It’s that time of year when actual letters are sent  (or blogs)
To update our loved ones on how the year went

This year was full of changes both exciting and fun
We welcomed our new baby girl, just to name one

With a bun in the oven our traveling diminished
But we fit in one trip before our couplehood was finished

In February we took a trip and flew to New Mexico
We saw Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and some fresh falling snow

Soon April was here and we could hardly wait
Madelyn Jayne arrived on the ninth, her actual due date!

So much joy and love has come with our sweet little Maddy
We can hardly believe we are now Mommy and Daddy

  In August we decided to pack up some things
After booking a plane ticket to Colorado Springs

This time the travelers were just Mommy and Maddy
Boy was Mommy nervous for baby’s first plane ride without Daddy!

Madelyn did really well and our trip was so fun
But coming home to Dan was a joyful reunion

Next came our first family road trip over Labor Day
We decided to drive to San Diego for a nice getaway

We brought swimsuits, sunglasses, and our sunscreen lotion

So Maddy could see her first view of the ocean

With so much to be grateful for as this year comes to an end
We look forward to more memories, and well wishes we send

We hope you are healthy and doing just fine
Merry Christmas to all and a Happy 2009!

Love,  Dan, Kristen & Madelyn


 

My sister was 27 weeks pregnant...yesterday.  Today she is the shocked, tired, recovering, worried mother of baby boy Sprik (I won't share his name so the new parents can be the first to announce it to the web world...)

Last Saturday (the 6th) she went to the hospital after spotting and later began contracting and dilating.  After several ups and downs in the hospital, Saturday the 13th she was finally released to go home on pretty strict bed rest.  Thankful to have my mom with her (she flew to Chicago last Thursday) and to be back in her own home, things were looking up.  However, last night my dad told me that Aimee was having a c-section within the half hour.  yikes.  I can't even tell you the flood of emotion I was experiencing, my family was experiencing, not to mention Aimee and Brian.  Not long after, 9:43pm to be exact, Sprik Sprout was born - 2lbs 6oz. 

He started breathing on his own, even let out a cry!  Yay!  His heartbeat is strong! Double yay!  He's kicking and moving!  Hip Hip Hooray!  All wonderful, positive, and miraculous things.

But there is still a long road ahead of him, how long we don't know.  Tuesday Doctors will assess the situation and give them a better idea.  I can't even imagine how my sister must be feeling.  To have waited so long to get pregnant, finally having success, and then to get your baby a lot sooner than expected, and not being able to hold him and take him home.  I was able to talk with her briefly last night, despite her weak and drugged state, and she said they are feeling very lucky so far.  I pray that luck continues. 

I know there are many cases out there that you or someone you know has experienced that are similar to this.  What can be expected in the weeks and months ahead?  Tell me any information you can and also all of the positive and successful stories you know and I'd love to pass that along to my sister.  If you have no experience with premature babies but want to share some words of encouragement, I'm sure that can go a long way, even if you're strangers to her.  And as always, prayers never hurt.

I imagine Aimee will eventually be posting updates on her blog if you care to stay posted, or email me.  Or just check out her blog from time to time, she often has great little tips and ideas.

 

"Word to your Mother" is hosting a superfantastic blog giveaway this month...

Check it out:
2 Christmas books, a stocking leg nightlight, AND a $25 restaurant gift card

Go enter yourself here.

I've seen this idea before - collecting a-book-a-day countdown to Christmas.  I have one.  If I win the giveaway, that makes three...guess what Maddy wants for Christmas?? :)  Among other books that is...

If you'd like some more Christmas family tradition type ideas, check out my sister's post here.  She's got some good ones I may try myself!