Family Resemblance

We have decided that Paige and Will most definitely look like brother and sister.  When looking back at our pictures of Paige when she was a newborn, we discovered we had a picture of both kids, at almost the same age, in the same pose.  We got a kick out of it - as we think they look awfully similar.  We've concluded that Will is the boy version of Paige.  Obviously, they have some differences in their appearance but we think people will at least be able to tell that they're siblings!  What do you think??

Merry Christmas!!!!

We had a great (and crazy!!!) Christmas - needless to say, chasing an 18 month old around, taking care of a newborn, and attempting to open up gifts proved to be most interesting.  Paige, while incredibly busy, was at such a fun age....she quickly figured out how to rip the wrapping paper off and watching her face as she opened each package was priceless.  We hope you had a blessed day celebrating Christ's birth.

Home we go!

Will had to head home from the hospital on the coldest day ever! I think our car said -6 degrees, and the news said it was -30 with the wind chill. It seems so cruel to bring a child into the world in this weather:) I guess it'll make for a good story to tell him some day. So, we bundled him up as best we could - poor kid looked like an Eskimo! Here are a few pictures leaving the hospital. We have been home a few days now and are adjusting to life with two kids. It's been fun and Paige has done great with her new role. She is becoming quite the helper and is enjoying changing her new baby doll's diaper. I think she's slowly becoming a little mommy herself! Hope you are all staying warm in these crazy conditions!!!

William Benson Ferwerda

Our little man, William Benson, arrived on Friday at 12:13 PM.  He's perfect in every way and we are loving each moment that we're spending with him in the hospital.  Will was named after Ben's Grandpa Will.  His middle name, Benson, was my grandma's maiden name.  It was so fun to honor our families with his name!  We head home tomorrow and are anxious to get back to our now big girl, Paige.  She's done wonderful with the transition so far so we're excited to see how things go once we're all home as a family.  Here are some pictures that were taken at the hospital.

The Stockings are hung....

and we're off to become a family of four!  I have to be at the hospital tomorrow at 7:15 am....from what I understand, it will take awhile to get things going, as I have to have a stress test and some antibiotics before they will induce me.  Hopefully by the evening, he will be here!  Please pray that everything goes well and the labor is as fast and easy as it was for Paige. Also, pray that the weather cooperates...we're supposed to have a nasty snow storm and I really want my in-laws to be able to make it in for the occasion!  Looking forward to introducing you to our little guy tomorrow!!

Best Buds

Paige and Addison are truly best buds - as Rach and I say, cut from the same cloth!! It's so much fun to get them together and see them operate, play, and talk to each other. We had a girl's day this past Friday while the daddy's worked. We took them shopping in the sub-degree weather, made Christmas cookies, and played until their hearts were content. Of course, Rach and I had a blast just hanging out too! Here are a few pictures of the little cuties together.

Nesting

So, I'm most definitely "nesting" and driving my family crazy!  

I am also rubbing off on my daughter.  I captured her cleaning our floors today, totally unprompted by me.  I'm not sure if this is something to be proud of or scared of that my 18 month old knows that I like a clean floor!  And yes, she does have a Swiffer that is just her size, thank you for noticing!

I will be induced next Friday, December 19th, if little boy hasn't arrived by then.  However, it seems that everything is progressing rather fast so who knows - he could arrive before then.  We'll be keeping you posted :)

Ho, Ho, Ho!

First off, Paige is doing so much better - we're still kind of waiting for her appetite to return but she is back to her old self. Thanks for checking in on her and thinking of us:)

This year, Paige can spot Santa paraphernalia from a mile away. She will see a Santa picture and shout out, "ho, ho, ho"!!! We assumed this was a good sign and that our trip to visit Santa in person would be a big hit. Boy, were we wrong!

Last weekend during our annual family trip to State Street, we took Paige to meet the Big Guy. The minute she set her eyes on him, the fear and tears kicked in. It was pretty comical - here are a few pictures of her from the experience.....

Gearing up and waiting in line....

First Glance....

Ok Mom and Dad, get me out of here!!!!

Flu - Day 3

Wouldn't you know that Paige came down with her first flu the day Ben's entire family left our house? I'm just praying no one else gets sick - especially my precious niece, Maren! 

Paige has been very ill all week with a nasty stomach flu, and I have been trying to stay afloat. It's been rather challenging taking care of her while being ready to have a baby any day! I think today topped it off as I was doing my 6th load of "flu laundry" and discovered my laundry room and basement floor covered in water. Needless to say, Ben decided to come home early from his week away to "rescue me". After today, I think I needed it:)
Paige has been so sweet and full of cuddles - and selfishly, I've been treasuring her sick days - I know these moments of just her and me are drawing to an end and I've been soaking up each of these days where she wants to sit on the couch and let me hold her. Trust me, when she's well, she's way too busy for that!!!
I'm a mean momma, and took a picture of her in her state of illness - but she has loved this big bean bag chair and Gus has been taking extra special care of her! I think by tomorrow, she should be on the up and up!!!!!