Eliza Marie

Introducing Eliza Marie Huffman!

February 12, 2014

7:03am

8 lbs. 2 oz.

18 inches long

We are so happy to meet her. She is a doll!

Miss Eliza made a quick entrance into the world. Serious contractions began around 1:15am on the 12th. We got to the hospital around 2:30am and I was 4cm dilated. Got the epidural at 5am, and the nurse checked me just before 7am to discover that I was 10cm dilated. At that point, nurses started rushing into the room and we heard one of them say "Dr. Feore is getting out of the shower now". Dr. Feore rushed into the room, I pushed for about 2 minutes and there she was! Later the nurse told me it was 4 minutes from discovering I was 10cm dilated to the time Eliza was born. She was ready to make her appearance!

We chose the name Eliza simply because Jason and I both liked it. Marie is my mom's middle name and we really wanted to use a family name from my side of the family since Cooper's middle name came from Jason's.

So far, we are doing very well. Eliza has been opposite of Cooper in every way. Eating better, sleeping better, basically fussing only when she needs something. I realize it's only Day 4 of her life and things could change at any point, but it sure has made things easier as we adjust.

Looking forward to (and a little terrified of) this next chapter of life. It truly feels like our family is complete!

Madeline Rose

Our new niece was born this week!

Madeline Rose

6 lbs. 14 oz.

20 inches

Feb. 5, 10:00am

Photos courtesy of my talented bro-in-law, Peter Graham

Madeline was due on Valentine's Day and decided to make an early appearance. She is absolutely beautiful and we're so excited for the newest addition to our family. So happy for my little sister and her hubby :)

Cooper is 4!

Today is our little man's 4th birthday! Can't believe it!  This is the first year we didn't take off work (saving more time for baby girl's arrival), so he got to spend the day with Grandma doing pretty much whatever her wanted to do. Unfortunately, he has a nasty cold and isn't feeling 100%, but it was still a good day. This morning, we surprised him with a donut with icing and sprinkles - he licked off the icing/sprinkles and left the donut untouched - and tonight we had a fun dinner at Friendly's with all of the grandparents. Tomorrow we have some special activities planned if he's feeling up to it.

We've seen some amazing changes over the past year...eating WAY more foods than he used to, talking up a storm, making new friends. Still completely into all things transportation - trains, trucks, cars, planes, etc. Favorite movies are Planes and Monsters, Inc.  He has embraced music more than before, showing more interest in listening as well as singing along. Just recently figured out how to pedal a bike/tricycle (coordination's not really his strong suit). He's learned to be more independent in many ways and we're trying to cultivate that more - getting dressed without much help, hanging up his own coat and putting away shoes, cleaning up after himself, etc. Many times he would prefer to "help" us with a chore/task than play with his toys - and he can be a really good helper. Of course we're constantly challenged to be patient, help him learn to be a good listener, and work through his emotions. It has not been an easy age for us as parents, but we are learning too.

This year will definitely stretch us all with the addition of baby girl any day now. (I'm glad she decided she needs her own birthday, despite the fact it would have made a good story!) Cooper seems to be really excited about having a little sister. Hopefully his "helper" mentality will help with his transition from "only child" to "big brother" status. Exciting times are ahead!