Porter Mark Hardcastle

Porter Mark Hardcastle joined our family on Friday September 21 at 8:06 am.  He weighed in at a hefty 9 lb 4 oz (now I know why I was so miserable those last few weeks months), and measured 19 1/2 inches long.

He is a cutie!  We have had so much fun comparing all of his features to Owen's and seeing who he looks like.  So far he is pretty mellow... which is great for balancing out a wild 2 year old!

We love him and are so happy he's here!!

 

Hooked up and ready to get the show on the road. 

 They couldn't switch the weight to lb, but if it was it would say: 9 lb, 4 oz.  Big boy!

 

 He was pretty swollen... and had some bruising on his face.  :(  Guess both of us were pretty uncomfortable towards the end!

 

 Look at the rolls!

 



 He was having a little trouble breathing, so they monitored him for about 45 minutes... all was well, so they got to bring him back to me. 

 

 All my boys!

 

 Family of 4... wow!

 

Notice the apple in the previous picture and Cheetos in this one... a certain 2-year-old was more interested in the hospital food than his new little brother!

 



Swollen (Porter & me) and tired (Brad & me), but happy to be heading home (all!)

Puzzle Them Home

I had to take a second to tell you all about an amazing family I have the priviledge of knowing.  They are in the process of adopting their 6th & 7th children with special needs.  They also have 3 biological children, making them a family of 12!  They are in need of a new home, to help accomodate all of the needs of their children (blind, autistic, wheelchair bound, etc.).

Please, please take a few minutes, read their story, and help be a piece of the puzzle.  I promise you will be touched!!

Puzzlethemhome.org

Seven Peaks

On Owen's actual birthday (Labor Day holiday) we gathered up the family (& in-laws) and headed to Seven Peaks for a few hours.  This extremely pregnant momma relaxed in a chair, while everyone else enjoyed the slides, lazy river, wave pool, and kiddie area.

 Good thing we bought a season pass, because Owen loved it and I am looking forward to many a summer afternoon spent there next year!

Owen is TWO!

This little guy turned two on Monday.  TWO?!  That is just crazy.  On Saturday we invited the family over for a small birthday party.  In honor of Owen's favorite show, we themed the party around Sesame Street.  I'm sure all the grown adults we invited thought it was a little weird to have all the themed food, etc. but Owen loved it and that's what matters, right?!

The night before the party, Brad decided to give Owen his present.  His very own "Dorothy" goldfish.  Owen was so excited... he absolutely loves 'Dorotie' and enjoyed feeding her, talking to her, and showing her everything he is doing. 

 

We had a yummy spread of food, topped off with cupcakes for dessert. 

(I can't take credit for these cute veggie trays-- Brad did them!)

 Owen & Grammy ready to get the party started!

 Owen loved all of his presents-- especially Cookie Monster.  But we can't forget his new fishing pole & backpack or his tool bench.  Thanks everyone!

After last year's cake fiasco, I decided to spare myself the time and effort and stick with the cupcakes. Owen still wouldn't touch it-- this kid does not like frosting-- so he settled on a chocolate chip cookie while everyone else chowed down. 

 

 

Thanks to all the family who came to celebrate our little guy!  (And to our California family who was there in spirit!)  We sure think he's pretty special!