Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Celebrating Great-Grandpa Chick

In Charlie's first week of life, he was very blessed to meet all of his grandparents and his one surviving great-grandparent.  Charlie's great-grandpa had spent a significant number of days in Minnesota the past couple of weeks because he had appointments at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.  He was preparing to have a major heart surgery which, for a man almost 90, is no light matter.  On the Walker side of the family, there are 3 great-granddaughters (Adeline being one of them), and our Charlie is the first great-grandson.  


This is a very special photo - 4 generations of Walkers...
Two days after this photo was taken, Patrick's grandpa passed away, as his surgery was not successful. We're thankful for the legacy he leaves behind for his family, and for the special moments he's had with us and with Adeline and Charlie.   We had a wonderful few days of celebrating his life in Burlington, Iowa this past week with Patrick's family.  We certainly felt a wide range of emotions in the recent days, experiencing the joy of bringing a new life into this world and losing a family member we love.

Charlie meets uncle Eric

Patrick & his dad

Adeline with Auntie Kay

Adeline hanging out with Grandpa Jim

These two look like they are having a good conversation...


Charlie with Auntie Oesa, Grandma Melodee & Auntie Kamiah

How sweet is this face?!

Patrick with his brother and dad after the funeral

Saturday, May 28, 2011

First days at home...

At 5 days old, Charlie's jaundice level crept up quite a bit.  As a result, he was admitted to Children's Hospital for a night of intense phototherapy.  I spent the night with him there, and Patrick held down the fort back at home, taking care of Adeline.

 Patrick and Addie came to the hospital to bring me dinner and to visit Charlie

so glad to be home (again)!

Grandma & grandpa from Chicago came to meet Charlie.  We had a wonderful few days with them.  Adeline loved having them here!

at the zoo...

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Charlie Joel Walker

With joy in our hearts, we are excited to introduce our son, Charlie Joel Walker, who was born today at 5:15pm.  He weighed 7 pounds 13 ounces and was 20.5 inches long.  We thank God for this precious gift of life!  

We were especially thankful to have my doctor deliver Charlie
       
Our first guest at the hospital was big sister Adeline.  Her expression says it all....she is thrilled to finally meet her little brother!  

 
 Charlie's first bath...

 Charlie, midst his hearing test....he passed!

my favorite 3 people...

Getting ready to go home...

Welcome home Charlie!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Keeping busy...

 Patrick spent a day this past week washing all of our window screens and windows, inside and out....it looks fantastic! Adeline is, as always, "helping daddy."  

 Happy Birthday Daddy!

 Adeline with great-grandpa....reading books together.  It was special to have great-grandpa here to spend time with us this afternoon!



 Adeline with grandpa Jim & grandma Melodee...can you tell she is loving all of the extra attention?!

 playing with grandma & grandpa's dogs

Patrick's aunt Pam from California met Adeline for the first time today.  Pam has watched her grow up via our blog, and finally today, they had the opportunity to meet and play together!

Friday, May 6, 2011

Bubbles, Bible Study, etc.


Have we mentioned this girl LOVES bubbles?!





Miss Angie & Miss Rhonda were Addie's BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) teachers this past year.  They are amazing teachers!  Seeing how much Addie enjoyed going to "Bible Study" every week just warmed my heart and am thankful that next fall, I can bring 2 kiddos with me.

a little post-breakfast reading...

having fun with daddy...