Ella Jeanne Ramaekers

Baby "Squeaky" has arrived!!  Ella Jeanne Ramaekers was born 3 weeks early on May 23rd.  Jessica did an amazing job, laboring mostly at home.  She had contractions most of the day on May 22nd, so they went to the hospital that evening.  Jess hadn't progressed and her contractions were not getting closer together, so she was sent home.  She labored at home and finally went back into the hospital around 5:30am and was dilated to a 7!  She got her epidural, quickly progressed to 10cm and after some pushing, Ella was born at 8:10am.  Jessica, Adam and Ella did such a great job!  I am so proud to be her aunt!!

The much anticipated announcement from Adam - she's here!!

Ella getting her first bottle from her proud Daddy.

Grandma's turn :)

The new mommy with sweet baby Ella

Luke and Brady running around the halls of the hospital.

My sweet niece

Proud mommy

Beautiful Ella - love her so much!

Memorial Day Weekend/Jim's Birthday

We had a nice 3-day weekend!  We got to spend time with baby Ella, spend time at my parent's beach and celebrated Jim's birthday on Memorial Day.

Brady got down and dirty on the beach...and tried eating some sand, but quickly realized it was yucky! It was very windy out!

Luke got his first baseball glove!  

Playing catch with Daddy

Brady playing with some water on the deck

When Brady gets mad or frustrated with something, he tries to bite it....toys, furniture, railings... But fortunately he's only bit Luke once. :)

We had Jim's favorite cake for his birthday - blueberry cream cheese!  

Hot Wheels and Lawn Mowers

Last night the boys and I played outside while Jim mowed.  Brady loves Luke's hot wheels, especially since he can dance to the music it plays!  Luke is such a good big brother, helping push Brady on the hot wheels!

Mother's Day weekend

We had a nice Mother's Day weekend spending time with both of our families.  We headed to Cedar Rapids Thursday evening.  Brady had been under the weather running a fever followed by a rash.  So we picked the boys up early from day care and headed to Cedar Rapids later in the day.  Brady slept most of the drive and was on the mend by that evening.  We stopped at the outlet mall on our way to "stretch our legs" :).

On Friday I got to meet this sweet little boy - Brooks Meyer, Kacie's 2 1/2 week old baby.  He was so precious and tiny compared to my 25 lb baby! :)

Brady hang out at Grandma and Grandpa's.  He decided this stool was his...it's just the right size!

On Saturday we headed to a park and mini-zoo in Cedar Rapids.  This was where Jim and his family spend a lot of time when he was a little boy.  It was a gorgeous day!

Grandpa Neil and his shadow (aka Luke) near the goats.

The whole gang

Brady enjoying the sites from his stroller

Jim and Luke on a huge rock at the park

Brady enjoying a nice relaxing Mother's Day breakfast in the Amana Colonies - it was delicious!

On Sunday, after breakfast we headed back to Omaha.  We later went to my parents house to celebrate Mother's Day.  

Brady playing with his high chair.

Where's my food??

Jess, Mom and Luke playing Go Fish!

We took a boat ride for the first time this year.  Luke was so excited!

Adam and Luke goofing around on the boat

Luke got to "drive" the boat

When we got home, Brady had fallen asleep on daddy.  It was a fun and busy weekend!

My boys and I - I'm a blessed mommy :)

Brady walking (Take 2)

This is the video I meant to put up yesterday but posted a different one.  It's pretty similar.  Brady is walking more and more every day!  Grandma Jo and Grandpa Neil - The boys love their football tent, but we use it to block the steps sometimes because Brady loves climbing the steps. :)

Brady is walking!

Take a look at this video of some of Brady's first steps! Future basketball player? :)