Woa! So much to say!

Well, it has been a while since I last posted. This past week has been a wonderfully busy marathon. I was blessed to have my mom (Je Je) come to visit and help out for over a week! I got spoiled to the company, conversation, and help around the house. Remember when you were little and your mom told you that you had to clean your room because the "cleaning fairies" wouldn't do it? Well it sure felt like I had a cleaning fairy this past 10 days. It was awesome! Thanks for everything mom! It was such a joy to see her interact with Natalie. One common sound in our house was, "It's not the mommy. It's the Je Je; the other lady who loves you." :)
We spent Thanksgiving at my Aunt Elaine's (La La) house in Tampa. That evening, we picked up my sister, Natalie's Aunt Courtney, from the airport. The following day, Nick went back to the airport to pick up my dad (Papa), and my mom's mom (Great Grammie). Late that night there was one more trip to the airport to pick up Nana and Grampa Moss and Uncle Murray. Our last family came in on Saturday - Great Pawpaw Ray and Grana Sue.
On Sunday, Natalie was baptised into the family of Christ by her Papa Lubke. It was a special time to see the miraculous "wonder in the making". We also had several friends that came over for the service. What a crowd such a little one can draw!
The last of the company left on Tuesday - all the grandparents and Courtney. I already miss them! :( The good news is we will see them all very soon, which is something I don't get to say very often.
It's hard to believe that Natalie is already 3 weeks old! Sometimes it seems like we just came home from the hospital yesterday, and in other ways it's hard to remember life without her. She went to the doctor for her checkup on Monday and got an excellent report. She is now 8 lbs 4 oz and measures 21 1/2 in long! She gained almost 2 lbs in two and a half weeks! If ever there was a doubt she is getting enough food, that would take care of it! She has been eating like a champ since day one, and although the first week or so was pretty challenging, we both have the hang of it now. Nursing has been such a special time. It's a wonderful feeling knowing that I can still provide for her and that I am the only one who can give her what she needs. It has been a great week. With the exception of a couple nights, she has been sleeping 3 to 4 hours at a time each night, so the bags under my eyes aren't too dark. :)
Natalie has also been introduced to the Soothie (pacifier). At first she hated it because it "didn't have the goods", but now she has grown quite fond of it as you can see from the pictures. At first I was very hesitant to give it to her, but it has been a wonderful thing. Mommy is no longer the pacifier. :)
I guess that's about it for now. I'll let Nick tell you all about our new TV. After years of needing one, we finally broke down and got one. It came yesterday and I swear Nick was glowing. It's huge and awesome. We also broke down and are getting "sub-basic" cable - basically just the major network channels and basic Internet service. Yes, up until this point we have never had cable or Internet at our house. According to our high school youth, we might as well be living in a cave or a cardboard box. :)
I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and blessings for a wonderful Advent and Christmas season. I think Natalie and I will decorate the house for the season tomorrow!
Here are some pictures from this past week:
Four Generations - Grammie, Je Je, Mommy, and Natalie


My amazing Pumpkin Cake I made for Thanksgiving. Yum!


Je Je and Natalie


Aren't I adorable?


Aren't I beautiful?


Papa Lubke and Natalie


My Soothie and Me


12.02.2008 - Three weeks old


Awake time!


So peaceful


Nap time


Hanging with Baby Bear in my Moses basket


Smiles for Mommy :) (I love this pic)