I'm a Mom!

It's still hard to believe that this precious miracle is mine (and Dustin's)! I think this picture was taken when he was about three weeks old.
By the way, the next photo in the blog was taken on November 16, which I left out of the caption, accidentally. 

DIMPLES!

Brode is a month old today! He is a great little boy and has very cute dimples (and clothes)! 

Visits from Grandma & Grandpa ...

My parents came October 30, the day Brode turned two weeks old (and went to his first doctor's appointment). They stayed for five days and helped so much with taking care of Brode. Dad was a little restless in the house, so he raked our yard and fixed things at Dustin's mom's house next door. It was great to have them here. 

And Aunt Betsy!

My sister visited November 15-20. She flew into Duluth and we picked her up. She said she had not relaxed that much in 8 years (since her first son was born). I loved having her here to talk and visit and of course, watch Brode. 

Dustin Arrows a Buck

Shot Friday, November 3, with an arrow on our property, around 4:30 p.m. I left Brode in the house with my mom and helped track the deer, but by the time Tony & I got there, Dustin and his dad had already found him and gutted him. We wrapped Brode up in camo (including his own little hat) and took him out for his first photo posed with a deer (he wasn't too happy about it)! 

And One with a Gun

Sunday, November 19 - 2nd day of Deer Gun Season. 8 point buck shot around 10 a.m. This was a feisty deer, as it took more than two clips (10 shells) and three people (Dustin, his dad and our brother-in-law Tony) to get him down. 

Gold, brown, green, red ...

Showing the true colors of fall, this view of the marsh was captured about October 10th. 

And a few days later - SNOW!

October 12 we awoke to this, the powdered sugar coated marsh. 

Autumn in the Northwoods

The view from our porch, overlooking the marsh - what amazing colors! 

End of 38 weeks

Saturday, October 14th
I didn't know it then, but this was to be the last of the "pregnancy progress" shots taken because look what happened the next night ... 

Welcome to the World, Brode!

Here I am - my first photo after birth. October 16, 2006, 6:01 a.m. I am a healthy 6 lb. 6 oz. baby boy, officially named Broderic Mackay Beckwith. 

Meeting my Mommy

He looks sad but for me, it was one of the best moments of my life! 

And my Daddy

He's already so proud - what a wonderful father he will be! 

NOW we're really a family!

and baby makes three - what a miracle! 

Grandpa Bill

The end of the first day brings a visit from Dustin's dad. 

Grandma Karen

Day two in the hospital brings a visit from Dustin's stepmom. 

I'm almost home!

Just waiting for our discharge from the hospital - look how big his outfit is! 

My favorite thing to do is...

... sleep ... thank goodness! 

Too cute for words!

I love this photo! 

The little trickster!

Although it appears so, Brode did not really enjoy the bath that proceeded his being wrapped in this fuzzy towel! 

What stuff really matters!

At the end of a long day, this is what really matters! 

Isn't that cute?

I probably said those words a hundred times in a few hours during my baby shower (I figured if I said it once, I had to keep it up so everyone would feel equal). Honestly, we received lots of great gifts and baby essentials and are very blessed to have friends and family to "shower" us with stuff ... and love. 

It's a Baby Shower!

Sunday, September 24, was my baby shower. Two great friends hosted a wonderful party attended by family and friends. The decorations, games, and food were great and we had a lot of fun. 

Lovejoy Lake

Bill asked for a view from our "front yard" so here it is. I'm not sure this photo does it any justice, but I have just taken one with the leaves changing colors, so I'll post that later. It is an incredibly peaceful location, as it is a "quiet" lake, with no public access. The best way to navigate this lake is by canoe! 

The (other) Beckwith's

Dustin's dad Bill and his wife Karen on Bill's birthday, August 7, 2006. We enjoyed many pontoon rides to see the sunset with them this summer. This will remain as one of our favorite things to do in the wonderful, but short, summer season here in the Northwoods.