puzzle time

I just had to post this video of my brilliant 19 month old daughter. She decided that as a big sister she needed to up her toddler skills and put this puzzle together. Henry is already taking notes in the background. Maggie has so much knowledge to share.

Love at first sight

Henry's little life just gets better and better. This week he got to meet two very special people, Grams and Dog (grandpa). They are here for the week helping us acclimate to life with two children and we are so thankful they are here. But, I have a feeling that's not the only reason they came. Here are a few photos from the initial meet and greet.

This ones for you Grandma and Poppa!

The new and improved cousin shot!

Henry and Nanny McMaggie

Henry has been such a sweet addition to our family. We all love him so much and are so thankful he is finally here. One member of our family is especially in love with her new brother. She has taken up her family responsibilities since "Nee-Nee's" arrival by throwing away dirty diapers, bringing paci's, diapers and other needs to mommy and daddy when asked all in an effort to help take care of her new brother. She's even fed Henry a bottle and today she attempted to put his pacifier in his mouth without being asked (we'll have to keep an eye out as she gets more creative in her nannying skills). But, so far it has been fun seeing them interact.

Maggie takes her
nannying skills very seriously and often practices with her baby dolls.
Henry's bilirubin (sp?) was a little high when we took him for some blood work a week ago, so the doctor had us treat him with 24 hour formula feeding (something to do with high hormones in breast milk), so Maggie got a chance to feed a bottle to him and she absolutely loved it. She was so gentle with him and paid such careful attention it was really sweet. And, Henry took a bottle like a champ and his bilirubin level has come back down, although he is still a tad yellow but he wears it well.

Maggie coaches Henry in some "tummy time."

Grandma and Poppa with one of their favorite grandsons.


Big sister having some fun with daddy at Monkey Joe's (Poppa's treat!)
Henry meets one of his favorite aunts!

Maggie enjoying some air time with Uncle John.

Maggie and her cousin"Bro-bee" (Brody) have been joined at the hip. They are really sweet to watch ...there's a lot of cuteness going 'round!
Our precious little Henry Lewis enjoying his Grandma's arms.

Henry's first bath. He didn't really enjoy the body washing portion of his bath. As you can see from his concerned look in this picture.

He's more of a head massage kind of guy. He practically fell asleep during this part. But, that has sort of been his personality. He is really laid back and so sweet. He really has been a blessing to us...God is so good and we cherish His precious children.

Sweet Henry

Okay so now that my (Carrie) world is settling down a bit allow me to tell the story of little Henry's arrival. In the wee morning of October 7th I thought something felt a little different and as it turns out I was in the early stages of labor. I was induced with Maggie so I wasn't real sure if my labor was real or false. Since I had changed my OB appointment to the 8th (I was sure he wasn't coming on his due date) I headed to Bible study instead of to the doctors that fateful day. After Bible study Maggie and I headed over to the Hunts house for some lunch and I still wasn't sure if I was actually in labor. We tried to count between contractions but they were pretty irregular and seemed to flare up when I moved which to me sort of sounded like false labor. So, even though Melissa offered to take Maggie so I could sort through things, I refused (sure I wasn't really in labor on my due date) and headed home for Maggie's nap. After Maggie's nap the "contractions" got a little more intense...okay a lot more intense, and of course I was still in denial. However, I did manage to put the delivery plan into action and called Grandma, doctor, husband, Hunts in that order. (note: Tyler was in the loop the entire day and hence above order should not discount his importance in our plan of action). By the time Jake arrived I was barely able to move between contractions AND at this point I am convinced that I am actually in labor. Tyler showed up shortly thereafter and we headed to the hospital. Timing the contractions all the while, which were 3...2...1 minute apart as we got closer. When we finally got there I was 9cm and ready for action. The only thing keeping me from having Henry taxi style was the fact that my water hadn't broken. So, needless to say Henry was born a very short while after we arrived at the hospital. What a way to make an entrance. So this is what we know about our little guy so far. First, he likes to be on time to important events (i.e. being born right on his due date). Secondly, he is absolutely adorable and quite possibly the sweetest little baby boy on the planet. Thirdly, it is impossible not to fall head over heels in love with this little man when you meet him. And of course we know without a doubt that he is a precious precious gift from the Lord to us. We are so thankful for his safe arrival into this world and into our family. The Lord has been so good to our family and has blessed us with a healthy beautiful little boy. I was a little unsure at first if I could love Maggie's brother the way I loved/love her, but it is incredible how your love doesn't divide it multiplies! It helps me to understand just a little bit more of how our Father can love all of His children individually and perfectly.

Henry's Debut Continued

Henry Lewis Dirks rise & shine. For those of you who don't already know, Henry is named after Clayton Carl Henry Nietfeld (Tyler's grandfather), and Clive Staples Lewis (famous author).
Henry meets his big sister!
Then we have brunch as a family.
Maggie is Henry's big sister.
Henry gives Maggie a present...her favorite ~ ELMO!
Maggie thanks Henry and gives him some words of wisdom before she goes home for a nap.

Henry's Debut

Born at 7:04 PM.

Eight pound twelve ounce MANCHILD!

"Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him." Psalm 127:3