Newsletters

January 2004

Lindsey Noelle Ardle

Lindsey just after she was born. She weighed 6 lbs 14 oz and was 20 in long

At 12:30 a.m. on December 27 we knew that our next child was not going to let us get a good night’s sleep. Shelly’s labor had finally begun in earnest. So we called a friend who came over to stay with the kids, we got our stuff, and headed off to the University of Michigan hospital.

After walking to get things moving a little faster we finally got a room and began the waiting. Both Andrew and Lauren came as fast as the possibly could, but this little one wanted to take her time. Finally at 1:20 that afternoon Lindsey Noelle Ardle came into this world.

Later that evening Andrew and Lauren got to meet their new baby sister for the first time—finally seeing this person we had been preparing for and talking about for so long.  A couple days later we took Lindsey home.

Both Lindsey and Shelly are doing well. Lindsey is a great little baby and the past couple nights has only been up once! Her brother and sister don’t know exactly what to think yet, because she can’t play with them like they would want. Our cat probably can’t believe we brought another one home!

The timing was perfect! Nate was off work and could be home for a few days, and we got our tax deduction!

The proud parents just after Lindsey was born (smiling but a little sleep deprived!)

Lindsey has even found her thumb on occasion

Kids' Corner

Daddy and I have been doing more things together as just the boys since Lindsey was born. We have gone to the store together and Daddy drops me off at Cubbies since Mommy isn’t going for a few weeks.

When I first saw Lindsey I couldn’t believe how tiny she was—I kept talking about how small her fingers and arms were. I like to rub her head and bring toys to her. She is sleeping an awful lot right now.

It’s an awful big responsibility to be a big brother to two sisters, but I am up to the challenge. I have already been helping get Lauren her drink and I even have started making my own peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Mommy and Daddy say that when I turn 4 I will be able to start doing even more things all by myself.

-Andrew

Andrew and Lauren enjoyed being home for Christmas as family came and visited us in Ann Arbor. Here our Buckeye boy opens a Christmas present while our little stinker girl dries off from a bath.

I am a big sister! I am so excited to have Lindsey here finally. When I saw her I said “That my sister. I want hold her.” She kind of squeaks when she cries and that surprised me. Mommy keeps telling me that I have to be gentle with Lindsey. That’s hard to remember when I want to hug her and kiss her all the time.

I am a big helper, too. I tell Mommy when Lindsey cries. I pull up a stool and make sure Mommy changes diapers correctly. I watch while Lindsey gets a bath, too. I don’t know what Mommy would do without me!

Lindsey gets to sleep in my room. I don't hear her when Mommy comes to feed her during the night. Lindsey doesn’t do much yet. But one of these days we will see how much trouble we can get into together!

-Lauren

Of course they kept asking us through the holidays when Lindsey would come out. They were pretty excited when she did. Below, big brother gives his youngest sister a kiss while big sister looks on.

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