Marcella's Monday

Arriving in your mailbox soon!

Marcella's birth announcements arrived today! They were designed by photographer Cheri Parr. Cheri is located in Salina, and first photographed our family at Grandpa Terry's 60th Birthday party in September 2009. Cheri took Marci's picture at two weeks of age; oh, how she has already changed so much! We adore Cheri and her creative eye for taking pictures. The patience she displayed while photographing Marcella speaks loudly on her love for photography. The photo shoot itself was a hoot! I'll spare you the details, but will mention that J.D. and I both went through two outfits while taking the naked baby pictures. We are still trying to decide who was more exhausted at its conclusion, Marci or her parents. We are looking forward to many more great pictures of "our little cherub" (as Cheri says) from Cheri; thank you Cheri!

Marcella's Monday

A gift from Grandma & Grandpa Burger; it even has her name embroidered on it!

Bleeding Purple

82 Years Later

Yesterday, we joined Marcella's Great Grandpa Burger for lunch. Grandpa Burger is 82 years of age and resides at EagleCrest, which is an assisted living facility located in Salina. Marcella is his second great grandchild, but I am calling her his first. Everyone stopped to admire his lunch show and tell; he was so proud. While ordering J.D. to stand up and slowly turn around he'd shout, "Hey, everyone! This here is my great granddaughter, Marcella! Look at her hair." J.D. and I could tell it had been a while since many of the residents had seen a baby that small. After lunch we returned to his room and this time he was brave enough to hold her. His comment to me was, "She's heavy!" Possibly, this explains the non-stop eating spree she went on this past Monday-Wednesday.

An Irish Journey Blessing

In May of 2002, I had the opportunity to travel the beautiful countryside of Ireland. There are very few things a person can do in their life to learn about their own strengths and weaknesses and traveling solo is one of them. Ireland was by far one of my most memorable countries and someday I know I will return! It was on this trip that I purchased a blessing card at the St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin. I have carried it in my wallet ever since. Irish Journey Blessing: May the road rise up to meet you, the wind be always at your back and may God keep you in the palm of his hand until we meet again. One other fun fact provided by my card is this. Did you know St. Patrick introduced the shamrock to Ireland in 433AD?

Marcella celebrated her very first St. Patrick's Day by sporting the super cute green and white Polo from Uncle Josh. Talk about ADORABLE!!!

Goal Achieved: 4A State Basketball

This past weekend, J.D. officiated his very first high school state basketball game! Fortunately, he was selected for the 4A tournament that is held in Salina. He officiated the boys semi-final on Friday night and the girl's 3rd/4th place game on Saturday. Marci and I spent Friday evening and all day Saturday at the Bi-Center cheering him on. We were so proud! And, to top it off our good friend, John Stous, was also selected as a 4A state official. John's wife, Jenny, and their darling little girl, Lilly, joined Marci and I in the stands. What a great weekend! Great Job, J.D. and John! Looking forward to next year. :-)

The Love of a Grandparent

It is not an uncommon statement for us to be told our little girl looks like her Grandpa Burger.
In fact, this was one of the very first comments Marcella's doctor as well as my OBGYN shared with us after her birth. Since her birth we continually hear, "She looks like Terry!" Possibly, it's her flat "Burger" nose or her cute round cheeks, but whether she truly resembles her Grandpa or not his buttons aren't bursting they have popped off with pride! As a child I had the privilege of growing up with my Grandma and Grandpa Burger just down the lane. The positive impact they made on my life as well as my siblings is simply unmeasurable. In fact, by J.D.'s choice Marcella was named after her Great Grandma Evelyn Marcella. Although he never met my Grandma Burger he knew Marcella was the right name for our baby girl. We actually had two girl names selected, but shortly after seeing our little miracle J.D. said, "We have to name her Marcella. She looks just like you(referring to me)!" It is our hope that Marcella has inherited the great fire and personality that made my grandma the lady that she was. As crazy as this sounds there have already been several moments when I look at her and think...oh my sweet little Marci you do have her in you after all.

One month and growing...

Shortly after Daddy G's last post we made our first road trip to Sabetha to see J.D.'s family and also celebrate Randy's 60th Birthday. Our 2.5 hour one way road trip was a success! Marcella slept the entire way there and most all of the way home. We were even able to stop in Frankfort to see the Wanklyn's and Manhattan for a little shopping on our way home. It wasn't until we left Manhattan that our good luck started running out (oh, we should have known). Marci had one of her first complete melt downs while I quickly dashed into Panera to order two sandwiches. By the time I returned to the car I found J.D. in the backseat changing Marci's diaper while frantically searching for a bottle. Little did he know I had not prepared a bottle as I hadn't anticipated our little shopping stop in Manhattan. So...into the backseat I went to feed and after another blowout we learned the diaper J.D. had used was our last. That's right folks; we were out of diapers. Luckily Target was across the way and they sell diapers! The inside of our car looked as though a tornado had hit it, but we made it home safely and all was well. The lesson we learned is this: One must never leave the house without extra diapers in the trunk!

Marcella hit her 4 week mark while we were in Sabetha.

Here is a picture of our baby girl at one month; it's so hard to believe that one month as already come and gone. Marci is getting so long! Possibly praying that that off gene of height worked?

This is a picture of our family at Randy's 60th birthday party dinner in Fairview. Marcella is being held by J.D.'s Aunt, Bonnie Garber.