Deck the Halls

Season's Greetings!

We have a lot to share with you today. Saige and Westin visited Santa with cousins Aidan and Ronan. We also set up the tree. We have videos and photos of all of it for you viewing pleasure.  Remember you can click on the photographs to get a larger picture.  

 Visiting Santa at Bass Pro with the Crane's.

Saige told Santa she wanted a Barbie House

and Westin wanted a dinosaur.

The next few pictures are of the Christmas tree we put up at our home.

Sweet kiss.

Westin trying to return the kiss.

As you can see the kids are on their best behavior!

While putting up the Christmas tree Saige was a very good helper. Westin was a good sport and did a good job of staying content most of the way through decorating.

Our Elf on the Shelf is name Ivan and Saige absolutely loves finding him every morning. 

Thanks Grandma Liz!

Thanks for stopping by. We hope that Santa finds you and your family healthy and happy!

~ The Stallbaumers

Brother Bear's turn to talk!!!

The other night after we had gotten Saige in bed, Westin decided to give us an ear full. We thought you would like to hear too!

More teeth seem to be on the way too!

Enjoy.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween everyone! Here is what we've been up to in our cool costumes.

While Mom was in St. Louis for a Math conference Dad got daring and brought the kids out to Boo Bash held by the Gardner Parks and Recreation.

When we first got to the Bash these guys were there to meet us. Surprisingly enough Saige was the one that wanted a picture with these guys.

Saige was Tiny the Pteranodon from the PBS show "Dinosaur Train" each time we went out. Westin was a "Little Monster" and a "M&M".

The lines were long and Dad had a hard time keeping both kids in a good mood, but Saige was able to play a few games and win some candy and prizes.

Here's a quick shot of us before we packed up to head home. Note the look in Westin's eyes when he sees Saige's hat up close......or the popcorn. Not sure which.

This is Westin and one of his favorite Halloween toys.

The four of us were invited to a Halloween Party at Dad's boss' home. There were many kids to play with. Most of them were Princesses. Apparently Saige missed the memo.

Below you can see the photos of us trick or treating at a rehabilitation hospital in town where our good friend Amy works. Claire was a cute little ballerina and Amy dressed up as a gardner.

We went ahead a stole Amy and Clint's front porch for a nice family photo.

We hope that this message finds you all well and your bellies full of sweet candies. The Holiday season is fast approaching and we can't wait to see all of you.

-The Stallbaumers

It's Been Too Long!!!

Sorry all!

We have been extremely busy this summer. Between family vacations and working on Grandpa Roy and Grandma Connie's house we have neglected our blog. But here are some pictures for you to enjoy. The pictures with the giant dinosaurs are from the night we went with Uncle Matt and Aunt Abby to the T-Rex Cafe in the Legends. Another picture has Westin's first time in a Bumbo. He did really well considering it is yellow! He is also such a ham with that cute smile of his!

The two kids are getting old enough and able enough for Mom and Dad to trust them taking a picture together. But we have to be quick before things spiral completely out of control.

We hope that this post finds you and your family well. We sure are; life is good!

Potpourri

Summer is flying by and we are managing to stay pretty busy.

Here's what we have been up to!

SISTER BEAR

Saige is enjoying swimming, being with her friends and cousins, and playing with Westin (she calls him brother bear). Saige has also decided it is time to ditch the diapers; so far she is doing amazing with very few accidents! YEAH!

BROTHER BEAR

Westin is working hard at eating and growing. He will being going in for his two month check up soon. At home, he was measuring almost 23 inches already and is no longer wearing newborn clothes. He's getting so big! Now, if he could sleep through the night...

4 weeks ago...

... my water broke at school. Luckily it wasn't like in the movies with me standing in front of a class of juniors with a huge puddle around my feet. I was discrete; I calmly left the room, came back, and called some colleagues for help. Ten minutes later, while I'm standing in the hall with the other teachers, my students realized something was happening and they started freaking out! Honestly, I was shocked that this was happening and it was happening at school, but I remained eerily calm. The school secretary drove me to the hospital. Tim was rushing from work, after my two strange phone calls. The first saying I think I'm in the labor. The second saying, I am going to the hospital because I'm pretty sure I'm in labor.

Our son was on the way!

Six hours later, Westin Michael was welcomed into the world! Labor was intense, I didn't use any medicine this time. Near the end, I thought I was really dumb and was doubting my choice. But after he was born, it didn't matter anymore and I was so excited to have Westin here!

Happy Birthday Westin!

We are trying to adjust to life as a family of four. Tim and I knew that life was going to be really different, but I don't think we were prepared at all. It has been challenging to balance our attention between the two kids and one another. Although, I think we are starting to get more of a routine now and we are making progress.

Here's Westin, 4 days old

Saige (aka Sister Bear) loves her Brother Bear so much! She is constantly checking on him and trying to help. She is doing a pretty good job; we are just working on touching him gently, speaking softly, and staying directly out of his face.

Baby feet are just too cute!

Our little monkey after his bath. He is starting to be more awake and looking around.

It's amazing how quickly he has changed!

Here's Westin, 4 weeks old, and still living with his parents.

Thankfully!

The last 4 weeks have been quite an adventure,

full of fun surprises, lots of naps, some tears, and a lot of love!

Tim and I are so blessed to have two amazing kids!

A Family of Four

Westin Michael has arrived!

Westin was born on May 20, 2011 at 7:32 p.m. He was 7 lbs, 15.8 oz, and 19.75 inches long.

We are so excited to be a family of four!

Saige adores her little brother and enjoys holding him. His cousins also think he's pretty cool.

Thank you for all your prayers and support along the way!