Emma's 1st Birthday

Two months ago, our little Emma turned one. I cannot believe that two months have gone by since her birthday, let alone that a whole year has passed. The memories of her entering our family are bittersweet. I recognize the lost felt by her birth mother, father, and extended birth family; and yet rejoice over the healing and happiness she has brought to our family. I can honestly say she makes our little family feel complete.

I've decided for now on that anytime when I do a digital
scrapbook page of some pictures I am going to post it instead.

As you see, Emma's first experience with birthday parties was full of fun and family. She had her grandparents; most of her great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins; and some dear friends come to celebrate her life! Emma got a whole spring/summer wardrobe as gifts including some shoes from Grandpa & Grandma. I was elated to find out she loves shoes as much as me!

It's so fun dressing her in a new outfit each day. So a big thank you to each of you who gave gifts!

Barry's Ice Fishing Escapades

Summer is when most people recreate. That is not the case with our family. Barry being part owner of a landscape nursery means we have little time in the summer for play. The trees, shrubs, and perennials all need watered even on the holidays. 

For instance, Barry has golfed since high school.  For the first 5 years of our marriage, Barry would go golfing often but he hasn't gone golfing for at least 3 years now. 

Finally, a friend of his brother took him and his brother ice fishing on Henry's Lake. Barry came back literally "hooked." He already enjoyed fishing and it fit perfectly with his work schedule where winter is his down time. His grandpa was a fisherman and took Barry fishing a lot. 

Barry's new pursuit comes with a complete array of of new gear to store in our garage! (I'm laughing as I write this). Ice fishing snow pants and coat, fish radar, gas powered auger, portable shelter, gear sled, bait of all kinds, fishing poles and a contraption called the jaw-locker.

I used to really hate when he'd go because he would be gone most of the day. This year I decided to put myself in his shoes and realized being Mr. Mom during the winter takes its toll on him. Hopefully I ended up not grumbling as much.

His favorite place to fish is Henry's Lake. Here are a couple pictures of the prize catches he's made.

Brotherly & Sisterly Love

I finally have some time to make some new posts on our blog. My roles as wife, mother, software engineer, housekeeper, church member, and Bear Den Leader have been keeping me so busy. I hope you all understand. Anyway....

It absolutely melts my heart to see the love Owen and Emma have for each other. We worried about Owen's reaction when we finally received a baby. He had a passionate dislike for babies and really didn't like me holding babies or toddlers. I remember having my niece on my lap, who was 18 months at the time, and he told me to put her down. We knew Emma was meant for our family when Owen finally got to meet her for the first time. He didn't mind me holding Emma but when my 3-year-old niece sat on my lap he piped up. 

Every day after she finishes her morning bottle, Emma wants down from our bed and goes to find Owen asleep in his room. She'll also call for him when we do, or get after him when he gets in trouble. Anytime Owen is acting sad or angry Emma will get concerned and want to make Owen happy. She loves having Owen chase her or pull her in her little wagon. 

Of course they have their fights and its always about toys. Emma will want to get into Owen's Legos, and since there are so many little pieces Emma could swallow, Owen can't play where ever he wants with them. Then Owen will want to play with her electronic baby toys or read one of her books. I know that as they get older they may not play or get along as much so I'm enjoying it as it lasts.