First Movie

While my mom was here we took Tyler to his first movie, Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked! He really liked it and we actually made it through the whole movie. He just got a little restless the last half hour (and f we hadn't had to sit through 20 minutes of previews he probably would have made it). Luckily there were only like 2 other families in there so he was able to get down and wander our aisle a little bit!

Welcome to the world Andrew "Drew" Robert...

On our way to the hospital...

First bath...

Nana and Tyler come to the hospital to visit.

Nana and Papa with Drew.

Andrew "Drew" Robert arrived Tuesday, January 17th at 4:10am. He weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces and was 20 inches long. I went in for my regular doctor's appointment Monday afternoon and was 2-3 centimeters dialated. My doctor said I could go into labor at anytime. Well it didn't take too long... about 5 hours later (6pm) I started to feel contractions. Jeff and I went to the hospital around 10pm. My mom stayed with Tyler while I was in the hospital which made leaving him at home a little easier. I was 4-5 centimeters when I got there and the contractions were about 5 minutes apart. I got my epidural soon after getting there and was feeling pretty good. It was a really easy labor and the recovery was much easier than with Tyler (with the exception of the massive headache I got a few hours after having him). I ended up getting a blood patch on Wednesday- where they put a needle back into the epidural space, then drew blood from my arm and injected the blood into the epidural space. 95% of the time it is supposed to give instant relief... well I finally got relief Friday afternoon. Ughhh! The epidural itself is awesome but I questioned whether it was worth it many times over those few days I had the headache. I didn't think it would ever go away!

We came home from the hospital on Thursday. My parents were in town and Jeff's parents came on Saturday. It was nice to have all of them here and some extra help.

We are still adjusting to life as a family of 4!! My mom left Saturday so it's just us now. Tyler seems to love his baby brother. He mostly refers to him as "baby" but will sometimes call him "Drew". He loves to give him kisses and hold him!! It's definitely crazy around here with a 2 week old and a 20 month old but we wouldn't have it any other way!! :)

Christmas at home

Since I only had a month until I was due with Drew, we stayed home for the first time ever! We have always either traveled to California or Michigan for Christmas. It was sad not to be with our families but kind of nice to just be at home with the 3 of us! Traveling around the holidays is never very much fun! It was fun getting everything ready for Christmas morning- especially since Tyler was more into opening presents this year!

Tyler was not a big fan of Santa this year... this was the best picture we got!

Christmas Eve 2011

He loved the racecar that my Aunt Connie and Uncle Gary got him!

Everywhere we would go he loved playing in the kitchens so I finally talked Jeff into letting him ask Santa for one! He was so excited Christmas morning- a little overwhelmed but excited!

Another obsession... vacuums! Real and pretend. Now he helps vacuum when I do (which is quite often since he spills crumbs everywhere and Keely sheds horribly!)

Eating Santa's leftover cookies! Yum!

One more month to go!

Swim Class

We started Tyler in swim class at Bear Paddle Swim in Aurora. Jeff was going to do the class with him on Saturday mornings. I went with them to the first class and he seemed to like it okay until the end of the class when they dunked him under several times. He wasn't too happy about that. The class was a half hour long- which was perfect.

I went back with them to the second class and right when we walked in we could tell it wasn't going to be a good class. He didn't want to get in the water and then cried for me the whole time he was in there. Guess he thought I would save him?!?! I tried leaving and going into the waiting room but within a few minutes they were out of the pool and we were packing up to leave.

We decided that I would not go to the next class... I just wanted to get some pictures and video of him! (and I never did get any video because I forgot the video camera on the first day of class) Anyway, Jeff and Tyler left for class and my mom and I stayed home (she was here since Drew would be arriving any day). Well, Jeff called at 9:10am and said they were on their way home- class started at 9:00am. :( Needless to say, we cancelled our enrollment there and will try again later. Hope he still likes the water!

Snow Days

Well, our first winter here in Naperville was a warm one. We didn't get any big storms but did get some snow. Everyone keeps telling us what a mild winter this was. I definitely thought it was cold enough though! At least Tyler got a chance to play in the snow. He loves being outside- the biggest challenge was keeping gloves on him! The first time he wore his snowsuit outside was pretty funny- he would fall over and couldn't stand back up on his own. He got a lot better though!

Touching the snow for the first time- it wasn't much but enough to have fun in!

A little more snow this time... Tyler figured since he liked to eat it, why wouldn't Bella?!?

Bella loves being outside- even in the snow!

Having a snowball fight with Daddy!

California Trip in November

While we were home for Thanksgiving we tried to get some cute pictures of the kids for my parents Christmas cards. Usually Tyler isn't very cooperative when taking pictures but he was really hamming it up this time. We actually ended up using a few for our Christmas cards!

We also celebrated Christmas early with my family since we weren't going to be able to make the trip this year because of my due date. We will be going back next year for Christmas- I just better not be pregnant again! :0

Best Buddies!

Our "California" Christmas morning!

Going home...