11 months-and finding new ways to get around

Stefan's 3rd Birthday

It's hard to believe that our big guy is three already. He is such a pleasant boy and such a wonderful blessing to our family. We're so thankful for him. He is energetic and very talkative (to us, not as much to others!). It has been so fun to see him develop in so many areas. His talking has just taken off and it is always fun to hear new words come out. We drove to Minnesota on his birthday. It was a fun day, here are a few shots.


Birthday breakfast; on our way to MN we stopped at McDonalds for lunch. Daddy surprised Stefan with an ice cream cone; It's always fun to get birthday calls-thank you, Papi, Mimi, Auntie Donna, Uncle Tim, Auntie Ruth, Micaiah, Miriam, and Zacharie. Phew! He's spoiled!

Birthday bash with Uncle Dan, Auntie Brenda, Uncle Bob, Auntie Jennie, and all the kids. Auntie Brenda spoiled him with all his requests which were, pizza, chocolate milk, and cupcakes! It was a fun day.

Brian's Recognition

Though we had heard a couple of months ago that Brian's composition, Jesus, Lover of My Soul, was a finalist in the John Ness Beck Foundation competition, Brian was overwhelmed and surprised to find out he had received first place. We heard by email on Monday that he had received first place. There is something really nice, though, about seeing it on the website and receiving the official word and award by mail.

Here is Brian just after he opened up the mail yesterday. I'm so proud of him:)

Christmas Eve

Our Christmas weekend plans have had to change due to the flu running rampant in our home, but we are still having fun!

Here are a few shots of our evening

New-pajama clad children:)


...and here is what awaits them in the morning!

Our week

It has been a little crazy around here with the flu going through the house. We haven't been doing much partying and therefore haven't had too much to blog about. And when we have done something there has been little energy left to try to post anything!


On Sunday, Brian and I celebrated our 4th anniversary. It was a very busy day at church so we're hoping to actually go out maybe in January sometime to celebrate.

It is hard to believe that in our four years of marriage God has blessed us with these two beautiful children and another one on the way. Really, I cannot help but feel extremely blessed. God is gracious.

Stefan (and 49 other kids) participated in the Children's Christmas program at church. I was at the piano so couldn't really see his face, but from all accounts he sang well! He's growing up so fast!

Beautiful Sounds

The soft cooing sounds of a newborn

The squeal of delight of a two year old waking up to snow on the ground

The giggle of a baby

The sound of your baby’s first cry

The delight of a two year old seeing Christmas lights

The sounds of your children playing sweetly together

The “bubbles” of a baby kissing mommy

The “I wuv you” while small arms circle around your neck

And…

The sound of your unborn baby’s heartbeat.

Welcome to our family, Baby. We can’t wait to meet you!

Official due date: June 21, 2011

Thanksgiving -- finally!

I know, I know... I have taken way too long getting these up. We had a great Thanksgiving trip to Greenville. The trip down (non-stop overnight), was very exhausting, but we made it safely! While down there we got to see some extended family and friends (mostly our friends at Cleveland Park Bible Church). Our main purpose for visiting though, was to spend time with Donna, and Dad and Mom Hanson.

Donna treated us like royalty with unending snacks and delicious things to eat. We celebrated Thanksgiving together and a small little Christmas as well. We had lots of fun just visiting and Donna and I also snuck in some shopping together. Fun times!




We enjoyed visiting with Dad and Mom. We were able to be there for Mom's birthday which was nice and spent some time visiting with them. It worked out so well that Erik and Bethany were in town as well, so we got to see them. These pictures were all taken at a restaurant, because I had forgotten my camera when we were at their house:(. It was great to see everyone.

Olivia- 9 months!

Well, before she turns 10 months I thought I should get her 9 month stats up! We went to the doctor before our big Thanksgiving trip, but I haven't had a chance to post.

Weight: 18.14 pounds
Height 26 1/2 inches

She is just starting to pull herself up and though she is not proficient at it yet, she loves the applause she gets when she succeeds!

Her favorite game right now is playing "raspberries" with Daddy. He blows raspberries on her cheeks and then she does it back to him. I have to get a video. Every time she makes the noise she pulls back and gives the biggest grin!

Stefan Reading-Again!

Admittedly, if you don't know this book it will be difficult for you to really follow his reading, but I thought you would still enjoy. (And we have it recorded for our own benefit!)

I told you about his love of this book here.

Happy Saturday!

Stefan pointing and naming all the family members to Olivia from the family calendar.

Hot chocolate and cookie time with Mommy. Stefan said, "Dis Special!" It was so sweet!

Olivia woke up just at the end of it. Next year she'll be able to join us!

Olivia in laundry basket

It was so funny to watch Olivia get in and then try to get back out of the laundry basket! She did get out by herself, so don't feel bad for her. The camera battery died, though, right before she was all the way out. She kept rolling around and we were all giggling:)

Pumpkin Spice Latte, Anyone?

2 c. Milk
2 T. Pumpkin
2 T. Sugar
1/2 t. each of cinnamon and nutmeg (or to taste)
2 T. Vanilla
1/2 c. Strong coffee

Combine milk, pumpkin, and sugar over medium heat and bring to a steam. Remove from heat and add vanilla and spices. Put in blender to froth then add coffee.

Note: You might want to make sure that the lid to the blender is on well before you froth. Ask me how I know.

And then when you do it the second time, you might want to check the lid again. Ask me how I know that, too.

Your kitchen and clothes will thank you.

Did I hear you say blond? Puh-leeeease.

It's delicious, by the way. You should try this. Almost as good as Starbucks.

Stefan Reads to Olivia

To hear Stefan reading to Olivia just about melts my heart. It is so sweet. Of course, as soon as she saw me she yelled to be held, but once I walked away she was back to listening to her big brother. Oh the beautiful blessings of parenting.

Olivia's miserable week

Poor little Olivia has been battling a high fever this week. After several days and no let up we took her into the doctor and found out she has an ear infection. We've been doing lots of cuddling and hugging, but now we have meds and her fever is down. Woohoo! Hopefully that means she'll be back to normal very soon.


Yes, she's crying here--so pathetic, poor thing:(

Daddy taking an early morning shift on Saturday.