Welcome to the World Grace

Uncle Mike has long held a special place in our boys' hearts.  He is that super fun uncle who is willing to get on the floor and wrestle, head into the backyard and play sports or to dress up like a villian for your superhero birthday party and let 16 kids spray him with silly string at the same time.

Mike also won the award for "Best Brother-in-law Ever" several years ago when he babysit all 3 of our little guys so that Jon could surprise me with a dinner and show in the city for my birthday.  At the time, all three boys were in diapers and under the age of 3 so it was very impressive to me that Mike would willingly sign up for it.  I know a lot of men who would easily find an excuse to get out of that request!  

In June 2011, Mike improved his rankings in our family by marrying Sonja. Here is our family at their wedding.

I'm about 37 weeks pregnant with Caleb here if you're wondering about the large belly and swollen face.

 The boys were smitten with Sonja when they first met her at Aaron's 2nd birthday party.

They counted down the days until they could officially call her Aunt Sonja.  At their wedding, Aaron cried when his turn to dance with her was over.  Apparently, three-year-olds do not understand the concept of the dollar dance and that it is short-lived.

I'll never forget this look that Aaron gave Sonja: complete love.

Earlier this year, we found out that Uncle Mike & Aunt Sonja were expecting a baby.  They didn't find out if it was a boy or girl ahead of time, so we were anxiously awaiting the news of Baby Shogren's arrival.  You may remember her baby shower (http://outnumbered-ls.blogspot.com/2012/09/what-will-it-bee.html).  The boys, especially Aaron, were really hoping for a girl since our family has none.

On October 21st, Grace LaVon arrived weighing 6 pounds 13 ounces.  She is gorgeous--a petite, sweet, darling baby girl!!!  The boys literally jumped up and down when we told them that she was here and a GIRL.  James cried when he heard that Jon & I were going to the hospital to visit Grace and that he couldn't come.

I will never, ever tire of the miracle of a newborn life and getting to hold a day old baby.  There is nothing like it!

So, we promised that we'd take them to meet Grace as soon as Mike and Sonja were home and up to it.  Yesterday, we finally delivered on that promise.  Since we are a lot of people, noise and commotion, we stopped by for a very short visit and didn't bring our wildest little one (Caleb) along this time.  Here are a few pictures from the boys meeting Grace for the first time. 

Proud Daddy showing off his baby girl.

Grace in a crowd of boys.

Then the boys took turns holding her (with some help from mom).

Aaron and baby Grace.

Andrew checking her out. 

James' turn.

Next they whispered secrets to her like "You're super cute" (James), "I knew you'd be a girl" (Aaron) and "You're even tinier than Harvey" (Andrew).

Before we left, Uncle Mike gave the boys a few minutes of wrestling.  I cannot imagine why they like him so much?!?!

We are so thankful that Grace is here and healthy.  The fact that she is adorable and sweet is just icing on the cake.  God is good!  We look forward to watching her grow over the coming years.  She is one blessed little girl with a set of awesome parents who love her more than words can say.  We also hope to finally repay Uncle Mike & Aunt Sonja (with babysitting services) for the many, many hours of babysitting help that they've given our family over the years.