A Few Firsts...

Hooray! One week and one day down! And I had the whole weekend to enjoy with Lathan! Don't worry, we spent some time with Jim too, but he was working this weekend.

Day care seems to be off to a good start. Last Monday was a very difficult day. Though I think maybe the rest of the week was harder because reality set in. I absolutely adore the women that are caring for him during the day! They are thoughtful and really pour their hearts into taking care of the little ones! Lathan is one of 2-three month old's in the baby room (coincidentally they were born on the same day!). The rest of the infants are walkers and crawlers. We had to take our picture to commemorate his first day!

Mommy and Lathan

The day was made even brighter with an adorable flower arrangement from my family!

Pretty flowers from my family

So now the second week begins and I realize that we are beginning to develop a routine. We are in the early stages, but we are getting there. I am so very thankful for the time I have with Lathan in the morning and the evening, and especially WEEKENDS!

This weekend included some of Lathan's "firsts"! He found his toes on Saturday. He could not stop grabbing them! I have yet to capture this on film. We enjoyed some time trying to score good deals at yard sales with Stacy, Audrey and Amanda! What fun we had! We found a few goodies and then enjoyed the afternoon with the ladies. It was in front of these women (I think Lathan felt he had to impress) that Lathan had his first ROLL!!!!! HOORAY!!! He rolled from front to back! He had quite the reaction from the ladies..obviously!! :)

Lathan after his first ROLL! Can't quite get his hand out from underneath himself!

There we go!! Such a big boy!!

He is growing up too fast! I am so grateful for all of the time that I get to spend with him! I am truly counting down the days until summer! At his appointment today, he weighed in at 14lbs 5oz and 27in long!! You can slow down your growing buddy, Mommy wants to enjoy every little bit!

I've been Flamingoed...

So it took me awhile, but here are the pictures of our house when it was "flamingoed" for a good cause! Such a cute idea for a fundraiser. After only 9 homes, they had earned $335 towards their mission efforts! God is good!

Shower of Blessings...

On Sunday, April 18, we had a surprise shower for my sister-in-law, Janice and her fiance, Thad! What a wonderful time we had celebrating their relationship and Jan's love of the BEACH! As you can see we had a beach theme going on! The theme was "Janice and Thad: A perfect pair". We had a great time with friends and family!

Jan's surprise face!

These are the favors I made to hand out to each guest.

The happy couple with the beautiful cake.

Lathan wanted Uncle Thad to have a "man gift" since he was such a sport for sitting in a room full of chatting women!

The ladies who planned the shower: me, Kris (Maid of Honor), Lois (Maaa), Janice, Kerri, Cathy

Thank you to the ladies who put so much hard work and love into such a wonderful afternoon! We are so excited for Jan and Thad's upcoming wedding and cannot wait for them to be Mr. and Mrs. Baker!

To My Baby Boy

My Darling Lathan,

Today is officially one week until I return to work! Wow! The time with you has flown because we have had so much fun together. Today I introduced you to the wonderful teachers and staff that I work with, as well as, the students that fill my day with joy. You were a trooper today! You even napped in the midst of all the noises of an elementary school!

You have filled my heart with more love than I could have ever imagined knowing. You have taught me so much about who I am, what my strengths and weaknesses are and how to be a good mother to you. I have enjoyed all things that are "Lathan" and look forward to all that is to come. I love that every morning when I wake up to your noises and walk into your room, you stare up at me and greet me with a smile, as if I am exactly who you wanted to see. I love that you will fall asleep in my arms. I enjoy every moment with you! It makes me happy to know that I have learned all of your noises, when you are bored or hungry or tired. Together we have made it through each tiny achievement that has felt like a huge milestone. Today you laughed at me. It made my heart smile. I am so grateful for the time that we have had together to become a family. Your Daddy has learned and loved right along side of me, and for that, I am so thankful!

Everyone keeps asking me if I am ready to go back...I keep saying that I am excited to return. And while I look forward to being there for the students and teachers, truth be told, I'm not ready. I never will be. I imagine that at any age, leaving you will break my heart. I keep thinking that if I have a good attitude about it, it won't be as painful. My mom always said to do everything with a happy on your face. Well, I am...but right now, my happy is forced. I know sitting on this side of it, maybe it feels bigger than it will be after I experience it. But for now, my heart is heavy with the thought of missing out on your day and having to wait for hours before snuggling you close or kissing your cheek. I pray that God will give me the strength to make it through the longest 7 weeks of my life. My goal will be to squeeze all the loving that I am giving you now, into a few less hours! I know I can do it!

So, in this last week I have with you all to myself (until the SUMMER!) I will spoil you by snuggling you more, dancing with you longer, singing just one more song, and letting you fall asleep in my arms and stay...just a few more minutes. And after all of that, knowing that perhaps it wasn't done to spoil you, but rather to spoil me.

Love always,

Mommy

March was truly Madness!

The past few weeks were a whirlwind for the Natale's! Grandparents have visited us and we traveled to visit my parents and Jim's parents, as well as, friends in New Jersey. With the warmer weather we have filled our days with walks and other exciting baby activities! I have included a few photos of our activities!

Bella being a "watch dog"

Grandma Natale bought me an adorable Yankees onesie!

Go Yankees!

Holding my head up!

Doing chores with mom

Look at that lip!!

We also had some time to make some yummy treats! These treats are a recipe from my friend Shelby. They include puffed wheat, marshmallows, honey, sunflower seeds, dried fruit and white chocolate chips! YUM!

Our First (and last) Photo Session

Lathan is over one month old! To commemorate this exciting time we decided to take him to get some photos taken . It was quite an experience! We had to keep explaining to the photographer that Lathan was only a month old...no he can't hold his head up, he won't really look at the camera, if he smiles it's just gas (maybe). Needless to say, we had a good number of retakes. However, Jim and I enjoyed the opportunity to take some photos with our little guy! We did decide that while this was an enjoyable time and will make wonderful memories, we will opt for "Grandpa Carmichael's Photography". He has a nice camera and will listen when we tell him that Lathan is not able to smile and say "cheese" quite yet! Enjoy!

Our Family

Look how long I am!

Really...I can't hold my head up yet!

Daddy and Lathan

Mommy and Lathan

Take 2..

Holding Mommy's Hands

We love him to the moon and back!

Our Baby Is Here!

Welcome Lathan James!

Lathan James Natale was born on January 21, 2010! We are so glad that he has arrived and have spent the last few weeks adjusting to life at home! He is just over three weeks old! I cannot believe how the time has flown! I can only imagine what this means for the rest of his life!

His Arrival:

Jim and I arrived at Carlisle Women's Center at 6:00am on January 21st for our scheduled c-section. This came as a decision made in conjunction with our doctor.

WHOA BABY!

We knew that Lathan was going to be a big baby for me to deliver. The doctor's were estimating somewhere around 9 pounds. After being 4 days past our due date with only a few contractions that did not progress to real contractions nor dialation, we decided this would be the safest option for a healthy baby. We knew that an induction would most likely result in a c-section, so that was not really an option as the doctor told us we would be in labor for 2-3 days and it could compromise Lathan's health. Lathan was born at 8:27am at 10 pounds 5 ounces and 22 1/2 inches long. We are so grateful for a safe delivery and healthy baby! We absolutely loved our experience at Carlisle Women's Center! We felt well taken care of from the moment we walked in the door. The doctors, nurses and pediatricians were stellar. I have been recovering wonderfully from the c-section. I was up walking within 5 hours of my surgery and have healed well so far.

We had many visitors in the first few days of Lathan's life. We are so blessed to have had the love and support of family and friends as we welcomed our son. Thank you so much to all of you for your prayers, congratulations, visits and meals. You have truly helped our adjustment to parenthood. A very BIG thank you to my parents and Jim's parents who stayed as long as they could. Cooking, cleaning, and baby holding sure helped Jim and I acclimate!

Lathan's Grandpa and Grandma Carmichael and Aunt Rach and Uncle Aaron!

Lathan's Grandpa and Grandma Natale!

Be sure to check out www.gallery.me.com/jvnatale for more pictures of Lathan and his friends and family!

Dear Baby Natale...I am ready when you are!

Well we had our week 39 doctor's appointment with ultrasound! I cannot believe how amazing the pictures are! I know this child will not look exactly like the photos above, but wow!!!! It certainly gives us an idea as to what this little boy or little girl will look like!

The doctor says I am about 1-2cm dilated, but the baby is still "up there". So, I guess we just keep waiting! We would ask for your continued prayers as the time HAS TO be drawing to a close! We look forward to introducing you to Baby Natale soon!!

Baby Update...Week 38

I know you are all looking forward to Baby Update at WEEK 38!!!!

Well the update is...there really is no update! :) Baby Natale is living the cozy life and enjoying it! So, the wait continues! They still say that Baby is going to be on the "solid" side, so we have an ultrasound scheduled at next week's appointment. We ask for your continued prayers as we anticipate the arrival of this little one!