Emma Ann

Introducing....Emma Ann Nelson!

Emma arrived into the world on Tuesday, September 22 at 8:40 p.m. weighing in at 9 pounds, 3 ounces and measuring 22 inches.  She was introduced to many visitors that night, and we had the privilege of meeting her tonight!  She is the most beautiful little girl already so loved by her family.  Emma is a very content little baby.  Eli seemed quite excited to meet his newest cousin. 

  

 

Sommerlot Wedding Part 2

I just wanted to share some of my favorites captured from Jamie and Matt's wedding.  These were taken by the photographer, Ruben Rodriguez (Rodriguez Photography). 

 

Soccer

Eli has wrapped up his first (and maybe only) soccer season.  Before starting, I don't think he really had much background knowledge about the sport or exposure to it, but I wanted to sign him up to give him the opportunity to try it out and even more so for some social interaction with other kids.  Prior to the first practice, I really did not know what to expect from this experience of preschool soccer. 

When I turned in our registration form, we also picked up a jersey, which Eli seemed very excited about.  Yet, another milestone for him, getting old enough to be involved in more activities. 

Upon arrival at the first soccer practice, the first thing on the agenda was taking individual pictures and then a team picture.  I was quite surprised he willingly and even naturally posed for his picture with a soccer ball in hand.  They used smaller, kid-sized balls and nets. 

There were about 14 preschoolers in total between the 2 teams and only 1 coach since no other parents volunteered.  There was quite a variety of ability and interest levels in this group of preschoolers.   

I was very impressed with the coach's ability to instruct such young kids on the fundamentals of the game all the while keeping an encouraging attitude with an unlimited amount of patience.  He began by going over the basic rules:  No using hands along with kicking using the inside of the foot rather than the toes.  The first practice consisted of various skills and drills, while the other 5 sessions were broken into 2 parts:  The first 30 minutes involved practice and working on more skills and dribbling the ball with their feet and then the second half involved an actual game. 

Eli really seemed to enjoy the first half of each session.  He readily joined in with kicking the ball around, practicing kicking it into the goal and back and forth to a teammate.  It was also good exercise with the nonstop movement.  

 

While watching the coach give instructions before they started their first game, so many of them appeared to be more interested in what was going on everywhere else around the field rather than his direction.  I thought to myself there is no way they are going to know what to do when they start playing.  Somehow, they all knew what to do and which direction their team was supposed to go to try to make a goal, although Eli had no interest in participating.  I don't think the idea of kids running together all in a huddle chasing after the ball really appealed to him.  He stood with his feet planted firmly in the middle of the field.  After all, it was my idea to sign him up; he didn't really know what he was getting into and even with some encouragement, he still had no desire to play the game and ended up as a spectator during each game after that, but we still took him and he still participated in the practice before each game.  

 While the other kids enjoyed the action of the game, Eli was content in his seemingly favorite position:  The sidelines.

Overall, I think it was still a good experience for Eli to attempt something new.  I don't think we will be signing him up for soccer again unless he changes his mind about wanting to participate in the game.  Maybe we will try T-ball in the spring.

First Day - Preschool

A couple weeks ago, we attended Eli's preschool open house.  It was a great opportunity for him to see his classroom and meet his teacher, Miss Virginia and her helper, Ms. Kathy again.  Prior to the open house, the preschool teacher along with her aide scheduled home visits to each house of the incoming preschoolers this year - 29 total between her 2 classes!  At the home visit, she had a few questions for me while her helper worked on an "All About Me" page with Eli that was later displayed in their classroom.

At the open house, his teacher had created a scavenger hunt for us to find various things around the classroom, like his cubby where he will hang his backpack, his mailbox, and other fun things to help him get acquainted with the new territory.  

Preschool was scheduled to start last Wednesday, but due to the heat, it was cancelled all 3 days last week.  Eli finally attended his first day of preschool today.  He is in the afternoon session at Sacred Heart.  I had signed him up for the morning session as my first preference and had turned in the paperwork right away, but he still ended up in the afternoon session.  It still works out since he doesn't take afternoon naps anymore anyway.  Plus, it is a nice break right after lunch that allows me to finish up my work for the day before he comes back home.  

I had fully intended for him to ride the bus to and from preschool since it was offered as an option, but once I realized he would have an hour-long ride on the bus both to and from school each way because of where we live, I quickly decided against it since I did not want him on the bus for that long each day.  Yet, another change in plans.  Spontaneity is definitely not my forte; I like it best when things go according to plan with no bumps in the road along the way.  Right now, it still works okay for me to fit it into my schedule to drop him off and pick him up.  It might be more of a challenge this fall with the arrival of the new baby and adapting to her schedule, too.  If the bus ride was not as long as an hour each way, we would be taking full advantage of this service.

As for the first day of preschool, Eli was very eager and ready to go.  He even willingly posed for his first annual back-to-school picture before we left, along with another picture in front of the sign at his preschool, which is actually in the same building as his daycare this summer.  I think switching him to the daycare at Sacred Heart really helped him in the transition to starting preschool.  

On our way home, his answers to my questions were quite vague, but he seemed to overall enjoy the day.  He even said he wanted to stay there and sounded a bit disappointed when it was time for him to be picked up.  He was really excited to show me the papers in his folder.  His teacher also uses a notebook as a communication tool with messages written back and forth between her and the parents.  Miss Virginia is a great match for Eli's personality.  She is a young, friendly, genuinely kind, and mild mannered teacher with clear expectations.  We are looking forward to a great year!

Nursery Sneak Peek

With a little less than 2 months left to the due date, the finishing touches have been added to Aliyah's room.  The nursery has a jungle theme, much like Eli's room when he was a baby, although this time it will seem much different with a baby's room in a different house.  My favorite part of the decor is the set of personalized name blocks:

 

Next on my to-do list will be getting the hospital/overnight bags packed and ready to go.  I have also put together some care packages for the nurses at the hospital and a Big Brother gift for Eli when the time comes.  

 

 

As blankets and bottles are being washed, I am trying to use this time during the last trimester to mentally prepare myself for the parenting adventure of raising 2 kids. 

Mr. and Mrs. Sommerlot

We arrived back home today after a fun wedding weekend celebrating the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Sommerlot.  On Friday, we were able to catch the first glimpse of the reception venue as decorating took place in the morning.  I think the space truly captured what Jamie had been envisioning all this while leading up to the big day.  (I think David Tutera would be proud, Jamie!)  Also a lover of all things purple, I was excited about the colors she chose as part of her elegant wedding theme.  Even the groomsmen got in on the action of decorating and setting up that day. 

 

 

 Trail Mix Bar featuring popcorn with various topping flavors

 "Treats and Sweets" Candy Buffet

 

 

 

Despite the cold water, Ian and Eli still had fun in the pool at our hotel in the afternoon.  Eli had already met Bennett (Matt's nephew), the other ring bearer earlier in the day and then the flower girl, Ella at the rehearsal later in the day.  He really adores other little kids and warms up easily now to making new friends.  After the rehearsal, we all enjoyed a great supper at a local restaurant.  

One of my favorite parts of the weekend was when Jamie's friends presented her with a scrapbook compiled of pages created by family members and friends including pictures and a letter written to Jamie from each person.  What a neat idea and keepsake presented to her on her special day!  The funniest part as she was looking through it was when she came across the pages my mom added, which included a page she had found in Jamie's room of a scrapbook in progress from when she was younger that she actually had started herself and only after a few minutes of taking it all in realized that she herself had actually created that page that was part of the book.  

The sacrament of marriage was celebrated with a beautiful mass uniting the couple.  (A few pictures are missing as Ian was capturing them after a little meltdown by Eli when he realized he would not be sitting with the flower girl during mass, such as the first bridesmaid and groomsman, my mom being seated, Bennett being brought down the aisle by his dad carrying a sign that read, "Uncle Matt, Here Comes Your Bride!", and my dad walking Jamie down the aisle.) 

 Both Jamie and Matt wrote letters in memory of their grandparents

 

 

...and he's out but not for long

Not only were there 2 baby bumps with both Megan and myself in the wedding party, there was a baby boom within the bridesmaids as two of Jamie's other bridesmaids also had babies recently.  As a side note and speaking of a baby boom, there are 7 of us total cousins on my dad's side all expecting within the next 5 months.  As I have been thinking about this, I found it interesting that out of my dad's 9 other brothers and sisters (only 3 out of his immediate family are guys), there is only 1 out of all my cousins (I think around 26 or so total) that will be able to carry on the Sabers family name.  This is because both my dad and one of my other uncles each had 3 girls while my other uncle had 2 girls and 1 boy, who is another cousin along with his wife expecting a baby.  My Grandma and Grandpa Sabers not only have a total of 20-something grandkids but also about the same number of great-grandkids. 


Coming back after that detour of my thoughts to the wedding, after mass, we traveled by trolley to a couple of local bars including Bushwood, where Jamie first met Matt.  Arriving back at our final destination, we were greeted by a reception area full of guests.  After dinner was served, it was time for the toasts.  As always, I have to script things like that ahead of time since I prefer to compose my thoughts on paper instead of giving a spontaneous speech.  

To Jamie and Matt

On Your Wedding Day

Jamie and Matt, your wedding day is finally here.

I am privileged to be the matron of honor for a sister so dear.

For the past 25 years now, you have been a part of my life.

It is hard to believe the youngest in our family has today became a gorgeous wife.

Even though we are 7 years apart in age, as we grew up, our relationship was still a close one.

Reflecting back on childhood memories, I remember how you enjoyed the scavenger hunts out of ads I created for fun.

As a youngster, you had a long-lasting fascination with the VW Bug, a car I thought you would acquire one day.

Instead, you can now be found in your Caddy making your way.

Even before Matt popped the question, you and I both were busy searching for wedding-inspired pins to add to your "When the Day Comes" Pinterest board.

The theme then transitioned from rustic to vintage and finally elegant is what you ultimately leaned toward.

I must say I had a lot of fun taking part during the search for the perfect dress,

and the one that you chose is simply stunning and fits your style the best.

An Iowa State grad and businessman Jamie did find.

Now after 4 years of being together, they become husband and wife and are officially intertwined.

A favorite pastime of Matt's includes spending time outdoors on the green in a golf game.

He even thought lessons would be a good idea for Jamie so she can do the same.

One day, you two decided to take on the responsibility of a new furry friend as a pet.

Along came Reggie who brought you lots of entertainment, although I may not be ready to befriend him just yet.

As for advice for the newly married couple, a relationship involves giving and receiving without keeping score.

An attitude of unconditional love and forgiveness will allow for a happy life together and much more.

With the end of my poem drawing to a close, let's make a toast to the new husband and wife.  Here's to Jamie and Matt - may you experience as much happiness as you do today throughout your married life.

Following my speech, Megan gave the most heartfelt, sincere, and meaningful words of advice and encouragement that led me not only to tears but maybe a few sobs as well.  The pair of guys sharing the best man role finished off by sharing a few candid stories of their friendship with Matt.  

After dinner, the dance floor quickly filled up as many of the guests joined in to familiar songs.  The DJ kept the music going all night long with a fast-paced wide variety of songs that kept everyone entertained until the night wound down at the very end with a sparkler send-off. 

So...while the details of this story are a still a bit sketchy, my dad somehow ended up outside the reception nearby some fishermen (and even kids, quite late at night) fishing off the bridge when he noticed a big tug on the end of one of their fishing poles.  When it was reeled in, there was a huge fish on the end of the line!  Here he is - the father of the bride proudly displaying the big catch of the night in his tux no less!

We wrapped up the weekend with the gift opening at Jamie and Matt's house on Sunday before heading back home. 

Eli was laughing hysterically while searching through his Look and Find books with Matt's mom

A special gallery wrap from Jamie's friend/personal attendant who also photographed their engagement session; Matt even mentioned this was favorite picture from the session - Good choice, Kelli!

Proudly displaying "Corky" who Jamie spotted at one of the wineries we visited during her bachelorette party that Megan secretly bought while we were there to give her as part of her wedding gift.

 

I always enjoy watching others opening gifts, especially wedding ones with so many unique personalized gifts that will make their house even more of a home as they begin their new married life together.