In January, Bennie and I traveled to Arizona to visit my brother, Andy, and his girlfriend, Maggie, at their home near Phoenix. It was a perfect way to start the year! We had a great time enjoying the unseasonably warm weather (near 80 degrees)! It was a gift to be able to sit outside on the patio in January! Many of you know that dirt bike racing is one of Bennie's favorite things...so we were also able to spend an evening watching a Supercross race. As much as I tease Bennie for loving this sport, I have come to truly enjoy the races. It is a unique counter-culture...with extremely talented racers and dedicated fans. I am proud that I officially know the difference between a "whoops section" and a "rhythm section", the difference between Yamaha, Honda, and KTM, and can name the best riders. :)
In February, we found out that we were expecting a little babe to join our family on 10.10.11. We were absolutely thrilled! Bennie thought it was especially exciting as the due date was his birthday!
I think Bennie went on a few snowmobiling trips in February...but I can't be sure as I slept every minute that I wasn't at work. Whew! I was tired!
March and April were the same as February... I slept and have no idea what Bennie was up to!
We were both extremely excited to start the month of May. I was so happy to have most of my energy back and Bennie was happy to have his wife wake up from her hibernation. I hosted my annual Kentucky Derby Party and the crowd enjoyed the race as well as a few Mint Juleps!
Here is part of the group, post race, enjoying the beautiful spring day!
Derby Hats and Snuggies!
June and July were busy! We traveled to my parent's lake property a few times and spent our days relaxing, fishing, swimming, and reading. It was great to spend time with my brothers, parents, Misty, Maggie, and, of course, Bentley (Andy and Maggie's puppy).
Our favorite view of the lake...
I decided to participate in Rochester's Thursday's on First summer market again this year. I frantically made tutus, baby items, aprons, and flower hair accessories throughout June and July. The market is such fun event and I always enjoy the people watching!
July was busy for Bennie as well! He spent one weekend in Millville at the outdoor Pro Motorcross race. During this race, my favorite rider, Chad Reed, had a terrible crash...watch this video to see the crash. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC4f9TCg4zw
Bennie also participated in the Warrior Dash with his brother Beau, sister Jessica, Jessica's husband Josh, and our friend Bob. The Warrior Dash is a 5K with obstacles ranging from running up and down hills, climbing ropes, jumping over fire...
and crawling through a mud pit.
Looks fun, huh!
One of my favorite August events is the Italian holiday of Ferragosto! My friend Danette organizes a weekend full of activities that usually takes place on or near the 15th of August. This past year, we celebrated from August 12-14. My friends Koni and Dana Grimsrud (Danette's brother) and their children also joined in the festivities. We spent the weekend at the Grimsrud's cabin relaxing, reading, and eating. It was a great weekend...and at the time, I had no idea that it would be my last weekend away for the summer!
On Tuesday, August 16th, my water broke and Bennie rushed me to Olmsted Medical Center. Since I was only 32 weeks pregnant, We were both very shaken and worried. OMC only deals with patients who are at 34 weeks or beyond within their labor and delivery department so I was loaded into an ambulance and rode across town to Mayo's Methodist hospital. Bennie was so sweet to capture the ride on film...
I'd never been in an ambulance and it was actually a nice way to travel! Ha!
I spent the next 10 days on bed rest....
I was able to go on a wheelchair ride once per day.
Until our beautiful little boy decided to make an appearance!
This was the first time I was allowed to hold Reed, two hours after he was born.
Reed Lars Peterson was born on August 26, 2011 at 5:24am. He weighed 5lbs 1oz and was 18 inches long. Since he was so early, we spent the next 30 days in the Intermediate Special Care Nursery and waited for Reed to learn how to eat independently. It was certainly a surprise entrance into parenthood...but we are so thankful that Reed was healthy, strong, and a fighter while he was at Methodist.
Here is Reed at 4 days old...
We were able to go home as a family of three at the end of September and have been adjusting to life with Reed ever since! Everyday, He shows us the beauty of parenthood and fills our hearts with so much love. It is so fun to watch him grow, develop a personality, and we especially love it when he decides to sleep a few hours at night!
October, November, and December have flown by...
I went back to work part time in November. Ugh. However, Reed is lucky to spend his mornings with Daddy and then a few hours with our friend, Mary. The process of returning to work was made easier by knowing that Reed was being loved and cared for by Mary. She is such a wonderful woman and has been a true blessing to our family!
Mary and Reed when Mary hosted a Christmas party at her home...
As we embark on the holiday weekend, we are so thankful for our friends and family! Your love and support has been a huge blessing throughout this year. We are looking forward to the busy, fun times that the holiday will bring as well as the quiet moments as we reflect upon the true reason for the season. AND...maybe Reed will give us the best Christmas gift we could imagine...one night of uninterrupted sleep! :)
What?!?!
Wishing you a blessed and happy Christmas holiday and a wonderful 2012!
Love,
Sarah, Bennie, & Reed
PS...Please check back often for more pictures and updates!
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