Power Drill & Friends

Zane was thrilled when a package arrived and it included a power drill for him! He can make the screws go forward and backward and loves that he can control the drill himself. Thank you Oma and Opa!!

Hannah is doing great. She's up to 9lb 13oz and is starting to be more alert. She's happy when she's not gassy...which is often, so we're looking into how to make her more comfortable. At night she sleeps for 2-4 hours at a time. It's more often closer to 2; Mason and I are both looking forward to when that time is extended.

Hannah met her new best friend, Hattie, on Sunday. Hattie is 3 months old and the daughter of our friends Joel and Casey. On a Sunday you ask? Why yes! Mason's schedule has FINALLY changed and he is now home on Sundays so we can enjoy time with friends together. He now works Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

 Thank you Megan, for this fantastic shirt!! Zane pointed at the logo and said "just like Papa's."

 This morning we met friends at Peninsula Park.

 This entire ring spins around. Zane and Papa have a routine where Zane "hangs on like a lizard."

Weekend Visitors

On Sat. evening Matt and Audrey came into town to stay with us. This weekend was to be my first time as a single parent with both kiddos since Mason went back to work...but I got to put it off! Saturday wasn't bad at all, but on Sunday I was thanking my lucky stars that they were here because Hannah was fussy all day and Zane seemed to be needing extra attention. Zane got special park time with Unkie Matt while Audrey and I traded off with Hannah. Hannah especially liked hanging out on Aunt Audrey's belly, bonding with her cousin who will arrive in November.

Monday morning we all took a stroll over to the park. Zane rode his bike! Up until a few days ago he was still just walking with the bike between his legs, but on Sunday it clicked and he started picking his feet up and gliding. We are so excited for him!

Zane likes Hannah's "tent" and likes to help her play with her toys by making them either jiggle or play music.

Granmama's Visit

My mom has been out here for the past 17 days helping in various ways. First, she was helping us prepare for Hannah and giving me a break from toddler antics by entertaining Zane. Then, after Hannah, she helped with food, holding Hannah, cleaning, painting, errands, and entertaining Zane. I know that our experience with having our second child would have been vastly different if Mom wouldn't have been here! Thank you Mom, hope you're getting some rest now that you're home!!

She crocheted Zane Plex, the yellow robot from Yo Gabba Gabba, to go with Muno. Toodee, the blue fox, also materialized while she was here.

 A Zane self portrait.

Our blueberry bushes out front are producing on a daily basis. Granmama still couldn't pick fast enough to keep the bowl full :)

 About 6 years ago we took a trip to Multnomah Falls when Mom was visiting. Virgil loves her so much he chewed up her roll of film (Film! That's how long ago it was!) with the photos of the falls on it. We finally got around to going again.

 Mom's amazing pic!

 Showing off his tat from Russell Street BBQ.

 Then Hannah was born :)

 Granmama and Zane had private pool parties.

 Mini sunflowers. Erica, these are the ones you sent...are they supposed to be mini?!

 We took a trip out to Sauvie Island to pick raspberries and found some large tractors on the way to the fields.

 Hangin' in the fort.

 Jameson Square Fountain.

 Cookies with Granmama! He's got a mouth full of dough...yum!

See you again SOON!

Brother & Sister

Zane takes his new big-brotherhood very seriously. He is on hand to deliver a binky to a fussy Hannah, he lets me know when he thinks she's hungry, he makes sure her tootsies are covered by the blanket, and he showers her with kisses and pets. He's so sweet and gentle (most of the time)...it's heart melting stuff.

Out and about as a family of 4 :)

6 Days Old

Little Hannah is a great sleeper, pooper, and eater! She is a very chill baby so far and we are enjoying every moment of her. Zane is a fantastic big brother and helps by bringing her diapers, toys, and her binki. He often pets her gently and likes to imitate her noises.

She had her initial visit with the doc yesterday and all looks well and healthy. She is slightly jaundiced, but that is normal for babies her age (Zane was the same way). Her birth weight was 8.3 and she is now 7.11, also normal, and we expect that to climb back up since she's now getting the good stuff from Mama.

Hello Hannah!

Hannah Irene Rippey is here! She came into the world at 8:40am on July 6th, 2012, weighing in at 8lb. 3oz and 21 inches long. Her birth could not have been smoother or more expedient! Early contractions started at 2am, we were at the hospital by 6am, my water broke at 8am, and we were holding our amazing daughter at 8:40. Mason was a fantastic coach, our doctor was present (Zane was delivered by nurses since he was also expedient), and the nurse who delivered Z was there as well. We could not ask for a better birth experience. I'm doing very well and happy to be home with our new family.

 Hannah brought Zane a present. He thinks she's pretty cool. His first words upon seeing her were "Awww, she's so cute."

 "Cheeeeeese!"

 Happy big bro.

 He claimed her.

 Granmama with the kiddos.

 This is Heidi, our amazing nurse who has been a huge part of our birthing experience. If anyone else delivers at Providence, ask for Heidi!

 We came home on Saturday afternoon and have been figuring out routine and how to give attention to those in need. So far, Hannah is an excellent sleeper during the day....we're still working on the night part, but that will come.