Our little angel...

This picture was taken of Reece over this past weekend. Roy and Jessica Andreas took this beautiful picture of Reece. She's also on their website: www.red-photo.net I can't tell you how much I LOVE this picture!!!!

Warriors vs. Mustangs

Ben had his second football game yesterday against Ray-Pec and they won 20 to 0!!!! Ben played offensive and deffensive line this time and he and all of the other boys did a fantastic job. Beside having a few false starts, and being called on holding (that's when you hold another kid's jersey and the ref catches you doing it--Ben's words) the Warriors showed lots of improvement from their last game. Ben practices 8-10 hours a week; usually Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights. Ben's best friend Chase and close buddy, Daniel are also on his team so between the three of them, one of them is always on the field. We're proud of our boys!!! Good job Warriors!!!

Reece's First Shots....

Princess Reece had her first set of shots today at Dr. McEntire's office. Her doctor gave her some Tylenol before the shots were administered so that she would be comfortable, and thank God he did. Right after her shots she cried so hard that she held her breathe for a short amount of time, but then she just cried and cried. I held her against me until she settled down and when I finally had a chance to look at her, she had great big tears running down her cheeks! I felt horrible for her. I think next time Daddy should take her!!! (kidding) Anyway, Reece and Mommy lived through it!!! God bless!

Girl stuff...

Reece attended her first baby shower over the weekend. She slept through most of if though! We're waiting on Reece's little friend Sadie to come along. Sadie will be born to two of the most amazing people that Ryan and I are honored to call friends, Dustin and Beth Love. They've traveled a long and difficult road to be expecting Sadie, and we couldn't be happier for them. Dustin & Beth are also Reece's Godparents along with her Uncle Duane and cousin Katy. (This is a picture of Reece in a little dress that Dustin & Beth got her...this is what she wore to the baby shower.)

TGIF!!!

We made it through my first week back at work...all four of us! It was a serious family effort too! Princess Reece has been sleeping through the night for one week now! Bless her little heart. I didn't get much sleep though. I must have checked on her twenty times that first night! We've established a solid routine that she seems to really enjoy...we all enjoy the sleep too so no one's complaining!
The best part about this past week was leaving Reece with Grandma Gerke every day. I could call as much as I wanted to check on her...you can ask Mom, I only called once a day! Ryan got to stop by Mom's on his lunch break to see Reece too. Needless to say, we're both blessed and grateful that we're leaving Reece in loving arms every day! God bless. (This picture is of Reece Tuesday morning...she was dressed warm for the weather!)

Busy little family....

I should have started this blog while I was on maternity, but babies kind of dictate what you do and don't get done. While I was home with Reece, my long list of things I wanted to get done before coming back to work was completely thrown out the door. I found that I'd rather hold her and wait for the moment that she opened her eyes, than clean the floors for the hundredth time! I'd rather watch her sleep than sleep myself..although I did end up napping with her the past few weeks. There was so much that I knew that I would miss, I just wanted to lock the moment in my heart forever. So I can honestly say that I had a wonderful time with Reece and being back at work makes me appreciate my time with her, Ryan, & Ben more than ever!
Ben started football this past August, he's been very excited and motivated...his coaches love his team spirit and his willingness to succeed. Ben's bigger than all the other kids, so he doesn't run as fast, but he always takes the hits and never complains about the pain. As a Mom, seeing him take hits and hearing other player's Moms telling them to take down the "big kid" is pretty hurtful. Ryan & I continue to encourage him to overcome it and he's great!

Our family is remembering both 9/11 today as well as the 4th anniversary of the day that my Dad passed away. Joseph Gerke passed away 9/11/04 and took part of our hearts with him. The man that we believed would overcome the odds, didn't. He was my hero and he was my friend...and he was notorious for showing up when you needed him the most. He couldn't walk me down the aisle last year, but he was there while Duane gave me away. He didn't see Ryan & I buy our first house, but I knew the advice he'd have for me. He couldn't be at Ben's first football game, but I knew that he was the voice that kept me calm when I watched Ben get knocked down. He wasn't there the day that Reece was born, but I believe that she met him in heaven long before she came to be with us. God bless.