May 27th
The kids LOVE having a baby brother. They want to help however they can. Connor is lucky to have 3 amazing big siblings.
The hospital Connor was at was only about a 5-10 minute drive to the temple, so one day before visiting me and Connor; Derek took the kids for the first time and snagged some really great pictures. I can't wait until I can go with all of them.
Eden, Kael, and Elara
The kids loved seeing baby brother and getting to hold him. It was soooooo hard having them come, because there could only be 3 people total by Connor. That meant lots of people in the waiting room and juggling people and LOTS of hand washing. I was just really grateful that the kiddos could see him and hold him for a while. It was hard because we never got a chance to get our first family photos with all of us until well after Connor came home.
Odin seemed to handle things really well.
Derek finally got time off after Connor came home and utilized it well and took each kid out on their own individual date.
Eden and Dad had a Daddy daughter date and went and saw the movie HOME and had Red Robin.
I think the milk shake was her favorite.
I think Derek took Kael to a nickelcade for their Best Buds Outing. I can't remember, but they got Red Robin too and it really is a special treat for the kiddos. They LOVE hanging out with Dad all by them self.
Elara got to go shopping and pick out a toy and then head to McDonald's with Dad for her date. It was her first "official" Daddy Daughter Date and it was a HUGE success. I think this kid is now officially a part of the big kids from this experience.
At the end of the month while Connor was still in the hospital there was a big bicycle safety event at the kids school. They got to decorate their bikes and do a fun course. It was a lot of fun for the kiddos.
May was a busy month for poor Elara.
Odin has started to "Pug Hug" Derek. I obviously don't give him enough attention, so when Derek gets home Odin feels the need to snuggle up and give him a big hug. It's hilarious!
Eden loves holding Connor at home. The kids keep taking turns who gets to hold him next. All have been really good about asking before touching the baby, and Eden got a little hand sanitizer crazy trying to keep him safe.
I finally brought a couple cute outfits to the hospital for Connor and a blanket. The other babies there had cute blankets and clothes and all kinds of stuff, but poor Connor just had hospital stuff. Honestly, it was easier not having to take stuff home to wash later, and I felt a little guilty so I think 3 or 4 days of the 24 he was there he was dressed up. I had to take a picture of him dressed up once.
He is happy to be HOME!
Nothing better than snuggling in Mom and Dad's bed.
May was probably THE craziest month of Derek's and my life. We survived and are stronger for it. We grew as a couple, as a family, as friends, and just are better people because of Connor and all the loving people who helped us get him home.
