here is our little cutie at a week old - she was born at 6lbs 11 oz (hospital scale); dropped to 6lbs 3 ounces in 2 days - 6 days later she is at 6 lbs 9 ounces (medical clinic scale);

the scales aren't exactly the same, but I'm thinking they must be somewhat close - either way - she's gaining:)

we wish everybody a safe and happy new year - may our Heavenly Father guide and bless you in 2009!

she has a little dimple in her chin - a true vangrootheest

Healthy lungs:)

our little girl found her lungs on thursday night at midnight!!! good to know she's healthy:)

some pictures of her cousins visiting her:)

quick video Kev took

a quick teaser:)

Kev and I will spend more time on here later - here's a taste of the best present ever!!! Keira Hailey (said like Keera)

She is at the moment sleeping...after having fed on both sides in one feeding!!!! small victory! she is presently 6lbs 3ounces...but we're working at getting back to birth weight. She is so content - no crying yet!!! not even when she was delivered - just a little wail or two:) The Lord has indeed given us more than we deserve - we are very thankful and we gave Him all Honor and Praise!

1 week to go...hopefully:)

the countdown is on. We are officially talking 1 week till little Vg Junior might show:) The doctor told me at 3 weeks to go that I would be pretty early....well I tried to ignore his optimistic news and planned for a January 1st baby....secretly though my subconscious grasped hold of that news and ran away with it. Now I have a week to go and I'm trying not to be disappointed!!! Oh well, I am feeling well and so is our little one (as far as I can tell:). We are so excited to meet this special little miracle! We've had ~20 people predict that we are having a girl...and 2 people think we're having a boy. One of those 2 people is my father-in-law - and I think he's just daring to be different:) The other was the medical assistant at the clinic last week - and the reason for her choice is because she said that I still have a waist! Pretty funny:) Either way - come out little baby, mom and dad are so excited to meet you! Kev is doing well - he's busy as always. His free time has been spent frantically working on our basement before anyone comes out. Finishing some mudding and taping, priming and trying to paint - there will be no new flooring in before anyone comes out - just a heads up:) He has been so awesome through everything - we're a team:) I am so thankful to our Heavenly Father for all things - there is a purpose to everything, whether we see it at the time or not! I hope this finds everyone in good health and happiness - we wish you all the Lord's blessings and guidance in this special season - celebrating the birth of our Saviour some 2000 years ago! Lots of love and Lord willing our next post will have some cute picts:)

The attached photo is one that Jody (Kev's sister) took at thanksgiving:)

Officially 38 weeks!!!

( starting to gain unnecessary weight:0 )

VanGrootheest Gift Opening

Marcia and her gorgeous, soft, comfortable new bath towels.

I believe we all had a lovely evening - all too spoiled as usual, which we try to remember to be thankful for!!!

Even Kev and Sher Junior was included in the evening.

So. I'm still learning the skill of blogging. Reading this blog from top to bottom for this day is all backward. You have to read from the bottom of December 10, 2008 and up for chronological order. I'm also trying to learn how to actually do different, more interesting setups. Sometimes it backfires - anyways, here's Mr. VanGrootheest:) If this yellow is too hard on the eyes - please let us know:)

Heidi with her gorgeous comfy new slippers:)

Lucas - eating his chocolate smarties - and enjoying them:)

Marc - proudly showing off his new outfit - for Mikaia

Christmas with the VanGrootheest's

This was the beginning of our evening - the kids first:) Grandpa and Grandma are seated with Mikaia, Jayden and Hannah

Hannah - just vegging till gift time:)

The boys holding their ladybug chocolates from Grandpa and Grandma

November 29, 2008 - was the annual Stephani's dinner. They also threw us a little baby shower - woohooo - presents:) jj. It was very nice - and we are now the proud owners of a playard, and a Newborn - Toddler Reclining Feeding Chair (just like yours Bonit!) 2 of the younger guys at Kevin's shop even did their own thing - pretty cute:) (they might not like to hear that!) There was also a diaper cake - very neat! Anyways, I think we are getting excited now:) at least more and more, if that is possible! It's becoming more and more real! Sometimes when we look in the baby room - it feels like we're pretending; play acting. But yet - we have a little miracle moving about in my belly! Thanks be to God for this precious gift!