Waiting for Cousin Silas

We LOVE this picture and I couldn't resist posting it for you to enjoy as well! Arden is resting on Auntie April's belly "talking" to baby Silas! She is just as excited for Silas to arrive as the rest of us are. April's due date is a week from Sunday--please pray for a quick and safe delivery.

Arden's First Week

I can't believe our first week at home has already come and gone--time really flies! We have been very busy trying to adjust to life with a baby as well as spend time with friends and family who are anxious to see precious Arden. Geoff's parents were in town all last week, my brother came for the weekend, and we've had many friends stop by each day! We even ventured out to my grandparent's house on Sunday since they weren't able to spend much time with Arden at the hospital. It was great to see them with their first great-grandbaby! Things have begun to slow down this week, which is making it easier to get into a routine. Arden is a great baby--we are enjoying every minute with her (even those sleepless nights!) Most nights we are actually able to sleep for 3-4 hours before she wakes to eat, but we've definitely had a few nights that weren't as great :) I've also been lucky to have Geoff at home with me all week. He was able to take 2 weeks off from work to spend with Arden and me and it has truly been a blessing. Please keep us in your prayers though, because he will go back to work next week and will actually be out of town for the majority of the week :( Even though my sister will be staying with me, it just won't be the same as having daddy at home!

I guess that's all for now--I know most of you just want to see pictures of our baby girl so I have posted several that were taken over the past week. Oh and a big thanks to Geoff for keeping you all up-to-date during my labor/delivery. I thought he did a great job--maybe that will inspire him to post more often!

Leaving the hospital

Relaxing with Auntie April
Grandpa VanZoeren and Arden Chillin' with daddy

Not too crazy about the flash!

Four generations: my Grandmother Norton, mom, Arden and me

Relaxin' with Uncle Nathan

Our Family (minus big brother Murphy!)

Great Granddad Norton

Great Grandmother Norton

Giving a little wink ;)

Welcome to the world!!!

Arden Leigh VanZoeren born at 3:08 pm (cst), weighing 8 lbs. 0 oz and 19 in. long. What a blessing, God is good! She is perfect!! I don't have much to say other than wow, she has me wrapped around her finger already! Thanks again to all those who have been praying for us!

Epidural!!

After a lot of pain, Melinda had her epidural about 30 minutes ago. She did great!! I am very proud of her. I have experienced a lot of medical procedures in my life, none fun, and this was up there with many of mine, if not the least fun, but she held on and did wonderful!! She is now resting comfortably and is not in much pain at all. To quote her "My legs feel like leather". I am not sure what that means, but hopefully it's a good sign. She is getting closer!!

Thank you Stephanie and Nathan for taking care of our other child!! He couldn't wait to spend time with you. He was so excited yesterday. You guys mean a lot to us. We will see you soon, and can't wait to show you our new blessing from God!!

Awaiting Her Arrival!!!!

Well, Melinda is in the hospital and she is doing great!! She was admitted last night and we both slept pretty well. The bed is a little different than the one we have at home, but I will manage. We enjoyed our last evening together as a happy couple just talking, watching tv, and reading. We are more than excited to leave the happy couple stage and become a happy family!

We were up at 5:45 am to start the process!! The doctor came in about an hour ago and broke her water (Well, I guess it is really going to happen). We are ready and excited to meet her! The doctor said it was going to be a while, even though her water was broken, so we may have a long day ahead of us. Thank you to everyone for your prayers over the past several months, please continue to pray for us as we welcome one of God's greatest blessings into the world!!