Walk in the Woods
The walk was almost a mile, so we brought Chess's backpack carrier, but she only needed it to go up a few hills. It was funny because she went a little ways up a big hill, then turned around and only wanted to run down.
Trip to Vogel
Unfortunately, we missed the really pretty leaves by a few weeks.
Chess was not as cooperative at taking pictures as she was last year.
I am LOVING this gorgeous, mid-60s, sunny, fall weather. I hope it lasts.
These were taken at 9 days old. The resolution is actually much better than what is shown (as are all my pictures), but our internet connection is too slow to upload them much bigger. I am not the best photographer, but I think these turned out okay.
*Nan-Naw: you do not need to print any of these out; I will make you some copies. :)
I know ladybugs are a popular costume, but there's a reason for that: little girls look so darn adorable dressed up as ladybugs! Here's the proof:
I made Chess's costume all from stuff I already had, except for the tulle to make the tutu.
We had a lot of fun things going on this Halloween season.
Church Fall Festival
I had to throw this belly shot in there - I had Lera the next morning!
Pumpkin Carving
Looking Adorable
Trick-or-Treating
It was only a sprinkle.
The End.
Chess could not wait to meet Lera when we got home from the hospital. She ran right over to the car seat and kept saying, "baby, baby, baby!"
Here she is rocking the baby.
She was super-excited.
Then she started touching her body parts and naming them.
She could not stop smiling and laughing!
getting acquainted
first family photo
Lera gets lots of kisses. Chess also likes to put her cheek up against Lera's cheek - it's really cute.
This is our first morning together (Don't be jealous of my sleepwear). 
Jared had shut our bedroom door so I could rest awhile longer after Chess got up. But Chess came running to our door saying, "Momma, baby, Momma, baby." Of course we let her in to spend some time with us!
This is before I fixed Chess's hair. :)
Lera's kissing back this time!
"Cheek."
Happy Halloween!
Momma and girls - I love being a mom.
Here is our new little bundle:
Lera was born on Sunday, October 25 at 9:42 am. She was 20 3/4 inches, and weighed 9 lbs - a whole pound and a half less than Chess! Yay!
My labor this time was an hour less than it was with Chess: only 3 hours. Jared is looking into how to deliver a baby for our next kid, just in case. :)
I was 8 cm dilated when I got to the hospital, just like I was when I had Chess. I don't think the check-in nurse really believed I was in labor till she checked me because my contractions were only 10 minutes apart and not consistently strong.
The main difference with this delivery is just how fast she came out. It took a total of 10 minutes and 2 contractions right on top of each other to push her out. 
Talk about intense. I mean, it was fast, but it sure did hurt.
I am so happy I didn't have to be induced or have any medicine. It was an incredible experience.
Lera is such a sweet and pretty baby. All the nurses kept saying how beautiful she is.
She is nursing well and has been happy and alert for good periods of time.
The only time she is not happy is when she's having some gas pains. I feel so bad for her because I can tell how bad it hurts. If any of you moms have any tips for this, please let me know.
We got to come home from the hospital after only one night, which was great, because I was missing my Chess SO much.
There is a new rule at the hospital that no children are allowed under 15 years old. It's because of the flu(s) and lasts until March.
Chess was so excited to meet Lera. More pictures of that event to come.
Thankfully, I have been feeling really good (just tired) and am able to move around pretty well.
I am so thankful for our new, healthy family of four.
I found this tutorial here and thought it was so cute. It was really easy, too. It was the last thing I made before Lera was born. Chess isn't so keen on her backpack yet, but I think it will grow on her.
*Baby Lera is here! Stay tuned for a post about her birth. Until then, I had these 18 month pictures of Chess all ready to go!
Chess met lots of new animals. This goat actually bent way down and sniffed Chess's head after I took this picture!
20 lb rabbit
The camel tried to nibble on her fingers.
goats and sheep
I love the expression on her face here.
I had to put in this pic of the adorable calf. Chess kept saying, "Mooo" and all her other animal sounds. 
first time in a jumpy castle - she loved it
She got pretty dirty.
home for the day
1. Cut out the cookies with cookie cutters.
2. After baking, ice the cookies and the table, too.
3. Taste the icing to make sure it's okay.
4. Eat the cookies. Enjoy!
With the fall weather so nice, we spontaneously decided to take Chess on her first camping trip.
When we arrived, all she wanted to do was play in the car.
Then she realized it was more fun to set up the tent, I mean play with the rocks.
She swept up a lot of rocks that day.
on a walk
Whoa! Watch out!
We have often tried to get her to fall asleep in her stroller or this back pack carrier, but have not succeeded until now. No nap plus camping equals one tired girl.
after the walk
She's up and running again.
Good morning! I didn't sleep that great, but she did.
Good morning, Daddy!
with her "monster" (it is actually a pokemon I won in one of those claw machines a long time ago)
morning milk 
morning camp fire
walking all around
hanging out while Daddy packs up everything to go home
We sure did have a lot to clean up and wash after only one night of fun and camping!
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