Happy Birthday, Hunter

 

So we finally celebrated Hunter's birthday Saturday evening.  As mentioned before he wanted a Dukes of Hazzard theme, which really just means the cake and a few other little odds and ends. (We keep it pretty simple usually).  We had to put his party off a week because we got him a really big surprise that wouldn't quite be ready in time for his actual birthday.

Hunter and Buster

This was a total surprise for Hunter because he has wanted a dog for so long, and we (meaning Dad) have said no.  It's a yellow lab - no surprise if you know me- and the smile has not come off Hunter's face all weekend.

Thanks, Amy

Hunter decided he wanted a"Dukes of Hazzard" party for his 7th birthday this year. I was really having a hard time finding any party supplies at local stores or even online. When talking to my sister Amy, she said just make something up on the computer. She got me thinking so I had to blog the cup labels and treat bags that we made, plus a couple pictures of the cake. And just to say thanks to her, I included a picture of her favorite nephew baby. Thanks, Amy, and stay tuned for more birthday pics.

Aren't I just the cutest?

A few pics from our celebration of Resurrection Day.

Sorry it's a little blurry but the smile was just too cute!

Socks and Love

Too cool with her shades

Many keep asking how Shelby is doing in all the change that adding a new baby to our family has brought.  She has her up days and her down days, but nothing has been what we haven't expected. She loves her baby, but often a little too roughly.  She continues daily times of struggle with the amount of attention the baby requires (and takes from her).  She has however managed, even during this time, to make small steps forward.  First she has learned how to put her socks on by herself and is almost to the point of dressing herself.  The socks and shoes are a big accomplishment for a girl who doesn't have good fine motor skills and still lacks a lot of the strength she should have in her fingers and hands. Second, she has started attempting words and gets quite a few beginning syllables.  Again, however, this is all on "Shelby Time" meaning she will spontaneously use words when she wants but never when mom or dad tries to get her to say something.  She walked to me last night carrying a book to read and clearly said, "boo_"; she has said "ba-oon" numerous times since her favorite thing to play with currently is a big blue punch balloon; she has also used "aw-done" especially when she wants mom to be done doing something she doesn't care for like combing her hair or lotioning her very dry skin.  But the best word attempt has happened two times with me, and both times took me by surprise.  One night, I was giving her a kiss, then signing and saying "I Love You" as I always do with her when I tuck her in bed, and she tried to sign it back (which she often tries now) and then said "Wuv".  Then just a few days ago she was on the couch giving me a big hug around the neck and she said " Iwuv".  Each time made my heart jump.  I am so anxious to have her start talking and hear all the fun little ways she says things.  I'm having a hard time waiting, but as I'm learning with this girl, there is just no rushing her!

fuzzy blue bear

Quick update on Caleb...he is doing well.  He is now sleeping at least 5 continuous hours during the night (Yay) and is grinning and cooing up a storm.  He had his first wellness check last week and already weighs 10 lbs.  Scott has started calling him "Big C" (which is a lumber/hardware place around here).  I didn't realize until I picked this photo to put on the blog because of his cute grin that he has on his champion eater shirt, ha,ha. I would not actually call him a great eater because he is so slow and sleepy when he eats, but obviously he is getting enough to grow well!!! 

What a grin!
 

Caleb is Here!

This is Amy, Jen's sister.  I've high-jacked her blog because I took about 100 pictures of baby Caleb while I was visiting the family over Christmas.   Since Jen has her hands full right now, I told her I would post some pictures to keep her public satisfied.  =)

Caleb Scott Schaetzle- 12/6/12

6 lbs 12 oz 20 in

12/22/12

Talking to Grandpa & Grandma

Grandma Neild "babysitting"

This boy loves his fingers

Checking out his favorite Aunt.  =)

Outfit bought by his favorite Aunt

It says "I rule my little kingdom"

Shelby has had a bit of an adjustment with a new baby in the house but is now very loving with Caleb.  She just has to be reminded to be "gentle" with her loving. 

Merry Christmas 2012

Meeting Uncle Andy for the first time

Cousin Essie & Aunt Amy

Cousin Chloe

Countdown to Baby

I really haven't talked much about my pregnancy but as of today, I am 38 weeks along. People tell me I am not looking it, but trust me, I am feeling it. I'm not complaining because I know what a blessing it is to carry this baby after we thought we would not have any more biologically, but there comes a point where you just can't do things you normally do just fine, like bending over, getting up off the couch, climbing a flight of stairs without totally losing your breath, or walking without feeling like a duck waddling. It has been a pretty good pregnancy, and I'm so thankful I got to do it one more time.

Due to my clotting issues, meds, and higher risks, my doctor has decided to induce me one week from today. So barring any crazy complications, our son will be born next Thursday, Dec. 6.  In some ways it is nice to know in advance to have all the details worked out for Hunter and Shelby.

Keep us in your prayers next week that everything goes smoothly for delivery.  I would also appreciate prayer for the kids adjustment, especially Shelby, who I think is going to have a really hard time. Just a hunch!

Trick or Treat

This was such yucky weather for trick or treating, but the freezing rain didn't seem to keep too many home. However after about twenty minutes, Shelby was signing "cold" even though I had 3 layers on that girl. We got her to last about another 30 minutes by blasting the heat in the car, but then she whined and fussed all the way home. Thank goodness "town" is only 7 minutes away.

Tigger and the cow are ready to head out.

Digging into some goodies-Hunter was thrilled with this little chocolate ball wrapped like an eyeball.

Cousin H came over to Grandma and Grandpa's house where we also ended up.  I don't think real pirates were ever that cute!