Welcome Caleb Brent

Our Caleb is finally home after many days of waiting and praying for his safe arrival then release from the hospital. And he was certainly worth the wait! Arriving two days late, he was born on 3-31-2010 weighing in at 9lb 5oz. Some excess birth fluid in his lungs and slow-to-close heart valves kept him in the NICU for four days, but after much prayer he came home to us perfectly healthy on April 6. To God be all the glory for another son.

Our growing family

A Big Brother again

New Big Sister is more interested in Mommy

Proud Grandmama

Papa Ron and Nonna were the first family to meet our new man

First bath

At one point, Caleb had a feeding tube, IV, oxygen cannula, and many probes and sensors. What a trooper already.

A very happy Mommy to be taking my son home

Daddy was so anxious to have the whole family together as it should beWelcome to our family Caleb Brent

Jason's First Time at the Dentist

Jason had his first appointment with the Dentist this morning and handled things like a pro! He was a little hesitant for a few moments and then warmed up to the idea after he was told that a new toothbrush and toothpaste were part of the deal. He was so proud of himself and wanted to nap with his new toothbrush this afternoon. Wow...what a boy!

A first look with the mirror. He kept a watchful eye on the hygienist! The electric toothbrush and bubble gum toothpasteMeeting "Mr. Thirsty" Letting "Mr. Thirsty" suck out the water all by himself

Spring Cleaning = Dress-up Time

Whether it is early Spring cleaning or the nesting instinct in me right now, I was motivated to clean out Jason and Colleen's closets today. We pulled out what was too small and put in new hand-me-downs from family. In the process, Colleen discovered a pink leotard and ballerina skirt Nonna bought a while back. I put it on her and she accessorized with patton leather shoes and hot pink sunglasses! Jason decided he needed a costume as well ( a nice reprieve from his little naked body running around the house all morning!) so of course he chose the Knight costume. And here they are in all their glory. They can make a mess, but they can also bring "life" and energy to everyday tasks!

Good thing that breast plate hangs so low!

Priceless

Hangin' Out

Sometime before Christmas we visited with Grandaddy and Grandmama at their house. Grandmama pulled out the camera and started snapping shots, some of which turned out really cute. The one of Colleen is Samuel's favorite. He looks at her little face and exclaims, "the beauty of the baby!"

Missing Grandaddy

Most, if not all, of our family blog entries are celebrations of life and the small pleasures and treasures we are blessed with on a daily basis. And in the Spirit of Truth, this entry must also be considered one such "celebration of life," a time to rejoice in days past with Samuel's Daddy and the comforting hope and assurance of his present home. I must confess, however, that in the flesh we are truly heartbroken and bereft of his presence. On Christmas Eve 2009, Grandaddy had a heart attack due to surgery complications and very quickly and peacefully went to be with the Lord. For that, we are so grateful and remind ourselves often that if ever a man desired to be with The Father, it was him. He will be so greatly missed though, for so many things; his thundering laugh, great big bear hugs, Godly wisdom so freely given, and his love for the grandchildren and our whole family. There are very few truly great men today and we were so blessed to share our lives with one of them. We love you and miss you Grandaddy. Thank you for reminding us, both in life and death, that this is not our home nor does this world hold any true treasures for us. Instead, we will store up treasures in Heaven, where one day we will see you again and dwell together in the glory of Christ.

Always a loving Daddy

On the day Jason was born, Grandaddy practically ran into the delivery room to see his first grandchild. How proud and beaming he was!

Colleen stole his heart and always came to Grandaddy with love. He would get so tickled at her expressions.

Fun times with the Warbington cousins

Jason and Colleen were able to spend a lot of time with the Warbingtons one weekend and had a great time as usual. Riley has really become quite the babysitter during these visits and even changed Colleen's diaper once all by herself. These two are more alike than the age gap shows and it is such fun to see them together.

Ty and Jason have been into playing dress-up, unfortunately, as of late that has involved purses and tap shoes from Nonna's closet...their "fancy clothes". Clearly Will stepped in to provide some needed masculine influence!

Merry Christmas 2009

" 'Twas the night before Christmas..."

And they don't even know it! Jason seemed to gain a bit of excitement this year as we talked about the coming day and all the possibilities it may hold, but for the most part he remained in blissful ignorance about Christmas just taking things in stride as usual. Colleen, of course, was just along for the ride! Never-the-less, when that morning came, there was much joy and pleasure to be had.

We prepared all the gifts the night before and couldn't wait to see their faces.

The Mini Market

Monster Trucks!

A Book about the New Baby

Bike Horn and Toothbrush

A Slinky...for fun it's a wonderful toy!

Jason's bicycle, which he is still riding all over the house!

Daddy helping on the big hill

It truly was a Merry Christmas for our little family and we are blessed by Jason's reminders that gifts are given as a way to celebrate that Jesus was the greatest gift of all ...given on Christmas Day!