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Video of Madelynn (two weeks old today). Feel free to chuckle. We did. We like the part where she falls asleep at the beginning of the video. There's also some stretching, a yawn, many different facial expressions, and maybe a smile (?).




Here's an adorable photo of Madelynn right after her bath. See how curly her hair is?

Yes, Two Weeks

Madelynn is two weeks old today. How exciting!

I think this week I stopped saying "two weeks old Tonight (8:11 pm)", and just say "yes, she's two weeks old".

Some highlights this past week:

* Madelynn is staying awake a bit more during the day, therefore sleeping a bit more at night.

* I picked her first booger, it was a doozy.

* Her belly button stub fell off.

* First doctor's appt- weighing in at 7 lbs 13 oz!! Incredible. Madelynn weighed 6 lb 4 oz at four days old. She gained over a pound in one week! That's a lot of milk...

* Her jaundice is almost all gone (the yellowish tinge to her skin).

* Joshua and Rachel have been incredibly good about having a new sister, as of yet there have been no signs of jealousy.

* Madelynn had one real bath. And will again tonight.

* She is still a really good eater.

I am hoping to get a video of Madelynn on here soon. Maybe today?...

Summer Picnic?

A fire on the beach, with Johnsonville brats and a winter jacket.

Saturday was a beautiful day, though chilly next to Lake Superior. With no baby within, I needed my winter jacket, but the kids were fine with spring coats and big smiles.


Joshua cooked his first bratwurst over an open fire. He sure was proud of himself. Next on his list? Tell his friend, Boston, all about it when they go camping with their Daddies.

Thank you 'Johnsonville' for making brats with no gluten!

Sweet Madelynn

Here are some more pictures for your enjoyment!

Madelynn laying in Daddy's hand

Name Meanings and Updates

Many of you have already met Madelynn. May I explain her name to you?

'Madelynn' means 'woman of Magda'. Mary Magdalene comes to mind when I think of Magda. Mary's life before she met Jesus was very different. She was possessed by seven demons and did not know any kind of joy. When Mary met Jesus, her life was completely transformed and redeemed. She followed Jesus with all her heart.
During labor with Madelynn, I was very depressed. I grieved for Emily and I felt limp and tired. When Madelynn was born, all of that went away. I no longer felt depressed. Like Mary, I just felt grateful. I now had a baby girl to keep and to hold.

'Lynn' is Renee's Mom's middle name.

'Louise' means 'brave warrior' and is also Joel's Mom's middle name.

Update:
Today is Day 6 for Madelynn Louise and she is doing wonderful. She is a good eater and so far, a good sleeper. Joel and I feel grateful for such a good baby. Madelynn's siblings love to hold her and adore her. The thing to do right now is sharing blankies with 'baby'.

Nana and Grampa (Joel's parents) left this morning for Alberta. They were here for 8 days and their help was much appreciated. I did the dishes today for the first time in over a week! The kids miss them though. Joshua said, "I wish they could live here forever!"
Now we all look forward to Shane and JoAnne (Joel's sister) having twins next month! 'Mango' and 'Guava' are due July 22nd but will probably come about three weeks early- the beginning of July.