Zoë's Newborn Pictures

Just some of our favorite images from her photo session almost a month ago. There are a few of Bennett just because he kept trying to get in the way of camera, he loves getting his picture taken too. ;)

Pictures taken by Jackie Carter, be sure to check out her website jacklyncarterphotography.blogspot.com

Bennett the Birthday Boy

Its hard to believe that two years have gone by already. Our baby #1 had grown into such a big boy. Bennett has changed so much, he's gone from a quiet baby content to stay still, to running around and always on the go!

A homemade 2-layer lemon cake with sprinkles

Birthday cake and song

Photography Preview

A friend of mine is working on her photography portfolio and wanted to take some pictures of Zoë. Here's a sneak peek, more to come at a later time.

Special Thanks to the Flamms

Front and back of baby blanket

Bennett's new shirt

This thank you posting should have been posted a few weeks ago. A good friend of mine sent us a great package with things for all of us: a baby blanket and burp cloth she made for Zoë, a t-shirt for Bennett, and fancy caramel-center chocolate for Andrew and I. So thank you Flamm Family for thinking of all of us!

The update you've all been waiting for...

First Family Picture

Warming up to Zoë

My Mom with her favorite Idahoan grand kids ;)

First day in the NICU and the first time I got to really see her

One of our visits, poor girl has an IV in her head

Bennett unsure what to make of his sister

Zoë Caitlin Hayes was born Nov 5th, at 8am weighing 9lbs 4oz and 19 inches long. She weighed more than Bennett, so it looks like getting a C-Section turned out to be a great idea after all! She was in the NICU for abt 5 days because she struggled regulating her blood sugar. It was hard coming home without her, but turned out to be a bit of a blessing. I was able to rest better in the hospital, and Bennett had time getting used to me being home again before we introduced the baby. Despite his first picture with her, Bennett does like his new sister. He likes to hand her the pacifier or burp cloth, even if she doesn't need them. It's very sweet.

The Cutest Scarecrow in Boise

Finding a costume for boys isn't very much fun. There doesn't seem to be a lot of options. The choices just seem to be a little limited and narrowed down to 3 genres: Hero/Villain, Animals, or
Occupational (like a doctor or astronaut). So when Grandma Hayes mentioned a Scarecrow costume she had made for Uncle Brett, I was very excited. It sounded original and very cute.

It did take Bennett some time to get used to the costume, he found the straw in the sleeves restrictive and was a little spooked by the hood. But he soon came to love wearing it. I was surprised that he wore it for the entire ward Halloween party. Last year he found his last costume too warm so it only lasted for about a 1/2 hour. The party this year was pretty fun, with lots of yummy treats, carnival-like games, and music. Bennett had a lot of fun on the dance floor. When they had a line dance, he was right up front in line and busting a move. It was terribly funny! It never ceases to amaze me just how grown-up he's getting.

Autumn Update

Wow, I didn't realize just how long its been since our last update. A lot has happened since then. During the Labor Day weekend, we thought I was going into preterm labor. I was having very strong contractions, but thankfully they were able to stop them and I was sent home. Bennett has learned how to drink from a cup, and can say the following words: Dada, Daddy, Mama, Yeah, Whoa, No, Oh no, Uh-oh, and still babbles endlessly. He's been a little terrible-twosy, but not too bad.

Baby #2 is growing pretty fast and getting a little on the big side, so a C-Section has been scheduled for the first part of November. At my appointment yesterday, I've already dilated to about a 2 1/2 so the doctor thinks she might come earlier. Its hard to tell though, there's no way of knowing I'll keep dilating at that pace or not. So we'll just wait and see. She sure gives the nurses a bit of trouble. Ever since she first got checked for her heartbeat, she gives them a literal run-around. Its like she hates being tracked? All they can catch are glimpses of a heart beat as she moves all around. So maybe its a sign that she'll be a big mover, which would be interesting.