Week 2 Growth Photo

"Pretty soon, that bear is going to fit in my hand!"

Another busy week

A second week in the books, and there's no doubt that Rachel is quite the socialite. Early in the week, she received a visit from her Grandma Barbara, Godmother Sarah, and cousins Madelaine, Rebekah, and Leah. A few days later, she snuck a ride up to Cedarburg to meet her Aunt Stacie and cousins Emily, Claire, and Courtney.

On Friday, she got to watch her first Packer game while visiting Mom & Dad's friends Mike, Carol, and Ray Neufeldt - and judging by the result of the game, she'll be invited back to watch the Packers more often!

Saturday night, Aunt Jen made a special trip up to Rachel's "crib" for some quality bonding time. Rachel certainly enjoyed meeting her fellow August 16 birthday club member.

And to cap off the week, Rachel even enjoyed her first brunch this morning at The Knick (one of her Mommy's favorite breakfast restaurants in Milwaukee) with some very fun company - her Aunt Jen, Super Aunt Elaine, and Super Cousin Emily.

Special thanks to Grandma Barbara and Grandma Jeanette for helping Martha, Rachel, and Paul with all sorts of fun projects in the past 2 weeks. We greatly appreciate the help, as our first-time parenting skills have definitely been improving with the wise guidance of Grandmothers who know a thing or two about parenthood.

Look "who" just turned one week old

Who's the boss when it comes to nap time? Me or my favorite teddy bear? The owl on my shirt says, "Rachel, that's who!" (And special thanks to Mom & Dad's dear friend Mike Neufeldt for this VERY nice bear...)

One week in the books, and many more fun weekly growth pics to come!

What a week!

Rachel Mary Handrich, you're officially one week old! You've practiced your sleeping skills in the arms of many adoring fans, including your Great Aunt Mary, your Godfather Jeff, your Great Grandma Marian, and your Grandfather Bill.

And now, we're all getting ready for another action-packed week. What do you have in mind for an encore this week? Inquiring minds will certainly be interested to find out...

There's no love like grandmotherly love...

Rachel LOVES her grandmothers...she may not stay awake long enough to say it in so many words, but the proof is in the sleeping! Grandma Barbara and Grandma Jeanette still have the magic touch.

Homeward bound

After 54 hours at St. Joseph Hospital, the doctors and nurses were happy to send the three of us on our merry way...and all three of us are glad to be home. Here are a few pics from the past few days. More pics to come, as the photo opportunities will be plentiful in the near future!

Day Two!

The debate begins; "Will her eyes stay blue (like Dad's) or will they turn brown (like Mom's)?" Stay tuned to the Handrich Family blog for future updates!

Rachel Mary Handrich

After 39 weeks and six days of anticipation, Rachel Mary Handrich made her grand debut at 2:23 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2009.

Weighing in at 7 pounds and 15 ounces, and measuring 21 inches long, Rachel wasted no time in (vocally) letting us know she was here to stay!

More fun details to follow, as all three of us are resting for the evening after a long but wonderful day.

Introducing Rachel!

Can't keep my eyes off of you!
More to come when your parents have had a bit more sleep. Welcome Rachel Mary Handrich!

Dear Baby H:

Believe it or not, your extended stay in Hotel Utero will soon be coming to an end. (And in case you've been too busy with your early-morning aerobics classes to peek at the calendar, your projected checkout date is still Monday, August 17th.)

And fear not...as soon as you're ready for a change in scenery, your Mom and I PROMISE to provide you with plush accommodations at Hotel Handrich. Thanks in large part to the generosity of our family & friends, we've made sure your room will be fit for a young prince or a princess.

But above all else, just know that we already love you very much, and we can't wait to see you soon!


Love,

Dad

Baby Shower pictures

Baby Shower - Family style!

August 1st was a wonderful day filled with family at the Handrich condo! Many books and gifts were in supply, all in anticipation for Baby H. to arrrive. Good food, great desserts, and generous giving of time! Those in attendance were: Sarah Huie, Jennifer Madiar, Kelly Van Ermen, Christa Van Ermen, Carrie Van Ermen, Layna Van Ermen, Stacie Van Ermen, Aunt Sharon Ryan, Mary Spielbauer, Aunt Kathi Sickel, Aunt Linda Hughes, Barb Earl, Jeanette Handrich, and Barbara Van Ermen. Thank you to Mom H, Mom V, Sarah, and Jennifer for all your hard work and coordination. It really was a wonderful day!