The Hall Family

First Day of Preschool

2008-09-03T18:44:00.001-07:00

My baby started preschool - yeah, it's just preschool but she's growing up so fast... Reagan had an awesome first day - no separation anxiety at all - on her part. Mom had a little bit of a tough time but we made it through.

Getting ready to leave...and so sick of pictures already.

Ruby and Reagan

Hanging up their backpacks...

Killing me with cuteness...

Nolan wondering what I am doing..

Mac-a-roni

Aiden and Cathy

Jackson - snack time or nap time?

Dancing it up!

Meghan and Mac

Welcome to the World Samantha Jade

2008-08-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Lundberg gave birth to the most precious little girl on Saturday afternoon. Samantha Jade is the so amazingly beautiful. Of course, Stephanie did wonderful and her and Dave are head over heels in love with the new little angel.

We waited ALL day for updates.

I think she loves me already.... ;-)

The perfect little family!

Wrapped around her little finger.
Congratulations Lundbergs! She's gorgeous! Welcome to the world of parenting.

Summer Lovin'

2008-08-04T08:37:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we were able to spend some time with the Armstrong's at the lake. We had such a good time.

Thank God for Nate - Reagan was terrified of the water at first but Nate calmed her down and by the end she was lovin' life at the lake.

Whoa - Shane take your shirt off.... ;-)

Amandas

We even got to go tubin' for a little while anyway. Thank you Armstrong's for such a fun day!

We also went to Aunt Ellie and Uncle Bing's house for a pool party. Reagan loves the pool water....

Papa and Reagan

D-bo. He's like a fish.

Gary and Mare

Ludington

2008-08-04T08:29:00.000-07:00

My parent's have a condo in Ludington that the kids (and adults) love to visit in the summer! It's so relaxing and the kids have a blast.

This is why I leave taking pictures up to the professionals (Melissa)..... I can't even get one good picture of the two of them together.

My 29th Birthday!

2008-08-04T08:20:00.003-07:00

It's the year before the big one! I'm savoring every moment before I have to admit that I'm in my 30's. Yikes! Thanks to everyone who made my birthday so special! I'm so thankful to have such great friends!

The staff at my hotel filled my "office" (aka closet) full of balloons and decorations. It was quite a surprise.

We ate at Ichiban the night of my birthday to celebrate Jodi's 30th too!

The whole group.....

Dave outside of Ichiban.

Summertime Fun!

2008-08-04T08:14:00.000-07:00

Since I haven't updated my blog in a while, I have a lot of random pictures.....

Kid's playing outside at the Becker's House.

I love this picture of Tommy - he's such a big boy!

Girly girls!

Charlie after a rough day - two black and blue eyes, bruises and bite marks. Toughen up!

Jayce Cooper - always smiling!

Happy July 4th and Happy 30th!

2008-07-11T07:55:00.000-07:00

Couldn't ask for better weather for the 4th weekend! We headed up north on Thursday night to Ludington to celebrate the weekend with the family. We had a great time at the beach, watching the fireworks and the parade and spending quality time with the family.

Dancing to the music and clapping. Charlie loved the parade as long as there was food in front of him.

The parade in downtown Ludington.

Dad, Gary and Shane - it's like a inverse oreo..... oh come on - that was funny.
This girl kills me.... can you see it? It's Reagan in her bikini and my Dad's cowboy boots. Nothing but attitude.
The Fant's

July 2nd was Shane's big 3-0 Birthday! Holy Cow!!! He's 30!!! We surprised him on Saturday night and had such a blast! Thank you all who celebrated with us - we had such a great time and are so blessed to have such amazing friends.

Shane was so surprised he slammed the door in everyone's face.

So much fun! Happy 30th!

We also celebrated our big 0-6 Anniversary on Sunday. Six years?!! Can you believe it's been that long! We need to have another party like our wedding. Just remember, for the next year when we argue it's probably because we don't speak the same language anymore since you're now in your old 30's and I'm in my 20's. Too bad for you.

Start of Summer 2008!

2008-06-16T05:38:00.001-07:00

One of our most favorite events of the year - Start of Summer! This year we had a great time - the parade, fireworks, the rides - and don't forget the elephant ears! The kid's had a blast but were extremely tired by the fireworks on Saturday - we ended up watching them from our car! What a blast!

Angels! Don't be fooled - they didn't stay in this position for long. This was the end of the night on Saturday, right before the fireworks!

Riding the motorcycles - she didn't really love it the first couple of rounds but learned to love it.

Riding the fastest carousel ever - Lauren, you did warn us!

So ready to leave.

The Becker's at the end of the night Saturday - still looking hot!

CAUTION: NOT for the emotional

2008-06-11T13:51:00.000-07:00

Before getting on to the purpose of this entry, I am asking that if you are an emotional person like me, read the blog below with caution!! You have been warned.
I have spent the last two hours crying like a baby and praying for answers and healing for the person, family and friends mentioned in the blog below. This story ripped my heart out and threw it out and then stomped on it a few times. The reason I am posting it is because the city of Holland is hosting a benefit tomorrow evening for this family. Participating stores in the downtown area will be donating proceeds from tomorrow evening's (6 PM to close) sales to the family. If you are free and would like something to do that will help benefit a obvious good cause, please shop at some of the great stores in downtown Holland. Some stores that I have visited and would highly recommend are: Treehouse Books, JB and Me & Twinkle Toes - and these are just some of the few.
AGAIN - please read with caution and don't yell at me if you cry and get depressed. Just pray for these people!!
www.whenhellomeansgoodbye.blogspot.com

My Baby's One!!!

2008-06-09T05:44:00.000-07:00

Charlie turned 1 on June 5th! I honestly can not believe that a year has passed! Charlie is almost walking full-time but still a little hesitant.

We had a blast celebrating his birthday and my sister's baby, Madison's, 3rd birthday, this past Saturday at our house. The little pool and slip and slide were a huge hit with the kids. You can see from the pictures that Charlie loved his cake! I don't think we have found a food that he doesn't like yet! Thank you everyone for celebrating with us and enjoying the day!

I love you Charlie Monkey!

Charlie is obsessed with throwing the ball! It'll keep him busy for hours!

Mac - half slip n' slide half baseball!

Donovan (my nephew) showing the kids how it is done!

Ella and Jayce Cooper enjoying the slip n' slide

Papa and Charlie

Madison blowing out the candles - look at Reagan in the background. She doesn't enjoy NOT being the center of attention.

MMMmmm... This is so good!

Love it!

Tobin, Jayce Cooper and Charlie - Rebekah and Meghan - picture this in about 15 years - we're in trouble!

Here you go Mom!

2008-05-20T07:35:00.001-07:00

These pictures are for my Mom who is coming home next week!!!! The grandkids can't wait to see you - you missed all this last weekend:

Boys just chillin'

I told you - this is the best $5 investment you have ever made!

So cute!

They can't wait to see you - either can I!!!! Drive home safe!

T-Ball!

2008-05-20T07:26:00.000-07:00

Ruby, Mac, Nolan, Ryar, Jackson, Luke & Reagan team up each Wednesday night for T-ball! It's quite interesting watching 3 and 4 years olds play - especially Reagan and Ruby - they have more fun dancing and running around than hitting or throwing! It's a good time for them and helps burn off some of that energy!

Ruby - a HOMERUN!

Reagan - She hit it!

Mac - Future Tiger!!

Mac - getting ready! ;-)

Do I have to Mom? This hat does NOT match my outfit!

So Big

2008-05-20T07:15:00.000-07:00

OK, OK - I am finally updating the blog.....

Charlie will be ONE in less than a month! I can't believe it! I know it's such a cliche to say, "Time goes by so fast" but it does! It seems like yesterday that he was born! He's into everything and is such a busy guy! He's so much fun and keeps us laughing!

Playing downtown!

2008-04-18T06:16:00.000-07:00

With the weather finally cooperating, we took the kid's downtown Rockford to play and eat! We had seven kids and three adults. Needless to say, it was a little hectic at times but tons of fun. Meghan thought it was a good idea to put four of the "big" kids in her stroller. It was hilarious!

Get a grip Mom!

2008-04-18T06:09:00.000-07:00

Reagan's first day of preschool was this week. Of course, Mom being the emotional wreck that I am, was a little camera happy and a little choked up! Reagan had no problem saying, "Bye Mom!" but I wanted to take more pictures and give more hugs! :-) Needless to say, Reagan LOVED school and I was depressed that she's growing up so fast! I'm telling you, I'm going to be a wreck on her wedding day!

Happy 3rd Birthday Reagan!!

2008-04-14T09:03:00.000-07:00

My big girl turned 3 on March 31st. I can't believe it! She grows up more and more every day. She talks incessantly, is little Ms. Independent but most importantly - she keeps us laughing everyday and makes me realize that I have no idea how big love can grow. She is an amazing person who never fails to teach me lessons while raising her to be a little lady. Her love, attitude, intelligence and never-ending kind and giving heart amaze me each day. She is the most incredible daughter and big sister we could ever imagine or pray for.

Wow- an emotional Mom - I'm going to be a mess when she goes to school, gets married..... turns 4! :-)

We celebrated her birthday at Gymboree Play & Music on Saturday, March 29th. She loved that it was her day and that she was able to wear as much pink as she wished. Thank you all for making Reagan's 3rd birthday so great!

Catching bubbles!

Of course, a Doodlebop cake!

Can you see the trend? We tell Reagan to smile and this is what we get!

Ski Bunnies

2008-03-13T05:41:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we were able to spend some time with my Aunt Ellie and Uncle Kim, Marianne, Gary, Donovan and Madison up north at my aunt and uncle's cottage (at Caberfae Ski Resort). We had a BLAST. We were able to go snowmobiling and downhill skiing in addition to spending some quality time with the family! I almost broke my neck when I tipped the snowmobile and Reagan didn't LOVE skiing but, nonetheless, it was a great time. It was Gary's first time skiing too - and he didn't even fall! Madison has NO fear whatsoever and took to skiing like a pro! She even went up the chair lift. The girl fears nothing.

Thank you Aunt Ellie and Uncle Bing for being such great hosts, great cooks and for spoiling us all rotten! We love you more.......................

9 Months Old!!!

2008-03-13T05:27:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it but Charlie is 9 months!! He had his appointment last Wednesday. He weighs 24 pounds (95%) and is 30" long (80%). He is starting to taper off a little as he was off the charts for his weight and in the 95% for his height at 6 months. He is still a great eater (obviously) and is so much fun. He is pulling himself up onto things already (which we're trying to discourage ;-)) and is into everything. Boys will be boys!

I love you Charlie Monkey!

Hall Look-alike Meter

2008-02-27T07:49:00.001-08:00

Hmm. I don't know folks - both of my lil' one's have been told they are clones of their father.... I'm not sure if I believe it. I am, however, going to dye Charlie's hair dark if it comes in blonde! I want ONE dark-haired kid! ;-)
I'm kidding of course

Kind of.....

Hall Look-alike Meter

2008-02-27T07:44:00.001-08:00

Splish Splash!

2008-02-15T13:30:00.000-08:00

We were taking a bath! Multi-tasking is a must working full-time and being a psuedo-single Mom during the week while Shane's away! The kids love taking baths together! They have realized that the nose-sucker (I don't know the "real" name for them) is a fun water gun!

Oops - a little too close to brother's face!

Well, I guess he doesn't care too much!

And the guilt isn't eating away at Reagan either!

Super Bowl Sunday

2008-02-06T09:01:00.000-08:00

We were able to enjoy Becker's newly finished, beautiful basement this past Sunday. ALL the kids were able to play and the guys got to watch the game.... oh, yeah, and the girls got to chase the kids around! ;-)

Ruby and Reagan dressing up! Too cute!

Skylar-boo (as Reagan calls her) being forced to pose with Charlie. She wasn't having it! She's probably thinking, "Aren't you only 8 mos old? Why are you so big?"

I Love Spaghetti

2008-01-31T13:30:00.000-08:00

It's no secret I'm a big fan of spaghetti and apparently Charlie likes it too! He gets REALLY excited when he sees food coming his way & has a hard time keeping his arms down - hence the food on the head. At the doctor's office on Tuesday he weighed in at 24 pounds so I guess he's not partial to any one type of food!

Can you see his little teeth on the bottom? They just popped through!

Doodlebops LIVE!

2008-01-28T06:44:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that Reagan LOVES the Doodlebops. DeeDee Doodle is her IDOL. The Doodlebops LIVE concert was a few weekends ago and we bought our tickets in September! We were in the fourth row - center stage. Reagan was in such awe and amazement that I don't think she really realized what was happening! She finally warmed up at the end of the show and waved frantically to Dee Dee and danced a little too. She had a great time and it's all she talks about now. She's trying to have Charlie dance and be Moe Doodle! ;-)

Barry Manilow

2008-01-28T06:25:00.000-08:00

That's right - I like Barry Manilow - and I went to his concert in Chicago with my cousins. I did. I admit it and I loved it! We had a blast - except for a little tif with some old ladies - everything was perfect. He sang my song - Mandy - and was a great entertainer. He is a legend no matter what you say! ;-) So I'm a dork - it's now out in the open!

We obviously had nose-bleed seats....but we could still hear the melodic, calming, entertaining voice of Barry. ;-)

Merry Christmas!!

2007-12-31T07:38:00.000-08:00

What a great Christmas! Reagan was so excited she didn't know what to do half the time! Charlie was a bit confused with the whole thing but enjoyed the company - especially the kids!

In the middle of all the presents! We hosted Christmas at our house again this year. There were so many presents it took up almost the entire living room.

Posing in the presents - too eager to open them up!

Alright Mom! No More Pictures!

My parent's bought her a Barbie Jeep! It was a hit! The kids had a blast driving it back and forth - INSIDE the house.

This girl I tell you! She keeps us rolling! She was given some dress up clothes complete with a microphone, pink hair, skirt, etc. - just like her favorite character - Dee Dee Doodle! Obviously, she enjoyed the gift and spent night after night singing AT THE TOP of her lungs and dancing around the house. She kept saying, "Come on - sing!" She's hilarious!

Posing - this is all on her own - we have our hands full! ;-)

Dressed alike - Madison and Reagan were ADORABLE!!

Charlie Monkey - so happy to be a part of the discussion!

Aunt KJ was able to make it home - after some delays at the airport! The kids were so happy to see her!

Using her Motherly Instincts - or lack thereof! ;-) Aunt KJ trying to feed Charlie. HILARIOUS!

My goof of a cousin, Paul, following Grandma's Christmas fashion sense. The turtleneck was a little small but the whole outfit was..... special.

Playing Guitar Hero. It was the hit of Christmas Eve at the Hall's!

Tearing up the house with the double stroller from American Doll! I've never been so happy to have the basement finished!
We hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas! Much love and many blessings for the New Year!

Dr. Papa Graduates!!

2007-12-31T07:31:00.000-08:00

My Dad (aka Dr. Dad now) graduated with his Ed.D. on December 16th from Eastern Michigan University! He is officially a Doctor! Who would have thought way back when he had a beer can wall that he would ever become the genius that he is!

Marianne and I made these sweatshirts for his graduation - of course we thought it was the FUNNIEST thing ever. Although the ceremony was cancelled due to the weather, we still had a great time in Ypsilanti we the family! The kids had a great time with their sweatshirts and calling Papa "Doctor". We are so proud of him!!!!

CHI-town's got it goin' on!

2007-12-12T08:53:00.000-08:00

Meghan, Sarah and I made the trip down to Chicago this past weekend to shop..... and sleep..... eat and SHOP! We had such a great time! We arrived on Friday night (with minimal directional problems), went to eat the BEST dinner ever at the Cheesecake Factory and went to bed - until 10:30 AM (Michigan time)! That's right - no interruptions - just peaceful sleep. After an EXPENSIVE room-service breakfast we hit the stores! They were packed but full of great deals! We came back home on Sunday afternoon. It was a vacation to remember forever!

At Cheesecake Factory..... for the second time. This time just for dessert!

Picture from the cab window as the cabbie was yelling at me to hurry up and saying, "You're so slow!"

Giving our feet a break and cabbing it back to the hotel.

The bellmen at the hotel said, "I've been working here all season and have seen a lot of cart fulls of presents but you girls definitely take the prize!" We're proud of our accomplishment!

The car was PACKED full on our ride home!
Thanks again Meghan and Sarah for a great trip! And - I swear Sarah, there was only black hats left at Aldo! ;-)

Ruby's THREE!!

2007-11-13T06:43:00.000-08:00

Ruby celebrated her THIRD birthday on Sunday! She, of course, was the perfect birthday princess! Happy Birthday Rubes!

The kids watching Power Rangers! So entranced!

Chubby Boys - so cute!! They're going to be linebacker buddies! (Jayce Cooper and Charlie)

Mmmmm... The ice cream and cake look so good, don't they Mac? His face is hilarious!

Happy (?) Halloween!?

2007-11-02T08:28:00.000-07:00

So the weather - and my kids - did not cooperate on Halloween night. Reagan went nap-less so, needless to say, she wasn't a whole lot of fun. She does NOT like rain so that was not helping.

Anyway, here are some pictures of Reagan (Dee Dee Doodle from the Doodlebops) and my Charlie Monkey. ;-)

This is why we moved back home....

2007-10-31T07:19:00.000-07:00

We love the fall and it's one of the big reasons we moved back to Michigan! It was so beautiful out on Sunday so we took the kids to Townsend Park. We're not photographers but we had fun and Reagan loves posing for the camera. What a ham!

Yummmm Green Beans!

2007-10-31T07:14:00.000-07:00

Charlie loves food - he eats an entire jar of Stage TWO vegetable. Here is his first encounter with Green Beans - his favorite so far!

Carving the Pumpkins

2007-10-31T07:11:00.000-07:00

Reagan had a great time carving her "pukin" as she calls it. Shane is no artist but they had fun!

This is Reagan's "scary" face!? I don't know how but we told her to be scary and this is it! ;-)

Hilarious Big Sister

2007-10-22T19:43:00.001-07:00

Charlie loves his big sister. It was getting late in the evening the night we got home from Phoenix and Charlie was getting a little cranky. We told Reagan to make Charlie laugh and he began cracking up at her at everything she did. Maybe he was a little slap happy.

Trip to the Desert

2007-10-22T19:26:00.000-07:00

We just got home from a six day trip to Phoenix - our old stomping ground. The kids did amazingly on the plane rides both there and back. The three hour time difference affected Shane and I more than the kids! We had a great time visiting old friends and Gamma, Papa and Aunt KJ. We went to the Phoenix Zoo - it was sunny and 85! Beautiful! Reagan LOVED the monkeys and the elephants! Charlie was not too fond of his new Monkey hat! ;-)

We are happy to be home and SO happy with the decision we made to move back to Michigan. Although Phoenix is beautiful and the weather is great - we are definitely at home here in Michigan.

My old boss, Mark, from the Marriott came to have dinner with us the last night we were there. Reagan had a great time with him!

Stupid Gall Bladder

2007-09-28T06:13:00.000-07:00

SERIOUSLY - Didn't I say ENOUGH bad news for me and my family? ;-) Well, I had an emergency surgery on Monday night to remove my gall bladder which was FULL of stones. It was gross. I was going to post pictures of the surgery that I made the surgeon take but I thought it might gross some people out. I was in the emergency room in Lansing on Saturday night - we were visiting my sister. Marianne took me to the ER at 11:30 AM and after they gave me morphine - we had a blast hitting on the hot male nurse - we called him Nurse McDreamy. He loved it. They released me at 5:00 AM and Sunday we drove back to GR. Monday the pain got worse and I headed for the ER at Spectrum again. Anyway, now that I have five scars on my stomach - one from the c-sections and four from this surgery - my bikini days are gone (not that it would have been a pretty sight before). The surgery went fine and recovery is going slowly but surely. Anyway, thank you for the phone calls and thoughts. Sorry I haven't answered all the calls but most of the time I'm hopped up on pain medication and our conversations would be pretty funny. Who knew you could live without a gall bladder? ;-)

Rest In Peace Uncle Guk

2007-09-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

My Uncle Guk passed away yesterday around 11:30 AM. He had such an accomplished life. He built a wonderful, loving, strong family from nothing. He was talented beyond words and had a heart of gold. He passed away peacefully after a long, hard fight with cancer. My love to my Aunt Jean and their sons and grandchildren.

P.S. - Our family has exceeded our "quota" of bad news so this is it.... no more saddness or bad news.

Rest In Peace, Steve

2007-09-04T10:10:00.001-07:00

After a nearly perfect weekend of beautiful weddings and celebrations, our family had a horrible accident take place. Our cousin-in-law, Steve Wright, passed away late Saturday night unexpectedly. The father of two angels - Ezra, 3 and Eden, 1 - and a husband to my cousin Jennifer, he will be greatly missed and remembered as the fun, loving person that he was. Please keep his daughters and wife in your thoughts and prayers.

We love you Steve!

Charlie's First Bite of Cereal

2007-09-04T10:07:00.000-07:00

Charlie took his first bite off of a spoon this past weekend. It was so cute and hilarious. He really wasn't sure what to do with it but is getting the hang of it! I can't believe time is flying by so quickly!

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Paul Lee

2007-09-04T10:03:00.001-07:00

Another Wedding this weekend! My cousin Paul got married this weekend. Again, another beautiful, perfect bride, Jessica looked stunning! The wedding and reception was gorgeous!

Congratulations Mr & Mrs Nate Armstrong

2007-09-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

Nate and Amanda tied the knot this past Friday! The wedding was absolutely GORGEOUS and, of course, Amanda was the most beautiful bride there ever was! We all had a blast at the reception - maybe too much fun!? ;-) No, you can never have too much fun!
Congratulations Nate and Amanda! Here's too many, many years of happieness and laughter!

Silly Hair

2007-08-16T12:58:00.000-07:00

Reagan and I played "pretties" as she calls it. She tells me where to put a ponytail on my head then hers. She was laughing hysterically while we danced around. I hope no one saw us in the windows - they probably thought we were crazy.....

Smiles

2007-08-16T12:54:00.001-07:00

Charlie is beginning to smile a lot now. Reagan thinks it's the funniest thing so she tries to make him smile - even when he's crying.

Summer Fun!

2007-08-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

Tom chased down the Ice Cream Truck - literally - for Ruby and Reagan a few weeks back! The ice cream lady definitely made her quota that day!

A fun afternoon at the Becker's on a VERY hot day!

Happy 29th Birthday, Shane!

2007-07-02T12:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Shane! Your last year as a "twenty-something". This picture is the first picture we took as "us". It was on your 15th birthday........... if that's not crazy I don't know what is! Love the hair by the way! ;-) Who would have thought 14 years later we'd be married with two kids..... and who would have thought they'd be so cute? Remember when we were that young and you used to brag that for the next two weeks you could tell people you were two years older than me? Not so cool anymore, eh? ;-)

Thank you for being such a great husband, father and best friend. I couldn't ever dream of a better person to share my life with. Happy Birthday! I love you!

My first bath.... in the sink!

2007-06-25T13:55:00.001-07:00

Charlie's belly-button fell off this weekend (sorry, kind of gross) and I wanted to give him his first bath.... but I forgot his baby bath tub - so I used a big tupperware in the sink. He was awed by the whole experience but seemed to enjoy it for the most part. He did NOT like getting out though!

Another day at the beach....

2007-06-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

We were able to spend another long weekend up north in Ludington at my parent's beach house. The kids have so much fun. At night and nap time - they are zonked! Shane was even able to come up for a couple of nights and join the fun!

Ready for the Beach.... Reagan and Madison in their cover-ups & hats. Don't they look like two old ladies?

My blonde haired, blue-eyed clan..... If you tell Reagan to say, "Cheese" - this is what you get!

Charlie - getting burped.....

Playing in the sand

Swimming in the pool.....

Donovan jumping into the pool to Uncle Shane

Reagan isn't a huge fan of the lake water. This is about as far as she goes.

Eating lunch on the beach.

Cool Dude...

Big man.... milk drunk

What a Beautiful Day!!

2007-06-19T13:10:00.000-07:00

We were able to visit the Becker House today! We had such a great time! The Rinehart's joined the fun and played outside with Tom for a while and had a great time in the perfect weather! We wish it was like this outside everyday!

Thanks for lunch and the great day Becker's! We can't wait to do it again!

At the Beach House

2007-06-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

We took a visit to Gamma and Papa's Beach House in Ludington. Reagan was able to play with her cousin's - Madison and Donovan - for a few days while I was able to rest and get aquainted with Charlie. The kids had an absolute BLAST! Badger comes in and out of the channel only steps away from the condo - the kids run as fast as they can to see it go by. It's hilarious. We are looking forward to another trip up to the Beach House this week!

The first two weeks

2007-06-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

All kisses from my big sister on my two-week birthday!

A beautiful picture Melissa Burkholder took in the hospital

Still in the hosptial...

We pray that he grows into his feet! ;-) I think he's going to have his Dad's size 14's!!

Getting ready for his first car ride and to see his home!

Today - TWO WEEKS OLD!!!

Charlie is now two weeks old and is doing great. He is a great baby and is sleeping four to five hours!! Reagan, of course, is a fantastic big sister and is constantly caring about him! She wants to feed him and burp him and does a great job!
Charlie is gaining weight rapidly - has surpassed his birth weight of 8 lbs 9 ounces - to 9 lbs 7 ounces!! He loves to eat!!
Thanks again to everyone who has helped with the transition - especially my parents! We couldn't have done it without you! Reagan is sure going to miss you when you go back to the desert!

Introducing.... Charlie Michael Hall!!

2007-06-07T12:43:00.000-07:00

After getting cleaned up - holding Daddy's hand

Waiting for Mom to get "sewed up" after surgery.

With Aunt Mare an hour old! She was the first to see me besides Mom and Dad....

With my buddy, Jayce Cooper VandenHout. He's only 11 weeks older than me but look how big he is!!

Daddy getting ready for surgery! Hilarious!

Reagan getting her Big Sister presents from Charlie - a pink Basketball - her favorite. She thanked Charlie over and over again and wanted him to hold it!

Reagan holding her little brother for the first time! She was so happy!

Charlie FINALLY made his entrance into the world at 8:01 AM on Tuesday, June 5th. He weighed 8 pounds, 9 ounces and measured 19.5 inches long! The c-section went well - kind of weird "checking in" to the hosptial to have the baby without having contractions!

The bets were on to see who he'd look like - to much shock - again - he is blonde and blue-eyed! Who would have thought I'd have TWO kids that have light hair and eyes! He, again, he looks like his Dad! Charlie is already a State Fan!! We would expect nothing less!

He was not eating very well for the first 24 hours but with help - he is now eating like a champ and doing REALLY well! I'm so happy and relieved!

Reagan is LOVING being a big sister! She showers him with attention and affection when she is here. She is very kind to him and tells everyone that "Baby Charlie" is her baby.

Thanks to everyone that visited us in the hospital! We appreciate you fighting the traffic and construction! We are heading for home tomorrow afternoon and are excited about getting settled in as a family of four!!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Reagan!!

2007-04-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

March 31st was Reagan's 2nd Birthday! It's so hard to believe that my baby is two! We celebrated at Arials and Baranis on March 24th and had a blast! We celebrated again at Toys R Us and Outback on her birthday!

Welcome to the World, Jayce Cooper VandenHout

2007-04-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

Meghan, Jason and Mac VandenHout welcomed their newest member of their family, Jayce Cooper, to the world on Saturday, March 24th. He is absolutely adorable and is such a mild-mannered baby! Congratulations VandenHout family! You have a gorgeous family!!

Welcome to the World, Tobin Pokorzynski!!!!

2007-03-15T05:31:00.000-07:00

Tobin is FINALLY here! He and Mom are doing great and are both beautiful. Gavin and Ella are going to be great big siblings and are so excited! Tobin was born at 12:10 PM, March 14th, 2007. He weighs 7 lbs 13 ounces and is 21.5 inches long! He is perfect and gorgeous! Welcome to the World!!!!

Monsters, Inc. on Ice!

2007-03-06T10:47:00.000-08:00

We had a very busy weekend. We wrapped it up at the Van Andel Arena watching Monsters, Inc. on ice. I was not sure how Reagan would react to the whole thing - being only 2 and not having seen the movie. Of course, Reagan surprised me and she was AWESOME! She was in total admiration of the monsters. We went with Kristen, Ryar, Nolan, Meghan and Mac. Monsters, Inc. is one of Mac's favorite movies so he was entranced. I think Nolan liked the goldfish snacks the most! The kids were absolutely amazing and it was by far the best money I've spent in a long time! And..... the $12 cups are great and well worth it too! ;-)

Great idea Meghan! Thanks for inviting us!

Happy 4th Birthday, Donovan!!!

2007-03-06T10:29:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Donovan's 4th Birthday on Saturday at Red Cedar Gymnastics Center in Lansing! The kids, obviously, had a blast! Madison shows NO sign of fear when playing on the equipment.

Madison and Reagan had a blast on the trampoline! They were laughing so hard they were on their butts more than their feet!

Donovan's friends from daycare/preschool came too! His party got me even more excited for Reagan's party on the 24th - which I'm sure you have on your calendar, right? ;-)

!!! SAVE THE DATE !!!

2007-03-02T11:04:00.001-08:00

Please mark on your calendars - March 24th at 3:00 PM - Reagan's 2nd Birthday Party at Aerials & Baranis Gymnastics Center! The invites will be mailed next week but we want to make sure you can all make it! It's going to be a lot of fun!

Remember When.........?

2007-03-02T10:48:00.000-08:00

I have been going through my computer and deleting old pictures but couldn't get rid of these.... it brings back so many memories! Remember when the kids were this small? Remember when it was sunny out and your face didn't get wind-burned when you went outside? Remember when I could chase after Reagan without getting winded after two steps? Ah - the good old days. Just think of how many more kids are going to be at the get-togethers this year!! I can't wait!

Happy 30th Birthday, Marianne!

2007-02-20T13:42:00.000-08:00

It was my sister, Marianne's, 30th birthday this past Friday! We celebrated with dinner at Outback with the whole "Pilar" family! Here are some picture of her kids, Donovan and Madison (Reagan's BFF), and some of the family!

Happy 30th Birthday Mare! Love, Your 20-something younger sister! ;-)

Our New Addition

2007-02-13T11:01:00.000-08:00

Here are the pictures from the Baby's last ultrasound. He is a healthy, growing little boy and we are so excited for him to get here. We're working on his room now and will post the pictures of his room when it's finished. Shane wanted me to post the second picture - that proves he's a boy... ;-)

Up North....

2007-02-12T08:37:00.000-08:00

We went up to Caberfae with Ashley, Chris, Skylar, Meghan, Jason and Mac... we had a lot of fun relaxing and talking and the guys had a lot of fun riding....er, fixing the snowmobiles! The kids had a lot of playing together too! Mac and Reagan were playing "Ring Around the Rosie". Skylar is growing every day and gets more beautiful as the days go on! Reagan loves holding her - I think she's going to be a very helpful, loving big sister!

My BFF

2007-02-09T13:10:00.000-08:00

Best Friends Forever....... Madison & Reagan at Christmas

The Whole Family

2007-02-07T10:46:00.000-08:00

Another picture at my cousin's wedding in June. This is my extended family - Aunt Kris & Uncle Arnie - and all of their kids and grandchildren, my immediate family, Grandma, Aunt Ellie and Uncle Bing! Don't we all look so peaceful?

So... I'm a blogger

2007-02-07T10:39:00.000-08:00

Well, Ashley and Lauren sucked me in! I want a blog too! I heard it was good therapy! So here it is... it's not going to be nearly perfect as Lauren's and Ashley's but hey - I'm new. Enjoy!