Jonah turns 3

This post is a bit overdue... I've been really lazy about blogging lately, but I'm trying to catch up I guess.

My sweet boy, Jonah Samuel, turned 3 on December 18th. I am so blessed to be his Mama. I honestly do not know what I would do without him. We didn't have an official birthday party for him, we just invited some friends from church to go out to lunch with us after church since his birthday was on a Sunday. We had about 20 people come and we really had a great time. Despite Jonah's complete obsession with all things trains, he requested a Lightening McQueen birthday cake... so that's what he got! Our friend from church, Jen Maala, made the cake for us and we took it to the restaurant for all to enjoy.


The fabulous cake by Jen Maala


As you can see, Jonah was pretty excited about his cake.


some of the crew at lunch


Opening a few gifts at home...




Jonah, you have changed my life in so many ways. You have made my life richer and fuller. Who would ever know that being your mother would be so amazing? You are full of life and full of love. I enjoy every moment that I spend with you. The past year of your life has been full of fun! You have been a great 2 year old and I am admittedly a bit sad to see this year come to a close. Of course, I am thrilled with what the next year(s) of your life will hold!

You will soon be a big brother. You seem excited about this and I am excited about this adventure for you. I know you will love your little sister and help Mommy and Daddy take care of her. I am so proud of you for all you do and I know I will be proud of the big brother you are going to be for the rest of your life. I have often wondered how it will be possible to love 2 children equally... I just want you to know that the love I have for you will not be touched. The love I have for you is your love and the love I have for your sister is her love. I will always love both of you more than words can say. YOU, will always be Mama's sweet boy and no one can take that title away from you. I love you with all my heart Jonah Samuel and I can't wait to see what this 3rd year of your life will hold.

The New York Transit Museum

Mark took the past couple of days off work and it has been wonderful! We have really enjoyed all the family time. Sadly, he has to return to work tomorrow, but we are excited that he has one more day off next week to hang out with us before the new addition arrives.

Today we took a trip to Brooklyn to the New York Transit Museum. It was a great decision. Jonah really had a blast. The museum was located in an old subway station, which was really cool. There were all sorts of things for kids to do. The best way to tell you about the day is through the pictures, so here ya go...


'pumping' gas into the bus


riding in the bus with daddy-- the museum had actual buses and trains in it for the kids to play around in... Jonah was in heaven!


Jonah driving the bus


riding the bus with mommy


driving another bus


Model of an old trolley car


Playing in the subway turnstiles


You can tell here that the museum is in an old subway station


Mark and Jonah on an old subway car... the oldest ones that were there were from 1904-1905... pretty cool!


Jonah and Daddy looking at the map together-- Jonah is fascinated with maps, just like his Daddy.


Jonah playing in the ticket booth


Jonah made me and Mark take turns playing conductor on each of the subway cars. He was loving it!! I think he got the concept from 'The Polar Express' because he would step on the train and say "Everybody take your seats!.... Tickets, Please!" It was cute!


Mark and Jonah on one of the older subway cars


I found the old advertisements in the subway cars interesting, so I took some pictures of a few of them....






the old cars even had ceiling fans!