Happy 3rd Birthday Samuel

Samuel is officially a "big boy"! He now objects to being called a "little boy", promptly correcting anyone who dare suggest it by declaring "I'm NOT a little boy. I'm a big boy. I'm 3!"

Our handsome big boy had a wonderful birthday festival, starting with his actual birthday on Wednesday, 14 October and culminating in his Rainbow Party on the Sunday (the rainbow theme was inspired by Samuel deciding many months ago that he wanted a rainbow for his birthday!!) Samuel was a little unwell on the day of his party, so we relocated from the park to home and he ended up having a great day. Thank you to everyone that sent Samuel birthday wishes, presents and general loveliness over the course of the week and to those who came to his party on Sunday!

Samuel and his very welcoming rainbow.

Samuel welcoming his little friend Grace to his Rainbow Party...

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Tending to party business with Gracie.

Jesse boy getting into the rainbow theme.

The lighting of the 3 cake's candles.

Um, Mummy, it's a "3" not a "30"!

Samuel getting jiggy to Happy Birthday being sung...

...still jiggin.

It's "ooofff"icial...

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Jesse's first four months!

Typically, we haven't been as trigger happy with the camera or as disciplined about blogging photos of Jesse. Poor old second borns!! Don't you worry little man, your second born Daddy will stick up for you!!

Here a some photos from Jesse's first four months, starting with his time in hospital in the first few weeks of his life. His two weeks in hospital were a rough time for all but, as you'll see in the photos below, he's now a picture of health and doing everything a little boy should. For example, he's just mastered grabbing his shirts and jumpers and stuffing them in his mouth until saturated!!

When Jesse was 10 days old we had to take him into hospital because his breathing had become very laboured and he was clearly very fatigued. He was diagnosed with bronchiolitis and a collapsed upper lobe of his right lung. The poor little thing was connected to this get-up for a few days.

After a few days the doctors were concerned that his lung wasn't recovering quickly enough, so Jesse was relocated to the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). He was in the NICU for a few days and while it was quite a shock for us that he needed to be there, it ultimately helped us put his condition in perspective. Compared to the majority of the babies in the NICU who were two to three month premature, Jesse was a giant and, relatively speaking, a picture of health. Still, it was quite a confronting experience and difficult to see the little man hooked up to machines like this. During his time in the NICU Han couldn't feed Jesse which made it that much harder to settle and comfort him when he was clearly expressing his disapproval of having tubes stuck up his nose and down his throat.

Here he is finally off the Constant Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) masks after about a week and a half in hospital. At this stage Han was able to feed him at times which please both us and him immensely.

Samuel was a very patient and understanding big brother during Jesse's time in hospital. He quickly adapted to Mummy living at the hospital. Here they are hanging out together under the fish tank in the Pediatric ward.

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Jesse boy unplugged (well, almost). This photo was taken when Jesse had been in hospital just shy of two weeks. Our once chubby little boy was displaying his slender side by this stage.

Here he is still in hospital but well and truly unplugged and on the mend. This was such a huge relief, not only in terms of his health but because he and Han could come home. Han hadn't left the hospital from the time he was admitted!

Finally home again and being looked after by his very attentive big brother.

Very, very happy to have both my boys home again!

Starting to look like a real boy again!

Not quite sure what Samuel had in mind here but he was definitely being

a very sweet big brother.

That's our boy...

Jesse in a milk drunk state with his very happy and proud Mummy!

Beautiful brothers...

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Getting to know Grandpa (or given Jesse's state of slumber perhaps it's the other way around - Grandpa getting to know Jesse).

Cuddles with Uncle Matty and Cousin Tyson. Tyson was very intrigued by baby Jesse. It was very cute to see.

Cuddles with Aunty Lauren.

Han with our little chubby chuckles. Although he's got his serious and contemplative look on here, he really is a happy little Jessemite. I usually get a good round of chuckles and smiles when I get home from work each day.

Three wise monkeys.

Happy Birthday Bella!

Happy birthday Bella, from Samuel, Sophia and Gracie