Family of three to family of four

The McD Three is no more... but now it is four!

Baby Leland is here, all 8 lbs 11 1/2 oz and 21 1/4in of him... in short it has been a long day for all parties. One of the complications of C-sections births is respiratory development of the child. Leland seems to have a rather calm and relaxed demeanor, borderline lazy. The C-section went well... Leland was just comfortable where he was. He was having to work hard to breathe, hard enough it was concerning for the doctors to make the call for him to visit the NICU. The visit included switching hospitals.

Leland made a lot of progress even on the trip over; gaining color and strength breathing. Once under the care of the NICU personnel, he made great strides. He was on a CPAP (breathing machine) and still is. Originally he was supplied more oxygen, but he has been reduced to normal (room) levels. He is only on the machine now to ensure he stays healthy. He had several blood draws through the day, all of which have come back with great, healthy news. We will await the final piece of news on an infection tomorrow... it takes a 24 hour culture to get the first indication.

Andrea was transferred to a neighboring hospital so she is now a crosswalk away from Leland. We were able to hold him today at about 4pm. This was more than joyful and she already wants to make the trek across again to be with him. Certainly Andrea is an inspiration of fight and courage in our family.

As it is still flu season and the hospital is under extra precaution so Kaden will not be able to see Leland until we are able to take him home.

God is good and has certainly blessed us with another strong baby boy. The only time he has cried today is for a diaper change (including needle pricks on all limbs, IVs, breathing machines, transfers and a plain rude welcome). Our prayers are thankful that the day will end with an opportunity to rest and look forward to good news tomorrow and more visits with Mom and Baby! Praise God!

More updates...

Karl is out of town for a while and before he left, he and Colby knocked out quiet a bit of the room painting. It is still a mess and I am starting to be concerned of sleeping arrangements...I am so glad the Beck's love me and understand me. They will have to help me move furniture so they can lay down to sleep...

Can't think of Veggie Tales without Larry Boy.

Bob and Larry

Laura Carrot and Junior

Doesn't it look fantastic! Colby has been a painting hero...to help Karl and I out. Thank you Lisa

for allowing us to borrow your husband and thanks to Colby for your willingness and talent!

These four don't seem to care if the room is done or not...they played so well together today!

Room progress

Can you see the progress?

Larry looks so lonely and transparent without Bob and eyes...

My good lookin' painter!

Room update

Well, we covered the 70's pink wall with white and then turned right around and painted a pink color on the adjacent wall! Karl has enjoyed painting. His goal is to be completely done by Tuesday night!

WHEW!

Can you tell what it is going to be?

Go, Karl! GO!!

36 weeks and Leland's room

I am 36 weeks along and we have a c-sec date set for March 23rd! That is just around the corner. Two days ago, Karl and I started on Leland's room! You think it's about time?!?!?!? The room had a border all the way around the room and one wall was covered in wall paper. So, the paper is down...the brown wall in the back right corner of the pic below was PINK!

Room with wallpaper

Pink wall behind the wallpaper!

Colby putting PURPLE paint on my son's wall...PURPLE paint...I have trouble seeing the big picture. I know that Karl has a handsome plan and I appreciate Colby for knowing that and rolling with the flow.

PURPLE paint on the left border and BLUE paint on the right...notice the pink wall is now white (one coat anyway).

Won't give any details now, I will let you wait with me!

Good news is...we are starting the process!!!!!

Snow sledding and showering...

Lisa and the ladies at church had a shower for us last Saturday and we were blessed with gift cards and diapers galore! Thanks to all of the ladies that brought food, laughter and gifts! We are ready to meet Leland, but his room isn't ready yet!

Colby put together a Mad Libs of Leland on the Doorstep for our shower! It was perfect and so fitting! Have I said how fortunate we are to be a part of the Church?!

Last Saturday morning, Karl suggested we go sled down the hill. It was so much fun watching the kids go down...some forward, some sideways, some backward...but all had the best expressions (Logan actually had the best expressions). We had a blast. Colby and the older four came out and joined in our fun. He and Karl found a hill that was too steep for my taste and found 'air time'. I hope we never grow up!

Kaden and Peyson enjoyed a couple of trips down the hill and then decided it was way more fun to be the cheering section. Kaden preferred being pulled around rather than going down the hill.

Karl made many attempts down the hill on many different riding attractions!

A couple of nights before, we were outside shoveling/snow blowing and Karl and Kaden decided to play it out a bit. Karl has a 4.5 foot hill in the back yard and he and Kaden love sliding down. Kaden enjoyed himself but was done. The picture doesn't say he was having fun, but this was the last run and his little face was frozen. It was time to go in!

We are blessed to have a daddy that loves to play!

Kaden going down the big hill with Karl.

Valentine's and trains

Karl brought a surprise home for Kaden one night (after he had pooped in the potty three days in a row). The boys had a blast playing with trains.

Grandma Cindy/Grandpa Johnny sent Kaden a Valentine's Day box. He had a hard time getting past the bubble wrap. After ALL the bubbles were popped, we were able to get the goodies out of the box and enjoy them! Thanks Bradberry Grand's!

Murrs and Marti sent a card as well and Kaden requested that we read it many times over.

My dad sent this to us on Valentine's Day. He has been sending us plants/flowers for a long time and every year I am surprised. Thanks, dad! I love it! Kaden loved the fact that a man came to our door and delivered a 'pretty'.

So, we set up a tool bench for Kaden (complete with goggles). Since we read Go! Dog, Go! He thinks he has to wear his goggles when he rides his tricycle. I think it's hilarious!

Saturday we had our Bible Bowl at the church building. We had a great turn out. Colby was leading singing and I came up to hear laughter along with singing. Colby fulfilled a request from Kaden...the Choo choo song! Here is the end of it!