Phototherapy Deux!

Welcome to being parents of two! Emma has strep throat and is staying with Grandma and Grandpa.

Two kids.... two experiences with positive coombs due to ABO incompatibility. Keri's and my blood types don't mix well and both our kids have my blood type. Emma spent significant time in the hospital due to high bilirubin counts and so the doctors have been very proactive with Drew. He has been under the lights for the past couple of days and we are seeing positive results -- thankfully, his counts have been stable. We are glad they are being proactive, but look forward to going home with our little guy!

Chillin in the bili shades!

The isolette keeps him warm and toasty under the phototherapy lights. He has been very content the past couple of days.

"Brew" has reached rock star status.... at least in his big sister's eyes!

(for those curious -- this was before the strep diagnosis...)

Lolly and Papa with their second grandchild

Andrew James Helmick!

Keri, Emma, and I are so excited to welcome Drew to our family!

Andrew James Helmick

7 lbs 10 oz

20 inches

Emma loves her little "Brew!"

What a doctor! Dr. Breniman has been a huge blessing to our family.

The Helmicks!

"This big sister stuff is pretty cool!"

(Maybe not in those exact words, but I think that's what she meant...)

More photos in the days to come! Continue to check us out!

March Madness is here!

All the Helmicks filled out their brackets. Yep, Emma filled out her own bracket this year and the process was quite fun! For each matchup, I picked a crayon that represented the colors of each team. Whichever crayon she picked, that team would advance to the next round. Needless to say, I loved it and Emma's bracket is crazy! She must be an SEC fan at heart because she has Georgia winning it all. Everytime I mentioned their name she responded with.... Worshaaa!

Best of luck in the tournament Worshaaa!

Enjoying the last few nights as the only child!

Being a dad is fantastic! I really love it and can't wait to meet our next child on Thursday; however I'm trying to soak up these last few days in which I don't have to divide my time quite as much.

Homemade Pizza!

The Helmick's love homemade pizza. The other night, we thought it would be fun to have Emma join in on the fun. The pictures look like WE had a blast.... Emma definitely had fun, but I on the other hand was a little stressed out! I didn't realize how difficult making pizza could be when someone is eating the ingredients faster than you can put them on. :)

Daddy - Daughter Pancake Date!

Fellowship had a daddy and daughter pancake party for girls ages 2 - 12. We fudged a bit on the age and it was well worth it. It was so fun! We ate pancakes, participated in the candy walk (a version of a cake walk) and made a valentine's day craft.

snow days

Facts about snow days:

1. We have had over 11 inches in less than a month.... Must be a record for Little Rock!

2. Our daughter loves snowmen and eating snow.

3. Having to make up a snow day is totally worth it!

BFF?!

Some guy is going to be really lucky someday....

Diaper Shower

Keri's sisters held a diaper shower for baby H before Kelli headed off to Thailand. Snow kept many people from coming, but it was a good time for the girls to connect.

Keri and her Mom

Kelli and Keri

The Kitchen!

Keri and I gave E this kitchen for Christmas. Our friends, the Walchshausers, gave us the kitchen and I repainted it. She absolutely loves it! Have I told you that she makes great chocolate chip cookies. :)

here and there.....

She is beginning to really enjoy books! Yeah!
Papa hanging out with Lil' E.

Wicked came to Little Rock! It was a fantastic evening.

Oh, the joys of being a dad!

Two Rivers Park - Gretchen Davis Photography

Two Rivers Park was the site for this years family Christmas photo that we sent out to our friends and family. If you didn't get one, let us know and we will add you to the list for next year! We absolutely love the work that Gretchen has done for us. Oh, and these photos were taken 5 days after Steven got his galbladder taken out! That's another story for another day.