More pictures!

A wonderful photographer came to the NICU to take pictures of our family. She had a little one in the NICU in the past and this is how she gives back in appreciation for the awesome care her child received. We are so grateful to have the pictures...here is a glimpse of a few of the many pictures that were taken...

Welcome Baby Olivier!!!!

Well, it has been a while since I posted on my blog but life in the Peterson Household has been a little bit busy. On January 14th, our newest addition was born, Olivier. He came very unexpectedly 6 weeks earlier than planned. What started as an overnight stay to "observe" me and redo an ultrasound, turned into an emergency c-section when Olivier decided to not cooperate on the ultrasound. It was all a blur, but thankfully I was blessed with a very competent physician and a calm husband. I think the anesthesiologist wondered why we were both so calm in the midst of the chaos, but, we knew and trusted that God had us in his hands. Thankfully, everything in the c-section, while fast, went very well.
Olivier wasn't quite ready for the world so he spent the next 10 days in the NICU, growing, eating and figuring out the breathing thing. I spent most days at the hospital with him, which made for some lonely siblings. Claire, Charlie and Greta were all so excited to meet him and because of the strict rules in the NICU, were not able to hold him until he came home on January 24th. They had several opportunities to see him through the window but nothing compared to the first time they were able to hold him.
Olivier is a very special, wonderful baby who has blessed our family. He is good natured and sweet; everyone adores him. Welcome to our family Olivier, we love you!

A fall field trip for Greta

Greta was so excited to go to the pumpkin patch with her preschool class. She was able to find her way through the corn maze, ride on a "train", and pick pumpkins. She had a blast and dad loved the mud (not really).

More fall fun :)

The kids always look forward to trick or treating. Greta had so much fun watching the other costumes and handing out candy, while Charlie enjoyed chatting with the talking pumpkin in the neighborhood. Claire had fun being with her friends and trick or treating in numerous costumes during the evening.

Happy Birthday Charlie!!!

It was another fabulous birthday for Charlie. We spent our Saturday bowling with his friends and Sunday celebrating with our family. Happy 6th birthday Charlie, we love you!

My little hockey players

Well, as many of you didn't know, Brett is a former hockey player. I know, I had no idea! So, this year, he decided to sign Charlie and Greta up for hockey along with volunteering to coach. Who is this man, my husband? I was honestly a little surprised since he always said that our kids would never play hockey. I guess hockey got the better of him! Charlie is a natural on skates, he wowed the coaches on the ice. Greta kept pace with her big brother, she did not fall once. She was so determined that when the coaches did offer her help, she refused. She wanted to do it all by herself. Charlie and Greta both loved their first morning on the ice. I see many hockey games in my future!

Another group of students making me proud!

I had my 4th group of students graduate last week from the nursing program. This group was truly unique,in the fact that they all had such strong inner motivation. I have never met a group of students who all wanted A's and all had the ability to achieve straight A's. I also had the privilage of teaching the daughters of 2 of my dear friends; what an honor! Again, I am a beaming, proud instructor!!!

1st Day of Preschool

Greta was so excited for her first day of preschool in the "big kid" room. She graduated from the 3 year old room to the 4-5 year old room. Greta loves school; she loves to help her teachers and play with her friends. It is hard to believe she has grown up so fast!

A day at the Zoo (no, not our house :)

We enjoyed a beautiful day at Como Zoo during one of the last weekends of summer. Mom was a little under the weather (you know,pregnancy stuff), but managed to survive the day! The kids favorite part of the day was the butterfly tent where we were surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of beautiful butterflies. What an amazing part of God's creation and such a unique way to experience it!

First Day of School

The children have started another exciting year of school. Claire has entered the big league and moved to the "big kid" side of the school with the bigtime lockers (and more homework). Charlie started kindergarten this year and excited he was!
Greta was quick to introduce Charlie to his classmates and Charlie was quick to comfort mom when she became a little emotional during the first day. Greta was very upset that she didn't get to stay at kindergarten but her time will come soon enough!

Happy 4th Birthday Greta

Happy birthday Greta! What can I say about our dear Greta. She is our independent, spirited daughter who has a comment for everything. We love you! Our world would be very boring without Greta in our family!!