Baby Hughes Has Arrived!

Corwin Cade Hughes was born on Thursday, Oct. 14 at 11 p.m. at a healthy 7 lbs. 13 oz. and 21 inches! Lindsay checked into the hospital on Tuesday night, and I was right by her side as much as I could be. Corwin appears to have a stubbon streak in him because, after 55 hours of labor, he was just too cozy in there to want to come out and meet us. Lindsay was a rock star. Through all the torture (and it really was!) she kept a smile on her face.

Anxiously awaiting the arrival of baby Hughes!

A picture with the new dad right after Corwin was born.

Unfortunately, Corwin had to be admitted to the NICU for some breathing problems -- nothing serious, but he needed oxygen treatment. He was just discharged today after 3.5 days in the hospital. Mommy and baby are home and doing great!

Holding Corwin for the first time!

Ready to go home!

I'm so excited to welcome baby Corwin into our "family." He's an absolute doll and he already has his "Aunt" Dana wrapped around his little finger. :)

5th Anniversary

We celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary last Friday. Wow. I can't believe it's been five years already! How time flies. We were fortunate that our anniversary fell on a Friday this year, so we were able to make a night of it. We enjoyed a really nice dinner at Fleming's Steakhouse (we hadn't been there before). I think we spent almost 2 hours at dinner, just enjoying our meal and talking. Yes, after five years of marriage and 10 years together we still have things to talk about! :)

After dinner we went home to celebrate with Chase. Ha! I know, I know -- we're ridiculous. What can I say, he's another member of our small family, and as such, he deserves to join in on the celebrations, too.

Awww... five years later and we still like to hug. :)

Our happy lil' family.

Time to open gifts! Chase likes to help.

Cheers!! ;)

On Saturday night, Kirk and Laura treated us to dinner at Friendly's Tavern in Zionsville, one of our favorite mom-and-pop dives. All in all, we had a really great anniversary.

Thank you to everyone who sent cards, called, and sent us messages!

Brief Updates

It's been pretty quiet around the Stelsel household lately. Not much to report. I continue to kick butt in fantasy football, although I did lose my first game last weekend, which dropped me to second place. But I'm still holding steady with the most points, which could play in my favor come time for playoffs.

David is continuing his study routine, although his schedule right now is less severe than it is in the spring. He'll hit the books hard come January/February.

Work is good. I recently took a trip to D.C. (my first business trip since I started working here). It was a successful trip. The best part was I got to see my friend Jeff (formerly of IFSA, otherwise known as "that place that shall not be named"). We had lunch at the Capitol and got to catch up for a bit.

Me and my boss at the Capitol

Did I mention I started a book club? I started the Finer Things Book Club back in May after I finished school. I decided I needed something to occupy my time. You know I love to read, and I've always wanted to be in a book club, so I just started my own. We are 10 members strong. We meet once a month to talk about the book we picked (among other classy topics), eat, and drink (of course). It's a great way for me to get out of the house and have some girl time. And it gets me reading books I normally wouldn't pick up. I'm really enjoying it. This month we're reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Haven't started it yet because I'm finishing up another book, but I can't wait. I've heard great things about it. Have you read it? What did you think?

In other news, we are patiently awaiting the arrival of our best friends' son! Lindsay is at the hospital in labor as I type this. I went to visit her and Russell last night shortly after they checked in. They are doing well, but ready to get the show on the road. I'm hoping to meet their new baby tonight. Hopefully he will make an appearance today. :) I'll keep you posted (with pictures of course)....