Niece Week

I hereby proclaim the Week of April 18th - Niece Week.

On Monday April 18th, my newest niece, Reese Dina Kalins, made her debut. Reese was 7lbs 12 oz and 20 inches. Dina & Reese are doing great. Brad & I went to the hospital Monday night to meet her. It merely took seconds for us to be absolutely in love with her. Of course, Brad is a baby hog and got to hold her first. After he couldn't take my crazy stares anymore, he passed her over to me. Nothing is better than holding a new baby! Being an Aunt has become such an important part of my life and I can't wait to unleash all my Auntie love on my newest niece.

Also on Monday, my dear friend Nicole was finally able to bring her baby Grace home from the NICU after a 4 weeks stay. As I mentioned before, I am one of Grace's "Chicago Aunts" so in some way I consider her a special niece. She is doing great at home and weighs 6 lbs!

Last but certainly not least, Today is April 21st and it is Alexandria's 2nd birthday! It has been quite a week for her - becoming a big sister and turning 2. Words cannot express how much I love this sweet little girl. Her personality shines through everything she does. I have never seen a little girl dance & move like the way she does. She brings so much joy to our family.

Happy Birthday Alex!!!

Big Hugs & Kisses to all my Nieces!!

365: Week 15

365: Week 14

Chicago Aunts reporting for duty!

As you may have a read a few posts ago, my fellow sister wife, Nicole had her baby, Grace, at 33 weeks. Well Grace is still in the NICU at Northwestern, she continues to improve and win the hearts of her Chicago "Aunts" - me & Sarah. Nicole has given us that title and we love it! Whether it is clearing off Nicole's registry, making regular visits to the NICU, having mini photo shoots at the NICU, or just texting back & forth - the Chicago Aunts are on duty.

Sarah & Grace

A little homemade frame for Grace with the leftover fabric from her name banner.

Grace showing off her baby blues and the stylish baby hat I made her

Meet the Archer Family.

Dave & Nicole are 2 of the most dedicated parents. Nicole is at the NICU for about 10-12 hours straight everyday - snuggling, feeding, changing, and learning everything there is to know about her sweet baby girl. After Dave works a full day in Libertyville, he makes the long commute home to the city and spends the rest of his night with his 2 favorite girls. Nicole, you are an inspiration and set the bar so high for Moms. I love seeing you embrace your "Mama Bear" instincts and make the most out of a challenging situation. XOXO.

365: Week 13

7 ways you can tell that something is a "good thing"

1. good things are "small ideas" that are quick, clever, simple & smart
2. good things make you say, "I wish I knew that before!"
3. good things come with clear, concise instructions, and beautiful photos
4. good things don't take a lot of time, or a lot of money
5. You won't forget them
6. You feel good using them
7. good things only get better with time.

Stolen from Martha Stewart Living

Some good things in my life in accordance with these guidelines:

Calendar alerts on my phone...Auto focus on my camera...New recipes...Great friends...Smiles...Craft supplies...Love from Brad

Sister Wives

Last Monday, 3/21/11, was a life changing moment in my friendship with Nicole Archer and Sarah Thakur.

We affectionately refer to our little trio as the "Sister Wives." We all met working at Hines VA and have become the best of friends. When Nicole, who we affectionately called Mama G, found out she was having a girl, we were thrilled! We could not wait for Baby Grace to arrive. At 3:50pm on Monday, Nicole called Sarah & I and told us that she thought her water had broke. She was only 33 weeks and 1 day pregnant - we were freaking out! After calling her doctor, she told her to come to the hospital. To make matters even more complicated, Nicole's husband had left his cell phone in her car that morning. As Sarah & I were driving Nicole to Northwestern Hospital in rush hour, we were finally able to reach her husband and did all we could to keep Nicole's spirits up. He works at least an hour North of the city and was going to rush to meet us at the hospital. We got Nicole to the hospital and they quickly directed us to labor & delivery. Sweet Nicole was still in a little denial that she was in labor but Sarah & I knew it was happening. We got her settled in the delivery room and patiently waited for her husband to arrive. We saw her labor progress and laughed about who was going to hold which leg when she started to push. About 2 hours after getting Nicole to the hospital, Dave arrived! At 9pm, Grace Catherine Archer was born! 4lbs 9oz 19 inches. Grace has been in NICU at Northwestern since day 1 but is doing very well. Nicole & Dave have already become amazing parents and are doing everything they can to get Grace home as soon as possible. Sarah & I have become Grace's special "aunts" and love her very much. 30 years from now we will be telling this story at Grace's wedding...

Sister Wives: Sarah, Nicole, & Me - 5 days after Grace was born.