Marinating in Sickness

Well, we've had one heck of a weekend here at the Hatten house! Dane was diagnosed with RSV on Friday - a bronchial virus that is like a bad cold but for little ones you have to watch for heavy breathing, panting, etc. Dane seems to be on the upswing while Cameron and I are still fighting the illness. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day and I can start to disinfect this house before a little nugget arrives! And...we have a blizzard watch for Tuesday & Wednesday...anyone want to bet that I go into labor on one of those days? :) Likely not, but that would be our luck!

Two Answered Prayers

Wow!! What a week! The good news just keeps pouring in from Leesburg! Andon had his wellness scan this morning and he remains cancer free...AWESOME!! He has been cancer free for just over 2 years and we have no doubt that he will remain cancer free! They have moved his scans to once a year now! So...little miracle Barrett has joined the world and Andon continues to bless everyone he meets! Now if we can get this Hatten baby a movin' and a shakin' we'll be doing REALLY good! :)

More Barrett pictures

It is driving me crazy not to be back in Indiana lovin' on this little munchkin...how cute is he??

Welcome Little Polk!

I feel like we've been waiting for Jeff & Christy's baby to arrive for so long, as silly as that sounds. I think there was much more anticipation surrounding this babe because we didn't know what they were having....until now!!! I am so excited to share that Jeff & Christy had a baby boy this evening. Barrett Eugene Polk entered the world at around 7:39pm central. No other details yet, but Jeff sent a picture and he's adorable!! Congratulations Jeff & Christy...we are so excited for you guys and cannot wait to meet him! Love you guys!

Update: A little peanut...weighing in at 6 lbs and 18 3/4 inches!

Uncomfortable (but not complaining)

Wow...we are one month out from our due date of Feb. 20 and I am soooo ready to have this baby out of my belly and in my arms!! I am truly not complaining but I am soooo uncomfortable! Sitting, laying down, standing up - doesn't matter, it's all uncomfortable at this point. Don't get me wrong...I will gladly take this over the alternative, but I am hoping that I go early with this babe. We will know more on Monday at my doctor's appointment whether or not I am progressing at all - here's hoping & praying for 2-3 cm dilated (I know that is a long shot, but a girl can dream)!!

Dane is blissfully unaware of what is really happening (I think). He will sometimes point to my belly when we ask him where the baby is, but he also points to his own. One of his little playgroup buddies has a new baby sister that is a month old and Dane is very interested in her...so far he has been pretty gentle with her except for wanting to pick her up. He also wants to be very helpful with her - always taking her pacifier or her bottle to her. I think he'll be good with his little brother until his little brother starts playing with his toys, then there might be some issues. I am sure we have lots of craziness ahead when this little nugget arrives!

Andon's Next Scan

Just wanted to let everyone know that Andon's next wellness scan is Tuesday, January 25th. We aren't worried, but as always we ask for prayers for him to continue being cancer free! Thank you!

CHEESE!!

Introducing Chef Dane:

Musical Family

We are a musical family...albeit not very talented, we are musical nonetheless. Even Roscoe gets involved by singing his own tune anytime someone plays the harmonica. Every evening you will likely find Dane and at least Cameron, possibly me too, jamming out in our living room with Dane on the drums and Cameron or I on the Mickey Mouse guitar. You've seen Dane's dancing videos and now you'll see his concert debut...he's just a musical kid. He also now sings "No more monkeys jumping on the bed" with a pointing finger and all.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

And just like that....

...we are back in the looking game again! The wonderful home we found for the dogs in Colorado just fell through. She just called tonight to let us know that she cannot take them. She had valid reasons, but it really stinks to be looking again when we had finally gotten to the point where we were ready to let them go. Anyway...requesting your help with this!! If you know of anyone who might want to adopt 2 amazing dogs - please send them my contact info!! Thank you!

Happy 2011!!

33 weeks:2011 is bringing major changes to our family. Not only are we adding a two legged son in February, we are losing our first and second born four legged kiddos. We are very sad to be giving them up, but we've discussed this for 4 or 5 months now and we just cannot figure out any way around it. It is definitely not a fun decision to make, but for our sake and for theirs - this is a must. They don't get the attention and love they deserve anymore and we feel terribly guilty for neglecting them now...I know it will only get worse with a second child. We are happy to say that we have found them a wonderful home...unfortunately that wonderful home is in Colorado and very far away from us! I was really hoping to have them nearby so we could check in on them from time to time. The lady who is taking them is actually an empty nester - both kids are off at school and she is divorced. I know they will become her life and they will get tons of attention and love from her. She has promised to keep us posted about the boys via email...she said she will send pictures and videos too. And best of all, she had 2 dogs of the same breed as Barley & Roscoe that she lost in the fall so she knows exactly what these dogs are like.

So...I get an 8 hour road trip this week and tons of bonding time with my mom! I spoke with my doctor and he agreed that I could travel until January 8th and since Cameron will be gone this week for work, it seemed like the perfect time to meet our new doggy momma. Don't get me wrong...Cameron is none too thrilled about me driving to Omaha this late in my pregnancy, but my mom has agreed to go with me which makes him feel better. I need someone there to hold my hand as I let these two we love so much go to their new home. I've been weepy again since we've confirmed everything with this lady, but I know I've gotta do it. Our home will be much more peaceful without our crazy dogs. So...here's to Barley & Roscoe - the 2 best dogs anyone could ever ask for. They will be so missed by all of us...Dane's constant "Baryee & Goscoe" will not make it any easier, but we're determined to move forward with this decision for the sake of Dane and the next Hatten installment, but mostly for the sake of Barley and Roscoe - they need more love & attention than we can give them now.