Kaitlyn is a joy! She is also a sleeper, which is great for mom and dad. Becky is recovering well, and we'll probably go home tomorrow, if the ice storm doesn't prevent it. We can't wait to introduce Jack to his little sister! Today has been very quiet, the checkups are less frequent, and the strict hospital visiting policies have kept our guests to a minimum. We're getting a chance to rest and enjoy our little baby girl!

Both of my girls are sleeping peacefully right now, and I'm enjoying hearing their duet of restful breathing. until we get to see you all again, please enjoy a few more pictures of our Katie.

I have a daughter! Kaitlyn Ann. She is amazing! Becky is doing wonderfully recovering from the surgery. Baby and mom are bonding like crazy. these pics are out of order, but I wanted to get some up soon. enjoy!

ah yes...9:30 am, 8lbs 5oz, 19.25in long.

Since our little girl will be arriving soon, we decided to celebrate Jack's birthday a little early this year. It was fun to be able to host is at our new house this year. It all came together and Jack had a great day- thanks to all the help. Here are a few pictures leading up to and at the party.


The making of the cake. Sarah was a dedicated helper. The face was definitely the hardest part, but it turned out great.

The final product!

A super cool birthday sign handmade by my sweet sister.

What...and Sarah also made a little train out of the juice boxes for the kids! She's pretty awesome.

One of my favorite pictures of the day. What a happy kid!

The boys having some lunch. Thanks to mom for the train shaped sandwiches.

Little Syd working on creating a distraction while Abby made a quick getaway to.....

do this! Doesn't she look innocent?

Jack got a lot of great gifts. I still don't think he realizes that they all get to stay here, but the timing is great with baby sister coming. All of the books and toys will sure keep him entertained while we're changing a few diapers,etc.. One big surprise gift was a train table that everyone went in on. Mike and I didn't even know about this one as you can see by my bewildered face. It's been a two-fold blessing- Jack loves playing with it and it makes a great coffee table!

After presents came the cake! Jack was so excited about his Thomas cake. He kept wanting to look at it the day before. You'll notice a small moment of sadness when Thomas made his entrance at the party...maybe it was the fact that he now had flames coming out of him, but Jack made a quick recovery. Blowing out the candles was just too much fun and then came the eating. He took his time with that part- he sure made it last!

After all of the party fun, a few stuck around to help put the train table together. Jack was so excited and of course, several had to help him test out the fun.

Notice the relaxed pregnant lady sitting in the background. Oh..the train table has been good to me! He wakes up everyday asking to play trains.

Very focused on making the "choo choo" sounds for the trains.



Thanks to all who brought and made food, helped decorate, came straight from the airport to attend, called to wish Jack a special day, offered to do even more, and gave Jack and our family such a special day. It was so much fun.

Minky decided to steal the spotlight in this one, but I love this picture anyway. This is the day we got our keys!

WHAT! A POST ON THE BUNCH BUNCH! I know. We have a few good excuses, but mostly we have been busy packing, moving, unpacking, etc. I thought about posting a few pictures of the new place, but figured a video tour would be even better. It got a little long...but I hope you enjoy. We can't wait to have you all over sometime soon. Here it is!!

Just a cute story....

I couple of days ago, I was headed to worship practice to meet Mike and was dropping Jack off at my mom's. He's been a lot more interested in singing lately so I was singing the oldie..."God is so Good." He mainly listened and sang a couple of "good's" with me. After the song he said, "Love God. Love God. Helps Me. Perfect. Church. Tunnel." So I think we may have lost him at "tunnel," but it was so sweet to hear. Just made me excited for when he gets to understand more and more about how much God loves Him!

And onto a random picture...here is my messy boy enjoying a new favorite of banana and peanut butter. He's a pretty happy kid.

This one is for Mike! What a classy outfit our boy is in. I especially love it when he figures out where you are. :) We miss ya babe! Jack prayed for you before bed along with raisins. What a funny kid.

Jack had a great day today enjoying the company of little Bella. What a cutie! Here are a few pics from the fun.

Having fun playing together

I asked Jack if he wanted to give Bella a kiss and here is the lean in....

and the gentlemanly kiss on the cheek. Not the best angle, but you get the idea. :)

And now all I hear is Bella, Bella, Bella. Jack loves to say her name. He just woke up from his nap and as I went in to get him- guess what he said in his sleepy state?? You got it-"Bella!"

Can't wait for the next visit.

I guess we don't take any pictures in our backyard. If you have seen us at our most vulnerable, you know why. I've basically been ignoring it for the last 3 years. Sure, when the weeds get to waist level (I'm not kidding) I spend a few hours hacking them down, but I've always delayed my plans for landscaping. Something else has always taken priority, and the backyard stayed a jungle! A couple of weeks ago, I finally got inspired, and Jim volunteered to help me get the project going. We spent most of the day digging, leveling and troubleshooting ways to mitigate the water that pours onto our property when the neighbor's drain clogs.

I had plans to continue the project today, and my dad said he would love to come help me, and boy, we got a lot done. It sure helped to have his truck and his recent experince putting in some terracing and pathways in his own yard. The extra shovel and rake didn't hurt either. After about 8 hours, this is the current look in my backyard. Much improved, and I'd be proud to show any of you the backyard next time you're over, intead of closing the curtains and hoping you don't look outside!

Of course, I never remember to take true "before" pictures, so here are a few "in process" pictures:




We finished the terracing, and I'm going to put some barkdust and plants up in the box.


Probably some colorful plants (maybe a Hydrangea for my mom to harvest) here in the back corner.

The whole yard used to slope toward the house (which complicated things when the neighbor's lake got too full). So we graded away from the house, so for now at least the water will settle six feet away instead of up against the foundation. Then the gravel makes a nice level look when you enter the backyard.

Jack decided to help me clean up. Thanks buddy!

Since I don't get around to posting often, here's another picture of my Baby (and my baby) from our anniversary weekend to downtown Portland last weekend. Normally she doesn't let me post pictures of her belly (without a shirt over it), but I told her how beautiful she was and bartered with the picture of me you see below. I'm not proud, but it was worth it to show off my gorgeous pregnant wife!!

Tada! This is what happens when Becky gets behind the camera.

One more of my Jack for kicks. This is day one people! Can't believe how quickly it has gone.

Okay, I've been a slacker about posting pictures of pregnancy #2. This doesn't make up for it, but...what a hot momma!!


 

Jack got a fun surprise before his nap today. I captured some of it on video, but missed his initial, "bike,Bike, BIKE!" I didn't know it, but the Jagger/Thompson/Mamanina clan has been searching for a while for the perfect bike for Jack. It was so neat too because I was just saying yesterday how I couldn't wait to get one for him. He loves it, and as you can see from the video...always wants to make sure he has a helmet on with it. Safety first! (I couldn't find his fast enough so my helmet had to do for today). The best part- it fold up for easy storage and a certainly little girl I know will love using it someday too.

One happy biker!