Greta @ 1 Month

During Greta's first month she…

...met LOTS of special people and received many comments about "all her hair"

...got used to hearing her big brother tell her about 20 times a day..."Greta Alice, you are so sweet" 

…Skyped for the first time on Mimi's birthday

…got her newborn pictures taken on her 10th day (more of those coming soon)

…weighted 8 pounds 13 ounces and was 22 inches long at her 2 week well check

…had her first bath (and screamed through most of it)

…met all of her cousins, aunts and uncles

…enjoyed her first Thanksgiving (and didn't even get a piece of pumpkin pie)

…decided to be a bit fussy in the evening, insist on being held, and stay up until 1:00am

…graduated out of her newborn clothes and diapers at about 3 weeks

…likes her swaddle and looking at lights

…had no interest in the paci

…went potty on Daddy before a tubby (big brother thought that was especially funny) 

…seems to be a "Mommy's girl"

…sleeps 4-5 hour stretches at night

…captured our hearts with her sweetness

Merry Christmas!

We did a combined birth announcement and Christmas card this year.  Here are the pictures and the letter, e-style.  Blessings to you this holiday season.  

MERRY CHRISTMAS!  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Psalm 126:3…The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.  

What a year!  If we could summarize 2014 in just two words they would be…gratitude and joy.  Our hearts are full and we are blessed.  

Here is a recap of 2014, featuring our favorite memories and blessings… 

Roy…

*seeing God's grace through Greta Alice and growing our family to four 

*going to Colorado and enjoying the mountains and time with family in July

*learning a new job as a Research Associate in soybean trait research at Pioneer

*training for and running the Dam to Dam (half marathon) with a friend

*seeing Hudson learn and grow

*being the Best Man in a wedding in Chicago followed by a trip to Michigan 

Emily…

*meeting our precious, healthy, baby girl, Greta, and thanking God for His faithful answers to many prayers 

*selling lots of Thirty-One products and attending the Thirty-One National Conference

*decorating Hudson's "big brother room" with diggers and a nursery filled with pink and sweetness for "baby sister"  

*putting my teaching skills into motion by participating in a weekly homeschool preschool co-op with Hudson, 

a couple of friends, and their children

*tutoring four elementary students on a weekly basis 

*a relaxing family weekend to Kansas City in August  

Hudson…

*celebrating birthday #3 "farmer style,” with dirt cupcakes, red and green tractors, and a mini corn pool to play in

*enjoying several trips to the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines

*playing in the sand and riding his balance bike 

*becoming a big brother and telling Greta Alice "you are so sweet"  

*annual family day at the Iowa State Fair on Mommy and Daddy's anniversary

*learning about new things, that are fascinating to 3 year old boys, such as water towers, trains, farming equipment, and the solar system

Greta…

*staying up late and sleeping in 

*Mommy's milk

*looking at lights

*her swaddle

*warm snuggles 

*precious smiles

Thanksgiving(s)

As always, but especially this year, we had so much to be thankful for.  God has proven Himself faithful and loving, and for that we give thanks.  We enjoyed special time with family during the Thanksgiving season.  For many, it was their first time meeting Greta, so it was fun to "show her off" to everyone.  

My family came the weekend before and Angela cooked up an amazingly delicious feast (as always) for everyone.  

We took our annual trip to Howell's Tree Farm to cut down our Christmas tree.  Mimi stayed in the car with Greta, as there will be lots of other years for her to participate in this family tradition.  

Hudson really got into decorating the tree this year and he was actually a pretty good helper.  Oh the excitement of a child, its so fun to see.    

Daddy got lots of snuggles over the long weekend.  We absolutely LOVE it when he has time off of work and can be home with us.  

Greta cleaned up and ready for her first Thanksgiving.  Obviously, it wasn't the best idea to try and snap some pictures when it was time for her to eat.    

Hudson excited to eat his annual turkey cookie at the Snyder Thanksgiving.  

The Bever sisters gave baby Greta lots of snuggles.  

Papa Ed watching all the grandchildren, minus Greta who was getting a diaper change.  So far he has one grandson, Hudson who is also the oldest, and now four granddaughters.  

Round #2 of a turkey cookie, this one from Mrs. Geselle.  

It was so fun to meet these two cuties, Ashlyn and Abram, they are double the sweetness.  

Even cousins need a little break from play to watch some Daniel Tiger on TV.  I am grateful these two are buddies and I look forward to seeing their friendship continue to grow, as they do.  

meeting baby Greta

We have had several visitors stop by during the past 6+ weeks to meet our Lil' Pumpkin, Greta Alice.  Its been such a joy to introduce her to others and share the little bundle of joy with those who faithfully prayed for her.  We captured pictures of most, but certainly not all, of our special guests.  

Emily's excitement about baby Greta, from the very beginning, has shown me her genuine love for our family.  She was the first friend to come to visit.  

GG Ells now has ten great grand babies to keep track of.    

Heather has been a part of our journey and I am grateful for her faithful prayers and support.  

Allison…a prayer warrior and constant source of grace.  God is good to bless me with a dear friend like her.  

Luke…happened to be in town the week after Greta was born so stopped by with a pizza and some silly snuggles.  

Gina and Rachel are babysitters from our church small group and were excited to get an early glimpse of the little lady.  

Carla prayed and prayed for our family and baby Greta's safe arrival.  She is my BSF leader this year and I am grateful for her support.  I believe God hand picked her for me, she loves others so well.  

Beth is another good friend of mine.  Her little guy, Henry, is about 5 months older than Greta.  

My Uncle Dave and Aunt Anita were in Des Moines and stopped by on a Saturday afternoon.  Anita says Greta looks just like me.  :)   

Uncle Ryan, getting some "quality time" in with his favorite (and only) niece.  

Mimi and Greta are going to be buddies.  I'm confident Mimi is looking forward to giving her piano lessons someday.  

Geselle and Jori not only showed up with a bunch of delicious Dutch treats, but also a lots of loving for baby Greta.  

A group picture of the Steenhoeks and the Swingers (minus Roy) before they ran out the door.  

Cousin Clara and Greta met Thanksgiving weekend.  You can tell Clara is a big sister herself, she held Greta with confidence.  

Lovin' from Aunt Jenna.  

The Wurpts family, from Arkansas, came to visit for an afternoon during Thanksgiving weekend.  

It was great fun to meet their twins and introduce Greta.   

We gained 3 kids between the 2 families since we saw each other last winter.  Emily has been and continues to be my best friend, praying, loving, supporting, listening, and encouraging me EVERY step of the way.

Greta was the first baby Afifa has held.  

 Hani thought Greta's spiky hair was pretty awesome.  

Paige, a student I tutor, stopped by with a gift for baby Greta.  Too bad she screamed the whole 2 minutes Paige held her.  We will try again next time.  

Laura and her kids came over for a playdate earlier this week.  Greta is excited to join the fun with these preschool friends on Thursday mornings.  

more lovin'

Here are just a few more early pictures of our precious baby Greta and all the loving she receives.  

Everyone told me Hudson would love his little sister, but honestly, I had no idea how much he would love her.  He absolutely adores her and is so proud of her.  What a gift!   

Greta is a good sleeper.  She likes to keep us up late and then sleep all morning.  :)  

Greta is quite the snuggler.  I just love that (her big brother was not)!  

She likes to lay on her changer and get her diaper changed.  She gets so relaxed and looks all around.  

We were so thankful to have Aunt Ang come from Colorado to spend about 5 days with us.  She cooked, played with Hudson, snuggled Greta, changed diapers, and got groceries.  We love her help and SO wish she lived closer.  

Hanging out in her bouncer for the first time.  What a big girl!