The Thirty

First of all, happy birthday to my gorgeous wife Carrie. Elsa and I promise to make your 31st year on this Earth as much fun (if not funner) than your first 30.

What follows are thirty of my favorite things, memories, and/or thoughts about my favorite person - plus pictures to illustrate them. These are in no particular order although they may be slightly from past to present. I apologize ahead of time for any pictures of me that were accidentally included.

1. That time she agreed to be some dorks date to a wedding she was already going to.

2. Her love of the Cubs (they're finally good again!)

3. Her sneaky competitiveness

4. Her ability to totally rock ugly Christmas clothes.

5. Her fearlessness (and singing voice?)

6. ILL

7. Watching her graduate from Lewis after she worked her butt off to get there.

8. Her love of Bon Jovi (maybe it's even rubbing off a little bit)

9. She's always loved children

10. Being willing to buy our first house without me even seeing it

11. Her artistic abilities (sorry everyone else, but we all know hers is the best)

12. Her amazing ability to plan (who else would have had little miniature fans all ready to go?)

13. Her love of family

14. How good she looks in a lieu and with a mai tai in her hand

15. Her love of travel (and ability to put up with me while doing so)

16. She sure cleans up nice (I could have endless photos here)

17. She's funny

18. Her patience and understanding

19. Being the absolute best tour guide

20. Her willingness to visit new places and try new things

21. Is never judgmental

22. The day we discovered we were expecting (and then all the resulting fun)

23. This miracle

24. She's an absolutely amazing mother

25. She teaches our daughter all the most important things

26. She plans the best things for our little family to do

27. She's always there for us when we're a little nervous or scared

28. She gives the best kisses

29. She truly is our queen

30. We have so much fun ahead of us...

Elsa and I love you so much Carrie. Happy Birthday!!!

Welcome to the World Baby Grier

During our family trip to St. Louis to visit my sister Amy and her husband Cort, my sister's water broke!  This news came as quite a shock as she was only around 33 weeks pregnant.  After a few days in the hospital, she delivered a handsome, healthy baby boy.  Grier Whiting Rudolph joined the family on July 27th weighing in at 4lbs. 14 oz. and was 18.5 inches long.  

My mom, Elsa, and I made a quick trip back to St. Louis (a 3rd trip for Grandma!) to meet Grier. I was able to hold him in the NICU and Elsa was happy to play in the waiting room.  We are happy to report that Grier is now at home, making sure his parents aren't getting too much sleep! We already can't wait for our next visit!