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.