Happy Thanksgiving!

Katie came home from school this week with this.

It reads:

"I am Thankful for: My bruthr"

I asked which one.  She pointed to Lucas.  I am sure she is thankful for Andrew too, bu this year we certainly have a lot to be thankful for. A new beautiful member of our family!

Getting to Know You...

Lucas was one week old on Thursday.  His first day home was a little chaotic getting into some sort of routine, but the timing of his birth really could not have been better timed. Or, un-timed in his case.

Lucas was due November 26th, my father's birthday.  I was scheduled for a repeat C-section November 22, at 39 weeks and 3 days.  If he was born November 22 as scheduled, I would have been in the hospital for 3 nights and come home on Friday, the day AFTER Thanksgiving.  Just not the best timing.  Instead, he was born on a Thursday, came home on a Sunday and the kids both had a full day of school Monday. It was a perfect way to ease into the craziness of our family.  And, he came when he was ready. I started having contractions 6 days before he was born.  To quote the midwife on the day he was born: "enough is enough - today you are going to have a baby."

The last 11 days have been wonderful getting to know him.  So far, and I hate to compare, but he is a much calmer baby than Katie and Andrew. He is content to be held or put down in a bouncey chair or swing.  He falls asleep on his own and is very alert.

A few things I have learned about Lucas so far in getting to know him...

1) When he wakes up he starts off sounding like a dolphin with a clicking sound.  Then as he wakes up more and more he get a little bit louder and louder, but never a full blown cry

2) He does not like his diaper changed. He knows once his fresh diaper is on, the torture is almost over

3) He already knows my voice

4) He must burp after each feeding or else his belly hurts.  If he doesn't burp, he will NOT go back to sleep.

5) When he nurses, he gets a little excited and makes a little noise as if to say "here I come"

6) He is a love. Just perfect. Tiny and sweet.  

Lucas Alexander

Lucas Alexander
Born November 10, 2011
2:11 pm
7 lbs. 5.6 ounces
21.5 inches long

Halloween

Halloween was very exciting this year.  Last October we went to Disney World and then came up to New Hampshire to Trick or Treat, but this year we were fully immersed in the festivities.  I think it was because kids were older and were able to see the stores getting ready and talk to their friends.  In the Netherlands, of course, Halloween isn't celebrated.

Katie and Andrew's good friends, Jillian and Alaina, came over to Trick or Treat with us.  I think this is the 3rd year( out of four) they have been able to go with us.  Our neighborhood is ideal for this age.  We live in a development with 2 cul-de-sacs. We know all of our neighbors and the streets are well lit and safe.  And, to do both streets, it takes about 1 hour.  Perfect.

 Jillian the Pirate

 Katie was Nala from Disney's the Lion King

Katie LOVES the Lion King.  I would say it is her favorite Disney movie.  She saw it for the first time when she was about three years old and since then has loved it.  She has not wavered.  She was Nala when she was three and insisted that she wanted to be it again this year.  The costume, of course, did not fit anymore, so we had to get a new one.  I have to say, she does make one very cute lioness!

 Andrew the Penguin

Andrew wanted to be a penguin for weeks leading up to Halloween. Actually, probably at least a good 6 weeks!  He had a favorite tee shirt this summer that had penguins on it and I think that is where it started. 

 Alaina the Witch

Grandma was here for pumpkin carving this year since I was put on bed rest a week earlier.  Katie loves to dig her hands in the pumpkin and get all the "goo."  She enjoyed separating the seeds so we could make pumpkin seeds in the oven.  Andrew did not like the "goo" at all and would not touch it.

 Both kids designed their own pumpkin face on a piece of paper first and then Mom or Dad cut it out.  I have to say, I was impressed with their original designs.  They were both unique and both Katie and Andrew were happy with the end result.