Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Piano Girls

Natalie and Amelia are lucky enough to have pianos available at the homes of both sets of grandparents. The girls love to fight over who gets to sit where on the bench. When the bench battle finally dies down the concert is well worth it. They sing the songs they know and play us some unique renditions from their own special music.


Sister Duets


Special Storybook Music

Monday, March 30, 2009

Turning 33!

Birthday gatherings at 33 are much different than gatherings when you are eight. My birthday was just over a week ago and I was fortunate enough to have two wonderful family gatherings. I love birthdays and holidays because it is a reason to celebrate as a family. The girls love these days because they love cake and presents (which is evident in the following photos). I can remember turning eight and how exciting having a birthday was. As I turned 33 my excitement came from watching the girls celebrate for me. They loved decorating my cakes with candles, singing and blowing out the candles for me, and opening all of my gifts. Me...well I just loved watching them, celebrating with my small family of 5 and my extended families of many more, and of course...eating lots of cake too!


Birthday Gathering with German Chocolate Cake!


Decorating the Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake!


Opening Mom's Presents!


And Blowing Out the Candles!

Saturday, March 21, 2009

We may...

have a thumbsucker in out midst.

This could be a good thing because then Sam will always have something with him in which he can soothe himself. This could mean the end of late night search and rescue missions looking for lost pacifiers in the dark.

On the other hand this could be a bad thing because Sam will always have something with him in which he can soothe himself. A something that we can not take away from him. A something that he can and will be attached to for years to come. If he does in fact become a thumbsucker he may be one for life...or at least until he is ten. Just like a certain family member of mine who shall remain nameless to protect her reputation. (Did I just say her?..hmmmm... I wonder who it is?)

Only time will tell whether his thumb will be Sam's pacifying object of choice. I certainly wouldn't miss getting out of bed to pop the pacifier back in his mouth. However I am not looking forward to the possible battle we could have to break him of the habit in the future.

For the time being I will just enjoy the cute pictures of him enjoying a little piece of himself!



Friday, March 20, 2009

Heaven's Angels

Watch out! There is a new gang in town.






Keep a look out for these girls.

They are lean, mean (ok, not really), trike peddling machines!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Happy Due Date...

to our little man.


We love you much our beautiful Sam!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

The First Family Photo...(not the Obamas)

taken on Sam's homecoming day
Sunday March 8th, 2009

Friday, March 6, 2009

Introducing......

Samuel Johnston Dirksen

Born March 4, 2009 11:52 a.m.
5 lbs. 12.6 oz. 18 inches




What a blessing he is!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Green Light!

It's a go! We have a green light! The amnio came back with a mature lung result. The c-section is tomorrow March 4, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. The excitement is overwhelming as well as the nerves. Please say your prayers for a complication free and healthy delivery! Check back for updates as we hope to be posting from the hospital.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Weekend Happenings

This weekend Mike and I fulfilled a dream. We finally bought a digital SLR camera. This investment is for our enjoyment and every upcoming birthday/anniversary/christmas gift for the next ten years. (Ok, maybe a bit of an exaggeration but you get my point.)

We spent part of our weekend practicing how to use it. It will take some time to "master the art" of photography but we are already VERY happy with our purchase. Check out the following shots.

An interesting way to wear a tutu!


Let the princess belly dancing begin!


Strike a pose girls!


And a smiling Natalie to melt one's heart.