November thanks & December joy

November is a natural month to reflect and to consider life's blessings with the presence of the Thanksgiving holiday.  It has been an amazing year of change that brought it's fair share of challenges, but as we remained in prayer, we persevered and recognize countless blessings along the way.  In one year, we have moved out of state, purchased a house, vacationed to Washington DC and Boston, started Raina in preschool, and welcomed the newest member of our family!  Wow! I wouldn't have believed it if you told me. 

 Yes, It's a boy!!  Paul was and continues to be surprised that we actually are parents to a biological son.  His theory for so long was that he had destroyed all his Y-chromosomes from participating in years and years of contact sports (Disclaimer: that is Paul's theory about his own reproductive system and I do not believe there is ANY scientific research to support it. Ha!) and was therefore, only capable to producing girls.  We, as we did with Raina, waited to find out the gender of our baby until the delivery.  It was just as emotional and joyful to watch and to hear Paul proclaim:
 "It's a boy!"

We are so proud to introduce Ryan James Fitzpatrick.  Born on 11/13/13.  9lbs, 11oz. 

Mommy's "little" boy

Paul and his BOY! Or as he refers to him as "Biggens!"

Raina is a great big sister!
 

My mom came to Florida for the delivery and for the month following to help Paul and I with the big transition.  What a life saver!  Thanks mom!  Her help allowed for a much smoother transition for all of us.  She was able to stay in the hospital with Melissa as she recovered from the caesarean birth, allowing for Paul to be with Raina, keeping routines as familiar as possible.  Once we were all home from the hospital, Paul had to head back to work and mom/grandma was a huge support in helping to get Raina to school as well as help with household chores.  What a blessing to have her here! 

 
More pics of the family:

I love this picture of Ryan and his sweet little lips. 

How great to have a visit from our Fair family, just 10 days after Ryan arrived!  How we love them!!

Born just a mile away from the Tampa Bay Rays, but his parents are Red Sox fans!  Just gotta love the Sox if they won the series in the same year of your birth!  Hooray Boston!

Raina making her silly faces.

The first day mommy and Ryan were able to walk Raina to school.  It went great and Raina did an awesome job introducing her baby brother to all her teachers and classmates. So proud of her!

Raina at school during recess.  We are so thankful that she loves school!

This picture makes me giggle.  I love Ryan's chin for his chin. 

We had a great visit from be-bah at the beginning of December.  Raina showing her grandparents how to navigate their I-pad!

Raina had a GREAT time playing at the beach with grandma and be-bah, jumping the waves!

Be-bah showing Raina how to "surf"!

These siblings are keeping an eye on each other!  They are doing great and we are loving our family!

 

Thank you all for stopping by.  For your continued love and prayers.  We continue to feel blessings in our new home and in our new state. We miss Boston and all our dear and forever friends there.  Paul and I will always feel like New England is home; but we are recognizing our blessings here and are so thankful for them all.  Merry Merry Christmas to you all and a Happy Healthy New Year to you all!

See you all in 2014!!!