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.

Grandparent love

We are so thankful for helping hands, especially during those first two weeks of new baby transitioning. Grandma came up for the first week and served us oh so faithfully, she cooked, cleaned, shopped and played like only Grandmothers can. Thank you Grandma for coming and all of your help and love.
She gave Haven her first bath.
And, then the second week we brought in more recruits this time all the way from Kansas. Grams and Dog continued the diligent effort of making life easy and helping us around the house with all kinds of projects and grandparent love. We are so thankful for all of their help and don't know what kind of state we would be in this week without all of the help given to us these past few weeks. Love you all!

One Week Old

Sweet Haven

(We are moving to zone defense.)

Haven is here and we are so excited! And, you blog readers were correct, she is a girl. How in the world did you know? We are glad you were right because now we have our tie breaker. Girls will now rule (as if we didn't already) in the Dirks home. She is absolutely beautiful and such a blessing to us already. The Lord is so good and we are so grateful to Him for the good work He has done in our family through this little miracle. Come on over and meet her when you get the chance. She is extremely sociable, and would love to cuddle. Thanks for your prayers and thoughts.
Love the Dirks Five!