Grandparents and Their 2 Grandkids

working at the computer, just like Grandpa

helping Grandma sew the quilt for Baby Boy

Meeting Baby Boy Brenden

Ashlyn was so excited to meet Baby Boy and finally be the "Big Sister" but once she got to the hospital and actually saw him she wasn't too sure about him anymore and refused to get too close or to hold him ("Mommy hold Baby Boy and Ashlyn hold her baby boy" (her baby doll); she was, however, happy to finally see Mommy after 2 days!

More interested in the fun new lacing cards from her friends Max and Ally

The First Hour of Life

Here Comes Baby Boy!

7am February 15th - on our way to the hospital

at 4/5 cm dilated (after about 6 hours of labor), my doctor broke my water and the intensity of the contractions more than doubled - so thankful for the support of Hunter to help me through those!

One and a half hours later and 8cm dilated, epidural went in; 30 minutes later, I was fully dilated and ready to push.

at 7:20pm, Baby Boy was born, 6 lbs 11 oz and 20 inches long

After much deliberation, we still were not certain on a name at the time of his birth; it took until the next afternoon (and the suggestion by one of the nurses of this variant of a name we were considering) to finally decide on BRENDEN WILLIAM BANKART

Grandma - Entertaining Ashlyn

Daddy's Home!

After a month of being away, Daddy came home with lots of hugs and kisses for Ashlyn!

(that's our neighbor's dog Brody that we were dog-sitting, wanting some attention too)

Last Day With an Only Child

Story time snuggles

Snuggling with Bogey

Singing

Ashlyn LOVES to sing, so I wanted to capture her carrying a tune, but this is the best I was able to get, with little cooperation on her part.

"Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down . . ." (she is usually a lot more clear and understandable with her words, but it must have been a bad singing day)

"Twinkle, twinkle, little star . . ."

Posing for the Camera

Playdough Face

Yep, that would be Ashlyn's nose and mouth imprinted in the playdough.

Swimming

My doctor is amazing, and invited us to swim in the indoor pool at her house. So, Ashlyn and I have been going there with her little buddy Gabriel and his mom (and on this occasion, his little brother, "Baby Josh" as Ashlyn calls him, came along too). They just have so much fun together! Look at how motherly Ashlyn is holding onto the baby - I think she is ready for her role as big sis!