Charlie and Maggie (and a good lookin' mom)

Wow! Now, does that look like a woman who just gave birth?? She may feel like she did, but my lovely wife is just as beautiful as the day I met her. She now has a handsome son as well!

That's him above with Maggie, his 4 month old second cousin. We had to laugh when we found out my cousin Courtney was going to name her daughter Maggie. Katt and I had already decided on the name Charlie, for her departed grandfather. Of course, you guessed it, his wife (Katt's 99 year old grandmother) is named Maggie.
Charlie (on the left) and Maggie, together again (apparently hungry).

We are getting ready for our first beach trip...Charlie can't wait!!!
Oak Island, here we come!

guard that kid!!

Whiskey has turned into a good guard-cat. Seems he likes Charlie, for now!! We'll see how it goes when Charlie gets to runnin' after his tail!
Ace, just thinks he's a dog--still. He's a bit jealous, but not aggressive, so we feel safe with the cats around.

Mr Boswell shown with Katt and Charlie was HAPPY to see us--well Charlie at least. Seems that's the way it goes these days. "Look at the baby...look at little Charlie. OH, hey Chad and Katt" (as an afterthought)

That's alright though. He's as precious as they come and we are showing him off as much as we can. We are heading back to Rockwell this weekend to show him off to all our family back home who have been so nice to us.

Back to Charlie...he's WIDE AWAKE!

week one and two

Week one is gone, and he turned 18 today (well, that's what it feels like!!)

Time flies. I took a week off, and it flew by...I think I was having separation anxiety. How will it be when he goes to daycare, school, or an overnight stay?? I better get a grip, huh?

I can't say enough about our friends, neighbors, and family who have offered their support and help. Charlie will grow up with lots of folks looking out for his best interests!

He is good, Mom is getting better daily...but she knows now why they told her it would be a 6- week recovery. But Grandma is with us this week, helping us ease into this parenthood thing!

Family is great!

I'm on the front porch swing with Charlie,
Katt holding Charlie in bed,
and grandma Lefler post feeding!

homeward bound

After a few days of relentless tests, some wonderful nurses--some not so much--and some experiences that have taught us much of ourselves and how great life, friends, and family can be, we are home.

Notice the "headed home" outfit.
Notice the tired but ecstatic faces.
Notice the sleeping taking place already with Grandad Lefler...

Charlie Byron Lefler

Born:

July 1st at 6:25 pm. 6lb 9oz. A wonderful little boy!

After 17 hours of tumultuous labor, Katt had pushed with valor, but little Charlie just would not move into a good position for birth, so we unwantingly opted for the c-section, which was believe it or not, a less problematic choice than a vacuum (plunger).

SO, with a tired mom, and tired dad, and tired Charlie, I write to say this has been an incredible journey. With a finish that was the absolute toughest thing I've ever seen. My wife is my inspiration. No mountain I could EVER climb on my bike, will be as intense as the 17 hours of labor that Katt endured. Charlie's got a great mom.

Welcome, Charlie.

dun dun...dun dun...dundundundun (think Jaws)

Just when you thought it was safe to raise a child...
Chad and Katt come along and bring forth a baby into this world.
Well, not yet. WE ARE STILL WAITING!! We can't wait to meet this baby and let him or her discover new things every day.

But wait we shall.

Rats.

when and where??

(Above is my great great grandmother's sister...Elizabeth Parker Brooks...she's waiting too.)

That's what we've been reduced to! Over the next 2-3 weeks, we will be wondering "is that a contraction?" or "when do we go to the hospital?" At least now we know where we are going, where to sign in, and where the rooms will be (both during labor and post birth). We had our walk through at the hospital last week.

Anybody want to play a game? It's called "WAITING."

We're first...

oh yeah, BTW...GO HEELS

http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/

http://www.cwsomaha.com/

where do we put the baby?

Well, we had to decide everything else!! Where does the baby carrier go? Where can we put the stuffed animals (we already have SO many)? What to put in the diaper bag/backpack--'cuz I SURE ain't carrying a flowery bag you know...he he he. What goes on this shelf? Where shall we keep the bibs? OH, and where do we keep the bath toys/tub/other?

You name it, we know where it is!! For now, at least until Katt puts it somewhere else ;-)

One thing is for sure, we've got enough pictures of our family in there that Olaf will be looked after for sure...that is if you believe in those things. We also know Olaf likes crawdad etouffe and Cajun cooking!!!! The new place over in Carrboro is pretty good...

Pregnancy still good so far. Little tike is a-kickin', and Katt is feeling big. But she still looks like a wonderfully glowing, Irish, pregnant lovely lady.

We are gleaming with expectation...
(like Ocracoke inlet in the picture above)

Much love to all Father's...have a Happy one.

34 and moving on...

How far is it to the hospital? 13.5 miles
How long does it take to get there? Depends on how fast I am willing to drive
How long does it take to brew a porter? About a month...

which is about how long it's gonna be til little Olaf is born!
Told today by our wonderful doctors, that all is well, and things are looking great for a birth sometime before July 13th (for those of you have have sent in a guess).

We hope all of you are getting by in this southern heat wave, and have a great weekend.

PS. Today is my father's birthday. He was born ON D-day, 1944. While our troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, my father landed on the land of Rowan County (a county that once occupied the entire western part of the state).

(pictures are me and Suze--with Peyton and Hallie-- in pool down in Columbia in '05, Lee and Suze in Minneapolis in '04, and Jeremy, Pop, and me last month)

Slainte.