Day 1

There has been a steady stream of visitors since Ethan's arrival and we feel so fortunate to have such kind people in our lives. Thanks to everyone for the congratulatory messages and well wishes!

Homeward Bound

We finished out our stay at the hospital and made it home from Sunday around 3:00 p.m. Our first night at home was a long one, but everyone survived and we’re now gearing up for night number three. All we’re hoping for is 90 minutes of uninterrupted sleep. Fingers crossed!

Ethan's Birthday

After a busy Thanksgiving day filled with family and friends, we were given the greatest gift to be thankful for.

Ethan Michael made a very early (four weeks!), but fabulous debut on Friday November 23 at 2:17 pm. He weighed in at a 6 pounds and is 18 inches long with a full head of dark brown hair that made his Dad very proud!

And, best of all, Grandma made it within hours of his arrival!

Showered with Love

A couple weeks ago, we were given the grandest of all baby showers. It was an amazing, warm sunny day and we were surrounded by all our family and friends. It was so grande in fact, we had to rent a vehicle to get all the gifts home. Everyone was so generous and we are excited by all the love Baby E will receive. An extra-special thank you again to my Mom, Christie, Aunt Junie, Linda and Betty Ann for all the effort, love, time and thought you put into this. Everything was wonderful and I only wish it lasted longer!

One Boy, Two Teams

Whether he likes it or not if you ask me, Baby E will be a born Cubs fan. However, his Dad is convinced he will be a south-side White Sox fan. Given the Cubs lackluster post-season performance this year, I may have to agree. The little one had the pleasure of visiting both fields this summer and taking in his first Cubs and Sox games at Wrigley and Comisky. At least we know he will be a hard-core Bears fan!

No going back now...

And his official name will be...?

This is the famous footstool, monogrammed with the babe's initials!!

Before Baby E...

The loves of our lives were female -- just of the four-legged kind. We know Layla will love Baby E, Bennie, we're not so sure of...

Made with love, by hand

Since I can remember, my Grandma has been a knitter. She has knit all kinds of things for all kinds of babies! Friends and family have dressed their babies in sweaters, hats and booties knit with love by my Grandma. So, a few years ago, I took after her, and began knitting. I started with everything you can imagine for me, and sadly have not been able to finish Mike's socks (they say every good knitter has numerous unfinished projects around the house). But, what I didn't know is that my best, most favorite work would be yet to come. I've been busy with a blanket and hats and am loving all the hand-knit items for Baby E. However, the most precious of them all, are the beauties that have been made for him by my Grandma.

Some Assembly Required

We've been busy getting ready for little Baby E. for weeks (months, actually). We both had our projects cut out; naturally, Mike had crib duty and I had the great idea of refinishing and reupholstering an antique rocking chair and foot stool. While this idea wasn't loved and thought fabulous in the beginning by us both, in the end, we loved the results!

We have been busy making, fixing, creating and working on lots of things for the babe, and we're putting the final touches on the nursery this weekend and will post photos of the finished product then.

Getting Started

Now that we're just over six weeks away from our due date (Dec. 23), we thought we better get a blog up and running for those who are interested in the wild and woolly adventures of Baby Ethan. We'll try to post periodic photos and updates here, so feel free to check in if you're curious about what's up in St. Paul.
***Photo was taken on our "Babymoon" in Maui.