Trains and Santa

Sunday, we took the kids to Northpark Mall to see the Trains exhibit and Santa. We went last year (2008) with Natalie and I was pregnant with Ryan at the time. Gosh, this year has flown by too fast! Natalie is now 2 years old and Ryan is 7 months old. The kids had a great time and enjoyed looking at all the trains go by. Who knows, we may make this our holiday family tradition to take the kids every year ;-)

NYC: Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge

Washington DC / The Capitol and The White House

Downtown Dallas

Natalie and Ryan wanted to touch everything

After the train exhibit, we went to see Santa. Our number was ways away, but the nice ticket man put us through the line ;-) When it was our turn, Daddy put Natalie and Ryan on Santa's lap. Our kiddos did not even freak out or cry - YAY! Ryan, on the other hand, pulled on Santa's beard. You can see him tugging on his beard in the photo below. Ha!

Thank goodness, Santa was a good sport. Alain later noticed there were a few beard hairs between Ryan's fingers. They told us we could keep it as a souvenir. I don't think so ;-)

We, including the photographer guy could not get Natalie to crack a full smile, but Ryan did great. Afterwards, Santa asked Natalie what she wanted for Christmas. She told him, "I want a shopping cart, and dolls, and trains, and a bicycle." Too cute!

May 1st--Ryan has finally arrived!

So here I am, the morning of our scheduled induction on May 1st, Friday. We checked in at the hospital at 8:30am. They checked my vitals, hooked me up to monitors, and started my IV's. They also gave me my epidural early so that I can feel comfortable. Yay for that ;-)

I was so nervous about the induction, but everything went well. Alain and I felt more relaxed and prepared this time around. We were ready and waiting for our little son to arrive at any moment ;)

We are so happy to finally announce the birth of our sweet baby boy...

Ryan Alan Roels

...born on May 1st, 2009 at 3:08pm. Ryan weighed in at 8 pounds 9 ounces and measured 20 inches long. Wow! He is a big baby!

Our bonding time with Ryan was awesome. He loves to nurse and snuggle close to Mommy and Daddy. The more and more we look at him, we notice some features he got from us. Ryan has Mommy's eyes, hair, lips; he has Daddy's feet, forehead and cowlick (in the same spot like Natalie's too). He is just adorable! Natalie did great in meeting her little brother. She stared and studied him, and kept saying "baby." She also gave him gentle kisses and said "love you." It was so sweet!

Proud Mommy and Daddy!





Our family

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes, sweet messages, and thoughtful gifts. We are truly grateful to have family and friends who love and support us each day! Love to all!