October 2009

October has been a big month for us, that is why we have 3 postings! The month started out with Kris and Tonya's 6th anniversary. We celebrated about 10 days early because there was rain and Kris could get off in time to take Tonya out for dinner. At 36 weeks pregnant, it was a little hard to pack in a great meal, but we still enjoyed our time together eating at a nice restaurant in Paducah and going for a walk in the mall.














Josiah is growing up too quickly. Not only is he taking seriously his quickly approaching new responsibilites as being a big brother again, he is also wanting to get ready by himself! He is combing his own hair down, brushes his own teeth, and gets himself dressed with a little fashion advice from Mommy about what is appropriate to wear each day :-)

Since life is fixing to be really busy soon, Tonya took time the last couple weeks before baby arrived to spend special time with Josiah and Micah. We went to a railroad museum in the area and they boys loved it! They got to watch several large model train sets, and met Thomas the train :-)

The railroad museum is run by retired conducters and engineers who love to talk about their work. This is an old control panel from a train that Josiah got to operate.

Micah loved climbing all over the control panel more than operating it, but did like following the model trains around as the men showed them to us.

Josiah loves getting his picture taken!

Another night earlier this month we took the boys to "Ya Ya's Island", and play place for young children. Josiah is admiring the aquarium with small sharks and sea stars.

Micah loves to climb and slide, so wore himself out on the indoor playground!

Tonya couldn't get on the inflatable equipment being very pregnant, but Kris joined in all the fun while she took pictures.

This was Josiah's favorite place to play: a huge slide at the end of a rope ladder!

Our Sunday School class threw Tonya a baby shower this month as well. We didn't need much since this is our third boy, but diapers and other baby necesities were generously given to help us keep the nursery stocked!

Tonya opening gifts, with the help of a couple of our classmates' daughters!

A picture of those who threw the shower for us. Many couldn't make it because of illness in the family or fall break activities, but we had a great time!

Kris' mom was also able to attend, making the shower more special.

The boys were as excited about seeing the baby gifts as they were about getting their own presents! Here is the "loot" from the shower. Now all we need is a baby!

Nathanael Elliot is born!

The day has finally come! Tonya didn't go into labor on her own, so we made it to the scheduled c-section date: October 23. We left for the hospital at 7:00 full of anticipation and anxiety, ready to meet our new little man!

Here is Kris ready to go into the OR to be with Tonya.

The surgery went smoother than with the other boys, with no complications. When Nathanael was pulled out, Kris' first reaction was "Wow, he has a head full of hair!". Tonya saw him and was amazed at how tiny he was! His chord was wrapped around his neck twice, so while he was getting untangled he cried loudly, letting us know he was very healthy! Apgar scores were 9 and 9, the best of all of our boys!

Nathanael getting checked out in the nursery. He weighed 7 lb 1 oz, and is 22 inches long! His hands and feet are big and bony, and he definately has his daddy's thin legs! He is the smallest and longest of all of our boys, destined to be a basketball player!

We chose the name Nathanael because of its meaning "A gift of God" and its Biblical significance in John 1. His middle name is Elliot after Jim Elliot, a missionary to the Indians of Equador, who was martyred bringing the Gospel to them.

Nathanael Elliot's first days

Nathanael's first week has been an exciting and exhausting one! Here is Kris with all the boys together, watching TV before bedtime.

This is the first picture of Nathanael with his eyes opened!

Josiah's first picture with his baby brother. He was so proud to get to hold him and his face shows it all!

The first picture of our family of 5! Micah was pretty unsure about this little baby mommy showed him, but after we got home he really warmed up to him and doesn't seem jealous.

"Grammy" Dixon holding Nathanael for the first time.

Cousin Kinzie holding Nathanael. He calls him "Josiah's baby"!

Aunt Leah holding Nathanael in the hospital.

Kris' Gran and Grandad Dixon with Nathanael.

Kris' Dad and Gran Dixon. Nathanael's "Big Daddy" as he likes to be called, doesn't feel comfortable holding his grandchildren when they are this small, but will be sure to give him lots of rides in the tractor and combine when he gets bigger!

Nathanael at one day old, looking around in his "box". At one day he was already turning his head to Kris and Tonya's voices when we were nearby. He is very alert for a newborn!

Nathanael loves to cuddle and be rolled up in a little ball. He is so small he can fit in one arm!

Josiah holding his new baby brother. He fits the role perfectly!

Nathanael taking a nap on Daddy's chest.

A first picture of his little gassy grins he often gives!

Dr. Christenson delivered Nathanael and was very attentive to Tonya throughout the pregnancy. He has been a blessing to us!

Time to go home! Josiah wore this same outfit, but it fit him a little better!

Getting ready to take baby home.

Micah and "Baby Nate" as he calls him. They stared at eachother for minutes!

Kris' mom is helping out with the older boys during the day, but gets to steal a few minutes of cuddling with Nathanael when she can!

The boys got to recieve a "big brother" gift when we came home. Kris' aunt and uncle offered us a gator that their grandchildren had outgrown, so we decided to let them have it when Nathanael came home so they felt special too. Josiah is a great driver, and Micah gladly sits in the passenger seat!

Nathanael at three days old, in his swing. He sleeps here during the day in the living room so everyone can watch him. He sleeps very well during the day, waking up every 2-3 hours to eat, but at night it's a different story! He has gas, despite taking Mylicon, so gets rocked and comforted until he's so tired he falls asleep between 2 and 4 am. Fortunately he sleeps for several hours in the morning so Tonya can sleep too!