Mug Shots

Feeling a little better...

Sick Baby

Unfortunately, Levi came down with some sort of intestional bug. We think that he is past the worst of it now, though. Thankfully he is eating and sleeping better and is just generally less pitiful.

New Job

We have some wonderful news. This week Lucas started in a new job. He's a management engineer at Hospital Corporation of America. It's a great opportunity and we're really excited about it.

Saturday Fun

Back to Work

This week marked the end of my maternity leave and my re-entrance into the work force. I returned to my company in a slightly different position and as a half-time employee.

Luke’s cousin Sheralyn will be taking care of Levi while I’m in the office twenty hours a week. I was surprised at how much time it took me to pack and prepare for Levi to be at the sitter and for me to be in the office. You wouldn't think it would be that complicated but the level of preparation was surely only rivaled by the planning of the invasion of Normandy.

The first day in the office went well. My co-workers welcomed me back and asked after the baby. I got to show off his pictures and proudly tell of his latest milestones. In direct contrast to the time at home during my maternity leave, none of my colleagues inexplicably started crying and everyone used words to communicate. There were no loud noises related to bodily functions and everyone ate solid food for lunch. Also, not once, not one single solitary time, was I spit up on.

Our company has outgrown its current office space and will be moving to bigger quarters late this spring. Right now though, every square piece of available space is being occupied. As Levi is still nursing and I do not have my own office, I was a little concerned about securing a private area in which to pump. There is a tiny office in the front of the building that is lately only rarely used by a part time individual. I was able to get permission to use the space. However, as I work in an office with only one other women, setting this up involved a few semi-embarrassing conversations with older male co-workers. In yet another awkward exchange, a supervisor suggested I get a sign to put on the door when I’m using the office to ensure my privacy. What is this sign supposed to say?
Perhaps:

“Pumping Station- Only Authorized Personnel Admitted”

or
“Lactation in Progress- Do Not Disturb”

I decided on more understated verbiage:

All in all the day passed relatively quickly. Sheralyn sent several e-mails letting me know how Levi was doing. By the end of the work day, I could think of nothing besides picking him up. When it was time to leave, I ran out the door and got in my car as fast as I could. The drive seemed to take forever and I was quite frustrated with the other cars that were getting in my way. When I finally got to my little boy, he greeted me with a big gummy smile. It made me so happy, I thought my heart just might burst.

And to think, we’ll do the whole thing over again in two days.

Dickson Christmas

Dickson Christmas

Here are a few pictures from our weekend with the Dicksons. We celebrated Christmas together.

Christmas Trip

We're back from our Christmas visit to Chicago and Bourbonnais and while it was a wonderful time we are glad to be home. While there, we got to be with the Corzines and Rushes as well as lots of friends. As you can see from the pictures, Levi and Ruby were especially happy to be reunited. Levi was also very glad to spend lots of time fussing, crying, cooing, and smiling at his Nana and Papa and aunties and uncle.

We hope you had a blessed holiday celebration!

New Pics

Levi's First Flight

Last Monday Levi took his first airplane ride. The stewardesses thought he was so cute and they gave him a set of wings and a 'First Flyer' certificate with his name on it. Thankfully he was unaffected by the pressure changes and kept pretty quiet for the duration of the flight.

We visited with his Uncle Joel, Aunt Kelly, and Cousin Ruby in Chicago for a few days. They were so helpful in taking care of him. Ruby was absolutely adorable interacting with 'Baby Eeevi'. She was very loving and gave him lots of kisses and pats and high fives.

Our good friends, the Johnsons, are visiting the States from South Africa this month. They are staying with us for a few days. I've missed them terribly and it's been so wonderful to get to visit with them. Jake is used to helping with babies and has been assisting us with Levi.

We hope your advent season so far has been blessed. Ours has been wonderful and exhausting. This little baby is such a blessing...and a real handful!

Advent Gift

Levi got this t-shirt from his Gran and Grandpa Dickson.

4 weeks old