Christmas 2010

Our first Christmas as a family of four!

Max was so enthralled by his new Thomas the Train book (thanks Uncle Mike, Aunt Jennifer, and the girls!) that he left the rest of the present-opening to Mom.

Wyatt (one week and one day old), Christmas 2010

Flashback: Max (three weeks old), Christmas 2008

Max (2 years, 3 weeks old), Christmas 2010

Another favorite present was Max's Radio-Flyer trike from his Mama and Papa. He enjoyed helping Dad put it together almost as much as he likes scooting around on it.

Happy holidays!

Day 6: Introducing Wyatt

We're pleased to introduce our "little warrior" Wyatt to family, friends, and the world (formal name: Charles Wyatt). Wyatt is now up to 8 lbs, 6 oz and doing great in his first week.

Recovering from his first bath.

Mom's boys

For every decent group picture, there are many others that don't quite make the cut...

The first group bedtime story

Although Max was not a fan of the binky when he was a baby, he decided to test out Wyatt's.

The boys camped out on the couch, watching TV.

Max's "mean look" at Dad for not giving him another powdered donut.

Day 5: Max and his Little Brother

Max seems to be tolerating well the newest family addition - he alternates between completely ignoring him to saying "Baby" followed by a kiss or a pat. Baby will have a name shortly - we're due back at the hospital tomorrow to finalize the birth certificate!

Ka-pow! Santa's little fighting elf.

Baby's First 48

December 17, 2010 (Friday): After getting an hour's rest, Dad went home around 6.30am to relieve Jessica (to whom we will always be in debt!) of Max and get him off to daycare. He then returned to the hospital where we spent some bonding time with Baby.

December 18, 2010 (Saturday): Dad brought Max over to the hospital Saturday morning to meet his little brother for the first time. He was apprehensive to see Mom carrying Baby and he tried his best to rescue Mom from the room. It seemed safer to approach when Dad had the little one.

Soon Max was more interested in the bedside TV, which broke his attention only when he caught Mom taking pictures.

Unlike her first delivery, Mom was chomping at the bit to get out of the hospital. After hassling the nurses, she finally got her discharge papers and we were on our way out the door around noon - less than 36 hours after she was first admitted. Below, Max is checking out all of Mom's hospital bracelets. Next to Mom is Baby's going-home outfit - which she bought in a way-too-big size. Having a 2-year old warps your memory on how "little" newborns actually are.

We are now a party of four! Our newest family addition is still nameless - we have a few days yet to decide on that perfect name (as if nine months wasn't enough time!).

Just as we pulled into our driveway, we heard fire truck sirens in the neighborhood. Much to our surprise, it was Santa making some personal visits! We told Max that we arrange for Santa to do this every time he gets a brother.

December 19, 2010 (Sunday): Dad and Max making Mom pancakes after she spent a long night up with Baby.

Max climbing and bouncing on the couch, despite his parents' constant "Be-carefuls!" Mom's worry lines are sure to deepen with two boys now...

But it's all good.