Grandma and Papa

Having two kids has seriously been a humbling task thus far. I can't imagine how a parent copes when they come home with no help, or their spouse can't take time off work, or they don't have a spouse. It makes me anxious just thinking about it. I am so thankful that I do not fall into any of those categories. Jon was able to take a week off of work and is also incredibly hands on when he is not at work. However, I am not sure I would have survived the first three weeks without the help of my parents and Jon's mom and stepdad. Grandma and Papa (my parents) arrived a few days before Evan to help with last minute preparations and occupy Adam during the transition to being a big brother. It was so nice knowing that Adam was in good hands so Jon and I could focus on getting to know little Evan while in the hospital.

Proud grandparents picturing grandchild #6 and newest grandchild #8!

Adam already sharing with his little brother

Snuggling with Papa

My parents got a lot of time snuggling and holding the newest member of the family...however, the following pics are how they spent the majority of their time, and truthfully I'm pretty sure Adam had way more fun with them then he ever does with his mom and dad :)

Playing endless games with a rambunctious 2 year old

Helping make smoothies

 Giving Adam baths

 Playing Playdoh

And of course some more snuggling with Evan :)
We had so much fun getting to spend time with Grandma and Papa that we can't wait for the next visit! Which thankfully is only about a month away!

Visitors

Evan has already had many visitors...here are some pics of the first few. Thank you all for helping make Evan feel welcome! (grandparents will get a separate post :)

 Will

 Jeff

 Jackson

 Anne

Kristin

Before and After

Since age is measured by time passed, Evan when he was born was considered 0. A strange concept since he has been alive and kicking since the end of May. I also believe there is nothing 0 about a 9lb 2 oz baby :) But here he is about 24 hours before birth and then after arriving home. The photo of me does not do justice to how large I actually was, however, I still cannot fathom that the baby in the picture ever fit in there :)

Introducing...

Evan Jonathan Thurmond

February 20, 2012 

Born at 2:22

Weight: 9 lbs 2 oz

Height: 21 in.

Since the little one in my belly didn't seem to keep on coming out unassisted we scheduled an induction for a few days after his due date. So although I didn't really want to be induced, Jon and I went in on Sunday night to start the process. Thankfully though when I was hooked up to the monitors I was already having contractions 4 minutes apart. However, since this had been going on for about 3 weeks I assured everyone that this was normal, I was not in labor and they would certainly taper off at some point. But since I was already contracting there was no need for meds so Jon and I just laid back, relaxed, watched a movie and enjoyed a kid free evening :) At about 11, the contractions started picking up a little bit, got closer together and became more painful...I'm sure I have never been more excited to be in pain. I was so thankful that my body was finally getting its act together and working on getting the baby out without needing to be induced. So I got an epidural, rested all night and by morning was ready to have the baby. Unfortunately, little Evan (or Julia...we didn't know if we were having a girl or boy) had other plans. After a few hours of trying different positions, moving around, and then an hour of pushing with doctor trying to turn the baby, we had made no progress. The doctor was very supportive, gave me my options and Jon and I decided that since we had already been at this for 4 hours we should opt for the c-section. It was a hard decision to make, however, not one that I regret...I know our bodies are made to birth babies, but I'm not sure mine was made to birth babies this large :) Here are a few more pics of the big event. We are so excited that our new little man is here!

 Standard c-section pic :)

 Proof that he was huge

 Proof that I tried to push him out (notice the elongated/cone look his head has)

 Proud big brother!

 Proud Daddy

Proud Mama

Snow Day!

We got a much needed break from work with an unexpected snow day last week...I actually feel guilty saying much needed because in reality we have only worked a couple 5 day work weeks since coming back from winter break :) Ahh we teachers have it good! It started snowing Thursday night and didn't stop until Saturday afternoon! I think by the end we had about 20 inches at our house, which meant we Jon had to shovel multiple times. Here are some pics of Adam enjoying the snow while Jon worked away!

36 Weeks

Adam doesn't seem to really understand the whole idea of being a big brother but he does like to look at the 'baby' (which he thinks is my belly button...or anyone else's for that matter).

34 Weeks!

Getting closer!