Backpack love

This picture was a request after I posted Maggie's comment about her back pack on FB the other day, in case you missed it here is what she said. After her first day of school (which was great) I told her that she gets to go back again and in response she said very enthusiastically "that is great because I love my back pack!"
This is the first back to school picture she posed for on her first day back. I didn't tell her to turn around she just assumed I wanted to take a pic of that rockin' princess pack.

A Special Day

Today was a very special day here as it was Maggie's first day of pre-school. She just loves school and she was very excited to return this year. A few of her friends from her class last year are in her class again this year, which is a real treat. Here is Maggie with her teachers Ms. Catrina and Ms. Alaina.
And, here she is looking all grown up for her first day of her last year of pre-school. Next year we will have a kindergartner in our home and I can't even begin to believe it! Seriously where does the time go?
Henry will go to pre-school next year. In the mean time I am looking forward to a little more one on one time with my sweet little guy at home while big sister is out. Today we went to CFA to have some fun of our own. Henry was quick to make friends with this little girl on the playground. He ate up all his chicken and the extra Mommy attention too.
My fella is growing up so fast. So sweet and so handsome!
And last but not least, this little sugar plum had a very special day too. She got a bath from her Daddy and made the day even cuter for us all.

Getting ready for Fall!

The latest...

Here's what we've been up to lately.
That's right we've been getting to know this cute little lady. We adore her and love having her as our newest Dirks addition. She loves attention which is good because she gets plenty of it. She has started smiling and it is so fun to make her do it. We all give it a try even the kids. It's easiest to get her to do it when her tummy is nice and full. We are working on the sleeping thing also, I can't complain most nights she gives us a 5-9 hour stretch. Napping is coming along well too. Nothing is consistent, but who needs consistent sleep anyways right, where's the fun in that?
Like I said the girl gets lots of attention, anything she does is a family event, eating, sleeping, bathing, tummy time. Maggie and Henry don't want to miss a minute of it. They want to hold her, talk to her and help us in anyway they can. They have been champions, we are so proud of them and how they have adjusted to a family of five.
I think Henry is especially happy to Haven around because he is no longer the baby. He loves his new big brother status and loves that Haven made it happen for him.
Of course Maggie loves having Haven around too. She has been wanting a sister since we told her we were pregnant. Her prayer was answered.
Last weekend Grandma came up for a visit since Tyler had a working weekend. I feel so accomplished when my mom comes to visit. I know I can go out by myself with three, but it sure is easier with another grown up around to help, especially one that cares so much for them.
Henry made his first real picture last week (i.e no scribbling). He drew our family as cars. He told us that he made a Mommy car, a Daddy car and a Henry car. I asked him which one was the biggest one and he said the Henry car. At least he's confident, right?

One month old and growing...

Sweet little Haven officially turned one month old this week complete with visit to see Dr. Ball at Elizabeth pediatrics. We love Dr. Ball! Anywas, little girl was measured and given the healthy seal of approval. Dr. B was really impressed by her head and arm strength too (just look at those neck muscles). Here are her stats at one month.
Her weight was 9 pounds 12 ounces (67%) Length 21 3/8 inches (91%) and head circumference was 14 3/8 inches (38%). Way to grow Haven, it's been a busy month of eating and sleeping for this little bundle.

Meet and Greet

Last weekend some dear friends threw a "sip and see" baby shower for Haven. We waited until after she was born since her gender was a surprise. We also thought it would be special for her to attend and meet folks and throw a really big cute factor into the party. It was such a fun party and we felt so loved by all in attendance.
Big Sister was there to help with the opening of the gifts.
Our gracious hosts.
And, this is not a picture from the shower but it does fall under the theme of the blogs title "meet and greet." This is Uncle Peter who got a chance to meet Haven this week in Charlotte. It was great getting to see him and introduce him to his newest niece.

The fun continues...

Here are some more pictures from the last month. Haven (along with all of our children) had some jaundice that needed to be treated in her first few weeks of life outside the womb. Henry was sweet on this particular occasion to join her in her medicinal lounging in the sunlight.

Our dear friends from Berlin are currently in the States and made a trek through Charlotte on their journey across the US. We enjoyed some Chipotle and much needed catch up/ fellowship time with them a few weeks ago. And, of course they got to meet Haven!
While Grams and Dog were here, Henry got to go on a special all boys trip to see some cool Nascar cars and learn the ins and outs of racing.
I know these are random but I had to include this picture of Maggie holding Haven. I had to take a picture of her after I rigged her up to hold Haven all by herself. I left the room for a few minutes and this is how I propped them up. I mean I may have gone a touch overboard here.
While we had our special visitors from Kansas we got ourselves a brand new deck. Dog and Tyler worked "dog" hard in the back yard making us a new hang out zone. It looks great, thanks so much Dog.
Here's our sweet little bundle a week or so ago.