Helping Hands

As if we weren't fortunate enough to have the help of my parents, they were not the only ones to make the trek over here.  Four days after my parents left, Hadi arrived! 

Like my parents', her support was invaluable, and we are so thankful. 

With the extra set of helping hands, outings, including a couple of dinners (including a cocktail!) were made possible (and FUN)! 

Here's Hadi's arrival:

While we certainly kept her busy, she did get to enjoy a few moments with her little friends…including when she saw Evy's very first smile! 

We love you, Hadi!

:)sbc

Be Our Guest

The day before we met Evy, Kyle picked up my mom and dad from the airport while I took Nathan to school.  We decided to surprise Nate by sending my dad to pick him up. As the rest of us waited in the courtyard, we heard Natey exclaim, "BEEPA!" through the open door and windows. He came down the stairs and saw Gram and grinned from ear to ear.  Priceless.

My parents are great. If you know me, then you know that already because I often talk about how great they are. We feel so fortunate that they made the trip out here to help--not to have fun, not to tour, not to shop--but to help. And help they did. 

We are especially thankful that Nathan got some one on one time with Gram and Beepa while Kyle and I were at the hospital waiting to meet Evy. Knowing he was with them put me at ease in a way I can't accurately describe.

I could go on and on: the home cooked meals, the help with laundry, the burping of babies, the changing of toddlers, the hanging of the remaining pictures and the tackling of the to-do list.  

Next time, Mom and Dad, we will have a different kind of fun, I promise. Thank you for everything. 

:) sbc

What's In A Name? (Chapter Two)

If you'll recall, Natey Wi's name came with a story. I have fondly looked back at that post many times, mostly while I was pregnant with Evy, and it's not the post itself that gets me, but Lynn Michael's comments after the post:

M.Lynn M.June 17, 2011 at 9:19 PM

Shelby and Kyle,
It is a beautiful story.
It has turned tears of sorrow.........so many years ago..........to tears of joy.
What a testament to family values and love.
Lynn

Lynn was there through all of it, and understands--even more than I can--what it meant to turn those tears of sorrow to joy. Ok, now I am crying again (seven weeks postpartum, hello hormones)…let's get back to Evy. Her name has a little story, too. 

Evelyn:  Evelyn is the name of my maternal grandmother. She died before my mom was my mom. What I mean is, before she had a husband and kids (this is a whole other blog post, trust me). I am not sure exactly what she did in life to produce such great children (looking at you, Sandra Bruer and Cheryl Bupp) but I grew up loving the name and have always had it at the top of my names list.

Carys:  In the Welsh language Carys means love. Love is all you need.

And that's what's in this name. 

:)sbc

Crocketts: Party of Four!

It's a girl!

Evelyn Carys Crockett joined our little family yesterday at 8:20am. She is eight pounds, 11 ounces and 21.5 inches long.

We are happy and healthy. Our cup runneth over.

Weighed and measured

Not loving her new headband 

Beepa meets Evelyn Carys

Gram's turn!

Daddy's little girl 

So glad to finally meet our baby (girl)!

Nathan meets his little sister:

:) sbc

Engine, Engine, Number 9!

Like most little boys, Nathan has a love for all things trucks. But if it's a tractor or a fire engine...do not pass go, proceed directly to the engine and elate!  

Beepa, with his friends at the DeWitt Township Fire Station, arranged a very special visit for Natey this summer.

Warming up to all the life size fire trucks

Big truck!

In the driver's seat  

Elation

Engine #9 or Engine #2---whatever works :)

Let's go!

Wow! 

Necessary gear

Thanks, DeWitt Twp and Beepa!

:) sbc

In Good Company

Today is Grandparents' Day--so, cheers to a very happy Grandparents' Day to all of you special people! 

Yay for Grandparents! 

Yay for Grandparents! 

Yay for Grandparents!

As you know, Baby C, Junior, is supposed to make his or her appearance at the end of the month. This little one will be in some good company when it comes to celebrations:

September birthdays in our family
Kendall
Claire
Sandy/Nana
Sophie
Heather (Hadi)
Sage
Pete 

September anniversaries in our family
Tom and Kristen
Heather and Matt
Jess and Lonnie

Not to mention September hosts Labor Day, The first day of school, Grandparent's Day (today), Patriot Day, Stepfamily Day, Citizenship Day, Native American Day, The first day of Autumn and Opening Day for hunting season. 

So, I guess when he or she arrives, he or she can just join the party that is sure to already be in progress! 

:) sbc

Say Cheese!

We took advantage of having almost the entire Bupp family together (Unfortunately Kyle had to get back to Europe and Anneke, Jay, Schuyler and Cory were working), and snapped some family photos. 

Jess had the great idea of the kids each making a tie-dyed tee shirt for the occasion, and even had one commissioned for Natey Wi.  Thanks, Mess!

Here are some of our favorite takes--and outtakes! 

Beepa and Gram with the Allen, Bupp and Crockett grandkids

Smile!

Sami and Beepa 

Sage, Gram and Brady

Sophie, Nathan and Sydney 

Gram, Beepa, Brady and Sydney

Sami, Beepa,
Sophie, Gram and Sage 

Gram, Nathan and Beepa

Allen, Bupp and Crockett shorties

Lonnie and Sage

The Allens: Sophie, Lonnie, Sage, Jess and Sami

The North Carolina Bupps: Tom, Kristen,
Sydney and Brady

Bupp kids

High level meeting 

Standing L to R: Lonnie, Sami, Jess, Matt, Beepa, Tom, Kristen, me
Sitting L to R: Nathan, Heather, Sage, Gram, Brady, Sophie and Sydney

with fun hats!

:) sbc