Three Weeks Old!

Leo is three weeks old today! Although the past three weeks have gone really fast, it seems like he has been in our lives forever. It's hard to imagine what our life was like without him. How did we fill our time? What did it feel like to get a full night's sleep? What did it feel like to shower before 4:00? Life with Leo is so much crazier but so much better.

We spent a lot of time at home this week. We had several visitors, we ventured out to Babies R Us, went out to dinner and went on a few walks around the neighborhood. Leo also practiced doing some "tummy time" and we used the sling and Baby Bjorn for the first time. It was a good week.

My aunt Pam and cousins Catie and Elizabeth and baby Cora came to visit on Saturday. It was so fun to introduce them to Leo!

Next weekend my girlfriends from KU are coming to visit- Mary, Madeline and Gina. I am so excited to see them and introduce them to Leo. It will be good to be together again.

One Week Pictures

The photographer who took pictures at our wedding came out to our house last Friday and took some pictures of Leo. I think they turned out pretty cute! Copy and paste the link below to view them. Enjoy!

http://bellavitastudio.myshowit.com/babyleo

A BIG weekend!

We have had a very busy weekend! It all started on Friday with Leo's 2 week doctors appointment. The appointment went great and he got a wonderful report. We found out that he gained a pound since his one week appointment! Most babies gain a 1/2 ounce a day and Leo has been gaining 2 ounces a day! He also grew a 1/2 inch. So now he is 9 pounds 11 ounces and 21 1/2 inches long. Our little baby is not so little!!! I could tell he was getting bigger because most of his newborn clothes no longer fit. We are now officially in 0-3 months! Leo also got his first shot at the doctors office. It was so sad! I think I cried as much as he did. I felt so bad, he was sleeping soundly in my arms and then she gave him the shot and he screamed! Poor little guy. I think Dad will have to hold him at his 2 month when he gets 4 shots, I don't think I could handle that! Overall things went well and we are very lucky to have such a healthy little boy.

Uncle Andy arrived on Thursday afternoon from Denver to meet Leo. I think it was love at first sight. It was so fun to see them interact with each other. Maybe Leo will convince Andy to move back home :)

Kevin had to go to Chicago for a work meeting early Friday morning until late Saturday night so Leo and I went to Grammy and Gramps house for a sleepover. It was so fun to spend time with everyone and it was GREAT to have the extra help. I don't think Leo spent more than 10 minutes without being held by someone. At one point, I had to become a baby hog just so I could see the little guy. We took him to the Eden Prairie Mall (where Charlie and Michael took turns pushing him in the stroller) and spent lots of time hanging out. Leo did great at his first slumber party!

Kevin came home on Saturday night. We were so happy to see him again! I am not sure who missed who more...Kevin was pretty excited to see little Leo and spend time with him again.

On Sunday we celebrated my Dad's birthday. His official birthday is on Wednesday but we wanted to celebrate while everyone was home. Happpy birthday Dad/Gramps!

Leo had his first real bath on Sunday. As you can see from the pictures, he didn't enjoy it too much. Luckily we only have to do it a few times a week. Maybe he will get used to it...

It has been a very busy and fun weekend! It is amazing to experience so many "firsts" with Leo. He is such a joy.

Our Anniversary

Three years ago today, at this very moment, Kevin and I were standing in front of our family and friends at Diamond Lake Lutheran Church reciting our vows. Today, at this very moment, I am sitting in my sweats, typing with one hand while holding Leo in the other, thinking about getting dinner ready. It's crazy how much life can change in three short years! Our wedding day was one of the most amazing days of our lives. We had so much fun celebrating and we were so excited to finally be married. We've had an incredible three years together and have done so many fun things. Although our lives have become extremely simple over the past couple of weeks, we wouldn't change it for the world. We feel so blessed to celebrate our third anniversary as a family. Life is good.

I included a few new Leo pics for you to enjoy...

Happy One Week Birthday!

Well, we survived the first week. I can't believe he is already one week old. I am trying to remember every single minute because time is going so fast. He is so sweet and calm when he is sleeping (which is most of the time) and so alert and adorable when he is awake. Kevin and I have learned so much this week and have developed an amazing partnership. I can't imagine going through this experience with anyone else. Kevin is such a great Dad and husband. I feel so blessed.

Leo had a lot of "firsts" this week...He had a lot of visitors, went for his first walk, went to his first doctors appointment, went to Grammy and Gramps house, went out to dinner at Chili's, went to Daddy's office, had his first photo shoot and had his first bath. What a week!

Kevin is going back to work on Monday which is sad for all of us. I know he will miss Leo like crazy and we will miss having him at home.

Enjoy a few new pictures!

Visitors

Leo has had a lot of visitors at the hospital and at home. Here are a few pics of the people who love him.

Welcome Home Leo!

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We made it home from the hospital safe and sound! Things have been going well since we have been home. It's amazing how fast the day can go when you don't get out of your pajama's or even step outside! Leo is doing great and it has been so fun to have him home. Kevin and I are learning so much and have been trying to cherish every moment, it's already going too fast! Thanks to everyone who has called and e-mailed with well wishes. We apologize if we haven't gotten back to you, please know that we appreciate your support and love and eventually will get in touch. Enjoy a few pictures of the sweet little guy.

Leo has arrived!

It all started on Friday night, July 3rd when Kevin and I were watching fireworks in Bloomington. I started having contractions about 10:30pm and we went into the hospital around 1:00am. We were admitted at 3:00am and Leo Rudolph Allen was born at 8:46am on the 4th of July. We were amazed at how fast everything went! Our beautiful baby boy weighed in at 9 lbs 21 inches. No one was expecting him to be so big! We've spent the past 2 days at the hospital and we are headed home today after lunch.

As I write this, I am tyring to find the words to describe how amazing this whole experience has been. Little Leo is such a beautiful miracle. We are so blessed and so in love.

Due Date

Well today is the day. The day we have imagined since the end of October. It is our due date. Unfortunately Baby Allen may not make his arrival today. I was well advised about this and everyone told me "first baby's are usually late" or "you will probably go past your due date" or "don't be surprised if you are a week or two late." I listened when everyone told me this but I really thought he would be here by now. I guess he is just taking his sweet time. The good news is that Kevin has today and tomorrow off (because of the 4th) so my sister is off duty and he is home with me. I feel much better having him close by just in case! We went out for breakfast this morning to celebrate the due date and then went for a long walk (a walk that would take a normal person 5 minutes but took me 30). The we went to Costco to stock up on frozen goods and now we are home, waiting. When we were on our walk we saw a lot of white cranes and Kevin said that they were baby storks waiting to bring us our little boy. I hope he is right!

Thank God for Sisters!

I have reached the point where I am officially uncomfortable and ready to have this baby. My body feels heavy and it is hard to get around. I no longer walk, I waddle. I am usually on the go but this week I haven't really wanted to leave the house because it is a lot of work to get in and out of the car. Thankfully my sister has been willing to come over and "sister-sit" me as she calls it. She has spent the past three days at my house. We have been cooking, cleaning, watching movies and eating. I think I would have gone crazy sitting here by myself if it wasn't for her. Thank you Molly! I hope these visits will continue after the baby is born!