Mama Kay and Papa Visit!

This past weekend we had the pleasure of having Mama Kay and Papa come to visit us! They got to meet Abbey and spend some quality play time with Ben too. And, they were a big help to us by spending time with and taking care of Ben and Abbey! The best help was they watched both kids and let us sneak out to dinner by ourselves, which was a real treat and much needed break! So a big thank you to Mama Kay and Papa and we hope you will come again soon! Here are a few cute pictures from the weekend...

Mama Kay and Abigail...

Papa pulling Ben in his car. We have never thought to attach a rope and pull Ben along, but he loved it and had Papa pull him all the way around the block!

Ben wanted to go again and again!

Play Time!

Aunt Teesa came to visit...here she is showing she can easily manage 2 kids at once. Hopefully I will learn that skill soon :)

This morning, Abbey had some fun time in her bouncy seat. She seems to enjoy the bouncy seat more than the swing, which is the complete opposite of what Ben liked at this age. Good thing we have both!

Updated Abbey Pictures

Just thought I would post a few more recent pictures of Abbey...

Notice she is wearing some very cool Yellowstone booties that her Daddy and big brother picked out special for her.

I had to capture this picture of her sleeping since it seems to be a rare occurence!

Daddy and his little princess...

Abbey taking in the world...

Thank you Madgie!!

Well, Madgie left us yesterday and we are really going to miss her. I don't know how we would have gotten through this last month (especially the last 2 weeks) without her here to help us. She did so much while she was here and was always eager to help - she did everything from cook dinner every night, clean, do laundry, play with Ben, and calm Abbey while Mommy went back to bed for a few hours. I think she was ready to go back and it is probably time we learn how to handle our new family on our own, but we will miss her and can't thank her enough for all her help! Here are some cute pictures of Madgie and Abbey...

THANKS MOM!!

Abbey's 2 Week Appointment

We had a pre-2 week doctor's appointment for Abbey today to check her weight. She was born at 6 lbs. 15 oz and left the hospital at 6 lbs. 9 oz. We went in for a one week appointment on Monday of this week and she had dropped a little more to 6 lbs. 7 oz. so the doctor wanted to see her back today (as opposed to at 2 weeks - which would be on Monday) to ensure she was growing appropriately. So we went in today and were surprised to find that she had shot up to 6 lbs. 14 oz. - 7 oz. in just 5 days!! The doctor was very impressed and now we won't have to go back until she is a month old. Great job Abbey!!

Rub-a-dub-dub...

Two kids in a tub! Last night was bath night for both kids. We gave Abbey a sponge bath in her baby bath tub (she still can't have a regular bath yet until her umbilical cord falls off). She did not like it one bit, but I think mostly because she was cold.

She calmed down once Daddy was able to wrap her in a warm towel.

Don't worry Abbey, baths are normally much more fun once you can sit in the water and play. Just ask Big Brother Ben...

More Sibling Bonding...

Ben is still enjoying getting to know his little sister...

but he also still likes his own individual attention too...

Place your Bet! Place your Bets!

Is this Ben or Abbey? Leave your answers in the comments section. A winner will be chosen at random.

Going Home

We got all dressed up to go home. KatrinaRun has really been looking forward to having a girl to dress.

The Stork! Or as Ben says the Tork!

Abbey got Ben a really neat Thomas the Tank Engine Fire Station present for being such a great big brother.

Madgie made a welcome home cake for Abbey.

Last day in the hospital

Ben gets ready to help Mommy and Abbey take a walk.

Another family portrait.

Ben got a very big kick out of holding her hand.

She is ready for her closeup!

Hospital shot

you can see the newborn picture they took of Ms. Abigail here ->http://www.our365.com/NewbornPortraits/BabyDetail.aspx?birthid=b14348f8-8baf-4c61-b269-38e0e88a9d1c&babyid=5fc5d0f0-d421-44be-a135-6127e8920a00

Very cute. She looks a lot like her mom in this picture I think.

Ben and Abbey comparison shot.

Thanks TRex for putting them side by side for me. I think they look pretty similar.

Abigail Marie (Abbey)

A beautiful 6lb 15oz girl at 20.5 inches long.

Here she is being held by her beautiful mommy.

Here is her Super Big Brother holding her very gently.

Ben really enjoyed getting to meet her.

Family Portrait.

This might be the last 3 person, 1 dog family portrait we have taken. That's right we are thinking of getting another dog!!

Ben looks..... nervous.

Hopefully I will have some news and pictures soon!

4th BBQ

Croquet anyone?

No not croquest, Toddler polo!

Here I am manning the new grill.

We ended the night with a little bubbles!

4th of July parade

This morning we went down to the big Arlington Heights parade for the 4th.

We parked close to by the staging area of the parade so we got to walk close to a bunch a fire trucks and fire engines (Did you know there was a difference? I didn't!) Here are Patch and Ben learning what the difference is straight from the fireman. (An engine carries the water and the hoses. A truck carries the ladders.)

Madgie and Patch are here to help with, and play with, the new baby and Ben.

Ben couldn't be distracted long enough from the parade to take a picture.

The PablitoRun Blue Ribbon float award goes to the Arlington Height Public Library for their "Reading" Railroad with working steam, bells, and whistle.

Some people in the parade were even throwing LickIts!