Yes, they are siblings

Ali at three months.

Josiah at three months.

Abi at three months.

Notice the similarities?

A Little Love and Looking Ahead

Most of you know I'm not a big Valentine's Day girl, but we had a little love at lunch today.

The kids seemed to enjoy them.

Abi is looking forward to having some food next year.
Josiah is looking forward to the next holiday that supplies him with candy.
Ali is looking forward to two Chuck E. Cheese parties in the next three weeks.
Jed is looking forward to finishing up his class work.
Anna is looking forward to getting back into crafting and sewing,

What are you looking forward to?

Since Abi's been born....

Anna's family was here for Thanksgiving.

 Erin and Zach were here for Abi's Baptism.

 Jed's family was here for Christmas.

We are all excited to see what 2011 will bring us!

That's pretty much it!

Welcome Abi!

Here are a few pictures of Abigail Charis Maschke (and Anna)! She came out to join us at 7:53 last night, Nov. 6th. She weighed 7 pounds 10 ounces, and measured 19 inches long. Mother and daughter are doing well!

Check out those nails!

Anna looks ridiculously good for having just given birth!

A quiet moment...

All is well!

Two!

Yes, we still only have two, at least for the next few weeks.  We also now have a two year old!  Josiah loves being two because that means that he gets to go to school with Ali.  He was so ready, and loves carrying his dog lunch bag out the door and into the car.  I have to admit, the time alone is pretty nice.

That time alone won't be for much longer.  Abi is due November 7.  She's measuring small (for me, that is) and might even be under 9 pounds at birth!  Because I have been following my diet, the doctor is okay with letting me go into labor on my own, but she has already said I can't go more than a week late, so I will have a baby in the next three weeks! 

So, a few October pictures...pumpkin patch, birthday cakes, and a trip to the zoo.

Ali and Josiah both loved picking out their pumpkins this year.  Ali and Daddy carved one.  Picture of that are coming!

Josiah loves music.  He really loves to drum, with either drumsticks or plastic spoons!

Josiah's Birthday cake.  Each little ball is cake and frosting covered in candy. 

We took a family trip to the San Francisco Zoo.  We loved watching the sleeping lion.  He was HUGE!

Will the next post be Halloween or baby?  Only time will tell.

Yes, look at how big my head is....

When I asked Ali on her birthday if she was bigger now, that was her response. So, I guess that means she is bigger! Our four year old managed to celebrate the big day for several days. We had our first "real" birthday party on Saturday, then we went to Chuck E Cheese on Wednesday (the real birthday). She brought cupcakes to school on Thursday. I think we are done with celebrations for a while!

Before the birthday celebrations galore, we had spent time in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota. We saw lots of Jed's family, including Great Grandma Ruth (Ali thought it was so cool that they shared a name) and baby Emelia. Ali would have held Emelia all day, everyday if we would have let her. She can't wait for Abi to be born so she can hold her.


Oh, and because I've yet to post a picture of my belly, here it is. I'll be 32 weeks on Sunday.

My new friend

Meet my new friend....

My glucometer. Such a fun word. My friend and I hang out together four times a day.

Yup, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. It looks, at least currently, that diet and exercise should control my blood sugar levels.

Yes, the diet is probably a healthy diet for all to be on. I'm doing what's best for both Abi and me. That doesn't mean that I don't find the process slightly annoying. I now not only have to think about what to eat, but measure our how much of it I am eating. I'm not a big measuring girl, so that's frustrating.

I'm still learning what foods cause my blood sugar to spike. Today I got my first high reading...oatmeal. Since cold cereal, milk and fruit are out for breakfast, I guess I'm back to eggs and toast (although 1 Ego Multi Grain waffle with some peanut butter also seems to work!)

I'm trying to stay positive. It's only been a week. I've got quite a few more to go. We can do this!