Amelia Elizabeth is here!

  After a crazy beginning and some very unexpected things (losing an ovary at 20 weeks), the last few weeks of carrying our second child were not quite as dramatic as the first pregnancy. Our first child came an entire month early, but Millie decided to hang on a little longer. We had learned our lesson the first time and had went through the rigor of my wife’s nesting, getting everything done around the house, and even having a bag packed by the door (a month early)…this is not to mention the list of instructions for each scenario we had devised for when Sissy would come and calling list the size of a phone book. Millie was hanging on. Every day was filled with the expectation of her coming and making the rush to the hospital.  So, everyone knows the wives’ tales…if you want to make a baby come out…Mexican food, a nice leisurely stroll, a warm bath, and so the list goes. So, on Erin’s due date (Friday the 12^th), she was more than ready to have Millie in her arms. We did a few of the things on the list topped off by a shoulder massage and went to bed. Sometime during the middle of the night, Erin’s water broke. We called our neighbor, who came over to watch Jonah and we headed to Rex Healthcare. Erin received two epidurals (the first one didn’t work) and she endured labor for close to 9-10 hours despite being 8 cm when we got to the hospital. After a litany of pain, the doctor advised that Erin have a C-section. Apparently, Millie’s chord was wrapped around her neck and was keeping her from coming through the birth canal. Erin went back to have her second abdominal surgery during this pregnancy. Within an hour, we had Amelia Elizabeth Ridlehoover, Saturday the 13^th, weighing 7 lbs, 12 ounces (21 inches). She had a head full of hair and had the marks of a Ridlehoover child—she looked exactly like her mother.

My Birthday

I had a great birthday! My parents came in town and we all went to Macaroni Grille for dinner. Nothing better than spending my birthday with the most important people in my life :) Here's to another year younger! 

Jonah's first T-Ball Season

T-Ball was by far one of my favorite sports Jonah has done so far. We had a GREAT team and Nate was able to coach alongside pastor Matt. There were times where it did seem like a really long hour and you walked away feeling exhausted just watching the game. It was also pretty hilarious at times, but Jonah had a blast and he looked so adorable in his uniform.

Three Bears Acres

We discovered a great place for kids today, Three Bears Acres! It was awesome! Jonah and I joined Janelle and Rhett and spent the whole day there. It was such a nice place for the boys to be boys and get dirty and not have anyone tell them "no." We will definitely be bringing daddy back to visit!

Baby Shower for Amelia

Nathan and I have been truly blessed with a storybook neighborhood. We have so many great families all in one location that sometimes I'm still in shock that we live here. It has truly been a blessing to live here these last four years and to form some lifelong relationships. I was honored enough to be given a baby shower for baby Millie by three of my closest friends in the hood, Janelle, Tiffany and Christy. It was truly one of the most beautiful showers I have even been to and it was all for me!! Ha! There was so much detail into everything and it really showed me how well my Wendell gals know me, and Millie got some pretty awesome gifts as well! 

Jonah turns FOUR!!!!

We celebrated my sweet baby boy turning FOUR today with our closest friends and family. Jonah is really into the "jumpy" stage so he was super excited when we decided to have it at the bounce house again this year. His favorite gift by far was his big boy bike he got from both sets of grandparents :)