Ethan Charles

Once there were four,

And now there are five!
Meet the newest addition to our wonderful family.

Ethan Charles Tate
Born Monday, March 22nd
at 9:27 pm
7 lbs. 11 oz.
21 inches long

We have survived our first few days at home with 3 kids. It is going a lot better than I was expecting. Dylan is doing great at being a big helper. He loves his little brother and gives him kisses all the time. He loves to hold Ethan and talks to him when he cries. It is really cute. Lauren is starting to get used to having Ethan around. She wouldn't acknowledge him at first. She still wants her time with mom and dad, but is doing great. She is starting to show her motherly side.

Monday is the big day!

So, I went to the doctor this week and the verdict is out! I am being induced on Monday! This little guy will be joining us on March 22nd! Yeah! We are looking forward to meeting him! I can't believe that he will be here in days! Here are a few shots my mom took this past weekend of my pregnant belly. How fun! People say that I don't look that big, but I sure feel that big!

In other news, we are absolutely loving this weather! The kids have been outside every day playing with their bikes and wagon. Too bad we're supposed to have snow flurries on Monday! What's up with this Indiana weather?!? Gotta love it! I have a hard time sitting at the computer for very long, so sorry the recent posts haven't been as detailed. I hope I get back to the swing of things soon! Stay tuned for some great pictures of our newest addition!

Happy 4th Birthday Dylan!

I can't believe that my little baby is already 4 years old! It seems like just yesterday that we were at the hospital having him. We had a wonderful day yesterday. We ventured over to Chuck 'E Cheese for some game time. Ricky and I hit the jackpot with the tickets! It was really fun. Of course, I forgot the camera again. We had one of his friends with him to play and they had a blast. Dylan even rode the big roller coaster ride with Ricky! It's amazing how much he's grown up. Then, last night we had a little party with cake and ice cream. Ricky was great and made a double layer cake for him. It was really good. We enjoyed spending time with close family and friends. Dylan got spoiled and stayed up until 11! We enjoyed today by spending time at home and taking naps. I love those days!

Lauren was being really cute with her little friend Sean.
Dylan and his cousins wearing his new costumes.

Another trip to the Urgent Care

Last night we had another fun (not so much) trip to the Urgent Care. Lauren's elbow popped out of socket again! Poor little girl wasn't even crying that much! I guess she is used to it. Luckily this time Ricky took her and found out how to do it himself. (I asked the doctor last time and he wouldn't tell me how to do it. What's up with that?) I really hope it doesn't happen again, though. Our little girl really is fragile!

I love how self sufficient Dylan can be. He has been playing with play dough all by himself for about 45 mins! I love these days! Lauren is sleeping, and I get some "Me" time. I'm sure once this baby comes, it will be a while before it happens again!

We sure have been enjoying this beautiful weather! It was 59 degrees outside today! Dylan loves to pull Lauren in the wagon. Good thing, because I can't pull it very well right now. I am really looking forward to this summer and throwing the kids outside in the back yard to get all of their energy out! Lauren thinks that she is big stuff right now. When Dylan got off of the bike, she had to climb on it. She wouldn't even look at me for a picture! Isn't it crazy that there is still snow on the ground when it's so nice outside? Dylan had a blast kicking it everywhere and throwing a snowball at my back. Boys!I had my 38 week check up today. Nothing new, darn. I figured, so I wasn't too disappointed. Looks like this little boy will be coming around the 24th. He said we would schedule something next Tuesday. Yeah! The end is in sight!

Imagination Station

Today, we had a busy morning. First, we went to Home Depot to let Dylan do the kids workshop. They are really neat and this time he got to make a rain gauge. Then, we went to Imagination Station. Since Lauren is walking now, it was a TON easier for me to take the kids. They are reasonably priced and the kids had fun, so it was worth it. Plus, Dylan's friends were there to play with him. I forgot my good camera, so I used my old one that I keep in the van. Here are a couple of the shots I got.

In other news, I am 37 weeks along. Dylan took a picture so you can see my big belly. I guess it's pretty good for a 3 year old. (Don't mind the mess behind me.) The other night, we were reading some books, so I had Ricky take a picture for me. It reminded me of a picture my mom has of me and my brother when we were little. I just love it!

I am trying to keep up with everything. It is getting harder, though. Dylan has a ton of energy and I don't have much at all. Lauren is keeping up with him. She is walking all over the place, but she is still very stiff. She likes to do what he does and they play well together. It's cute when Dylan makes her laugh at him. He is my little clown. We are definitely loving this nice weather. It has been sunny and in the 40's for the past couple of days. I can send Dylan outside and he will play for an hour by himself! It makes my day go smoother since he won't take a nap anymore. We even went for a walk and rode bikes yesterday! One last note, we are anxiously anticipating the arrival of this little boy and making sure we are ready for him.