Wheeler Farm with Max

 Even though it's only been a few weeks since I had my stomach cut open, I couldn't stand the thought of Max going on his first field trip without me.  Miss Molly took all the kids from Bear Hollow to Wheeler Farm to see the animals.  It's sort of freaking me out because it seems like only yesterday I was there with Hank.  I even blogged about it 2 years ago.

 Max had a conversation with a goose.

 

 His buddy Cooper got to ride in my car with us and Max was a chatter box the entire way there.  After discussing their favorite ninja turtles, Max said "Hey Cooper, I don't wear underwear to bed".  Cooper didn't quite know what to say about that!  I love Max trying to make new friends, he is hilarious.

 They had time to play with sticks, mud, and water for a bit before everyone else arrived.  To be honest, I think it was the most fun they had the entire day.  

 Bless Miss Molly...I don't know how she does it with all these little rats!  It is pretty amazing how good these little kids were. We split into groups and then went on a tour.  The kids weren't that impressed by the historical facts about the farm...shocker.  The wagon ride was definitely a highlight.

 It was so great to have some quality time with Max.  No distractions, no other kids, no diabetes, just me and Mino.  I really love this little guy.  He is growing up so fast.

 Max was so excited for lunch time.  I packed a scrumptious lunch and he enjoyed every bit of it until a bee decided to torment him.  He got stung after my grandma's funeral and he is completely terrified of all flying insects now.  Despite the bee, we had a great time together.  I am so glad I had a chance to hang out with my favorite 4 year old for the afternoon.

3 Weeks

 It's already been three weeks with our little Sam.  The family is adjusting rather well.  He is such a little love.  I really can't get enough of him.  Sometimes I hide in his room and shut the door so we can cuddle in peace without Hank and Max interrupting.  I am thoroughly enjoying every minute with him.  He gets up a couple times during the night but I don't mind.  There is just something about the third child.  Maybe I've finally figured out how to be a mom of a newborn. He eats 2.5 ounces every 3 or 4 hours and really only cries when he is hungry. 

 When he is awake, he really looks you in the eye...starring deep into your soul!

 You can see Hank in the corner trying to kiss him.

 Sam met his Aunt Danna this week.  He could tell she is an experienced mom/grandma.

 He snuggled right in.

 He also got to bathe for the first time this week and he LOVES the tub. 

 This whale tub is the bomb.  It has a little place for him to sit so you don't have to hold him awkwardly.  He loves bath time so much more than his brothers did at this age.

 He pulls some serious Randy faces.

 He looks a bit terrified of Max in this picture but I assure you , he loves his brother.

 Max loves it when Crusher bites his nose.

 I am most amazed by his furry little face and his tiny little head.  Hank and Max were always in the 90th percentile in head size but Sam is just in the 30th.

 I've been meaning to post pictures of his nursery but I was waiting for his letters to arrive.  The amazing bedding is courtesy of my friend Annalisa's company, Oilo.  Sam is soon to be featured on her website modeling their newest layette set. 

 Since Sam moved into Max's old room, Hank and Max got bunk beds a few months ago.  They love sleeping in the same room.  It hasn't been a hard adjustment at all.  They take turns every other night sleeping on the top bunk.

So, I still have Bell's Palsy which is beyond annoying but all I have to do is look at this little angel baby and everything seems o.k. He is such an incredible blessing to our family and he couldn't have come at a better time.  I love you Sam, so very very much!

Max is FOUR!

I can't believe my little Maxi is 4!  I must say, being a big brother brings out the best in him.  Sam is so content in his arms which helps me out immensely.

 Max's birthday celebrations began a day early at preschool.  I arrived for the last 15 minutes of class to share a poster all about Max and treats for the class.  I had a chance to watch Max for a few minutes before he realized I was there and he was so cute.  He was minding Miss Molly and participating.  I love it!

 He got all dressed up like a cowboy and the class sang happy birthday to him.

 What a little stud!  He got to keep the hat and bandanna, I think he needs to wear it all the time.

The next morning was his birthday and Hank was bummed he had to go to school.  We opened Max's gifts before Hank left.  Hank picked out Max's favorite present of the day.

 Pop the Pig

 Max also got some Ninja Turtle movies, a Max and Ruby book, a baseball pitching machine, and Donkey Kong for the Wii.

 Max wanted Chick-Fil-A for lunch so we called our usual lunch group (mom, Sarah, and Jack) and they were there in 5 minutes!

 He enjoyed a birthday Diet Coke.

 As well as some quality time with Jack in the play place.  Good thing Sarah was around to put the smack down on all the annoying kids bothering Max and Jack.

We had time to rest for a bit before Max's birthday party at Jump On It with the rest of the family.

 Max loves the foam pit.

 My sweet little Isabel.  The kids were jumping fools and having a great time but Max had one thing on his mind...birthday cake.

I can't really blame him since it was a really delicious looking cake but the other kids weren't quite ready.  Max was pissed.

 I snapped this picture seconds before Max swatted the camera out of my hands sending it crashing into the concrete floor and breaking it.  It's a good thing it was his birthday or I might have beat him right on the spot.  Luckily Jeri had her camera on hand to capture the rest of the party.  The ironic thing was he never actually touched his cake.  He was too busy drinking his fresca with a spoon.  Go figure.

I think he should've wished for a new camera for his mom.

Or perhaps a mom without a paralyzed face.  How freaky do I look! 

 Lynn and Jenni

 Scott and Jeri

 Dad and Sam

 Max couldn't wait to tear into his presents.  Man, our family knows Mino well!  The gifts were perfection.

 He got a new DS from my mom and dad, star wars figures and a wii game from Jeri and Scott, as well as hot wheels and other little toys from Colby and Dyson.

 Hank was so eager to help Max rip into his presents.

 The Ross family hit the mark with this Raphael costume.  Max had to wear it within 5 seconds of opening it.

He couldn't see out of his mask but he refused to take it off.

 Sarah also blew Max's mind with this General Grevious mask.  He refused to actually speak the rest of the night.  He would just simply push the button on the mask and have Grevious do the talking.

I love this picture.  Raphael jumping with Hank captures the night perfectly.  Max is certainly one of a kind!  I can't imagine our family without him in it.  There is never a dull moment when Max is around.  Now that Hank is at school all day, I really love the one on one time I get to spend with him.  I am the luckiest girl in the world to be his mom.  Happy birthday my little buddy.  I love you!

 OMG--I just have to include this picture because it is so sad/hilarious/disturbing.  Please Bell's Palsy, go away.  That is my attempt at a smile, hahaha.  I am so hot!

Max's First Day at Bear Hollow

 Just two hours after Sam's birth, Max was whisked away to his first day of preschool.  It's a good thing I was drugged out of my mind because I have been really dreading this day.  Max just seems like my baby still.  I can't picture him in a structured classroom environment.  Randy documented the day perfectly since I was out of commission.  He knew I would have to blog about this.

 Max was in great spirits before school started.  I don't think he quite knew what to expect.

 They arrived a bit early so Max got to play outside for a few minutes.

 I can't handle how grown up he looks.  It seems like just yesterday I was doing this with Hank.

 Miss Molly had an art project planned for the kids and their parents to start the day.  Max was distraught when he saw "Max" spelled out on his paper.  He immediately turned to Randy and said "My name isn't Max, it's Vern."  He made Randy spell out Vern on his paper and insisted it be spelled "AA".  When Randy left, Max was a little upset but Molly said he did great.  

Randy even captured Max waiting to be picked up after school with his cowboy hat.  What a day for my Mino-man...new brother, and first time away from home by himself.  He did so great.  I am so proud of my little buddy.  I still get a lump in my throat when I drop him off.  Being a parent is agonizing sometimes.

On a side note...I woke up on Sunday morning to a numb tongue that soon turned into numbness all along the left side of my face.  After going to the urgent care clinic, I soon learned I have Bells Palsy.  The doctor said it's triggered by stress and can last at least a week, sometimes months.  I cried at first and then had to laugh, seriously, what else could happen to me this month?  I look like I've spent 5 hours in the dentist chair all the time, oh and I can't close my eye.  If you see me out and about, please try not to stare.