Family Pictures

We had family pictures taken the weekend of Lucas' 3rd birthday.  I should have known that following 2 birthday parties the kids would be very tired and uninterested in posing for family photos.  Lucas, who is usually so smiley and photogenic, was crabby, uncooperative and had some serious meltdowns, and Isla, who is typically mild mannered and easy going, cried and spit up the whole session (in her defense she was diagnosed with pink eye and a double ear infection 2 days later).  Anyhow, these are beautiful shots that would make it appear as though my kids were charming the whole time...must be the sign of a good photographer.  Here are a few of our favorites...

Too Busy to Blog...

What's there to say, except, "How freaking cute!"

Isla loves her daddy and playing with toys

All bundled up!

sitting up at 3 months!

Lucas and Isla have loved each other from the beginning!

New playdo tools!

"I'm grabbing for everything now!"

Isla loves playing on her tummy!

Lucas entertains his sister!

Mommy and Isla

Happy 3rd Birthday, Lucas!

Making funny faces...

Just not at the same time!

Nana and Papa Dean bought me my awesome cakes this year!

Grandma and Grandpa Rolig

Great Grandpa Pete

In the world of technology, Lucas even celebrated with Nana, Papa and Uncle Greg who are all the way in Massachusetts!

3 + 1 = FOUR!!!

Hello there! My name is Isla Meredith Dean. How are you?

It's a little more crowded at 4054 Raleigh these days with the addition of Isla Meredith Dean. The newest Minnesota Dean arrived on October 13th at 4:42 AM at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis and weighed in at 6 lbs, 15 oz, and measured 20 inches. We took her home Monday and it's been nothing but pure joy - the sleep deprivation version of joy, but joy nonetheless. Lucas, Karen, and Jay are all totally in love with baby Isla, and are excited about the many adventures with her ahead.

Isla was visited by the Rolig Clan on the first day of her life - Grandma Bonnie and Grandpa Jack, along with brother Lucas - were the first on the scene, followed by Auntie Jessica, Uncle Eric and cousins Max, Annika, and Emerson. Uncle Brian and Great Aunt Carol stopped by a little later in the day, and Auntie Kristy made a special visit on her way back from the cabin on Sunday (unfortunately, Ingrid was under the weather and has yet to meet her new cousin).

We've had many visitors at home, too, and many home-cooked meals from the neighbors. Jay's parents visited this past weekend, and spent a lot of time over at the house soaking up some Lucas and Isla energy to bring back east. Jay is taking two weeks away from the Blake School and, despite being a zombie, plans to help with the transition as much as possible. Not much someone who can't breastfeed can do, though! It's amazing how much we forgot about life with a newborn, but it's also amazing how much comes back so quickly.

Big brother Lucas has been enamored with his sister since the first time he held her.

Grandma Bonnie and Grandpa Jack were among the first to visit Isla.

The cousins are multiplying fast!

Auntie Jessica, when not taking amazing photos, got some time with her new niece.

Aunt Carol only has to stitch 4 letters on Isla's pillow!

Uncle Brian getting some practice before the arrival of his latest - coming in January!

Never thought Lucas would seem so big! One of our first family photos.

I don't think Isla likes watching Curious George as much as Lucas does.

Still can't get enough of Mommy!

Proud grandparents!

Grandpa Dean helped Lucas give his legs a workout on his trike.

Some time on the front lawn, enjoying some amazing fall weather.

Some bonus videos in the spirit of trying to give Lucas enough attention:

Flying basket rides with the Grandpas:

Inspecting baby Isla:

Daycare Dance Party:

Final days before the Dean's turn to 4!

Well, we're in the home stretch as this week marks the official due date of Baby Girl Dean.  We are in anticipation mode now, wondering when our daughter and sister will be born.  I am officially on leave from work, trying to relax, have some fun, and prepare in these final days leading up to delivery.

Last weekend we took Lucas to the Minnesota Arboretum.  It was your perfect fall weekend weather so we really took advantage of our time outside.  Lucas loved the life size variations of homemade scarecrows, digging in the soil, and taking in the beautiful grounds and color changes.  We also made it to the apple house where Lucas was psyched about his bag of Honeycrisps.

It would be impossible for us to take a break on the weekends, so we decided to redo Lucas' bedroom on Saturday and Sunday and upgrade him to a full size bed.  The toddler bed worked for his transition out of the crib, but we soon realized it didn't make for a very comfortable or cozy night sleep.  We already felt good about our decision when we peeked in on him last night so see him sleeping soundly all tucked in under his covers. 

Rose Garden

Lucas thought "papa" came to visit.

"whooooo, whooooo" Lucas kept saying.

Honeycrisps are the BEST!

Now there's enough room for both of us on Lucas' bed!

Check out my new and improved room.

"I can't wait to take a REALLY LONG nap."

An Eventful Leadup to the Fall!

Pre-surgery

Recovery

Monitoring vitals.

The next morning...a playful, cheerful patient!

Of course I need ice cream to help post surgery.

Check out my new picnic table!  I already invited my friends over for happy hour!

A little digging with cousin Ingrid

With casts on my feet, the hiking backpack was a perfect option.

LOVE!

Raspberry picking with friends Taylor and Ryan Gabrielli.

My first raspberry picking...I couldn't stop eating off the bush.

"All Aboard!"

38 weeks pregnant with "Baby Girl Dean!" Can't wait to meet her.

The last 6 weeks have been busy and stressful for the Dean family.  Lucas had surgery on August 30 on both feet and his left hip.  The decision was made very quickly(although the surgery was not a surprise) to accommodate the expected delivery date of Baby Girl Dean. For us, it made more sense to tackle this procedure before we tried managing 2 children in our household.  Even though mom and dad(mostly mom) were stressed leading up to surgery day, Lucas was as collected and calm and personable as ever.  He charmed the surgery staff with his big personality and was very interested in everything they were doing to prep him.  He waved to us as the doctors rolled him down the hallways for anesthesia and continued saying, "Hi, Doctor, Hi Doctor!" with enthusiasm.

Lucas recovered quickly.  He was out of the hospital in 24 hours and off all pain meds within 48 hours.  He was back to school and resumed all activity almost immediately.  We continue to be amazed by his resiliency!  Lucas has been in a series of casts post surgery and we're looking forward to being done with those appointments and having him able to move about as normal.

We are getting very very excited to meet our daughter and little sister in the coming days, but in the meantime, we've tried to relish our time together with Lucas doing all the activities he loves best!