Christmas Photos

Christmas 2007 has come and gone. It was Juliana's first Christmas, one that we won't forget. It was Blake's first time showing surprise when opening presents. To hear him say "Ohh wow" -- we didn't teach him those words, they just came out that way. Josh got the only thing he asked for - a video game - and more, like a skateboard. I tried to fool him with a raggedy old Joe Cool skateboard, and then in the true Christmas Story/Red Rider rifle-style, I showed him where his new skateboard was hiding behind the couch. Andrea and I surprised each other with a GPS, I guess we won't get lost now? Andrea made some delicious Christmas cookies for our neighbors. Josh and I chopped the tallish evergreen tree in the front yard to resemble a Christmas tree, and we had plenty of time at home to enjoy it all. With our Christmas Angel joining our family and many smiles and surprises, we had a wonderful Christmas at home. We definitely have been blessed this year and look forward to an even better year in 2008!

To all who have been patiently waiting, click to see our Christmas photos

- some of the highlights...

Christmas Crossword Answers

Introducing... Juliana

IT'S A GIRL!!!

This week was momentous for the Conte family. On Tuesday, December 11th, 2007, at 9:19pm, Juliana Brennetta Conte was born. She came into this world weighing 7 lbs. 9 oz. and measuring 18 1/2 inches. She took her sweet ol' time coming out, though - maybe she was busy primping. Labor was 8 hours, but right around the final hour I called her downstairs saying, "Come on out, Juliana. It's your birthday".

Andrea did a knockout job with the delivery and none of us expected our day to turn out this way. We went to Andrea's regular checkup appointment and ended up convincing the doctor to admit her for labor that very day. Luckily we had already brought our luggage. We checked in around 1:30 thinking the baby would take 15 minutes to come out after the doctor broke her water. Well, let's just say every baby is different and Andrea is amazing! I'll let Andrea add her own thoughts here.

Finally, the Conte boys figured out how to break the streak of having only boys (perhaps another streak has begun...?). Having a girl will be fun, as I have been observing how other daddies treat their little girls. She has cute little brown eyes and dark hair. She makes little squeaky noises to tell you how cute she is. She will always be our little Christmas Angel.

Conte Family Christmas Crossword 2007

* Answers from our Christmas 2007 Family Newsletter Crossword will be posted shortly

my first post

Oh look, I'm writing the first post for our blog. I'm not really sure what I want to say though.
Right now I am sitting at my parents house and am really happy to be here, last week I was told we would not be able to come up this way for Thanksgiving but then I took my mom to the Dr with me this week and she along with a reassuring test convinced them that it would be okay for us to come. So long story short we are here and are looking forward to eating lots of pie tomorrow. The trip up here was pretty exhausting though. There was rain all the way and lots of police trying to give out early holiday presents. So the drive took much longer than normal. But we did not have a screaming Blake in the back seat to make us crazy. Mom had brought the boys home with her last night so that we could go ask house questions today. Such fun. It is sort of overwhelming making all the decisions for a new house but is very exciting. Ask me after we meet with the design people and have to pick paint and brick and siding and all that fun stuff.
As far as the pregnancy goes I am more than ready to be done, we have only 1 and 1/2 weeks till we are in the safe zone, so unreal. hopefully she will come earlier rather than later. I am getting anxious but still don't have much in the way of clothing for her, its hard to do while I'm on bed rest. Okay everyone have a great Thanksgiving and we'll be looking forward to hearing from you all soon.
Love, Andrea, Joel, Josh and Blake