Happy Birthday, Alex !

Alex turned 8 today! The kids celebrated with cupcakes for breakfast, and Alex got to open one gift before school. Then Max, Sophia, Henry and I took cupcakes to Alex's school to celebrate a little more. He came home and after homework he played DS. Randy got home he opened his presents and we went out to eat, then we came home and he played DS again. He said he had a great day - so yeah!

Feeding Henry

Henry hasn't been gaining weight like he should, so we're supplementing with formula. It has been so fun for the other kids. They want to feed Henry every chance they get. As of Friday Henry had gained 2 oz in 2 days which is great, but he still hasn't gained quite enough. By 2 weeks of age he should be up to his birthweight, but he 7 oz shy. They think maybe because he was early it's harder for him to suck and that he tires out before he's full. So we'll keep feeding him and see how he's doing at his next doctor's appointment Monday (March 30).

Grandma & Grandpa Steffen visit

Grandma and Grandpa Steffen came out for a visit! They were here all day Friday and Saturday and part of Sunday. We all had great time visiting, playing Scrabbel and relaxing. Here are Grandma and Grandpa with all their New York grandkids at Kathy's.

Pine Wood Derby

Last night at Cub Scouts, Alex had the pine wood derby. He built and painted an orange pick up with black pin stripes. In his 3 races he came in 1st, 2nd, then 1st again. The computer scoring wasn't working correctly, so he needs to wait until next meeting to find out who was the grand champion. As an extra bonus, it was his Den's turn to carry the flags, so he carried the Scout flag in to start and the American flag out at the end. Sophia & Max came along to cheer him on, Mom stayed home with Henry.

Hanging out at home

Another picture of Henry doing what he does best, sleep. Sophia is busy changing her babies diapers, Max is coloring, and Alex is doing some research on the Solar System for a school project. Just another day.

More of Henry

Here are a few more pictures of Henry. They are from the hospital yesterday and one from at home today. We had a great first day home. Aunt Kathy spoiled us with a clean house, clean laudry, meals in the freezer and well cared for children. A friend brought us a hot dinner for tonight and it was so nice everyone played outside while I held Henry in a chair and watched.

New Brother

About 8pm Kathy brought the kids to meet their brother

More Henry

Still in delivery room

Welcome Henry Leonard!

In case you haven't heard, Kara had the baby today. We had a boy and named him Henry Leonard. He came a little more than 3 weeks ahead of schedule. We was born at 2:03 pm. He weighed 6 lbs 14 oz and was 20 inches long. Both mother and baby are doing just fine. As I write this Kara is just shutting off the lights to rest and Henry is snoozing in the cradle.

Here is a picture of Henry. I'll try to post a couple more, but the connection in the room is a little iffy.

Alex's name for the baby

I forgot Alex did come up with a name for the baby a couple weeks ago. He said we should name the baby Be Quiet. He added that then the teacher would call on the baby, saying Be Quiet Steffen, and he(she) wouldn't know if it should answer or be quiet. We all a good laugh out of that one. I hope you do too.

Waiting

Ok, now pick your jaw up off the floor, yes I know I'm huge!! That's how I get. Our little pumpkin has about 5 or so weeks left before it's born. ( I was offically 35 weeks on Tuesday)Oh, and Alex seriously informed us the other day the baby can't come on Easter, because the Easter bunny has to come and we have to go to church. I told him he may be in for a surprise. We had a rountine ultasound a couple weeks ago and everything looks good. We don't have any names yet, but the kids do. Max wants Orange Soda or Rootbeer, and Sophia wants Dora even if it's a boy, Alex hasn't really shared any ideas with us. The good thing for the baby (and Randy & I) is the kids don't get a vote.:)

A New Desk

Friday Randy took the day off, so he used part of the day to go pick up our new desk. Then all of us, (except Alex, he was in school) helped put it together. Now Sophia's room can be completely her room, not her room plus the office.