She's Here!

With joy we introduce the newest member of our family

A Baby Girl

River Elizabeth Bristow-Hanna

Born June 21, 2008 at 10:15 am

7 lbs 5 oz

19 1/4 inches long

Big Brother Liam loves his sister

Mom and Dad are doing well and feel very blessed

Guess away!!!

Per Gina's suggestion, I do think we should have a bet to see who can be the closest to when this child will come. I love guessing things, so hopefully you will to. For your information, Liam was due June 15 and was born June 9 at 1:15 pm. So, let the betting begin...let's hear your best guess at if you think it will be a boy or girl and when they will arrive (due date is 4th of July).

The Waiting Is the Hardest Part

I remember distinctly on November 2 telling Jeb that I was pretty certain we were having another baby. We had gone to PF Chang's for dinner and a table opened up for us despite the fact that everyone else was going to have a 2 hour wait. We got in quickly and everything was perfect! Well, now it's our turn to wait. It's almost hard to believe that it is nearing the end of June and that our baby is due in 2 weeks. He/she could come tomorrow or a month from now. It's a pretty exciting time in our life although it just doesn't seem possible that the time is already here. Here is to some patience. And here's a most recent photo of my ever-growing self. I was telling Jeb today that I am a little unaware of the size of my midsection because I keep bumping into things with it.

Happy Birthday Liam!

Liam three years ago
Liam today

I distinctly remember where I was and what I was doing three years ago last week. Jeb and I had stayed up all night long and had not even a wink of sleep. It was painful. It was dramatic. But the end result was so perfect and beautiful. Liam was born. Last week was Liam's third birthday. It is strange to think that it has already been three years with this sweet boy, but it has. Every day is a new day to learn more about him and his personality. Liam has a very sweet and easy going personality, a lot like his dad I think. The majority of the time he is pretty quiet and doesn't say a lot unless he is really wound up or he is really passionate about something. He has really grown to be independent lately too. He can change his own diaper. He can dress himself. He likes to fasten and unfasten his own car seat. Around our house it is not unlikely to find him playing in his room by himself or simply doing his own thing. And while he does have a very secure nature about him, he is also so sweet and loving. He is a great cuddler and likes to be snuggled to sleep, he likes to sit on our laps and read books and he likes to be carried and lay his little head on our shoulder. Some things that I have enjoyed watching him grow and learn and do over the past few months have been to watch his imagination truly come to life. He likes to take all of his cars and they talk to each other, he tells them to go to time out, he puts them down for naps, and the cars "play" together. It is a pretty funny sight to see. Liam likes to do crafts and arts. He loves to paint and color. He is really good at using scissors and he likes to tape things. He is also getting really good at building things with legos all by himself. He can build towers and fences and buildings. I appreciate that Liam likes to help a lot. If we ask him for help, he is very willing whether that means to carry his things to the car, throwing things in the garbage, cleaning up his toys, or helping mom cook in the kitchen. I must say that Liam is extremely helpful in the kitchen, his specialties include, but are not limited to stirring, pouring things, and salad spinning. I have never met such an eager salad spinner in my life! Liam is a good singer. He can sing so many different songs and my favorite ones to hear are all of his songs from Sunday School. And my favorite moments of him singing are when he is oblivious to anyone listening to him. I have enjoyed every moment of watching him grow from a new baby to a little boy. His day is special to me because it reminds me of the birth of my son, the gift of life, and it was also the day that I became a mom. Thank you Liam, you are a real gift. I look forward to watching you grow.

Helping

Blowing out the candles