Baby Sister Has Arrived!

Juliana Camile McDaniel arrived on Saturday, November 28th at 2:03AM. She weighed 6 pounds 12 ounces and was 19 inches long. Delivery was normal and we went home on Monday. We are all doing well, getting adjusted to a new baby. Jaden loves her baby sister. She kisses and wants to hold and feed her constantly.

Proud big sister visiting in the hospital. She instantly wanted to hold her and kiss her.

Jaden feeding Juliana. She likes to help but does not like when she cries.

I am so happy to have gotten this picture. I'm sure you all remember the disaster of a Christmas picture with Santa we had last year. This is actually the second attempt to get a picture, Jaden was scared of him until she got a candy cane.

Fall 2009

Summer is gone and Fall has arrived. We have been busy getting ready for baby #2. Its hard to believe she will be here in the next coming weeks. There are some random pictures and then pictures from Old MacDonald's Farm, the local farm/pumpkin patch we went to this weekend. It is a nonprofit farm which included cows, chickens, pigs, horses. Jaden wore her Halloween costume, a ladybug. Enjoy!

This is Jeff and I at the Chicago Bears game in Seattle, WA. We went with Jim and Nancy on the train. Perfect weather, Bears won at the very end of the game.

A very smiling Jaden in her carseat. As many of you know, this is a rare photo. She does not enjoy smiling or posing for pictures. Thanks to Daddy for getting this shot.

Miss Jaden in her princess dress up clothes. She really enjoys putting dresses and fancy shoes on. She calls this outfit her "grown up dress".

Denver 2009

We flew to Denver to visit our friends, the Poates family. They have a new arrival, Alexis Ann, along with Maddie, Caelem, Lisa and Bill. We love coming to Denver. The weather is prefect, about 85 degrees. A great time was had by all. Lisa and I decided we wanted a slip 'n slide, but unfortunately all the stores were sold out of them. I had a great idea to buy a cheap tarp and add some water. Jeff called it "the ghetto slide". The tarp was put at the end of Maddie's slide and the fun began. We went to Tiny Town, which is a miniature city for kids, and my favorite place, Pirates Cove, a water park. Ill add more pics as the week progresses.

The "Ghetto Slide" with Jeff manning the water.

Tiny Town. Jaden loved the Harley House with the motorcycles.

The water park.

Jeff under the waterfall in the kiddie pool.

Jaden on the water slide. She went on this about 100 times.

Me, enjoying the wonderful weather.

Summer Good Times

We have had quite the eventful summer so far. I took Jaden to see her favorite show live, The Wiggles. Deacon and his dad Dustin came with us. Jaden loved it. We have taken the boat out and Jaden has turned into quite the river rat. Baby girl number 2 is growing and kicking. Just a couple pics, more to come.

Ms. Jaden in her ballerina dress. Thanks to Nana Helen for all the dress up clothes.



Cotton candy, one of the fine foods served at the Wiggles. As you can see, Jaden thought it was delicious. The menu also included pretzel with cheese, popcorn, and red ropes. Its not everyday we get to enjoy sports arena cuisine. Baby girl enjoyed it as well.

(pregnancy, great excuse to eat garbage food every once in awhile)

Eating lunch on the boat

Swimming in the Columbia River. Jaden did great, wore her life jacket the entire time. Temp was 100 degrees outside. We all had a great time.

Daddy and Jaden in the water.

Its a Girl

We are having a girl. Had two ultrasounds done, and it's a for sure bet. She is healthy, all fingers and toes. Estimated due date of December 1st, however we are guessing right around Thanksgiving. Pregnancy going well, big as a house, but feeling good. Some pictures from the 3D ultrasound and some pics from the Portland Police Bureau All Star Softball game. Will keep everyone up to date as baby grows more.

She is smiling in this picture.

Pointing to the sky, saying "thats the way outta here", or thinking she is number 1 (soon to find out, she is number 2)

Jaden and her Daddy at the softball game. Portland police won the game.

Styling in Papa McDaniel's hat and sunglasses.

New news

So I realize I have been slacking on this blog. We have been very busy lately. New news is that we are having another baby. I am 15 weeks now. Due date, as of now, is December 1st. Everything is going well. We will keep you updated as the baby grows.

This was the very first ultrasound done at 6 weeks. Baby was very small, about the size of a peanut. More ultrasounds to come.

Jaden with her "Big Sister" shirt. Thanks to Godmother Lou for the present. Jaden obviously has no idea that I am pregnant, but when asked, says she wants a baby sister.

Daddy's girl

It had been in the 80's here. We spent a lot of time in the pool. This is Jaden and her friend "Baby Jack". Thanks to Aunt Camie for the flipflops, that Jack thought tasted delicious, and to Patricia, my friend, for allowing us to use her pool.

Every year the city of Portland holds a Rose Festival. It lasts two weeks and included two parades. This was at the Starlight Parade, which is a light parade that starts at 9pm. Aunt Camie, Nana McDaniel, and some of our friends all sat down to watch this parade.

Jaden and the chocolate sprinkled donut. This is at the Grand Floral parade pretty early in the morning. The Cross family, and Erick came down to join us. This is a big tradition in Portland. All the floats have flowers and all organic items on it. Jaden loved the floats and the drum marching bands.

Thanks to "Auntie" Brooke for buying all the girls these rose necklaces. Surprisingly enough, ours did not make it home with us. Jaden had a blast with the crowds and being able to run up and down the streets (they were closed off) with Vivian and Lily.

Lily and her "Uncle" Jeff at the parade. Jeff worked the event for overtime. He was located in a patrol car about a block from where we sat so we stopped to say hi on our way to get donuts.

Arizona

We have just returned from a trip to Tucson, AZ. Jeff's parents own a home there, and were nice enough to invite us for a trip to see it. It was wonderful. About 80 degrees each day. Swimming twice a day, golf for the boys. We enjoyed ourselves and were not too happy to return home to freezing temperatures. Enjoy the pictures.

Jeff being lazy

Jaden and Nana McDaniel swimming.

Papa, Jeff and Jaden. They live on a golf course. This is the boys stopping to refuel for snacks and beer.

Pretty, pretty princess pose.

Jaden's 2nd Birthday

Jaden turned 2 on March 8th. We rented out the local community hall to host her party. (We all know we have a large extended family) Festivities included a bounce house, bubbles, colors, cars, pinata, pizza and of course, cake. Jaden had a blast. Thanks to all who came and to those that weren't able to make it, Jaden appreciates your thinking of her on her special day.

This was her birthday shirt I made for her, (thanks to Lindsi's help). Party was Elmo themed, her favorite, (next to The Wiggles, of course)

Blowing out her candles with Daddy helping.