More Claire Pics & Family

The Big Arrival! Claire Joyce is here!

Without further ado, pictures of little, or should we say "big" (8lb, 15oz - 21")

 Claire Joyce & family...more to come :)

Claire Joyce arrived at 8:54pm on Friday, June 13th. I was in labor with her for about 12 hours, from start to finish. She was a little tough because she was a Posterior Baby, which means her head was facing the wrong way. This, in turn, causes tremendous pressure and pain on the back. Kristen, my doula, was incredible and one of the only reasons I made it through "drug free" ( I was asking for them, trust me!) Brian, as usual, was my knight in shining armor. He was there for me the whole time, the silent supporter when I needed that, and the arm to grab and hand to hold when I needed touch. Also present were my sister-Meghan, mother-Marianne, and my good friend Leila. These women were amazing supports for me as well and I am so happy they were there!  Although Mikayla was not in the birth room, she was ever-present because she had one of the most important jobs of watching Lily and they were both present in spirit in the room! I want to thank everyone for their prayers and support before and after that day, they were truly felt! And now, without further ado, pictures of little, or should I say "big" Claire ( 8lbs, 15oz & 21" long) and the family.  Thank you to all who made meals for us and who have been coming along side us to help us out during this very busy time, we cannot thank you enough! Love, The Stephens'

The calm before the storm....

Thought we would post some recent pictures of the family before the new one arrives! Who knows how much time we'll have then. We desperately tried to get a great video on here, but it is too large to upload. Things are going well with the last few weeks of pregnancy. I have a few weeks left, an already thought I was in labor once! Things seem to have calmed down though, and I feel more like I did before Lily was born. Keep us in your prayers as Brian is working A LOT of hours every week, and there isn't much room to slow down once the baby comes. Thankfully, we have family in town and family arriving in town very soon. The house is still on the market, but no takers yet! In other news, we are getting a roommate! Many of you who live in Tahoe know Drew, he will be the most recent addition of Brian and I having roommates since being married. Strange, I know, but it seems to work for us. So... welcome Drew! Hopefully he has some good noise makers at night! We would love to hear from you all if you get a chance! 

Pickle-Lily?

I always thought that I (the pregnant one) in the family would be the one craving pickles, but I was off..way off. Not only am I not craving pickles, but I appear to be the only on in the family not craving something. Brian is passionately addicted to dark chocolate, in fact tonight he made a special trip to purchase some dark chocolate so we could all partake in homemade hot chocolate. Lily on the other hand is figuring out her own taste buds and therefore has made pickles her new point of interest.  I haven't been able to take any photos of Brian indulging in his chocolate craziness, but thought you might enjoy watching Lily in her debut of "Pickle on a Fork"

Under the Banana Tree

Once upon a time in Florida, there grew a banana tree grove right outside a little girl's house. The young girl was named Lily and at 18 months old, just discovered this new wonderland. Below is a pictorial of how she and her father explored the new playground...

 

Time with the Cousins!

This past week, Lauren and Leah visited with their girls, Malak and Anya. We all had a great time and the cousins all got to know each other and the meaning of "share" -the kids that is, the grownup cousins are still learning:)

Lily, wow, what a genius!