Ansel's Baptism

 We gathered together this weekend to celebrate Ansel's baptism.  Brian and I decided to do it outside by the river. Of course it was a little rainy but lucky the big rain drops held off until we were done. Thanks to all of our family for coming and being present for our new little one.

Axel catching rain drops

 *double thanks to my sister Larisa for taking over my camera. Ansel did very well considering is was sorta raining on him.  Only one little cry.

God parent's Beth and Willie

the whole group- minus Larisa and Maddie

 It was so wonderful to have most of the great grandparent's with us- only minus one grandpa.

One more of the group

Abel enjoyed the rain

Thank you to all of our family that came to see Ansel get blessed.  What would we all be with out our families and the influence they have on us and our children. I know we aren't super religious but I want to try and teach my kids the options that are out there. Once you all become adult and have sound reasoning (like when you are in medical school)  you can decide what you want to believe in. Some type of faith in life is good- we all just have to find what works for us. Here is a quote from pastor Carol that I wanted to share.

The Biggest Day

     Life is 'marked' by big days: the day you were born; the day you first said "Mama"; the day you took your first steps; the day you went off to school for the first time; the day you sneaked your first kiss; the day you were married; the day you became a parent; the day you bounced your first grandchild on your knee. Life is peppered by these big days that mark life's passing.

     But all of these, there is one day that stands above the rest: the day you were baptized.  For on this day, God swooped out of heaven and scooped you into his very own arms.  Like a grandma who refuses to lay her grandchild back in the crib, this great and powerful and gentle God has not let you go.  Nor will he.  Not ever.  On that baptismal day, you were given an identity and a destiny.  On that great, baptismal day, God's voice boomed through the halls of heaven, declaring for all the angels to hear and for all of time to bear: "This child is mine forever".  

**Another Huge Thank you to Grandma Ann for letting us celebrate at her house. We couldn't have done it with out you. Or I would have had to work a LOT harder at cleaning my chaotic house! 

The Dentist

Abel's first trip to the dentist. He got to watch his big brother the day before which I think helped. The morning of his appointment he told me that he didn't want to go. He was a little nervous in the waiting room and had to sit on my lap in the beginning. After looking at all the tools and finding the TV in the room he was brave and got his teeth cleaned and flossed! Way to go Abel :)

Fun Day

Axel's biggest fan!

 1st official Cannon Falls Fun Day (track and field day).  I guess the school does it every year from K to 5th grade. It means the school year is almost done! Wow that sure went fast.  I almost have a 1st grader!! Only one week left of school. Come on summer break!!

Had to cover baby in the sun- but once we got home he was all smiles

Ahh....Summer time!!

Abel's Cowboy Round Up

Look Who is 3!

 Happy Birthday Abel

Cowboy Family

Still Loves his Momma

The whole Gang

Boot Cups and Beans of course...

Campfires and smores with Grandpa 

Pin the tail on the horse

What do cowboys eat?
Beans and hotdogs

Yee-Haw!

Nummy

We had a Cowboy Round up party this weekend. Every thing was just how a cowboy likes it. Abel picked out the food- hotdogs, hamburgers, chips and beans.  He loved that all his guests got cowboy hats and hankie's for their necks. Abel is such a character and loves to dress up and play pretend.  He has been wearing his hat and superhero cape every moment since he got it. It was a fun party and we couldn't have asked for a better day. Finally some sunshine and fresh air.  Can't believe that my Abel is 3!! It makes me a little sad to think how fast the last three years have gone.  Thanks to all our cowboy family for helping us celebrate cowboy Abel's day!

4 Generations

                                               

Great Grandma & Grandpa Coughlin

Great Grandma Haan

Great Grandma Rapp

Great Grandma Hamblin

How cool that we have 4 generations on each side of our families.  Ansel finally got to meet each grandparent.

Grandma Rapp

Grandpa & Grandma Hamblin

                                        Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's in our lives.

2 Months

                                                             Ansel 2 months old.

Starting to smile

Hanging with his brothers

Starting to fill out :)

ANSEL:
weight: 11 pounds 1 ounce (18th %)
height: 22 inches (18th %)

What you are up to:
-started to smile and make little baby noises.
-doing well with breast feeding and taking bottles from dad
-wakes up about every 3 hours at night- some times more often. I know this part gets better but I sure miss sleeping.
-you are becoming more and more awake
-you are a happy baby that loves watching your brothers

On a side note:
I have returned back to work this week.  Baby did very well at home with dad- I did not do so well. I thought #3 wasn't going to be bad. But it hit me and I cried all the way to work and even on the way home. The next day was much better.  Luckily I am starting out by working 8 hour shifts for 2 weeks then going back to 12 hours. Slowly transitioning me back.  I love my job and am happy to be there but I sure do miss my little dude when I'm gone.

Learning to Breathe

I finished my first class in Grad school!  It's was hard finding my school groove- writing paper's with APA format, power points, research, theory and reading a lot of books.  Dispute being pregnant and having a new born baby during my first class... I did it.  I finished the first class.  I truly think it'll be my hardest one.  Now hopefully I have my school mojo back and I'll be done with my program before I know it.

For my practicum part of the class I learned about alternative medical therapies.  I got to experience a prenatal energy healer as a part of the class.  It's some thing I had never done before and didn't even know I would be open to 'that type' of thing.  It was a cool and powerful experience.  I learned a lot about meditation and breath.  I hope I continue to practice what I have learned and apply it to my personal and professional life.  To be a calmer, gentler, more present person.  I'm not sure if I'll ever believe in crystals that can heal me or rocks that can align my chakra's but I like the breath part of some of the therapies- like yoga and meditation.