What a cute family!

Here are some new pics of Madelynn and the fam courtesy of Emilie. Enjoy!

The three cuties!

There's nothing better than sibling love

Going home

The first day home

Carter looks so big and so happy with Madelynn!

She looks so different already...

Madelynn says "Don't be jealous girls of all my hair!"

And of course, Daddy's girls

Madelynn has a middle name!

It's official! Madelynn is now Madelynn Grace. perfect in every way :)

Here's her hospital pic taken yesterday:

Hello baby Madelynn!

It's such an awesome feeling to welcome a baby in the first 24 hours of his or her life. I have 6 nephews and nieces now (3 of each) and have been there to greet each and every one of them. Early morning calls and rushing to the hospital to see this pink wrinkly creature that takes so long to prepare for and is so perfect in every way. Today we welcomed my niece Madelynn into the world. She doesn't have a middle name yet but I'm sure her parents will pick out a great one. Any suggestions?

She was born at 10:24 am at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka to her my sister and brother-in-law, Nathan and Emilie. Madelynn has an older brother Carter, and sister Claire to welcome her.

They arrived at the hospital at 7:20 this morning (they had sneakily planned to be induced six weeks before so her doctor would be on call) and they broke her water at 8:30. Nothing happened (of course!) and so at 9:30 they gave her some petocin. Less than an hour later, baby was born. I want a delivery like that!

Here are her stats and some pictures. Mom and babe are doing great.

weight: 7 lbs 15 oz length: 20 1/2 inches

She has brown curly hair with almost like blond highlights, which is crazy because Carter has bright blond hair, while Claire has red hair like me. You can tell I'm a proud aunt! :)

Cute little baby Madelynn. Welcome!

Proud big brother and sister Carter (4) and Claire (2). They were showing a series of faces.

Proud family "ooing" and "awing"

Proud grandma Cindy and pop-pop Thad (my parents) and Carter!

Proud Auntie April

Me and my sis. Love you!

I just had to add this funny video. Here are some more of Carter and Claire's funny faces.

Welcome!

On this fine snowy day (6 inches at least at our house!) Erik and I have decided to start a blog. I have been blogging for the past couple of months at work and decided it might be time to try one for ourselves. It's a great way to share all those stories and pictures that fall through the cracks. I'm excited and hope that it can be a regular routine to keep in touch with friends and family. Think of it like a never ending Christmas card. ;)

Welcome to our family! This is the newest addition:

In January we adopted this little 5 week old Lab mix puppy from one of Erik's coworkers. Her name is Haydee and she is such a sweetie pie and a ball of energy. We've started weekly puppy training classes at a pet store just down the street and she seems to be learning quickly. Last time we went to the vet she was almost 14 lbs! It will be time for her 3 month check up soon. She loves chewing on pop bottles and ice cubes.

Meet Haydee's brothers, Monte and Cristo:

We adopted Monte and Cristo over a year ago from a local shelter. We went in with all the "necessities" for one cat and came out with two. I'll have you know I wasn't the one who caved. Every so often though I think to myself that Haydee needs a doggie to play with, but I'm too young to be a single mom.

Monte is not enjoying his Christmas costume very much. Cristo although laden with many social anxieties does not usually hide in a reusable grocery bag. Haydee LOVES the cats and Monte will tolerate her for awhile while she straddles him and Cristo just hisses from a distance. It's an exciting time in the Keltner house!