Weddings, Babies, and Birthdays

So, this week has been pretty prolific as far as events are concerned. To give you a brief idea, we went through 3 tanks of gas, averaged going to bed at 1230 (which to us seems more like 4am with a newborn around), and ate cake on almost a daily basis.
The reason for all this clamor, is the fact that it was my birthday this week. So, being the good brother and sister in law they are, Cole and Vanessa flew in from Japan to be here for the big day. Cassie and Daniel also participated in making the day special by hosting a huge party. Cassie wore a beautiful white dress and Daniel wore a new suit. They also exchanged expensive rings to commemorate my special day. Talk about going all out. Needless to say it was a party to rival all other parties. Here are a few pictures showing the week's frivolities.

This is Cassie and Daniel right after coming out of the Salt Lake Temple. They were married on March 20th, 2010. We (Esther included) couldn't be happier for Cassie. Daniel and Cassie make a very handsome couple and we are thrilled to have Daniel as a brother in law.

Here is my expert camera work documenting the happy event. You'll notice my family failed to swarm my sister and Daniel at the appropriate time, so the camera lady is the first to be giving hugs.

This was the most candid picture I got, I think we can all tell why I am not a camera guy by profession.

Our good friend Leila celebrated her birthday on Sunday and she and her husband Landon invited Sausha, Esther, and I over for cake and ice cream. The highlight of the night was watching my brother Cole down a continent sized piece of cake. Apparently, there is a huge shortage of cake in Japan so Cole stocked up while he was here. Unfortunately, we do not have any pictorial evidence of Cole's engorgement.

Esther showed that she is indeed related to her mother as she talked up a storm with her new friend Charlotte Fautin. They were born a month apart and are now fast friends. Their mutual interests include spitting up, nursing, spit bubbles, and napping.

Not only did my sister and Daniel throw a huge party for me, but my good friend Dylan and his now wife Julie threw a party in my honor. Dylan is and has been a wonderful friend of mine for some time, so my little family and I made the pilgrimage to Provo to attend his reception. His reception, was half an hour before my sister's which made the trip particularly difficult. Unfortunately, Julie and Dylan were not feeling well and were not at the reception when we arrived. So, we missed them, but wish them all the best.

Cassie and Daniel's party in my honor was wonderful. So many people who have influenced our family were there and it was wonderful to see them under such happy circumstances. Among other events that occurred at the reception, Esther's dad successfully dropped a cupcake onto her forehead. She didn't seem to mind all that much.

All in all the weekend was fantastic. It was wonderful so see Cole and Vanessa and see them hold their little niece. Playing Beatles rockband with Cole and Will was, I think, the closest we will ever be to creating a Christensen brother's band. And of course, seeing my baby sister get sealed to such a good man was one of the happiest moments of my life.

I'm so happy for and proud of you Cassie.

Really, look at that face....

we can't get enough of this little lady. Thank heaven for the weekend. It means Jack gets to spend some extra time with both of his girls (me and Esther that is).

Esther Aleen Christensen

If you had asked me a few weeks ago if I ever thought the birth of my daughter would come, I may have sounded doubtful. As February 10th (Esther's due date) came and went time moved painfully slowly and my grumpiness increased daily. Seven days never felt longer. Finally, the time for eviction arrived, but it was a forced eviction. On the evening of February 16th Jack and I headed to LDS hospital for me to be induced. They started me on the meds to induce me around 9 pm and approximately twelve and a half hours later we had our beautiful screaming baby laying on my chest. Amazing! I'm almost positive that the few of you who read our blog have probably either already seen pictures of Esther or have met her. Either way, here she is.

This picture was taken right before we left for the hospital. I'm 41 weeks pregnant, and this is Esther's last documented appearance while in the womb.

Esther Aleen Christensen

7 lbs 3 oz. 21 1/2 inches long

2/17/2010

Esther and Dad
Esther and Mom
This is Esther's favorite way to sleep. She frequently will slide her arm out of her swaddle and throw it above her head. This picture is especially fabulous because of her hair...she is her father's daughter (this is what Jack's hair looks like every morning).

Our families and friends have been amazingly supportive. Thank you to all of you who have sent your congratulations and have provided food and/or sanity naps for me and Jack. We love you all!