vroom vroom

We have been so spoiled here lately.

My parents came to visit us and welcome baby Jared to the family.

My dad spent his week here by fixing up bikes... buying Sarah a new-used bike, putting on training wheels on Emma's, painting Andrew's bike, fixing tires, and all sorts of other bike stuff.


Andrew decided to chip in and help out.


We've taken the kids on bike rides every night since. Andrew pedals as fast as the Road Runner on Loony Tunes... all the while making motorcycle sound effects!

My dad had to go back home, but my mom gets to stay an extra week.

We have all sorts of fun stuff planned (yay!) - more on that later.

Announcing...

I guess I was a little off on my countdown a few days ago. Our little guy decided to come on his own, and I didn't have to wait for an induction this time around. Hooray! It was a first for us, so Dennis and I were newbies on this one.

All afternoon on Thursday I had contractions about 15 or 20 minutes apart, and Dennis thought I was fooling myself into thinking I was going into labor. My doctor had just told me that day there was a possibility the hospital would cancel my induction because they were getting really busy lately, and they needed to leave room for women who were actually in labor. So... after the contractions lasted through the night, I decided to get Sarah off to school and run some errands. Dennis had a meeting that he told me I could interrupt, but I didn't want to. The meeting ended at 10:00, and by the time we found a friend to watch the kiddos at home it was getting later and later. We got to the hospital around 11:30, not sure if they would keep me or not. My contractions were averaging about 5 minutes by then. I was admitted at 8 cm dilated! The nurses told me I had to make a split second decision on whether I wanted an epidural or not... I opted for none this time since I figured I made it this far, and maybe just maybe I could make it through the rest.

The baby was born at 12:49 pm, so it's a good thing we got to the hospital when we did!

So, without further ado...

Here he is...

The one and only...

Jared Lee HungerOctober 8, 2010
8 lbs. 13 oz.
21.5 inches

Jared was born on what would have been my Grandpa Lee's 90th birthday - thus the middle name.

We all love our new "born baby" as the kids like to call him.

T-minus 6 days and counting

It's still hard to believe sometimes, but we are only 6 days or less from welcoming our baby boy!

I feel huge, awkward, and completely ready to be done being pregnant.

I feel excited, anxious, and it doesn't seem real at all that we're going to have a baby in our home again.

And, to those of you wondering:
No, we don't have a name yet. Not even close...
hopefully we decide on one before his first birthday!

Small Town

We live in a small town...

With that comes all the stereotypes we've heard and loved for ages.

It also comes with some fun family activities.

We took advantage of that fun a few weeks ago on a Saturday morning.

Taking in the county fair

and making a visit to the local soda fountain shop.

Goats, pigs, cows, ice cream, and Italian sodas... ahhh!

Kids + Dirt

Adventures in our family are always a little better when mixed with some good ol' dirt!

We interrupt this heat to bring you...

a beautiful fall day!

It was about time.


Time for some nice fall weather.


Weather that makes you want to be outside.


Outside and enjoying life.

Fashionista

I have no control over what this little miss wears each day.

She loves to pick out her own clothes,
doesn't follow any fashion rules,
and delights in her own creations...

Today's outfit of choice?

A Barbie dance leotard, cowgirl boots, and a HUGE smile!