Pictures to print

Hi family (and friends).  Here are some pictures we've taken and are going to print.  If you would like me to order prints for you too, please email me and let me know which pic and what size.  The pics are Noah at 3 yrs old, Annabelle newborn, and all 3 kids.  Thanks.
                                                       Noah 1

                                                       Noah 2

                                                       Noah 3

                                          All 3 Black and white

                                          All 3 color

                                          Annabelle 1

                                          Annabelle 2

Annabelle's Baptism

Annabelle was baptized last Sunday, 9/13, the day after Joy's birthday since our whole family was here.  Since we don't have a church home in Stevens Point (we are feeling stuck between two choices), we asked our friend and pastor, Matt Wipperman, from Madison to do a private baptism in our backyard.  It was a very short, intimate, and perfect celebration of Annabelle joining God's family.  The Wipperman's have been part of all 3 of our kids' baptisms, so it meant a lot to have them here.  The baptism was followed by food, cake, and very nice gifts.  We feel so blessed to be surrounded by such loving family on both sides and for God's abundant blessings in our lives.

Annabelle update:  She grew a lot in her first month of life from 9lbs 5 ozs to 12 lbs 7 ozs.  She is in 3-6 month clothes already.  She also started out life as a very crabby baby.  The doctor recommended trying a dairy free diet, which made this farm girl rather upset.  But, Annie's symptoms progressively worsened, forcing me to try it.  And, behold, it has helped her tremendously.  So, selfishly, I'm very sad to not have dairy products in my life, but for Annie's sake, we are so happy to have a happy baby in the house.  The hope is that I can reintroduce dairy sometime after Annie is 3 months old, which is a time when a lot of babies outgrow their dairy sensitivity.
 She sleeps well, getting me up two times most nights.  I am starting to long for a full nights rest though.  Joy slept through the night at 2 months and Noah started at 3 months, so I'm really hoping Annabelle follows her siblings' sleep patterns.  She has also started taking at least 1 long nap each day, sometimes 2, which is allowing me to get more things done around the house and spend more 1:1 time with Noah.  Noah often says in a sad/disappointed tone of voice, "Annabelle eats a lot."  Poor guy.  I hope to make it up to him once Annabelle gets a little older.

Here are some pictures of the baptism.

Joy is 6

Joy turned 6 years old last weekend.  We had a small family party on Saturday at our house in honor of her birthday.  She had a great time and asked if we can do 'this' every year.  I imagine we will, but will include some of her friends in future parties as well.  She has made a few friends at school and on the bus in just two weeks of school already.  We've met some more neighbor kids and parents now that school has started too.  Stevens Point is feeling more and more like home with each season.  Joy was really excited for school to start, so the first week was smooth sailing.  The second week brought more tears and separation anxiety.  This week she seems to be bouncing back a little evident by her boarding the bus with a smile instead of tears.  The bus driver has been really supportive of Joy by saving a front seat just for her to sit, which makes Joy feel a lot more safe.  Joy continues to love her baby sister, Annabelle.  She is also interested in trying out ice skating, gymnastics, and basketball this fall.  That list is a little long for me, so we'll see which ONE we end up choosing.

Here is my big girl!  Oh, yeah, and one of her two front teeth came out.  The other will be out soon too.  Doesn't she look like she is 8 years old now?!