Welcome Sweet Baby Dane

He's here!

Dane Garrison Felch arrived on Tuesday, July 20th
8:36 p.m.
8 lb - 13 oz

20 inches
...and handsome!

Never mind that this sweet boy was due to arrive via scheduled Cesarean on Wednesday, July 21 at 9:30 a.m. On Tuesday afternoon, I started having contractions, which I dismissed, as I'd been having them for the past week and they always quit after a consistent 30-40 minutes. I had my last doctor appointment at 3:20 that afternoon and finalized things with my OB-GYN. I stopped at Target to get a few last minute items and noticed the contractions were regular and stronger so I started timing them with my handy phone app. After an hour and a half of painful contractions lasting 1-2 minutes and coming every 3 minutes, I figured I better call in. The doctor on call didn't want me risking anything and said to come in right away and we'd do the c-section that night. Everything went smoothly...much less stressful and traumatic than last time. I wasn't able to have my doctor but the on-call OB-GYN was wonderful. By Tuesday evening, our little man had arrived...on his great grandpa Lech's birthday and named after his great grandpa Felch. It was all meant to be.

Cade quickly settled in to his role as big brother. He just loves "baby nane." He's been very helpful and attentive to his little bro.

We had lots of other visitors at the hospital...godmother Auntie Lyssa...

Grandma Janet (and Grandpa Tom)...


Grandma Lech (and Grandpa Lech)...

...Auntie Lisa, Uncle Kyle and Jenna, Gigi and coworkers...

At first, Dane had to stay in the special nursery on oxygen. We weren't sure if he had pneumonia or was just transitioning from the fluid and meconium in his lungs. We knew his white blood cell counts were climbing to fight infection but didn't know what was wrong. Finally, on Thursday, Dane was able to leave the nursery and come in our room. On Friday, they took out his IV, making him even more comfortable. Thankfully, our little man was feeling better and we found out we'd all be able to come home on Saturday.

Dane settled in for his first car ride to his new home...

All we can say is that we are incredibly blessed. And 100% in love with our two sweet boys. Thank you for all your well wishes and prayers. We can't wait to share more memories with all of you.

Fun on the Fourth

In all the hoopla of preparing for sweet baby Dane and simultaneously wrapping up multiple home renovation projects (oh yes, did you know we added a screen porch, new roof, new garage door and new front entry/portico?! before and after pics coming soon!!), I forgot to post the pictures from the 4th of July week. I am so fortunate that the college closes for the week of the 4th, which just happens to coincide with the week Jon and I would always take off up north. This year, we weren't able to stay up the whole week. After Monday, my OBGYN didn't want me more than 20 minutes from the hospital...but we still were able to have a wonderful time with the family Friday - Monday.

You've already seen Cade in action playing golf up north. He also tried his hand at badminton...

And baggo toss...

He LOVED visiting with all of his relatives from Chicago and Indianapolis...and of course Grandma and Grandpa and Auntie Lisa, too. He especially loved all the cool gifts he got from Great Aunt Kim and Uncle Michael, including this light up bubble gun...

Prior to heading up north, we had a wonderful two day visit with the Stengels. Cade loved playing with his second cousins Elizabeth and Sophie...and seeing Aunt Jen and Uncle Jason.

The kids had a ball playing at the park next door. Cade and Sophie enjoyed the swings while daddys Jon and Jason pushed.

The visit, as always, was too short...but the kiddos were able to get in some cousin lovin'...

And lots of merry go roundin'....

We can't wait to celebrate up north on the 4th next year with our new addition. Watch for photos coming this week of sweet baby Dane, who has an estimated arrival of 7.21.10 at 11:30 a.m. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we welcome our newest little blessing.

28 Years

Today is my birthday...and it's been quite a year. A year full of love, joy, changes, sadness and laughter. A year of home remodels, nursery design, sickness, vacations, family time and preparation for sweet baby Dane. It's also been a year rich in lessons. This was a season in life reminding me to embrace the positive and ditch the negative. I've learned to live in the moment...and to laugh and love with all my heart, all the time.

I've learned to cherish every moment and thank God for his blessings. 28 years of blessings to be exact. Like my wonderful mom and dad who helped shape the woman I am today. I wouldn't be a fraction of the parent and person I am today without your love, strength, guidance and support. I have the best brother and sister anyone could ask for...you make me laugh and I cherish every minute we spend together. Life just wouldn't be the same without you Ky-Guy and Beans. The hands down, best in-laws in the world...when I married Jon, I also gained a truly wonderful second family. I'm blessed with the best family and friends that anyone could ask for...and I can't imagine life without you all. I have a beautiful boy, soon to be boys, who have shown me that love has no boundaries and life is a playground. And who can forget my best friend, husband and soul mate - Jon, you make me a better person and a better mom. You make me laugh. You make me feel loved. Life is always better when we're together.

I am truly grateful for the year that has passed and look forward to the continued blessings in my 28th year. Thank you all for the laughter, support and love. Without you all, my world would have a little less sparkle and a little less shine.

Fore on the Fourth

The Fourth of July tradition continued with the annual "Up North on the Fourth" Felch Family Golf Scramble on Saturday. For obvious reasons, I wasn't able to participate this year so Jon had to find a stand in partner for this year's competition. He partnered up with his sister Lisa's roommate, Lindsay....but give it a year and even I'll be passed up as his partner for Cade. No big surprise but Cade took his golf skills to the cabin and was elated when daddy told him he could hit a golf ball in the water. Here's the PGA bound hitter showing off his skills...

As a side note, I have to say in fairness to the in-laws that this year's championship team was none other than Team USA, Tom and Janet. Jon and his stand in partner put Team Pinewood in second place.

The heat is on...literally...for next year's champion. And you can see that Cade's already getting his practice swings in...