Introducing Abigail Rose Bartels

Abigail Rose Bartels joined our family on May 11, 2010.

This delivery was much smoother then her sister Violet's, we opted for the scheduled c-section. It took them longer to prep me for surgery then for Abbi to be born. As they were pulling her out, John was surprised to see her wide eyed and looking around. She was born healthy and perfect so we were able to have her in the room with us the entire hospital stay. She weighed 8.12 and was 20.5" long, just a little bigger then her sister Violet.

It was a little tough the first 5 weeks as Abbi struggled with colic in the evenings from 5-10 every evening. With some great suggestions from friends and family, we used a combination of probiotics & acid reflux medicine; we were able to regain our sanity as well as catching up on our sleep. She has been a very strong and alert baby; holding her head up on her own so she could see what was going on around her. She is quickly approaching three months and believe me, my summer break has flown by. Abbi has begun to smile, coo and baby talk to her favorite toy above her changing table. She loves to watch Violet; who affectionately calls her "Abbi Bananas" (Daddy's nickname for Abbi). Abbi also loves it when her daddy talks to her and rewards him with big smiles. Frank our golden retriever has also become one of her favorite objects to watch and talk to. Why is it when they start to become so much fun, you have to return to work. I am looking forward to going back to work but will miss my one on one time.

Christmas Pictures

Well as you can see, I am a little behind on my blog posting... We've been a little busy with the arrival of baby Abbi and just the normal day to day stuff. I will do my best to catch you up with some pictures from the past 6 months. Enjoy!

This first set of pictures are a combination of our Christmas photo session and celebrations with both sides of the family. As you can see I was nice and round like Santa for Christmas.

My brother Charlie and his family came to visit us last month - it has been years since we have seen each other so this was a very fun visit. It was great to catch up and for Violet to finally meet her cousin Teagan. They are currently stationed in Japan but we are hoping they may be moving back to the states soon. Thanks again for the great visit!

Okay I know I'm a little late in posting Halloween Pics - this was a fun night for the girls and little Gabe Monster.
We took the girls trick or treating in Grandma & Grandpa Bartels neighborhood.

Update on Violet -
This sassy but sweet little girl is fast approaching the terrible two's. She is like a sponge when it comes to learning and often will sing her own version of the ABC's and Twinkle Little Star. She is into playing with her stuff animals, baby dolls and she still loves her books. Her two most favorite buddies right now are Daddy and Frank. Her other two favorites are Lucy and Baka Bake (*aka Gabe) - we can't say Lucy's name unless we are on our way to see her. Another big milestone in the past month or so ... she is now sleeping in her big girl bed - she still brings about 5 stuff animals with her, but whatever works! Enjoy the pics as mentioned in the captions she is growing - I think John might get his vollyball player after all.