The past week...

Cale's first bath...he slept through it!

Nap time with daddy. Some big yawns...
Some more sleep.
And, some deep thought! I wonder what he's thinking???

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him."

Psalm 127:3

Coming home!

We were released from the hospital on Saturday. We were ecstatic to come home as a family of four for the first time! Here are some pictures of my two biggest blessings the day we left!!!

Matthew Cale Euten

Our newest arrival is finally here and we are more than excited to meet him! What another amazingly precious gift from God!! He was born on Wednesday, August 19 at 4:24 pm. He weighed 8lbs. 2 oz. and was 21 in. long. Suffice it to say a little more than what we had expected!

After a day of labor and a little over 3 hours of pushing it was clear that baby boy would have to be delivered by c-section. This was new to me and unexpected news so to say I was a little upset would be a huge understatement...I was a basket case. Probably also because it is frustrating to work so hard and push so long to get no where. Matt had been praying all morning, I knew it, so when he said, "It will be fine, lets get him out." I simply said ok. No more than 1 hour later Cale had been delivered, perfectly healthy and other than a little shaken up and completely worn out mom and baby were doing great! It was a long day to say the least but more than worth it! He was such a PRIZE! This is him with his most proud supporter...his big sister at their first meeting.
Euten, party of 4!!

She was immediately in love!

It was the most precious thing to see her rub her cheek all over his face and give him repetitive kisses.

Momma's first kiss.............I'm in love too!!
She was so sweet to bring him this puppy. She picked it out and brought it especially for him!

And, of course, the proud grandmothers!
We LOVE our Cale Rabbit!!

"Foot Puddles"

Ella and I were reading a book the other day. She was naming all the animals, shapes, colors, etc. like she usually does and on one page were some foot prints in the sand. She looked at them and said, "Look mama, foot puddles!" I thought it was so sweet, and oddly enough makes sense! I love how her mind works...and I love her!

Fancy Pants!!

Jennifer sent us a package that we received today. Of course, Cale got a gift, but so did Ella. And she is wearing it ALL!! And still is! She truly is my little princess!! And, she does surprisingly well in her high heels. She did get my height so I guess it's a good thing she's a natural!

(Click on collage to enlarge)

What's in a name?

Well, after much deliberation, thought and discussion-it has been decided. We have FINALLY chosen a name for our son. I thought that naming a boy would be easier than a girl, but I was sadly mistaken. This was especially a big deal for Matt. He spent a lot of time praying about this one. I was surprised at first that this was so important to him, but it didn't take me long to understand. A boy, unlike a girl, has his name forever-it doesn't change, get dropped or moved around. His name is his name for all time, not just until he gets married. The other major factor was that several times throughout the bible names have proved to be somewhat prophetic. So, if that is the case, naming a son is SERIOUS business! After months we had it narrowed to two and it is now official that his name will be...

Matthew Cale Euten, we will call him Cale.


Matthew, of course, is Matt's first name. It means, "gift from God." Cale, besides the fact that we just liked it, is a short form of Caleb and means, "faithful."

A faithful gift from God just seemed appropriate.

We had originally hoped that Ella would be somewhat of a help during this process. And, though she had some quality and very unique ideas we figured after Jesus and Santa she would need some assistance. Once we had assured her that there was only one Santa and Jesus she resorted to her next favorite things: animals and characters. She offered up Bolt, Shark, Wolf and Rabbit amongst many others equally as special. We finally got through to her that we had to give baby "brodda" a name for a little boy and not an animal so she became a profound supporter of Cale as well...as long as it is followed by rabbit!! SO, feel free, like Ella, to refer to him as Cale Rabbit!!


(Several new posts below)

Snip, Snip!

I broke down, I had to, it was time. My mom and I took Ella July 2nd for her first hair cut. It was a bit emotional for me, but what isn't lately? Anyway, I put on my big girl panties and with tear-filled eyes made the appointment. She did a wonderful job and sat completely still. It was an extremely fun day with the girls and afterward we had strawberry cake at Edgar's and did a little shopping-what more could you ask for! Here are some pics from the big event...

Here we go...

The first cut.

Stillness at its finest...this never happens!

My "sweet princess", she was excited!

Getting some layers...

And a little off of the top...

All finished!!

She had sparkles sprayed in her hair and a glitter star on her cheek...DIVA!!!

Ella and her ever-so-talented stylist, Camille! She did a FANTASTIC job and I no longer have to worry about who cuts Ella's hair-I just hope she doesn't leave anytime soon!!

View from the back...

...and the front!

I can't end this post without mentioning the rest of the weekend as well. That night Matt's family came in town for the 4th. Matt, PaPa and Uncle Josh laid hardwood floors throughout our house minus the kitchen and bathrooms. Needless to say I was completely A-MAZED at the rather large amount of work they completed in such a small amount of time! It made such a drastic and wonderful change to the house and we appreciate them sacrificing their 4th to come and help us with this project before the baby arrives! MeMe, Ella and I basically spent the weekend shopping and running errands in a grand effort to stay out of the way. It was an extremely productive weekend!