Dorothy Elizabeth

On Thursday, a dear friend helped me clean my house, Grandma Shinsel flew into town, and the hospital bags were packed. We were all ready for the next day. I was too excited to meet baby girl, plus super uncomfortable, so I really didn't sleep that night.

Dave and I drove to Presbyterian hospital in downtown Charlotte through the rain, very very early in the morning. All the pre-op stuff takes a few hours, and I was just so anxious to get going. At 8:04 a.m., I heard cries. The sound made me so teary! As soon as the dr showed her to us, we could tell she looked like Lincoln, only with lots of dark hair. She was so vocal as they cleaned her up, but as soon as they handed all 7 lbs, 1 oz and 20 inches to me, she quieted down.

We had some good snuggle time while waiting for the boys to come visit. Around lunch time, the big brothers got to meet her. I had been so worried about Drake, but he was game to hold her. He was amazed when she grabbed his finger.

Lincoln was very anxious to hold his baby sister.

We stayed at the hospital for a few days, and left for home on Sunday. The boys were thrilled for us to be home. It cracks me up to hear them baby talk to her. Lincoln said, "Welcome to North Carolina, Dorothy. Do you like it here?" Drake just gets right in her face and says, "Oh, hello Dorphy!" then he mumbles some other baby talk I don't understand. I hope she will always be this exciting to them!

Dorothy is more sleepy during the day, than she is at night right now. She is so sweet when she is awake, and is already giving us smiles. I am beyond thankful for a healthy, beautiful little girl!!

Christmas Time

Getting Ready for Christmas:

Lincoln's good buddy Danny met us at the Belmont Christmas parade.

We made candy cane Christmas tree ornaments, foam Christmas trees and candy cane reindeer. I love the look of concentration on Drake's face!

We whipped up a batch of Christmas cookies. Drake ate more dough than he rolled out, but Lincoln did a great job cutting out shapes.

Lincoln had a Christmas program at his school. He was very animated during the program, jumping up and down and creating his own moves to the songs.

Lincoln's class also visited an assisted living center, where the kids sang for the women and helped them with a craft.

Reunited!:

It had been almost 2.5 years, since we had seen Cleve's family. Carson (7) and Lincoln, played so well together. Penny (3) and Drake loved nothing more than to annoy each other. It was pretty entertaining!

The cousins...

Went to Monkey Joe's...

Played with "snow"...

Decorated frosting Christmas trees...

Sat on the "dude couch" where they watched Transformers...

Took family pictures...



Christmas Eve:

That afternoon, we all went to Frozen. The boys enjoyed the movie, and I drove them to our house afterwards. The rest of the family drove down that night, so that my kids could have Christmas at our house (a first). BB and Pawpaw got them all batman pj's. The capes on the back were a big hit!

We had pizza for dinner, and put the kids to bed. It took them all a while to fall asleep, but once they were out, the adults wrapped presents and had a gift exchange.

Christmas Day:

Drake was the last kiddo up at 7:45. We opened presents, after I finished up cutting out some cinnamon rolls. They did a good job taking turns opening presents. Penny kept asking for more presents after hers were all opened.

The weather was beautiful! Dave and I took a walk with Drake, and mom played with the other kids outside on our swing set.

Around dinner time, we celebrated my 30th birthday! It was just such a treat to have all my siblings there.

Saying Goodbye:

It was a bummer to say goodbye to Reed and Chelsea first. However, the hardest part about everyone leaving was seeing Lincoln and Carson hug each other goodbye. They gave a good 1 minute man hug to each other. I was 3 days out from having baby girl, so I was super emotional. California and Utah are just too dang far away!!