It's been a long time

Here are a bunch of photos from the past month or more. Daira's wedding was a good time, and Brielle refused to leave the dance floor. Even if that meant that she lay down and dance as she was so tired. Some other pics are from the trip to and from Des Moines as well as some from around the house. Judson is 75th percentile for weight and 95th percentile for height. He's talking more and smiling and laughing alot. Brielle is getting cuter and cuter but with that she's getting more difficult. The joys of the terrible two's seem to be coming. She was a cute lil' monkey for Halloween.

More Photos by Leah

Here are a bunch of pics from a while back that Leah took. They are some great pictures. It really goes to show just how good of a photographer Leah is. Although most will argue its just a good looking family. I can't argue with either.

Where have we been? All over. Sioux Falls to visit Owen's, that's always a good time. Over the 4th of July we went to Sully to visit Nick and Amy Harthoorn and their 3 girls Kate, Brooke and Aubrey. While in Sully we spent some time at Susan's new house with Robby's and Reggie's. From Sully we went to Lake Panorama for a week of vacation with the Hoegh family. We spent alot of time boating, tubing, wakeboarding, biking, playing bags, and a bunch more. So that pretty much sums up our summer so far. Judson is getting bigger. Brielle is doing all sorts of goofy stuff. Shes walking backwards, walking on her tip toes, talking jibberish all the time and all in all just making us laugh.

Week 1

Here are some pics from our first visitors and from our first weekend getaway as a family of 4 at Lake Shatek with Owen's, Kyle's, and Brent's.

Retro Diary

Here is my retro diary of the last couple of weeks especially last monday leading up to the birth of Judson.
May 27: We're on hightened alert, 2 weeks 'til due date(when Bri was born). I'm told to always keep my cell phone on me just in case.
June 2: Dr. Appointment in Sioux Falls. It could be any day now. We're excitedly waiting.
June 9: Dr appt in Sioux Falls. We stay at Owen and Leah's just in case. Aubyn is trying everything including walking with one foot on the curb down the street. 11:50 pm: Contractions have been getting stronger all day. This has to be it, we go in. They say go home(dilated to 1 1/2 is all!)
June 10: 1 day overdue and contractions have nearly stopped. Is this kid ever gonna show?!
June 13: Dr appt S.F. Aubyn goes by herself, I work.
5:24: Auyn calls, tells me not to waste any time.
6:15: I walk in Owen and Leah's and tell newly married (cousin)Lisa that she looks different. Leah orders me to "tend to your wife". I tell Aubyn "just one more push"(not a good time to be funny)
7:15: check in to the hospital, Aubyn states that "if these contractions get any worse, I might need an epidural".
8:00 til 10:00: Gets checked and is a 4. Hot bath, breathing, squeezing of my hand, she hasn't been able to talk during a contraction since 5:00.
10:00: Worse contractions, lots of pushes. I tell her she's doing great(but what do I know). Midwife Mary says she's doing great, she could be lying but Aubyn believes her.
10:30: Mary says just one or two more pushes...
10:50: Mary says just one or two more pushes...
10:53: Out comes our little one and somehow I figure out its a boy!
Shortly thereafter Aubyn and Judson have some time together, then I do. What a great day.
Last thing that I better note is that an hour later they helped Aubyn to the restroom. She passed out on the toilet. Not funny then but can be seen as funny now.

Miracle

There is no doubt in my mind that each child out there is a miracle. On June 13, 2011 we were given another miracle in the form of a 7lb 15oz son named Judson Brian Hoegh. In fact the whole process from conception to birth and beyond is a series of multiple miracles in a row. Aubyn had hard contractions from about 5:00pm until 7:00 at Owen and Leah's house in SF. Then we went in to the hospital where she continued to labor hard until just after 10:00 when there was more of a push. After alot of hard work Judson revealed himself to us at 10:53 pm. Aubyn and Judson are doing great. Aubyn is understandably tired and sore. Judson had his tongue(frenulum) snipped as he was tongue tied. We've had family visit which you can see pictures of. It was good to have them all here. Owen and Leah brought Brielle and their girls over to see tonight. Brielle may not like the decreased attention that she'll likely recieve. We'll see. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. We are truly grateful for them.

May

Some random pics from May and a bit of June. We've been having alot of fun with Bri as she's developed quite the personality. She doesn't know what's coming with the new baby but she'll soon find out.

Brielle on the Slide

Brielle on the Slide from Jerod Hoegh on Vimeo.

Phoenix Fun

When you get a bunch of family together its gotta be a good time. If you add in some hiking, mountain biking, 90 degree weather, a pool, Janna's wedding, reception etc, you're guaranteed a good time. It was an adventure traveling with Bri who at 15 months. She didn't want to sleep, instead she walked up and down the aisle of the plane a dozen times, sometimes stopping to talk with passengers and flight attendants. But we made it. Obviously it was a fun time. Congrats to Janna and Andrew! And thanks for a good reason to get together with family and have some fun!

more pics

These are some pics from around Orange City. Some are from the Sioux center pool, hanging out with Owen, Leah, Clara and Elsie. Not much to write since the pics are a bit dated. Enjoy.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

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Aubyn encouraged me to take a look at these adorable pics taken by Leah in her studio. After looking at them, she and I decided we'd better share them with everyone for Valentine's Day. And just like everything else we do, we're late...this time a day late. Oh well, Happy Tuesday the 15th.

1 year ago!!!

Wow! What a year! One year ago tomorrow Brielle was born. She's been quite the little addition to our home. Yesterday we had family and friends over to celebrate the occasion. We truly do appreciate all of you. You all are very special to us and to Brielle. We look forward to the many years to come of watching her with each of you. Jaime took a bunch of good pics and I'll post some from our camera from both this weekend as well as before that. I'll also have some on there from Leah's professional photograph session.

Merry Christmas!!!

Well as usual, it was a good time had by all. Or atleast I think it was. If it wasn't for you, take the clown suit off and try again. On the 23-24th and again on the 27th we were in Orange City with Aubyn's family. Aubyn even ventured out in the snow and cold with Bri for some good pics of her in her first snow adventure. On the 25th and 26th we were in Elk Horn at the Hoegh side. Despite the cold conditions, we played some football and knockout at the park. Ping pong tourney and much more. Like I said, good times. As many times before we are reminded of the many blessings we have including family.