Happy 2nd Birthday, Jack!

Sam's second week at home was filled with lots of excitement. We celebrated Jack's second birthday and Thanksgiving.


Happy 2nd Birthday Jackers! (Don't even get me started...my baby is ALREADY 2!!!) Let's just say that I am making sure that I treasure every single minute with Sam, as I now know how quickly they grow up!


Uncle Marc treated everyone to a birthday brunch...yummy!!!!!


This photo proves the "power" a 2 year old has over grown men! Jack has two papas wrapped around his little finger. I'm sure Sam will get them wrapped tight soon too!


Sound asleep in Daddy's arms.


I think Tom started to go a little stir crazy spending so much time at home. He decided to explore his domestic abilities and make donuts. Everyone doubted his capabilities, but as with most things, he proved us wrong!

Meet the Family

After we were back in our room we were able to start calling, emailing and texting all of our family and friends, who were anxiously awaiting the announcement of Sam's arrival. Shortly after the big announcement Papa and Meema brought Jack to FINALLY meet his new brother. We were a little nervous about this meeting and how Jack would respond to Sam, as Jack had taken to calling bears "baby." We thought that he may end up disappointed that Sam wasn't furry and didn't produce honey! Thank goodness we were wrong!


Hi brother...we're going to have tons of fun together!


Hi Meema, when will you give me some m&m's?


Hi Papa! We thought it to would only be fitting to have each of our boys carry a name from our families. Jack's middle name came from the Hanks side, so Sam's came from the Dresel side. Who better to be named after than Papa Tim.


I'm pretty sure that Tom's big smile isn't for the camera, but rather from the okay on being discharged from the doctor. Who can blame him? I certainly wouldn't have wanted to sleep on that "bed" he had to!


Grandma and Papa with their boys.

A HUGE thanks to our parents for taking the time to be with us as we welcomed Sam into the world. We can't even begin to express our gratitude for all of the the love and support you give to us each and every day!

From 3 to 4

November 17, 2008 was a VERY exciting day for the Hanks, as we set out to welcome the newest member of our family...


The last photo of pregnancy #2. After seeing this photo I understand why people always had a look of pity on their face when they looked at me...I was HUGE!!!!


Off to the hospital!

The Delievery

As all deliveries are different, so was the arrival of our second beautiful son. We had a c-section scheduled this time. We arrived at the hospital a little after 7:00 AM on November 17th, filled out a few paperwork items, answered a TON of questions for the nurses, changed into some "stylish" clothes, spoke with the doctor, met all of the different people who would help make sure that everything went smoothly, and FINALLY walked down to the operating room. It was a very surreal experience that I can't even attempt to put into words.


What a great outfit...too bad you had to cover up the nice shirt you had picked out. Tom's words about getting dressed the morning of, "this is a suitable shirt to meet my new son." Sometimes he says the cutest things!


About to start the surgery. At this moment I just couldn't wait to meet the new little guy I had been carrying around for the past nine months. I knew I would miss all of those tiny movements inside, but I knew I would enjoy snuggling him and watching him grow into an amazing person even more.

WARNING, WARNING, WARNING!!!!!
The next picture is not one to be viewed by those with a weak stomach. It is just way too amazing to not share. Tom braved the operating room, and peeked over the curtain at just the right moment to snap this photo.

The moment Samuel Timothy Hanks entered the world...the same moment two peoples' hearts opened up and filled with even more love.


Sam weighed in at 8lbs. 12oz and was 19in long.


Tom cutting the cord the rest of the way.


Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. (This was definitely one of "those moments!")

Home at Last!

Our first few days at home were spent in our pj's playing with the boys. It was so great to have all four of us at home bonding.


Jack wondering "What would happen if I climbed in the swing too?"


Boys will be boys! Jack and Daddy flying off to nap time.


Check out those cheeks!


I'm all set for Halloween.

We're baaaack!!!!!

The Hanks clan is finally back after a bit of a blogging hiatus. We are very pleased to share our adventures with you, and hope that you feel free to visit our blog as often as you'd like, and share it with other friends.