Henry's 6 Month Photo Shoot

About 6 weeks ago we decided to have some pictures for Henry's 6 month birthday done. We were really hoping to get some good shots that could be used for our Christmas card. We kept them at secret until recently when our Christmas cards were sent out. Here's some of our favorites. 

Obviously we can't share all 94 here but we posted them to our Shutterfly website if you're interested.

Henry Meets Santa!

Ok, so this was obviously mainly for Nick and I and the photo, but we had to take him to meet Santa for the first time. He was very good. But confused...as you can plainly see by the picture. While we were there we another family came in behind us with an 18 month year old boy named Henry. He was not as happy and for those few minutes we witnessed what will be our fate next year I'm sure. 

6 Months!

We can't believe he's already 6 months old. It has gone so quickly. Over the past month he's started sitting on his own and reaching for toys close to him. He's very close to crawling but not yet! And the doctor thought another month before we start to see teeth. He's an amazing little boy that brings us joy everyday. We are really looking forward to the holidays with him! 

HENRY JOSEPH MEYER

6 Months

18lbs 7oz (75%)

28 inches (90%)

Jen's Senior Weekend

Last weekend we traveled down to Jacksonville, AL for Nick's youngest sister's senior volleyball weekend at Jacksonville State University. It's hard to believe that she's a senior and that all of Nick's siblings are (almost) done with their collegiate volleyball careers. We had such a great time and Henry was SO good. It was his first nights in a hotel and he did really well even with the time change and daylight savings time. We were very lucky. I think he took extra long naps the first few days we were home just to make up for all the fun we had. Here's some of my favorite pictures from the weekend:

Here's Jen with Henry in his Jacksonville State onesie.

This is the whole gang that traveled down. Danielle made the signs for everyone, including Henry! 

Front Row: (L to R) Aunt Brenda Eifert, Karen Franz, Mark Greaves, Kristen Meyer, Danielle Greaves

Back Row: (L to R) Aunt Anna Meyer, Aunt Debbie Franz, Lee Meyer, Kate Meyer, Uncle Rick Franz, Lynn Meyer, Nick Meyer, Eric Franz, Jen Meyer, Dan Meyer 

 Jen's immediate family.

The siblings and outlaws ;)

We had such a great weekend and can't wait until the holidays to spend more time with this bunch. So glad we could all be there together. 

Henry's First Halloween

Of course he had to be a Missouri Tiger! 

Thanks to my best friend Stephanie for the adorable outfit.

Videos

So with the ease of the iPhone I often take videos of Mr. Henry but the size of the file is often to big to share over email. So we were trying to figure out a way to share these with our family and friends. Now most of you won't care to see Henry rolling, laughing, squealing, etc...but with most of our friends and family living outside Louisville we wanted every oppurtunity for those that wanted to, to see him. So Kate put all the videos on YouTube. Here's the link to her channel: YouTube. Let us know if it doesn't work. You can subscribe and then you'll know when there's new videos. Enjoy!

The Color Run

As soon as I was cleared to exercise after Henry was born I decided I wanted to pick up running again. Shortly after that my best friend Stephanie asked me if I wanted to do a 5K with her in Cincinnati in October. It would be almost 5 months to the day after Henry was born and I decided that I would do it. I knew that if I had a goal to reach it would make me get out there and train. 

So, I downloaded a couch to 5K app and away I went. I would recommend one of these apps for anyone that is trying to get into running. Within in a few short weeks I was easily running 2 miles non-stop and that was something I hadn't done in years. It was not easy to get out there and find the time to run. Between football camp, school starting up and Henry, it has not been a slow 4 months. But with the help of Nick and a some will power, I got it done.

So the big day got here and we loaded up the car with the babies (Steph has a 9 month old) and the husbands and traveled downtown for the run. We met up with some other girls doing the race and huddled for warmth as it was not very warm in the shade of the buildings and we waited over an hour to take off. In fact many people finished before we started. So I was getting antsy because I really wanted to run the whole thing. 

So when we finally took off I was excited and really wanted to run the whole thing. Now if you don't know how The Color Run works, its very cool. Every K or so you get sprayed with colored corn starch. So at the end you are covered in colors. It's a great idea but the color stations can get rather backed up and that was a bit frustrating for someone that really wanted to try to run the whole thing. 

In the end though it was fine and I finished! I ran the whole thing. I was very proud of myself. It was the farthest I'd run in a long time. It felt great to accomplish something like that so soon after giving birth. 

I am really looking forward to doing another race soon and keeping up with the running. Maybe a 10K next?

Us running by at the start.

Nick, Henry and I after.

The group after the run.

5 Months!

Mr. Henry turned 5 months on Sunday!

Henry's Baptism

This past weekend we were lucky enough to bring our friends and family together for Henry's baptism. We recently joined a small, local Presbyterian church near our house and were welcomed by a wonderful family there. Here's a few pictures from the special day.

Henry being baptized.

After the baptism, the pastor walked Henry around the sanctuary and spoke about baptism and about his new church family.

Henry is lucky enough to have two amazing godparents. We selected friends from our life that were very important to us. We wanted to extend the title of godparent to people that we wanted to be a part of our extended family. Kate chose Emily Augustine, whom she's been friends with since first grade. Nick chose Matt Gold, a friend since high school that he played volleyball with. We feel so blessed to have these amazing people in Henry's life.

Family afterwards.

4 MONTHS!

A few days late but we were waiting for his 4 month stats to post. Here's our BIG boy:

HENRY JOSEPH

4 MONTHS

15.4lbs (60%)

26.5in (90%)

15 Weeks.

We realize that we missed a bunch in between (posts at least, the pictures were taken) but here is Henry's 15 week picture!

100

Today is my great-grandmother's 100th birthday.

That's amazing. I think we should all be so lucky. We should be so lucky to live to 100. We should be so lucky to know our great-grandmother. We should be so lucky to have our great-grandmother in our life for 28 years. We should be so lucky to have our son meet his great-great-grandmother.

I am fortunate to have many of the above statements be true. Back in June when we were in St Louis Henry got to meet Nana (as we all call her.) Here is that amazing picture from that amazing experience:

While holding him Nana said "Here we are Henry. The beginning and the end." It was such a poignant moment and so very true. There was something very special about seeing this amazing nearly 100 year old woman with an infant.

A few days later we went back for a very special picture of five generations of my family. It included Nana, my grandmother, my father, myself and Henry. This is a picture not many people have and it is very special to me.

Happy Birthday Nana!

Our Apologies

Ok, I just looked and realized that I hadn't posted in a few weeks. And it just so happens that coincides exactly with the start of football camp. So I am sorry. Although there aren't people waking up every morning running to their computer to see if we posted, I know some family members are enjoying the blog. So, sorry about the lack of posts. Like I said, football camp started along with volleyball practice. So Kate would go to volleyball in the morning, come home for the afternoon and head back to football when Nick got home until after 9pm. Needless to say we were tired, busy, and spare time was hopefully spent with each other and doing chores. 

Camp is over though, school starts Tuesday and I have my first game tonight. So although the past few weeks have been tough, tonight makes it all worth it. These will be the moments I truly love my job. It's so fun being on the sidelines for the games. I can't count the times I've been told by people how "I don't envy you" or "You must have no life." But I love my job. I love seeing all the practices that happen all week come together in games. I love seeing hurt athletes get better and get back on the field. I love seeing athletes conquer a new skill. I love everything about athletics. I can't imagine doing anything else.

And I don't envy you 9 to 5ers. 

And I have a life. A great one.

Happy Friday Night Lights everyone!

Henry's 7, 8 and 9 Week Photos

So we have some catching up to do with the weekly pictures. We were in St. Louis for the 7 & 8 week pictures so that's why we are behind. We love these so far and really can tell how much he is growing when we look at them. 

7 WEEKS OLD

8 WEEKS OLD

9 WEEKS OLD

Henry's 2 Month Appointment

Can you believe he two months old already? We sure can't. It's been a great 2 months full of meeting lots of friends and family.

Here he is at 2 months old:

Henry Joseph at 2 months

11 lbs 14 oz (50%)

24 inches (85%)

Pictures

When we got married we were lucky enough to be find an amazing photographer. She is a friend of my father and he asked us if we would meet with her in hopes of us using her for the wedding. We met with Beckie and were instantly very impressed. Her work was gorgeous and timeless and clearly what we were looking for. The pictures for our big day turned out great and we knew just who to turn to when it came time for pictures of our little man.

These pictures turned out beautiful as well. She captured our family in such a special way. She was so patient with Henry when he was fussy and managed to capture some great moments. We are so pleased and wanted to give her the shout out and kudos she deserved. Here's a couple of the pictures, a link to her website and a link to the rest of our pictures.

Beckie's Website is: www.ieimages.com
The rest of our photos can be found here: Baby Henry

Thank you Beckie for capturing such special moments in our lives. :)

Henry's 6 Week Picture

Anniversary Dinner

I want to take a minute here (or a post) and brag on Nick. He, thankfully, is the cook of the family. I, unfortunately, didn't inherit my mother's cooking skills. So very often for special occasions we choose to stay in and Nick cooks because he enjoys it so much. Our one year anniversary was no exception. With our little man being only 5 weeks old we didn't want to take him anywhere and we didn't really want to be away that long either. So Nick made a FOUR course dinner.

First Course: 

A cold avocado based soup

 

Second Course:

Waldorf Salad

Main Course:

Chicken Cordon Bleu & Roasted Potatoes

Dessert:

Chocolate Souffle

All of it was amazing and I am so lucky to have a husband that is a GREAT cook and enjoys it. :)

Henry's 5 Week Picture

Here's Henry's 5 Week Picture:

We can't believe how big he is getting! He is doing more and more everyday. We also wanted to include his one month picture with his one month check-up stats:

ONE MONTH

9lbs10oz (75%)

22in (50%)

Happy Anniversary!

We can't believe it's been ONE YEAR since we said "I Do!"

It's been such a great year full of family and friends and of course little Henry. We want to once again thank everyone that was such a big part of our big day. It was so much fun and we have heard over and over again what a great time everyone had. It was a great party and we wish we could do it every year. But we can't and our celebration tonight will be a bit more low key. Nick is planning on making dinner and we are exchanging gifts. Pictures of both to come!

For now here's some great pictures from a year ago:

The dress and GREAT hanger.

Me and my Maids of Honor. Emily on the the left has been my best friend since 1st grade. Stephanie on my right has been my best friend since 6th grade. They truly are my sisters. 

Saying vows. The vail was worn by my mom during my parent's wedding at the same church.

MARRIED! 

At the Four Seasons after the reception. Exhausted but happy. 

Henry's Weekly Pictures

So we have been taking pictures every week of Henry with the same bear. From here on out we will post weekly (or try to) but here's the first 4 to get caught up. 

Week 1: 7lbs 11oz

Week 2:

Week 3:

Week 4:

Meet Henry!

Ok, so it's been way too long since we posted. But really we haven't been doing much since I was so pregnant. But now it's time for you to meet our little man and for me to tell you about how we met him, (not too detailed I promise.)

It all started on the morning of May 5th, but we didn't know it at the time. I woke up that morning with terrible back pains and now I know this was most likely the beginning of my labor. So my worst fear almost came true and I could've delivered on Derby Day in Louisville if things had progressed more quickly. We spent the day watching local coverage of the Kentucky Derby, which was so very entertaining, and basically laying around because I felt so bad.

By Sunday I felt better and wanted to get out of the house. So we went to Steak 'n Shake and then to see The Avengers. When we got home I just didn't feel right. There was something nagging me to go in and even though I didn't want to be one of those mothers that gets sent home multiple times before giving birth, we headed in around 7pm.

In triage they told us that my water had not broken but that my blood pressure was elevated and they were going to talk with the doctor to decide what to do. Shortly there after they decided to keep us! A combination of my elevated blood pressure, the fact that his due date was the next day and that he was being estimated at over 9lbs, was why they decided to keep us.

We started calling and texting everyone and shortly got moved into the room where I would deliver. We settled in for the night and tried to get some sleep but anyone that has ever stayed in a hospital knows how hard that is.

They started me on the Pitocin drip around 12:30am to get things moving and broke my water around 8:30am to really try to speed things up. I had my epidural by 9am and started to push around 4:30pm. I couldn't feel much with the epidural so they turned it off and around 5:30 I started trying again and our little bundle was here at 7:03pm! And he was kind enough to come on his due date.

Welcome the newest Cardinal fan to the world:

Henry Joseph Meyer

5-7-2012

7:03pm

8lbs 4oz

21 inches