Reptile Day

Today, Thompson had reptile day at Preschool. William and I also went a long as parent helpers.  My reptile guys did a fantastic lesson for the children. They let the kids pet and hold (with assistance) the animals. Thompson really enjoyed it and became more excited with each new reptile.  He only wanted to pet and look at the reptiles. Daddy had just as much fun as Thompson! It was a fun morning and we were glad to be a part of it.

Historic Fourth Ward Park

Last weekend we didn’t have any plans and we took full advantage of it. The Jones' came over last minute Friday night to grill out and it was great to catch up with them.

On Saturday morning we headed to Fourth Ward Park in downtown Atlanta. The park is very similar to an obstacle course and their is a splash pad that opens May 1st! We can't wait to pack a picnic and head back downtown. After burning our energy we went to VA highlands and had lunch. After lunch, we stopped at another park and played. It was fun to be in the city and it couldn't have been a more perfect day (if we had planned it; i'm sure it wouldn't have tunred out so great).

Sunday, we had Thompsons' class at church and then our Community group that evening. Our group is reading The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller. It is a great book and we are enjoying getting to know our church family! Lay-Lay and Andy watched the boys during CG.  After Community Group William and I went and saw The Hunger Games.

This weekend has been very low-key. Friday, the boys and I stayed home all day getting over our colds and Daddy flew back from his business trip in Chicago. Saturday, I finally used the massage that my friends gave me at my "Sprinkle Shower" for Jonathan. Then, Lacey treated me to a pedicure. It was a pampering day! We grilled out at the Dyer's last night and the food and company was fantastic.

The swing was awesome:

Easter Lesson

We tried to teach Thompson (and Jonathan) the true meaning of Easter by reading the bible. We use these two bibles: Jesus Storybook Bible & The Beginners Bible (a gift from Auntie). This past Sunday, William and I had his sunday school class. Thompson ran into Sunday school and said to his friend, "Hampton, Jesus is Alive!" It is neat to hear Thompson say these things and we hope both our boys can grasp that Jesus is real and alive! Happy Easter!!!

 The best picture I got of them:

Most of them were like this (it was the end of a long day)

For their Easter baskets I used non-sugar Easter items that I purchased last year on sale. It was awesome because I didn't have to even think about Easter baskets. Thompson got some little Thomas trains and Playdough. Jonathan got some toys. This year, I missed the good sale and when I went to the stores only candy was left. So, next year I will have to get creative.

  We gave them their baskets at the end of the day and TWM is closing his eyes waiting for it:

Easter Lunch 2012

This Easter was incredibly special because Laura and Richard hosted us for lunch. We had a wonderful time and words can't express how much they mean to us. It was a great meal with my fantastic family!

Thompson had figured out a new system after his two previous egg hunts. For the family egg hunt he went to each egg and opened it up and ate the candy. Thompson wanted to make sure he ate ALL the candy.  Thankfully, some of the eggs had toys instead of candy. :)

JRM found the candy too while we were picking up lunch! This was his easter outfit but I brought a back-up. :)

I love each of these amazing Ladies

 You can see how much Aunt "Law-ra" means to Thompson. 

I love my precious Uncle:

Bunny Cookies

Great-Grandma Leah makes the best Easter Bunny Cookies and they are a Monk family tradition.

 

 

Time to eat it:  

 Jonathan loved his first bunny cookie:

We took away JRM's cookie because we didn't want him to eat it all at once.  

He was MAD:  

Stone Mountain

Thompson loves his Aunt Lay-Lay; one of the many reasons is because she is great about making memories with him. Lacey took us and my cousins,  Sara and Matt to Stone Mountain. It was a wonderful way to spend Good Friday; William had off from work so he came too! Thompson loved the obstacle course and Lacey was super sweet and let the kids do what they wanted. Thank you, Aunt Lacey for another fantastic memory and for being a terrific Aunt, great-aunt and friend. We love you and Andy too! :)

 

 

 

 

  

He wanted to get into the water the entire day:

Jonathan had fun "taking it all in"

Easter Egg Hunt

Thompson had an Easter egg hunt in Vinings. The bunny came and read stories and then the kids hunted the eggs.  Daddy even took off a little early from work to be a part of the hunting! We had a family dinner at La Paz! We had a great family day!

I love him

And I love him!  

"The Bunny" 

 

TWM started in the 3 and under section and soon realized He was too advanced for it.

 

 He's serious about hunting Eggs!

 

Happy Birthday, JRM!

Jonathan,
 Happy 1^st Birthday!  You have been through a ton in your first year of life.  God has blessed us tremendously with your birth and life.  It was a scary/stressful time with the two, week long hospital stays and numerous follow up doctor appointments.  Your mother did a wonderful job managing and tracking your progress to ensure you had the best care and recovered quickly.  Now a year later, you are looking strong, happy and healthy.  You eat everything we put in front of you; you must be making up for all that time you were on a feeding tube.

 I look forward to watching you learn to walk, talk and keep up with your big brother. You two get along very well.  I thank God for giving you to us and pray that your mom and I can be good parents to you and that Thompson can be a good brother to you.

I love you,

Daddy

Dear Jonathan,

You have come so far this year:

·         You are crawling fast

·         You are pulling up on everything.

·         You smile a lot

·         You love your momma (which thrills me to no end).

·          You already look up to your big brother and try and copy him.

·          You are a fantastic sleeper!

·         You babble and say “Dada”, “Nana” (banana), “Baba” (ball, brother, not sure what else??)

·         You have six teeth and working on some more

·         You love to eat pretty much anything

·         You love your little giraffe blanket from T-lo and to suck your thumb only with the blanket

·         You get excited when daddy comes home

Jonathan, your dad and I had no idea how fitting your name would be. You truly are our gift from God. We are thankful for His mercy in healing you and we pray we can parent you in a Godly way.  Happy first birthday precious baby boy!  
I love you so much and you are a delight, Mommy

NICU

CHOA for your CLE