Claire- and yes, she is still tiny.

It's that time of year again! SUPERBOWL time! We are very excited to have the Indianapolis Colts making an appearance in this years big game. To which Claire says "Go Colts"!!

Give me a C-, give me a O-, give me a L-, give me a T-, give me a S-. What's that spell? How am I suppose to know I am only a week old.

Am I really small, or is this bean bag really big? (actually both!)

Baby tanning beds????

No, we aren't trying to get a jump start on Claire's tan for the summer. Our doctor told us today that our "little pumpkin" is starting to look the color of an actual pumpkin. Claire has jaundice and has started light therapy. Fortunately they are able to set this unit up at our home. Hopefully in a couple days this will all be behind us. Until then, tan on Claire~~.

(FYI- this is more painful for the parents than for the baby!)

Baby?!??!!!? Now?!!???! What??!?!?!

Yes, for those of you wondering, we had our baby. For those who are confused, yes I was due in February. (I am aware that it is only January, but try telling that to Claire!) I went for a routine visit last week with my doctor and my blood pressure was elevated. I was told to go home and take it easy, only to end up back at the doctor's office the next day. Little did I know that when I left the house last Thursday (1-11-07) I wouldn't be coming home for a week, and that I would be bringing the baby home with us! My blood pressure was such that I had to have week of bedrest in the hospital and then I was induced. On Wed, January 17,2007 at 8:38 in the morning we were pleased (especially me after being in labor all night) to meet our newest family member, Claire Dorothy Croft. I was only 36 weeks pregnant so she was a couple weeks earlier than we expected. Because of that she is a little peanut weighing in at 5lbs, 11oz, and 19 inches long.

Claire came out screeming and is doing very well. She was apparently impatient and ready to get on with being here. It is very untypical to have the complications I did with a fourth pregnancy when I had no complications with the others, but it just goes to show you that our plans are not always the same as God's plans. We are finally home tonight, after an incredibly long week, and look forward to getting adjusted as a family with our newest member! Enjoy the pictures, Love The Crofts

Bringing home the baby!

Umm, do you have anything in a smaller size?

Did you really think I would fit in my seat?

What, you are leaving me in here! Please don't make me ride in this thing!!

Claire

Most comments have been how much Claire resembles Samuel when he was born (though in a much smaller package!)

The kids with their new sister!

The kids were very excited to come to the hospital to see this baby that has been cooking inside mommy for so long. Of the three of them, Isabelle was the most enamoured with little Claire. She gave her lots of kisses and sat by whoever was holding Claire. (Isabelle kept saying, Oh Baby!)

Baby Claire Croft Is Here!!

Surprise, and you thought you had more time before I showed up!!

Brian, in his excitement to announce the arrival of his daughter, decided to ignore all the warning signs!!!!! (this is right outside of the nursery at the hospital.)

The Boys Go Hiking!

Brian and Scott took the two boys out for a hike. Laeth is Samuel's friend who also only has sisters. They enjoyed a beautiful day in the woods and hiked 3.5 miles! It was a great time for the boys to go out and get dirty.

Here is Samuel and Brian on the trail!

We feel very blessed to be able to spend Christmas with both of our families. (with the exception of Scott and Rachel this year!) God has really blessed us with families that love the Lord and are very supportive and encouraging. Thanks to everyone for making it another great Christmas season!

The girls both got dress up clothes and Grammy didn't want Samuel to feel left out! It is a horse that you put on and then it looks like you are riding it! Samuel is as happy as Ralphie in his pink bunny suit. (from the movie "The Christmas Story".)

Finally a present Samuel likes!!

Isabelle got a new princess shirt. She had to wear it IMMEDIATELY!!!

Abby opening more presents!

Christmas with the Childress family

Abby got an Easy Bake oven. She LOVES it! Yes, we have already baked a cake~!

My brother Mike (being the jokester that he is) gave Brian a present that was wrapped in several different boxes. This includes one box wrapped entirely of several layers of duck tape. Brian finally got it opened!

Isabelle received on of her favorite presents--a new book! She took turns with everybody reading it several times! Here she is with Grandma. (I think we all have the book memorized by now.)

Uncle Chad got a chance to read the book as well!