Nathan's Arrival

Lately, we have been so busy that I have not had time to post some pictures of our sweet Nathan Connor. He arrived on June 16th at 10:33am. He weighed in at a healthy 8 lbs. 9 oz. and measured 20.75 inches. Although, by the time we left the hospital he was down to 8 lbs. 1 oz. He suffered for about 10 days with jaundice. We had to visit the hospital daily to find out his Bilirubin blood level. During this time they delivered a Bili Light to help with the jaundice. Thankfully, he only needed two days of phototherapy.

We are continuing to adjust to life as a family of four. Thomas is adjusting well. He is in love with Nathan and is very gentle towards him. Ken took off two weeks of work to stay home to help. Thank goodness....since we had so many trips to the hospital. He goes back to work on Monday, but that's ok since Nana is going to come and save the day! I'm just not ready to be alone with the two kids yet.
We are so thankful for a quick and relatively easy delivery. We are more thankful that Nathan is here healthy and happy. He has already brought so much joy to our house. It's hard to believe that we now have two children. Our family is now complete.

The End of Big Boy School

This was Thomas' last week of "Big Boy School". It's hard to believe that the year is already finished. Of course, we had to keep it eventful up until the last minute. In the beginning of the week Thomas woke up with pink eye. He came to my side of the bed and said, "Mom...Mom...can you open my eye?" So, after being on drops for 24 hours he went back to school. His first day back at school this week was actually on the day of his End-of-the-Year program. (So...he probably missed "rehearsal" for this special day. Keep that in mind before watching the video.) I was excited for this special day. Nana and Papa came, too. Each class sang a special song. His class sang, "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." After the program they had cookies and lemonade, but we decided to go out for lunch.
















It has been a busy year for Thomas. He learned so much at school. He made many friends, too. We had such a hard time in the beginning transitioning from being at home with me. I'm glad that he felt safe and was happy once he established a new routine.
Here are a few pictures from his big day. And of course...the video of his special performance. :) Please excuse the quality of the video. We didn't have the best seats and I'm learning about the features of this fancy camera.

Mother's Day

I have been meaning to post some pictures from our special Mother's Day. There was a Mother's Day Tea at Thomas' school. It was so precious. For months they asked parents to send in an outgrown shoe to prepare for Mother's Day. I sent in a pair of cowboy boots that Thomas wore for probably an entire year. When I showed up at the school gym for the tea party, there on the tables were all these shoes that had been "bronzed". It's such a cute idea. I'm glad that he got to make one for Nana, too.

Also for Mother's Day we took Thomas to Build-a-Bear Workshop in the Altamonte Mall. He got to build an animal for him and one to bring with him to the hospital when he meets Nathan for the first time. We had a lot of fun! Thomas chose a monkey whom he named Dexter. (After the monkey in "Night at the Museum".) Then he made an asthma and allergy free puppy dog that he named, Biltmore, after Nana and Papa's dog. We stuffed them with love (and apparently tracking devices in case we ever lose them). We gave them each a sound button and printed a birth certificate, too. He got to "wash" the animal before heading over to the clothing area. We did NOT buy any clothes, but they were cute. (Had this store been around when I was growing up, my parents would have been broke!) We got to carry the animals home in their own "condo". It was a perfect Mother's Day! It was my last Mother's Day as a mother to one. Next year will be double the fun.

Chuck E. Cheese

On Saturday, Thomas was invited to Chuck E. Cheese for a birthday party. I have to admit I was hoping that he could go through childhood without knowing about that place. I just wasn't looking forward to the noise, the children running around, or the meltdown that could happen when he was told it was time to go. Since Ken was on stand-by I got to take Thomas by myself. (Lucky me.) I have to admit, it wasn't that bad! The child's birthday party was early so it wasn't too crowded. Thomas got tons of tokens and had fun collecting the tickets. He loved playing SpongeBob Bowling (imagine that). The place has really changed since I was little. There was no ball pit. It was much brighter, I always remember ours being so dark inside. At least they still have skee ball. We had a really good time and it was nice to catch up with the other moms there, too. I would take him again but only early in the morning. I was most impressed that he didn't have a melt down when I told him it was time to leave. Here are some pictures of his first visit there.

Happy Easter!

With being so sick for the past week, we decided to take it easy this Easter. We were bummed that we missed the Easter Egg hunt at the Green's house, but we just couldn't risk getting new germs or spreading the ones we have. We slept in and then we heard this shouting.... "Mom...Dad...the Easter Bunny came!! I got candy!" I looked at Ken and said, "This is why people should have kids. This is the best!" I love the fact that he "got it" this year. He was rather nervous about the Easter Bunny coming IN the house to bring his basket. He wanted it left outside. I convinced him it was ok that the bunny leave the basket in the living room. He was really excited that he got candy, a movie, and a new puzzle. Within an hour he devoured most of the candy. After we got dressed, we dyed Easter eggs. Of course he had to be in full costume for that! He picked out the colors and didn't need any help this year. He's growing up! Later today, we plan on going to Nana and Papa's house. Thomas is going to spend the night there tonight. His school is closed tomorrow for Easter Monday and I have to go back to work. Since Ken is working stand-by, he'd lose his over-time if he took off to watch him. Nana and Papa are excited to save the day. Thomas is happy about it, too. It really makes me excited knowing that this time next year, we'll have Baby Nathan crawling around looking for eggs. :)

Spring Break

We have been counting down the days for our Spring Break to begin. Sadly, Thomas and I were sick the entire time! It started with my sore throat and congestion. Then Thomas started weezing, putting him back on around-the-clock breathing treatments. By mid-week, I couldn't get out of bed. We had so much planned. We had plans to go to the zoo, go bowling, go to the movies, etc. It was supposed to be so much fun. I am limited on the types of medicine I can take since being pregnant so I had to suffer most of the week. When Friday rolled around, I forced myself to feel better and Ken and I took Thomas to Firkin & Kegler's to play mini-bowling. The alley is child-size with lighter weight balls and they have a big arcade there, too. Thomas had the alley to himself and he had so much fun bowling spares and strikes, just like he does on Wii. (He will be having his 4th birthday party there, too.) Afterwards I got some shopping done for the new baby at Carters and then got some new maternity shirts at Motherhood and by that time I was ready for a nap. It was such a lousy week, but I guess I'm thankful I didn't have to use my sick days at work. Here are some pictures of the future pro-bowler.

Mr. and Mrs. Coffaro

We had such a wonderful weekend. My best friend Emily got married!! Finally!! :) It was a destination wedding so we got to drive to Clearwater Beach for the special event. The ceremony took place on the beach at sunset. We got there early so that I could go with her to get her hair done, her make-up done, and to help her get ready. Thomas carried the rings down the sand aisle. (no worries...the real rings were in Tom's pocket.) Thomas was shocked to see Emily wearing a fancy dress! It totally took him off guard. After the ceremony, the reception captured Emily and Tom's personality. It was simple yet full of incredible details. The food was delicious and they even had a kiddie-area which kept the kids busy while the adults got to enjoy the evening. Every detail was thought of! Here are some of my favorite highlights of the special day. Congratulations to Emily and Tom!