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!

<



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!