Family Doing?

When Millie wants to find out where we are and what's happening, she wanders around the house shouting "Mommy doin'? Casey doin'? Daddy doin'?" (as in "What's Casey doing?"). So today's blog is about what our family has been doin' the past few days.

Departure day arrived yesterday for Casey, Christopher and his little brother Joshua. They are on their way to San Diego with lots of stops for baseball games (five games, to be exact) and visits with friends along the way. Millie, Simon and I are staying here at my parents' house for three more weeks so I can recover and Simon can grow a bit before hopping on a plane. I am so thankful for their help...there is NO WAY I could have done this on my own.

Also yesterday we took Simon in for his first check-up. He's a healthy little boy. He's gained two pounds since we left the hospital and seems to be very bright-eyed and alert. What a blessing.

And stay tuned for new photos. I need to figure out how to get my laptop online so I can upload a few more. Millie's growing like crazy and sillier than ever. Pretty fun times.

Goodbye, Grandma

As we welcomed new life into the world this month, we said goodbye to my Grandma, Mary Catherine Cawley Steinbeiss. Grandma Steinbeiss passed away on July 17 at the age of 95. Think of all that Grandma saw in her lifetime: world wars, the depression, 16 US Presidents, the rise and fall of communism. Most importantly, she lived to know and love 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. And man did we all love her. She was a gorgeous Irish lady who loved to dance and had a perpetual twinkle in her eye. She never learned to drive but made her way to a fancy bank job in downtown Chicago by bus everyday for years (and in true depression-style, hid her earnings in crazy places all over her house). Grandma loved to drown us kids in kisses, teach us funny versions of Irish dances, and host loud, crowded, FUN holiday meals. I always felt so adored by my Grandma. I miss her already.

Grandma and my little brother Matt.

Grandma and Grandpa

Simon's First Week

Our Simon...

He's here and he's absolutely perfect. Simon Christopher came screaming into the world on Friday, July 11 at 10:01 am. Weighing in at 9lbs, 10oz and 22 1/2 inches long, he's just the right size to take Millie's "love pats" with ease. We're all doing great and feeling better each day. The c-section was without complication (an enormous answer to our prayers), and Simon is as healthy as he can be. Millie LOVES her Baby Simon and nearly hyperventilates with excitement when she gets close to him.

We've had lots of wonderful visitors, and my sister Julie is here staying with us through next week to help us with Dr. Crazy Pants (aka Millie -- she's a little wound up these days). We just can't express how thankful we are for this miracle in our lives. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and support.

Just a few hours old...

Millie and her new little brother...

Happy to be home...

Parading Around

Happy Fourth of July! We celebrated in hilarious high style this year, marching as a family in our neighborhood parade. Here are some photos of the antics: Casey decked out and looking humiliated in her finery, Christopher pushing the tricked-out stroller, and Millie with her friends and doing all she can to get her hands on all of the candy being thrown around. I'm somewhere bringing up the rear and just trying to stay on my feet. It was tons of fun and made for a great excuse to rest on the couch for the rest of the day!

Adorable Violet, Taylor, Ella and Millie

Casey can't even believe what is happening to her.