Sweet company!

I don't think I took one picture of my dad while he was here...shame on me.

Mama Z and Da were great help. Mom was here for a week and I abused her. She had me sitting with my puffy feet up all day. Dad was able to drive up and join us for the long weekend. Kaden and I loved it (Karl loved it too, he was just gone most of the time). Karl headed to LTC (which was a huge success)!

Thank you Da and Z for being here while Karl was away!

My big 2.5 year old. He is so loving and protecting of Leland...already!

See how happy they are to be brothers! Kaden looks like a giant next to Leland!

Z loved on these two boys all week. Kaden has looked in every room as of today and calling out "Z, where are you?".

Neil and Leland...it's amazing how much he has grown in two weeks!

Leland had a cardiologist appointment this morning for his heart murmur and all is well. The Dr. did not seemed worried about it and doesn't even want to see us back unless our pediatrician thinks different. WOOHOO! We are thankful for a healthy, growing boy!

We appreciate all of the help from our family and the time they gave up to come and be with us!

Kaden AND Leland

The proud daddy of another sweet boy!

After his first bath...he was not over excited about it!

Going home! We were all ready for this moment. We only spent three days in the NICU. I am very thankful for the healthy boy we brought home. I pray other families there will have the same healthy outcome as we do!

Our Welcome Home Party! Leland's life will never be the same! Quiet, dim rooms are forever in his past!

Proud big brother. Kaden loves to "hold baby Leland".

Braxton did a fantastic job holding him. He was a great helper and wanted to help do everything.

Brazos was interested but after this moment...done. Ready for the next thing. Brayson loved hearing Leland cry. He would get so excited when he saw him and start chanting, 'baby, baby'.

Da and Z's grand boys!

Aunt Lyneil (aka..Cinderella/Nanny) and Leland

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!!!!!