Welcome Charlotte Mae!!!!

Charlotte Mae Dement made her arrival into the world on December 21st, 2011 at 4:43pm. As with most of my children, she was apparently content in the womb and did not seem to want to come out on her own. And because Christmas was only a few days after her due date of the 22nd, we decided to induce to be sure that she would be home with us on Christmas day!

After my epidural and very shortly before Charlotte arrived, the kids got to come visit. I think they were a little nervous and not sure what to think. They were keeping their distance from me until I told them it was ok to come give me hugs and take a pic.
7lbs 6.7oz, 19 3/4in long and perfect in every way!!!!

Hi baby girl!!!! We've been waiting 9 mos to meet you!

Proud daddy!

The kids were in awe and so excited to meet their baby sister!

TJ was actually giddy with excitement- he giggled when he first saw her. I saw no sign of disappointment that he didn't get the baby brother that he had "ordered" as he says.

After her bath looking so cute.

I always miss feeling them in my belly, but it felt so good to finally be holding her in my arms.

And now Daddy gets to hold her too!

After an extra night in the hospital due to some jaundice related to her blood type being incompatible with mine and a heart murmur that has resolved, it's finally time to go home. Being in the hospital is tiring! Thank you Aunt April for my adorable going home outfit that fit me so perfectly!

Big sister can not get enough of her.

So in love.

Our first pic as a family of 5!

At home with big sister. Alli always wants to be holding her and gets a little mad when she's not able to.

This girl is a big time snuggle bunny. I like to call her a shoulder monkey cause her favorite place to be is perched on or draped across a shoulder (preferably mine, but daddy's works occasionally too).

More snuggle time with big sis.

...And big bro. TJ thinks this is so funny, but he never lasts very long before he's ready to get up and go play.

1 week old!!!

Such a beautiful little blessing and the perfect addition to our family.

God is so good!!!

Christmas Festivities!!

The kids enjoyed PJ/Polar Express day at school...

TJ with his friend Maliyah who sits at his table. She is super sweet. Makes TJ look a little small- just a little :-)
Alli with the principle, Mrs. Johnson. We LOVE her. She is always 100% involved in everything the kids do- footed pajamas and all!!

Alli with good friend Addison.

Before heading out the door that morning.

Our annual gingerbread house decorating...

I think we did really good this year.

It only lasted a few hours.

Not sure what part was more fun for them- the decorating or the eating and destroying.

Our Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving with Dwaine's parents this year. It was just the 6 of us, Elsie prepared a nice meal (all I had to contribute was Bill Miller's stuffing - easy enough!), and the weather was GORGEOUS! We sat outside most of the day and the kids enjoyed riding the old bikes and tricycles at Grandma and Pop's house. So many reasons to be thankful!

Alli and TJ pose with Grandma and Pop- I attempted this pic numerous times and this was the best one I got (you should see some of the others- rather amusing).

Playing outside on the super awesome long driveway.

Silly faces!!

That hat is one that Dwaine used to wear all the time as a kid. Elsie got it out for TJ and he loved it and so do I! I think it looks so stinkin' cute on him.

Alli modeling in the tree for me. She kept insisting on touching the bird bath- YUCK!

My crazy boy- gotta love him!

TJ sporting his favorite shirt, favorite jeans (hole in the knee and all), and new favorite hat posing with the old bike he enjoyed riding.

All around, it was a great day!

Kids' Sayings of the Morning

TJ: Mommy, sometimes my mind is out of its mind.

When asked what he meant he said his mind does crazy things when it thinks. Ha! I know the feeling!


Alli: Mom, when you throw away my crafts, you throw away my love.

Ouch!

She was talking about something that she found in the recycle bin about 2 mos ago too. Apparently I've scarred her for life.

9mos Belly Pics!!

And the big bare belly in all it's glory...
Should be a very Merry (and probably a little hectic) Christmas!!

Holmes or Dement???

Sono pic at 37wks 5days...

Look at those lips!!! And Dwaine says that is a Holmes nose. Getting excited to see what this baby looks like in person. We'll see in 2wks or less!!! Baby weighed in at 6 lbs 8oz according to sono measurements- let's hope that is fairly accurate. I would love to have a baby in the 7lb range!!