Frostbitten in Minnesota: Jay, Karen, Lucas & Isla's Midwestern Tales: October 2012

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:

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.