It's been a while since I updated the blog. As you may have guessed, things have been pretty busy. We go from trying to get the kids to sleep to trying to keep them awake... so that they will sleep later. They actually do sleep pretty well, but we've both been pretty tired.

Lily is growing like a weed and is changing daily. Her best friend right now is the picture that hangs over our sofa in the family room. She needs at least 30 minutes of quality time with that picture per day. Griff is becoming more and more aware of the things around him. He is so strong! He lifts his head up all the time like it's no big deal. He was circumcized last week and I thought he was going to crush my finger. (By the way, circumcision is not something I ever need to witness again. I shuddered again just thinking about it. I couldn't look him in the eye for three days because I felt so guilty.) They seem to be a bit more aware of one another, though I'm not sure that they really care that much yet. They seem to get along with just about everybody and they've been pretty good so far. (I'm knocking on wood right now.)

We've had a ton of help from many different family members and friends. It's really been great and I don't think that we'd be where we're at without it. Thanks to everyone who has helped, and continues to help out with our little family. It's more appreciated than you can even know.

Sleep time

Thinking about smiling.

Napping with Grandpa Baldwin. (Grandpa looks like he's about ready for a nap, too.)

These are all gifts that Griff was given by different members of his birth family.

Awww, cuuute.

It had been a long day of photos.

Get off of me!

Say Cheese!

Momma shows Griff a little love.

Griff loves him some nap time.

Lounging with Dad.

Napping with Grandpa Harker.

Pals

Melissa hates when my glasses look this - that's why I've included this picture.

Griff's biggest fan: Kennedy Vorhees

Griffin has arrived! He was born on October 11, 2006 at 1:05 p.m. (MDT) He came in at 8 pounds 12 ounces and he was 22 inches long. He has dark hair and big dark eyes. Melissa and I visited him for the first time on the 12th and we brought him home on the 13th. Placement (when we received him) was quite an experience. He got home at bout 2 pm and he and Lily are now fast friends. They eat, sleep, travel, cry, have their diapers changed and have baths together.
His first night at home was long and hard. He didn't sleep very well at all. (Though Lily seemed oblivious to the whole thing.) Last night was much better. They both woke up at the same times and it made everything quite a bit easier. We've had so much help these first few days and the support has been tremendous. I'm sure that all four of us would be hosed if not for the family and friends who have been so supportive.
Lily and Griff cry much differently. He squeeks and rasps and Lily just wails away. He is better at keeping his binky in his mouth and doesn't seem to despise having his clothes changed as much as Lily. They both take food pretty seriously and they both don't seem to like being put in their carseats. However, they kind of like them once they're in and on the road.
Thanks to everyone for all of the kind messages, thoughts, prayers and well-wishes. We feel so blessed to have so many people praying and looking out for us.

Nothin' like the feeling of the open road

Brother and Sister

Griffin Jacob Baldwin

Mama and Griff

Daddy and Griff

Honorary Auntie Tiff.

"I'm pretty sure someone said something about candy..."

Bed-head Lily

It's a good thing that she looks like her mom.

I wanted to post a quick update for those of you who are checking the blog for updates.
It looks like 'Griff-Watch 2006' will continue on for a little bit. The doctor thought that he would arrive last week, but it looks like he is enjoying himself right where he is. Funny, he reminds of another tiny little person that I know. He has the same knack for hosing me that Lily had. If he had arrived over this past weekend I would have been able to watch every single playoff game of the first round. Oh well, I'll pay him back when he is old enough to do some chores.
Anyway, if he has not made his appearance by October 11 the doctor will induce labor. If everything goes according to plan he should be coming home to us on the 13th... Friday the 13th. Of course, I was born on Friday the 13th, so maybe it's our lucky day.

Lily is keeping it real on conference Sunday morning.

No comment could do this picture justice.

She went down swingin'.

I think she just realized the we were memorializing her first bath and felt a little immodest.

Lily's first bath in the tub. She is much happier with this form of bath than with sponge bathing.

Lily will even nap with Aunt Carrie, despite the fact that she's an Aggie.

The only thing better than napping - napping with Aunt Sarah.

One of Lily's favorite people: Grandma Harker

Lily's favorite pastime: napping.