Grandma Z Saves the Day

The day Andrew was born was a little wild.  We are so thankful Grandma Z could drop everything and come relieve our good neighbor who watched the other 3.  It was great to not have to worry about them and to have them meet their new baby brother when he was less than 2 hours old.  Here's her blog she posted about our Andrew:

On Tuesday, July 29, 2014 I received a shocking and much awaited call - albeit 2 weeks early!  Michelle was going into labor.  The timing was great as the boss was gone and I was able to leave at noon - run home - pack and drive as fast as the law allows (OK a little faster) to go to take care of Abby, Sam, and Lydia.  They were at the neighbors and watching out the window.  I arrived at 4 pm and all of the grandchildren ran to meet me.  What a wonderful way to be greeted.  Andrew was born an hour later.  

So, that evening I bundled the kids into the car - set the GPS - as unfortunately I have a terrible sense of direction when it comes to the hospital (which Abby and Sam remind me of  all the time!) and we were off to see the new brother.  

Sam picked out the flowers.  He said that yellow and smiles are happy.

2 big sisters so happy to see Andrew and doesn't Michelle look amazing to have had this precious baby a few hours earlier!!!!

Sammy, of course, had to get into the picture.

The beautiful Mother and baby!

Abby is so excited to have a baby to hold and to love

Lydia thinks he is her new doll - she tries very hard to be careful but then will be done and just stand up and you have to be ready to catch the BABY!

Sammy is so happy not to be out numbered by all the girls - he just wishes Andrew was a little bigger and more mobile!!

And, of course, Grandma Z was thrilled with Grandchild #11!!!

Andrew Joseph Zwahlen makes me feel a little closer to heaven.

I am so thankful for each grandchild that has joined our family.  

I thank Heavenly Father everyday for 11 special blessings that make life worth living and the eternities something to look forward to.

I love you all,

Grandma Z

Because I'm Happy!

We had to say goodbye to Mor Mor this week.  We had so much fun together and kept her busy.  She made dinners, freezer meals, had tickle fests, had a mancala playoff, and (wait for it...) built a coffee table!  Roy and I helped (okay, he spent some time sanding and nailing so he gets a tiny bit of credit) but Mom wins the designation of doing the most work and making the most trips to Home Depot :)  We miss her being here!

We went on a little adventure to Hidden Oaks Nature Center and tried on costumes, played outside, and had fun together.

I love this picture.  It is so telling of them right now.  Abby sitting calmly holding a calm Andrew, Sam finding some way to be silly, and Lydia watching Sam and ready to laugh.

Andrew at 3 weeks old.  He already looks older today.

Happiness embodied.

Just Can't Get Enough

On the morning Andrew was born, Abby lost her first tooth.  This highly anticipated event was made even better by the fact that her tooth was truly lost, the one thing she feared the most about losing a tooth.  Thankfully her baby brother decided to be born and turn the day from great to incredible.  And the tooth fairy was prepared ahead of time with a poem and money and sent her assistant to make the delivery (go Roy!).

Happy Andrew:

Ready to come home

Thumb sucking attempt

Double diaper changes

He's Here!

Andrew Joseph made his grand appearance on July 29 at 5:10 pm.  He was 8 lbs 10 oz and 20" and we instantly fell more in love.  He came with a double chin and the sweetest disposition.  He has made a perfect transition into our family and is so good with all the sibling love he gets on an hourly basis.  It has been really fun to see how much love Abby, Sam, and Lydia feel for this little person and the connection they all feel as siblings.  We are grateful our Andrew is here and healthy!