3 months old

This week Grandma D and Big Daddy came to visit. Grandma was able to spoil her grandson rotten and Big Daddy was left with plenty of projects around the house. It was great having them down and knowing, once again, that Nathaniel was in good hands while mom went to work 2 and 1/2 days this week (by the way mom did better this week and did not cry the entire trip to work). Our families just continue to bless our socks off!

Nathaniel began laughing out loud this week! It is my new favorite sound. I was glad my parents were able to witness his first giggles. Additionally this week he began consistently rolling from his stomach to his back if his elbows are propped under him. I think this is his attempt to put a stop to "tummy time" but having 2 therapists for parents he really does not have a chance to avoid this :)

Grandma Helen's Birthday

We had a beach birthday Luau for Grandma Helen's 60th. It was great fun, although Nathaniel was fussy throughout most of the event. Probably because he did not get to have the cake or homemade ice cream. It was fun to see everyone, our only regret is not getting more pictures.

Thanks Barb

What a week! Mom had to go back to work part-time so Auntie Barbara and "crazy cousin Craig" came down to keep Nathaniel for the week. It was so nice and sooo much fun to have them visit. It really helped put mom and ease, it was much harder than she tought to leave baby Nathaniel - despite being in good hands.

However, the boys had a blast! When we picked up Barbara and Craig from the airport, Craig was already excited. The boys were able to balance their schedules to keep Barbara from going insane with 2 newborns.

We found it amusing how similar they behave despite living so far apart. They both HATE to go to sleep,

tolerate tummy time, love the activity gym and swing, and really enjoyed hanging out with each other.

To finish off the week, we decided to take the boys to their first bar. Yes that is right, at 11 and 16 weeks old, the boys went to a bar with their mothers.....the chocolate bar. This is a little slice of Heaven on Earth! Then Barbara got a new car (here is your pic Anson).

It was a great week and I cannot tell you how much we appreciate all that Barbara, Anson, and Craig sacrificed. I must not have been as bad a big sister as my siblings made me out to be :) We love you guys!

Addalyne

In college I made some great friends. We often dreamt of what the future held and figured we would all live in the same town, have children who could grow up together, and continue to have wild -n- crazy memories all the days of our lives....then reality hit. Slowly, one by one everyone moved away (except Ronnie), got "real" jobs, got married and is happily living their own lives. We do manage to keep in touch and have a blast when we are able to get together.



Perhaps not all our "dreams" came true but Sheila, Amanda, and I were all pregnant at the same time. What are the odds?



Today Nathaniel and I were able to go visit Sheila and her newest addition, Miss Addalyne Grace. She is a precious little girl that is already full of character. She was smiling and sticking out her tongue (she inherited Sheila's tongue!!!). Mom and baby are doing great and big brother Casen seems to be handling things fairly well so far.

Addie & Nate met and quickly began organizing a dance routine

The big brother

Growing Boy

The first time I met the Obert twins I was only 6 days old....and they seemed like GIANTS to me (they were only 2 months old).

But now, 2 months later, I am catching up to them....watch out girls, here I come!

In rare photographic evidence, the girls look more serious than Nate.

Beach Baby Blessing

We are fortunate to be surrounded by people who have loved and supported us through the pregnancy and along life's journey in general....our life group. Last night our life group gathered on the beach in Galveston and prayed over us and over Nathaniel. It was a special time and such a blessing to us.

The name 'Nathaniel' means gift of God. We have continually been reminded that our baby is indeed a gift of God. Everything about his being has been perfect and according to God's timing.

Additionally, last night we prayed over the Obert and Saldivar families. It has been so fun to watch our life group grow. Within one year we added 4 kids......oh the adventures ahead for all of us!

May our children grow up surrounded by such incredible friends and come to know the crazy love of our Heavenly Father with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.

4th of July

Happy Birthday Grandma D!

Our fourth was fabulous!

We were able to spend the day just relaxing as a family. Then we went to a BBQ at Lori's and onto Galveston with Nicci and her family. It was great to spend time with friends.

Nathaniel was pretty sleepy but did manage to wake up and watch the fireworks. Since he currently is most intrigued by lights and ceiling fans, this proved to be a real highlight for him. His attention wavered through the 20 minute show, but overall he was pretty fascinated by the exploding fire things in the sky.

To top it off....Nathaniel demonstrated his own independence and slept 7.5 hours through the night! It was wonderful (this is a new personal best for him and/or his parents - depending on how you look at it!).

Daycare decisions...

Who knew getting into a daycare would be more competitive than getting into an Ivy League University? We put Nathaniel on a waiting list when I was 2 months pregnant at a great daycare close to work. They assured us he would be able to get in by August. However, when I called to check in June, they said there was no availability due to siblings being born (siblings get priority). So, in a frantic panic, we have interviewed at several places and felt all else was sub par. We have not been as satisfied as we were with the original daycare we wanted. Nothing is more heartbreaking than returning to work anyway and to leave my precious baby in a sub par situation is tormenting. I have been trying to convince Ted that we can live on beans and rice and be content.

Luckily, we got news today that there will be an opening in August for Nathaniel!!! I am so relieved. Don't get me wrong, I am still holding out for the beans and rice life, but if I must return to work this will make it a little easier - and we will all be less gassy :)

Nathaniel is obviously thrilled with the news