A different "three" in front of the tree

We welcome Zachary -- just in time for final Christmas preparations and merry-making.

Making Christmas cheer

Caleigh helped Grandma make a pretty Christmas ornament for our front light pole. Caleigh took great pride in picking out just the right pine cones to hand Grandma. It was nice and cold outside so her little cheeks and nose were a nice pink when they returned inside. She also liked showing off her 'bear' hat to the world. ;-)

First dinner out

Again, we went out to dinner with Grandma soon after a child was born to us. It's so easy at this young age, though, since both times the newborn slept through the whole meal! We enjoyed getting out with Caleigh (and Grandma, too of course).

This little kid went out of the house and for a ride each of the seven days after leaving the hospital!

So happy together!

Caleigh is a very good big sister.

And there is even proof that Zach is happy -- look at those smiles!

...and proof that we walked with a Pennsylvania Hospital t-shirt ;->

We haven't lost...

our sense of humor!

Our family of four

Home!

Welcome to the Schantz home, Zachary Addison Creed Schantz. You are warm, safe, loved and part of a happy family here. And we're all the more happy with the addition of a son and brother.

Leaving the hospital on Sunday 12/9/07

Lori had a blast dressing Zachary up to go home. The clothes were a touch big, but he didn't seem to mind (or wake up ;-) We are sure he'll grow into them soon! And the nice nurse took our picture before we loaded into the car for the ride home. It was nice to be reunited with Caleigh at home, and be greeted by supportive family (and a yummy lunch!).

What a joy and blessing to have two healthy, wonderful children. We are amazed at the gifts God has given us, and rejoice at the responsibility to raise these kids. Your prayers and encouragement are greatly appreciated.

Hat and hugs

Oma made this 'Tibetan' styled hat for Zach, which he wore proudly to many compliments. And here is Caleigh giving love & hugs to Zach.

Grandmas meeting Zachary

Gleeful, glowing, and glad Grandmas. ;-)

More Zach Pictures & the Birth Story

Lori had her weekly doctor’s appointment Thursday morning, and made an appointment to induce labor Thursday 12/13 if necessary. Just like Caleigh, Zach decided to make his appearance the day we scheduled induction.All afternoon Lori felt “loose,” and told me when I got home that afternoon that she thought something was happening. She felt mild tightness through the evening (is it False labor? Real labor?), but the contractions became more regular and it became clear that this was the real deal.

Around 11:30 PM we called in the help to watch Caleigh while we were out, and headed to the hospital around 12:30 AM.

The labor and delivery went relatively well (with one glitch that we’ll share with you one day…) and Zachary arrived safe and sound.

From the beginning Zach loves to be held (though he didn’t like the camera flash so much).

He was active, alert, and chubby-cheeked from the beginning, and was happy to hold on to mama’s hand. Here he’s a few minutes old, and his hands hadn’t reached the normal skin color. (That’s medicine in his eyes, by the way, not tears.)

The nursing staff was helpful as always, and took our first picture of Zach and his parents:

Friday afternoon we brought Caleigh out to meet the baby. We’ve made it a point to introduce her to as many babies as possible over the last few months, and she’s a great 21 month-old sister. She likes to see the baby, and hopes to (under Extreme Parental Supervision) hold the baby. She also asks us now and then to uncover his toes, so she can touch them.

It's so exciting to meet our new little fellow -- an awesome privilege and responsibility.

Last Photo

This is the last picture we took while there were just three of us to photograph. At this point Lori was already feeling the very beginning of the labor process!








And Caleigh was just beginning to grasp what exactly was going on:

Lori: Soon Mama will hold the baby, Daddy will hold the baby, and Caleigh will be very gentle with the baby.

Caleigh (with awe and a shocked look): Baby come out of mama?!?

About fourteen hours after this picture, we met our son!

Zachary Schantz

We’re excited to announce the birth of our son, Zachary Addison Creed Schantz (Zach). He was born Friday December 7, 2007 at 9:36 AM, weighing 8 lbs 9.5 oz and measuring 20.5 inches.

Zach looks great, is doing fine in all of his tests, is eating well, and loves to be held.

Please join us in giving thanks for the newest member of our family!

More pics from Thanksgiving

Here are some pictures pre-Thanksgiving meal. We managed to not get a picture of our neighbor, Rhonda...maybe I'll just get a candid from across the fence when she is outside! ;-)

It looks like Caleigh was already enjoying some food in these pictures! And here I am at 38 weeks! [We're now closing in on 40 weeks and hoping this baby is healthy, strong, and arrives soon! ;-]

First haircut (12/1/07)

We decided (with the help of both grandmas ;-) that Caleigh's hair was getting too long and needed to be trimmed. Since she won't allow hair bows to stay in her hair longer than 20 seconds, the first haircut was scheduled at a Kids Cuts place near us. Caleigh did great! She enjoyed the spray of water on her head, the lady brushing her hair, looking at herself in the mirror and having the drape across her front. No tears!

Here she is (1) shaggy pre-cut stage, (2) during and (3) after. After the cut, she sat proudly on the little frog for her picture. You may not see a big change in her hair...pretty much the ends were trimmed and the long top hairs were cut so they wouldn't fall across/in her eyes.