First Week Home

After Kendal was born on sunday we were able to leave the hospital on Tuesday. The first week home with her was very mellow...we basically have just hung around the house and enjoyed time as a family of four. Brian didn't have to leave to go back to Iraq for a full week. It was SOOOOO nice having him home. Here are a few photos of what we did.

Kendal Ann Dukes

Kendal Ann Dukes was born 1/17/10. Exactly one month before Colin's birthday. She weighed 7lbs 3oz and was 20.5 inches long. Brian and I arrived at the hospital at 7:30am and was in the operating room at 9:30am. She was born at 10:01am. It is amazing how fast c-sections can go. We stayed in the hospital till tuesday and then we were able to go home. The hospital lifted the restrictions on the amount and age of visitors, so Colin was able to come visit. He was very excited to meet his little sister. So far he has been very excited and interested in what she is doing. He likes to hold her and give her kisses. Our challenge is trying to make him understand that he needs to be very gentle with her. Having Brian home for the birth has been such a blessing. I can't imagine him not being here for such a wonderful event. I'm just glad he was able to schedule his leave around her arrival. Brian and I both think that Kendal looks exactly like Colin did when he was born..just the female version of him. So far she has been a very mellow baby...great eater and likes to sleep. Brian and I feel very blessed to now be able to call ourselves a family of 4!

He's finally home!

Brian got home on monday the 11th. His flight came in at 11:40. He started the trip home on January 9th, so it took him a full two days to get home. First he flew to Kuwait, then to Germany, then to Dallas and then to Portland. It's a long two days with very little sleep, but he was in very good spirits when we picked him up from the airport. It is sooooo nice to have Brian home and Colin is loving every minute of it! Colin is pretty much attached to Brian's hip....every where Brian goes, Colin goes. It is pretty darn cute! Since Brian has been home there has been a lot of rough housing, a lot of tickling and a lot of playing with trains. Brian set up his model train set so Colin could give it a try. Colin loves it and basically won't leave it alone. So far I think he has only broken a few things. What can you expect from a two year old? On wednesday we took Coln to Pump It Up which has inflatable play structures. Colin had an absolute blast. I think we will definitely have to go back soon. The best part so far has just being able to spend time toegher. Hopefully the next few weeks will go by very slow!

All Set!

This sunday on the 17th we are scheduled for the c-section. I almost can't believe that we are so close to meetig our little girl! We need to be at the hospital at 7:30am and the procedure will start at 9:30am. Originally the hospital was restricting the amount of visitors and no one under the age of 18 could come because of H1N1, but they just lifted the restriction on monday. I'm so excited because Colin will now be able to visit his little sister at the hospital.

I think we are pretty much ready for our little girl to arrive. Both her room and Colin's room are completely decorated, clothes have been washed and put away, car seats are ready to go.... I guess if we have forgotten something we will soon find out. One quick note on the baby's room, my girlfriend Keri painted the picture of the lady bug that is over the changing table. It turned out soooo good. She is extremely talented.

Only a few more days and we will be able to introduce our little girl to the world!

Zoo Lights

The day after Christmas, Doug, Andria, Owen, Colin and myself headed to zoo lights. As usual the lights were spectacular, but it was very very cold. We were there for about an hour and half and then Colin said "mommy let's go home to our house where it is warm." After that comment we headed home.

Christmas Day

On Christmas Day Colin and I spent the morning at our house. Brian skyped in and was able to watch Colin open up his gifts from Santa and from mommy and daddy. Santa surprised Colin with an outdoor riding cart (he was very excited) a blue train (that he specifically asked for when he went to see Santa) and other small goodies in his stocking. Colin got a guitar for Christmas and him and Brian were able to have an international jam session. I'm sure they will be taking the show on the road once Brian gets back home. After we opened gifts, Colin and I headed to church and then in the afternoon we headed down to Grandma and Grandpa Alderson's house. Andria, Doug and Owen joined us for another yummy dinner and then we opened gifts. Colin and Owen had a blast opening up their gifts and as usual they were very spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa.

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve Colin and I headed over to Brent and Jen's house to celebrate with the Dukes' side of the family. We started out by having a yummy dinner and then the kids headed into opening up their gifts. Colin got lots of wonderful gifts and really enjoyed playing with his cousins. After our time with the Dukes' side of the family we headed home to get ready for Santa's arrival!!!!