Party re-cap

Talking to family while opening gifts

Gus loves his new sleeping bag.

My one successful rose plant bloomed on Gus's birthday.

Practicing his swing.

and of course, cake time.

Lucy wasn't sure what to think...

What Lucy has been doing

A picture-heavy post to show her various expressions. (and cute hat and socks- thanks Mrs. WT)

Blue Lake Camp Out

Lola, too darn cute...

Lucy, a little camera shy

Mmm, applesauce.

Two severe cases of bed head.

So this post has very little Lake and a whole lot of Lola, but you can't blame me- she is just too cute.

Uncle Wally and his adorable family met us out at Blue for a camp out. The weather was warm, the skeeters tenacious, and food was excellent.

Someone is Three today

Three years ago (above), and now (below).

Happy Birthday, buddy!

Tying the Knot

Congratulations to Aaron and Aunt Molly, who are newly engaged (as of yesterday, in fact). A wedding in the family is always something to look forward to. We are all very happy to hear their exciting news.

The Murphy-O'Brien wedding: Does it get any more Irish than that?

Congrats!

Sandbox Fun

Raking the sand- a very Zen activity

Ah... for a brief moment, the sun comes out.

And a picture of Lucy, of course. Loving the binky.

Sweetness

Sleeping so sweetly. And she has her Daddy's beefy forearms.

Gus in Action

Playing with a truckload of sand and exhibiting typical almost-3-year-old behavior. Enjoy.

Lucy in Action

This is as exciting as it gets, but of course we think she's captivating.

Fun Weekend

Snuggling with Dad

Hanging with the Fam- good to see you Tim and Kathy

Slingin' it, thanks to Brooke and AC

Running with the Dogs

Fishing Blue Lake

Brotherly Love

The Papasan Chair: Out of Retirement

Here is Lucy, now 2 weeks old, lounging in the Papasan Chair this morning with Gus. Yes, we have already had a few adventures and its only 7:30.

And Below: Gus, at 9 days old, in the same chair. Oh my, look at the size of his noggin.

.....and, I'm spent!

Cousin May Annalee is Here!

Congratulations to Uncle Ben and Aunt Holli, they just welcomed a baby girl (yay team pink) yesterday afternoon. Her name is May Annalee and she was 8 pounds 1 ounce at birth. These little cousins are exactly one week apart- and come to think of it, Holli and I are also exactly one week apart in age. Crazy! Can't wait to meet little Mae, hopefully sometime soon.

Lucy the Milk Monster

When Lucy was born, she weighed 7 pounds 11 ounces. At two days old, she had dropped to 7 pounds 6 ounces- most babies lose some weight right away. Yesterday at her 5 day old weigh-in, she tipped the scales at 8 pounds even.

She has been sleeping a ton, but when her eyes are open we all get so excited. She has such gorgeous dark blue eyes.

When I put Gus to bed at night, now I have one more person to read to. She seems to like story time just as much as he does. And he thinks it is so fun to have her laying in bed next to him for a bit each evening.

Getting the hang of it

Gus is quite natural with his baby sister, actually. He marvels at her feminine long long fingers and toes. Everyone wants a turn to hold her, and he is right up there. always asking to hold little Lucy.

She seems to like him and recognizes his voice for sure. Its really sweet to watch.

Welcome Lucy Kathleen

Well, the blog voters were right: we had a girl! Lucille Kathleen was born May 16th, 2008 at 10:51 am. She was 7 pounds, 11 ounces with a head of dark hair. (same weight and hair as momma, 29 years ago). She has absolutely melted our hearts and is the perfect baby (I know all mothers say this bit, so just bear with me). Gus is a great big brother, loves to kiss her and is very gentle with her. "Good morning, Lucy" he said this morning.

The birth was very easy and just as exciting as last time- even though it was a scheduled C section. When they said "we have a girl" it was the best moment ever.

Well I have a little hungry girl in the next room, so I gotta get. I will post more details later.
Thanks for all the support and well wishes- We are very thankful to be a happy and healthy - and now complete- family unit.