Introducing...

This past week has been a whirlwind of change! I went into the hospital last Monday Feb 25th for a scheduled induction at 39 weeks.  Labor was brutal cause this little girl was quite stubborn and not willing to budge.  Finally late in the evening the Dr. broke my water, I got an epidural, and things got going a lot smoother.  Around 1:15 am I was ready to push, but we waited a few minutes for the resident and OB to get there.  I started really pushing around 1:25, and our little girl was born at 1:30.  By far the easiest delivery ever!!!  It was so fast that Gerritt, who had jumped up really quicly, and then felt like he was going to pass out and sat down, missed the whole thing.  He stood up again at 1:30 and the Dr. handed him the scissors...

Here is our little girl:

Caitlin Ruby McDaniel

Feb. 26th, 2013

8lb 4.7oz, ans 19in

We are all so in love with her!

Summertime...

...and the livin' is easy. (Or something like that.) I know it has been forever since I posted, so I thought I'd take a few minutes to update you all on our latest happenings.  Abby finished preschool, and tested off of her IEP in June. My baby's going to Kindergarten in the fall! She is seriously growing faster than I can keep up, so I've decided that for the remainder of summer it won't matter if ALL of her clothes are too short. There is no way I'm buying school clothes until absolutely necessary.

Ben is growing up too fast too. He turned two on the 18th. That kid is so energetic, spirited, whatever you want to call it. I sometimes joke that h is either asleep, or running. The favorite activities of this two year old includes dumping out anything that he can turn over to stand on. I usually find him dancing on the dining table, and kitchen counters.  Some days he mellows out and only climbs into the living room window sill, then rolls down the back of the couch.  He is so hard to get mad at because he has this grin that exudes pure mischief, and heart-melting cuteness all at the same time.

I'll stop boring you with words, and move on to the pictures! Hope you are all enjoying the summer too!

Abby's fabulous preschool teacher, and para's

See what I mean about mischief mixed with cute?



Raising Funds!

No pics today, but a quick little tid-bit.  I am walking in the March for Babies event here in Tacoma, WA in May.  I am wanting to raise funds, and awareness for the March of Dimes Organization.

So, now through the end of March I am offering 1 hr photo sessions for $50, or 1/2 hr photo sessions for $25.  $40/$20 of each session will go directly to the March of Dimes. I know many of you who read my blog are not from around here, but if you could spreas the word I would really appreciate it!

And, if you just want to donate to this great organization, just click on the banner at the top of my page!

You can find a lot of my work on my photography blog, and on Facebook!

Email me at: melissamcdaniel.photography (at) gmail (dot) com

It's sNOw Wonder...

Of course Ben loves the snow! This past week we had a snow/ice storm. Before the freezing rain came in, we had some beautiful fluffy snow. Ben had never played in snow since he was barely crawling last time we got significant accumulation. It took him a few minutes, but then he jumped in! I had to put the camera away so I could keep up with him, but here are a few pics of the kiddos enjoying snow!



And...

...the kiddos at Christmas-time!



I'm finally getting...

...around to posting some pics of the kiddos from an extended family photo shoot I did in July. I know it's been a long time, but my kiddos are too cute not to share.

Enjoy!

 

Pumpkin Patch

Today we were able to go to a local pumpkin patch together as a family. It was an ECE activity for Abby & her class. It was one of those 'perfect' autumn days.  We had so much fun!



Boys...

...will be boys. Gerritt has had Ben outside with him this afternoon helping with yardwork. Ben is in heaven! Boys...

Happy Birthday!

To Gerritt! I love my wonderful husband more & more each day. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough candles so I had to improvise. Can you guess how old Gerritt is today? Hahaha! I love you hubs!

Zoo day!

Got to spend the day with my sisters at the zoo today. Wish Amy was here though.

Sister time....

Got to spend some fun time with my lil sis tonight. First bowling, then ice cream! Yay for sisters!

First day of summer break.

Today we spent the day at Point Defiance zoo! Most the animals were out, and the kiddos had so much fun. By far, the best zoo trip to date!

Happy 1st birthday...

...to Ben. Look at this cute kid. Love him so much!

Shhh...

...its a secret. We've been making some fun things involving paint for Fathers Day.

Happy un-birthday!

Since Abby's birthday happens in the summer when school is out, her class celebrated today! We sent m&m cookies, and kazoos for her class! Abby loved it, and is a little sad that tomorrow is her last day till September. That's okay, we have plenty of fun stuff planned this summer.

The great outdoors.

Ben loves being outside. He would gladly sit in dirt for hours...as long as he got to eat some. This morning after Abby got on the bus, Ben did not want to go inside. So, we played outside for a few minutes. HEAVEN! (for Ben anyway)

Oh pumpkins...

...a couple weeks ago Abby planted some pumpkins in the house. Well tonight for FHE we are planting them outside. Abby is über excited. As you can see, Ben is less than impressed.(he just wants some dirt to eat...I'm such a mean mom.)

The silliness...

Comes out when the sun does. Abby's attire for school...shorts, t-shirt, sunglasses, & don't forget the jacket.

Preschool Field Day

Today Abby had a field day at Auburn High School. It was sponsored by the Special Olympics. There were obstacle courses, and lots of fun! At the end, all the kids got medals, and a snack.

Here is the kids that came from Abby's class, and her wonderful teachers!

Abby was really tired by the end, and gave me a 'look' when I asked for just one more picture.

Impromptu picnic

With it being such a beautiful day outside, Abby asked if we could eat lunch outside. So, we spread out a blanket and are now enjoying the sunshine.