Samuel Thomas

Knowing exactly when you are going to be having a baby is both a blessing and a curse.  A blessing because we were able to really take in some moments with Michael before we brought another life into this world.  A curse, because you can't seem to take your mind off the fact that your life is about to drastically change.  Although, both Tom and I admitted that it was much less surreal this time around than with Michael.  We were already parents, which took a lot of the anxiety out of the equation.

We tried our best to have an extra special weekend with Michael leading up to our 2nd baby's birth.  on Saturday, we took Michael to the Library (something he LOVES to do) and to Lookout Ridge to get some of his sillies out.  We are so lucky to live in a community with an indoor playground to take advantage of during these cold months.  We also played outside with snow paint, which is always a fun activity for him.  (Side note: if you haven't tried snow paint, you must.  So easy, and so fun for kiddos.  Take some bottles from the dollar store, fill with water and washable crayola paint.  Shake up and create your very own winter artwork!)

On Sunday, we took Michael bowling for the first time.  He wasn't so sure about the whole thing, but said later that he had a blast.  After, we headed to Yarusso Brother's for dinner, since that is what I was hungry for and it was going to be my last meal for a while.  We were surrounded by family and friends, and it was perfect.  Michael headed to Grandma and Grandpa's for the next 4 days, since Tom and I would be in the hospital.  Tucking him in that night, and reading to him was very bittersweet.  I held on to him a bit longer, and my hug was a bit tighter.  I made sure to tell him that I loved him very much, and that even though life was changing in the morning, my love for him stayed the same.  I may or may not have cried the whole way home....

On Monday, January 13th , Tom and I headed to Woodwinds bright and early.  We got to our room, got prepared for surgery, and headed down to the OR.  I will admit that I was much more nervous this time around, knowing what was about to happen, and how you can't feel anything, but feel everything at the same time.  It is an experience that only someone who has had a c-section can really understand.  And, at 10:12 am, Samuel Thomas was born.  He weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces, and was 20.5 inches long.  There was no doubt that his lungs worked, and he had a full head of hair. 

We headed home on Thursday afternoon, and started our life as a family of 4.  We have had some trying times, mostly with adjusting to giving Michael enough attention, but not neglecting Sam either.  So far, Michael has been an amazing big brother.  He is very in tune with what Sam is up to, and makes sure to let us know if Sam ever makes a "peep."  He also likes to interpret what Sam is thinking and fill us in; it is pretty cute.  The first thing Michael does in the morning, is ask where "his baby" is, and runs to his room to check on him.  It melts my heart every time. 

 Is this what Football Sundays will look like for me?

Next up for us:  getting this family of 4 up to the lake for some much needed R & R.