erica danielle

Can’t believe at this time last week we were waiting to go back in the OR to have a baby! Seems like forever ago already and then at the very same time it feels like the fastest week of my life. I feel so much happiness with Sigge part of our family. I think the 9 months leading up to his birth were harder than for me than I realized based on the joy I feel now. What a gift it is to feel happy. It’s not a given and it doesn’t always stay for very long, but in this season of our new family I feel some of the highest highs. I spent 9 months waiting (very impatiently) for this gift and I have been treasuring his arrival with so much more intention than I did with the other 2. Knowing without a doubt this is our last and knowing how really quickly this time goes. Sigge- you are special. You are loved. You are ours forever. 💛

I can’t believe this guy hasn’t been a part of our family forever. We adore him and talk about how much we love him about 1,000x a day. Friday February 15 will be a special day for us all forevermore! Officially a family of 5. Welcome to the world Sigge William Carlson! Born at 8:51am 7lbs 3oz. 19 3/4 inches. PERFECT in every way!

We spent our last Saturday morning at Panera and it was perfect and special and just what we needed. We played Spot It and Uno and the kids played with toys and we drank coffee and talked about baby and it felt so cozy sitting there, our little family unit, so familiar and carefree. It finally dawned on me this week that it was my last couple days just me, Lucy and Olle. We have our routine down and enjoy each other during our weekdays- and all of the sudden there’s going to be a big shift! Not sure how I missed this thought over the last 9 months.... but as we ran our errands today I was extra patient getting kids in and out of the car, buckling them up and reading endless books at the library. I just wanted to be with them and be present and I think I was, in a very intentional way. Tomorrow night the kids will sleep at grandma and grandpas house, so I was even sentimental about dinner and putting them to bed.... Such big changes we have around the bend!! Ready for them all!!! ❤️ xo....

Lucy got some new snow pants and couldn’t wait to try them out..... and there have been plenty of opportunities the last couple weeks. We’ve had snow in the forecast for what seems like endless days! I’ll be honest, being 9 months pregnant my first inclination isn’t to suit up the kids and go play outside, but I also can’t stand being cooped up for too long so out we go for some sledding down the driveway and some serious snow angel making. Hopefully these are the moments they will remember!  xo. edc. 

Once we reached 35 days, I deemed it acceptable to make a countdown chain for baby's arrival. We wrote notes and prayers on each one, and it has been super fun to tear off a ring each day. I can't imagine what it's like to be a little kid, and know that you're about to have another sibling, but not totally understand the process or the time it takes to get here. I think Lucy grasps it a little more than Olle, but I think they are both fairly clueless overall. YES! If you decide to come early little one, we will not be disappointed! xo. edc.

Baby month is here! Ready and excited is how I feel. Hoping these last 2 weeks fly by. The temperatures are starting to warm and I’m excited to get outside the next couple days for some fresh air. Yesterday was a good day from beginning to end. Sten took Olle on a boy date and Lucy and I spent time walking around Hobby Lobby, then to Trader Joe’s and we ended at Whole Foods for a treat and a game of Spot It before school started. One on one time with her is one of my favorite things. Holding her hand, listening to her with my full attention... at one point I started crying telling her how much I love her.  lol. We ended the day with my family, homemade deep dish pizzas, brownie sundaes and a late bday celebration for Sten. We hosted and the time flew by. I was sad when the kids started getting over tired and the night came to an end. It was just a really great day. I forgot to take pics of family time last night— but luckily I remembered to snap a couple on my girl date with Luc...