Matthew's First Weekend at Home

We came home from the hospital Saturday morning.  The weather has been beautiful and we were so glad to be home.  We had a good weekend full of new experiences with our little guy.  Here is our traditional mailbox picture, much like the one we took when we brought Kate home.

 I know his hat isn't on quite right, but look at that smile.

 Here is Kate telling Matthew all about her swing set and other fun things to play with at home.  It was so precious to listen to big sister share with Matthew her wisdom about being at home.

Trying out the crib-

Hanging out with Dad, watching the ACC championship basketball game.  Daddy's team won!

Anyone recognize that scowl?

Welcome Matthew Bryce Costa

Matthew Bryce Costa was born on March 10th and 10:05am.  He weighed 6 pounds 15 ounces and was 20 and 1/4 inches long.  Everything went smoothly.  Mom and baby are doing great!

Big Sister Kate is doing great too.  She was awesome at the hospital and has enjoyed being thoroughly spoiled by her grandparents.  She has already declared all the things she is going to teach her baby brother and is loving on him when she gets the chance.  See how she is carefully holding his head.

Our new family of four!

The proud Papa!

Ready to go home!

Baby Shower-It's Raining Love!

Matthew was showered with love on Sunday, the 7th.  My mom and sisters threw us a baby shower brunch at a local bed and breakfast.  It was a beautiful day with great fun, food, and fellowship. 
Thanks for coming everyone.

Playing a game-good job Mrs. Callahan-she was the declared winner.

Diaper Genie refill-Jeff will be happy.

We are so ready to meet you Matthew!

Lobster Gram (Happy Valentine's Day)

Last Christmas, Nonnie gave us a lobster gram, which is a lobster dinner for two.  We finally used it to celebrate Valentine's Day and it was delicious. We chose to get two live lobsters with all the fixins'.  Needless to say everyone enjoyed it, especially Jeff who can never have enough seafood.  Kate called the lobsters "monsters", saying, "The monster's are staring at me, Daddy!".  Thanks for dinner and the fun memory, Nonnie!

Baby Boy Update-1 Week to Go!

I felt I should write something, since by this time next week, we will be loving on our little boy.  Although braxton hicks contractions are in full swing, the doctor says I should make it to the 10th.  No other signs of impending labor-my childen just don't like to come early.  Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers from everyone.  We can't wait to introduce you to the newest member of our family.  Here's the last pre-birthday "update"
How far along? 38 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I've actually leveled off, haven't gained any the last two weeks!
Maternity clothes? yes, although none of my work clothes are very comfortable anymore-I'm so tired of them
Stretch marks? not from this baby
Sleep? I'm lucky if I don't wake up every hour...
Best moment this week: Nursery is almost finished, the two-hour delay we had for school today, looking forward to a fun baby shower coming up, and helping my baby sister find her wedding dress!
Movement: Yes-lots and lots
Food cravings: Chocolate, chocolate, and chocolate.  I've really limited myself to chocolate milk and the occassional chocolate milkshake (at least I'm getting calcium)!
Gender: boy
Name: We have picked a name!  This little guy will be Matthew Bryce Costa.  Matthew means "gift of God" which this baby certainly is and, as most of you know, is taken from my maiden name.  Bryce is Jeff's middle name and means "son of a noble man" and I don't know a more noble man than my hubby.  We can't wait to meet you Matthew.
Belly button in or out? completely flat
What I miss: Not being able to pick up Kate and hold her as long as I want or help her across the monkey bars on her swing set.  I also can't wait to start working out again.
Weekly wisdom: Rest when you can.
Milestones: One week until Delivery Day!
What Kate is saying this week: "Next, I'm having a baby sister."  She is also practicing singing happy birthday and baking cakes for her little brother.

Kate Update

Since I've done a baby boy update, I thought I would update on my 3 year old.  Ironicly she's actually three years old, three weeks, and three days old today.  Kate had her 3 year check up last week and she was so good.  We had a very long wait, lots of sick kids :-( there to see the doctor, but Kate was very patient and good in the waiting room.  She did great with the nurse, named every picture put in front of her, did great on her eye test, and didn't start crying with the doctor until he was getting her shots ready.  Even then, she was very obedient, just holding my hands, staying still, looking at me with big crocodile tears rolling down her face (almost broke my heart), but she was a big, big toughie!  For those of you who like to know this kind of stuff-she is 37 inches tall and weighs 30 pounds, 50% in both height and weight.  In other words, just perfect!  Kate was excited to get TWO stickers from the doctor and then a strawberry milkshake from Chick-fil-a, while her mom had to have a chocolate one.  She is very excited about being a big sister, but is now starting to ask for a little sister...uh oh