Life as Four - Happy New Year!

Just some pics from the past few days of life at home with a family of four:

Was she really inside me just ten days ago?!

Using our double stroller for the first time down at Pike Place.

Thank you, Grammy Deb, for all the book-reading and car-playing and dishwasher-emptying and baby-holding and clothes-folding . . . we love you!

Our Kids

Rooke is so sweet with Gretchen. His positive attitude towards her has been an answer to prayer. He loves giving her kisses and gently patting her head. When she cries he'll stop whatever he's doing to look at her and say, "Oh, Gretchen, it's ok."

Rooke got an extra gift on Christmas day. Just before we began opening presents, our coffee table broke his fall and this lovely bruise showed up the next morning. The Curious George books from Steve and Vallerie made him feel better - thanks!

I can't say it enough: I love this break from school and having Ryan at home. Gretchen obviously feels the same way.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from the Paynes!

We are grateful to have spent Christmas day at home after a short stay in the hospital with our newest addition.

Ryan's mom (AKA Grammy Deb) worked quickly to change her flight and got here shortly after Gretchen's arrival! We are grateful for her being here and having the extra help.

Getting ready to head home

Sweet Baby Gretchen

A new Christmas book from Grammy Deb

Rooke got a new "cup like Daddy's" in his stocking

Sitting down for a delicious Christmas dinner

"My First Christmas" - three days old

Gretchen Ruth Payne

Our daughter is here! HALLELUJAH!!!

Gretchen Ruth Payne was born at 11:03am, was 20.5 inches long, and weighed in at a healthy 8 pounds 13 ounces.


Knowing that we were heading to the hospital the next morning, Ryan and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner and evening together at the Steelhead Diner - our last as parents of just one:

Today, we checked into the hospital at 8:45 . . .

. . . they broke my water at 9:30, labor kicked in at 9:50 and we were meeting our beautiful baby girl by 11:00. It was fast, intense, and an answer to prayer from start to finish.

We both liked the name Gretchen, which means "pearl" and chose Ruth as her middle name after my Nana, Ruth Helene Staton, a Godly woman we love dearly and deeply respect.

Big Brother Rooke has been gentle and appropriately interested in his new sister. He asked to hold her and really likes the new wheel toy she gave him!

We praise God for our family of four!

Daddy's Done!

The countdown is over. Ryan is finished with his fifth semester of law school! Yipeee!! Rooke has stopped saying, "Daddy go to school and study" and is loving the extra time we get to spend with Ryan. Me too!

We took a family run to the grocery store. Ryan decided he and Rooke needed a little snack from the deli. I met up with them later to find them both devouring corn dogs!

We had some friends over for dinner and then caravaned down with plans to see a Christmas lights display. Our plans were thwarted by gross weather and a 45-minute wait in line, so we hit the nearby Target to let the kids run around (Rooke got cut out of the pic). Hence our group picture being taken inside Target!

And today, after naps, we enjoyed a family trip to the Seattle Children's Museum. There was so much to explore!

This is Rooke "paying my moneys for my groceries"!

This was a very serious work of art he was painting. . .

He was very focused

We are grateful that Baby Girl decided to wait until Ryan was done with finals to make her debut. We are even more grateful that she has given us a few more days this weekend to relax and spend intentional time with Rooke. And now . . . please come little one! We want to see you!

Class

For the past semester, Rooke and I have gone to a parent/toddler class together. We've both looked forward to Thursday mornings! We'll start again next month, but will have a little sister joining us by then!
This is Rooke's "we're going to class and I'm excited" face:

The classroom is a toddler's dream world! Without fail, Rooke heads straight to this corner every time. It's where are the "wheels" are kept.

His second favorite area of the room - the books!

Why Require Unregenerate Children to Act Like They’re Good? :: Desiring God Christian Resource Library

Why Require Unregenerate Children to Act Like They’re Good? :: Desiring God Christian Resource Library

It's Good to Laugh!

Knowing that being 38-plus weeks pregnant isn't the funnest thing in life, my dear friend, Ashley, sent me these pictures that we took several years ago on her computer. Laughter is so good for the soul (especially in very pregnant women)! The last one is my favorite.

A Real Reindeer!

Rooke and I went with our friends, the Hurts, to a local nursery to enjoy some holiday fun! It was a beautiful morning and we had a great time. Rooke got to feed a reindeer! I gave him an apple for his post-nap snack and all he could talk about was how he was eating an apple just like the reindeer!

Rooke's watching as Andrew hoists Elijah up to feed the camel. As if live reindeer wasn't enough, they also had a camel. Apparently you can rent a camel. Who knew?

Leave it to my son to find a wheel/truck of some sort in a nursery.

I'm sure he would have stood there all day, watching two trains go around and around and around . . .

Countdown to finals being over . . . six days to go!