Andrew is really into dinosaurs. Here is his version of an "EEE REX"

Soccer Girl and Scuba Steve

We are back in the swing of things here at our house and soccer is the choice of sport for Rachel this Spring. She's doing great...a little timid at first but broke out of her shell last game and was right in on the action. Jacob will start Tball here soon but in the meantime he is perfecting his "Steve the Crocodile Hunter" outfits. After telling him I wouldn't buy him a scuba suit and tank, he went to work on his own version.  Even down to the "long daddy socks" that he needed as "flippers". I have to admit, it was pretty inventive and he could even pass for an exterminator if he decided to switch occupations!!

Awesome, pure Jacob. Notice the nebulizer mask.

On the field

Had to throw the "I love you" in there

Drew in a rare "sitting still" moment

Update from Matty

"Matty"......yep that must be my name because I hear that an awful lot. I have to say, I like it although I really like "Manny" which is what my big brother Andrew likes to call me. Matty is nice but Manny sounds a bit more foreign and exotic! So far I am adjusting to this thing called life pretty well. There is ALWAYS something going on in this house....it's very busy and very noisy but I don't mind, I sleep right through it most of the time. We're outside a lot since the weather is so nice and I love the fresh air. Mom carries me around in that snugli thingy and I just fall right to sleep. The only time I wake is when mommy has to chase Andrew down because he's running around with a screwdriver, scissors, or something equally fatal. Don't know what all that is about but I'm trusting Andrew will teach me the ropes.  I think I figured out the nighttime thing too. I cry, mommy feeds me.....enough said. I told my brothers and sisters they should try it but they said mommy would be mad. I told them she always gets up with me and is never mad....I must be her favorite.

Here I am holding my biggest bro's hand. Doesn't he look handsome? Does this outfit make my  legs look skinny? 

 

This is me in my bouncy seat. Usually it makes me very happy but mom caught me in a bad mood. 

Da Boys

I can't believe how enamored these kids are with their little brother but none more than Andrew. He loves to have "baby" nearby and as you can see by the pictures just adores him. I'm hoping it lasts!!

Matthew waking up a bit to his new world, and his older brothers!

Pure joy

He's trying so hard not to cover baby Matthew which usually includes covering his face. 

I see a lot of love....and mischief .....in their future

Buddies

My First Week Home

Whew! We've survived our first week with four kids! Actually since Matthew sleeps most of the day it has been a fairly smooth transition......so far. I even get to shower every few days which is always nice : ) The kids are loving their little brother (even Andrew!). In fact, Andrew loves him so much he wakes up 2 or 3 times a night to check on everything. Andrew waking+Matthew waking=no sleep for mommy and daddy. Thankfully we know that it's a phase and things will eventually get back to normal. I'd like to give a huge thanks to Dunkin Donuts for their coffee because without them Nathan and I would be in a coma. 

Here is one week old Matthew

Daddy's Boys

Andrew has always been pretty attached to Daddy but even more so since Matthew came home .  His first words in the morning are "Daddy work?"

Pistol Pete

See,  I told you he has no jealousy issues and is adjusting beautifully......

Welcome Matthew Ryan!!!

Matthew Ryan was born on Sunday February 5, 2012 at 1:18 PM.  He was 7 lbs 1 oz and 19 inches long.  Both mommy and baby are doing great and recovering nicely.  They are expected to come home at some point tomorrow.  Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers!  A special thanks to Grammy and Aunt Jen for helping out with the kids while Anna and I were away.  Thank you!

i have this same shot with all four of them - pretty awesome!

Tired little guy

 Awesome!!!

Kids were very excited to get to see him!  

 Andrew wasn't too sure how the Pats were going to do... 

or if he really liked his "big" present and having to share his birthday...

 this is Rachel and Jacob's first glimpse of Matthew - they were so excited!

 didn't know until afterwards that this was an illegal photo - 

hope that doesn't mean this kid will be breaking the law too...

 Momma and her four (count them!) kids!

 

Andrew thinks Matthew's, well, ok...

kids were just amazed by their baby brother

 The Queen and her court...

Rachel I can hold him too!

 Proud Grammy...

 and proud Mom and Dad!

Happy Birthday Andrew!!!

Well although Andrew's big 2nd birthday was filled with excitement, it wasn't exactly the excitement he was looking for - his baby brother stole the show and now he'll have to share the same birthday!  Thank goodness we celebrated his birthday a day early on Saturday with cake, ice cream and presents or else Anna and I would feel terrible!

We thought the kids should make the cake...

What a great job!!  though Andrew had his doubts...

Andrew, "Busssssss!"

You guys sing off key.

What?  your going to get me what?  Are you kidding?

Its wrapping paper!!  Just what I wanted!

hmmmmm.

Andrew, "Dan!".  

which to those of you not fluent in the language of Drew is "dinosaur"

we had a little trouble with the tricycle...

but Drew made out just fine!