Enjoying the Outdoors

Al took two weeks off work, which we all really enjoyed. I can't believe I will be done with my 6 weeks off soon now. We all are doing well and have been excited to be able to enjoy the outdoors more.

The first nice day after we returned from the hospital, we all went for a walk...

Asher was excited to ride his "big-wheel bike" when it got warmer.

But the real thrill was getting his new big boy helmet and his "surprise." He has been practicing pedaling his "big boy bike" lately. Although he only rides it for a few minutes at a time, Asher always gets really excited when he sees and rides his new bike.

Soon we will be planting some flowers outside. Asher says he will be my "big helper" and we all know how much he likes to play in the dirt.

Dedication Day for Ezra

Ezra

a boy's name of Hebrew origin, meaning help; a shortened form of helper and God is my help or Yahweh comforts.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14

I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord. 1 Samuel 1:27-28

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. John 1:12-13

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone and the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Tiny hands, tiny feet,

formed by God, in love complete.

May this gift from up above

grow to know His special love.

On this your Dedication Day,

the gift we give is you today.

Consecrated to the Lord,

oh, precious lamb, of His reward.

Happy Easter

I was determined to get a picture of the boys together Easter morning. I think this was the 1st time that Asher held his brother all by himself.





Asher was also excited to see that his Easter bucket was empty. "Find them, find them, find them!" he said with enthusiasm as he looked around the living room for his eggs. Asher would shake it, open the egg dumping the candy in his bucket, and then go show daddy and baby brother his find.

The Best Big Brother

Asher has been the best! He is such a great big brother. Already he is my big helper with getting diapers and wet wipes, burp clothes and blankets, and bringing us a bottle.

At the hospital, he made sure to bring his guitar to sing songs to Ezra. Also, he has been saying "good morning" to brother everyday... sometimes still with his guitar in tow.

Family Photos

Here are a few more pictures of Ezra with family members:

...Big Brother Asher and Grandma...


..."Kiki"

...Grandpa

...Bob

...Holly

...Cousin Chase and Grandma

...Cousin Katelyn


Ezra with his daddy and mommy, the day we left the hospital:

Announcing Ezra...

1st pics of baby

It's A Boy

Ezra James Mask
April 8th, 2009
9 pounds 4.4 ounces
22 inches


My Boys

Eyes Open


Family Time

the thinker

Asher has been a little overzealous in smiling for photos lately... big smile, mouth open and eyes closed. So, I really loved getting this photo

where you can see his big brown eyes. When printing a copy for dad to take to work Asher explained "I was thinking."

progressing... finally

Saw my midwife for the second time this week. At 39 1/2 weeks I have now progressed from 50% to 70% and from 2 cm to 3-4 cm. If baby doesn't come on his own, I will see my midwife again next week on Monday; then we are scheduled for 7am admit to the hospital on Wednesday, April 8th for induction. We are both healthy, and he is in a good position. I'll keep you posted.

baby will be here soon

Weekly visits with my midwife lately. When I went to see her today, she says I'm at 50% and 2 cm dilated. I'm 38 weeks now and measuring at 38 1/2 weeks, but she thinks I'll go to term. I'm sure we'll have an even better idea at my next visit on Monday. Baby and I are healthy. We are finishing up final preparations for baby at home and will be excited to welcome little one whenever he decides to arrive. We'll keep you posted.

Welcoming Warm Weather

We had some cold days lately, but the occasional warm weather has the kids wanting to go outside. I have to admit, I have the windows cracked open today and am ready for spring. Last night we walked to the DQ for the first ice cream of the season. Okay, maybe we're pushing it a little, but Asher can't stop talking about his chocolate ice cream with sprinkles. I certainly enjoyed my hot fudge sundae! Here is a picture of Asher last week...

He could not wait to get outside at the first hint of warmer weather. Once he saw a neighbor boy out on his bike, Asher was bound and determined to get on his bike that day too.

Of course, we still spend most of our time inside. Here is a picture of Asher playing dress up in his "work" outfit.

Fireman has been a new and frequent role lately. Otherwise, he typically is off to "fix" something.

Family in February

Thought I'd put up some recent pictures of us. Here is Asher saying "hi" to baby brother on the 15th of February...

It's just now March, but already I feel much bigger than I was in that picture. Had a good check up today. My midwife says I'm looking good and baby is healthy. I'm 35 weeks and 2 days today and measuring 35 1/2 weeks along. Starting my weekly check ups now. Baby will be here in just a few more weeks now!

Here are pictures of Al and Asher after bath time...



They were taking turns singing into Asher's pretend microphone.