One Day Old

Brooklyn Avery at 1 day old. We actually had to wait to come home until she was 24 hours old. We had to wait until saturday late afternoon to go home until she was 1 day old so she could get all her testing done (hearing, baby care class and PKU done). Mom was doing so well that she wanted to go home to rest. She didn't sleep well at the hospital and just wanted to go home(usually we stay a couple days). Dad was sure happy with the idea since he was too tall for the bed at the hospital.  

So Cute!! Love that new baby smell and her hair is SO soft. 

One Moment that I want to never forget: When Brooklyn was born....I took one look at her and then the nurse took her to the warmer. In that moment I knew she was healthy. I felt such relief and joy in that moment. I closed my eyes and let my head rest back against the bed. I just revelled in that thought. It was a moment of relief that is hard to describe. The nurses are telling me look at how much hair and how beautiful she is and the only thing I could think was....she's healthy and she's ours!

I will never forget that moment, Brooklyn...knowing what a gift from our Heavenly Father you are and that we are your parents. We love you!

Around 3 in the morning on saturday Brooklyn came back from the nursery to eat. She nursed and then we just had to take this picture. Her one foot was tucked underneath and her hands tucked under her chin. Too cute....just had to take a picture. All snuggled up with mommy. 

Getting ready to go home. I just passed my hearing test and am now ready to go home.

Daddy putting me in my carseat for the first time. Luckily we were able to use Kaden's carseat(we thought it had outdated but, we found out that it still had two good years) so we bought a new girly carseat cover.  

This picture reminds me of Kaden because this is EXACTLY how he was when he went home. He loved having his feet stretched WAY out and Brooklyn is following in her brother's footsteps. She loves to stretch her legs!! She did this in utero and loves to do it now.

Brooklyn loves her binki! 

I love the jelly bean bow that the nurse put in her hair. We are so excited to bring you home....our sweet baby Brooklyn!!

Welcome Baby Girl

I can't believe that we started the morning off VERY pregnant and excited about what the day would bring. By the time we went to the hospital for our induction we were dialated to a three and having contractions every six minutes. She definetely wanted to come on the 15th! 

Brooklyn Avery Tenney born April 15th, 2011

@ 3:53 p.m.

7 lbs. 8 oz.

19 1/2 inches long 

Classic Dr. Hartman picture. Everyone of our kids have a pic with Dr. Hartman giving them bunny ears. These were our nurses (the one on the right, Sandy, was with us through the entire labor and delivery and she was fabulous!!) She really helped me through a natural delivery.

Our first picture together....Love at first sight. 

While I got settled in our room, Brooklyn and Dad went to the nursery to have her first bath. 

Reed said she turned as bright as a tomato during her bath. 

Look at all that hair!! 

All fancied up with a jelly bean bow.

The kids showed up once we were settled in our room and they brought presents for the baby. My parents had been with the kids all day awaiting the arrival of Brooklyn.

The kids came after they had been to McDonald's for Happy Meals(Abbie's birthday dinner pick) and were ready to celebrate Abbie's birthday with presents and then we went and got her the best present of all....a new baby sister....from the nursery.

Abbie opened up her first present...a puppy pillow pet. She also opened light-up Sketchers, a purple ruffled umbrella and some summer clothes.

Abbie and grandma made a chocolate raspberry heart centered cake. You can see it say's #6 but, if you look closely to the right of the "happy" you can see a zero.....Abbie said it's for baby sister....since she was just born.

Since Abbie was the birthday girl, we went and got the baby from the nursery and she was the first to hold her baby sister. The boys were so jealous that she got to hold her first and were ready and waiting to hold their baby sister.

Grandma having her turn holding Brooklyn.

Grandpa and grand baby #19 for them.

Isaac was so excited to hold his sister. His comment was that, "She's SO cute!"

Aunt Jennie, Uncle John, Cousin Rian and Gunnar were able to come to the hospital for Abbie's birthday and to meet the newest member of our family.

You can see the yummy raspberry "heart" filled chocolate cake. Great job Abbie and grandma!!

The Girl's of our Family

Brooklyn and her Daddy

Brooklyn Avery Tenney

Welcome to the World, Little One!!

We are so excited for your safe arrival!

We love you SO much!!

Count Down

On April 5th, Abbie asked how many days until the baby was due. We counted down the days on the calendar and she seemed happy and content. The next thing I know, she is asking every day how many more days until the baby is due and she is making notes on this blue count-down paper. 

Everyday she marks off another number. She is SUPER excited!! 

Yesterday I asked to see her count-down.....only five days left!!

Each day....another number gets crossed out thoroughly!! 

Today, another number marked off the list....only four more!! The baby is still due on her birthday. I asked her originally if the count-down was for her birthday. She looked at me like I was crazy and said, "No, it's for my baby sister coming!!" Too cute!! 

I am getting as excited as you...little one...I can't wait to meet our new little addition to the family....it will be a VERY special birthday, indeed!

The big 35!

My handsome hubby just turned 35!! I actually pulled off a surprise party with some family and friends. I really didn't think I could pull it off when Reed was wanting to grill the hamburgers at 3 o'clock and I didn't have people showing up until 5:30 p.m. I gave him some lame excuses about needing my potato salad to chill. That won me a few hours but, at 5 o'clock he turned on the grill to warm. I knew I needed to stall him until 5:30 but, he was hungry and ready to eat. He knew I wanted to cook him a nice dinner and we were going to make gourmet burgers but, when he was ready to put the meat on the grill I had to send him downstairs to the pantry for a jar of pickles and other things. He was getting a little annoyed that everytime he went into the garage to get the burgers out of the freezer to put on the grill, I would call him back in to do something else. Finally the doorbell rings and I call him back from the garage to go get the door. He looked a little annoyed at me that I couldn't get the door but, it was all worth the surprise!! Happy Surprise Birthday Party Reed!!

The kids playing heavy, heavy hang over thy poor head!! (I love fun traditions) 

Kaden giving his dad a new pair of scrubs. 

Even some of our friends kids got into the action. 

Our little nephew LOVED Reed's gifts...especially the tools. 

I gave Reed a nice frame with our family pictures for his new office. 

Reed asked for homemade German Chocolate Cake! The icing is the yummiest part!! 

I had to use the candles in a "dice" configuration because I didn't have 35 candles. So, he got a simple three candles and five candles to spell 35. It's probably best...don't want to set the fire alarm off!! Hee Hee Love ya honey!! 

Reed blowing out his candles...hopefully all his wishes will come true! I love you and was excited that I could surprise you for your birthday! Love ya tons and Happy Birthday!!