The Merriest Christmas

Getting ready for Christmas was the BEST! I am so glad we spent every day in December celebrating the holiday because as predicted, the baby arrived a week early on Christmas morning.


Last preggo picture-3 days before delivery


Christmas Eve


He came! Christmas morning-before anyone was awake (7:00 am)


We had just enough time to wake the kids and open stockings before heading to the hospital.


Merry Christmas to us!


The best Christmas gift of all!
Halle Noel
December 25, 2011
9:44 am
6 lbs, 7 oz and 19"

It's the most WONDERFUL time of the year!

I wish we could have a tree in the living room year-round!


The kids playing "Polar Express"


We are in full fledged HOLIDAY mode at the Stephens house! With D-Day rapidly approaching, we have already decked the halls like possessed elves, baked our way into a few food comas and even found time to carve out a corner for baby. I can't really tell what the kids are more excited for: presents on Christmas or bringing home the "new" baby. I think they are mostly enjoying all the treats around the house (no smell reminds me more of Christmas than chex mix-so I have been whipping it up by the pounds)! We have been busy crafting our way through the advent calendar and can't believe how quickly the month is flying by! Early this month Adam received GREAT news when word came that he passed the second and final part of the National Dental Boards! Woo-hoo! He completed his FINAL final last week and now with just five months to go, he is preparing for the state licensure exams. I can hardly believe how far we've come and how close we are!

I'm Spiderman! Meow!

Despite the soggy evening, Halloween 2011 was a success!
Things I will forever remember:
Jack holding Isla's hand while he explained the "Rules of Halloween" to her.
Isla's little legs and sparkly shoes dashing from door to door as she exclaimed, "I LOVE TRICK OR TREATING!"

Bye Bye Summer...Welcome Fall!

After an EXTREMELY HOT summer-we eagerly welcome fall. Adam is FINALLY home from rotations and in his FINAL year of Dental School (woo-hoo)! Jack is having fun learning his letters at preschool, while Isla and I stay busy coming up with all kinds of yummy concoctions made from pumpkin puree... We've cheered on the Tar Heels during this, our final fall of Carolina football, chosen Halloween costumes, (I know-I've given them entirely too much time to change their minds AT LEAST a hundred times) and celebrated the first of many birthdays this fall (we love you Ellen)!

Beach Bums

Another AMAZING trip to the beautiful Carolina Coast! After an extremely hectic summer (the hottest on record and Adam away on rotations) a nice, relaxing trip to the beach was just what the Dr, er-Dentist ordered! We LOVE Emerald Isle and hope that Hurricane Irene decides on a different route this weekend! Please keep your fingers crossed!