Life

Pee Parties and Shoes

I think I've already mentioned that Ellie plays as though her life depends on it these days. Her very favorite activity (aside from playing doctor) is having "pee parties". She gets a little wet, but she's learning how to drink from a cup and mommy gets stuff done in the meantime. A true win-win situation!

Here's Ellie getting ready to go to the library. :)

And at last! She decided it was time to have a snuggle with her baby brother "Doshy". It looks as though she's about to strangle him, but she's actually leaning in for a kiss. This was a very moving moment for this mama. Josh remained fast asleep.

Day 6 (yeah don't worry...I'll only do the day-by-day thing for one week. I think.)

Day 5

Daddy son moment.

Mommy-son moment.

Gas smile!

Joshua's classic cross-eyed wonderment look.

He stared at that bright spot on the wall for a loooong time.

I can't believe how big my little girl is!!

She just plays....

and plays.... (yeah, those are Mr. Potato head pieces stuck in her face)

...and plays! (Joshua's sleeper didn't quite fit.)

My cutie pie.

Joshua: Day 4 (first hair wash and TV watch)

Joshua: Day 3

My hands are both free!

Since this is a bit rare, I thought I'd make the most of it and actually type something. Things around here are going really really good, considering the tremendous life change that took place this week. We have thus far been blessed with a baby who sleeps the most at NIGHT! Huh! (Didn't expect that one). This of course can change, but in the meantime I am loving it. Not that I'm getting all that much sleep anyways. The post-labor contractions from this pregnancy have been somewhat excruciating, often keeping me awake. Even still. I lie there and thank the Lord that at least I have a sleeping baby and soon I will sleep too. Joshua is a sweetie pie. He is melting people's hearts all over Steinbach (well, at church and at my parents' place anyways). He eats like a champion (even keeping up with my psycho milk let-down) and well...pees like one too, I guess! (He's already nailed Rob smack dab in the face with his fountain of pee.) Ellie is taking her new role as a big sister in stride. She mostly ignores Joshua and plays as usual (although has become strangely independent in group settings) but will come and kiss his head if he's crying and asks where he is when he's not around.
There is a lot of peace in our house right now. I can't totally tell if that's because we're too tired to do anything but talk in hushed voices and move slowly, or if it's the grace of God. I think it's the grace of God. Having Joshua makes everything feel very full and wonderful.
It sounds as though Ellie may bust through her crib any second. I better go tell her that she's napping till she's 4 years old so she may as well give in and go to sleep. Talk to you next time I have two empty hands!

Rob's off to get some gripe water :)

Joshua's first day

Robust lungs!

Save me, mama!!

What IS this thing?

Proud daddy

In-love mama
Happy doctor
Curious sister
PUMPED Grandpa
Very sweet baby.
PS I'm typing with one hand. :)

It's a BOY!!!!!!!

Hey All! Just wanted to quickly let you know the super news: Joshua Robert Seth Balfour was born this morning (January 2) at 12:55 am after a looooooong slow labor of 21 hours. He was 7 lbs 1 oz, 20.5 inches long, and has a head full of hair like his sister! We are in IN LOVE and we are TIRED! Here's a couple pictures my sister just emailed me to tide you over until we can post more. Oh, and yes, we are already home from the hospital. My doctor's pretty laid back. :)