First Day

Today was the boy's first day of Mother's Day Out. They were very excited.They each got new backpacks and new lunch bags. Jensen was also excited to take his nap mat that I made earlier this year. Carson doesn't need his this year, since his class won't be taking naps.Jensen is in the "Fish Class" and Carson is in the "Bear Class" this year. They both had fun. Carson liked "lots of things" about his first day and Jensen loved doing a finger painting. (Jensen also decided to not eat his lunch and his teachers let him lay down for his nap extra early. :))
Mason and I went grocery shopping with Grandma Jensen and then came home for a couple of quiet hours. Pretty good day for us all.

Family Photo

Since we were all dolled up for church this afternoon, AND we had grandma around to take the picture, I thought I'd better jump on a little family photo opportunity.I know people think I'm crazy taking my 6 day old to church, but I really didn't think it was too much. I feel really good, he slept the entire time we were there (& no one touched him-Dustin's fear), we had the extra help on our first Sunday back, so why not? We didn't stay for the full 3 hours, but it was nice to be there for sacrament meeting. Carson was HIGHLY disappointed that he did not get to stay for class, but Dustin didn't feel like taking 2 cars and staying with the 2 of them. We'll try that next week. :)

A little Mason

Actually, little is relative with this guy. My mom and I saw a tiny baby in the elevator when we went to the pediatrician this week, and when I asked how old he was the mother said 3 days. "Oh," I said, "so is mine." She took one look in our car seat and just kind of laughed. Yeah, I know he looks like he's a month old, but I promise, he hasn't even been here for a week!

Here is Mason with Dustin's grandmother on the day we came home from the hospital. (We had to use the socks over his hands so that he wouldn't scratch up his cute chubby cheeks.)I took this one the other day because he looked so cute watching the mobile above the pack'n'play. My other babies slept this way for several months before I had to turn them lengthwise in the bed. Mason has nearly outgrown this position already!I'll admit this is not his best picture, but he was so calm laying in my lap, I couldn't help but snap one of him.And here he is with Grandma Jensen. Carson noticed yesterday how much Mason looks like Jensen did. I think he's right.So far he has been a really good baby. We had to do a couple of jaundice tests (because we always have to do that) but he's fine now. Mason even went out last night on his first outing to dinner at Cheddar's and a Target run. He was very well behaved. :)

Newest Arrival

We are so excited to finally have Mason here. He was born Monday morning, August 23rd, at the first stroke of midnight. It was a bit of a rough day leading up (with 2 trips to the hospital), but such a relief to be done with the ordeal. We didn't quite expect such a big guy, clearly our biggest at 10lbs, 12oz! They measured him at 21 1/2 inches long, with a 15 inch head. Did I mention I didn't have an epidural? Yeah... enough said.And the boys were excited to meet their new brother. Jensen is still concerned when he hears Mason crying, but I think he'll be a good helper. Here he is trying to give Mason his paci.
Carson was happy to meet him, too. (But honestly, I think he was more excited about the trains that he and Jensen got as a gift from his new baby brother.) :)
And this is our family all together. I cringe to post this picture, as it is not so flattering of me, but try to ignore how unbelievably swollen I am, and enjoy the cute guys surrounding me.

Zing, Zang, Zoom!

Dustin had a fun "Dad & Boys" day planned for yesterday. He took them (along with Grandma Brudnicki) to the Circus! They saw the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Zing, Zang, Zoom show. We kept it a surprise, which made for some funny guesses all week as to what they would be doing on their special trip with Dad.They had a great view of the acrobats, and Jensen kept talking about them when he got home. He also told me about people shooting out of "Cans."They also enjoyed the animals, like the tigers and the elephants who walked in a line holding trunks and tails.Dustin splurged on cotton candy (which he and Jensen share a love for!) because it came with this funny hat. The boys call it a wizard hat…actually Jensen told me it was a "lizard hat." :)They really had a fun time with Dad and Grandma. I think Dad and Grandma loved being able to see the circus through the eyes of those excited little boys, too!

Happy Birthday Carson!

It's a day late, but when you're 5, birthdays can last for a while, so I don't feel too bad. :) I have been warning Carson for months that for this birthday he was not going to get a big party with all his friends. I knew it would simply be too difficult for me to be able to pull that off this year. But I did tell him he could invite 1 friend to come for a little party. Without hesitation, he chose his friend, Ben. Ben is a special little boy in our ward. One of the things that makes Ben unique is that he doesn't use words to communicate. But Carson doesn't care. What Carson knows is that both he and Ben LOVE trains!So we invited Ben and his family (who we love) and had a super simple party. We had pizza for dinner (I didn't even have to order it- thanks Dustin!) Then, the kids watched a Thomas movie while they went crazy with all our train tracks!I did make a cake (with the help of my mom) and we decorated it with 2 new trains that Carson wanted for his birthday.Carson also got some really great and thoughtful presents from his friend and grandparents. He really did have a great time. It totally confirms my theory that kids do not need extravagant parties to have a fun and special birthday.Lastly, while talking about the fun time we had last night, Carson said this morning (with the sweetest sincerity) "Mom, I'm glad the baby wasn't born yesterday." And as much as I really want to have this kid, I whole heartedly agreed!

A little MORE summer fun

This has been one long week of waiting. This baby was all excited to come, until my mom got here, and now he's decided he's cool with hanging out in my uterus a bit longer. Grrrrr…children.

Other than making me unbelievably cranky and uncomfortable (with ever swelling feet, legs, hands, lips… you name it) it has also made this a tough week for the big boys. About half way through the week we decided to start doing some fun activities with them, because they were driving us crazy. We took Grandma Jensen shopping, to the Jumpy Place, and even out to Gatti Town (the boys favorite treat). Today it was off to the pool at their other grandma's house. It was a good choice, since there was hardly anyone there, and besides the pool, they have an awesome splash pad.It was a wonderful summer morning distraction. I even got in the deep end with Jensen and enjoyed the water myself. Hopefully this new little guy won't waste too much more time getting here. I'm beginning to run out of fun ideas for everyone else!