May 25, 2010.
Jay and I woke anxiously after a restless night, full of excitement and nerves. After 9 long months, it was finally time to meet the sweet baby boy that I had been hauling around in my belly. I had a scheduled c-section since he was breach (thank god – I had zero interest in experiencing labor). It was love at first sight. Ty Allen Shearer came into our lives, changing it forever. He has brought joy to everyone he comes across, his handsome good looks and silly, yet sweet, personality make him a natural charmer. He is smart, funny, a constant negotiator. “Just one more book.” “Just 2 more minutes.” “Dad, how ’bout we switch, k.” Sunday was Ty’s 4th birthday. We had a great day celebrating.

Presents.
Ty came running into our room on cue at 5:00 am, ready to open presents. We tested his patience throughout the morning as we FaceTimed some family back home while he opened each present, and then we played with each one a while before opening the next one. He got lots of fun things – Legos, fishing gear, a new Iowa state hat, some clothes, a Spider-Man cape, pirate hat, Spider-man motorcycle, remote control car, movies, and a few other things that are not coming to mind right away. We spent the morning building Legos, then we had to run to the store. Ty insisted on wearing his new Superman shirt and Spider-Man cape to the grocery store. As soon as we got home it was rush rush rush to eat lunch and get ready to go to his party.

Flipout.
The Torrey’s met us at a new indoor trampoline park called Flipout. It wasn’t nearly as nice as the one in Des Moines, but it served its purpose. The jumpers all were officially exhausted, sweaty and stinky at the end of an hour of jumping. Ty was doing flips – landing on his bum by the end of the day. After our time was up, Ty opened more presents. The kids know exactly what Ty likes from playing at their house. Lego Batman, an airplane, matchbox cars, and a teenage mutant ninja turtle pillow pet. :). Ty loves everything! Then it was time for cake. A wife of a coworker bakes cakes and she made an awesome one for Ty. Spider-Man!! Yum.

Frozen.
When we got home, everyone washed the stink off and we did a quick photo shoot. Ever since Ty was born, I have taken a picture of him with his sock monkey on milestone dates. I couldn’t let his 4th birthday pass by without a picture. The lighting wasn’t great – it was dark, but they turned out OK. Riley cooked us a delicious steak dinner. I had made my first batch of potato salad ever (needed a taste of home) and it went well with the steaks, green beans, and sautéed mushrooms. Then it was movie time. Memaw sent a few movies over – Frozen was one of them. Lily was asleep in one arm, Ty was cuddled up into my other arm. Best movie night ever. Love my babies.