Aunt Nikki Visit

While Mat traveled to Seattle, Aunt Nikki came to Oakville!  We had such a fun week and don't know what we would have done without her!

July 2016

July started with a trip to Northern Michigan to celebrate the 4th of July.  The car ride was a brutal 11 hours, but all-in-all both kids did beautifully!  James Robert had been looking forward to polka fest all year and had a blast dancing, watching the fireworks and catching candy at the Glen Arbor parade. It was also wonderful to spend time with Major who has been enjoying his time at camp this summer!  At the end of the month, Aunt Nikki came to visit and help us out while Mat was traveling to Seattle and we had a very fun visit. It was a great month!

TCL One Month

I am so thankful that I documented JR's first year in this format.  Each month I'll plan to post a similar update on Thomas' growth and memories.  There are so many things packed into these days, I don't want to forget the details! Thomas' first month was a wonderful one, here are some highlights. 

Weight: about 10 lbs (solidly in the 50% for all measurements at 1 month)

Health: Within the first month it seemed we had a lot of doctor visits.  There was a very lethargic couple of days that promted an ER visit to rule our jaundice (it was negative).  There were also a few lactation consultation visits to make sure we had feeding down pat.  There have been a lot of fussy evenings, so we're working on figuring out what has him upset. 

Sleep: Thomas is most comfortable sleeping on Mommy's chest or in his swing.  He loves to party all night long and morning is his best nap.  The longest stretch he has slept was 3 hours.  

Social: There were so many visitors in the first month including both sets of grandparents.  We had lots of friends from church come to visit us and bring food and meet you.  And because the weather was so nice and we can walk many places from our house, Thomas was out and about a lot in the first month! 

Diet: Thomas (just like his brother) has a voracious appetite.  He eats around the clock! 

Clothes: Newborn clothing fit the best; in fact, we didn't have many from JR, so we ended up getting a few more warm weather newborn items in order to have enough to wear.   Because it has been so warm,  he spent most of the month in a diaper and swaddle or a short sleeve white onsie.  

Baby Gear Love: Thank goodness for the swing!  Also, we have been having you sleep as much as possible in the rock and play because it is more upright than a bassient in hopes that you will be more comfortable.  We are much more minimal on baby gear this time around! 

Crying:  Although he wasn't born screaming, he has developed that skill in the first month.  There has been a lot of crying that we are still trying to figure out why.  

Likes:  The outdoors!  Thank goodness he is a summer baby because taking him outside to feel the breeze, watch the trees or take a walk has been the best way to sooth him.  He also loves his wabanub pacifier and of course, milk! 

Milestones: He lost his umbilical chord only 4 days after he was born!  The biggest milestones were getting back up to his birth weight (it took 2 weeks!) and meeting his big brother. 

June 2016

June was incredible.  There are not other words to describe it.  Welcoming Thomas into our family and adjusting to life as a family of four was the focus of our month!  We also managed to picnic at one of our favorite spots a few times and James Robert started Little Kickers, a soccer program for toddler-- he loved it!

Thomas' Birth Story

Dear Thomas,

On June 10th at 8:06 AM you were born at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital.  You were 8 lbs and 6 oz of pure joy delivered via scheduled c-section that morning.

In contrast to James Robert's birth, everything about your arrival unfolded calmly.  The day before the surgery, Daddy and I went to the hospital for my blood work and pre-operation instructions. They walked us through everything to expect for the next morning.

Per my request, we had Grandpa's famous ribs for dinner the night before and we all enjoyed a big meal of favorite foods.   I attempted to go to bed early, but couldn't sleep with excitement.

We arrived at the hospital at 6AM to check in and get ready for surgery.  We chatted with nurses and met the anesthesiologist.  And at 7:45am I was walked into the operating room and given a spinal for numbing.  That was the most challenging part of the procedure.

Shortly thereafter, I was laying on the surgical table and the cloth was draped in front of me. Then your Daddy was brought into the room and sat by my side and held my hand.

Despite the nerves and excitement that charged these moments,  music was played and the conversation with my doctor was light and happy which set a wonderful tone in the room.

The procedure went quickly and what seemed like moments later you were lifted from my belly. There wasn't an immediate scream (unlike your brother); you peacefully entered the world and the nurses had to encourage you to make a sound.

Nurses handed you to Daddy immediately after being cleaned. My eyes welled up with happy tears as I watch them weigh you and take your measurements. I couldn't wait to hold you too.  The greatest surprise was to see sparse hair and fair coloring!

30 minutes later in the recovery room, I held you for the first time and it was truly one of the best moments of my life.  I couldn't believe how little you felt. We were so thankful for your health and that you arrived safely.

I spent countless hours that day marveling at your features; you had a newborn wrinkle that horizontally spanned the bridge of your nose that was most endearing.  Your fingers and hands appeared especially long and elegant for a baby.  And most of all your countenance was so beautifully peaceful while sleeping that I have had a hard time handing you over to anyone else since you were born.

When I held you for the first time, I felt my heart expand in my chest to double the size.  I couldn't have pictured or imagined how wonderful it would feel to have you join our family until you were here.

The afternoon that you were born, you had several special visitors.  James Robert, Gram, Grandpa and Nana and Baca all came to meet you.

Watching you meet your brother for the first time became another memory that I'll never forget.  It was incredible!  You were met with so much love!

We spent the next two days in the hospital.  It was really special time; the nurses were wonderful and despite little sleep and both of us recovering, it was one of the most incredibly joy-filled days of my life.  You spent less than 5 minutes in your bassinet at the hospital.  Upon your arrival in my arms, you never wanted to leave and I have been perfectly happy to oblige.

You came home after 2 days in the hospital! You are such a blessing sweet, Thomas.  We love you!

May 2016

May was a month of preparation and soaking in every last minute as a family of three.  We enjoyed lots of time by the lake, picnics and we visited some new beaches in Toronto and Mississauga.  Birthday and Mothers Day were highlighted by indulging some pregnancy cravings of homemade lobster rolls and cake.  This time of year is spectacular in Ontario!

April 2016

I don't want to forget the incredible memories made over the past couple of months, so excuse me while I play a bit of catch up.  I haven't updated this space since April and it has been for good reason.  Life has been so very full. 

April kicked off a very busy season in our lives.  The month was packed in the best possible way.   We traveled to Iceland and Paris for a week while James Robert enjoyed time with Nana and Baca.  Then Gram and Grandpa were in town for the next weekend for a baby shower that was hosted by some sweet friends.  We enjoyed the warming weather by doing some local hikes and checking out the CN Tower.  And we celebrated Mat's birthday with carrot cake!