This has been a very busy week, filled with celebrations of almost every shape and size. First off, dear Tara came to visit with us from Mississippi... she had planned this trip with baby Reagan in mind, and was happy to arrive shortly after he did. She was able to see Abbie (when she last visited with us) at just about this age.. so it was fun for her to see Abbie as a "big" three year old.. and now newborn Reagan.
She loved having an afternoon of snuggles with him....
Course, Abbie had to have her share of snuggles too....
She loves holding her little cousin....
And was more than curious with the whole diaper changing event. She told Tee Tee that she would change Reagan's diaper, but changed her mind when she saw how it all went to work.....
After our visit with Tee Tee, we took Tara down to see the ocean. It was still pretty stirred up by the recent snow storm we had and it put on a fabulous show. Tara was so happy to see the ocean again, she grew up here, so now - living in-land, this is a treat for her....
I have to admit, that I miss living close to the sea. I really should make a point of going to see it more often........
Tara celebrated her birthday while she was with us... so, we decided to take her out dinner. This was Reagan's first public outing too.... all bundled up, he slept threw most of it...
So, meeting "uncle" Rick for the first, won't ever be remembered by him --- but we certainly will!!!!
And the same for "auntie" Kelli too.....
We had a small taste of spring on Sunday afternoon, and taking Duke out, we traded the sleigh runners for wheels.. As much fun as I have had driving the sleigh, it was nice to be out in the cart again......
Tara headed back to Mississippi (her visit being way too short) and we continued with warm temps and sun.... Abbie was more than thrilled to go outside without her coat (though she probably should have worn it).... I wondered what she was up to with her sled and shovel.....
She told me she was going to move all the snow so Papa's grass could grow again. (however, after a few shovel fulls, she said she thought it was going to be too big of a job!!!)
This past weekend, I wanted to cook one of our turkeys. So, I thought it would be fun to have a spring Thanksgiving.... and pulled everything out....
invited the family for a feast.......
My Mom brought a birthday cake in honor of the birthdays that have been and those to come.... (she forgot to put Reagan's name on the cake!!!)between the end of Feb and March, we have quite a few birthdays now....
This was Reagan's very first visit to Baby and Papa's house!!!!!
And you can be sure he was passed around and enjoyed by everyone. We had such a great time together, laughing and catching up on everything that everyone is doing. Family is such a blessing and I try to pull us together often......
Abbie was so happy to have Kelsey all to her self for a while. She loves her "older cousin".......
Reagan is already two weeks old.... time just goes by so fast......
It has been an absolutely CRAZY week for me... for one thing the weather... seems we get some sort of snow every few days... and even now, I am thinking spring.. I can trade that sleigh in for a cart any day now. I have been working some extra hours at the post office, and dog classes are in full swing.. teaching three nights a week - three classes each night.. AND everyone (but us) are on vacation, so the kennel has been full as well... NOT that I'm complaining... it just is...
So, it was Wednesday before we even got a minute to go and see Reagan!!! It was so busy at the hospital, and everyone wanted to see him.. so we all spent a few minutes with him.. but I was looking forward to "that" time where he could all be mine - even for a moment.
Of course I brought Cammie with me.. she adores babies.. and was beyond thrilled to check out Reagan. She would smother him with kisses if she could get away with it.....
This little boy is going to be the prince for sure... with adoring parents and grandparents, aunts,uncles and cousins... he is one loved little guy....
Kas and Nate are doing amazing... they have been working as a team and their first few days home have gone very well... their dogs, Charlie and Banjo are taking this baby business very seriously.... Charlie "guards" over feeding time...
And Banjo supervises all other times.....
There is no way this little chap isn't going to love dogs and animals in general.... hopefully my schedule is going to slow just a bit so I can capture these early days as well... for we all know... they just speed by way too fast!!!!!
Now that Kass has had some rest time, Abbie couldn't wait to meet her new little cousin. She was more than excited to get to the hospital......
Keeping her on the quiet side, and not racing into the room... she hurried down the hallway with "Krunkle"..... (I think I was excited as she was waiting to see her face...)
And the moment she met Reagan, she was totally in love. She couldn't wait to show him the gifts she bought.... and just kept saying.. "oh Tee-tee, he's just adorable!!!"
She checked him over from head to foot.... and thought that Tee-tee had done a "very good job"....
And when Tee-tee said she could hold him, I think she was in total amazement....
Course, letting him go to share with the others... now that's a different story.....
But, eventually, the rest of us got to have him for a few moments... I know we have him for the "rest of our lives"... but those first moments of life, you just need to hang onto... this is Papa!!!!
And here's Baby!!!!
And our beautiful girls with their children... seems so wonderful to now talk about "our grandchildren!!!"
The proud grandparents.... again!!!!
Saying goodbye for now was very hard for one little girl... but Tee-tee and Reagan needed their rest (and the chance for others to come and say hello....)
The afternoon was beautiful, and since we won't have snow much longer... I wanted to get that sleigh out.......
Sadie and Abbie said they would drive with me... so off we went....
And then Abbie and I went together... she loved being with me... and of course, me with her.....
Time for barn chores.... stalls needed to be done, so while Ed helped me with them... look who played jungle jim on the the shaving bales....
She has no fear!!! but is a true country kid for sure!!! What an amazing day of "grands".... I have to be one of most blessed people in the world!!!!!!
Kass called us this morning - around 2:00 am - to say that she was at the hospital, and they were "keeping her".... baby Reagan was on his way into the world. I called her back around 6:30 am,( I had to work at the post,) but promised that I would be there as soon as I could. I made it to the hospital around 1:30... and everyone was hard at work. Kass of course... plus Nate (her wonderful hubby) and Diana (best friend and a labor and delivery nurse!!!)... I mostly watched, and gave encouraging words where I could.
Her labor went well.... and pretty quick for a first baby.... and little Reagan came into the world at 4:55 pm. Weighing in a little more than seven pounds, he is healthy and beautiful. Both Deb (Nate's mom) and I had the great pleasure of watching him arrive into the world. What a blessing - I have been able to see both my grandchildren born!!!!
Bearly a few minutes old.. and his camera crazy "baby" was already taking pictures!!! I know you have all seen millions of Abbie, well, now I have someone else to share!!!!!
Proud new parents!!!!!
And sweet new boy......
Mom and son getting some time to get to know each other.....
And Auntie Diana... who helped his Mom do the tuff work and now she gets to cuddle this precious little baby....
The journey has begun.............................
