Family Hike

M

Picnic at Shelter Gardens

Just a Wednesday hanging out with the family. 

Daniel ate Mac and cheese from HyVee. Elsa and I had sushi.  I came to this park when I was a little girl for picnics with my mom and aunt.

Family Photo June 2013

Taken at our cousins' house in St. James, Mo. Daniel calls the shoes he is wearing summer shoes.

Quick Hermann Trip

Gator ride
Seeing passenger train go through town
Playing in basement with grandpa
Singing for grandparents
Seeing cows
Playing in pink play castle
Eating four muffins and four pieces of pizza for lunch
Short nap, upset that dad and grandfather left to do man work without him
Playing with pump-rocket outside
Visit GGMA Haid
Visiting GGma Landolt
Sad to leave

Welcome to the world, little man.

You arrived on Monday morning, July 27, 2009.

We were anxious to meet you. You had several guests waiting to hold you, all full of anticipation.

Here are some of your very first moments in the world.

I wasn't able to hold you just when you were born because you were having breathing problems. The doctors were able to solve the problems and get your lungs and heart working properly, and twenty minutes later, Dr. Finstad brought you to me so I could cuddle you.

Curled up and sleepy after crying and being so alert during your newborn tests.

Your daddy helping the nursery staff bathe you.

He was the first family member to hold you. He had waited for that moment so long, and had longed to name you Daniel.

Your enthusiastic Aunt Rachie. She waited on pins and needles in the delivery room and texted her friends updates.

Your Grandma Becky arrived very early during labor to make sure she didn't miss your arrival.

Aunt Jessica also arrived early in the morning and was one of the first people to smile at you.

Your father held you for a long time the afternoon you were born while I rested.

Your Grandpa Douglas checked you out on Tuesday afternoon. He came to see you as soon as he was able.

This is how you slept in the hospital, in a tiny, plastic box. You had to wear a woolen hat to keep your temperature up.

We noticed you kept your hands up near your face most of the time, sleeping or awake.


We loved and loved and loved on you, sweet boy.  
We marveled that God chose you for us and us for you.  


You are a big game-changer, dear, and we are so in love with you.

Swimming in Ay-Rick's Pooh-L

Here's your swimming gear:

Wawger Wings

An O

Sangdolls

Swim shorts

SPF 50 Swim Shirt

A lot of patience, too because it takes Mommy and Daddy and Elsie awhile to get ready to visit the neighbor's pool,

Wait a minute, Daniel! Don't climb the stairs! Shoes off!

Daddy helps you out.

Jump right in!

Lots of happy faces and brave swimming.

You are really brave and enjoy swimming.

Its the first time your sister has been swimming, but you go often with your dad.

You can power kick around the pool so quickly.

You also blow bubbles in the water.

You drink the water sometimes, too.

You sing and yell.

You want mommy or daddy to play with you.

You love the water!

Its really difficult to get you to leave, but I know you'll have fun the next time we go swimming together.