Jonas is Here!

Well after the disappointment of not having Jonas on Friday, the Lord once again proved that it will all be done on His timetable. Sarah went into labor at church this Sunday, so we went into the hospital thinking it was nothing. Well about five hours later we had our boy delivered via c-section. Jonas Ethan Caruso was 6lbs 13oz and was 20 in long. He started out with some labored breathing, but has come along nicely, praise God! Sarah is doing wonderful as well, and has already taken quite a few steps walking around her room. Thank you all who have kept us in your prayers, we are confident that made a difference! Well this post won't be long. We are spending time at Methodist resting and getting to know baby Jonas. We would love for you all to meet him when we get home (probably Thursday). We have posted some pictures on Picasa, and I think you can get to them by clicking on the picture below.

It's a Van!

Well, I know you were all looking for some good news today, so here it is: It's a van! Instead of meeting our new baby boy this week, we purchased a new mini van. Cool! It took us a while to get used to the idea, but it seems like the wisest investment for our growing family at this stage of life.

It's actually a thrill to think about our need for a van. The last time we went car shopping we had only one child. We wondered if Peter would be our one and only? We only needed 3 seats--why in the world would we need a huge 7-seater van? But now, as God has poured out his blessing on our family, we will actually use most of the seats!

So, John thinks we're really (not) hip now. Were we ever?

I think it's great! I love the power doors that the kids can do safely and independently. I love the power lift-gate in the back so I don't have to get my hands all dirty. I love the way the seats fold into the floor if we need to make more room for cargo. I love the DVD player (still on order, to be installed soon) for entertainment on long road trips. Is this luxury or what? And it's pretty too. I'm sold!

So here's our newest addition...


And here's me now...
Jonas and I are still sharing a seat for a little bit longer!

Bummer

Just a quick post to let all of you know that we will not have our baby tomorrow. Sarah had the amnio this morning and the results showed that the lungs weren't quite developed enough (a score of 45 out of 55 although I am not sure what that means). Anyway, our doctor is on vacation next week, so the due date will now be on March third. That is unless the Lord has something else in mind. I think all of us are pretty bummed about the delay. It is funny when we think we have control. Would we be upset at this point if we were doing a natural vaginal birth? Another eleven days of worry, anxiousness and prayer. Throughout this process we have continually been reminded of Gods grace toward our family, and we have put our trust in Him that His will be done. We ask for continued prayer that this will be the case.

Clara Turns Three!

Clara is having a great month! She's been wearing princess costumes daily, hanging around the house with Mommy, and hosting parties galore! To celebrate her birthday she had two little friends over for a princess party. They had tons of fun dressing up, making crowns, dancing with ribbon wands, hearing a Ballerina story from Grandma Marilyn, and playing party games. It was really girly! We wrapped up the party with lunch (menu chosen by Clara)--pizza, mandarin oranges, and chips. Then came chocolate cupcakes decorated with sprinkles and "Little Mermaid" toppers. So pretty! And finally, the presents. We have such generous friends! Clara has so many fun new things to play with. It was a great celebration!

The birthday girl


Princess friends--Clara reads her new princess book to the group

The next day (Clara's actual b-day) we visited Peter at school for lunch. He proudly hosted us in the cafeteria, and Clara got to have a lunch tray just like the big kids. She even chose pink milk for her drink. It was really cool! We brought a special cupcake for Peter so he could celebrate with us. He was really sweet, several times mentioning to others, "It's my sister's birthday today!" It's hard to go to school when you know people are at home partying without you! Lunch was definitely a special time for all of us.

In the evening we hosted a family party for supper, including Grandpa, Grandma, and Uncle Micah. We had great fun eating together and spoiling Clara with even more presents. She was on top of the world! Every once in a while she would remind everyone that SHE would blow out the candles and SHE would open the presents. Don't forget who the lady of the hour is! She delighted in the princess balloons that decorated the table, and the princess plates and napkins she chose from the store. The simplest pleasures are often most rewarding! I'll say that three is a great age to be! Thank you, Lord, for our precious Clara Grace.

The family party--Auntie, notice her pretty dress! She calls it her "princess bride."

We Can't (or can) Wait!

Well, the date has been set! A few days ago the hospital called to confirm that we are on the schedule for a c-section delivery, February 22 at 9:15 am. It's crazy to think that you can "pencil in" a birth so far in advance! Of course, the time and date could change if needed, but for now we are looking forward to the 22nd with great anticipation (and a few nerves)!

What a great blessing to have made it this far with no complications. Truly God's hand is upon us every step of the way. So, now I realize we have less than ONE MONTH before baby Jonas arrives! Time to kick into nesting mode and clear out all the extra junk around the house, plan Clara's 3rd birthday party (Feb. 7th), and choose a middle name for the baby.

It's strange how I can feel such excitement and anticipation about meeting our new son, but at the same time wish for each day to go very slowly--to savor each special moment and not want anything to change just yet. So each morning I have to decide...what's the flavor of the day? I think "swirl" is the best choice. Half excitement, half contentment. And the countdown continues...

For Maddie

This one goes out to Maddie, Peter's special birthday buddy. First of all, congratulations on losing a tooth! That's a really cool thing! Does the tooth fairy come to your house?

You were wondering how Peter got that owie on his foot. On Christmas night he was sliding on a wood floor in his socks. A big splinter from the floor got stuck in his foot! So John tried to get it all out with a needle, but as it turns out, he only got half of it. Then last Sunday John noticed that there was still an owie there, and found more of that splinter in Peter's foot! So they got it out with another needle. Ouch! The next day the place where the splinter used to be started to get really sore and swollen, and it continued to get bigger and bigger. He had to go to the doctor to take the old skin off--he used a scalpel and scissors to cut it very carefully. Peter said it didn't hurt at all when the doctor did the surgery. It just felt a little funny. Now he has to take some medicine for 10 days to fight all the germs. He also has to wash it with special soap twice each day, and keep it covered with special bandages. What a crazy thing to happen from a simple splinter! We're so glad for a good doctor and good medicine. He is healing very well now.

We hope you are having a great week in sunny California, and that you're enjoying your new baby brother, Hayden. I bet you are a really good helper!

Happenings

Okay, it's time to emerge from the dark and actually update our blog! I was holding out for John to write the next entry, but the silent stand-off has to come to an end at some point!

So here's the latest in the Caruso house:
Baby's doing great! At last check he weighed in at 4 pounds, and my health continues to be very good. Thank you, Lord!

Peter's been fighting a crazy infection that originated from a splinter. We lovingly call it his "puss pocket." He missed school for three days, and is now on medicine to fight the infection. On Wednesday he went to the doctor and had minor surgery to remove the dead skin and drain the puss. (Sorry about the graphic description!) He thought it was really cool that the doctor used a genuine scalpel for the procedure. What a boy! Today he returned to school, and the nurse wondered if he needed to use a wheelchair? "NO WAY!" He doesn't want any extra attention at all. He's so brave (and socially aware).

The infection was nearly the size of a dime!

Clara started a new stage: "I want my Mommy! My Mommy do it!" Even at bedtime she throws an absolute fuss if John helps to brush her teeth, etc. It seems crazy, but I think she realizes that something's going to change...a baby's coming...so suddenly she's very clingy and extra-protective of her mommy. We'll see how she transitions when the baby's actually born. I'll be sure to give her lots of extra TLC. It feels so good to be loved!

Clara, the cookie decorator. Yummy!

John and I enjoyed a nice dinner with my grandparents in Lincoln last night--just the four of us. It was so fun to spend time together in conversation with no distraction, no agenda. What a treasure family is!