California

All of us on the beach together, that's cousin danny

Noah dancing with Lillian, in his words "She's so beautiful" Mom and Lillian

Look at the cutie smile from Lillian

We tried to dig a hole deep enough for Jojo to fit in

He didn't like it when the water hit our feet because it was so cold

Nathanael and Niko

Can you see the evil in his eye?

We had a wonderful time in Sunny California. We had too many pictures to share them all. The kids did well on the flights and decent with the time change. My mom was so nice and offered to fly out there with Lillian and I so that Jojo could go and see his cousins. It was so much fun to share all the time with my sister and her family. My nephews are getting so big and grown up. My sister fell in love with Josiah. I knew she would because his onryness is so irresistable. We also were able to visit with my cousins Danny and Erin. They had moved 3 days earlier just 20 minutes away from Jennifer. The weather was really nice. It actually got hot for the first time when I've been out there. I always hate saying goodbye. I wish they lived closer. Our time out there is never long enough, but luckily memories last forever.

Grammy's quilt

Grant's mom made a beautiful quilt for Josiah. She started it after he was born and finished it right after LIllian was born. It's really big so I'm putting it away for him until he is older and has a king size bed. :) She put so much of her heart and time in the quilt and it really shows. Thank you so much Grammy! If you go down a couple of post I was able to put some of the pictures up that Amanda Elpers took. They are so wonderful.

Pictures

The Dress Grant's Aunt Karen made

Josiah was playing in the dirt then rubbed his eyes Little Lillian

Lillian's gallery

Amanda finished up Lillian's photos. They are so wonderful. By now I'm sure everyone knows the drill. Go to Amanda Elpers Photography... Potraits... Clients...password: Lillian. Amanda always does such a fantastic job capturing our family. Thanks Amanda!!! Lillian is still a really good baby. I woke her up today because after 4 1/2 hours of sleep I was ready for her to eat. Grant has been great as he gives her a night bottle so that I only have to wake up with her around 4. It's been wonderful. She is so mild mannered and doesn't mind her big brother driving trucks on her, pulling her by her legs, or his wet kisses on her head. Josiah has had a better week this week. Last night he took my nursing pad and tried to put it down the front of his shirt. It was so hilarious! Today he completely took apart a candle lighter, butane and all in less than five minutes. He makes us laugh all the time. We have such a wonderful family that actually calls to take him for the day. He's talking up a storm, still obsessed with tractors, and always trying to snatch up his sister's pacifer. We can't believe that Lillian is going to be 4 weeks old on Saturday, our baby boy is no longer a baby, and that Grant and I will be celebrating our 7 year anniversary on Monday. God has been so good to us. He has blessed us in so many ways .

2 weeks

Lillian is now two weeks old. I can't believe how fast it is going. I expected it to go faster this time, but wow! She has been really good so far. I can only think of 2 "bad" nights and 1 fussy day. I like to joke that if Jojo had been this good we would've had her sooner. Josiah has adjusted pretty well. Just the past few days has he been getting a little crazy on me. So we sent him to my mom's for a day away and he spent last night at Aunt Christine's. I'll post some pictures because she's just now opening her eyes up long enough to get a picture in. Speaking of pictures in you go to Amanda Elpers (link to the right) she put some of Lillian newborn pictures up on her blog. I look forward to everyone getting to meet her. The door is still open for visitors.

Lillian Louise

We are so happy to announce that Lillian Louise Kissel is finally here. She was born yesterday, September 13, at 2:54 am. She weighed in at 6lb 12 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. So far she has been one sleepy baby. I think I've seen her awake for maybe 3 hours since she was born. I know that will all change the minute we walk through our door. Josiah was excited to meet his new sister. He new right away that she was a baby. We were all nicely surprised that he was gentle with her. It was a very special moment for all of our family to be together for the first time. We had a wonderful birth experience. It was pretty short and sweet. The contractions started out mild and about 2 minutes apart around 6pm. We left for the hospital around 11 and when I was checked at triage at the hospital at 12:00 I was dilated to 4.5 cm and 100% effaced. We made it to our room before I got in the labor tub I was at 7cm. When I got out of the tub after being in there for about 30 min or so I was to 9 1/2 cm. I labored a little longer then the doctor came in and broke my water. After about 5 contractions I asked what we were waiting for and the doc told me she was waiting for me to say I was ready. So I said it's time. I pushed during 2 contractions and then she was in this world. It was an amazing experience. Anyone that wants to come visit just give me a call. We will be going home tomorrow and I'll be off of work until the beginning of November. Of course, the invitaion stands beyond then also. I want to thank you for all of your support and prayers. We want to thank the Lord for blessing our family with a healthy beautiful daughter and sister.

Summertime Picture update

Anderson Orchard with Sophia

at the zoo

playing at Brandywine