Let them eat cake!

Lauren's baptism was this past weekend and everything went perfectly. She was an absolute dream and slept through the entire day, including the actual service. It was nice to introduce her to some more of her family and of course I enjoyed showing her off at church. She is truly a little angel!

Below you will see a photo of her cake. Imagine that cake cut in half. Everyone ate one half, I ate the other. Man it was good.


Anyone who knows my family knows that Josh is spoiled. Well, to be honest, Joel and I are spoiled and that trend has trickled down to the next generation. Lauren is no exception. She has received some of the cutest outfits and adorable gifts from just about everyone we know. However, this picture of Josh showing off one of her gifts is just precious.


In other news, I am resigning from my position at James T. Brems, PC tomorrow. I have been offered another opportunity that is much more condusive to family life and have graciously accepted it. You heard it folks, I have made it through my last tax season.

Dustin has started at UPS in the evenings as a package handler. You can add him to your list of prayers again though. One prayer goes towards a driver position opening for him and another prayer to give him the strength to make it until that position opens. He is working a lot of hours and although we have decided that in the long run this is for the best, it is difficult for him and we miss our Daddy.

Cutey pa-too-tee!!

Well, the first few weeks have already passed and so far we've survived! Lauren had her days and nights mixed up but we're slowly getting those turned around. It seems that we have a good night, then a bad night, then a good night and so on. She is such a good baby otherwise. She doesn't really cry at all and she is completely content to be awake and sit in her bouncy chair and have Josh and I talk to her. Overall, things have been going well.

Josh is still facinated with his baby sister. He loves getting to hold her and takes every opportunity to help me with diapers and feedings.




Dustin loves to hold his little girl and most times I find her sleeping on his chest.


I'm healing nicely. The first week was rough, but other than some swelling and tenderness, my stomach and incision are doing fine. Honestly, what they say about pregnancy and giving birth is true. When I look at Lauren I completely forget about being uncomfortable or in pain and start to think about having another baby! Children are so amazing, even when they are naughty, and Dustin and I would love a big brood!

Look at these eyes...and tell me you wouldn't want another!

Introducing Lauren Elizabeth Bricker!!

Well, I've obviously been MIA for a few days. But for a very good reason. Before I start, I'm warning this will be a VERY long post...

Well, Thursday, May31, 2007, Lauren Elizabeth Bricker decided to make her appearance. I had not slept very well the night before and was sure not to eat anything after midnight just "in case" this was it. I woke up at my usual time and went to the bathroom. I noticed I was spotting and called Dustin to tell him that he may not want to drive to Iowa City that day. I told him not to panic, but that I was going to take a shower and get ready as usual, take Josh to daycare and call labor and delivery. Well, I took my shower and *POP* - my water broke.

I called Dustin back and said, "Yeah, you might want to come home because my water just broke." I thought he was going to die. Amazingly, I didn't freak. I calmly packed our bags, got Josh ready, called labor and delivery and took Josh to daycare. The timing of everything could not have been more perfect.

We got to labor and delivery around 7:30. Within 30 minutes, they hooked me up to the monitor to watch her heart rate and my contractions, ran a few other tests, started my lab work and began calling in nurses and other staff for surgery. Less than two hours later, at 9:28 am, she officially arrived!!!!

Everything went so fast we barely got a last minute photo. This was us as I was being wheeled into the operating room...

Look at that belly! Seriously, no wonder I felt huge. It's because I was!!

Getting the spinal was even more difficult than the one I got with Josh. As soon as I felt my legs going numb I was so relieved because after five pokes into my spine the next option was to knock me out completely. I would have been devastated to miss all of this...



The next most exciting moment was Josh meeting his new sister. The first thing he said was, "Mom, her's so cute!"



The staff was amazing, as usual. We absolutely love Mercy Hospital and can't wait to visit them all again. They are so caring and were extra special to the new big brother. He asked so many questions and they took the extra time to answer all of his questions. During one of Lauren's vital checks he got to listen to her heartbeat.


He had so much fun at the hospital. I had packed his trunks and he had a ball in my bathroom's whirlpool tub.


Honestly, I'm speechless when I think about how blessed we are. I have a beautiful, healthy and sweet daughter. I have a adorable, intelligent and helpful son. And I have an amazing, adoring and gorgeous husband. Could a girl ask for more?

I don't think so.





We do want to thank everyone for your prayers and well-wishes. We appreciate everything and are just so happy to be a family of four!