Easter Pictures

This year, due to a certain little someone coming a bit early, we were unable to go to church for Easter Sunday. We were a bit disappointed that we could not go to church to celebrate our Risen Lord, so we just had to celebrate at home. Because of that, Gabriel wasn't able to wear his Easter outfit, so we had to postpone picture taking until this Monday! My Mom, Rondi, Karis, Gabriel, Michael and I went to the Botanical Gardens here in Fayetteville and we had a lovely time walking around in the 80 degree weather and perusing the beautiful plants and flowers.

How quickly they grow up.

Some geese at the park.






Gazing at the pond.


My big boy, dressed in his shirt and tie...the pants were too big, thus the untucked shirt. I thought that Daddy would appreciate his California-casual look.

Happy Birthday Gabriel!!!

Although Michael's arrival somewhat overshadowed Gabriel's birthday on April 18th, we still held a party for him at the house on the 13th and invited some neighbor families.



This was Gabriel's first real party with many other kids. He had so much fun and met many new friends.




Here's the big boy with some of his birthday gifts. He couldn't wait to open them all!






Gabriel got this awesome playhouse for his birthday from his Mom and Dad and from Mow Mow and Popeye Wright. All the kids LOVED this new toy!


Gabriel's new friends...Holly, Elijah and Robby...and of course Karis Lei.




Michael even got in on the action!

The birthday boy blowing out his candles. Gabriel loved his Diego party!

First Baths

We only got one good picture of Michael's first bath. He really squeals while he is in the bath, but when he is out and dry and in his clothes he is really happy and mellow.



Gabriel was there to help with the bath. Big brother really is a good helper!



I am REALLY not happy!


Ahhh...much better!

The New Brothers

Gabriel and Michael getting to know one another.

Proud Papa

Brad smoking his "It's a Boy" cigars with some buddies in Afghanistan the day that Michael was born.

Michael Leslie McCoy is here!!!

On April 3rd I went to my doctor to report the findings of my ultrasound the day before. My doctor said that if Michael was not over 5 lbs. 14. oz. at the time of the ultrasound (38 weeks gestation) we would have to do some tests to see if there was anything wrong. The ultrasound showed that Michael was only 5 lbs. 4 oz. and had turned to a breech presentation. At that weight he was only in the third percentile for all babies at that gestational age. They decided that I needed to deliver him just in case there was anything wrong and because he was breech, they would have to do a Cesarean. I had been preparing myself for the possibility that this might happen so I was not shocked about the manner in which I would give birth, but the timing about knocked me on my rear! I had to drive back home before going to be admitted to the hospital to make sure that I could get my mom on post with me so she could be with me during surgery and stay with the baby when I was in recovery. My best friend, Rondi, was in charge of watching Gabriel until my mom would be free to take him back home after Michael was born. Rondi is definitely a lifesaver...thanks Rondikins!



I went into surgery at about 2pm on April 3rd. After being hooked up to monitors, getting a spinal and being tied to the operating table it was finally time for my mom to join me and for the surgery to begin. Michael Leslie McCoy was born at precisely 1440 (2:40pm for you civilians out there).



Michael weighed 5lbs. 6oz. and was 19 1/2 in. long at birth. The good news is that he had high Apgar scores and is in perfect health. It turns out that the early C-Section was all for precautionary reasons and that nothing was wrong with him.



Gabriel is an amazing big brother. He is so gentle with Michael and loves to sing to him and give him hugs and kisses. I am so proud that he is so good with his new baby brother.

We are now back at home, working on our new routine. My mom, dad and sister are here now helping out with housework and taking care of Gabriel until I can get back on my feet again. I am feeling better every day, but I know that I would not be able to function right now if they weren't here with me. It is such a blessing that they are here at this time and that I had the baby when I did. The Lord really orchestrated this quite perfectly!

Look everyone!!!

It's little Brad!!!

Another serenade

Another song from Gabriel...he learned it from his nursery school teacher at church, Miss Doris...Do Lord, o do Lord, o do remember me...

Gabriel's serenade

Here's a song for every one! If you couldn't tell, its Michael W. Smith's Agnus Dei.

We're taking the next step!!!

Gabriel had his first full day in big boy underpants today! He started at 7:20 this morning and after a 2 hour trip to church, 2 hours at church, lunch at Ruby Tuesdays, a 2 hour drive home with a short nap, dinner and a movie, he stayed completely clean and dry until I put him to bed!!! I am such a happy mama!!! I think he is going to do very well with this next big step in our lives. We are well on our way to having a potty trained kid!!!