February Photos

Harvey is almost one month old! Amazing how quickly this first milestone came. We really feel like we're getting to know him- what each cry means, what his needs are. I don’t know if i feel this way because he's such a sweet predictable little thing or because we are more confident as parents the second time around. Maybe both. All i know is that we are enjoying and cherishing every single moment. 

On Friday we received Harvey's renal ultrasound and VCUG xray test results. We were thrilled to hear that his kidneys are functioning properly and will not need any follow-up testing!  We're also very happy that my niece, Sahale, is back home recovering quickly after her open-heart surgery she had last Tuesday! 

It took a couple of weeks, but Matilda has really embraced being a big sister. She just loves giving Harvey hugs and kisses, and has also been seen slipping in the occasional hair tug?!?  This past week, she has jumped at any opportunity to help us change or bathe the little guy. It's been great!

Here are a few snapshots from this past month:

Harvey Michael Freeborn

Less than 24 hours after the "Blizzard of 2011" swept through Chicago, we found our way to the hospital to welcome our little boy.  Harvey arrived on February 3rd at 6:26am; weighing 7 lbs. 14 oz.  He is absolutely precious and we're so happy that he's here!  Matilda loves being a big sister and we find her already trying to play 'dress up' and 'tea party' with him.

While in utero, Harvey was diagnosed with pelviectasis.  This Monday, he has an appointment at Children's Hospital for an ultrasound and VCUG x-ray.  Of course we'd rather not have him go through this, but are very thankful that the doctors are on top of this and ready to take care of any health concerns if necessary.

Here are a few pictures of Harvey Michael taken when he was one day old!

 And here he is just hours old...

This Is What Happens When It's Too Cold To Leave the House...

Nine Lives

A couple of days ago, we rushed Mora to the animal hospital to discover she had eaten rat poison. Her blood wasn't clotting, was internally bleeding and was bruising so badly that she couldn't eat. The vet told us that she needed an emergency plasma transfusion ASAP. Nate rushed her to the 911 Vet and picked her up around 1am. It's been a few days since her surgery are we're so happy to say that she's back to her normal dog self! Mora is such a survivor. It seems that every year she gets herself into another predicament and manages to fight back. Matilda has been great with her, being very cautious of her "owies" and keeps reminding us that Mora was at the doctor. Here is a little video taken about a week before Mora showed any signs...Matilda has been much gentler since.

Da Bears vs. Seahawks!

With a big playoff game today, Matilda geared up and showed us her prediction of what the Seahawks will do to da Bears!

Happy New Year!

It's been a very eventful year... celebrated Matilda's 1st birthday... welcomed our Mora home after 3 days on the road... found out that Matilda will become a big sister... said goodbye to Grandma Mildred... welcomed 3 darling nieces/cousins... and purchased our 1st home as a family. After reflecting on this past year, Nate and I couldn't stop thinking about how thankful we are for all we have and it's becoming more clear to us what is really most important in life.

Wishing you all a very happy and HEALTHY 2011. We are especially sending many positive thoughts to Matilda's newest cousin Sahale and her buddy Oliver. They're both little fighters and wishing them tons of hope and health.

Little Sahale is expected to have open heart surgery in a couple of months (needs to

gain weight and strength). Sending her all our love and we know she will do just great!

Here she is pictured just a couple of days old:

And many well wishes go out to our little buddy OW. You can read about his story here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/owp

Our hearts go out to his parents and know that he will beat this.

Here's a picture of him at Matilda's birthday party:

Hoping that all our families and friends have an amazing 2011!

A Couple Christmas Morning Videos