The Family Meets Ethan

Ethan is 17 days old today, and it is already getting hard to remember life without him. He is a great baby - very even tempered, a good sleeper, and a good nurser. Knock on wood that I didn't just jinx the family! The following are pics of Ethan with various family members. Don't worry, we didn't lock Olivia in a closet for these past 2 1/2 weeks - she just won't be featured in this posting.

Ethan with Grandpa.

Ethan meeting his Grandma.

Ethan with his Uncle Thomas.

Ethan and Aunt Rachel.

Uncle Luke flew home from New York City to meet Ethan.

Uncle Brennan, Grandpa Brett, and Ethan.

Grammy and Ethan.

And, last but not least (in Joe's mind that is), Ethan and Yadier Molina. During baseball season the Cardinals players seem to become extended family members.

Welcome Ethan!

Ethan Joseph Baima was born on Monday, May 14, at 10:56 a.m. He weighed 7 lbs 12 oz (compared to Olivia's 7 lbs 11 1/2 oz) and is 20 inches long (compared to Olivia's 20 1/2 inches). He was eager to come into this world with a 3 hour labor (thank you epidural) and a 10 minute delivery. Absolutely no complaints from me! We stayed in the hospital for 2 days, despite the terrible beds, and came home on Wednesday to face the reality of being parents to 2 kids!

Olivia and Ethan meet for the first time. On Monday, Olivia was very possessive of Ethan, not "allowing" anyone but her to hold him. She loves to "beep" his nose and look at his tiny feet. By the second day she had eased up on her restrictions, but continues to be fascinated by his every move and sound.


Our new family! No comments on the Pepto Bismal gowns they have me wear in the hospital - I think that they are older than I am.

Lots of love from big sister Olivia.

Time for Ethan's close up!

Going home in style!

Exchanging sibling presents.

Love to Ethan.

Springtime

Ah, spring is here at last. Rain, temperatures in the 70s and 80s, and lots of outdoor fun. Olivia has been keeping busy visiting every park in Springfield - and there are many to visit! We will all be a bit busier in one week, as Ethan is being induced on Monday, May 14. So unless he decides to make an earlier entrance, this is Olivia's last week as an only child. Let the last minute preparations begin!

Olivia and grandma enjoying a typical wet spring day. This is after Olivia had her fill splashing in puddles.


Olivia and her friend Caden enjoying some dress up time (still one of Olivia's favorite activities). You may notice that Olivia has recently decided that looking at the camera and smiling is not so bad after all.

Olivia and daddy playing pirate with her new swords. We may come to regret making that purchase!

Olivia taking advantage of a recent 90* day by playing in the sprinkler. She loves wearing her new pink ballerina swimsuit complete with a tutu.

Olivia and Caden enjoying cake at their friend Dominic's 3rd birthday. Of Olivia's playgroup friends, she is the last to turn 3.

A recent family picture. This is both to remember our little family of 3 and to show to Ethan how large I became while pregnant with him!