life at home

Madeline is so excited to have her new little brother home where she can dote on him.

Welcome : Spencer James Hope

Our sweet little baby boy waited 41 weeks and a few hours before making his debut, which made his arrival all the more exciting.
Spencer was born on January 24th - weighing 9lbs and 21in. We are loving having him as part of our family.

 

 

Madeline's visit at the hospital

 

Another day in the snow

I should say " night in the snow" Brad and Madeline went out to sled at around 4pm - it was starting to get a little bit dark but not bad. After one ride down the hill and a face full of snow... they wound up building a huge snow fort instead. By this time its totally dark outside and all I can see are to little bodies in the middle of a big pile of snow. They had a great time and their fort is the envy of the neighborhood. :)

One of those days when no one left the house - even if they wanted to.

After snowing all night and most of the day we got a little snow. About 16in around the house and easily 25in on our back deck. I used Madeline as our measuring stick for part of the day, but the snow continues to fall - even as I write this.
Brad put in some serious time snow blowing our driveway. Madeline and I watched him from our usual spot in the laundry room. Its days like this I'm ok with not having a walkway...
Tomorrow we can make snow angels and build a snowman, but for now I will make some hot chocolate and get ready for Bubbie's (my mom) arrival tomorrow night. I cant wait for her to get here, I love having her stay with us. She makes every thing feel like home.
Thanks mom.

Patience is a virtue

Madeline has come with me to almost every Dr. appointment I have had for the last  9  month's. We listen to the baby's heartbeat together and then while the Dr. and I have a boring conversation she sits patiently on "her" chair and draws smiley face's for daddy. I have to say she has been much more patience through out this process then I have.
I love you my sweet Madeline, I feel so lucky to have been chosen to be your Mommy. Thank you for being my little friend. I cant wait for you to meet your baby brother. I know you will be a wonderful, sweet and loving big sister.

Once there was a Snowman, Snowman, Snowman...

We picked the perfect day to build our Snowman. No wind and almost 50 degrees that day. We were nice and warm taking our time building Madeline's first Snowman. She loved every second of it. Afterward we went for a walk around the block with the neighbor girls. Madeline got a ride - as usual.

Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve - a quick picture after Santa came.

Brad and Rachel putting together Madeline's table and chairs

 A little early for pictures... Madeline found her stocking outside her door. Right where Santa left it.

Sweater from Grammy.

 

Playing with her new computer - which she LOVES!

Madeline loves her new bakers outfit. She walks around saying  "What should we make?"

We had a wonderful Christmas complete with snow and Rachel as our special guest. It was so nice to be together as a family in our own house. I loved being able to include our family's traditions and start a few new ones of our own.  

stockings... check.

After much ado I finished our stocking just in time for Santa.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

I am so excited for Christmas this year. Its our first Christmas with just our little family in our first house. Madeline is excited about everything with the word Christmas in it, which naturally makes it even more fun for us. If all this wasn't enough we are getting ready for our new little arrival in Jan. It will be so fun to add a sweet little boy to our family.

Now I'm off to make stockings...