O - H

I - O!

Molly watched her first Buckeye game with Daddy last night. We did make sure she was far enough away so when Daddy jumped up, fists shaking, or arms flailing, she was in the clear!

Home

If someone asks where your home is, many of us would tell our address or describe the town in which we currently reside. Since Mike and I are 'transplants' to Columbus, we always feel the need to make a disclaimer about home; where we currently live and where we came from.

Since being blessed with Molly and seeing the infinite love that surrounds her, I realized that there is another home that I didn't think of before becoming a mother. That home is in the comfort we feel with those that truly, unconditionally love us. It doesn't matter if we're with them in a physical residence, on the phone, or via the Internet, just having those people who love and care so deeply provides more protection and security than any house you could build.

I must say that Molly, Mike, Alec, and I have one amazing home, and I'm not referring to our house. In the pictures below, you will see Molly with those people who give her the greatest home but don't necessarily live in our house at all times.

Kisses from Grandpa Jack

Mommy's hero; Grandma Rita

Grandma Pat making the trip even though she was sick!

Snuggles from Grandpa Bob

Proud big brother Alec

Good Golly Miss Molly!!!

Molly Katherine Wendel was born 12.31.08 at 12:24pm. She weighed 8lbs, 8 oz and she was 21" long. Both Mom and baby are doing well, resting comfortably as I type this at 11:58pm. We are scheduled to come home Friday, the 2nd around Noon. More details to follow along with more pics! Mike

Waiting.....

In April, when we learned that we were expecting we were overjoyed that a little baby was growing inside me. I remember counting the days until I felt that first flutter of life, until the normal clothing no longer fit, until Daddy and big brother could feel the kicks and pokes.

Now, with less than a week to go the awe has floated away only to be replaced with the desire to have feeling back in my hands, to be able to wear my own shoes (not just Mike's slippers), and to hold this, now large, bundle of joy. Not to mention, the need to win the bet between Mike and I pertaining to the gender of Baby Wendel. If I win and Baby Wendel is a boy, our first dinner out will be at Red Lobster but if Mike wins and we have a girl, our first dinner will be at Hoggy's.

Please enjoy the following pictures of my enormity; or as Alec said to one of his friends today; "Have you seen Mary's belly? Its HUGE!" It is important to note that Alec knew I was in the room during this conversation....I think his Dad has some teaching to do before Alec enters the world of girls! We look forward to introducing you to Baby Wendel and will be updating the blog as soon as possible from the hospital.

Wendel for 2

Alec's (Red #1) basketball team, the Hilliard Buckeyes, played their first game this morning. At halftime Alec's team was down by more than 10 points and there didn't seem to be a glimmer of hope. But, that must've been some pep talk by the coach, because in the 3rd quarter, the Buckeyes tied it up! Alec contributed with 4 points, which is amazing because last year he scored a total of 2 points the ENTIRE season and that was at the last game. The Buckeyes ended up losing by a basket, but they certainly played their hearts out!

The Outdoorsmen

Mike and Alec have taken up a new outdoor hobby this fall/winter; bow hunting for deer. Although Alec owns a bow, he hasn't taken the hunter safety course so he can go out with Dad but can't take his bow to hunt.

To fully understand how dedicated these boys are to their new hobby, you need to know about a typical hunting day. The boys awake around 5:00am and shower with special no-scent soap and apply no-scent deodorant (who knew!). They get on the road by 5:30 to drive to Bellefontaine. Once they arrive, up in a tree they clamber to sit in the freezing cold for hours on end. Around lunchtime, they usually take a break to get the feeling back in their toes and fingers just to go back out again until dark. At this point, you're probably wondering what have they shot? Well, their perseverance is to be admired, as they have yet to get a deer.

As you know, Mike's passion is fishing. He enjoys all kinds; fly, deep sea, you name it! On his annual trip to New York for the Salmon Run, he can stand in the river from sun up to sun down. When he returns home from this trip, his fingers are sliced and calloused but he wouldn't trade it for anything. Please enjoy some of Mike's prized catches.

Santa visits early!

As I said in an earlier post, Mike LOVES to get dressed up. Our friend, Denae learned of Mike's eagerness for costumes at Halloween this year and decided to use this to her benefit. Denae's twin group had breakfast with Santa this morning and you'll never guess who volunteered to don the jolly red suit and white wig! Please enjoy the pictures of both "suburban Santa" and "ghetto Santa"

On a baby note, I'm officially off bed rest (not that I was very good at it anyway)! The baby is estimated to weigh 6 pounds and is head down ready to meet the world. The doctors will continue to monitor my blood pressure at my weekly appointments, but I'm sure with all the prayers of our family and friends we'll get through the end of this pregnancy without a hitch!