We've MOVED!!!

We've moved!

Well, the time has come (we knew it would someday!)...

Our family has grown by one more and Daniel has grown into such a big boy- he's not a baby anymore...

So, we've moved to a new blog address as some of you may have already noticed.

We hope you'll join our family's NEW adventures...we can't wait to keep sharing our news and stories with you!

You can find our new blog here: (click the link below or click the picture at the top of this post)
http://danielannabeladventures.blogspot.com/

Of course, this blog will remain open in case you want to revisit Daniel's Baby Steps- I know I will! Daniel may be a big boy now and all grown up in so many ways, but he will always be my baby!

Daniel's 1st Sleepover!

Daniel got to have his very first sleepover at Grandma's house this week- for three nights in a row, too! He was SO good for them and he kept to his routines very well, and they all had a lot of fun! I'm super proud of Daniel! I sure missed him, but it was great to know he was doing so well.

Since our c-section was scheduled (at the last minute pretty much, but we were still ready for it), it made it very easy to plan things for Daniel and my parents. I had Daniel's bag and a bin of food all packed weeks ago, and with a few last minute additions, he was ready to go. Grandpa Gary came over to our house very early Thursday morning to be there when Daniel woke up, while we headed to the hospital to prepare for Annabel's delivery.

Daniel knew Pop-Pop Gary would be there to wake him up and that we would be gone and he handled that very well. I was so proud of him. Cute story: I was talking to a neighbor on Wednesday afternoon while we were outside and she wished us luck "for tomorrow"; Daniel immediately stopped drawing with chalk and chimed in to the conversation, "Pop-Pop coming over!" He knew what was happening "tomorrow"- I loved that! It also never ceases to amaze me how much he listens when you think he's busy!

Aunt Christina was at Grandma Cheryl's house to greet Daniel when they arrived later on Thursday morning, so I have her to thank for some fantastic pictures of Daniel's first day at Grandma's.

There's my big boy!

Daniel sports his "Big Brother" shirt...and a cheese face!

Checking out the luggage!

Playing "pretend nap"

Daniel apparently would color for looooong periods of time!

In all, they had a lot of fun, playing with all of Grandma's toys, old ones and even some new ones! Daniel enjoyed coloring and watching videos, too. Grandma and Grandpa took turns reading to Daniel for bedtimes. And since Daniel was there for a long time, he even learned the names of their cats (up till now he only knew Lucy, the dog; the cats never really stayed around long enough to get to know them!). It was funny because he came home and looked at Zoey and said, "Not Joey, ZOEY!" (Joey is Uncle Brian's cat and he looks sort of like Zoey- they're both gray.) Thanks again, Grandma Cheryl and Grandpa Gary for having Daniel to stay over at your house- that was such a big help! We're so glad everybody had a good time.

We're glad to all be back in our own beds now. My little boy is now such a BIG boy, having spent a few nights away from his Mommy and Daddy! And now we've also paved the way for more sleepovers...someday (you'll get your turn, too, Grandma Mary Kay!), when our schedules are normal (wait- what's that?!) again and our lives are a little more settled down. For now, we're a very happy family of four, together in our home!

Another Nature Class...Just Daddy and Daniel!

Daniel had another of his Saturday Nature Classes today, so we thought it'd be a great chance for him to get some much needed Daddy time. They had a lot of fun, but it was also kind of a confusing day for Daniel and understandably so. Ben picked Daniel up from Grandma's, stopped at home for some warmer clothes (it was chilly today!), went to Nature Class, spent some more time back at home to have lunch and play with our familiar toys again, and then Daniel went back to Grandma's for the rest of the afternoon and one more night while Ben came back to the hospital for our last night- it was a lot of zigzagging, but still a good day for all. Meanwhile, Annabel and I had a ton of visitors- so we had a busy day, too!

Today's Nature Class theme was Rainbows. They looked for pieces of rainbows (tissue paper squares spread out all over the Nature Center), played a game with colored domes, played with the parachute and some balls on the parachute, went into the woods to look for colors, and they ended by making an art project- which Daniel said was for Mommy! Nice to know I was thought of! And of course Daniel wanted to play more outside after class was over!

Here are some pictures of Daniel at his class!

Daniel is a BIG Brother!

Daniel, Ben, & I are thrilled to announce the arrival of a much anticipated Baby Sister!

Welcome to the World...
Annabel Kathleen
4/14/11
7:59 AM
7 lbs. 15 oz.
20.5 inches

Of course Daniel came to meet Annabel right away! He was so sweet with her- I was impressed. We talked a LOT about babies before she was born, why they cry and what they need, and of course we had her lions already picked out to share with her when she gets sad or when she sleeps. I'm sure Daniel didn't know what to make of the reality of baby sister, but we'd already practiced saying her name so he was able to tell everybody right away what her name was. He says it so cute, too!

Without further ado...Meet Annabel!

Mommy & Daddy with Annabel...minutes after she was born!

Mommy and Annabel in the hospital room

So precious!

Not a happy naked baby!

Daniel's first glimpse of Annabel when he arrived

Daddy and Daniel sit with Annabel...
Daniel has her lion handy!
What a precious picture!

Daniel checks out his new sister!

We were pointing out the parts of her face...just like Daniel's face!

Toy cars and trucks kept Daniel entertained for the rest of his first visit!

Now, head over to our NEW BLOG for more of Daniel and Annabel's Adventures!
More on the new blog later...

Daniel and Mommy...The Two of Us

Somehow, I feel really weird announcing the date that we're having our baby...something about the surprise of it being eliminated, but alas, such is the case with a planned c-section. But, really, since this post is so late, most of you will probably be reading news of the baby before you read this post anyway (if I get back to the computer anytime soon!).

And SO, without further ado...we're delighted to be welcoming our baby girl in less than 12 hours from the time I write this. During our latest appointment yesterday (Tuesday), we decided that we were ready, we didn't see a reason to delay any further, baby girl is apparently quite cozy and content and not going anywhere, and unless we wanted to start being more closely and frequently monitored (which they do when you go past due date- our due date being Friday, April 15th) to still attempt a trial of labor...she's ready, we're ready- so let's meet our little girl now and get this show on the road! So we scheduled a c-section for tomorrow morning- Thursday, April 14th. Yes, I should be in bed now since I have to get up SUPER early, but I wanted to write about my delightful day soaking in the minutes with my little guy, just the two of us.

Somehow I thought having it all scheduled would make things a little easier...it turns out, not so much. We've been ready, packed and all, you'd think there wasn't much left to do or think of... I suppose it's just nerves, and for me, I think it's knowing that tomorrow is THE day and having all day to think about it, as opposed to it still being any day now and not having any time to think about it on the spur of the moment. All that and the hormones...

In spite of the hormones bringing on big rolling tears of happiness and nervousness (I didn't know tear drops could be SO big!), I found so many ways to just smile and relax today. My son warms my heart and brings me tremendous joy- it's as simple as that-and I think of how we get to do all of this again!

So here's our day...the two of us...

We built towers with blocks...
I LOVE Daniel's "thinking hand"-
the other hand is always closed like that when he's concentrating.

We snuggled and watched TV (oh how I love the snuggling!), and played with our marble tower and many other toys.

After Daniel's nap, we headed outside for some fresh air- that felt SO good! I needed that for sure and was so glad for it! I know I'll be cooped up indoors for a while, so I thank the weather gods for making today such a beautiful refreshing day!

Daniel played basketball...

And cheered himself on!

Daniel LOVES drawing with the chalk!

Daniel wanted me to draw a sad face and I asked him to show me what that looked like. At first he smiled, so then I showed him with my face what a sad face might look like. This is what I got next! Too funny!

Daniel was spinning in circles, drawing at the same time...silly boy!

Daniel LOVES the mulch as much as he did last year!
He's got good balance carrying his scoop of mulch from one part of the yard to another...

We got another present for baby girl today...and even one for Daniel! He was SO excited!
Of course, Daniel got to help open them after dinner.

Daniel even knew his present was a "new movie" before opening it!
Guess he knows that shape now!

Daniel helps open baby sister's present, too...
and he even took off with it to put it away before I could even see it!

He was SO excited about his new movie, I told him he could put it in his suitcase so he could watch it at Grandma Cheryl's. He kept saying, "for DANIEL'S suitcase, not Mommy's!", and after running off with sister's new clothes, he ran off with his new movie, found his suitcase, opened it and started putting it right in. Such a good helper!


Then, Daniel and Daddy headed to the park, while I got some more things done and rested a bit, and then we all played some more when they got home. I ended my delightful day with Daniel with the best good night hugs and kisses (and even a bonus blow kiss!), and I even got to watch and listen to Daniel's most wonderful giggles (his giggles are just the BEST!) while he and Daddy read books before bedtime.

Here's hoping things go well for us, for baby girl, and for Daniel...
We'll keep you posted!

Let's see if I can get some sleep now...

Another Beautiful Day!

We had another beautiful day today! The first thing Daniel said this morning when I got him out of bed was "Go outside in backyard! Play baseball!" So as soon as he and Daddy got dressed and ate breakfast this morning, they headed right outside to the backyard. Then, after I'd gotten all ready, I joined them on an outing to the park. It was so nice to be outside, get some fresh air, and feel the breeze. Daniel had fun checking things out at the "different park"- we went to this other park near our house, a different one than last time- at his request. I was glad Daddy was with us, so I could rest and watch the fun! We weren't there too long- Daniel decided he wanted to go back home after a while, so we took the scenic route around the pond and headed home. Daniel LOVED driving his car the whole way to the park and home! Back at home, he and Daddy played some more in the backyard and drew lots of pictures on our driveway with chalk. In all, Daniel was outside for a LONG time, really. He had so much fun outside!

Daniel was convinced he needed a coat! So, yes, he's wearing a sweatshirt, even though it was really warm out. We tried telling him he didn't need it because it was warm, believe me, but he's a creature of habit- he really wanted it on- AND zipped (I couldn't get that one by him either- I tried to leave it unzipped, unsuccessfully!). He took it off for a while, and then he'd want it back when it got really windy, and then he'd take it off again. I figure he knows how he's feeling and when he's comfortable and when he's not, so it was up to him- and honestly, it's going to get chilly again, so he'll need to keep wearing it anyhow. I just thought it was cute how much he sticks to routines like this, and how he knows the "rules"- I have to keep reminding myself how different things are for him since last summer now that he's older and he knows so much more, and how long it's been since he's not had to wear a coat or since he's worn short sleeves (that was funny, too- he took a few minutes to get used the short sleeves!). Hopefully we'll get some warm weather back again soon...it sure is nice to be outside!

Here's Daniel driving his car! So cute!

Climbing around on the playground

Bouncing on a dinosaur

Down the slide with Daddy!

Back at home...playing baseball and checking out the fun toys in the shed again

Drizzle Drops Nature Class

Our Nature Classes have started again! Yippeee!!! We are so excited to be going back to the classes at the local Nature Center. Daniel talked about going to the class all week and seeing his teacher Ms. Connie.

Today was the first of a few Saturday classes they offered and then the weekly Monday classes start again in May. When I signed Daniel up (about a month ago), I had no idea who would be taking him and I certainly didn't think I'D be able to go! (I kind of thought a little baby girl might be here already...) But there was no question about it- I was definitely signing him up since he loved it before and I knew SOMEbody (Daddy, Grandmas, Grandpas) would be delighted to take him (or equally delighted to watch the baby so I could take him!). Anyway, I was super excited that I could take him today...we shall see about next Saturday though! And of course we took Daddy with us today, too- Daniel was SO excited to take both Mommy AND Daddy to Nature Class. That was a HUGE deal for him!

Today's class was about how the rain helps plants- hence the title of the class, Drizzle Drops. Daniel looked super cute in his new bright green windbreaker and the CUTEST green boots! (Actually, I was very glad he was SO green- it made it really easy to see him amongst all the brown- at least for now!) We started out just like the other nature classes- with an outdoor hike and then ended up with a craft, which we did outside, too. The weather was BEAUTIFUL today- sunny, warm (70's), and it was a really great day to be outside getting fresh air.

During our hike, we made it "rain" with the parachute and then the parachute became a "mushroom" for shelter from the "rain" (Daniel actually participated in this- he hasn't liked the parachute much in the past), we watered any green leaves/plants and any trees we saw that could be thirsty (Daniel LOVED watering the plants!), and we helped gather sticks to build the fort in the forest (Daniel also LOVED finding sticks and putting them on the fort), they learned a new song about rain (Daniel isn't much into songs in class- he sat on the log, but that was very momentary and he decided he'd rather keep watering plants!). Then the kids got to make a project with coffee filters and markers, and then they sprayed the filters with water to watch the colors spread. Daniel had fun using the markers and of course his project is proudly displayed on our fridge.

We ended our morning outing with a trip to lunch, the three of us. Daniel took a decent nap shortly after we got home and then the first thing he asked to do afterwards was color the picture Ms. Connie gave us to take home and color. He was very excited about this and talked a lot about the class while he colored. His little mind sure soaks up a LOT!

What a FUN Nature Class! Enjoy the TONS and TONS of pictures below... you know me, I can't pick!

Daniel is ready for class!

Looking SO cute of course!

Ready for our hike...holding Daddy's hand!

Making it "rain" with the parachute

Now they're all under the "mushroom"

Daniel LOVED scooping up all the leaves

Daniel gives the tree a drink...
He was actually pretty good at finding all the green leaves sprouting up, too.

Going back for more water

I think this is a sweet picture of him walking in the forest.
He tends to hold our hand a lot, but he is also actually pretty confident and pretty steady, too!

Daddy helps Daniel use a spray bottle to water the plants

Daniel's few seconds on sitting on the log for the song...
Still a cute picture, even if it was brief.

It's hard to see, but Daniel found a BIG stick to carry on our way to the fort.
And, yes, I'm VERY careful when walking around out there!

Here are several pictures of Daniel helping to build the fort with sticks he found...

Now that's a BIG stick!

I love this picture- the weird angle is fun, I love how Daniel's look up at something (not sure what), I LOVE his intertwined fingers, and those bright boots crack me up!

Now, Daniel's IN the fort!
He only went in after everybody had left...he sure likes to do things in his own time.
I can respect that! Makes for cuter pictures anyhow with no other kids...

Holding on and climbing over big piles of sticks

Ta-Da!

Busy making the craft project

After class, we headed back out to where we were hiking because Daniel REALLY wanted to check out this house! He had a lot of fun with this house!

Daddy spotted this snake on the way back to the car

More classes coming up and we can't wait to go back!

We all enjoyed our family outing today...and we really enjoyed the beautiful weather! What a nice treat! I'm really excited for baby girl, but in a way, I'm glad she's waited because I got to spend this wonderful, refreshing day with my little family...