Lately

Oh how he grows! It's true what my mom says, "they seem to change each day". I wish he wouldn't get too big too fast... but... maybe he could sleep a bit better. =)

Thanks Grandma G for the mobile!

Not too happy but we love the cute hoodie from Aunty Diane!

Play time with Daddy. Thanks Carmen for the cuuuute blanket!
He loves that Panda.
Obsessed!

Pretty flowers that the Embassy sent to Mama!

GO OILERS!!

Alright, so the Franklins gave us a nice football bath-time set for James, and when we pulled it out I thought it looked kind of familiar. It took a few days using it for me to put it together. Got to love the good ole Oilers. Man how I miss their light blue uniforms with the oil rig on the helmets. Here is my tribute.

Cousins!

I really love this picture of my nephews and niece - can I please photo shop little James in their too. =) I can't wait for him to meet all his cousins!

Birthdays, lots and lots of Birthdays!!!

(too bad I am not there to eat their cakes)

Happy Birthday to:

Jen my most wonderful friend in the whole world.

Brandon my most studliest brother in the whole world.

(Picture says it all!)

Carmen my incredible sister - I do not know what I would do without you and all your advice.

Plus, she look like Audry Hepburn after 3 boys!

Also...

Sadie my beautiful niece who is turning into such a lovely young lady.

and Riley (Jen's oldest girl) who is 4! What! 4! Love her sassy ways.

Our First Week

He is 1 whole week tomorrow!

We Made It!

We are home and so happy to have made it full circle... now the real stuff begins, right!? =) I am such a happy mom. So blessed to have a healthy little baby boy. He has been such a heavenly treat for Danny and me.

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Recap:
Started feeling the contractions around 4pm on Thursday. We entered the hospital around 2am Friday morning. I labored for about 2 hours more there before asking (begging?) for my epidural around 4am. I started pushing just before 6am and the baby was born at 6:30am. He was in a hurry and mommy was not complaining about that - just glad I had enough time to get the epidural!!!

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My Dad (who baby James is named after) sent us this e-mail and we thought it was pretty funny:
Congratulations Lauren and Dan on becoming parents! And good timing -- right before the weekend. We are thrilled, relieved, and astonished at the ease with which you pulled it off (and we barely broke a sweat). Rumor has it that his first name is James. The last name is not in doubt--Thorley. But what is the middle name? Reported weight: 8-1/2 pounds. Reported length: 54 cm (21-1/4 inches in gringo). Reported hair color: blond. Reported CF (cuteness factor): off the charts. Nationality: dual (Tex-Mex).Demands are pouring in for digital images.

Love, James I (the first)
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We have taken a million pictures of course and I must say that I am very grateful for the blog so that we can "show off" our little guy to all our family and friends back in the states and in Uruguay and Brasil! Here are my favorite pictures. Love to you all!

Xoxo, Daddy D, Mama L, & Baby J

Labor!!! The results.



Visitors! Neighbors and first best friend - Joseph.Ward friends! Getting ready to go home.

The man who made it all happen - Dr. Bolanos - Saying goodbye and going home!

James' Day 2 Capped with Celebration Dinner

The last night in the hospital they wheel a table into your room and cook you a gourmet meal. We had a lot of fun celebrating J's arrival while eating Fillet Mi non and Spinach Stuffed Chicken.

James' Day 2