Halloween

We had a blast trick-or-treating! Charlie was very excited that Nora's first walk was on Halloween.

Here she is as a cupcake. They're on her onesie and that's her frosting.

 Little Lucy Ladybug.

 Dr Jamie

Francesco racecar driver Charlie

 Ready to go out!

 I had to include this because Owen's behind plus Lucy's facial expression make me laugh.

 Jamie poses with the jack o lantern they carved. Charlie was super excited to put the candle in it.

Family Picture

We got a picture of the family of six.

Plus Owen!

Visits with Baby

Nora was semi-sleeping on the cushion and she got some company.

Play Mat

Nora was good and awake this morning and wanted to play.

 Dr. Lucy was pretty interested too. So was Owen.

 There is no keeping everyone from enjoying the baby. She was kept very good company.

 Charlie got some music playing for her since her star is quiet. He wanted to make sure she could hear it.

3 Days

Nora went to the doctor this morning and it tuckered her out. She was ready for a lot of naps.

Then she had a bath. Look how tiny she is compared to Justin's hands.

On How Elinor Elizabeth Came Into the World

People keep asking about Nora's birth, so I thought I'd give a brief rundown.

Friday, I was having sporadic contractions that turned into real labor late. I'd been in labor a couple hours and we were planning to go to the hospital once the doula and my friend Lisa (who was staying with the kids) arrived, since it seemed to be progressing quickly. But a few minutes before 1 am I started needing to push, my water broke, and Nora started making her way out. Justin called for an ambulance, but by the time they were sending one out she was born, at 1:03. Justin delivered her and got her crying, then gave her to me and tied off the cord. About that time the EMTs arrived and got us wrapped up to take to the hospital. Nora and I were both doing great, although the carpet suffered a great deal.

It's called precipitous labor - one that lasts less than 3 hours.

Here she is today, with the glowworm the boys made for her. Totally worth it.

Flashback

 Just over two years ago, another little girl baby was born and wore this pink shirt.

Then this weekend, it was brought back out. What do we think? Do they look alike?

Family

Finally some pictures of her devoted daddy and Nora!

And look! All four little Junkels together.

Nora Comes Home!

Nora and Mom came home from the hospital this afternoon.

 Nora was a little more awake this morning. She was trying to see the world today.

 Still a little sleepy.

 Lucy was more interested in holding Nora today. She is warming up to her.

Daddy is trying to wake her up so she will eat - it's working well sort of.

 Here are several pictures of Nora in her coming home outfit. She's quite a cutie.

Charlie is a very proud big brother!

Baby Elinor Arrives!!

Elinor Elizabeth Junkel was born at 1:03am on Saturday Oct 26th! She weighs 6lbs and is 18.5 inches in length. Both Elinor and mom are doing great! She will be going by Nora.

 Charlie and Jamie were very enamored of their new sister. They wanted to see her and hold her.

Lucy was very interested in the new baby, but a little more skeptical. Could she carry her around by her feet like her dolls? She was disappointed to find out the answer was no.

  Amanda's labor was so fast that we did not make it to the hospital. We delivered the baby on our living room floor and Nora was out and crying about 5 minutes before the paramedics arrived. We did get a nice trip to the hospital by ambulance.

Charlie Sings

Charlie likes to make up songs. Here is an example - isn't he cute?

Tea Party

Ever since Charlie found out the tea set would hold real water, he's been pushing to drink some. Today we had a luncheon tea party. They drank excessive amounts of water.

Puppy Hugger

Lucy has a new shirt which declares her the official puppy hugger. Photo op time!

 "What's on your shirt?" "Puppy [duh, how dumb are you?]"

 Owie had to be convinced to hang around for hugs.

But Jamie is quicker and jumped him with both arms.