June 2016

June was incredible.  There are not other words to describe it.  Welcoming Thomas into our family and adjusting to life as a family of four was the focus of our month!  We also managed to picnic at one of our favorite spots a few times and James Robert started Little Kickers, a soccer program for toddler-- he loved it!

Thomas' Birth Story

Dear Thomas,

On June 10th at 8:06 AM you were born at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital.  You were 8 lbs and 6 oz of pure joy delivered via scheduled c-section that morning.

In contrast to James Robert's birth, everything about your arrival unfolded calmly.  The day before the surgery, Daddy and I went to the hospital for my blood work and pre-operation instructions. They walked us through everything to expect for the next morning.

Per my request, we had Grandpa's famous ribs for dinner the night before and we all enjoyed a big meal of favorite foods.   I attempted to go to bed early, but couldn't sleep with excitement.

We arrived at the hospital at 6AM to check in and get ready for surgery.  We chatted with nurses and met the anesthesiologist.  And at 7:45am I was walked into the operating room and given a spinal for numbing.  That was the most challenging part of the procedure.

Shortly thereafter, I was laying on the surgical table and the cloth was draped in front of me. Then your Daddy was brought into the room and sat by my side and held my hand.

Despite the nerves and excitement that charged these moments,  music was played and the conversation with my doctor was light and happy which set a wonderful tone in the room.

The procedure went quickly and what seemed like moments later you were lifted from my belly. There wasn't an immediate scream (unlike your brother); you peacefully entered the world and the nurses had to encourage you to make a sound.

Nurses handed you to Daddy immediately after being cleaned. My eyes welled up with happy tears as I watch them weigh you and take your measurements. I couldn't wait to hold you too.  The greatest surprise was to see sparse hair and fair coloring!

30 minutes later in the recovery room, I held you for the first time and it was truly one of the best moments of my life.  I couldn't believe how little you felt. We were so thankful for your health and that you arrived safely.

I spent countless hours that day marveling at your features; you had a newborn wrinkle that horizontally spanned the bridge of your nose that was most endearing.  Your fingers and hands appeared especially long and elegant for a baby.  And most of all your countenance was so beautifully peaceful while sleeping that I have had a hard time handing you over to anyone else since you were born.

When I held you for the first time, I felt my heart expand in my chest to double the size.  I couldn't have pictured or imagined how wonderful it would feel to have you join our family until you were here.

The afternoon that you were born, you had several special visitors.  James Robert, Gram, Grandpa and Nana and Baca all came to meet you.

Watching you meet your brother for the first time became another memory that I'll never forget.  It was incredible!  You were met with so much love!

We spent the next two days in the hospital.  It was really special time; the nurses were wonderful and despite little sleep and both of us recovering, it was one of the most incredibly joy-filled days of my life.  You spent less than 5 minutes in your bassinet at the hospital.  Upon your arrival in my arms, you never wanted to leave and I have been perfectly happy to oblige.

You came home after 2 days in the hospital! You are such a blessing sweet, Thomas.  We love you!

May 2016

May was a month of preparation and soaking in every last minute as a family of three.  We enjoyed lots of time by the lake, picnics and we visited some new beaches in Toronto and Mississauga.  Birthday and Mothers Day were highlighted by indulging some pregnancy cravings of homemade lobster rolls and cake.  This time of year is spectacular in Ontario!

April 2016

I don't want to forget the incredible memories made over the past couple of months, so excuse me while I play a bit of catch up.  I haven't updated this space since April and it has been for good reason.  Life has been so very full. 

April kicked off a very busy season in our lives.  The month was packed in the best possible way.   We traveled to Iceland and Paris for a week while James Robert enjoyed time with Nana and Baca.  Then Gram and Grandpa were in town for the next weekend for a baby shower that was hosted by some sweet friends.  We enjoyed the warming weather by doing some local hikes and checking out the CN Tower.  And we celebrated Mat's birthday with carrot cake! 

March 2016

March was chock full this year.  James Robert's birthday and our trip to Charlotte kicked-off the month.  James Robert also learned to use the big boy swing- an accomplishment he is so very proud of.  Mat traveled to NJ and India for a large chunk of the middle of the month.  The end of the month proved to be just as busy.  We celebrated Easter and took a quick trip to Seattle all within a couple of days.  And from the pictures you can tell that baby boy #2 grew enormously throughout the month.  Whew!  I'm exhausted just thinking about March and all that happened- a memorable month indeed!

Easter 2016

We celebrated Easter in Oakville this year.  James Robert was delighted that the Easter bunny visited him with lots of Jelly Beans (his favorite flavor continues to be butter popcorn).  After celebrating at our Church, we enjoyed a brunch at home and then quickly packed to leave for Seattle in the evening.  

Here are some pictures we snapped of the day; is there anything cuter than a bow tie on a little boy?

Trip back to Charlotte!

At the beginning of March, we returned to Charlotte for the first time since moving away and enjoyed a wonderful trip.  It was so good to be back with family and friends and familiar places.

James Robert celebrated his birthday all week, starting with a celebration at Meme and Pops house where he was reunited with his best buddy, Harry!

On his birthday, we took  him on a train ride into uptown Charlotte and at his request we ate at chik-fil-a where he enjoyed his first ice cream cone. I think that was a highlight of his trip! 

Mat and I stole away to Charleston for a day trip and enjoyed every minute of the glorious sunshine- I also hit the 24 week mark of this pregnancy! 

We had the best time with Grandma and Grandpa and James Robert was over the moon with all the attention! 

We were able to catch up with lots of friends, welcome new babies and revisit our old favorite places.  More about James Robert's train birthday party is here.