Introducing Nate Brandon Rau!

On Monday morning at around 1:15AM I woke up with some somewhat painful contractions. We waited a little over an hour and decided it was time to head to the hospital. We arrived at St. Joseph's Regional Health Center around 3:30AM, got checked in, and was taken into labor and delivery. My doctor, Shelia Bonds, happened to be the doctor on call so I knew we would have a baby shortly because she doesn't mess around. The labor process moved along quite well. By 9:00AM it was time to push. Five good pushes and Nate Brandon Rau made his grand arrival. With tears and complete joy, Dane and I welcomed him into our family with hearts full of love. Nate Brandon was born at 9:11AM weighing 8lbs. 10oz. and was 20 inches long. He checked out completely healthy with all the doctors and nurses. That is all they we could have hoped and prayed for; a healthy baby, and that is exactly what God blessed us with. Kade and Brady came up to the hospital that evening to meet their new baby brother, and they welcomed him with open arms, hugs, and kisses. Yes, even Brady did. His aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents were all there to meet him and welcome him into the family. He's perfect with his dimpled chin and all. Nate makes our family whole and complete. We are so thankful for all the many blessings that have been bestowed upon our family.

Easter Sunday!

Boy did we have one busy Easter this year. Our holiday started Saturday evening at Aunt Lolo and Uncle Joe's house. They had us over for burgers and an Easter egg for the boys. They got hula hoops and sidewalk chalk too. Sunday, Easter day, started off bright and early at 6:30AM with the boys waking up excited to see if the Easter Bunny had made a visit to our house, and sure enough he had been there. Their nests were full of goodies including a bug net and box, a water gun, jump ropes, and gumball machines. The Easter Bunny didn't stop there; he didn't leave without hiding some eggs out in the yard for the boys to hunt. After all the eggs were found and sifted through, we got ready for church. Sunday school consisted of an Easter egg hunt that Brady refused to participate in for whatever reason. After church, we went to Nana and Papa Rau's house for lunch and some Easter egg hunting fun as well. The boys got some money and huge coloring book from Nana and Papa. The Hardy's gave Kade some new swim trunks with some sand toys, and Brady got sand toys too with some new pj's. From there we made our last stop for the day at Great Granny's house with, you guessed it, one last Easter egg hunt. With baskets and tummy's full of candy, we headed home for some much needed R&R. We have gone from one full candy box to two. Thank you Mr. Easter Bunny!:)

Easter at Aunt Lolo & Uncle Joe's house

Easter morning at home

Easter church service

Easter at Nana & Papa's house

Easter at Great Granny Loewe's house

Good Friday Tradition!

For the past few years we have gotten together with Nana and Papa Rau and the Hardy family on Good Friday for some delicious potato pancakes. Stacy and Trey usually have us over to their home. This year we cooked potato pancakes, breakfast sausage links, and Stacy made a yummy breakfast quiche. The kids dyed some Easter eggs this year and just had fun playing together. It is always fun getting together with family. I hope this is another tradition that we continue for years to come.