New Brother

My entire pregnancy the boys told me they were having a sister.  After months of hearing that and having some differences this time around, I started to think it would be a girl.  Having the doctor tell me "here's Thomas" was one of the best surprises we ever had.  When it was time for the boys to meet their new brother we were very excited.  I, of course, had t-shirts made for each.  Their reactions were great.

Gabriel was a little confused as to why it was Thomas and not Giuliana.  I so happy we told them both names and didn't just assume they were right.  

I love seeing these moments.  They go so fast when in the moment.  But I'm so happy that I have these pictures to share with the boys when they get older.

Bennett could not be happier

Proud Bigger Brother

Halloween 2016

Halloween was perfect this year.  The weather was warm( High 60s) and the company was always great.  We went down to the Birch's, like we do every year, and the boys were off.  We did miss seeing Benton and Elizabeth this year, but Mathew was great showing the boys the ropes.  However, my mom had her first South City Halloween in over 19 years.  It's safe to say that she was a little shocked at how the old neighborhood has changed and how many trick or treaters we get.

Since I was extremely pregnant, I stayed at the Birch house to listen to amazing jokes and give out candy.  Scott took the boys around the neighborhood with Mathew and Ben.  

The boys had so much fun and scored a lot of candy going around the block.  Once they arrived back at the Birch's, we went up the street to visit old neighbors and get a little more candy.  But by then it was 7:30 and their little legs and eyes were exhausted.  We quickly changed and took annual pictures with Mathew(State Farm Guy) before heading home.

My Job Change

Back in August we found out that there could be big changes coming to the MAC and Cisco relationship.  Our bosses were not shy about telling us we should look for new jobs.  At that time I was 8 months pregnant with Thomas and no one was going to hire me knowing I would be on a 3 month maternity break shortly after being hired.

So as time went on, we found out little details from Cisco.  In fact, our Cisco co-workers were the ones that slowly let us know that the relationship was over after the first quarter(ending 10/28).  By mid-September our bosses told us that a few people had till the end of September to work at MAC and the rest would be laid off come 10/28.  I was in the bunch that had till the end of October.

The timing worked out well, since I was scheduled to be enduced 11/3.  The next decision was for Scott and I to determine if I would find a new job after the first of the year or be a stay at home mom.  We opted for me to stay home with the boys.  We scaled back Gabriel's preschool to 9-12 (the learning hours) and Bennett was taken out of daycare.  I've decided that staying home is a good move for me now.  I get more time to play with the boys and decided if this is something I really like or I look for something where I can work from home with Thomas.  Either way, Scott and I made a list of must haves for when I decide I need to go back to work and staying home seems to be winning.

Halloween Party

I had the opportunity to help out at Gabriel's first Halloween party at school.  I didn't know what to expect, but had a great time getting to know other moms and what his school routine is like.

Gabriel decided that he would be Spider-Man for Halloween this year.  It was a surprise to Scott and I that he chose that costume.  

Then once I was at school and his 2 other friends were dressed up as Spider-Man, it all made sense.   The kids colored and read Halloween books before they went all over the church to trick or treat.  

The school/church is currently undergoing renovations, so the construction workers helped give out candy.  That was a huge treat for the kids.

After trick or treating, we went back to the classrooms for crafts, games and snacks.  

After recess, I left Gabriel to have his last full day at preschool.  Watching him with his friends, I know that Scott and I made the right choice sending him to preschool.  He is a smart kid with a lot of friends.  

Boo at the Zoo

Before baby A arrived there were a few things that we needed to do to get ready.  Scott had work and a honey do list and I wanted to take the boys to Boo at the Zoo. We didn't get to go with Gabriel's school due to weather so, Sunday before Halloween we spent the morning at the zoo with my mom.  

The weather was perfect, very fall like and the animals were out and putting on a show.  We took the time to just wander as far as I could walk.  Then it was time for the train.  We probably went around the park 3 or 4 times.  The train was by far one the the most fun things the boys have done at the zoo.  Just look how happy they are!

Bennett is very into trains right now and he was in heaven.  Gabriel was excited to get around the park quickly and see a lot of animals and tell us about them.  I had cramps in my legs from being smushed in the seats and being 9 months pregnant.  

I love going and seeing the zoo all dressed up for Halloween.  One year will will have to go at night to really experience Boo at the Zoo, maybe when their bedtime isn't 7:30. 

Pumpkin Patch Part 2

We decided that our first trip to the pumpkin patch this year just wasn't going to cut it for the boys.  I felt they didn't really get to play, mean parents didn't want to pay for every little thing at the first one.  Thankfully, we live less than 10 minutes from a great little place, Thies Farm.  There is 1 price and the kids can do pretty much everything. 

So we told the boys we had a surprise for them and took off.  Gabe took the surprise very seriously.

Waiting to see his surprise

We got there 20 minutes after it opened and we waited in a long line just to pay to get inside.  Clearly, everyone thought10am Sunday morning was the best time her to check this place out.  Once we were inside, the boys headed straight to the hay pyramids to climb and jump off. 

Waiting for the tractor

They loved this tunnel, Scott not so much

See Scott and Bennett up top?

Then it was off to check out goats and tunnels and pirate ships and more tunnels and slides and obstacle courses and more hay pyramids. 

He did not want to look

We spent a hour and half playing.  Our goal was to play till lunch time and we did just that.  They didn't even put up much of a fight when it was time to go, unlike the previous weekend.  They were exhausted.  The only thing I was a little upset over was the lack of mums to choose.  I didn't get a single plant.  Oh well, the boys got home and slept for a while - Thank you Thies Farm!

Bunked Boys

The boys are officially in the same room.  We made the decision to get bunk beds before the baby arrives and every night I'm a little nervous to put them to bed.  We had a good bedtime routine, but it's time to move Bennett out of the crib, he was bouncing out of it.  Of course he is now bouncing on the top bunk with Gabriel.

On Saturday morning Scott took the time to build the bunk beds.  The first half a building was done with "helpers" and then I took the "helpers" to swim lessons so real work could be completed. 

When we returned the beds were pretty much put together.  All that was needed was a trip to get mattresses.   

Another quick trip and Scott was home with mattresses and the bed were put together just in time for nap time. 

 

If you look closely, you can see both boys on the top bunk asleep.  B is at the bottom and G is up top

  We have found the boys a couple times sharing the top bunk.  We think Bennett is a little scared on the bottom and likes to curl up by Gabe.  So far they aren't long enough for that to matter and seem to get along.  We will see how this turns out as they get used to the beds.