Valentine's Day

Our table looked so pretty, I couldn't help but take a few photos.

Mike's mom sent some fun yummies and presents for the kids and we added some decor as well.

First Tooth

I realize it is hard to see in this picture, but Carsten got his first tooth at 5 1/2 mos old. Wow! That is a first for our family. He must be ready for a nice juicy steak, like his dad.

Cappadocia - First Day

We stayed in a great pension that had a pool and a yard and 2 dogs -how perfect for our kids.

Amazing rock formations in Goreme

the pictures above and below are taken inside a former cave dwelling

Cuuuuute! 10 Weeks Old

Which one is your favorite?

No. 1

No. 2

No. 3

No.4

No. 5

How Carsten got his name

Carsten is named after his great-great-great grandfather, Carsten Christensen who with his wife Karen who moved to the United States from Denmark and in the late 1800s.

Carsten and nine other men wanted to promote the Kingdom of God in Thief River Falls Minnesota, and agreed to start the Scandinavian Evangelical Church.

Carsten's middle name is Michael...just like his Father!

More photos of Carsten

Here is another picture of Carsten before we brought him home from the hospital.

Our new, larger Family of 9!!

His first ride in the car seat ...on the way home.

Proud and tired Papa!

The Baby is Born: Carsten Michael

Here HE is! Our precious Carsten. He was born (finally) on August 26th. He just about shared a birthday with Big Sister Heather whose birthday is the 27th. He weighed 8 lbs 4 oz and was 20 inches long. It was a fast birth, but was great. Mike and I shared that memory with Laurie and Tabea, my doulas. Laurie kept me cool by keeping a washcloth wet and cold, and Tabea held my leg up as I birthed laying on my left side. Kathy was at home with our kids - freeing up Mike to be with me, and Marcie was kind enough to arrange meals for us for the first 2 weeks - freeing us up from meal preparation and shopping. What a team, huh?

Carsten was greeted by the MOST excited big sisters and brother EVER!!! They just couldn't wait to see him. They visited us twice in the hospital before we came home.

Here is Heather on her 12th birthday. Since it was her birthday the day Carsten and I came home from the hospital, she got to come with Mike to pick us up.

I think Big Brother Jack was the Proudest of ALL. He is no longer the only boy in the family.