Big Brother and Little Brother Adventures

POSTED BY GRANDMA WALSH

Greg had hoped we would come early with some clean clothes for him and have breakfast together, but we were lazy and slept too late for a hospital breakfast. Poor guy... But we finally made it there to take him out to lunch at a nearby Mexican restaurant. The waiter spilled a tray of water glasses and one root beer next to Kien. Fortunately, it didn't soak him -- only splashed. Daddy helped Kien make a mask out of a tortilla noting that Mommy wouldn't approve of playing with food. It was a great distraction and didn't hurt his appetite.

After a nap for Kien and others, we returned to the hospital for a final visit with Mommy and Gabe. Kien wanted the infant cap again, this time pulling it over his eyes for more Peek-A-Boo games and saying, "Goodbye."

Grandma was enjoying holding the little charmer, Gabe, when there was a splat noise. It was time for a diaper change, so Grandma assisted Mommy in the comedy sequence. There was only one diaper left in the bassinet, only the one receiving blanket wrapped around him (and guess what happened to it), and one more clean shirt. As Mommy removed the soiled diaper, Gabe squirted himself in the chest and face. Then we had to ask for more supplies and took him for a bath. Some things are easier done at home!
Then the incredible Gabe was all clean again and ready for more admiring and loving.


His play made his thirsty, so he had an orange juice from the nurse's station.


Brandy and Jeremy were in the waiting room watching TV and missed being in these shots. We will have to work on full family shots tomorrow. Brandy is spending the night with her Mom. Brandy picked out a chick flick from Blockbuster for them to watch tonight.

By the time we made it to Braum's for a light supper and ice cream, it was quite late, but Kien was amazingly well behaved! Here he is playing with is child's meal toy with surprising dexterity!

He was catching the motorcycle every time until I took a movie.
We read Kien's "Big Brother" story for about the fifth time this week just before bed.

Day Two with Gabe!

POSTED BY GRANDMA WALSH

Greg drove Brandy to Band Camp this morning and stayed to hear the results of the tryouts which were announced yesterday. Brandy spent the day with family yesterday, so missed the post assignments. She made it!!!! Woo Hoo!!! All band members are in the Marching Band, but only 192 of them can be in the competitions. Remember -- this is Texas where football reigns and marching bands are phenomenal.

Grandpa flew in before lunch; Greg picked him up, then we met at the hospital.
Kien is wearing an extra baby cap. ha! Here is the first picture of the Walsh Men --

And Jeremy too.

The two GBWs --

Kien was enamored by Grampy today! :)

Time to leave, and Kien kissed Gabe goodbye.

After his nap, Kien sat with Grampy for his snack and to watch TV.

After Band Camp, we all returned to the hospital for another visit.

Time to say goodnight and go to dinner.

Cathi is coming along well. All of her connections were removed and she walked around -- all the way to the Gift Shop. Without the IV, she has some pain, but it is under control for the most part.
We are going to have to capture a movie of Gabe's cry. He really does sound like a little kitten.

Grandpa meets grandson!

Grandpa flew in from Canada as soon as he could catch a flight. This is the 1st meeting of both GBWs!

The Babe is Born!

POSTED BY GRANDMA WALSH

Gabriel Benjamin Walsh came into the world at 8:15 AM on August 6, 2009, weighing 8 pounds 12 ounces and 20.5 inches long. And Daddy did just fine staying in the OR through the procedure!!!


While we waited for the news that we could come to the hospital, Kien learned to play Brandy's Mellowphone.

Then off to the hospital for our first glimpse of the newest family member!

An emotional moment for me...


Look at these awestruck siblings!!!

Kien said, "I like him." :)

Cathi is doing fine, but a Cesarean is no picnic!




Lunch was at a nearby McDonalds.


Since Daddy was off work and the Drivers' License Bureau was close to the hospital, we went over there for Brandy to take her tests for a driving permit (she passed!). While they waited in line, Kien got his nap in his carseat while he, Jeremy, and I had to go back home for some things for Cathi (which I had left behind...). Oh, well, Kien needed a place for a nap! Then back to see Mommy and baby one more time before going home.


After the kids and I had gone home, Greg caught some great shots of little Gabe this evening!!! Some with the babe's eyes open!



For the most part, Gabe seems to be a cross between his Mom and Dad in looks, but, in this shot, he definitely looks like his Aunt Karin!!! She was 8 lbs. 10.5 oz. and 22 inches. Greg had them all beat! He was a 10 pound 1 ounce baby!!!

Greg at birth

Karin at birth


While they were taking awesome photos, we were at home walking around the block.

Brandy can drive!

I have been doing the parent taught Driver's Ed program with Brandy. I took her to the get her learner's permit and therefore is legal to drive! *GULP*

She passed the written portion.



Waiting to get the permit.

Big Day for Everyone

Kien's older sister Brandy showed him how to play the mellophone



Kien went to McDonalds and played on the playland.