Jackson's Safari Party

Jackson has an obsession for animals so we decided the most perfect birthday party would be a safari party. Knowing that we would have a new baby right around the time of the party, it was definitely going to be less elaborate than some of his other parties. We brought in a zoo from Moapa called Roos and More and they were wonderful. Jackson chose to have a bird, monkey, lemur, kangaroo, snake, and armadillo. They put on a show for over an hour. Some of the kids lost interest pretty quick as the zoo keeper let each child hold and take pictures with each animal, but Jackson loved it ( that's what's important). We had lunch, did cake, and that was the party. We had a great day with family and friends. Nana Sylvia was here from Boston, Grandma Cheryl and Aunt Lynda drove over from California, and Auntie Inga flew in from California for a quick trip.

Our attempt at a family picture. I hired a photographer for this party, so I know Sarah got a much better shot. Can't wait to see her work!

We did a popcorn bar this year instead of candy. It was so fun and Inga and I had the best time sampling all the flavors at "The Popcorn Girl."

Once again, Carrie made our cake and it is my new favorite! It was exactly how I wanted it and of course it tasted amazing!

The Stork Came to Visit

With Jackson and Jordan Jerome had a stork delivered to our house for a week. Of course he did the same for Taylor. There is just something special driving up to the house and seeing that every time. Thanks love!

Hospital Stay

Just some fun memories from the hospital...

Big Brother, Big Sister

Because delivery was so fast, Jackson and Jordan were able to come pretty quick after the birth to meet Taylor. Natalie was supposed to come for the birth, but it happened even too quick for us to get her here, so she made sure to be there and the Big Brother and Big Sister walked in the room. They were both so excited to meet Taylor and Jackson shocked us all with how attentive and sweet he was.

Opening their gifts from Taylor!

SHE is here!

Taylor Jean Sequeira arrived at 8:19 a.m. on September 12, 2012. We are so excited to welcome a new little girl into our family. Here is her story... The night of September 11th was pretty routine. We added in an extra play date with the Bateman's after school and because it was so late, picked up Jack in the Box on the was home. I was tired but feeling great. Jackson and Jordan went to bed around 9:00 p.m. and I decided to paint the baseboards. Looking back, this should have been a sign. I went to bed around midnight only to be woken up at 3:45 a.m. At first I was embarrassed thinking I may have wet the bed. Getting up to go change, I realized that my water definitely broke. Jerome was at work so I called him, but told him not to rush home as I was not having any contractions. I called my mom (twice) to wake her up and get her on the road to Vegas. I took a shower while waiting for Jerome, called Rebecca to come over, and made sure everything was ready for Jackson and Jordan (getting out meals, snacks, their routine for the day, etc.). Contractions were slowly starting and just in time as Rebecca and Jerome got to the house. We left for the hospital at 5:30 a.m. and got there before 6:00. It was packed. The triage room was beyond crowded, which means less time for nurses to check on us. Within 45 minutes, I went from calm and happy to 2 minute apart contractions and needing a nurse. I am sure they thought I was being dramatic and poor Jerome...I didn't want him to leave my side, yet he couldn't touch me without getting yelled at. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore. I made him get the nurse. She finally came over and checked me. Then things got moving! She realized I was already at an 8 and she had help to get me moved to a delivery room. Most people walk or a wheeled by a wheel chair, we went in the whole bed. Later I found out it was because she could see the head. After being informed there was no time for an epidural or any pain meds,I panicked. I am so not that mom that needs to have a natural delivery. Because I was not on any meds, I was able to get up and go to the bathroom quick when we got to the room. Within 10 minutes, my doctor arrived. After 9 pushes and the most intense delivery, SHE was here! Jerome told me she was a girl, but I think we were both relived the pain was over and everyone was healthy and happy. Meet Taylor Jean! Taylor was a name we loved and Jean is after my paternal grandmother that passed away this year.