It's a busy time of year

We've had a busy few weeks since Thanksgiving and thought we'd share the latest update on what we've been doing.

One week after Thanksgiving Grammy and Grandpa Thomas came to visit. We had a great visit with them although mostly we just sat at home and chatted with each other. We visited Rice University so they could see where Paul goes to school and Paul and I employed them as a babysitter so we could get some Christmas shopping done for the boys, but other than that we just hung out and let them hold the baby.

They must have brought their Utah weather with them because the day after they got here it snowed. Really snowed - in Houston! The boys were pretty excited to have us build them a little snowman and throw some snowballs. While it's nothing compared to what Grammy and Grandpa get in Utah, it was one of the biggest snowstorms we've had in Houston in many years.

The real reason for Paul's parents to visit was for Dave to participate in Christian's baby blessing. Sunday afternoon Paul, his father, our home teacher and our Bishop stood in a circle and gave Christian a name and a blessing. Chis cried throughout the blessing, but it was still a beautiful blessing and a beautiful event for our family. My mom and our friends Julie and Justin were there too and we all had a nice dinner at our house after. It it always fun to celebrate with family and friends!

This past Tuesday was Brian's preschool Christmas Program. He sang "Joy to the World", "Santa Clause is coming to town" and "We wish you a Merry Christmas." He did a great job and it was a lot of fun to see all the 3 yr old in his school singing and behaving as 3 yr olds often do!

Wednesday was Chris' 1 month birthday. I can't believe he's already a month old. He's getting bigger all the time and is doing great. He has more awake periods now and we've been able to see several genuine smiles which we love. He sleeps a lot better when he's upright (in his car seat or swing, or in the baby sling I wear) so we have started putting him to sleep in his car seat so that I can get more sleep at night. When I wake up every 2-3 hours to feed him, the sleep deprivation starts to add up and I turn into a grumpy mommy, but when he gives me 4 hours at night I become a better mommy and am much more patient. He's a joy to have in our family and both boys love him a lot!

Thursday night we woke the kids up shortly after we had put them in bed so that they could see Santa Clause riding through our neighborhood on the local Firetruck. He was checking to see if our boys were naughty or nice, and I guess they are nice cause he threw out candy to them and they were really excited about it!

Lastly, today was our Ward Christmas Party and our boys were one of the 12 talents for the 12 days of Christmas. The two of them stood at the front of the congregation and sang "Joy to the World" for everyone to hear. They did a great job and I was really proud of them.

We're almost ready for Christmas and I'm looking forward to having all 4 of my boys home the week before and after Christmas. I'm sure we'll update you then on everything we did.

Thanksgiving and more

Hi Everyone, Chris here, and I thought I'd write my first blog entry now that I've been in the family almost 3 weeks. This past Thursday was Thanksgiving and evidently it's a big deal.

We went over to Grandma Fuller's house for dinner and hung out there all day.

While they

were eating this

I was sleeping.

I woke up just in time for a quick photo session (I get lots of those these days)

and then after eating myself unconscious again we went for a walk.

We ended up at the gazebo where Mommy and Daddy got engaged and had a quick family picture taken.

Yesterday was Mommy and Daddy's 7th wedding anniversary
and I sure am glad that I was born into such a wonderful family with parents who love each other so much. Thanks Mom and Dad for starting our family 7 years ago!

Update from the past few months

I know I had a good excuse to not blog lately (preggers and new baby and all), but we've had a lot happen since school started, so I'll try to do a quick catch up of the highlights from September and October.

Shortly after Aaron started kindergarten, Brian started preschool. Brian attends Holy Covenant Methodist Church Child Development Center on Monday and Tuesday mornings from 9-noon and loves it. He's part of the frog class and tells us all the time that he's a frog. He really enjoys his teacher and his class and I appreciate having just a few hours without him at home, although I rarely get to relax as I am typically doing laundry or having a Relief Society Presidency meeting. As long as he's happy though, we are happy!

Speaking of Relief Society, in September I was released from working with the Young Women in my church and called into the Relief Society Presidency. I was very sad to leave the YW program, as I had really enjoyed the association with those awesome girls, but just a few weeks after being released I received this new calling. Having not attended RS in several years I was quite nervous at first, but I am learning to love this calling just as much as my previous callings and am gaining a testimony of the importance of the RS program too.

Paul has been super busy with work and school, but is enjoying it all. He typically has class on Monday and Wednesday nights, plus one Saturday a month and other random times. His work schedule has been pretty crazy and most of October he would go back to the office after class ended and stay until midnight. The boys and I didn't see him for a while and we missed him, but we managed pretty well and are glad his schedule is a little lighter now.

Labor day was the first day Paul and the kids had off since school started and we were very excited to spend the day together and play. Paul had planned out the entire day and my mom came and joined us for many of the activities. We went for a bike ride, played on the playground at Aaron's school, did some arts and crafts, played backyard games and on and on. It was a lot of fun and we really enjoy spending time together as a family.

One of my favorite things that happened in September was that Brian got potty trained. He was so much easier to potty train than Aaron, I really only had to work with him for 2-3 days and he got it. We still have the occasional accident, but he's done a great job and we are super proud of him!

Our big excursion in October was a quick trip to Utah for Paul's brother's wedding. Andrew and Michelle were married in the Salt Lake City temple and the ceremony was absolutely beautiful. We only got to stay in Utah for a day and a half and we wish we could have stayed longer to be with our family, but we are glad we got to spend as much time with them as we could. Congratulations again to Andrew and Michelle, we love you both.

Lastly, here is a picture from Halloween. I went as an engineer, and was surprised that I couldn't button up the sides of my coveralls at all, but being 9 month pregnant at the time I shouldn't have been surprised. Aaron was a fireman and Brian was a cowboy. Our church did a trunk or treat activity that started with dinner, lots of games inside the building, then going from trunk to trunk in the parking lot to get candy. The boys had a great time and got lots of great loot!

There were lots of other great events in September and October, from my sister visiting, fun date nights, parent teacher conferences, a weekend at the lake and much more. We've been super busy and have had a great time. I can't believe November is almost over and so much has gone on. We'll try to update more with pictures of Chris often, but until then, know that the Texas Thomas Family is doing well and is happy!

Letter: to Christian John Thomas from Daddy

Dear Christian:

Welcome to our family. You've been with us for a few days now and we are so excited that you get to be part of the Thomas family. You were born at 11:52am on Monday, November 9, 2009 and we will celebrate your birth every year on this day. Let me tell you about how it happened.

We showed up early at the hospital, as we had an appointment to bring you to us today. The nurses were very nice as they hooked mom up to the monitors and gave her an IV. Mom was already having some contractions but they gave her some medicine (oxytocin) to induce labor and bring you to us quicker. After about 2 hours the doctor broke the bag of waters you had been living in then another doctor gave mom an epidural so that she wouldn't have any pain. (It was a FABULOUS epidural too...mom is still raving about it!)

About 2 hours later mom started feeling the need to push you out and less than 30 minutes after that you entered this world. Your mom and grandma and I were so excited to watch you be born and we were amazed at how awake and alert you were. The nurses weighed and measured you and you weighed 7 lbs 10 oz and were 19.5 inches long. We think that you were perfect. We got to hold you and take lots of pictures of you and mommy gave you some of her milk for the first time then the nurses took you away to clean you up and run your first tests.

Other than having some fast breathing and being so sleepy you didn't want to eat much for a day or so, we didn't have any problems and both you and mom were healthy and happy. We took you home on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 and you got to meet your 2 brothers who were so excited to meet and hold you for the first time. Grandma has been around helping out and I have been able to stay home from work all week long and cuddle with you lots.

We are going to have so much fun together and our whole family is excited that you are here with us. Your mom and I promise to take very good care of you and teach you everything you need to learn to be happy. We love you and we are glad you are ours. Welcome to the Thomas Family.

Love,

Daddy.

Aaron's first week and other updates

Two posts in one week...I'm sure everyone is so excited!

As most of you know Aaron started kindergarten this week. Despite 2 years of preschool I was a very nervous mom, especially about letting him ride the bus and being at a big elementary school for full day kindergarten. But he wasn't scared or nervous at all and had a great time. I did follow the bus to school the first day and parents are allowed to walk their kids to class the first 3 days of school so I happily went to ease all my fears. He seems to have a great teacher and even has a friend from church in his class. Here's some pictures of him before, then after school.

That's a sign language "K" to show he's in kindergarten

He later told me I didn't need to come Tuesday or Wednesday, because he already knows what to do and doesn't need any help. That gives me conflicting emotions. I'm proud I've raised such a smart independent son, but he should ALWAYS need me!

Brian had his 3 yr old check up today and did great. He impressed the doctor by reading all the signs posted around the room and was his funny giggly self. He was in the 75th percentile for height and the 90th percentile for weight. He weighs the same as Aaron despite the 2.5 yr age difference, but the doctor didn't seem too concerned about it. Both my boys are growing up so fast!

Lastly, today I got a haircut. I had been growing my hair out for over a year and am planning on sending my hair to the Locks of Love Foundation. I'm loving my new haircut and while I know it will take some getting used to, (I've never had it this short before) I'm very happy for the change. Here's some before and after photos of my hair. (including a belly shot for those who have been asking for it!)



That's it for now. Hopefully now that school has started I'll find a little more time to keep this updated, but with the baby coming in November who knows how crazy life will be.

Summer 2009 Update

I thought about doing an update for June, one for July and one for August, but decided to just lump it all into one. Sorry if it's long!

June began with Aaron finishing preschool and us taking a weekend trip to Lake Conroe. We had a lot of fun on the boat and got some work done and had a great trip. Then we went to Hawaii, but we already blogged about that. The end of June Aaron and Brian took some swimming lessons at a local high school and that continued into July.

For Independence Day we were up at the lake and had fun watching the fireworks over the lake. It can be so relaxing and peaceful there. On the 4th, Brian refused to take a nap and then fell asleep during dinner, still eating his corn on the cob. I tried to post the video we took of it, but couldn't get it to work. It really was hillarious!

In July our youth group also had an activity where they spread mulch at Mom Fuller's house then had a swim party. It was a lot of work, but also a lot of fun.




Also in July, the Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey Circus was in town and we took the boys with another family. Brian tolerated it, Aaron enjoyed it and Jen and Paul loved it. It really was amazing some of the things they could do, from the trapeze artists, to the motorcycles to the trained elephants. It was quite impressive.



At the end of July we were lucky enough to spend a Saturday in Kemah, TX with Aunt Nancy and Uncle Tom and their boats. It was beautiful water, beautiful weather and fabulous company.

The only thing that marred our excursion was Brian falling and getting a black eye. He cried for a while then took a nap, but it never bothered him after that. He was happy to tell people he had a "shiner" and that he "fell on a boat." I had to document it though!

The first weekend of August we spent at Lake Conroe again having fun. Saturday Paul and one of my Dad's friends helped repair the deck at the house and worked really hard but it looks great and we won't have to worry about it falling apart any more.

The first week of August Paul started his MBA program at Rice University with his week of Immersion as described in the blog Paul wrote last week. The boys and I missed him, but we survived with help from my mom and some great friends. The next week though I was off to our church's girls camp with my mom watching the boys and Paul sleeping at her house at night. Camping in Houston in August while over 6 months pregnant wasn't fun, but I had a great time with the girls and other leaders and I'm glad I went.



I got back just in time for Brian's 3rd Birthday and I can't believe how big he's getting. He actually seemed older after I was gone for a week. He got lots of great presents and loved his grasshopper pie.

Aaron will start kindergarten on Monday so I promise to post next week about how that all turns out. He's totally excited and I'm a nervous Mom. I'm sure he'll do great and have a great time though. That's it for now. Sorry for having not blogged in a while, but as you can see, life was pretty busy this summer. I'm sure we will all have to adjust to a different way of life now that school's starting. Wish us luck!

Back to school

I decided it was the right time in my ‘career’ to go back to school and get a new perspective. I have spent most of my time at ExxonMobil working in some way with the internet and eBusiness, whether it be running servers, helping design, develop and support various business related internet applications, or running projects, my view of ExxonMobil's various businesses hasn’t been very broad. So, in an attempt to open more doors of opportunity – likely within ExxonMobil, but possibly elsewhere – I am going back to school.

McNair hall - home of the Jesse H. Jones School of Business

I was accepted to Rice University’s Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business. The program I am in is a 22 month program that would have me graduating in June 2011 with an MBA. Classes are generally in the evenings on Mondays, Wednesdays, and occasionally on the weekend. School officially started for me on August 3, in what they call ‘Immersion Week.’ Last week I was at school at 7:30AM each day with classes ending between 5:30 – 7:00PM depending on the day. And I was there until 9:30PM or so each night doing homework with my ‘team.’ Although there were a couple of nights we were there until midnight writing up our case analysis for our Competitive Strategy class. Then I’d come home and attempt to do the reading for the next day’s class, sometimes staying up until … really late.

Rice Owls

What surprised me the most was how engaging classes were and how much I really enjoyed the whole experience. I remember having some degree of dread in regards to class, and generally thinking it was a waste of time. But, so far, I am having an entirely different experience. Previously, if I had only had 4 -5 hours of sleep, it could be assumed that I would sleep through some portion of class. But, not once did I dose. Not that I didn’t like school before, but I think I am going to like school a little more this time around.

McNair hall - home of the Jesse H. Jones School of Business

One of the other elements of going back to school that has surprised me is how much fun I have had meeting my other classmates. For the last 8 years in Houston my circles have primarily consisted of people I know from church, with whom we share a common belief system, and people from work who are all ExxonMobil IT people. But the students that I work with in my team as well as those in my class come from varied countries, backgrounds, industries, belief systems, and experiences. I very much enjoyed interacting with all of them last week and look forward to the friendships and network that I will create in the next two years.

The patio where we party, hence PARTIO

So life is going to certainly be crazy over the next couple of years. Work is still there and, as always, will keep me very busy. Add in school. Then baby boy #3 is coming in November. I am grateful that my sweet wife is super supportive, and that she has great family and friends who will give her support through this fun part of our life.

Hawaii Vacation

We are a little delayed in posting this but...

Back in June...we spent a little over a week in Kauai, Hawaii with Paul's family and had a great time. We flew from Houston to Los Angeles where we met Paul's family (and had sighting of a d-list celebrity) and flew on to Lihue, Kauai from there. It was nice to have Paul's family with us on the plane to help with the boys and Aaron was happy to get to sit with his grandparents for the flight. We stayed in two condos across the hall from each other in Poipu and they were great. The whole week was spent going to the beach, playing at the condo pool, sight-seeing around the island, looking at waterfalls, admiring the sunset, just enjoying how beautiful it all is and having fun with all 16 of our group.

The only thing that marred this trip was our family getting a little sick. It started with Brian getting a cough then a fever, then Aaron got it, then Jen got it. Paul go it too, but a nap and two tylenol, and he was ok. Thus we didn't get to do EVERYTHING we wanted to, but we relaxed at home for a couple of days and still enjoyed our vacation.

We loved having our new camera with us and took hundreds of pictures. We put a slideshow on Picassa and will attach the link HERE for those of you who want to see about 175 pictures, just click on the slideshow buton in the upper left hand corner. But here are a few pictures to make you jealous even if you don't watch the slide show.

Kilauea Lighthouse

Sunset at Salt Ponds Beach

Playing in the water at Ke'e Beach

Family Picture at Salt Ponds Beach

We could easily have stayed another week, but we were glad to be back in our own home again. We had a great time and are glad we took the opportunity to be with our family for a whole week. Now that we are back in Texas and they are ALL back in Utah, we miss them a lot. Until we get to see you again, Aloha and Mahalo!

We had the ultrasound...

It's a BOY!

We are very excited for yet another little boy in our family. Jen is even more outnumbered now 4 to 1, but at least we already have all the baby clothes we'll need!

The ultrasound went fine and the baby appears to be totally healthy as we reach the half way point now. Other than getting over a cold we are all doing well here too.

We recently got back from a family vacation in Hawaii and we have HUNDREDS of pictures on our computer from the trip, so look forward to our vacation pictures soon.

One quick picture from the ultrasound, hope you enjoy our adorable little man!

Is May really over already?

I can't believe how fast the past month has flown by.  We've had a great busy month and here's a brief recap on what we've done this month.  

Aaron finished up his T-ball games this month and had a great time.  He got to play every position at least once and even got the game ball one game.  We ended the season with a party and he got his trophy which is a cute baseball glove that this game ball can fit in, so it sits in his room and he can see it often.  

Aaron had his preschool graduation on Friday.  There was a cute little program where they sang songs and got a little diploma and some certificates.  He's got just a few days left and then it'll officially be summer time.  I can't believe he'll be starting kindergarten in the Fall.  He's growing up so fast!

We spent several weekends up at the house at Lake Conroe.  We got the boat working and both boys enjoyed boat rides for the first time.  We worked on getting the house ready for lots of play this summer and we hope to enjoy many many weekends relaxing at the Lake House.

For our combined Mother's Day/Father's Day present we bought a camera.  Not just any camera, a big fancy new Cannon Rebel Digital SLR.  We've been able to take great pics of lots of things and are learning more and more each day! Here's some random cute pictures of our boys.

I've put a countdown calendars for the baby on the side here, so everyone can know how we're progressing.  I'm at 16 weeks now and the baby is about the size of an avocado.  We'll find out if it's a boy or a girl next month, probably near the end of the month, but we'll definitely let you know what we're expecting when we find out.  

Also, on my other blog Jen Loves Free Stuff I am hosting my very first giveaway, so if you are interested in winning a free 18x24 poster print check out my blog.

That's about it for now.  We're heading to Hawaii with Paul's family in June and I'm sure we'll have some great stuff to post about our trip when we get back.  Hope everyone is doing well and we'll post more when we have more to share.  Have a great day!

Family Video

More and more people already know our latest family news, but we decided it was time to share it with the world. We used some cool software on the computer and had a lot of fun putting this together.

And if you don't usually watch videos on blogs, trust me, you're going to want to watch this!

Now we're waiting for all the comments to flow in! (or phone calls!)