Just some more pics

Trying to role over.

Just chilling out.

This is the first time Kaija's cousin Luke got to met her.

Just the girls.

Sleepy afternoon nap.

Kaija's Sunny Day Room

I don't always like doing things the easy way, so why would I settle for easy while painting Kaija's room. It took a little bit to convince Tyler to help me paint her room this way, but we love the way it turned out. She has her rolling hills, bright blue sky day with scattered clouds, and butterflies fluttering in the air. When she gets older I would like to build a play castle in the corner; we'll have to see if that will happen.

3 Days old and counting...

She is finally here. Our beautiful Kaija Marie Hill arrived at 4:51 a.m. on August 26th. On Monday, I had been getting some regular contractions since midnight and my doctor's office felt that I should go and get checked. We went to the hospital at 1:30 p.m. and had a a non-stress test, and the nurse did not feel I was ready yet. She said I hadn't really started to dialate yet and felt that it wasn't really labor, and the contractions would stop or maybe speed up. The day continued, and so did my contractions. I went to a women's club dinner, but the contractions were really getting to me. I hunted down Tyler as he was arriving at the gym. He skipped out and we planned to stay in for a movie and some air popped popcorn. By the time the movie was over, I was worried about how I was going to sleep. After laying in bed, getting up, laying down and up for an hour, my husband watched the clock, and when he said he saw 3 contractions that were 5 minutes apart, we decided that it was time to go to the hospital. I was worried that because there were no signs earlier that they would still send me away. We got to the hospital at 1:30 a.m. I was really relieved when they checked me and told me I wasn't going anywhere until I had a baby; I was at a 3-4. Labor was tough, but I spent most of the time on my feet and doing squats. After 44 hours with only five hours of sleep, man was I tired. Tyler was great and supportive, and I only yelled at him a couple of times. At about 3:50 I was ready for the tough part. I was very lucky and blessed that it progressed so quickly. At 4:51, Dr. Merrill caught our little bundle. He also did a fabulous job. She is so beautiful, and we are enjoying every second with her.

Kaija's first exam.

Dad's first time holding her. Look at that smile.

Even cute when she cries.

Time to check out!

Funny findings

I am already getting bad at this. I planned on posting my cute pictures a few days back so here they are now. The other day, after taking my nap, I looked over and noticed something funny on my littlest boy. The white spot, on the chin of Jake, is in the shape of a heart. I don't know how I didn't notice is sooner. It's pretty cute.





Later on that night, the boys return from their back yard adventure. I think Max forgot to wear his helmet while playing full tackle football with Jake and returned with a fat lip.

Jake on the other hand looked like he was returning from a party somewhere, maybe Rivendell. (Apparently ivy from our garden)

Her first fair and concert!

With two weeks and two days to go until the outside world, we introduced our little one to her first fair and concert! After enjoying animals like cows, horses, sheep, alpaca, and rabbits, then good foods, such as corn on the cob, ice cream, and Croatian chicken we went to watch Tracy Lawrence in the Grand Stand. He and his band did not disappoint; they put on a terrific show. Of course I had to pick up an elephant ear on our way out. I won’t have a good reason to indulge in treats in a couple weeks.

Before baby

Before our new coming baby our family was already expanding. My boy Max and I meet up in June of 2004. He and I had an instant connection and he has been faithfully loyal to me. Like the saying, he is man's best friend and my guardian. I meet Tyler in January of 2005 on a blind date. Kind of crazy but getting over awkward shyness, we hit it off. We did lots of skiing and bumming around. Max was quite fond of him too. Not too many people could take on Max's full energy and strength, and they found a mutual respect for each other. We had lots of fun together and Tyler and I got engaged that November. With not many reception halls, student teaching, and me going to Germany (Oct. 2006) our wedding dates were limited. Seven months later we were married on July 8, 2006. We enjoyed many family and friends who came to help us celebrate. Tyler and I traveled around our Midwest stopping at Door County, Great America, Gurnee Mills, and Wisconsin Dells. I always love our car rides together. Max stayed home with grandma & grandpa Campbell. We enjoyed the rest of the summer with a couple other family camping trips.
In October I headed over to Heidelberg, Germany to student teach on a military base for two months. What an experience! When I returned home in December, that winter went quick with Tyler coaching skiing at Norway Mountain. Our first anniversary (July, 2007) we decided to make another furry addition to our family. We found some boxer/great dane puppies on Petfinder.com and decided that it would be a great idea to go get one THAT day, six hours away in Hale, MI. Our trip started at 1 p.m. Needless to say, it was a long day. When we arrived, there were 3 to choose from, two males and one female. We picked the spunky little one with a bump on his noggin (which eventually went away). Whoa, were we in for a trip. His nicknames have ranged from wigglebutts, dude, peanut, monster, munchkin but we officially call him Jake or Jakemonster. After a year he has finally settled down a little but still can't be trusted to be left out of his kennel when we leave. To him, everything is fair game to chew. That brings us to now. Tyler finished his fourth season of football with the UP Arctic Blast. Unfortunately he only played three games due to a shattered thumb in the second game. Each year he says it's his last. I didn't really believe him that last three, so we'll see when spring time comes up. I think that quickly sums it up. I hope you will enjoy our future adventures with us.

Time to Start!

Staying connected has not always been my strongest forte, but with a baby on the way it is time to start. Procrastinating until the last minute has always been my way. Luckily I married a guy that has the same philosophy and forgives me or slacks with me. We finally got the baby's room painted last week the crib up this week and we have less than three weeks to go. The grandmas were a little nervous. Expecting our little one has been exciting and scary at the same time. As we were pulling up to McDonald's tonight, for an often needed ice cream cone, Tyler asked if we were ready for the baby to come. My responce was realistic. It doesn't matter if the baby came today, next week, or in three, we probably won't be more prepared than we are now. Everything else will just find its place when she comes and we'll be great.