Today was the day you were due.  

Thank you for coming four weeks early and thank you for being so healthy!

The day of your arrival, I had been contracting all day.  Some big ones, some small ones.  Close together and far apart.  I just wasn't sure when you were coming.  I had scheduled 3 haircuts for the day.  One by one, I got through each one of them with some big and small contractions.  But still not sure of what was to come.  After my last client left at about 7:00 p.m. my contractions were much stronger and more regular.  And by 9:00 p.m. I was dying to get to the hospital.  So afraid to be sent home, I begged the nurses to let me stay.  To everyones surprise, I was at an 8.  The next hour seemed to fly by like seconds and before I knew it, you were here!  

11:11 p.m. June 3rd 2010.

We were SO excited to welcome you into our family!  We couldn't wait to meet you!

Your siblings were so excited to meet you!  They couldn't get over how cute and tiny you were!

They welcomed you home with lots of excitement...

and so did Nana and Grandpa.

Your sisters just giggle at your cuteness.

Cole is so happy to finally have you here.  His brother.  I'm near tears anytime I see Cole interact with you.  

It's just precious. 

Leaving the hospital you had jaundice.  My prayers were answered and you were able to come home with me.  As long as we used lights at home.  

After 4 days of using the billi blanket, the doctor ordered the billi bed for the weekend.  I cried and cried(I'm such a wimp).  All I wanted to do is hold and love on you.  All weekend you were a champ in there and I cheated plenty and took you out to hold you.  Thankfully by Monday, your health improved and we no longer had to use the billi bed.  I was ready to throw all that equipment out the door!

Now you're 4 weeks old.  Wow time has flown!  

I love how you are still little.  Weighing 6 lbs. 6 oz.

and the same size as an American Girl doll.

I do everything I can to enjoy these new moments with you.

I can't even express in words how much I love you frankie!  

if you were to stop by my house,

you'd be greeted with scooters, bikes, colorful chalk along the walkway and a house full of undoings inside.   Uncombed hair,  a sink piled full of dishes, dirty laundry overflowing the baskets and remnants of activities from the kids' day.  Crayons, paints, Lego's, jet planes, dress ups, swimsuits, dolls...

all because I'm busy.

Busy holding and kissing this sweet little baby frankie.

I don't want to do anything else.  

Do you blame me?  I can't get enough of him!

I'm so afraid to get busy with life that this time will disappear!  When I'm busy, the day goes by fast.  And I don't want any of these days to go by fast.  I'm trying to just soak them in!

Because this won't last forever.

As for the dishes, I've discovered paper plates and cups to be the best gift ever after having a new baby. 

So I can be productive enjoying my newborn and kids. :)

in bulk through mega photo collages.

Top row:  Back in May, Kevin went on a week long business trip. We missed daddy so much that Sadie had planned a home coming celebration.  With party hats, posters, hula hooping and all!  

Bottom row:   One hot day after school we enjoyed a little sprinkler fun.  Anticipating summer. 

Sadie had her end of preschool program.  She wanted her hair done in a low side bun with the flower to look like a spanish girl.  Her new favorite dew.  The side thing.  She and MaryJane put on a show for me in their little rock band.  I love Sadie's imagination!  She is always playing something whether it is artist, dancer, princess, doctor, mommy, chef, school, the list goes on!  MaryJane is thrilled to be her little shadow.  She copies everything Sadie says and does!

Kevin's taught Sadie how to ride a bike.  She learned pretty quick.  Sadly, she's not that into it.  She can ride it but gives up after she gets to the next house and is done.  Not exciting enough for her I guess.  

Cole has Kevin's old Redline dirt bike(which is a little big for him) and loves it!  Cole bought himself a horn from Walmart for $5 and toots that thing non-stop!  It is hysterical!  We can here him all over the neighborhood squeezing that thing.  

Despite his adorable chubby cheeks, he is still quite little weighing 5lb 9oz today.  

This little boy is so darn cute!  I can not get enough of him!  

I have been very emotional over his sweet little spirit.  It is just radiating!  

We are all so in love!  I found him napping like this today with his little hand under his check.

Perfection.

Poor little Frankie has jaundice and has had to be wrapped up in this Light blanket everyday since he's been home.  

I call him my little glow worm.  I can not wait until we are done with this thing!  He has had little heels pricked everyday this week to check his levels.  In fact today, he didn't even cry.  Maybe he's getting used to it.  I'm not.  But I'll take it. 

 I feel so blessed that he has been healthy enough to come home with me.  For having Down syndrome , he really is a champ and could'nt be doing better!

I don't know what pulls at my heartstrings more.  Watching my baby holding my baby.  

Just last week MaryJane was my baby.

It is always so hard to watch my baby grow up overnight into a toddler.  MaryJane seems so big now.  She is absolutely adorable in every way and her personality is so bright and cheery!  

She literally lights up the room!  I love her to pieces!

My sweet little angel surprised us all and was born 4 weeks early at 11:11 p.m. on June 3rd.

I was so not expecting his early arrival!  I still can hardly believe that he is here!

Safe and sound. Strong and healthy, nursing like a little champ!

We can't get enough of him!  Kisses...

kisses!

He just melts our hearts!

We love you to pieces Frankie! 

My heart is so full of gratitude.  Boy do I feel lucky to be this sweet little one's mother.

I am so blessed.