Because they're beautiful...

Fitting Right In

Over the last few weeks when we finish praying for dinner Aidan will say, "Amen" followed by an immediate, "So..." It took us a couple days to realize that this is how we typically start our post-prayer dinner conversations about our days.

Last night after we prayed, Aidan gave us his typical "Amen" but then this time he added,

"So, how is school for you Daddy?"

"What do you want to do with your life?"

We were visiting some friends yesterday that just moved into the neighborhood. They have a drumset in their living room which both Aidan and Davis took turns on. Of course, just one turn was not enough for either boy. We were able to divert Davis' attention, but Aidan proved a little tougher. Occassionally, the boys and I will box a little so I attempt to provoke Aidan with a couple right jabs and say, "You wanna fight?"

Without a moment's hesitation Aidan replies,

"I wanna rock."

(I certainly hope this does not lead to this)

Aidan + Church

So, we're looking for a Milwaukee church and have not yet found one. I decided to get Aidan's input on the matter.

Here were his top 4 things a church should have:
1. A play room
2. Toys
3. A slide
4. Babies and a baby room

Tonight I was singing "Be Thou My Vision" to him at bedtime and he says,
"Daddy, that's a church song."

Which is cool, but I can't remember the last time we were in church and that song was sung.

Aidan Quotes

While waiting for his VHS movie to start Aidan mentions to me:
"Look Daddy, the blue show is on again!"

While Aidan was stalling at the dinner table I say, "Unless you finish your plate, you're not going to the candy store with Daddy and Davis."

"Daddy, we don't eat plates."

Halle is Home

Halle and Kate have been home for a couple hours now. Their stay at the hospital (from start to end) was by far the easiest Kate had of the three births. Now the fun begins at home! Here are some photos from the past two days...


















PS. Shortly after today's picture session, Kate needed to feed Halle. Upon seeing this mother-child miracle take place, Aidan asked, "Why is she eating you?"

Halle is Here!

Our baby girl has arrived a week early!

The details:
Halle Megan Karis Arvold was born Friday, July 27, 2007 at 3:59am. She is 20" long and weighs 7 lbs, 13 oz.

The short story: We checked into the hospital at 1:57am. Kate had decided she wanted the epidural this time but we found out the anesthesiologist was busy with a c-section. A few minutes later she finished but was whisked away to another c-section. Kate decided to go completely natural and forgo all drugs and finished in record time (both the older brothers were all day affairs)! She's a pro.

The name: Halle (as in Halle Berry- but not named after her) was a name we liked. Megan is Kate's middle name (all our kids get a family middle name first). Karis (actually spelled Charis) is the Greek word the New Testament uses for grace (all our kids get a Biblical middle name second), but Kate likes the letter K better than Ch.

The pictures:

Kate and Halle should be coming home Sunday, so be sure that more pictures will follow. Thanks for everyone's love and prayers!