
