Ella and Hallie's first playdate

Luke was really excited for Hallie to have her first friend over when Ella came to visit. Here they are, enjoying their first playdate. :)

Sleepy, Weepy and a little bit Creepy

I think I officially scared my air conditioning man to death when he came to fix our AC this week. I was in the middle of a weepy bout on the phone to Warren. My face was all red and puffy, all traces of make up had been washed away hours before. Seems the tears always kick in for me about week 2, just when I'm starting to feel decent physically. It's been a wild week. Starting with Warren injuring his back again. He's afraid he may have ruptured a disc again, his nerve is definitely pinched again. Saturday it took him an hour to get out of bed. Each time he tried to climb out, his legs would buckle from the pain and he'd fall back in. He was crawling on all 4's to get to the bathroom. Not pretty. Unfortunately, the poor guy is completely swamped with work. He still hasn't been able to take a day off work (we'd planned on him taking a week when Hallie was born). The day Hallie was born there were some major structural changes in his company. We are just so grateful to still have a job, Warren has been working extra hard to prove himself. He had to fly out and train a new guy this week, so I have been a single mom. It's been exhausting. My mom hasn't been out here yet because we were waiting for my sister to have her baby. It's her first, and I didn't want she or my mom to miss their time because of me. My mom was just about to purchase a ticket yesterday to fly in last night to come here, when she found out my sister was in labor!! Hailey had a sweet baby boy last night (pics to come!). So instead of heading out here to TX, my mom was on the road to UT. We have my mom scheduled to come out next Wednesday. I can't wait to see her! I'm so glad Hailey went into labor when she did! Despite all the craziness and exhaustion, I have had a lot of help from my friends here. I've had dinners brought in every night this week, offers to drive my kids to their sports practices, grocery shoppers, gifts and visitors to lighten the load, and playdates for my kids to the park and friends' houses. I have been so greatly blessed. I never could do this and remain sane without these wonderful ladies! They truly lift me up. I know they are angels on earth. I also am very blessed to have such good (and healthy!) kids. They have been great with all the adjusting over here. And Hallie is such a sweet little thing. I'm so happy she is a part of our family. We wouldn't be complete without her. Warren will be home tomorrow night, and I can't wait to see him. My life may be sleepy and weepy and my blood shot eyes may be a little creepy, but I am happy. I love my life.

Princesses 1 & 2

Hallie smiles and laughs in her sleep all the time. I'm not sure what she's dreaming about, but she sure is a happy little thing.

If Hallie is no where to be found, you can count on her being in the care of Princess #1. She spends a good portion of her day carrying #2 around the house with her. I'm so glad we've had Spring Break this week so they have gotten in plenty of sister bonding time.

Hallie- AWAKE!

This is a side of Hallie we only see for a few hours a day. She is such a little sleeper. I'm not complaining! I'm sure she will be awake soon enough. If I'd have known Alan was going to do a photo shoot with her, I would have put her in something a little cuter, but here she is, in her night gown. Cute as a button.

Pictures a la Alan

We were glad Alan wanted to try out his new camera while he was at our house. Anytime a photographer needs practice subjects, I'm happy to loan out my kids!

My little darlings

Alan, Shells and Ella- Help Phase #2

As Heidi was about to walk out the door to her flight home, Warren's sister Shelley and her husband, Alan and little daughter Ella came

to the rescue. They have been wonderful! The kids have had a great time doing legos, playing on Alan's phone and Ipad, playing with Ella, Easter egg hunts, watching movies, going to Baskin Robbins, going to the park (Hallie's first outing to the park!), bike rides, super fun. My house is spotless! I'm going to miss all of their help cleaning and cooking. Thank you guys for coming to save me! The rest has been so great.

"My auntie loves Me"

This shirt Heidi gave Hallie is so darling!

Fun Aunt Heidi- Help Phase #1

Heidi was so much fun! We were so glad she joined to help out with the troops while I recovered. She took kids to the park, had surprises for the kids which included silly bands, provided lots of fun times doing the little green soldiers with parachutes off the stairs, played games (all sorts- can you hear the Mary Poppins song in the background?), made a leprechaun hunt (which included fun hats and cool 4 leaf clover glow sticks that soon became light sabers), cleaned the house, cooked meals, entertained me, and much more. She is fantastic! I was SO sad to see her go! :(

Sleepy Hallie

I'm enjoying Hallie's first week of sleepiness. I know it won't last, but for now, this is how Hallie looks most of the day. Such a sweetie!

Jake and "Baby Girl"

Paternity Test

No question that Warren is the father. Hallie has his sleepy toe!

Hallie comes home from the hospital

Meet Hallie Julia Hess!

Hallie Julia Hess. Born 3/11/11 at 4:21pm.

7lbs 10 oz and 20 inches.

We're so glad she has joined our family!

Yesterday we made it to the hospital around 11:30am. I was on antibiotics for 4 hours since I was tested positive for strep B. As soon as my 4 hours was up, they broke my water at 3:30pm and gave me an epidural. Hallie was born just under an hour later! We're so glad she is here safe!