Thankful

Here we are... another year almost done and what a crazy one it was! 

We had a lovely Thanksgiving at home with my side of the family.  The food was delicious, laughter aplenty, and love overwhelming.  It is times like the Holidays that I am SO thankful to be back in MN.  I can't put a price on how amazing it feels to be so surrounded by those that love you most. 

Last week, Michael went to the Woodbury Parks and Rec Cookies with Santa event.  He took his first picture with Santa, decorated some cookies and made an ornament.  He got a bit shy and would only tell Santa that he wants "lots of stuff for Christmas."  So I guess Santa has a lot of guessing work ahead of him for Michael.

This weekend, we are going to a neighborhood Holiday party, and I can't wait to see everyone all together.  A piece of me hopes for the kind of party that my parents went to (and still do) when we were kids.  One where all the neighborhood kids play together, the adults get reacquainted, and  friendships continue to grow. 

Michael also has his Holiday Service program at church, and he will be singing Away in a Manger with his Sunday School class.  I. Can't. Wait.  This service is always adorable with all the kids singing, but I imagine it will be even more so now that I have a kid of my own in it.  This Momma will be proudly sitting in the front taking a million pictures. 

We are also making Christmas Cookies with the family on Sunday and then were invited to the Anderson's for dinner.   My heart is so full with love.  I know that you can't pick your family, but if I could, I would pick mine all day. 

And last, Michael is going to be heading to Woodbury Lakes next week to listen to bedtime stories from Santa.  There are so many great activities in our community and I can't help but to get Michael into all of them.  Did I want to land where I grew up?  No.  But you can't argue how wonderful Woodbury is to raise a family. 

Merry Christmas to all!!

Fall

No excuses.  It has been too long since I have updated this thing.  I hope I can remember most of our lives since July!

In August, Tom and I jetted off with some friends to Vegas for a long weekend.  While Vegas might not be my dream vacation, it was nice to get away with people our own age, leave the kids at home, and relax.  We didn't see any shows, or even gamble that much, but opted to spend quality time with some of our dearest friends.  I am happy to report that I came back a winner (a whopping $60) and managed to carry the team for my Hubby as well (thanks for all the Blackjack advice, Tom!). 

We also went up to the lake for a week to spend some quality time together as a family.  Tom and Sam joined Michael and I part way through the week, since he was in the beginning phases of his new job.  I have to admit, as much as I love my boys equally, it was really nice to be able to spend some one-on-one time with Michael.  It seems that he is changing before our eyes and continuously surprising me with his intelligence and humor that it was nice to take it all in for a few days.  I loved every minute of it. 

We have managed to squeeze a few neighborhood events in during the fall months as well.  It is nice to get to know the people that will be involved in our lives for many years to come.  Tom and I hosted a movie night in our back yard, that I think might need to become a "thing" for us.  It was the perfect way for the adults to all get together, get to know one another, and for the kids to be calm and in one spot for 2 hours.  Ha!  Tom joined the church choir with the men in the 2 houses next to us, and they even coordinated their own carpool (is it so that 2 of the 3 can drink at the bar afterwards?)- I am loving the involvement.  We have a couple other neighborhood parties coming up and I am looking forward to many, many years of this to come.  This is what I had hoped for when we bought our house.

Last weekend, we loaded up the boys and headed to the local pumpkin patch right by our house.  Michael is at such a fun age to do these activities, as he now fully understands them and gets excited for them.  He was such a trooper to pick out one for his little brother, since "he is just a baby."  We also went to Afton Alps and bought Michael his very first set of skis.  He tells us that winter is his favorite season, so lets hope that is true!

Sam is such a joy and blessing in our lives as well.  He is fully on the move, and curious about everything.  3 weeks ago he started crawling, and just this week he has started pulling himself up on anything possible.  I fear walking is not far behind...  While I should be celebrating these milestones, I find myself a bit sad when they happen.  The last 9 months have gone by in the blink of an eye and I wish things would slow down just a bit. 

We are gearing up for Halloween and the holiday season, since it will be here before I know it.   It is hard to imagine that Sam will be one in just 3 months and that we will have a toddler and a preschooler.  How can time keep speeding up when I feel it is already going so fast?!

 The Bellagio

 The volcano outside of the Mirage

 His favorite was to wind himself up and then spin uncontrollably

 The dirtier, the better

 "This sand doesn't taste so good... but I can't stop eating it"

 Michael now loves fishing

 Woodbury Big Truck Day

 Afton Alps Fall Festival

Michael rolling down the "Bowl" at Afton

Summer

Oops.  It was an entire season ago that I last wrote...

Let's see.  Life has been a bit of a whirlwind, so I will try to remember everything.  In May, Tom lost his job.  He had known for a while that the day would eventually come, but it was a big punch to our stomachs nonetheless.  He negotiated some terms for his departure, and was able to secure some pay so that we weren't left out to dry.  It was tense around here- we bought our "forever" house with 2 incomes.  We have 2 children that we need to provide basic needs for.  We need them both to be in daycare so that I can work and so that Tom can find work... It seemed very daunting.  Fortunately, Tom found another job and started 1 day after his pay ended from Cars.  He is now gainfully employed and things don't seem so dim anymore.  He has a strenuous training schedule that takes him on the road for the next 5 weeks, which leaves this girl as a single mom.  To make things more complicated, I also work on the road so managing our schedules has been a bit of a nightmare.  Somehow it will work out, as it always does.  Tom and I have experienced more in our 20's than most people experience by 50, if ever.  I keep saying that maybe we are getting all the gunk out of the way early in our lives so that we can just coast and relax later- we'll see if that holds any truth as time goes on.  :)

Michael is keeping us on our toes.  Everyone mentions the "terrible twos," but why does no one mention the threes?  Holy smokes- attitude, sass, opinions, and knowing exactly which buttons to push to make parents the most frustrated.  Overall he is a great kid, with more love and kindness that I could have ever imagined, but those days when he decides to be a stinker, he makes them count!  He is loving our neighborhood with all of its offerings- parks, splash pad, and his new friends, Parker and Callan.  Its times when he is out running around with the neighborhood kids that I sit back and think of all the struggles we have had.  This is why.  So that we can give our children this life and these opportunities. 

He just completed his first sports season- the Woodbury PeeWee 3's.  3 weeks of soccer and t-ball combined.  It was adorable to watch, and if he doesn't love sports, I hope he learns to love being involved in something.  I think his skills lie more in soccer than in t-ball, but we will see where the wind blows him. 

Sam is wonderful.  6 months old and a hoot to be around.  He currently thinks that he tells the world's funniest jokes, and is a very happy baby.  He is on the move, rolling around and I feel that crawling is not far away.  It is crazy to think that soon the baby gates will be back up.  Where is the time going?!

We Baptized him two weeks ago and it was a wonderful day filled with love, laughter and friendship.  We could not be more blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives, who welcome our children into their lives as well, with open arms.  I hope that our children grow up knowing how loved they are, and never for a moment take it for granted. 

As for Tom and I.  Now that a job is secured, it is time for us to relax a bit.  We are headed to Vegas with some friends and we are so excited.  While being in the desert in the middle of August might not be ideal, it will be nice to get away with some friends, enjoy their company, and forget about the stresses of life for 3 days.  Not long after, we are on our family vacation at the cabin.  Tom won't be able to go the entire week, but is hoping to make a couple of days up there so that we can all unwind together as a family. 

Spring?

Could it be?!  Is it really Spring?  I feel like every time we get excited about Spring in our house, it snows again.  I am cautiously optimistic these days. 

Michael celebrated his 3rd Birthday and everything went off without a hitch.  He tells us weekly that "being 3 is really hard."  He is very into reading, figuring out puzzles, and cooking.  He is also an amazing helper for his little brother.  He had his check up and he is as healthy as can be.  He is 3 feet, 3 inches tall and weighs 36 pounds.  Based on the projections (and the size of his feet) we can expect him to be somewhere around 6 feet 1 inch when he is fully grown.   I guess he really does take after his Daddy. 

Sam is also doing great.  He is finally starting to fill out, and is making up for all of the spitting up and puking that he is doing.  He is such a happy baby, and is only crying these days if he is hungry or tired.  He has doubled his weight and grown a few inches.  He took his first round of shots like a champ! Sam even gave us our first real taste at a normal sleep schedule and slept from 8pm - 4am last night.  These two children are nothing short of amazing and I am so blessed to have them in my life. 

As summer approaches, we are finding our calendar is already starting to fill up.  It is amazing how quickly time flies, and I feel like it speeds up even more now with children involved. 

Easter 2014

Brothers

Mall of America- Michael didn't like this ride by the end...

What's up?

Back to the Grind

Well, here we are.  The first day back in the workforce for me.  Sam is now 10 weeks old- 10 weeks.  How on Earth did that happen?!  He is becoming more and more interactive every day and I just LOVE seeing his smile that shows off his one dimple.  I could kiss his chubby little cheeks all day long and never get tired of them. I have always known that I am not meant to be a Stay At Home Mom- I just don't posses the creativity to keep Michael entertained and the patience to keep a cool head all the time.  That being said, I have a whole new appreciation for Stay At Home Moms and Daycare Providers.  These last 10 weeks have been so nice to be home with both my kiddos, but also a real challenge.  I have come to realize that I am not "Super Mom" and that is 100% okay.  Not having the creative juices for activities that stimulate my busy (almost) 3 year was hard on me, to feel like he was bored all the time while home. But, I had to keep reminding myself that I was not only recovering from major surgery, I was trying to juggle the balancing act of now having 2 children.  Needless to say, we all survived, and I think we all even managed to still like each other!  ;)  Thank goodness for Pinterest and the Internet to keep the toddler activities rolling!

Michael has been so amazing as a big brother.  I always knew in the back of my mind that he would be, but it is so amazing to witness.  He is always concerned about what Sam is up to, giving him hugs and kisses, and making sure that all of his needs are met.  It melts my heart.  I hope that they grow into being the best of friends as time goes on. 

I can't believe that this weekend we will be celebrating his 3rd birthday.  Wait, what?!  3rd?  Yikes.  Are Tom and I old enough to have a 3 year old?  What a blessing he has been to our lives.  I can't wait to celebrate with him and have our nearest and dearest along as well. 

Stay tuned for more stats on these kids, as we have their checkups coming up this week and next! 

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. 

A Letter to Our First

My Dearest Michael,

I don't even know where to begin.  Your life is about to change in ways that you can't even understand yet.  You are about to start the crazy journey of being a Big Brother, something that I keep telling you is one of the most important jobs in the world.  I have no doubt in my mind that you will be an excellent one.  Your concern for those around you will only carry over with this new sibling of yours, and I know that you will love him or her as much as we love you. 

In the beginning of this new adventure, we are all going to have to learn some things, and I hope you never feel for a moment that you have been replaced.  There will always be something so special between you and us, because it was you that made us Parents.  You taught us how to function on 3 hours of sleep consistently, the proper ways to burp a baby, how to swaddle, how to be truly patient, and how to love someone so unconditionally.  Your Daddy and I feel so lucky and so blessed to be your parents, and I hope you never doubt that for a second. 

I fear that Daddy and I might not always be the most understanding or the most patient in the next few weeks, and I hope you know that it has nothing to do with you.  Hopefully someday you will be able to experience the joy of welcoming a second child and it might make more sense to you then.  Just know that we are doing our best and our love for you is no less than it ever was. 

You are such a special boy, with such a passion for life.  We love you so, so, so much.  I can't wait to see you in this new role and to watch you learn to love in ways that you have taught us.

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

Christmas

Well, we survived the Christmas season, and no baby yet which is what I was hoping for.  Don't get me wrong, I would have been so happy to meet this person, but a part of me really wanted this Christmas to be special for Michael since we are about to turn his world upside down.  Before Christmas Day, I think he was starting to put the pieces together on Santa, presents, etc., but I can say that I now know he gets it.  It was so fun watching him really take in everything about the Christmas season this year, and I feel so blessed to have him, Tom, my family, my home, my life.... I could go on forever.

We spent Christmas Eve with my parents, Emily, and her boyfriend Brian at Emily's house.  She hosted her first "grown up" dinner party and it was delightful- complete with an all-out Indian meal (in true Emily fashion).  We laughed, enjoyed each others company and got to know Brian a bit better which was nice, too.  After dinner we headed home and had Michael put out milk and cookies for Santa.  Then it was straight to bed for that little boy so we could get our Elf-work done!  I think I was more excited to put out gifts than Michael was to receive them- typical me.

Christmas morning, Michael woke up and immediately asked if Santa was up walking on our roof- it was pretty cute.  After explaining that Santa already had he headed downstairs to see what goodies were in store for him.  We sat around the tree as a family and opened gifts, laughed at our quick-witted 2 year old, and really took in the moment.  It was perfect.  We made muffins, drank coffee and played in our jammies until we headed to my Parent's house for cookie making and Christmas dinner.  Emily and Brian headed to Eau Claire to be with his family, so they were missed, but we are so happy that she has found someone that makes her truly happy.  It was a low-key day but filled with so much love, just as it should be.

We didn't celebrate with the whole fam until Saturday, when Emily and Brian could join us all for brunch.  We dined (great cooking as always, Dad), laughed some more, drank Mexican Hot Cocoa, and opened gifts.  Michael was spoiled as always and managed to score a Grader from Brian (a truck he has desperately wanted), clothes, movies, toys, and his ultimate favorite- a Train Table.  I sometimes think that I should pinch myself to see if I am in a dream, because of how blessed I feel, but another part of me doesn't want to wake up if it is.  I hope I am able to demonstrate to our children just how blessed they are, too. 

Tom and Michael headed to Iowa yesterday to give me my last chance at some quiet time before Baby #2 arrives.  Tom will be at a funeral, and Michael is getting to spend some quality time with Papa.  He took the first flight that he will actually remember, and I'm sure he is getting spoiled rotten some more.  As much as I miss him, I'm glad he is getting to spend some quality time with Tom's side of the family.  We take for granted how often we see my family since they live close, and I want Michael to have as good of a relationship with Tom's side as he does with mine. 

As we head into the new year, we are continually counting our blessings and excitedly anticipating the arrival of Baby #2.  God bless us, every one.

Thanksgiving

Here's the deal.  I stink at taking pictures.  I really had every intention of posting some for this... and then I realized I didn't take any.  This is something I need to be much better at. 

We hosted Tom's family for Thanksgiving, and it was a nice treat to see them all (or most of them).  We had been plagued in our house by a bout of Food Poisoning for me, and then a stomach bug that went through Michael's daycare, so things were a bit tense for a while.  Nothing like being 33 weeks pregnant, taking care of yourself, your puking child, getting your house ready for overnight guests and preparing a meal for 12 people...  But, we were able to rally and get a nice meal on the table at almost the time we said it would be served. 

I hate that it takes a special day to sit down and reflect on all of the things that we are thankful for, because I feel like I should do it more than that.  But nevertheless, it is a nice reminder to slow down and really savor the moments that should be cherished.  This year I am extra thankful for my sweet little boy, who has so much love for life.  He is going to be such a wonderful big brother in a few weeks and I am trying to hold on to these last few moments with him before things change drastically.  I am thankful for the wonderful Husband that I have, and the life we have created together.  It might not always be perfect, but it is perfect for us which is all we need.  I am thankful for our families, who might be a bit crazy at times, but are loyal to a fault and there when it matters most.  I hope to keep sight of these as the weeks pass and our life undoubtedly turns upside down again.  In the grand scheme of things, we have it pretty good, and for that I am thankful. 

Baby Rooney #2 has been scheduled to appear, and we are thrilled.  I will be honest and say I am nervous this time around, knowing what the surgery will be like and what the recovery will entail.  Ignorance really is bliss, isn't it?  I keep trying to focus on the end result, our next bundle of joy, but I find myself caught up in the stress of the actual "baby coming into this world" part instead.   Maybe it is because we still don't have daycare secured for this little person?  Ugh. 

Cheers to the Holiday Season and being surrounded by those you love most. 

Where Have We Been?

Sure looks like I am terrible at keeping this thing up to date!  No excuses here, life has just been very busy. 

In July, Tom and I started a search for a new home.  We debated between buying an existing home and building, and finally landed on a spec home in Stonemill Farms.  There is construction going on all around us, and the neighborhood is bigger than we would have liked, but the house itself had everything we wanted.  Plenty of room for us to grow into, a yard for Michael and Baby Rooney #2 to play in, an unfinished basement that we can someday make our own, and a house that didn't need much cosmetically.  We closed on September 5 and moved in on September 7.  So far, it has been wonderful.

The summer was busy with cabin trips, a family vacation and Tom's softball leagues.  It will be impossible to remember all the details, so I will update you via pictures.  (Or, my brain is just fried and I can't remember them all...)

We are gearing up for the Holidays, as we will be hosting Tom's family this year since I can't travel.  I am so looking forward to making our own memories in what we call our "forever house."  I can't wait to start traditions that Michael can pass on to his little brother or sister in January.  The next few weeks will be exciting, that's for sure! 

Baby Rooney #2 is healthy and growing as he/she should.  So far, there have been no pregnancy complications, and I am thrilled to report that we passed our Gestational Diabetes test last week.  I dread that test and am so happy to be done with it and to know I can eat all the Christmas Cookies I wish.  ;)  Baby Rooney #2 is due on January 19, but in a few short weeks we will know exactly when we will get to meet this little person.  I had thought a lot about my delivery options, as my Doctor is very supportive of VBAC's, but ultimately decided to have another c-section.  To me, the risks of trying to have a VBAC far outweighed the desire to not have this baby surgically removed.  I am so thankful to have Tom, who supported my decision either way, and a Doctor who supports those same decisions either way as well.  Now, if Tom and I could only agree on names for girls.....

Michael and Reggie playing at the Lake

Picnic at Mounds Park. Michael LOVED watching the barges and trains. 

Enjoying the cabin and playing in the sand

 Michael practicing his baby-skills

Swim Time!

These boys are two peas in a pod

Happy 4th of July!  Also, seeing this picture makes me a bit sad- Michael is potty trained now and I miss his cloth diaper butt!

Michael's very first fish.  It's a lunker pig!

The Train Museum in Spooner.  Family vacation 2013

We forgot to warn Michael of the ship horns, and he is now afraid of them.... Parenting lesson learned. 

Apple picking 

One bonus to the construction is built-in entertainment for our kiddo

Big Truck Day in Woodbury

Michael and his pal, "Key George"