Deer Camp & Emma's "Baby"

Last weekend Nathan went to “Deer Camp” with father-in-law (Carl) and good friend (Jim) at Jim’s rustic cabin near Big Rapids, where the family hunters gathered before opening day of firearm deer hunting season. Nathan enjoyed playing cards, telling stories, eating, and napping away from the “real world” of cell phones and running water. They recommend Carl James or James Carl as baby boy names, and wonder of the baby will be born on either of their birthdays (June 28th or July 1st).

Back at home, Grandma Bonnie stayed with Kristin to help with the “kids.” Emma started saying “happy, happy, happy” after Bonnie asked her if she was always this happy while they were playing. Other new things Emma started this week include her dragging around her “baby” and cuddling it close to her, and becoming more “selective” about sharing her toys with Daddy and Mommy during playtime (“No, ..Mine”). While we support Emma asserting herself, we hope this just remains only a normal phase of development.

Kristin is now 5 weeks pregnant and is mostly tired, so Daddy has been trying to help out a little more around the house. She is scheduled with her OB/GYN Nurse on December 1st , and we will see the first ultrasound on December 16th!

Congratulations!!!

Congratulations, Nate, Kristin and Emma! I'm so excited that we will be pregnant together for a little while! Emma will be a great big sister! You guys are a beautiful family.

Love,

Ana, Matt, Marcelo & (Isabella)

November 2008

The Fall always brings the mess of leaves, but this year Emma earned her keep!
Emma has something to add...

We're pregnant! We just got the positive pregnancy tests this weekend, so it is still VERY early on, but if all goes according to plan, Emma should have a sibling next July! We were especially grateful that Uncle Pete, Nana, and Grandpa Dave were visiting and could share the new news with us!

October 2008

The Thrall Family came to visit from Montana, and we all spent a Friday afternoon at the Three Cedars Farm. So many fun things to do there - doughnuts, playing, tractors, hayrides, pumpkins - what a terrific place!

For Halloween, Emma had difficulties in choosing between the two costumes that we borrowed. So she was a ladybug by day, for the Daycare Party, and a bumblebee by night, for trick-or-treating with friends.

Emma quickly vacated the wagon, so that she could walk like a big girl.

September

Over Labor Day weekend, we went to the Obama rally in Battle Creek. Unfortunately, we had to leave before actually hearing him speak, since Nathan was on call. But the experience and atmosphere were still awesome...YES WE CAN!! (and did!)

Our first trip to the Toledo Zoo!