My first big outing

Saturday October 9, Klackles. TJ was 3 weeks old and I had a fall work party that I really wanted to go to, Jim had a football game that he couldn't miss=Stephanie and 3 kids at an orchard on steriods. As you can see we had a great time! My friend Rachel was a huge help, and I wouldn't have enjoyed myself so much if it hadn't been for her. We managed to ride out to pick apples and pumpkins, eat doughnuts and dinner, play outside, and even cook up some smores. And the most satisfying part was that we closed down the party....2 single moms and 6 kids!

Anna and Kady deciding what pumpkin looked the best

Kady was so proud of her bag of apples

Picking off the tree

Ready to go!

Lucy wasn't too excited about getting her picture taken all day long

The catepillar

Lucy had a new friend for about a week. If we ever were worried about her taking care of a pet our questions were answered. Lilly/Anita/the catepillar was fed 3 times a day, taken out for exercise, and taken out to be loved. Lucy worried about it being too cold for Lilly, her not having enough to play with, eat, etc. She was devastated when she lost Lilly in the grass last week. Good thing for mommy's fast hands...the bug box is now occupied by a dead grasshopper, which she has found to be an adequate replacement. (the best part about the whole deal was finding out how much Lucy is like her mother. She seemed deathly afraid to touch the catepillar with her bare hands, but I found her with dora gardening gloves on one day and she was suddenly so brave)

Freeze frame

Theodore's first 3 weeks have flown by in a blur. I try to take everything about their newness in....yet some gets missed in between all those late, sleepless nights. Here is what I can come up with, or captured in pictures:

The Kramers came to meet Theodore

Fun night at the Damstra's

Lucy loves (understatement) holding her brother...this time she wanted to do it lying down

Strong boy holding up his head

Little stud muffin

Kady also loves her "brudder", and is glad she is no longer "me no sick", so she can kiss and hold him (3 kids with pink eye starting Theodore's first week of life)

2 trips down to artprize with the family

Lucy and Kady's newest play place

Theodore's first hayride at Robinettes, 10 days old

Michigan's cheering section at our house!

Daddy's buddy

1st bath

all mommy's helpers, and 3 clean kids at the end!

checking out TJ

getting a new cousin already! Jillian Dattels, born 2 days after Theodore

I hope the video works, if not I'll repost it later....I wish I could bottle up all of Kady's words right now, and the way in which she says them all. She has this rhythm when she speaks that just makes everything much cuter!

Theodore Jon Koops

The day had finally come! We were scheduled for an induction Wednesday September 15 at 0600. Last preggo pic of me....

IT"S A BOY!!!! Theodore Jon was welcomed into our family at 145 pm. Thankfully it was a pretty quick and uneventful labor. How perfect, I just love how warm and soft they are, and how the first thing he did was grab my finger. What a sweet little peanut. I think Jim was beside himself with a boy....so proud!

He weighed in at 6lb 12 oz, and 20 inches long. He was just so small and perfect, yet had the longest toes that I have ever seen! We are so thankful for a healthy baby!

Love those kissy lips!


Getting his first bath...his cry was so quiet...ahhhh

Lucy's first day of preschool

On Friday Lucy got to go and meet her teachers, Mrs. Boot and Mrs. Brander, and see her classroom. I got to go with her. She wasn't quite sure about school anymore when she found out I would just drop her off and leave (her words). So I think this hour was a good transition for all of us.

She already seems so much older! Ada Christian here we come!

This morning was the big day. Lucy wasn't quite sure about things this morning. I knew once we could get her there she would be ok.

Not so sure about things in the parking lot.

walking in, still a little leary

finding her locker

She found her nametag...with a hug and kiss from both mom and dad we watched her set off into her classroom. Later she told me she just felt like she was going to cry when we left, but she had fun anyway! She had many stories to tell, about fluffy, singing, but most importantly getting to play outside for 5 minutes! Jim and I did great as well, no overwhelming 9 month pregnancy hormones from me even! We are so proud of you Lucy!

Grandpa Herrema

He went to sing in God's choir, September 5, 2010. I love this man! He always brought me much joy, laughs, and smiles. I can't help but celebrate the fact that he is now in heaven and reunited with Grandma!

Hello September

Justice's bday hello 3, goodbye 2


hello mini-van, goodbye aurora

hello potties, goodbye diapers

hello fun, goodbye mommy worrying about germs

hello schooltime, goodbye random days at breton village

hello cooler weather, goodbye hot and humid 90 degree days

seriously both my girls insisted on wearing their boots on one of the hottest days of the year!

hello baby, goodbye pregnancy (37 weeks)