A Wee Boo-boo

Let me first say that when Zeke came running to daddy with his face bleeding, Robb did not grab the camera. He got some tissue to dab at the cut, prepped and ice pack and did lots of cuddling. But after Ezekiel calmed down and was feeling better, he couldn't resist. I don't know how we have gone over two years and not had any blood yet. There is likely much more to come. I just hope Robb is home every time it happens.

Goodbye to the Ranch

Zeke with his two best buds at the ranch.

Today was Ezekiel's last day at the Rascal Ranch. We are pretty sad. It was a bit of an adjustment at first, mom had a hard time dropping him off, and Zeke wasn't too fond of it either. But by the time I picked him up, he was always in a good mood and having a great time with the kids.

The little ones that attend regularly are a really sweet bunch. In the last few months he has been excited when I tell him it is time to go to the ranch. He made some awesome friends there and we will miss them and Heather's wonderful care.

A Coffee Visit

Grandpa spent the first few hours doing exactly this.

Zeke logs some time on Eva's iPad.

Enjoying some fine cooking by his grandparents.

He's yawning, not crying. Eva is kind of a baby whisperer.

We enjoyed a visit from Robert and Eva. They were on their way back from an Alaskan cruise and got to spend a few days here. There was lots of cuddling the baby and playing with Ezekiel and they even cleaned our house and made food! Yeah, they are invited back anytime.

Sleepy Boys

I can't resist taking a picture like this. Sorry, Robb.

Celebrating Sabbath

The newly expanded Coffee family.

Zeke and Sheila have a pretty cool friendship.

Robb rocking his pink bow-tie. (He tied that in only one try!)

After a couple of weeks of leaving the house only for doctor's appointments, it was nice to make it to Sabbath School. Lincoln slept the whole time, which was perfect. When we got home we decided to try some family self portraits.

It was pretty hilarious cause we are still running on very little sleep and we were trying to use the camera timer and tripod and the baby was really hungry and the toddler was really wiggly and the dog wasn't sure she wanted to pose with us. (She actually did really well, but those photos were out of focus.)

Little Alaskan Man

David and Nelita brought back these bib-overalls and XtraTuff boots from Alaska. Zeke was pretty proud to wear them today and ended up getting completely soaked (as usual). When I went outside to see what the guys were doing, he came running up to me with the familiar squashing sound of rubber boots full of water.

In many ways, I can't believe that he's never even been to Alaska. Of course, Lincoln hasn't been there either and Robb has only seen Kotzebue, which isn't really anything like where I grew up in the Southeast. I was thinking about this the other day and decided to look up the logging camp. I guess they call it "Loggerville" now and charge $85 for a guided tour. I would love to take that tour, but I have a feeling that it would make me melancholy.

Dancing Man

They had some impromptu dancing after nap time at the ranch today. The kids all enjoyed themselves, but I guess Zeke laughed more than they have ever seen him laugh. What a little goof.

A Lincoln Update

Lincoln will be two weeks old on Monday and what a wild couple of weeks it has been! He is a tenacious little guy who likes to eat and isn't shy about letting us know. Of course he isn't sleeping much at night yet, so we are on full sleep deprivation high right now. So, if these posts aren't making any sense, that is why.

We're trying to remember to take pictures of this little guy from time to time. They change so much in the first few weeks, but with everything that is going on it is hard to find the time to stop and capture some memories...

Great-grandpa's Umbrella

Zeke discovered this umbrella in the hall closet and was really intrigued by it. It belonged to Robb's grandpa, and it is quite special.

Haircut Time

 One final shot of his longish hair.

Zeke gives an enigmatic look.

I've become far too attached to Ezekiel's golden locks. I finally agreed tonight that it was time for a haircut and Robb got to work. Unfortunately, Zeke was not in favor of the plan and started putting up a protest after the first snip. I think Robb did a pretty good job, considering.

A Cuddle With Mo

Morgan took a break from running around with Ezekiel just long enough to hold the baby.

My Summer Boys (and Sheila)

When Zeke got this water table for his birthday, I imagined hours of good, clean fun on hot summer days. He had other things in mind. First, he threw the cups and boats over the railing. Then he went and found a dirt pile to add to the water. Finally, he climbed on in.

Sheila is still not sure what to make of him, but she certainly enjoys watching his antics.

Brothers

Zeke has been a bit hesitant so far where Lincoln is concerned. So when he said, "hold baby" this evening, we grabbed the camera. He gave him a poke in the cheek, a little smooch and then he was done. It is a good start.

Coming Home

Dad adjusts the car seat for a super little one.

Already holding onto his pacifier by himself.

Zeke finds new uses for mom's doughnut cushion.

It was so great to be able to head home today. The doctors, nurses and staff were amazing, and we really did have a wonderful experience, but we just couldn't wait to get back to our home and Ezekiel and all be together.

Ezekiel was busy picking tomatoes and having a blast in the Crawford backyard when we picked him up. It is pretty strange to have two car seats in the backseat. We've got some sleepless nights and long days in our immediate future, but we look forward to every moment.

Day 2

Bright-eyed bundle.

Cozy with cousin Evan.

Zeke is totally content watching a cartoon and playing with the iPad.
(Dad had to disable the bed buttons, as they were too much fun.)

It was so great to have Robb with us last night. It really made all the difference. Plus, the nurses took Lincoln for awhile between feedings, so we actually got some sleep!

Today we had some visitors and enjoyed getting to know Lincoln more. Zeke came and spent some time and Nel brought yet another amazing meal. Robb is getting anxious to get home, and I'm pretty sure we are checking out in the morning!

Big Brother

I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

We could barely wait for Zeke to meet his new little brother! He's been hanging with the Crawfords all day, and they graciously brought him (and FOOD!) over this evening.

Since he hadn't seen us all day, he ran to Robb and gave him a hug. Then he noticed Lincoln and gave him a high-five. I think he and Oliver have been practicing. Auntie Nel let him pick out flowers for mommy and there was lots of cuddling. I think he is going to be a very doting big brother—eventually.

Lincoln Fletcher

Still trying to get used to his new world.

 Super happy mommy.

Opening his eyes for daddy.

We were so excited to finally meet this little guy. He was born at 4:18 pm, weighed 8 pounds and 1 ounce and was 22 inches long. He has super long fingers and some crazy curling toes. He had his eyes open pretty quickly, and they are very dark. He also has a full head of very dark hair. Who knows how all of that will turn out, given that we currently have a blond toddler.

We are completely in love and feel so blessed. There is just nothing like a newborn for making you realize how precious the gift of life truly is.