So many "1st"s...So little time

It's been awhile since we last updated you on our family adventures! I had, in fact, completed a post a few weeks ago and then it deleted itself just before I was ready to hit the "go" button. So I'll do my best to update you on all the things that have happened in the last few weeks.

Little Miss Camryn decided a few weeks ago that I wasn't feeding her fast enough, so she took charge. Here she is holding the bottle all by herself. We were quite impressed I must say!

We've also had a chance to cheer on the Irish as a family. She got all decked out for the ND v. USC game a few weeks ago. Unfortunately our lucky charm wasn't quite lucky enough as the Irish failed to pull the upset in the last few seconds of the game. But Cami was quite adorable, nonetheless. Here she is in her best Heisman pose.

We took our little pumpkin to the patch on a glorious Sunday afternoon. We decided the corn maze, hay slide, and apple cider donuts will be much more appealing when Cami can appreciate them all. In the meantime, mom & dad enjoyed the afternoon and got our fill of all things "Fall" and delicious.

One Month and Then Some

I realize that we are quite overdue for an update on Camryn! She's been growing like a weed in these last several weeks. She'll be 7 weeks on Monday and is already 10+ lbs! We've been having a blast recently. Here are some of our most recent family adventures.

Her "One Month" Birthday

Hanging out with mom at home in the kitchen

All bundled up at the University High School 5K Spirit Run/Walk

Quality time with Pop Pop who took a last minute flight from New Jersey to meet our little Princess

Four Generations of Family: Neil DenBraven (Great Grandfather a.k.a. "Pop Pop"), Sharon McEwan (Grandmother), Rob McEwan (Daddy-O), and Camryn McEwan

Meeting the Yoder boys - Colin and Evan were fascinated with her little fingers and toes

Cami's first trip to the Indianapolis Zoo! We LOVED watching the giraffes.

To Sleep or Not to Sleep

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous these last few weeks! So we have taken full advantage of the sunny days. Cami had her first trip to Holliday Park with her new buddies Charlie & Elise. We walked around the park and then had a wonderful picnic lunch outside the nature center. The kiddos weren't quite as alert, but it was a fun day nonetheless!

Elise is on the left, Cami's in the center, and Charlie on the right.

We're also learning the value of staging sleeping stations around the house. Our new favorite place for Cami to rest is in her Lamb seat. It's the sweetest contraption you've ever seen, especially when it sings lullabys and puts her to sleep!

Cami's First Favorites

"First Lunch Date" in Broad Ripple with Kelly and Charle (boyfriend) Barnes!

The matching green striped onesies are an early indication that these two are going to be together for a long time.

(Although totally unplanned by their mothers).

Cami also made her first debut at a University High School home volleyball match last week! She was quite a hit! We tried to hide out behind the bench to watch the match, but our favorite parents found us and couldn't put her down. Rob's team ended up coming back from behind for a big victory over a competitive team!

Mom & Cami just wished they could've been there for the end. Darn bed time!

Later that same week the UHS volleyball team and parents planned a surprise baby shower for us...and "surprised" Rob was! He couldn't understand why the girls were not willing to change into their practice clothes when the party suddenly was sprung on him. We have been so blessed by this community of players and parents over the last several months! Thank you to everyone at University for the lavish love and generosity you have poured out on us.

Rob and "The Girls"

Last, but not least, Cami got to witness her first Notre Dame win last Saturday! In fact, she must be a little Irish good luck charm as ND had their first shut out in 7 years beating Nevada 35-0. We are hoping for a repeat performance this weekend against Michigan.

Cami & Dad are all smiles after the big win!

Family, Friends & Rub-a-Dub-Dub

Our first week at home has been filled with smiles, great food, and fellowship! After Cami was born, Rob's parents made a last minute drive from New Jersey to see their new grandaughter. They were a HUGE help to us while we were learning how to balance our new parental responsibility with every day tasks like dishes and dinner. Thank you so much Bob & Sharon for making the trip to Indianapolis!

We've also had so much fun sharing Camryn with the Fasone's! My mom has helped me keep my sanity amongst the lack of sleep! Grandpa Jim and Aunt Leslie have been competing for cuddling time with Cami. And I must say that she isn't complaining one bit.

Cami had her "first" bath at home on Saturday afternoon. She wasn't a huge fan at first, but after it was all said and done I think she secretly enjoyed it. Here are a few of our favorites which capture the essence of the whole event. This little one has more facial expressions that anyone I've ever met.

Lastly, we want to thank all of you for your prayers in the last week. As many already know, Cami left the hospital with jaundice at a fairly high level. While it's an extremely common condition our pediatrician has kept a close eye on it with multiple blood work tests over the last few days. On Sunday afternoon we were EXTREMELY delighted to hear that God answered our prayers as the jaundice had already peaked and was on it's way back to an acceptable level.

While this was a minor health issue in the grand scheme of it all, the last several days have been an emotional rollercoaster and we've learned as first-time parents the importance of relying on the Lord to manage through things we can't control. Through this whole experience, God has blessed us with phenomenal medical professionals (nurses, lactation consultants, doctors, hospital staff) who have provided the help we need exactly when we needed it.

We are blessed beyond measure!

Camryn Grace McEwan

On August 24th at 4:53 pm, our little blessing arrived! We are so excited to share our daughter with all our family and friends. Our time at the hospital has been filled with family visits, feedings, smiling faces, and little sleep. We will be heading home on Wednesday afternoon and introducing Cami to Jersey-dog for the first time. We're expecting he'll be in a for a little surprise!

We are so thankful for all your wonderful thoughts, prayers, and love. We look forward to introducing you to Cami soon!

Our love,

Rob, Toni, Camryn, & Jersey

Preparing for Baby McEwan

It's taken me a little while to fully get our blog up to snuff. But with our little baby girl on the way, I thought I'd begin to pick up the pace a bit. So it's in that spirit, that I share some pictures of our almost finished nursery. We're still waiting for the final pieces to be put in place (literally).

My mother in law, Sharon, graciously flew out to paint the nursery and make it a warm and welcoming room for Baby McEwan. She also made the crib bedding and the valence which are absolutely adorable! Thank you Sharon - we cannot wait for you to meet our little girl!

We promise to keep all our friends and family updated on the arrival of our new blessing. Thank you for all your prayers, your generous gifts, and your love and friendship!

Ohh Baby...

So the world FINALLY now knows that Baby McEwan is coming in September! We are (obviously) super excited about expanding our family and welcoming this beautiful new creation into the world.

Rob and I are going to have become experts at blogging so that we can keep all of our family and friends updated on developments.

In addition to the baby, we are also preparing to sell our home here in Midland and move to Indianapolis. Our hope is to be moving down sometime in mid-May and getting settled in time for the beautiful midwestern summer.

Your prayers for the healthy of the baby and its' parents are much appreciated!