Welcome, Jacob Allan!

Well, he's finally arrived! We were beyond ecstatic to welcome Jacob Allan into the world on May 7th. After arriving at the hospital at 8:30 A.M. on Wednesday morning to be induced...after hours of labor and a couple of hours of pushing, we were told that the little boy wasn't quite ready to cooperate that way, so they prepared us for a c-section just after 9 P.M. At 9:23 P.M. Jacob Allan was here, weighing in at 8 lbs. 9 oz., and 21 inches long. Ironically, the same exact measurements (height and weight) as his mother. From the moment we laid eyes on the blonde haired, blue eyed little cherub, we were in love. I'm sure all parents feel this way, but we believed (and believe) he's pretty near perfect...a little miracle from above. We were so fortunate to have so many of our loved ones there to welcome him...either that day or in the days/week to come. His "Grammy" and "Pappy" from PA were in town for his arrival and were at the hospital when he was born, as was his sister Emily. The next day his brother and sister came back for a longer visit, as did our friend Christina and his Uncle Josh and soon-to-be Aunt Jaime. Our friends Christina, Shannon, Amanda, Greta, and Brandie (and her son Dawson) also visited him in the hospital, and then the week we were home his Uncle Jeff and Carrie came out to Ohio to spend some time with Jacob too. Pappy went back to PA to work on Monday, but his Grammy stayed for another week to help me recuperate after the c-section. Wow, is she priceless...if we could afford to hire her as our au pair, we would!!! Really, no joke! Check out some photos of Jacob below, and, of course, we'll keep updating them as he's already grown so much. Thanks to everyone for all of your heartfelt emails, calls, and cards!

Below, big brother Greg (with Jacob) and big sister Emily (with Jacob) strike a pose.




Below, Uncle Josh feels right at home snuggling with the little guy. Soon-to-be Aunt Jaime also gets a chance to snuggle with Jacob!

Mom and Jacob catch some zzzz's together.

Look out, Coach Tressel, he's already got quite a grip on that football, and he's only 6 days old!!!

There's no doubt about it, he loves his Grandma!

Carrie and Uncle Jeff each get some time with Jacob....we can't wait until they move to Ohio and can see Jacob whenever they want! (Hint! Hint!)

Grammy and "her baby"...

Our first dinner out...as a whole family, Jacob is 10 days old.



Jacob is also a big fan of Pappy's...you should hear how he coos and ahs for his Pappy!

...and at the end of the day, snuggling with Dad is a great place to wind down.

Spring is here! ...and that means lacrosse season again!

Greg had an awesome lacrosse season! His team even won the playoffs. Way to go, Greg! Unfortunately, I don't have a whole lot of pics., as the weather for the lacrosse games didn't cooperate too much and then for the last few games I was near the end of my pregnancy and at home with the feet up. Greg did a great job nonetheless and we really saw him grow and develop from the beginning to end of the season. Next on the list...football. Sign-ups already occurred and practice will start before we know it!

Showered with Love

Well, I always knew that I was pretty fortunate, but I've been "showered with love" and then some the last couple of months! First, my wonderful colleagues at school through a baby shower to welcome our, little guy! We received some great diaper cakes, our pack and play, a Floppy seat, a Boppy, baby toiletries, books, receiving blankets, onesies, Buckeye gear, gift cards galore, and more! We are definitely fortunate to be surrounded by such giving people. Thanks, ISES staff!
















Look, he'll be sporting Scarlet and Gray in no time!!!!

Cheese! ISES pals Shannon and Amanda pose with the mother-to-be!

Yep, it's going to be a BOY!!!




Then, we went to PA, where my family really outdid themselves! A huge thank you to my mother for all of her touches...she's amazing...from cookies to favors, good eats, and more! Thank you to Aunt Jeanne, too, for opening up her home and cooking too! Thanks to Aunt Janice for the delicious cake and to Aunt Jonelle for cooking as well. Of course, thank you to the rest of the ladies in the family as well...we were really all set up for Jacob's arrival because of you. We received our stroller/car seat, high chair, diaper bag, blankets, onesies, bath necessities, gift cards a plenty, puzzles, crib sheets, clothing, and more!!!! You all are wonderful; I'm so flattered by your thoughtfulness. Jacob is pretty lucky to be coming into such an amazing family!

Shell, Aunt Mindy, Jenny, and Aunt Linda pose for the camera....glad Shell and Jenny got the "Wear Blue" memo I missed!

...and there was even blue punch...gosh, my Mom is good!





Rachel is the game hostess...she did a fabulous job! Watch out, Vana!

Below, Emily thinks she might have the answer!







Me posing with my Aunt Jonelle

Shell, me, and Jenny











[above] Carrie (Jeff's girlfriend), me, and Jaime (Josh's fiance')

All the ladies in the family...aren't we a lovely bunch?!?!?!








Above, my Mom (aka "Grammy") and me; below, Aunt Linda and Jenny

Josh trying to hide behind the baby/belly....for once, I'm okay with it!

THANKS AGAIN TO ALL OF MY FAMILY!! WE LOVE YOU ALL VERY MUCH!!!!

I also want to say a huge thank you to two of my bestest friends Holly and Brandie for throwing a shower for me in Ohio; unfortunately, I forgot my camera that day, so I don't have any pics. (I think someone managed to snap a few, so maybe I can add those on later.) Of course, it was great and nice to have a relaxing time with friends. Thank you so much for doing that for Jim, Jacob, and myself. I'm blessed to have you both in my life. I love ya!