Baby Sister!!

 Ben meets baby Nora

Ben's job was to call his babysitter, Sarah to let her know the baby arrived. He was very excited to tell her that he had a baby sister!!

 Special cuddle time with mommy - we missed each other while I was in the hospital.

 Home at last.

Check out Nora's blog at www.nora-girl.blogspot.com.

More white stuff!

We've had a lot of snow/ice this year. Ben has had several snow days and has been able to get the sled out many times. Our new neighbor and friend Jack invited us to sled in his front yard - it was the perfect hill (and the bigger neighborhood kids even made a ramp on the slope).

Here's mamma looking a little worn out and DONE! Tomorrow is the due date, so we'll see when s/he decides to arrive.

Joe's Surprise-

The gang at Joe's work were nice enough to organize a surprise "baby sprinkle" for Joe. They were also sweet enough to include Ben and me in the surprise. Let me tell you, it was tricky to keep the secret - I had to be extremely sneaky switching a date night and Joe's chiropractor appointment. Sheesh, it wasn't easy, but somehow we pulled it off (I didn't tell Ben until a few hours before the party)!

 Ben excited for the party and happy to surprise Daddy at work.

Joe came into the room completely shocked to see everyone (about 20 people - wish I had pics of everyone!). He thought he was going to a Document Imaging Processing meeting. Those are his bosses behind him who had set up this "meeting" all a part of the surprise.

They got gifts for everyone (a big brother t-shirt and "My New Baby and Me" book for Ben, in addition to cute Washington U. gear for baby and a "My Dad Rocks" t-shirt). They also had Joe's favorite - Mexican food... I got to enjoy a fake margarita.

Joe in his new dad vest - complete with latex gloves, diapers, gas mask, wipes, baby bottle, changing pad, etc. It was pretty funny and a great surprise for Joe. Ha, ha - we totally got him - I loved it!! Such a fun and special day!

Family Hangover Bowl

This year marked the 50th anniversary of the family Hangover Football Game. Ben played the entire game and loved every (cold!) minute of it. He scored a touchdown and even won second place MVP... although the count MIGHT have been rigged by Grandad. And strange enough, the trophy says "Washington University Soccer Camp" on it (thanks for saving us, Uncle!). Ben also wore his official t-shirt for three days straight after the game. I had to draw the line when it was a school day - 4-year-olds don't wear XL martini t-shirts to school...

December was busy...

 Bebe "retired" and the university had a very nice party we were all able to attend.

We hosted Christmas Eve in our new house...

with chili on the stove, the first fire in our fireplace and falling snow outside.

Things were pretty cozy.

 We hosted Christmas morning with the grandparents. It was one of Ben's best Christmases ever. He loved everything about it and ripped open his gifts with so much gusto and excitement. Every gift was "WOWWWWW a Star Wars Guy!!!!" or "WOWWWWW a t-shirt!!!" He loved giving gifts as well this year, so that was nice to see.

We also went to Uncle and Auntie's for lunch where Miss Mags was pretty excited.

Excited to say "hi" to her favorite Joe, that is! "Where's Joe, hiiiiii, Joe!!"

This happens every five minutes, or so.

She'll be embarrassed about that some day...

It's hard to leave your new toys, even for one second for a potty break.

It's best to bring them into the bathroom.

Winter Party at School

Little did I know that "parent volunteer" would mean making the treats, organizing the craft and game for the school party. But we had a great time and I'm glad I could help before the baby arrives!

Thankfully Ben was all healthy and ready to celebrate with his classmates (he had a touch of the unspeakable sickness I hate earlier in the week - ugh).

Currant Cookies & First Snow

We made our annual currant cookies last weekend. Ben loved it and was really involved in the baking this year. Notice our new cookie cutters (thanks L&J - LOVE THEM!!!)? Yes, they are Star Wars - how awesome is that?! We also had our first snow... it's beginning to look like Christmas!!