The next generation

Last Saturday, my mom, the boys and I headed out to Maricopa, AZ to visit some very good family friends.  My oldest (we've been friends for 32 years!!  No joke!) and one of my closest friends, Tiffany, was up with her family from Sierra Vista to see her sister Tamara and her 9 month old niece Jonnee.  This is the first time the family has met Ronan too.  It was a blast to hang out with everyone and for the kiddos to be together.

Jonnee meets Ronan . . .

 Mmmm, tasty!  

Auntie Tiffany and Ronan

Grammie Kathy and Jonnee

Auntie Tiffany gets a kiss from Jonnee and keeps Ronan out of the sun!

Super cute puppy - "Fitz" enjoys some sun

Jonnee's cute little pudgy hands and feet - just want to eat em!

Forget you Auntie Tiffany, I'm hungry and want more baby!!

Mmmm, dessert . . .

When we were kids, each time we were all together (my sister and me, my cousins and Tiff and Tam) our moms (probably mostly my mom, being a picture freak - I suppose the apple doesn't fall far from the tree ) would take the infamous "Stair Step" photos.  We would all line up from tallest to shortest, or at least something that resembles that, for a picture.  My mom and I both thought it would be fun to do that with the next generation.  Here is our shot at that . . .

The boys looked thrilled, don't they?  Those expressions stayed that way for all the pictures.  At least Jonnee had fun!

The original "Stair Step" photos

L-R: Tamara, Angela holding Brandy, Lorissa, Tiffany, Luke, Josh K and Josh

L-R: Josh, Tiffany, Angela, Luke, Tamara and Lorissa

Aren't we stylin'?

Brothers

Yesterday after our chaos, I was able to get a couple of cute pictures of the boys together, which is a rare thing.  Jacob actually smiled normally for the camera and Aidan sat still.  Both of the boys love to hold Ronan, so that was a big enticement.  It's so fun to see them all together.

Jacob and Ronan - I love this picture!

(bummed his eyes were crossed - I guess I can't expect perfection from

both boys at once ha ha :-)  )

Aidan and Ronan

All three together having fun - so cute!!

Here's what I got from Aidan when I asked him to smile - he smiled and closed his eyes.  Little bugger.

While taking pictures, I realized Jacob was talking to Ronan and it was super cute.

He was moving Ronan's arm and saying "Big Stretch!"

And now we're done, Ronan has had enough.

Some mornings . . .

There are times in the Thomas household that are a bit chaotic.  It seems to happen now more than ever.  Mr. Aidan is such a mischievous little man.  He will get into anything and everything given the opportunity.  SO, I attempt to stay one step ahead of him - but usually fail on some level.  (I blame sleep deprivation and getting side tracked given all the little people in the house who need something)  Whether it be making sure all bedroom/bathroom doors are shut and locked, or the gate is up to keep him out of the kitchen, or my beverage is out of reach or all diapers are disposed of immediately, or my computer is out of reach, etc . . . you get the point.   Well today, I failed.  While changing Jacob's diaper (yes, we need to start potty training - any suggestions?  I'll save it for another post) I realized Aidan had left the room, I had left the hallway door open and it was just too quiet in the living room.  Then it clicked - I had left the donuts from breakfast on the kitchen table.  Crap.  I hurried out to find this:

Aidan was just helping himself to more donuts.  It could have been much worse.  So, I picked up the donuts and grabbed him off the table.  I headed back to finish changing Jacob's diaper and realized that Aidan is not the only one who can get into trouble . . .

Hard to really see here, but Jacob, goofy smile and all, decided he needed lotion.  A lot of lotion.  See below.

And apparently the wall was in need of moisturizing.

(And Jacob is usually pretty good on his own - now when he and Aidan are in cohorts together, it's another story)

And then I turn and see my sweet little Ronan lying in his crib and wonder how long it will be before there will be a third mess to clean up.  I have time . . .

Sweet little Roo after getting dressed.  No mischievousness here . . .yet.

And before I know it, here is Aidan, my little goof ball.

(Jacob had joined in too, but refused to let me take his picture.)

Tomorrow is another day . . .

Happy, happy day!!

I am 1 month old now!!

"Dude, I partied too hard!"

Our first month has gone fairly smooth.   A few bumps here and there, but mainly with the other two.  Ronan has been a very easy baby.  Already I can't imagine life without him.  He does have a bit of gas late in the night/early morning which keeps us awake.  He grunts and groans and fusses and I can tell he is so uncomfortable.  I feel bad for him!  The doctor suggested cutting a few things from my diet, which I am a little bummed about: dairy, chocolate and nuts!  But of course I will do it and hopefully it will make a difference for Ronan.  Other than that, he is super cute and we all love him so much!!

Here are the stats for our Rona-roo:

Height: 21 1/2 inches; 25%

Weight: 8 lbs 8 1/2 oz; 25%

Head circ.: 14 3/4 inches; 50%

Inspiration

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow . . .

While many of our friends are excited to defrost and warm up, we were excited to have the opportunity to go and play in the snow.  Last weekend most of Arizona had some great storms that dumped alot of rain in our city and a ton of snow in the high country.  We took advantage of that and headed up north to Payson to play in the snow.  The boys really enjoyed it.  The were troopers.  Seeing as we play in the snow maybe once a year, we don't have proper attire.  We do have good coats and mittens, but no snow pants.  So we did the best we could.  The spot we found was very powdery and went up to our knees.  The boys trudged right along.  Aidan fussed, but didn't want to leave.  Jacob just had a blast and threw a very big fit when it was time to go.  Oh well.  It was still worth it.  We dried off, put some dry clothes on and headed into Payson for lunch.  It was a great family day and we got to see some beautiful scenery!

Little Ronan getting ready to party in the cold stuff!

Snow falling off the trees onto Cody and the boys.

Cuties playing in the snow

Trying to make a snowball

Mama and Ronan

More fun times in the snow

Daddy created a really fun game . . .

Up, Up aaannnndddd . . .

AWAY!!

Luckily there is a nice, soft landing spot!

Now it's Aidan's turn to fly!

Ker plunk!

Sweet boy.

First Friend

Ronan has already made his first friend!  Friends of ours, Dave and Heather Priniski, just welcomed their first child, Norval Owen into the world.  Owen was born one month and one day before Ronan, on December 22.  They just recently moved back into the neighborhood too!  We are so excited to hang out with them and watch the boys grow up together.  Cody and Dave have been close friends since elementary school.  Wouldn't it be awesome if our sons ended up with an awesome friendship like that?  Below are pictures of their first meeting.  Enjoy!

Transformers . . .more than meets the eye!

Ronan has been apart of our family for one week and two days and there have been plenty of changes in our household.  One big one is with Jacob and Aidan.  I swear they are not the children I left at home when I went to the hospital.  They now have two sides - a non listening, I'm going to do what I want to do, crazy side and a super sweet I love my new brother side.  We have been challenged by the "normal" rebellious attitude that often accompanies siblings when a new arrival comes home.  We expected it, but it has been harder than expected.  I know (or at least hope) that once we get readjusted and back to a routine, things should calm down.  On the flip side, the boys have only had rebellion towards us and not at all towards Ronan.  They love him.  A little too much at times.  Luckily it doesn't seem to bother him too much.  It's harder for me, it seems at times they are smothering him with their love.  (Should I really be complaining about this? :-)  )  But I am so thankful they love him and aren't mean to him.  Below are some pictures of what happens if Ronan is trying to enjoy some tummy time . . .

Enjoying sweet relaxation . . .

Until the Big Brothers arrive home from a trip to the park with Farmor and Gomps

SO excited to see their brother and love on him

I really think Aidan would lay next to Ronan all day like this if he could,

no real understanding of "personal space".  It is sweet though.

There's no escaping, they've got him surrounded!

More sweet lovin'