Week 4

We're headed into my 4th week as part of the Thomas family and things are really getting fun here at home (at least for my parents).

This past weekend, Grandma Susie came to babysit so my parents could have their first "Adults Only Night Out". They were excited...I was not!

Cat naps...now those are REALLY fun.




And so are the morning fashion shows that my Mom makes me put on. Perhaps it's time for her to go back to work?







But the best part of dressing up is that I can finally sport the "I love Daddy" outfit that my Mom gave to him on the day they found out we were all about to become a family. We are so happy!!!

A Week of Firsts

It's been another exciting week for the Thomas family as we continue to navigate parenthood with our beautiful baby girl. Lauren (and her parents) have had many "firsts" this week...some more fun than others.

Saturday night we introduced Lauren to Mexican food. The parents think chips and salsa are delicious!



Lauren not so much!



Monday, Lauren and her Mom had our first "Stay in our pajamas" Day. Here I am rolled up in my pj's like a piece of sushi.



This week we also encountered our first malfunctioning diaper that warranted Lauren's very first (and much needed) shower. This event was complimented by a very sporty mohawk hairstyle since Mom forgot to comb my hair...



On Thursday it was off to our first play date with our dear friends Elizabeth, Ava and Caroline. Too bad Lauren slept through the "play" part of the date.





This weekend Mom and Dad are headed out for a date. We're taking wagers on how early they'll be missing Lauren and back home. Stay tuned!

It's Friday!

It's Friday night and what a difference two weeks makes. Instead of going to Happy Hour we will happily spend tonight settling in with Lauren, making macaroni and cheese and drawing straws for who gets the first late night feeding. I pick Bryon!

We've had a wonderful first week here at home filled with many visitors who all can't wait to love on baby Lauren. Thanks to everyone for the wonderful gifts, casseroles, the visits and just coming to see our new baby girl.







Today was "Girls Day Out". We started the morning with our good friend Cynthia coming over for coffee. Then Lauren and I put on our party clothes and headed out to have lunch with Aunt Debbie, Aunt Kristen and Aunt Valerie. We all thought we should initiate our newest member into "Friday Lunch Club" sooner than later since this is a weekly ritual for us girls.





After a big meal of pad thai (and more formula) we headed to the pediatrician's office where Lauren weighed in at a hefty 7 pounds 2 ounces. It felt good to know that Bryon and I are doing something right as new parents.

The rest of the weekend is sure to be quiet and time to catch up on some much needed rest. What will next weekend bring???? Perhaps date night for Mom and Dad? Stay tuned.

Getting into the Groove

After a few days here at home we are trying to get into the swing of things. Some days are more successful than others!

Lauren is confusing her days and nights but every day is a little easier and she's such a good baby that we've decided sleep is over-rated. It seems all my girlfriends were right when they said having a baby leaves little time for showering, talking on the phone, sleeping, eating or much of anything else. I am so sorry that I never believed you!

We have however found time for some new visitors and Lauren's first photo shoot. On Tuesday, my dear friend Michele set up a make shift photography studio in our living room and we are anxiously awaiting more pictures to share with everyone.

The rest of the week will include more welcome visitors, Bryon's first day back at work (sadness), a pediatrician appointment, and Lauren's first "Ladies Lunch Club" on Friday. Next week...tbd!

Home Sweet Home

How sweet it is! The Thomas Family (of 3) made it back to Kansas City with no issues at all. We left Dallas on Friday afternoon and spent the night in Wichita where Lauren made her debut to our good friends Bill and Rita Faires. Aunt Rita has "the touch" so Lauren slept perfectly and we all got some much needed rest.

We arrived home Saturday afternoon and were greeted with a decorated house, clean laundry, and a stocked fridge and freezer. Thanks to our friends and family for working so hard on getting the Thomas household settled while Bryon and were in Texas building our new family.

Grandma Susie (Bryon's Mom) came from Topeka and ensured we are all settled in and ready to start the week off right.

The casseroles are ready, the coffee pot running constantly and we are now officially open for business. Visitors welcome!

Ready or Not - Here We Come!

Great news! Gladney just called and we are free to leave the state with Baby Lauren. Like everything else this past week, this is huge (and welcome) surprise and we are thrilled to get to come home way earlier than expected.

We plan to head out this afternoon and hope to be home late tonight or some time tomorrow.

Wish us luck...road-tripping is about to take on a whole new meaning!!!

Don't Mess with Texas

Don't mess with Texas. And don't mess with a Texas lady that thinks night is day, day is night, and the fun begins at 10 p.m. Her proud parents are TIREDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD.

We are hoping we get our inter-state approval to leave Texas and head back to Kansas City either tomorrow or Monday. At least then we can be tired at home!

Gettin' Crazy down in Texas

My what a difference a week makes. This time last week Bryon and I were preparing for a 4th of July weekend full of parties, friends and family. Little did we know that in just a few short days our family would grow to include its newest member, Lauren. Now we sleep 3 hours instead of 8, and have taken a greater interest in baby formula than wine (well that might be a stretch). Yes it's true...we have become "those people" and we are LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT!

Yesterday we got Lauren all geared up for the hotel happy hour at 5:30. This was our BIG outing for the day and we were so excited to show her off. She made a huge impression even though we were the only three people who attended the event!

Today we took her to the local pediatrician for her 3-day check-up. As expected she is doing great and has already gained 5 ounces!

Despite being stuck in Texas until further notice, the three of us are so enjoying our quiet time together. We sleep, eat, stare at her, sleep, eat and stare at her some more.

I have spoken with our birthmother twice since we said our tearful good-byes. Her and the birthfather made such an impact on Bryon and I, and its hard knowing they are just down the road. She called to check on Lauren of course, but to also tell us how happy they were that we could share this journey together. This adoption has truly been the greatest gift ever, and even when we leave Texas for good...our hearts will be forever bound by Lauren.

Tomorrow's agenda: Sleep, eat, and stare at Lauren.

July 5th Pics

Zzzzzzzzzzzzz....


My first car ride

Our "Gotcha Day"

After two glorious days with our adoptive birthparents it was time to say good-bye. There were many tears and we will never forget the 2 days we were able to spend with them at the hospital.

Bryon and I met their wonderful families and were able to share a weekend with the 4 people who love her most - her birth and adoptive parents.

At 9:52 on July 5th, Lauren Elyse Thomas officially became our daughter. The journey has been long but so worth the wait. Words simply cannot express our joy!

Surprise!

So as most of you know by now, Baby Thomas decided that an "adults only" weekend was not about to happen without her.

On July 2nd, our family arrived from out of state for a fun-filled weekend complete with a couples baby shower, shopping, and the first course of a dinner out. I say "first course" because no sooner had we sat down at Anthony's Italian restaurant with our family and a fine bottle of wine that my phone rang. Our birthmother said her water had broken and she was headed to the hospital!!! Within 30 minutes our wonderful family had italian food "to go" and we were back at the house literally throwing stuff into our car to quickly head to Texas. We headed out and were still filling our car with gas when we heard the words we've long-waited to here. BABY HAD ARRIVED!

In less than 2.5 hours, our birthmother went into labor and delivered a beautiful 6.6 pound baby girl and on July 4th we arrived in Fort Worth to meet our new little firecracker.

Since that time, Bryon and I have spent two wonderful (and extremely emotional) days with our daughter's birth parents. I will never be able to explain how special the time spent with them was and it is a relationship that we will cherish always.

Born on the Third of July

Happy Fourth of July everyone!

Baby Thomas decided to come in with a BOOM last night. She is HERE - well, in Texas technically. We are en route and should be there this afternoon. She is 6 lbs, 6 oz, 19.5 inches long, and has dark hair. The birthmother's water broke at 7:30 pm and baby was born at 10:00.

Can't wait to meet our new baby girl. More to come!

Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

Getting Organized

As our birthmother sits in hot Texas steadily dilated at a "3", Bryon and I are getting organized and gearing up for what could be our last ADULTS ONLY weekend. The Aunts and Uncles are coming to town from Colorado and Iowa to ensure Bryon and I properly prepared for parenthood. This includes shopping, a dinner out, time at the pool, and a cocktail party. Will we make it through the 4th of July weekend with no surprise "deliveries"??? Stay tuned!

Pictures for the nursery...still a work in progress


Pink is the "new" black


Bryon painting the chest...More room for clothes!