i'm going to be behind for a while

This one I took yesterday when she finally had her eyes open...we had to try the famous
"Blue Chair"

proud siblings at the hospital...I'm a little behind on my postings

So, i'm just posting quickly because I have to get a few more sleeping pics of baby Miriam while Olivia and Drew are off with Gramma at gymnastics. I usually post in the evening, but I have to go to bed at 9 now that i am getting up at 2 am. Everything is going really well though...she is a champ. thanks everyone for your sweet comments.

Miriam + 1 week = more cuteness than ever

Just a quick post to say we are all so in love with our new little girl. She is adorable and cuddly and super sweet. Olivia and Drew are so good with their little sister. She's our little princess. I can already see her face getting a little more chubby though...sad that they have to grow up so quickly.

She's Here!!!!!

Miriam has finally arrived.
6 lbs. 11 oz.
5:33 pm on July 12th
We are all doing great!

Happy Birthday U.S.A.

my top 5 favorite things about my country:
1. freedom to worship God -
2. the right to a fair vote
3. the schools, highways, national parks, and health systems - they are not perfect, but visiting 3rd world countries makes me really appreciate these things.
4. the natural beauty in our country
5. the free democracy and choices...i can have starbucks or peets, Winco or Whole Foods, Nordstom's or Target...and all the fun choices in between. I love choices.

OK - well this is not an exhaustive list - and i'm probably missing some big ones, but i do really love this country and appreciate what God has given us here. I asked Phuong what his favorite thing was and he said "that I can eat any kind of food I want."

God Bless the USA!!!!
Here are a few pics of our celebration with the Shearers at my parents house. Sara's parents joined us too. the kids all look a little shell-shocked, but i think they enjoyed themselves anyway.

let's go swimming

Drew is my little fish - he LOVES water and always has. Phuong and I think this is a good thing however, he is fearless and reckless so we are determined to have him learn how to swim as soon as possible in order to preserve his life. He loves to jump in the pool especially if there is no one standing there to catch him. So, he is off to swimming lessons until he is basically a certified life guard.

Exciting Contest

In celebration of getting a good test result back from the ultrasound today, I am giving away a $5 starbucks card to anyone who guesses most accurately the DATE and TIME that this little girl arrives. Keep in mind that my due date is July 19th. You will have until June 25th to submit your guess. Obviously if she decides to come early than that, then the contest is over. Happy Guessing! Good Luck!!

pregnancy update

Well, this pregnancy has sure been different than the other two. They say each one is different afterall. I am now 35 1/2 weeks. I was on strict bedrest from 32 to 34 weeks, and now i'm on "take it easy" bedrest...which is a step up from laying on the couch all day. i'm not allowed to bend over, squat, or lift...i guess walking around is OK. At my doctor's appointment a week ago I flunked my glucose test by only a few points. I'm trying now to not eat as much pasta and chocolate cake. it's really hard to turn down snickerdoodle cookies though. At my doctor's appointment yesterday i found out my amniotic fluid levels were low. i have to have another ultrasound this friday to check and see if they are still low. Has anyone else had this happen? i'm kinda thinking i'm just getting old, or maybe it's just the third baby thing.

other than all those fun things...we are all getting super excited about this little girl! We are busy getting the nursery all set. I'll try to post pics of that soon.

Meanwhile, here are two pics of livi and drew i took today. i'm trying out shooting in RAW...

UPDATE: the ultrasound today looked fantastic and i passed the test with flying colors! Yipee, God is good.