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:)

The Birth of Thomas Robert!!!

My sweet baby boy was born one week ago today.  He is the perfect addition to our family.  He is perfectly healthy born 8lbs, 7ounces, and 20 1/2 inches.  The gender surprise was awesome!  Bert leaned over and told me "it's a boy, we have a boy!"  I can't put into words what an awesome little guy he is, he is just incredible! 
It took Ava a little bit to get over the fact the baby was not a girl and that she had a brother instead of a sister, but I knew once she saw him, and held him she would be fine, and I was right.  When Ava and Alex arrived at the hospital to meet their new brother they were so excited, Alex waved at him and decided to wait a little bit before holding him, and Ava wanted to hold him right away and not let go! 
Our family is perfect and complete.  My heart is filled with so much love, so much thankfulness, and so much joy.  Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers, we are so very blessed.

The last pregnancy shot, on our way out the door to the hospital.

 Girl or Boy?

Getting pumped with some fluids

 A healthy baby boy!

He stopped crying when he held his Daddy's finger.

Perfect.

I was so happy the baby got to be with me in recovery.

 Thomas Robert

So blessed to have this sweet baby

Awesome big sister

The whole crew

Grandaddy

Grandma

Grandpa aka Teapot

Uncle Mitchell with cousins Gus and Tillie, somehow we did not get Leo and Aunt Sarah.

Aunt Leigh Anne

Uncle Nash

Aunt Hilary

Uncle Derrick

Already a great big brother.

All three of my babies.

Uncle Philip

 

Ava wanted to make sure he had plenty of toys for the trip home:)

Just hanging out at home.

Bernheim Forest

What a beautiful day to spend walking the trails at Bernheim forest.  This was our first visit and we loved it!  The views from the trails were amazing, the kids loved seeing the fish and turtles in the pond, and discovering new adventures.  We will definitely go back sometime in the fall, I can only imagine how beautiful it will be then.  I was a little frustrated because I had a hard time keeping up with everyone, I am definitely ready for this baby to arrive.  I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking.
On a side note our basement is 95% complete, now we just need a few cabinets for the kitchen area, outlet covers, a t.v. and couch:) 
I hope everyone is soaking up this beautiful weather we are so blessed to have in August!


This picture cracks me up, I promise they were happy:)

Ava doing some light reading at the visitor center.

Checking out the turtle

Beautiful

Trying to keep up with this active crew

Lots of fish to see

We let them out of their carseats to ride up the street to a trail, they wer SO excited.

My sweet babies

They requested their sunglasses

We were so high up, the view was amazing.

If looks could kill, Who knows what she was thinking

An attempt at a smile, she was in the middle of pretending she was a horse.

My sweet boy

Boy? Girl?  One things for sure, I don't think I have any room left in there!!