Mason's "Cars" Party

This year getting ready for Mason's party was a bit challenging. Two weeks post-op and life with a newborn and energetic (almost) four year old made life a little crazy. With TONS of help from my mom, though, we pulled it off! He wanted a Cars party and that's just what he got. Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate. He's a lucky little boy!

Opening his gift from Alexandria, Hailey, and Jake

 Maddon meeting his great grandma for the first time

 Opening gifts. This year he was big on Legos, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and anything with wheels!

 We surprised Mason with a ride-on police car after he opened all of his other presents. Daddy, Papa Gene, and Tyler snuck out and put it in the backyard for the boys to play. We were all impressed by what a great job of sharing they did.

Giving Luke & Blake a turn

 Daddy getting them started

Silly driving 

 Another Erica & Grandma creation

 Thanking Auntie Erica for his cake

 Happy Birthday Maser!

Welcome Sunny

A local restaurant was having a kids celebration this past weekend. It included cookie decorating and some carnival style games. I took the boys since Mason likes decorating cookies so much. He, however, found the game where the prize was a goldfish and the people running the game made sure that he won one. Mason decided that since he looks like the color of the sun he should be named Sunny! Needless to say, we had to go buy supplies for our new pet immediately!

He also got a balloon sword

 Here's Sunny

 Decorating cookies

Maddon's First Trip to the Zoo

After being stuck in the house more than usual, we were all ready to get out for a bit. Mason's request was a family trip to the zoo. Maddon, of course, slept through most of it but it felt great to get some fresh air.

The boys at the entrance

Newborn/Sibling Photos

Since Mason couldn't come to the hospital when Maddon was born we decided to try to get some photos of the two of them together. Of course, they were independently uncooperative. Here are some of my favorites.

Bringing Home Baby

Due to the recent outbreak of EV-D68 the hospital banned visitors under 18 from the family care unit. I wanted Mason to be the first to meet the baby so we ended up having all of our friends and family wait until we brought him home to meet him. It ended up working out since my labor and delivery was so exhausting although I sure did miss Mason! We were very happy to be discharged as soon as possible and start our lives as a family of four!

All dressed to go home

On our way

Mason and Grandma put up decorations and even baked to welcome Maddon home.

Two brothers meeting for the first time (the video was too large to post)

Meeting Grandma Monica

All snuggled up his first night home

Sharing some tummy time

Maddon has been a great addition to our family. Mason absolutely adores his brother. He wants to hold him constantly and does a great job helping out with him. I am pleasantly surprised by how much he loves his baby brother, yet cautiously optimistic for the future. Either way, I'll take the brotherly love while I can get it.

Welcome Maddon

After what seemed like forever, we welcomed our second baby boy at 3:25 AM on September 23. He must have been cozy inside, because not only was he late but he was so stubborn coming out that he had to be delivered by c-section. Nonetheless, he weighed in at a healthy 9 lb and was 21 in long. He's a very snuggly baby and has been a welcome addition to our family!

Right after birth

Some from his hospital photo shoot

 Just relaxing

First Day of "3's" Preschool

Mason started another year of preschool today and was so excited to be back. Even though his class is at a new location this year, he jumped right back into the swing of things. He couldn't wait to leave the house!