Two Years Ago Today.....

....we were at Methodist Hospital working hard to welcome our new daughter into the world!

Even though I was induced again, my labor and delivery was much easier the second time around. I was admitted in the morning on February 20th, and after Pitocin, lots of walking, one failed epidural, one successful epidural, and a mild shoulder dystocia on the last push--Erica Rae entered the world at 6:07 pm.

She weighed 8 lb 6oz, was 21 inches long, and was absolutely gorgeous.
We fell in love with her instantly.

Happy 2nd Birthday, E.Rae--we have enjoyed every minute of your precious life. You are a beautiful, joyful, sweet girl who we see limitless potential in. We hope and pray that you are as resilient and strong for the rest of your life as you have been for the first two years. You will be a force to be reckoned with!!

A Snow Fort, Snow Balls, & A Little More Sledding Action....

I never knew the true meaning of "Cabin Fever" until I became a parent.
We are truly running out of creative things to do in the house, and I am
tired of the kids wanting to watch tv and movies all day. So here we are out
playing in the front yard on a beautiful, sunny, mild winter day.

After doing snow removal on the driveway and sidewalks, Jon got the bright idea to dig the kids their first snow fort. You gotta give it to the guy--he is always thinkin'! So here are H & E helping to dig the snow fort out, and just chillin' in their new digs!

I call this the snow ball competition--and it appears that Hayden has Erica beat by a long shot.

Finally some good old "make daddy sweat" kind of fun! Thank goodness for good neighbors around us, because as you can see we are sort of limited on yard space--so our sledding track was through our yard and each adjoining neighbors yard. Jonathan shoveled down the embankments like ramps, and we really got truckin. Hayden and Erica would've gone forever, unfortunately their mommy and daddy are really out of shape, and couldn't quite keep up with their demands! :)