1000 days

Our (still kind of, but not so) little man is 1000 days old! We celebrated the joy that he has been to us on his thousandth day last Saturday.

It started off with a special breakfast:

1000 days! (No, he didn't get to eat ALL those!)

Yum!

Then we went to play at Sever's Corn Maze. It was really windy and kind of cold, but that didn't stop us from enjoying the festivities. Dax loved everything - the pumpkins, train to climb on, bouncy bubble, kiddie hay maze, corn maze (he loved finding the posters - especially the special ones depicting a conductor - and was thrilled to find one with a d for Dax), giant tires, and petting zoo. It was a fun day!

We are so incredibly lucky to be parents to such a thoughtful, hilarious, intelligent, energetic, empathetic, happy, sensitive, and amazing boy.

Zoo Boo

When the calendar turns to October, most kids start thinking of Halloween. Dax is no different, although, in his case, it may have been instigated by us. He has enjoyed looking at Halloween costumes in the Party City ad, talking about what he might be, making and putting out decorations, and has decided he does not like witches in any form.

Making a fall banner

After considering the idea of a giraffe for awhile, he settled on being an astronaut. His costume came just in time to wear it to Zoo Boo at Como! A family friend gave us tickets and we went with a group of friends. It was a fun time and awesome to see so many kids out enjoying their costumes for more than the one night of Trick or Treating as well.

We have also enjoyed the festivities at the MN Zoo's Howlzooween. Dax, Addy, and I went once and enjoyed the decorations and "spooky" animal encounters (guinea pig, blue-tongued skink, and an owl skull), and we went back with Jake to try out the hay maze on the farm. The animals are different every time we visit and it is always a great time, but was even more special with the Halloween theme.

One Month

We just celebrated Addy's one month birthday. She is such a sweet baby and quickly settled into our family.

It is fun to get to know her a little better every day. Here are some of the things we know thus far...
- She weighs almost 10 pounds (according to our scale at home - we did not see the doctor for a 1 month appointment because she was thriving at her 2 week check) and can barely fit into newborn sized clothing.
- Her visual interests have moved beyond just watching lights to staring at toys, faces, and other things that come into her view.
- Addy really likes to suck and took a pacifier easily, which soothes her regularly.
- She is starting to enjoy "standing" on our laps for a little exercise.
- We try tummy time as much as possible - she will lay there for awhile, look around a bit, and lift her head a few times before getting fussy.
- Her tongue is really white, which Dr. Oie described as milk tongue. It doesn't bother her, but looks pretty funny.
- When Dax plays with Addy, she often moves her arms toward him and it seems like she's trying to interact with him. It may be coincidental, but he LOVES it when she gets him.
- We did a family photo session with our good friend Eric and we're pretty sure she actually is getting cuter every day.
- She has an active social life having already visited the zoo several times, an apple orchard, the library, the playground, several shopping trips, and playdates with Dax and his friends.
- Addy is really good at sleeping, eating, and pooping :)

Dax is a little stronger than she is now

She likes the Halloween decorations

Loves that pacifier

Milk tongue

"Playing" with a toy

We feel so lucky that we were chosen to be her parents and cannot wait to see how her personality develops as she grows.

Rainbow

Life is pretty amazing. Time flies by and it's easy to forget to savor the special moments and fail to notice the incredible things that happen every day. I am so blessed with the gift of time to enjoy all of those little things and feel insanely lucky for the life we are living.

One year ago, we were at one of our lowest. We excitedly headed to the doctor for a regular check and were preparing to spread the news of another pregnancy. Unfortunately, we learned that our little babe's heart was no longer beating and that we needed to prepare for surgery and healing instead. Our world was rocked a second time that night when we took Dax by ambulance to the ER for a severe case of croup. It was a scary, devastating, emotional weekend that we will never forget. In those moments we struggled to begin picking up the pieces, but tried to see a happier future.

A flower Jake gave me on Baby's due date in honor of our little one

Just 365 short days later, we are in a completely different place. I still regularly think of our little one in heaven, but it is less with sadness and more with anticipation of the day we will reunite. Until then, I know that baby is happy and well-cared-for in the arms of Jesus. Meanwhile, we got to experience the true miracle of a healthy pregnancy and birth.  I recently learned the term Rainbow Baby; a baby who is born following a miscarriage. Just as a rainbow follows a storm, a rainbow baby is something beautiful and amazing following the devastating "storm" of losing a baby. Addy is most definitely our lovely rainbow baby.

We are in awe of the joy that both Dax and Adelaide bring to our family and we are truly amazed that we were chosen to be their parents.

Dax shared some toys to cheer Addy up when she was crying

After reflecting upon the highs and lows of the past year, it is exciting to think about both the ups and downs that are in store for us in the future and we could not be happier. Thank you to all of our friends and family for your support and love. We are so grateful for everyone in our lives and sincerely hope that you can also find joy and happiness every day.

Addy's nursery

Awhile back I promised pictures of Adelaide's nursery once it was finished so here they are!

We all enjoy the cozy space :)

Applewood Orchard

One of our favorite fall traditions (is it a tradition if it's only the second year??) is going to the apple orchard. Dax was thrilled to ride out to the trees, pick apples, and, of course, play. It was a fun family outing and we were amazed with how smoothly it went with a 10 day old peanut. Adelaide slept through the whole experience, but the rest of us made some great memories!

Ready for a hay ride!

First apple

Independent little boy

Addy along for the ride

Yum!

Dax wanted to ride, too.

Our sweet family

Dax LOVES big vehicles and was thrilled to try this tractor

It was just as fun to try the little tractors

Entertaining himself while getting Addy buckled back in