Thanksgiving and Christmas

Merry Christmas to all! I'm thinking of starting a new blog or just changing the way I compose my blog.  I think I am going to start writing the blog as a letter to my kids.  I have said it many times before and will say it again, this IS my children's baby book.  I am so excited for them to be able to look back at this one day and rediscover their childhood.  We had a fabulous Thanksgiving and Christmas!! Alex, Thomas and Ava with Grandma and Teapot:)

Catching up

Thomas is over 3 months old and doing splendidly well!  He is holding his head up, smiling constantly, and loves the sound of my voice.  He always responds with some coos when I say "are you going to talk to Mommy."  He is simply the best baby ever, so sweet, so cute, and so calm.  Someone asked me the other day if I just cuddle and kiss on him all day, and the answer was of course I do!!  When Ava and Alex are at school it's are special time with each other.  I feel SO blessed to be at home to raise this sweet baby, and Ava and Alex too:)  The atmosphere in the house is definitely more boisterous when the older kiddos come home at noon, but they bring excitement into the house and I love it. 
Everything in my life feels like it is finally falling into the right place and we are feeling comfortable and happy with everything we have and what the future holds for us.  We deserve this PEACE!
We are getting ready to register Ava for Kindergarten, and it looks like Alex will be going to Preschool again:)   

Thomas pictures

Just some cute pictures of our sweet little boy Thomas!  He is getting so big and strong.  He loves smiling and listening to my voice, he is our sweet angel.  We love him very much:)

Happy 5th birthday Ava!

Our precious little girl Ava Mary turned five on November 7th.  For her actual birthday she chose Jason's Deli for dinner. She made herself a large salad filled with broccoli, carrots, croutons, cheese, and ranch dressing.  At school she brought a rather large cookie cake in for her birthday treat.  On Saturday we celebrated again with a family party, the theme was unicorns!  We had a blast.  We feel so blessed to have this vivacious lovable little girl in our life:)  She is so special to us and we love her more and more everyday!  Ava is still obsessed with horses, and continues her horseback riding lessons twice a month.  She is also into singing her little heart out and performing for small crowds:)

Baptism

Thomas Robert was baptized yesterday.  Uncle Nash and Aunt Hilary were chosen to be Godparents.  It was a beautiful ceremony followed by a great reception at our house.  So many family and friends were able to come and celebrate, we feel very blessed.  Thomas wore my Baptismal gown, it meant so much to me, he looked so sweet:)  Uncle Philip did a great job snapping some pictures for us. 

October is a great month

There are so many exciting activities to do in October.  This weekend we went pumpkin picking and trick or treating at the Zoo's Halloween party.  Thomas is a little trooper, he snuggled up with Daddy most of the day in the baby bjorn.  I had just as much fun as the kiddos at the pumpkin patch.  The weather was perfect and the farm was not crowded.  The day went so smoothly, there were so many times I had to look up at the sky and thank God for everything he has given me.  I feel blessed everyday, but was really feeling it on Saturday:) 
Thomas is six weeks old and I have recovered 100% from his birth.  I feel normal again and am so happy for this.  Thomas is starting to look around and smile a little bit, he is truly a joy. 
Ava and Alex had their conferences at school.  Alex's teacher told us they didn't know the sound of his voice he is that quiet at school.  I knew he would take awhile to get used to school, but I had no idea he was that shy.  He certainly is NOT quiet at home with friends and family.  We love him and know he will catch up soon enough. He is a very smart and sweet little boy.  Ava's went well, she is super outgoing and friends with everyone.  She is starting sight words at school and already knows a few, we are so proud of our kiddos.
I'm not sure who reads my blog but it truly is just about the day to day family life that I want to document and capture so I can show them and print out one day.  I want to keep it somewhat private so I'm not sharing it on facebook anymore.  It's mainly for me and maybe some family members (especially my brother Tommy who lives in NY) who are interested in what we are up to. 
Here are some pictures of our fabulous weekend.

I think the third time around really is a charm.  Thomas is growing, happy, healthy, and ready to be one month old this Saturday.  Bert and I are celebrating his one month by going out to dinner (alone) :).  I can say also with your third you are way more laid back.  I don't worry about little things like I did with Ava and some with Alex.  Thomas has slept up to seven hours straight but usually averages 4 or 5.  He sleeps with us and I know that's a big "no no" to a lot of people but I've learned that doing what you think is best and not going by what a book tells you to do usually works best. Thomas has been to a Uof L football game, church, restaurants, and the Zoo.  Even though we take him lots of places I still don't like people touching him and I'm not afraid to say so.  Most of the time I don't have a choice, I have to take him out, my kids have to go to school and practice. 
Recovery for me is MUCH slower this time.  I know I am not the best patient but a month out of surgery I don't understand why it still hurts to do steps and unload the washing machine.  I'm sure things will get better in time.
We are getting very excited for Thomas's Baptism which is October 28th!  Ava reminds me often after the Baptism is her birthday, and she would like a horse birthday party (no shock there.)  Ava has had a horse themed birthday party for her 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and now 5th birthday!  It's going to be busy around here but super fun, planning parties is one of  my favorite things to do. 
Ava is such a great big sister:)