Thanksgiving Weekend...

Grandma Laura and Izzy
Izzy still isn't a huge fan of her swing, but we're trying
Baxter was pooped after our first run in over a year!

The McCulloch Tree!!

Thanksgiving week/weekend was filled with lots of family and food. Thursday Mike, Izzy and I drove up to Ft. Wayne to spend time with Mike's dad and Laura's family. Izzy was able to meet her aunts and uncles, cousins and great grandpa! Friday we put up our tree and my sister and her family arrived. Saturday Mike cooked a full turkey meal and we had Mike's mom, step dad, and step-brother & sister over for dinner. Izzy enjoyed being held by so many people...she must be going through withdrawl now that she is put down in her bouncy and crib again :) Unfortunately, we didn't take many pictures of Izzy all dressed up...sorry!

Tynans Visit Indy...

Luke in his cool balloon car...
Maggie holding baby Izzy
Bridget finally meets Isabelle
This is an old hat for Sam...

Last week the Tynans (Sam, Bridget, Luke & Maggie) were driving through Indy on their way to Lake Tippy and stayed the night with us! We hit up our old favorite restaurant, El Rodeo, and spent some quality time watching the Bachelor and gossiping (just like old times). Sam & Bridget are expecting their third child this Spring and I'm continually amazed how they run such a well-oiled operation they call their family! I can only watch and learn and hope that Mike & myself raise a family as loving as theirs. We have been lucky enough to see them 3 or 4 times this year...but unfortunately won't see them again until the summer :( We miss them!!!

Visit from the Keels...

Grandpa Keel & Grandma Anna got quality time with Izzy before the gang showed up...
Cousin Dylan, Aunt Kimmy & Cousin Taylor were very hands on & helpful!
A little project from Pottery Barn...
Turned out very cute!
Bathtime & Buddha Belly!!!
Staring off in the distance before her bedtime bath...

And a hint of a smile...

This past weekend Mike went up to Notre Dame with some buddies to watch a football game (among other things!). While daddy was away Izzy had some visitors: Grandpa Keel, Grandma Anna, Aunt Kimmy, and cousins Taylor & Dylan. We had lots of meals out (which Izzy slept through) and lots of fun times snuggling with Izzy. She is one loved little girl...

Starting to Smile...

Yesterday Izzy turned 6 weeks old...and in the last week Izzy has started to give us social smiles (meaning smiling at us, rather than in her sleep)! She's getting very alert and following people and lights with her eyes. The interaction we are getting from her keeps us on our toes and excited for what will be coming next! This is the closest we could get to a smile in a picture...and she's sporting a new winter hat her Aunt Kimmy's friend gave her :)
This is how Izzy sleeps...too precious! We swaddle her and then lay her on the wedge/positioner, then wrap her snuggly. Such a big girl in her crib...she is snug as a bug in a rug!

Izzy is now a little over 6 weeks old...she had a pediatrician appointment last week and weighed in at 9 lbs 11 oz...we knew she was close to 10lbs as she is becoming a CHUNK! Love it...

New Friends for Izzy...

Sandi & baby EllanaDeanna & baby Connor

Cheryl & babies Preston & Holly
Rachel & baby Ella
Jaime & baby Luke

The months of September & October were busy ones in the baby department: we had 8 friends that had babies within 6 weeks!!! Other friends not pictured: Suzanne & baby Max, Angela & baby Jackson, Debbie & baby Max.

It's been fun visiting the hospital and homes of my new mom friends...and Izzy meeting all her new play pals! Watching my friends become moms has been a joy and I am looking forward to raising our kids together! Here's to Fall birthday parties!!!

"I am the Luckiest..."

Our friends, Courtney & Zach, came over two weeks ago to shoot Izzy's newborn pictures. Izzy was asleep until we stripped her down, then she remained wide-eyed for almost 30 minutes for the camera...and peed twice (thankfully no other accidents occurred)! The pictures turned out beautifully and I am so thankful for the memories. The link below is just a sampling of all the pics Zach took. I'd HIGHLY recommend him! Make sure you have your volume turned up on your computer, as the song is one of my most favorites by Ben Folds. Enjoy...

http://www.zachdobson.com/mcculloch.htm

Happy Halloween!!!

Today was Izzy's first Halloween...she celebrated by sleeping ALL DAY. Seriously, there was little, if any, wake time. Mom was able to shower, do laundry, nap, and shop at the mall all in one day! When dad got home from work, she helped him pass out candy to the trick-or-treaters!

Izzy cannot wait for next Halloween, she has a cheerleader costume from her Aunt Gail that she is just dying to wear! Until then...the pumpkin will do just fine (thanks Grand Roo!).

Happy Halloween!