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!

Nursery and More...

We are gearing up for Baby Natale's arrival! The nursery is finished! The carpet arrived yesterday! We still have a few pictures to hang in the nursery, as Jim's sister did some drawings for us! But other than that, the drawers are stocked and the crib is made! Jim painted the room and did a fabulous job! So now that the nursery has been set up and our bags are mostly packed, we are just waiting for Baby to decide when to arrive!

Dresser

Changing Table and Shelf

Crib and sign that says "I love you to the moon and back"

Just before Christmas, we had a nice shower thrown by the teachers at my school. We are so thankful for the generosity and love they showed! I am so grateful to work with an amazing group of educators. They are an amazing group of people who truly care about those around them. I took some time over the break to make some thank you cards to show them just how much their thoughtfulness is appreciated (close your eyes if you think you may be receiving one of these! :) ). My Dad has a "cricut" machine and we used it to create these cute little cards! Who knew we could be so crafty! Thanks for your help Dad!

Sweet Child 'O Mine

Notice I said sweet...not tiny or little! So I guess it's time to formally state that the prediction is...I'm having a big baby. To some of you, this may not come as a surprise because you've watched my belly expand!

Last week they sent me for an ultrasound because I was measuring larger than 35 weeks.

Jim and I went to our ultrasound on Monday. At that ultrasound, the "guesstimate" for our child's weight was 7lbs. + or - 1lb 1oz. We had another appointment yesterday afternoon where they confirmed...yes...big baby. (As much as they can predict without seeing the baby) The midwife's "guesstimate" is now around 8. By the way...did I mention that I'm between 36 and 37 weeks along and my due date isn't until January 17!!! And I know that one can never be sure, but at least we will be prepared for the possibility of Big Baby Natale. The good thing about all of this is that it's not due to gestational diabetes...no...it's genetics. I must give a big shout out to my mother-in-law whom I love dearly and has blessed me with the genetics of carrying this bundle of joy! :) (All of her babies weighed in at 9+ lbs.)

We are just praying for a happy, healthy baby whenever it is ready! I have to say though, it's not looking like it will be before Jan (sorry Jim!). So keep us in your prayers as we near the end of this wonderful adventure and look forward to a new one!

Holiday Preparations!

Upon a review of this next week's schedule, I realized that I was not going to have much time to complete any of the things that I need to get done! So, Jim and I spent today preparing for the upcoming holiday festivities! Yesterday, he helped to cut down Christmas trees for UAFD and then we brought one home. Today was the day for decorating! These are two ornaments I received from friends and family in honor of my first pregnant Christmas!

Baby Fairy from Aunt Julie

Pregnant Mommy ornament from Mary G. (Gram)

The tree is all decorated!

I also spent some time preparing cookie dough for a cookie exchange and Fire Department Open House at the end of this week, as well as, a treat for a school luncheon on Tuesday. WHEW! Since I had to make two types of cookies, I tried one new recipe, Santa Whiskers, and stuck with an oldie but a goodie for the other , Peanut Butter Blossoms. I'm excited to see how they turn out!

For the school luncheon, I made these chocolate refrigerator treats with marshmallows and rice krispies that Jim requested. Only problem was, we couldn't find the exact recipe. Well we concocted one and based upon Jim eating 3 of them already, make that 5, I think we got it pretty close.

So Sunday evening and I have most of my extra-curricular things complete and I can use the time I do have in the evening this week to do school work. Oh how exciting!