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.