28 December 2011

Welcome, Sweet Caroline

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26 December 2011













Caroline is here!

December 17, 2011. 7 lbs., 1 oz., 20 in.

First bath... loved it.

Laney met Caroline and adored her. She has wanted to cuddle with her every time she sees her.



She looks so much like Laney did her first day!

30 November 2011

Thanksgiving pictures!

This Thanksgiving, the family came to us. I didn't get any pictures of the meal, but it was the best yet! The turkey was smoked in Barak's new grill, and the brine was exceptional. All of the sides were made a few hours before by everyone that came, and no one was the least bit unsatisfied with the end result.

Here are some pictures of the rest of the week with the Cutrer side.




Mom and her girls, all in one place. We couldn't be happier.


Mom got Laney a baby doll so she would have something to open during Samuel's birthday party. Very thoughtful, mom.


Our tradition of raking leaves after Thanksgiving meal was not thrown away, even if Dad was the only one that got out there. However, I think he did pass it down to a future generation. A little tarp ride to entice them in, then hand 'em a rake!


Mom called it "loving," I think Samuel called it "messin with." Whatever it was, Laney thought it was hilarious. Samuel - NSM.

Another full family shot. It was so great to get everyone in one! I think this is the first time we've actually remembered to do it.


Samuel ended up in a chair, off the floor, but we still had to separate them. I seem to recall some pictures of Cassie and me eating off of each other's trays when we were little?

Miriam was so sweet - even if Laney and Samuel thought she was a bit boring :)

Upside-down is way more fun.

Everyone loves reading time.

Thanksgiving Videos!



Dad reading to Laney and Samuel



Dad pulling the kids on a tarp



Corrie reading to the kiddos.



Laney and Samuel playing "nice"



Samuel throwing the ball - impressive!

12 November 2011

creative playing



A family member gave us a carseat that we have in the living room now, mainly because we don't have anywhere else to put it, but also because I remember Samuel liking his at the Kiel house. Laney plays in her as much as he did, I think. She usually brings a book with her and looks out the window when she sits in it, but this day she found some window markers and wanted to "read" the words on the bottom of the chair. At the beginning, she is doing this thing that she does very often. It's like she's asking, "what's going on?" with her hand turned up and something that sounds like "asuh suh asuh" coming out of her mouth. She's just very Laney in this video, so although uneventful, I want to remember it.

in about a month...

This month, we've had a lot of changes in the West house. Barak turned 30 yesterday, a day that we will remember for a long time. We celebrated by getting him a brand new grill. It's a charcoal Weber that can fit at least 3 whole chickens (we've tried it out), and then spent an evening in Charlotte. Uncle Jesse and Aunt "Licia" watched Laney for us while we went to an incredible restaurant to enjoy super fresh Alaskan King Crab legs, and some type Nantucket scallops creation. Dressing up is always fun, and a night to ourselves is priceless.

Also, I just want the three people that read this to know that I really do love Barak more than anything. He's challenged me to become a stronger, happier woman, and is the most thoughtful husband I could have picked. On top of that, his love, and expression of that love, for Laney (and Caroline, already) is humbling and brings me to tears most days. He has a rare fear of God that gives me no choice but to follow him with joy. He's just a great guy in so many ways, and I want other people to know and appreciate what I see in him :)


Also this month, we're finally finishing up our kitchen. If you'll remember, we started this summer when we found a leak under the sink. one thing led to another and our insurance paid for the entire cost of new cabinets and counter tops. As I type, we have a great "tile guy" who's putting in flooring and backsplash. We'll have a finished kitchen when everyone comes for Thanksgiving, enshallah!

Lots of changes will hopefully be happening in December, also. We'll get to meet Caroline, and Laney will be turning 18 months (a year and a half for normal-people counting). Here are some pictures of Laney's cuteness:

04 November 2011

Laney saying "no"



it's just so cute, she uses her whole body.

31 October 2011

Jack-o-lantern carving

Barak and I were visiting friends in the mountains this weekend, so his parents graciously decided to give us a more relaxing time than expected and watch Laney at home. After we got back, we carved a Jack-o-Lantern for the trick or treaters tomorrow.

She wanted to eat it, at first, but then liked just playing in it.

She wasn't sure what the big deal was about at first and lost interest...

...So she went to go help Daddy untangle a dog leash. Then she decided to come back to the pumpkin to see what all the fuss was about.

She thought it was spectacular. "Oooohhhh!" I think were her exact words.

These are unrelated to the carving, but I wanted to share them. Barak got them for me about a week ago. They are so perfect for fall. I love them, and I love him!

Caroline's VA shower

A few weeks ago, our family in Virginia threw a shower for Caroline. However, it was for all the family, not just the ladies, so Barak decided to call it the "Baby Party Thing." Or something like that. We asked for gift cards (just like we did at the Exodus shower) and got enough to buy the crib and mattress! Here are some pictures of family that showed up... it was a packed house.



This picture is one of my favorites. The shot isn't all that good, but the idea makes me smile. The cousins had so much fun that night. Almost all of them are boys. There was a bon fire, chili, hotdogs, smores, beautiful cupcakes, and a lot of running around in the dark. So much different than when we were growing up, playing with sisters and cousins (who were mostly girls).

Laney entertained us with "Heart and Soul."



Delane decorated the cupcakes to go with the theme I want in our nursery :) so sweet.


You can't tell it here, but Caleb really is one of her favorites.

07 October 2011

Rainy Day



This girl loves the outside... sunshine or rain.

A day at the park



Laney loved the slide. You can't see it in this video, but she would close her eyes like she was jumping in a pool.



The crying at the start of this one is not Laney. She really enjoyed the swings, too. We went to a park with some friends from church.

17 August 2011

the beach - 13 months


Laney loved the beach! Well, she loved the vacation and the sand and the pool. The ocean was a bit too much for her. The waves I think scared her.

We started off great, I even had a vacation track suit (thanks, corrie).


The pool was Laney's favorite, she liked eating snacks as much as she did being in the water :)







We all got some sun and relaxed the whole time. Thanks, Aunt Wilma, for sharing the condo!



15 July 2011

New Kitchen!

Barak found a leak under our sink that led to us getting new free cabinets and counter tops! The process has been really fun. First was demolition...


Then they started working. It only took them four days to finish. The guy was really nice and Laney smiled at him every time we strolled through the kitchen to see the progress. This is Barak on the second day. Then, pictures of the final product.

Then, it was finished! I love it. We even got a new sink :) I'm thinking of doing tile around the top of the counter.