Welcome Nora!

This was an exciting week as Nora Elizabeth Shively was born on May 23 to proud parents Cory and Shylo, and big brother Porter. She weighed 4 ounces more than Henry did at birth and I couldn't believe how small she was...I can't believe Henry was ever that small! He looked so big next to Nora.

Tim with Nora and Cory with Henry

A beautiful baby!
We spent Memorial Day weekend with Grandpa and Grandma Beckman at the lake and had a wonderful time, though Henry wasn't quite ready for a swim. Daddy dipped his toes in the water and we were happy to see Henry's reflexes are working...he was not happy about the water temperature. He was much happier this afternoon in his warm bath. We are excited tonight as Grandma and Grandpa Hacker are coming tomorrow!

First Date and Big Smiles

Henry had his first date Friday night! Stella Miesen, along with her parents Liz and Nick, came over for dinner, games and a sleepover. We all had a great time, and Henry is already asking when he can see Stella again. Saturday was a big day for Tim and me. We left Henry with Grandma Beckman while we attended a beautiful wedding in Indianapolis. We were gone for 6 hours, and talked about Henry the whole time we were away. We missed him, but he had a good time with Grandma. Henry started smiling last week...on purpose! We can get several good smiles a day and we are loving it! He is practicing for Grandma and Grandpa Hacker's visit next week - we are all very excited for their arrival on Wednesday! Hope everyone has a super week!

Mother's Day Weekend

Wow! What a weekend...I don't even know where to begin. On Thursday we loaded up the car and drove 7 hours to introduce Henry to Great Grandma and Grandpa Shamel...it was love at first sight. After a delicious fried turkey dinner with Great Grandpa and Grandma, we finished the last hour of our drive to Bolivar to see Grandma and Grandpa Hacker. The weekend brought lots of surprises for Henry, as he got to meet lots of new people, including his Great Grandpa Jack and Great Grandma Lee, Uncle Scott, Vallie, Cooper and Reagan. The ultimate surprise, though, was for me! My three favorite girls from New Jersey - Laura, Olivia and Sophie - had flown in for the whole weekend! Laura, Tim and mom had been planning the top secret visit for months. I couldn't believe it when I walked in and they jumped out of their hiding spots shouting "SURPRISE!" They joined us all at Henry's shower on Saturday morning and at the farm riding horses Saturday afternoon. Henry wasn't quite big enough to ride the horse, but he got to pet him with the help of Uncle Scott. Cowboy Jim and Aunt Sheila showed us all a great time at the farm giving horse rides. We even got to see a brand new baby colt named Deano at Great Grandpa's house. The whole experience was a real treat. On Sunday morning we all attended Henry's Christening at the Bolivar United Methodist Church. I think there were 25 of us there! A luncheon followed at my mom and dad's house. We were so happy to have Tim's parents join us for the weekend, too! Henry is still talking about meeting Great, Great Aunt Wanda...he loved her singing. The whole weekend was wonderful - I couldn't have asked for a better Mother's Day weekend...thanks to EVERYONE who joined us to celebrate!

Happy Mother's Day!

Laura and Sophie

Grandpa Hacker and Henry

Four generations

Olivia, Sophie and Earl

Uncle Scott, Henry and Aunt Sheila

The Beckmans

Great, Great Aunt Wanda, Henry and Grandpa Beckman

Emily Ann, Mom, Great Grandpa Hacker, Henry and Uncle John

My favorite little helpers

Great Grandpa Shamel

Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Shamel

Olivia, Sophie, Reagan, Cooper and Henry

Smiles at the lake!

We had a great trip to the lake this weekend with Uncle T and Aunt E, Grandma and Grandpa Beckman. It was a little cold for Henry to dip his feet in the water, but he did experience his first boat ride - an evening cruise after dinner. On our way to the lake Friday night Henry attended his first party at Matt and Andrea's house, and got to meet several friends and his first golden retriever. He slept soundly as he was passed from stranger to stranger. He was a trooper in the car, sleeping most of the way there and back. Henry impressed the crowds on Sunday as he gave a huge wide open smile to Tim as he took his hand. It was great fun as everyone was watching...he has a very cute smile. Tuesday was Henry's one month check-up. He weighed in at 10 pounds, 11.5 ounces, which puts him in the 80th percentile for weight. He is 23 inches long and in the 90th percentile for height. The pediatrician was very pleased with his progress, despite the spit-up coating her chairs and floor. Tuesday night we had a special visitor. Scotty Dangelo came for dinner and serenaded Henry with his guitar for an hour. He sang new and old songs for the three of us and we loved it. Thanks, Scotty. We hope everyone is having a wonderful May so far!

4 weeks old!!

We were sad to see Sarah go, but look forward to seeing her in Bolivar in a couple of weeks. Henry is 4 weeks old today! We had a great day today celebrating. Henry had a bath and slept most of the day. Our friend Cheryl came to visit and brought a very nice "mom and dad night out" present that includes free babysitting and dinner at the Mellow Mushroom, which we look forward to using when Henry gets a little bigger. Henry is smiling at us now and it is so neat! He is also losing his hair on the top of his head, leaving the sides and the back forming a perfect mullet. Grandpa Hacker and Uncle John call him "Henry Bobby"...I'm not sure this is funny. Today was a big day for mom, too, as I plugged in the monitors and actually left him sleeping while I did things in another room. We survived the separation, and I enjoyed getting some things accomplished. Uncle Terry and Aunt Emily arrive late tonight and we are looking forward to spending the weekend with them at the lake.