The Last One

One of the front-runner names for Adelaide was Novalie. In our name research, somewhere it said that the name Novalie is of Swedish origin and means "the last one." The last one-year-old. The last first birthday. 

Adelaide Agnes Fiorani Thoma - One year old (plus a week) - May 7, 2022 
Photo: Rachelle Haun Photography

It's an odd mix of wistfulness that the true "baby phase" is coming to a close after 8+ years of being solidly in it, and glee getting to give away items we no longer have use for (baby bottles, the giant play pen, mountains of adorably and barely worn baby clothes). 

Newborn life is challenging, exhausting, worrying, and all-consuming... and now it's over. It's true what they say - the days are long and the years are short.

Despite the pandemic and embracing the fact that baby parties are really for the parents - we celebrated Adelaide turning one the best way we know how. With friends and a pun.

ONEder the Sea Party - May 7, 2022

Adelaide

Our littlest bear, our itsy bitsy beastie, is growing up! She can walk well, went from being totally chill to having big opinions (especially when Mommy sets her down or walks away), loves eating salmon, thinks her siblings are the coolest ever, and gives the best hugs.

She's one! - April 30, 2022

She makes our lives brighter and we can't wait to see what our girl learns next. It is heartwarming to see how Everett and Imogen react to her growth, they really love their baby.

We also made it a year breastfeeding. Without a new baby to hope for, there's no pressure on weaning. Elizabeth only pumps once a day at work now (instead of three times), but Addy still nurses 3-4 times a day outside working hours. 

Rachelle Haun Photography

Imogen

Four and a half! Our spirited Imogen is starting to (sometimes) learn how to control her emotions and reactions. We are so proud of her maturity in this area. She has also tackled a pedal bike (racing around the block mostly on her own the first time she rode it), hiked up to Obie's bench (and farther) and back on her own, writes letters, and graduated Preschool! We think she's going to love Jr. K and learning so many more things. 

Spring 2022 Preschool photo
Hair Design: Imogen Thoma

Immy also loves singing and dancing, and her current favorite is Newsies. Especially Medda. 

Everett

Only a kindergartener for a few more days. He has really flourished this year. He loves his friends, his teacher, learning, biking, playing basketball, art and activities... everything! We are proud of his academic accomplishments, but more proud of his friendly and social demeanor. He is handling his role of a big brother very well, and we try not to put too much on him in that regard. While Imogen is not as big or as mature as he is, he is also only six and needs our support.

Showing us their class garden at Open House - May 17, 2022

Fun new things we got to do with Everett at school this month include listening to his concert live (outside), Open House where we got to see his classroom (and the science / music rooms!), and the Olympics-themed Spring Fling.  

Oberon

Leaving the baby phase means saying goodbye to some of the items we used with Oberon and then his siblings. It is tough to let those things go, but at the same time it doesn't do us any good hanging on to a baby bouncer. While we have found comfort in using some items for all our children, Obie is not his things. Leaving the baby phase doesn't mean leaving Obie... although it can feel that way. He remains our son, our first born, our little bee. We carry his memory and the love with us. 

Hiking up to Triple Falls at Uvas - May 21, 2022

It's Mother's Day month, and that meant a return to Uvas Canyon County Park and a hike up to his bench. Next month, we will fundraise for Pregnancy After Loss Support as part of the Waddle Walk 2022.