First Visitors

Bryden has had special visitors in his short life,...this is Kari, one of Chelsea's pregnant friends who came to greet him today!

They change so fast!!! I think Bryden looks entirely different than he did two days ago...of course 27 hours in the birth canal would put stress on anyone's face!! Holly, (another of Chelsea's pregnant friends...) came from Columbus in the evening he was born and waited through the night for Bryden to be born...what an amazing friend!! She was one of the first faces he saw. Sorry, the picture is fuzzy...I'm thinking it was lack of sleep!

Kristen, (and you guessed it,...another of Chelsea's pregnant friends!!) came the next day to welcome him into the world!

Hospital volunteers knit the cute little hats. Grandpa Bob (and Grandma Mimi...don't know why I don't have a pic of her -or Debby there too..., guess that was too much pizza!) came to see him as soon as he got home. You can tell he is nuts about this boy!

Settling down for the first night with G-pa Larry...

Up bright and early the first full day home with friend and neighbor Juanita...

Then he needed a snack...before the next visitor...

his daddy on the phone...mom texting and sending another pic.

You need a good night's sleep, little boy, before tomorrow.... you get to see the doctor!!!

Family moments...

Out of town family came today to see the baby... Tim came first this morning. Bryden got a lot of attention!!!Chatting....

and enjoying seeing the newest family member!

We were thrilled that our children's pediatrician, Dr. Murthy was on back-up call for the pediatric group, a rare occasion. We all had to have a hug just seeing him!

Looking a little glassy-eyed. Two night's lack of sleep will do that to you!!

Grandparent bonding...

times two...

Brant's Aunt Becky...promises to babysit!!

Uncle Mike came in the afternoon and is looking at a baby pic of Chelsea and comparing it to the real thing!

Such fun!!!!!

Grandad telling Bryden about the grandfathers taking him fishing, -just the guys...and leaving the grandmothers behind....humph!!!

Mother Earth Gives Birth!!!!

Meet our new grandson.... Below is Chelsea's baby picture when she was born....see what you think later...

P.S. Brant's parents think the new baby looks just like his baby pics!!! lol...maybe a bit of both.

First home pic

This was how I found Chelsea when she called me Friday morning, December 4th at 1:11am. She was sitting in the nursery rocking because it felt good. We waited until 5 am to go to the hospital when she was having pains about 4 minutes apart.

Here she is after a LOONNGG day of labor and a wonderful epidural (thanks Dr. Steinhouser!!!) with Brant's parents...waiting.

Finally, at 3:44 a.m on December 5th...weighing in at 7 lb 10 oz and 20"...is Mr. Bryden Andrew Bolen! This is just moments after birth...you can see how pink Chelsea's cheeks are yet from it all! Welcome to the world, baby boy!!!

It was an amazing event that Becca and I witnessed and were a part of. A special thanks to Dr. Shikary and the Samaritan nurses for fabulous care!!!

Bryden here with the baby nurse...(sorry pics are dark...we didn't want the flash in his eyes)

...and with his new mommy...

meeting his new Grandpa Bob...

and Grandad Larry.

Planning camping trips in the "Scottys". (Bob and Becca have 3 grandaughters...this is the first grandson)

Sharing the joy with "Mi-mi" Becca.

Sending pictures to Brant stationed in South Carolina. (on the phone all day and texting w Chelsea in between contractions) He is hopefully coming home December 16th, his birthday, to stay until January 2nd.

What a cutie!!

So sweet!!

Happy grandfathers....

and grandmothers....

Videos of sweet moments....(when Chelsea says "I hate that thing...it was the blood pressure cuff that had been squeezing her arm off and annoying her...ha!)

Christmas Cookies...

Last night we were in a pre-Christmas mood and decided to make cookies. Chelsea is not feeling very cheery lately, just ready to have a baby so since she was in the mood to bake, I was glad.

We made cookie press cookies that she likes and finally brought a smile!

A sampling of our work....mmmm!

A new coat and leaves...

Bailey loves to be outside and the leaves are very intriguing.... when gathered into piles, they provide all kinds of entertainment!

Especially when the daddy gets involved...

Isn't he funny???

-yes!

uh oh....

Mom to the rescue...

All smiles!

Who knows???

Happy Thanksgiving!

It was a quiet day, we got up early to cook and have fun in the kitchen, remembering Thanksgivings past and all we are grateful for. We reminised about when our boys were born and we had told my parents in Chicago that we could not come. The night before we changed our minds, decided to surprise them and made the 6 1/2 hour trip in the car with 6 month old babies. I will never forget the open mouthed look on my mother's face when she opened the door and we handed her two babies in blue winter stocking caps!! Pure joy!...(miss you mom!!!...)
We both really enjoy the festivities of the holidays but prefer an informal day at home with our flannel shirts on around the family table. Tim, Joni, Cooper and Chelsea were here late morning. Cooper found the toys and played before dinner. His dad helped build a farm...

Then there was dinner and the finale...PUMPKIN PIE!!! mmmmm....

We got out the Disney films and Cooper was entertained!

-while mother earth relaxed...for a short while more....

Funny (to us...) clips of Cooper at dinner...


Cooper's dog Remington and he like to play tag and run in circles around the house, we are laughing out loud watching the energy and wishing we had some!...

By the way....Happy Thanksgiving!!!