My new hobby (and subsequent camera!)

For the last few months, I have come across the most imazing photographs on several blogging sites (my favorite is Darin Warnick Photography -the link is on the blog). I have been inspired, and so with some of the money we got back from Uncle Sam, Conrad bought me my first "real" camera. I have been having a lot fun during the last 24 hours going through the manual and practicing with my cute test subjects. I'm going to enroll in an introductory photography class in April and look forward to seeing the results. Here's to fun in capturing moments! :-)

My family loves me so much

I am the luckiest little baby in the world!

A Visit from Grandpa, Grandma and Auntie Natasha

And then there were five

Our beautiful new addition has arrived! Cate Lucia Douglas came into the world on 01/11/10 at 3:11 in the morning. She weighed 6 lbs, 12 oz, and was 18.5 inches long. Once again we barely made it to the hospital. We knew with my history of fast labors it would be quick, but Cate sure did take the cake. Labor was only 40 minutes. When we got to the hospital (in 15 min), I was already 10 cm dilated. Yikes! At least the process was quick and we're all doing great! Also, the girls got to see their sister come into the world (we knew there'd be no time to wait for someone to come and watch them, or for us to drop them off).

Conrad and I are in awe over how beautiful she is and couldn't be happier with another baby. Hmm...did we say we'd stop at 3? ;-) Bronwen and Ava are in love with their little sister and are already great helpers.

Some surprising things...Bronwen has really changed with her new role in only a day. It is amazing to see her with Cate. She loves nothing more than to cuddle Cate (which Cate loves to do!) and help take care of her. "Mom, I think Cate is hungry." "Mom, can I help change her diaper? Only if it's not poop though." "Mom, I burped Cate." Ava is definitely in a more enamored state. "Awww, her ears are so tiny." "Can I put Cate's hat on her?" "Cate is so cute." I think she thinks of Cate more like a real doll. :-)

Conrad and I are doing really well too. We're remembering to take it easy on one another (yes, it's only been 4 years since Ava was born, but there's still something about a newborn's cry that makes you hop to it!), and to enjoy this precious time. As we've seen, babies grow so fast. Cate does make it easy to enjoy her though, as she is pretty cute!

Thank you for all of the well-wishes from family and friends who have come together to celebrate with us, and to offer help.

Love you all,

Conrad, Michelle, Bronwen, Ava and Cate

<6 Weeks Left

Well the reality of having one more little girl is hitting me as I am seemingly growing bigger every day. My maternity shirts are turning into short midriff tees, I've had to say bye-bye to a few maternity jeans, and my maternity overalls are at their last expansion button. I hope Cate comes soon or else you will be seeing me out in public in Conrad's pajama bottoms! Hee-hee! So far everything is still going well. My blood pressure is that of an athlete's and I'm having a great time with Conrad and the girls preparing for the holidays. I hope everyone who reads this has a beautiful Christmas and a happy, healthy, enriching New Year.

Love,

Michelle

Cougar Mtn. Zoo Reindeer Festival

The air was a crisp 37 degrees and Christmas decorations were already up in the house. All that was missing was our annual visit to Santa. What better of a way to see him than at his very own WA house? Conrad, the girls and I were off!

Each year the Cougar Mtn. Zoo holds a Reindeer Festival. It's only 15 minutes from our house, but it would be worth the drive if you're farther out. The girls got to feed Santa's reindeer, write a letter at Santa's Post Office (and mail it), talk to Santa, have hot chocolate and sit on hay bales while listening to an elf read a Christmas story, and enjoy seeing a few other animals (tigers, kangaroos, cranes, lemurs). Luckily it was sunny when we went (although very cold). It was a perfect way to start off the Christmas festivities!

Less than 8 weeks left! :-)