Christmas Memories

As we reflect on this year's Christmas, we will remember it as William's first Christmas...and his first trip to Cashiers. After the snow storm that blasted the East Coast, we were glad Graham finally made it "home". We took both boys to the Christmas Eve service and were pleasantly surprised at how well they did...Thompson was quiet and attentive, joining in the singing of the carols and even taking communion while William slept through the entire service! Thompson baked Christmas cookies with Aunt G and Mamere, making a special one for Santa - complete with all the toppings. Thompson was shocked to see that Santa brought him a new Polar Express DVD. (Santa must have known that he had scratched the one Santa gave his last year.) And as a "big 4-year old", he was eager to open his presents and help others with theirs as well. In opening gifts, there were special surprises for everyone! Of course, we were most thankful for the time spent with our families, as we celebrated the most important gift of all - Jesus Christ.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6

Polar Express Train Ride

It's Tuesday...so it must be "Polar Express" day! Dressed in his newest pajamas and robe, Thompson was ready to head to the train station for his inaugural ride on the "Polar Express" this evening with Annie, Poppy, Mamere and Papere.

2009 Christmas Card

Polar Express Birthday Party

When asked what kind of cake Thompson wanted for his birthday, he instantly replied, "a Polar Express cake with a train on top." So what better idea, than to host a "Polar Express" birthday party! This year's celebration was one we won't soon forget...
* Graham continued her birthday tradition of purchasing the cake and coordinating its details...and as you can see from the pictures, this year's cake was not only spectacular, but also delicious. Thanks Aunt G!

* To commemorate the "hot chocolate" scene, the kids enjoyed making their own "hot, hot chocolate" mix.

2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer
1/8 teaspoon salt

Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk until evenly blended.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature until you are ready to enjoy and/or share.

Add 3 tablespoons mix to 1 cup (8 oz) of steamed milk. Stir well.

Garnish with marshmellows.

Enjoy!

Yield: ~ 4 cups mix

* The previous day's snowfall provided the perfect weather for a "Polar Express" party (despite the havoc it created in getting the cake delivered and cancelling Aunt G's flight into Asheville from NYC).

* Thompson's first birthday as a big brother.

* With Thompson's ever-increasing fascination for "The Polar Express" movie since last Christmas, his grandparents gave him a ticket on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad's Polar Express for his birthday. He was totally surprised and "wowed over" upon learning of this special event. We have no doubt that he will inform everyone he meets over the next couple days that "on Tuesday I'm going on the Polar Express and it is going to take an hour and a half to get to the North Pole."

Winter Wonderland

The snow came in last night, which resulted in one of the biggest snows we've seen in years...10+ inches on our back deck! (Bobby and I can't recall an accumulation of this amount since we've been married.) Thompson enjoyed playing in the snow, sledding with his neighborhood friends, making snow angels, helping daddy shovel the driveway, throwing snowballs and drinking countless cups of hot chocolate. As for William, he made it outside for a few moments as well.

view from our driveway

3 + 1 = 4

Four years ago, the Lord blessed us with Thompson. Here's wishing our "big" boy a very happy birthday. Who knew 4 years could go by so fast!?

Mom's Boys

Firsts

Today was a day of special "firsts" for William - his first snow and his first acting debut. The snow wasn't a noteworthy snow, but it was snow nonetheless. As for acting, William took the stage as Baby Jesus in our church's annual Carolina Mountain Christmas Spectacular production.

Candy Land

Another picture worth a thousand words...over the past week, Candy Land has fast become Thompson's newest favorite board game!

Brothers

Thompson meets and holds his little brother William for the first time!

Baby Jones has arrived!

Baby J Update - Week 39

The end is in sight! This afternoon's appointment confirmed what we thought to be true...my body continues to prepare for labor. I'm 70% effaced and 4 cm dilated - a 10% and 1 cm change since last week. My blood pressure was 114/68 and weight has remain stable. After talking with our doctor, we scheduled an induction for next Wednesday (the day before Thanksgiving). Of course, we know what often happens to the best made plans...they get turned upside down! So, Baby Jones could arrive tonight, or any day between now and November 25. Stay tuned.

Preschooler Perspective

As mentioned in a post earlier this month, we find ourselves amazed at the way Thompson communicates with and articulates his thoughts to us. That being said, we thought we'd share a few more of his perspectives...

Scenario 1. Thompson was whining one evening, about what, we can't recall. Bobby asked him to stop, take a breath and tell us what he wanted/needed without whining. In a frustrated voice with tears coming out of his eyes and fists clinched Thompson responds, "I can't...I can't get my words back."

Scenario 2. Thompson asked Avery to chase him around the house, to which Avery responded, I can't run because of the baby in my tummy." A minute or less passes when Thompson walks over to Bobby and says, "Daddy will you run with me since you don't have a baby in your tummy?"

Scenario 3. Last night at dinner, when looking at the food on his plate, Thompson pointed in a circular motion at each item and said, "All the things I don't like (pause) are not on my plate! I'm going to eat everything all gone!" (and in case you are wondering what was for dinner? pears, sauteed spinach, poached salmon and dill-yogurt sauce)

Baby J Update - Week 38

Waiting...patiently (we think!). Another good check-up and confirmation that Baby Jones's arrival is imminent. Needless to say, the anticipation in mounting! My blood pressure was 110/60 and I had gained a pound since last week. My next appointment is a week from today, unless labor comes first!

Thompson-ism

Among our many joys of this stage of Thompson's development is the way in which he expresses himself. He's got many funny sayings, and when we pause to think about them, they are often down-right logical. And it is with this intro we share the following, which has been in his vocabulary for quite a while now.

to forget = (v) it went out of my head

example: "Where did we go last night?" To which

he responds, "I don't know, it went out of my head."

Baby J Update - Week 37

Another great check-up, although not much to report as there are no significant changes from a week ago. My blood pressure remains healthy at 120/60 with a total weight gain of 27 pounds. In other words...right on target. Baby Jones has definitely dropped and his/her head is down. The doctor said labor could happen at anytime - be it within the next hour to as long as a couple weeks - just a waiting game from this point forward.

All things being equal with this pregnancy as compared to the one with Thompson (which we know isn't true with this pregnancy as it is a different child, my blood pressure has remain low, I'm not on bed rest, etc.), Baby Jones would make his/her entrance tomorrow. WOW! I'll admit, it would certainly surprise us if that's the case. Otherwise, it looks like Baby Jones will have postponed his/her arrival until Mamere and Papere return to the States tomorrow from their 3-week excursion to Peru, Galapagos Islands and Ecuador. We are definitely looking forward to having them home and catching up on their travels.

So for now, we continue to wait patiently on the Lord's perfect timing and enjoy our final days as the Jones trio.

Happy Halloween!

Albeit a rainy Saturday, it has proved to be a busy one for the Jones family. Our Halloween festivities began around lunch time when we attended Biltmore Forest Country Club's Halloween gathering and luncheon with Annie and Poppy. Upon our return home, we cuddled up on the couch to enjoy the first half of a movie before heading out to engagement #2. Our afternoon found us at HoopLa, our church's Halloween alternative festival, where Thompson enjoyed the jump houses, games and seeing the train. Then, it was home to finish our movie while we rested and regrouped in preparation for an evening of trick-or-treating with neighborhood friends.

Much to our surprise, Thompson wanted to be a turtle this year. (Yes, it should look familiar as he was not only a turtle last year, but also the year before. It goes without saying we were shocked to discover his choice and then find that it still fit. We never thought we'd get 3-years wear of the same costume from the same child!)

This year was the first year we observed Thompson "get" the trick-or-treating concept. He was eager to go to houses with their lights on so he could say "Happy Halloween" and get some candy...so much so, that we'd often find him moving along with an extra spring in his step.

Baby J Update - Week 36

This morning marked the beginning of our weekly visits to the OB until Baby Jones's birth. My blood pressure remains healthy (112/80) so no mandatory bed rest needed, which is quite unlike my pregnancy with Thompson. I also got the swine flu/H1N1 vaccination this morning, so I'm glad to have that done so there is less to worry about this flu season with an infant.

With Thompson born at 37 weeks, I'm a bit apprehensive as to what to expect in the coming weeks. I learned I'm dilated 3 cm, which was quite a surprise. Our doctor seems to think Baby Jones will make his/her entry early, but as we know, only time will tell. Stay tuned...the end of this chapter and the beginning of a new one is in sight!

Like Father, Like Son

Here are a few fun pictures of Thompson and Bobby from this morning when T decided to join daddy in his daily shaving routine.

T-H-O-M-P-S-O-N

That's right, Thompson has reached the milestone of being able to spell his name without any assistance. SO COOL! And as for writing his name, he's got every letter except for the "S", which he tells us is a "tricky letter"...although we know he'll have it mastered in no time.

No Bed Rails

In early September, Thompson's "big boy" twin beds arrived (courtesy of Annie and Poppy and a shout out of thanks to Mamere and Papere for the mattresses). He loves his new beds and makes a point to show all visitors his room (even if they've seen it before!). A couple weeks ago, we took the plunge and removed the bedrails...and so far, our T-man has done fantastic!

Baby J Update - Week 34/35

Great news...Avery's pregnancy continues to progress well. We were a bit apprehensive this morning, heading into today's check-up because on the same day of her pregnancy with Thompson, her blood pressure was 122/86 with a couple weeks of bed rest. As for today, her blood pressure was 110/60. YEAH! Thursday marks the 35-week milestone, so 5 weeks or less until Baby Jones's birth, and as you can imagine, we are anxious to see whether we will be welcoming another son or a daughter.

This past weekend, we enjoyed a mommy-daddy weekend getaway in Wears Valley, TN as we attended the wedding of Jenny Bates and Ty Heaton. (Jenny is a friend of Avery's and was a bridesmaid in our wedding 8+ years ago!) We figured this would most likely be the last time we could enjoy such a weekend for a while. As for Thompson, he spent the weekend with Annie and Poppy, and according to all accounts, had a fantastic time!

Thompson and the Playhouse

Our neighbors spent the past couple weeks building a playhouse for a local auction, whose proceeds benefit the United Way. As could be expected, Thompson wanted in on all the action. Here is a picture of him looking out the window shortly before the playhouse's completion.

Thompson's Hospital Adventure

Believe it or not, but Thompson beat Avery to the hospital this fall! Thursday evening around dinner time, he complained of his right leg hurting, and while somewhat concerned, we thought it might simply be a pulled muscle that a good night's sleep would heal. He woke up in the middle of the night crying, telling us that his leg hurt and unwilling to put any pressure on it. By morning, the pain was still present and he had no interest in walking or moving (crying every time we asked him to try).

To make a long story as short as possible, his pediatrician's office scheduled an appointment for us for late Friday (9/25) morning. After meeting with the doctor, blood-work was ordered and Thompson was referred to the hospital for an ultrasound of his hip. If the ultrasound showed increased fluid in the hip, then aspiration would be required to determine whether or not there presence of bacteria. If the hip join looked "normal", then our original thought of a pulled muscle would be more likely. The catch here is that if bacteria is present and not caught (septic hip), Thompson could be at risk for degenerative and arthritic hip issues down the road.

Much to our surprise, the ultrasound showed the presence of increased fluid, which required aspiration. We must say that Thompson was a true CHAMP, impressing all the nurses and doctors with his 3-year old bravery! And the best news of all was that the lab determined no presence of bacteria. Thompson was discharged from the hospital and put on a regimen of Motrin until his gait is back to normal.

So his diagnosis was "toxic synovitis". In parents' terms...an increase/swelling of the synovial cavity fluid (located in hip joint) which causes pain in the hip. It is often caused by a virus that elects to settle into the hip join and evidently more common than we knew. The pain subsides on its own within a week or so and the Motrin regimen helps to reduce the swelling thus alleviating some of the pain. While he is walking with a limp, we can already see improvement with each passing day.

We appreciate the prayers of our family and friends this past weekend. Through this experience, we were reminded that God is in control, He alone is the Great Physician and that one of His greatest blessings in our health.

Baby Jones Update - Week 31

Yes, Avery and Baby Jones are at the 31-week mark. Today's doctors appointment went well with blood pressure, weight gain and measuring of the belly right on target. We are scheduled back for another visit in two weeks. As Avery tells people, we're in the "home stretch" - literally and figuratively!

Series 7...PASSED!

We are thrilled to share the good news that Bobby passed his Series 7 exam yesterday. Needless to say, he is proud to have that test behind him. Way to go!

Baby J Update

Baby Jones is 28 weeks today and continues to be quite the active little one in the womb. We learned that the baby's head is up and feet are down, so Avery's been encouraged to lie in a position a couple times a day in hopes of getting the baby to turn. We'll keep you posted. Otherwise, all is well.

Tickets Please!

A special package arrived in today's mail addressed to "Conductor Thompson Jones". Upon opening it, Thompson found the following:

Clearly, news of Thompson's fascination with "The Polar Express" has spread to the North Pole. It goes without saying that he was SPEECHLESS...ecstatic...in disbelief...etc. Upon going to bed and remindin us how thankful he was for the tickets and puncher, he clarified that "the elves make it and then Santa throws it to go to our mailbox." Who knew!?

Lesson...simple (and inexpensive) items can provide hours of entertainment for young minds and a lifetime of memories!

I (heart) NY

Over four years and a son later, we finally made it back to the "Big Apple". With Graham ("Aunt G") running in the NYC Half-Marathon in memory of her dear friend Mary Claire and to raise funds for the Mary Claire Satterly Foundation (http://www.mcspirit.org/), we decided to make it a family adventure! We figured the many modes of transportation required (airplane and subway to name just two) would provide plenty of firsts for Thompson and a plethora of fun memories as well as make for fitting "big brother" trip before the Jones Trio becomes the Jones Quartet!

And with that, our adventure began...1st time through airplane security (why do I have to take off my shoes? to make sure there is nothing in them that shouldn't be there. see there's nothing in them)...1st time in an airplane (Asheville to Newark)...sights of land from the window seat (houses, water towers, trains, RXR tracks, etc.)...car ride to Hoboken...staying with the Crafts (Carter, Stephanie, Nella and Henry)...walk to the Path train (did you see the RXR tracks in the road!)...subway to Manhattan (H to 33)..."All aboard!"...a visit to Aunt G's office at the NFL (Super Bowl ring display and the Jet's boxcar train Thompson spotted on an employee's bookcase)...Grand Central Station (trains galore!)...subway ride...stroll through Little Italy...Chinatown...dinner at Ping's Seafood...walk to and through the Business District...subway back to Hoboken...sleepy time...rise and shine...subway to Times Square...steps at the TKTS booth (look at all the people and taxis!)...M&M store ("Where is Mr. M&M man?")...Hershey store...lunch at Lenny's...Magnolia Bakery cupcakes...Rockefeller Center...FAO Schwarz (polar express and the big piano)...stroll through Central Park...street sweeper...visit to Bart's apartment (level 5!)...rest time!...another subway ride...dinner at John's Pizzeria (straw snake and piano 5)...ferris wheel ride at Toys R Us...Elmo spotting in Times Square...subway back to Hoboken...frozen yogurt at Koa Koa...sleepy time...rise and shine...subway to Times Square in hopes of seeing Aunt G running in the 1/2 marathon...picture with NY police officer...subway to Business District...spotting of Aunt G 400 meters from finish line...Statue of Liberty...Staten Island ferry ride...subway to East Village...lunch at Phebe's (2 hot dogs please!)...stroll through NYU campus...subway back to Hoboken...playtime in the park...dinner "in" with Mamere, Papere, Aunt G and the Crafts (yummy cherries!)...sleepy time...and an early rise and shine to catch our flight home.

This captures the highlights, and as you can tell, we packed a lot into three short days. Thompson is already suggesting that "maybe we can get back on the airplane and go to Hoboken and New York City."

First time in an airplane

Mr. M&M Man!

Chocolate anyone?

Outside FAO Schwarz

Simply having fun at John's Pizzeria

with Janie and Aunt G after the race

Cousins: Thompson, Nella and Henry