Cousins

Thank you Devin, Annie, Ellie, and Abigail for making the long drive over to Portland (especially in the snowy weather). Jalen absolutely LOVES his cousins and we all had a fantastic time when they were here!

All the cousins together

Lots of love!

Abby and Ellie meeting their new cousin.

Kisses from Abigail...I think these two are going to become good buddies.

Since the weather was so crummy, we decided to blow up the bounce house in our garage - Jalen was so thrilled that Ellie and Abby were there to join him!

Sweet Abigail

Ring-Around-The-Rosie

The following day we took the kids to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). Here are some photos of all their discoveries:

Special Visitors

We've been so fortunate to have so many visitors come meet Aliyah and help out around the house. The extra hands were greatly needed and very much appreciated!!

Grandma

Papa with the kiddos

Papa and Dawn

Jalen and Bumpa at dinner...always making him laugh.

Bumpa's with Aliyah

Bumpa and Nena with the kiddos

Our neighbors/friends Karen and her daughter Zoe

Brooke LOVES babies - she did such a great job holding Aliyah!

Our neighbor/friend Allison

Jalen with his buddies Grant and Brooke

One of Jalen's buddies, Mason


Another one of Jalen's buddies, Aspen

Thank you Sara for the adorable tutu...she'll grow into it one day.

My work friends Erin and Lindsey came to visit - Erin's daugher Haezle LOVED holding Aliyah and was so sweet with her.

Rio being protective of his new baby.

Welcome Baby Aliyah

Aliyah Mae Pierce arrived at 2:27pm on Jan. 4, 2012. 7 lbs, 15 oz and 19 inches long. We were due to have her on Jan. 1...which left us with lots of anticipation and excitement about whether she was going to be a 2011 or 2012 baby. We really got excited about the idea of her coming right before midnight or even being the first baby of the year. She had other plans however and decided to stay put until the new year was well on it's way. After a few days of waiting, we decided to go ahead with being induced. It turned out to be a PERFECT day!!!! I was very comfortable all day and by the time I was ready to push Aliyah came only 20-30 minutes later with no problem at all. Compared to the difficult labor I experienced with Jalen, this was a "breeze." It's amazing how much love you experience the moment they enter the world. She is SO precious!!!

Ready to be induced

Welcome to the world Aliyah Mae (our nurse made her hospital hat extra special with a little bow on top).

The most amazing nurse - thank God for great nurses!!!!

Jalen and Aliyah's pediatrician came to meet his new patient.

Jalen's first introduction to Baby Aliyah...he was SO excited, but still a little unsure of the whole situation. (Thank you Stephanie Donaldson for the adorable "Big Brother Jalen" personalized shirt - he was so proud to wear it!).

Sweet kisses from big brother.

Our family is complete.

Jalen decided to take a break from Aliyah (he lost interest fairly quick) - but proudly read his new Big Brother book.

Nena's first opportunity to hold baby Aliyah. Thank you Nena for ALL that you did for us this week!!!!!!!

Cousin Steph.

Adrienne Wilson

All bundled up and ready for her first car ride.

On her way to her new home.