Full House

A quick update. Yesterday the house was so quiet it was almost eerie, the kids had a blast at the hotel and for staying up late promptly came home and all went down for afternoon naps. Ron and Dad were able to go enjoy the last ORU game, sadly Brayden missed but sleeping was on his agenda. James had his first bath, which involved a lot of screaming. I think the kids wanted to help but all the crying was a little much for them. After our first dinner out, which James slept through we all headed to the airport to pick up my sister Sharon. She had flown with her two kids to spend a couple days with us-very fun! Her daughter Megan is 2 months old and Emily is almost 2-what a bunch of fun kids.

Guess who had a stinky???

Quiet

It is hard to believe that James is a good two days old. Time is just floating by creating many memories along the way. Today Brayden was the big boy and got to golf 18 holes with daddy and grandpa. I was shocked they did the entire par 3 course considering it was a sweltering day out. I guess Brayden was able to hold his own and even able to get a par 3 on a hole. The girls endured a visit to the Dr's visit for James. Thankfully Grandma was along as we sat in the room for an incredible amount of time ( I think I would have lost my job if I made my patients wait that long), but James was given a great report and hopefully we don't need to return for a couple more weeks.

I think Becca is a little disappointed that James is not a little bit more like her babies-he really doesn't like having his diaper changed and hates having his clothes off. I think she was so excited to have a real baby to change and hold, unfortunately James prefers to be cuddled and not played with, she is going to have to wait a month or so.

Tonight the kids are enjoying a night out with Grandma and Grandpa at a hotel. It is a wonderful break for Ron and I...although I almost don't know what to do-oh, yes...SLEEP!! and maybe take a couple pictures!

James Allen Haveman

Welcome to the family James Allen Haveman, born May 26 12:26am 8lbs 3oz, 20in long. I am going to have to create an album of all the pictures so just a face shot tonight. God's timing is always best but he sure made us wait for this little guy. I was able to be there for Brayden's last day of school-amazingly. We ended up going to the hospital Tuesday night after dinner and after having my water broke things moved right along and by just a little over midnight we were blessed with James. He absolutely perfect and we are loving seeing every one's reaction to him. The kids are so very sweet and all want to help in their own ways, Becca with baby care, Andrea in keeping him happy with funny faces and Brayden by being extra sweet and gently with his little brother.
We were able to come home from the hospital this morning and for not being from around here we sure were greeted with the overflowing love of family. My parents were both here, dad after a long drive and then also Ron's parents with two sisters and kids....a wonderful home coming for James Allen.


James most looks like Brayden at this age-mostly from the side...the head shape. He is doing well, although has a had time with any extra mucus/fluid. He was given a great report-no jaundice, great hearing and all systems moving..all prayers answered!

The kids were so excited to see us pull into the driveway-to see their baby, who they keep forgetting his name, and for some gifts friends so thoughtfully had given them.

Grandma and Grandpa-thanks to grandma who is helping hold down the fort now and for the past week!

The crew who came today-so much fun to see everyone. Great memories!

Slip-N-Slide

Our neighbors got a Slip-N-Slide this weekend and today the kids had a ton of fun playing with it. After their yard got to be a soggy muddy mess they moved things to our yard. Andrea was adamant that she wanted to try but once she got her suit on she wanted nothing to do with the thing....you can hear her screaming in the back ground. My conclusion is that these things are a ton of fun but VERY messy. At one point Brayden and his friend were mud monsters, Chasing the girls-you can imagine the screaming. I am sure the neighbors just look out their windows wondering what in the world are they up to now.

Bible Drill Party

So, one bonus of not having this baby on time has been the fact I have been able to enjoy some fun memories with the kids. Today was a little get-together party for Brayden's bible drill class he has been going to during the year on Wed nights. The kids had soooo much fun. Brayden loved the paddle boats and was out on one for most of our time. Becca was in love with the kitty and could have sat all night holding it. Andrea was content to just play in the mud with sticks. Both girls showed no fear and enjoyed riding some big horses-hopefully Ron will stay clear of poison ivy!

This was Brayden for most of the afternoon, amazingly he could control it and paddle it.

This tire swing looked pretty relaxing, Andrea would just lay down in it and get a big grin on her face.

Pretty big stuff. Andrea ended up riding all by herself while Becca was holding the kitty. Such a big girl at 2.

Becca's baby. She is definitely my little nurturer.

A great place for the kids, lots of mud, water and stuff to explore (although I could have done without all the ticks we came home with!!!)

Another Day

Okay, so a quick update for those of you who might be wondering if we are a family of six yet. Yes, we are still waiting along with everyone else and NO there are no plans to help this baby along. Thankfully the weather has cleared up and we are able to get out and enjoy some sunshine, although it looks like the OK heat is about to set in. We are staying plenty active, although all this walking doesn't seem to be doing a whole lot of good-but ephie sure likes it.
One funny thought for the day. Brayden is recognizing letters and starting to read signs. It just so happened that this morning he decided to read the Hooter's sign...which Becca thinks is such a silly sign anyway. Today his question to me was "is Hooter's like Tooter's??" I decided what was the harm and answered yes, which resulted in a TON of giggling. Anyway, hope everyone enjoys going to a tooter's restaurant, Becca wonders why anyone would want to eat there!
Ron is finally starting to feel a little better after a couple broken ribs and decided to tackle his Mt bike which was the cause of all his misery. The kids ended up helping with the cleaning and the washing moved on to the cars.

A lazy Saturday morning, one I really didn't think I would still be here to enjoy with the kids. Yes, things are moving along but at a snails pace...actually a tortoise's pace seeing as they tend to stop and go.

The sun finally came out this week and the girls had a ton of fun at the park where the water was on-a fun surprise.

Becca loves this teacup-the faster the better.

Once again, grandma is in town and we are all stuck in the bathroom. No tornado's, but the kids sure were full of questions and ideas after and during the whole ordeal. Did you know that a mirror is not a window-a HUGE concern for Brayden. Also-what is the heaviest thing in your house? I think Becca asked me this question at least 10 times. Ephie just hunkered down and refused to move.

Fun with Grandma

So we may be waiting for the next little Haveman we are managing to stay somewhat busy, seeing as this little baby seems content to not show itself-or the noise in this family is just too intimating. Anyway, in between the rain and storms of typical OK May weather we have made it out. The girls have loved showing off their bike riding skills. Brayden was all happy to have Grandma come to his Baseball game and then to his awards ceremony at school today.

How very special to have grandma in town for a very special day. Brayden was giving an award for trustworthiness. He was very proud and I am proud to say he had successfully made it through the K4 class at school-WAY TO GO BRAYDEN!

Treats for everyone.

The preschool graduate. I can't believe how much he has changed from the beginning of the year. His teacher gave each child a book of pictures taken throughout the year-great memories!

A special treat of ice-cream after the baseball game. Most fun because the kids got to high five the Sonic Man who we usually just wave to on Tuesdays.

This is what happens when Andrea decides to play with chalk, and Becca was her little helper in covering her face (and encouraging her to do it!)

They played the best team in the league-Brayden remembered his Coach telling his this and was very intense through-out the entire game. After seeing him dink about three balls when he was up, just to the pitcher we asked why he wasn't swinging for a home-run or big hit. He informed us that if he just dinked it he was for sure getting on the base, which in reality was true and he did make it each time. It took a lot of convincing that he should swing for those big hits.

The girls enjoyed a beautiful morning with Grandma at the zoo, lots of sun and cool temps made for a perfect morning.

Even though it was a little busy with some school groups the kids had lots of fun listening to the zoo keepers who were out in force to help teach and inform the school kids.

The Big Recital

Becca had a Wonderful Recital yesterday. The entire show was over an hour long and all the kids did great including the two sitting and watching. Becca had no fear and didn't seem mind the big stage or the big audience. She did two numbers, one tap and one ballet. Her favorite part was that at the end of the Beauty and the Beast number she got to fall asleep on stage-she was glad to have a rest. The recital was a lot of fun to watch, lots of fun music and ton's of bright costumes. It was crazy to walk into the drop off room and see a sea of little girls all dressed in little tutu's all full of excitement.

Yeah, Grandma made it for the recital!

This pose was all Becca.

Even Brayden was proud of his sister by the end of the recital.

This was her first number-tap.

An Afternoon at the Ballpark

We finally got out and were about to enjoy a Driller's game at the new stadium downtown. It was a noon game and with all the rain this week I was a little worried we might get rained out. Turned out to be a great day seeing as it was overcast and if the sun was out we would have been fried by the sun. We had some great seats as with the new field you sit basically at field level. We didn't catch any foul balls, although there were plenty around the stadium. We did manage to get a ball from the field after an inning. Becca was sent running to the fence after the third out....she didn't really have a clue why and wasn't even paying attention when the player handed her the ball from that inning. It was so cute to see her turn around and realized that he was handing her the ball-her smile was priceless coming back up those steps. Of Course Brayden weaseled his way into getting it but she will tell you the whole story if you ask, she was quite proud of the whole thing. But her most favorite moment=cotton candy, she was so excited when she saw some walking in, she sure has a sweet tooth.

Sad to say the drillers lost, but we did get to see a home run...their only run.

We ended the game at the playground-lots of fun and still about to watch the game.

Becca had I believe her last ballet class today. This weekend is her recital, she thinks her teacher is pretty special....as do I teaching all those little kido's!