Wednesday, October 21, 2009

It All Started Here

On August 19, 2009 we boarded a plane at Charleston International Airport to start our trip to Lemoore, California. We had not flown for quite some time, so we arrived at the airport a lot earlier than we needed to.

Our next stop was O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. OMG!!!!! I thought for sure I'd have a heart attack in this airport. This is the second busiest airport in the world, the first being Atlanta. We had less than an hour to get from one side of the airport to the other to catch our flight. We managed to do it but don't ask me how.

It was then on to Denver International Airport. The terminal building is designed to resemble the snow covered mountains in Colorado.


And finally, aftger about 14 hours, we arrived in Fresno Yosemite International Airport and were met by Vic and Virgina. It was great to get off the plane and not have to worry about running to catch another one.

Thank You Grandma Ginia and Grandpa Vic

Because Matthew decided he could not wait until August 24th to be born, Victoria had no one with her when she had to go to the hospital on August 15th. We were due to arrive late on August 19th, but until then there was no one. Victoria's neighbors were wonderful and took Jonathan and Clara into their homes and cared for them. As soon as Vic and Virginia heard Victoria was in the hospital they dropped everything they were doing and went to Victoria's home. They brought Victoria food, cared for the children and even got Clara off to her first day of school. When Mike and I arrived they graciously left to go back home so we could have time with our daughter and grandchildren. Vic and Virginia now have 18 grandchildren and even a couple great-grantchildren. When Clara was born--and she also came early--Virginia was here in Charleston. She had come here to be part of Victoria's baby shower. She was due to go home the day before it turned out Clara was to be born. Clara was seven weeks early, and I know Virginia was as concerned as I was, but again she let me do the "firsts" and stepped back. Vic and Virginia are wonderful people and Victoria is lucky to have such great in-laws.


Grandma Ginia and Matthew


Grandpa Vic and Jonathan

Grandpa Vic and Jonathan

Grandpa Vic and Jonathan have a special understanding

Grandma Ginia and Matthew

Matthew Caleb Stein

These are pictures of Matthew Caleb Stein. Matthew was born August 15, 2009 at 2023. He weighed 5 pounds 15 ounces and was 18 1/2 inches long. His original due date was August 30 and he was actually due to arrive via c-section on August 24th, but he decided he wanted to choose his own birthday.




Matthew loved being swaddled in his blanket and only cries when he is wet, cold or hungry.

I was amazed at how much he kept his eyes open and I swear he followed you with no problem.

He looks a lot like Clara did when she was born

His entrance into the world was a little rocky. . .

And he had us all worried for both him and his mother.

But in the end he is perfect and that's all that counts.

Random Pictures

These are just random pictures we took of everyone while we we in California. They are in no particular order, nor were they necessarily when we were doing tourist things or anything special. Enjoy. Clara


Jonathan is not always the most congenial person when he first wakes up from his nap





Jonathan

Victoria and Jonathan

Matthew and Monica

Matthew and Monica

Matthew, Victoria and Jonathan

Clara and her mother had a deal--if Clara learned to ride her bike she could have a Miley Cyrus tape. The tape went with us everywhen in the car and Clara knew the words to all the songs

Clara singing along

Not only could she sing the songs, she knew the hand motions too

Monica feeding Jonathan

We even took pictures of Clemson (who became my BFF because he was getting no attention from anynone and when he came to me I'd pet him) and. . .

Penelope

Monica feeding Matthew

Jonathan loved holding Matthew


Jonathan would hold Matthew as long as he was allowed


Clara loved holding Matthew too.
And she did a very good job of it.

She knew just what to do

Clara

Matthew, Monica, Clara and Jonathan

Matthew, Monica, Clara and Jonathan

Matthew, Monica, Clara, Jonathan and Michael

Monica, Clara, Jonathan, Michael and Matthew


Clara, Jonathan, Michael and Matthew

Clara, Jonathan, Michael and Matthew

Clara, Jonathan, Michael, Matthew

Monica, Matthew and Michael

Monica, my BFF Clemson, Matthew, and Michael

Monica, my BFF Clemson, Matthew, and Michael

Front: Jonathan and Victoria; middle: Clara, Back: Monica, Matthew, and Michael

Monica, Matthew, Michael, Clara, Jonathan and Victoria

Matthew and Michael

Jonathan, Matthew, Clara and Victoria

Jonathan, Matthew, Clara and Victoria

Clemson, Jonathan, Matthew, Victoria and Clara

Clemson, Jonathan, Matthew, Victoria and Clara

My BFF Clemson, Monica, Clara, Victoria, Matthew and Jonathan

My BFF Clemson, Monica, Clara, Victoria, Matthew, and Jonathan

Michael and Matthew

Michael and Matthew

Michael and Matthew

Jonathan and Matthew

Jonathan and Matthew

Jonathan and Matthew