Pretty Girls

Grandma Julie made this adorable dress for Kami! She has such amazing talent. I am hoping by being on the receiving end of all this talent, some of it might rub off on me. Although, I do say that I probably have many talents but they are all hidden talents...ba da bum (that was a drum roll for myself) lol

My birthday!!

I was pleasantly surprised to have Mike come home from work on my birthday with flowers, birthday cake and present in hand! Actually, I was not all that surprised since Mike is always really great about doing special things for me on my birthday and it is more than just pleasant, I was really happy! I am so lucky to have such a wonderful husband.

He said he got his least favorite cake because he knows it is my favorite :-)

That is right...chocolate doves from the kids and a gift card to my favorite place to shop for clothes. I do share the doves by the way!

Minnehaha Falls 2011

Even though I have lived in Minnesota all my life, I have never been to Minnehaha Falls until last month when we took our family. I wonder what else I have been missing out on.....

Anyhow, Now that I have been there, I can say that it is really beautiful and we had a really nice afternoon there with a picnic and walking some trails as well.

Preschool

Ethan and Kami started Preschool in September on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Although apprehensive the first day, it did not take long for them to realize that Preschool is fun. Brooke goes to sibling care on Tuesdays while I hang out with Ethan and Kami at preschool for an hour and then go to a parenting class. Brooke calls her sibling care preschool as well. She loves the idea that she get's to do the same things Ethan and Kami do.

Brooke is 2 yrs old:-)

Brooke just turned 2 on September 23rd and she is sooo cute and surpassing milestones. She is always trying to keep up with Ethan and Kami. She is counting up to at least 20, say her ABC's, knows her colors, talks in sentences and can draw really well. She loves drawing on the doodle pad and playing with her baby dolls. She is really into Dora and even requested a Dora cake for her birthday. Brooke is just a little peanut. She is in the 25-50 percentile for her height and 25 percentile in her weight. Her doctor said that she speaks very intellectually and was really impressed with her talking in sentences. I am sure it helps that she learns from Ethan and Kami. Brooke brings us so much Joy. She has an adorable personality and great sense of humor. She adores Brandon............a little too much sometimes, I'd say. She won't keep her hands off of him. She is a little Mommy in the making. She is always right next to him when he cries, putting his pacifier in his mouth whether he wants it or not......she insists. She does not stop kissing and hugging on him, I can't say I blame her though. She is going to be a great little helper.

Mike and I took Brooke to "Build a Bear" on a special date for her birthday. Brandon tagged along with us as well but we left the other kids at home with Grandma and Grandpa

After we got home from build a bear we celebrated her birthday with cinnamon rolls!

Big bite for such a little girl

She opened her present from her sisters and brothers

For the big family celebration, I made Brooke the Snow Princess Dora castle she requested

Happy Birthday sweet Brooke.........We love you so very much!!

Welcome Brandon Ray Olson!

Brandon Ray Olson is finally here:-) He arrived on August 5, 2011 at 1:34 am. weighing in at 8 lbs 6 oz. and 21 inches long. We are so happy to have him in our lives and been enjoying every second with him since his arrival!

I just found out that I was dilated to a 6!! I was one happy Mommy :-)

Very proud Daddy holding Brandon

Adriauna, Ethan, Kami and Brooke meet their brother Brandon for the first time.

Adriauna get's to hold him first!

Ethan is sooo proud.....you can see it in his eyes!

Kami and Brooke share a turn holding Brandon. Brooke is just gitty:-)

Brandon all dressed and ready to come home with us!

All buckled in and one last picture before we leave the hospital

Our whole family right after we got home! I am the luckiest Mom in the world!

38 weeks

I had my 38 week appointment today and I was very excited to hear that I am dilated to a 3 plus. Again, My Dr. told me how low Brandon is and that she feels very comfortable inducing me next week on Wednesday if he holds out that long. I felt a big relief when she told me this exciting news. I am definitely on board! So, I guess we shall see if I have him before then but it is so nice knowing that he will be here by next Wednesday for sure!!