Damian turned 3!

While Mason and I were in the hospital my little man Damian turned 3.  I know, I can't believe it either.  With my parents help Jorge and I were able to spend the day with him and have lots of fun.  Here are Damian's 3 year pictures, pretty proud of myself for getting them done before Mason was born.

When he wants to be, he is ridiculously photogenic!

 I love this little smile!

There isn't anything in his hair, must have been something on the picture when I scanned it-too lazy to rescan it though lol.

 He was like a little model, did everything the photographer asked him to do.

We love you Damian.  

You are an amazing little boy and great big brother.

Did Mary ever have that baby?!?!

I know, what a horrible blogger I am.  In my defense I have been super busy and haven't had time to hide away in my office and blog away.  Now that I am back at work I have time to keep up with my blog.  I will take you through what we have been doing the last three months in the next few posts. So enjoy and again-sorry!

 Due to medical complications I had to have a c-section 3 weeks prior to my due date.  

 Mason Dominic was born Nov. 8th at 8:05 am weighing 6lbs 5.6 oz and 19.5 inches long. 

Not bad for being 3 weeks early!

 Because he was born early he had respiratory distress and was taken to the NICU and hooked up to the CPAP machine.  Having Mason in the NICU was the hardest and most emotional thing, no one wants to see their child suffering.  He spent a total of two weeks in the NICU and we couldn't have done it without the help of my parents-Thank you!  With their help Mason was never left alone, Damian was entertained and we were fed!  

The NICU staff let big brother pick out a special quilt for Mason, a quilt that we got to keep.  

 The NICU staff is fabulous and are all about "kangaroo time"  which is skin on skin cuddling.  While on the CPAP only parents are allowed to kangaroo so Jorge and I took turns snuggling with our little man.  

 Once the CPAP came off we worked on getting him feeding without his feeding tube.  

Finally big brother was able to hold Mason.  Siblings are allowed in the NICU, however Damian had a cold so we were keeping him away until he was all better.  

On Nov. 22nd we finally got to bring our little man home!  It was so exciting to finally have our family back together and under one roof.  I thank everyone who prayed for him and us

Painting with Damian

Whenever we venture to Joann's or some other crafty store I usually let Damian pick out some sort of fun crafty project.  This last time he picked out a fun skeleton to paint.  Some spots were heavily painted and it took quite some time to dry but he did a fabulous job!  Who doesn't love a good arts and crafts project!

Fun at the Pumpkin Patch

The weather has been so beautiful this past week, it was the perfect time to hit up the pumpkin patch.  Damian was able to do so many more of the activities now that he is a "big boy", his words, so he was super excited.  This preggo lady could have used a motorized scooter but I managed to waddle my way around and snap some cute pictures of our trip.  

 Both of my boys enjoyed all the slides!

 Damian showed no fear when it came to the giant slide!  He climbed up all by himself and away he went.  He would have stayed their all day if we hadn't moved him along..to another slide! 

 Good thing he loves slides!

 And animals, he lovessss animals.  I think he is a little farmer boy at heart. 

My little man is getting so big, and soon he will be a big brother!

An apple a day...so they say!

Though it didn't feel like fall, it was apple picking time again.  Once again we went to the Beilke Family Farm and had a great time.  I will be a busy bee for the next few days while I make some yummy applesauce and probably a few pies.

Fun with Abuelita (Grandma)

Sorry I have been such a bad bad blogger.  In my defense it has been a busy summer and I am making a baby :)  I have finally downloaded some of the pictures from Jorge's moms visit.  Damian had lots of fun playing with his Abuelita and learning more spanish, but also teaching her english.  

Sun and Sand

My mom recently decided that we needed a sandbox in the backyard for Damian.  I have been pushing back against the acquiring of a sandbox for quite some time, but finally gave in.  I am very glad I did as Damian absolutely loves his new sandbox.  

 He was beyond dirty by the end of the project

 "Helping" daddy load the sand in

Thank you Nani and Grandpa!  I love my sandbox!!!