Thomas Turns Three!!

We celebrated Thomas's 3rd birthday this Saturday with a swimming party at the new pool at the MCC. I decided back in January that we weren't having a party at our house with a newborn, and this was the perfect option. All I had to do was place my order, pick up a few decorations and show up. That is my kind of party these days! The best part is that everyone had a blast and the birthday boy loved it!

We had a fish cake and I found a picture of these cute fish lanterns on Pinterest.

Thomas was on a little sugar overload, but I love this picture of the three of us.

How is my baby 3? I kept telling him I was going to put a brick on his head!

Henry and Sophie Jane's first date!

 

Sweet DeeDee, John Eric and Jane came to town for the party. Loved seeing them!

 

Harris had a great time splashing in the water and chasing all of the balls. How cute is he?

 

Uncle Brian and his girlfriend, Lindsey, came to town for the party since the Walker's couldn't come as he is in the middle of his chemo/immunity treatments. We sure missed Nana and Papa but loved getting to meet Lindsey and spend some time with them. I think Thomas said Uncle Brian's name about a thousand times!

 

On Saturday night, we all went to Local in Overton Square for dinner.

 

Brian finally got to hold Henry. He had that same big smile when he met Thomas.

 

The Monday before Thomas's real birthday, we had cupcakes and juice at PDO. Thomas was excited to have everyone sing to him and was very specific that the cupcakes should be "banilla" with red icing and NO sprinkles because they just mess up the icing! :)

 

That night, we celebrated with Mimi, Tino and BooBoo.

 

On his birthday, he woke up to his gift from Mommy and Daddy - a fish. He has been asking for one for months, so we finally gave in. Thomas named him Scrumpy.

 

On Tuesday night, we went to Las Delicias with LuLu. It was Thomas's first Mexican birthday celebration. He was a little embarrassed while they sang but kept talking about it afterwards!

 

 

On Thursday, I had a special surprise for Thomas. We went to the Redbirds game at lunch and Tino met us there. He loves baseball and had a great time!

 

I cannot believe that my first baby is three. He is so special and we are lucky to be his Mommy and Daddy. A little about my little guy these days....he is sensitive and funny, stubborn and smart, inquisitive and busy, caring and personable. He is always listening to us and watching what we do. I am amazed at how much he understands or can figure out. He loves to play with his Daddy and tells me often that I am his "bestest friend in the world" - melt my heart. He loves construction equipment, trains, Ninja Turtles, planes, books and tractors. He loves to play baseball, soccer, golf and football. He is the best big brother - so patient and sweet with Henry. He is always putting his paci back in (very gently!) when Henry needs it and is certain to show Henry what toy he is playing with. He brings so much joy to our lives! Happy birthday, Thomas!!! We love you!!!

A Few Favorite Pictures

I am finally getting around to looking through other people's pictures from the day Henry was born. Here are a few of my favorites....

Not necessarily a favorite picture, but a good reminder of the "before" baby. Also a good reminder of why Henry is our last baby....this Mama HATES being pregnant! I sure do love the sweet babies I got so it was all worth it in the end.

Last picture as a family of three before we headed to the hospital. I love how Thomas was putting his arms around us.

First picture as a family of four. Such a sweet moment as big brother met little brother.

I got really emotional when I saw Thomas for the first time after Henry was born. With this delivery, I wasn't scared about the surgery, I was really nervous about what we were about to do to this sweet boy's world....going from an only child to a big brother was going to be a major transition. I think surgery took on a whole new meaning when I had a little one at home already...when I saw him afterwards, it was a release of lots of fears and relief.

Checking out that belly button or "paci" as Thomas thought it was at first glance.

Probably one of my most favorite pictures because Henry is looking so intently at Thomas. 

Henry looks so big in this picture, but he was just so tiny...I say that now as I am holding him and my arm feels like it may fall off....

Henry's first bottle. We have almost this very same picture of Thomas and Patrick. So sweet.

Watching morning cartoons together...notice the lion next to Henry. Thomas always wants to make sure he has something to play with too.

A cute picture of Thomas with Papa and the sandbox that he made for him. We are so lucky to have a Papa that is so talented and loves us so much to spend the time to make such a special gift.

Henry's first trip out of the house.

One Month and Crown & Scepter

Henry was one month old on Friday. How is that possible?

 

 

A 4-week "happy and sad" picture.

 

We went to Crown & Scepter on Friday. Thomas was so cute...he saw Patrick all dressed in his tux and said, "Daddy, you look all grown up!" Ha! As we were leaving, he told us to "drive carefully!" Is he the 2 year old or parent?

 

Patrick's cousin, Harris, stopped by Memphis while he was in Nashville for a wedding. We all went to dinner on Thursday night. It was good to see him. He and his girlfriend, Vicki, live in L.A., so we don't see them very often!

Sweet Henry napping by the pool this weekend while Thomas swims. We had a busy weekend....two birthday parties, Carnival and swimming!

 



A Busy May

I can't believe it is almost Memorial Day! As I wrote the title of this post, I chuckled a little because not only does it mean that we have had one of the busiest months, as May tends to be, but I also feel like I am going non-stop chasing after and caring for two little boys! We've been to the zoo, Tino and BooBoo's birthday dinners, Rebecca's 30th Birthday dinner, the Biddle boys' 3rd birthday party

 

This year, I had the most wonderful Mother's day. I spent the entire day with my boys, and they did everything they could to spoil me. I woke up to all of their smiling faces and a sweet card with a special gift. Since my boys are April and June babies, I get to pick out a piece of jewelry with their birthstones, diamonds and pearls...what a great way to make a mama feel special!

 

We all made breakfast together, went on a long walk, rested and enjoyed a yummy dinner on the Terrace with LuLu.

 

 

 

Last week was Thomas's last day of K-2 at Emmanuel. We are so sad that this year is over because he has loved every single day. He wanted to go to school every day, even Sundays! His teachers are incredible and we will miss them terribly next year. Look at how much Thomas has grown since his first day...such a big boy!

Last Day of K-2 at EUMK

 

First Day of K-2 at EUMK

 

We had a class party to say goodbye! Notice the dynamic duo of Thomas and Charlie sitting together. These are two fun-loving, silly boys!

 

A big hug for Ms. Heidi. I couldn't catch the one for Ms. Laura on my camera. This boy LOVES his teachers.

 

On Wednesday, I took Henry to his 2 week appointment and he was back up to his birth weight exactly - 6 lbs 9 ounces. I think he has finally gotten an appetite, as is evidenced by our every 2 hour eating schedule these last few days.

 

 

On Saturday, we went to the Osiris Banner Party. It was nice to be out with adults and to visit with our friends.

 

This weekend was so rainy and chilly...we stayed bundled up inside with warm blankets and footie pj's.