Airplanes Are Always Cool

We had a fun family visit to see the airplanes at the local museum before I went back to work. Mackay sure loves airplanes (and boats and cars and trains). He loved looking at all the different types of airplanes--we even saw a few we recognized from one of his airplane books (like the Hercules and Spitfire). I think his favorite part of the museum was the Navy section where we were able to watch the jets takeoff from the aircraft carrier. The museum had a movie on a screen that looked like you were looking over the deck of the ship. It was a cool exhibit for any boy--even one as old as me!


Beckett didn't seem to show as much interest in the airplanes, but I suppose we can cut him some slack in his first month of the real world.

Crying For Grandma

It was great to have grandma (Andrea's mom) around for over two weeks during all of the new baby action--I don't think Mackay missed his parents too much as long as grandma was around. She certainly knows how to keep him busy...and having fun. She even taught him how to sew. Of course, the visit couldn't last forever. When we took grandma to the airport Mackay was ready to join her on her trip home--which of course we didn't allow. He cried all the way home for grandma (Andrea cried half the way home!). Thanks for all the good times grandma!

Mackay Loves to Ride

Mackay and I love to go on rides together...we go ride by the marina and airport. Mackay loves boats and airplanes! He also loves to get all his gear on...sunglasses and helmet for the full look. Now we just need to get him a Yellow Jersey!

Visit to the Zoo

While I was home, we were all able to go to the zoo--it was my first time since moving here. I got to take Mackay all over the zoo while the ladies mostly took it easy (the zoo is a big hill--not the best right after a baby). Beckett didn't seem too interested in seeing the animals (all in due time), but Mackay sure enjoyed himself. Perhaps more fun than seeing the animals, however, was playing in the misters and getting all wet. Probably the most memorable moment was when Mackay ran endlessly around a life-size pizza as if he were running a race. He just kept on running...and running. I was hilarious to watch him...good times.

Beckett Comes Home

Beckett Jamison finally came home today. He is doing great and Mackay is happy to have his new little brother home. They even both took a nap together at the same time--in their "new" shared room. Andrea is doing well and grandma is a great help with the kids and around the house. We are looking forward to a little time to take it easy...













One last chance to compare the two...when they were newborns.

Beckett...

...and Mackay.

Mackay Meets New Brother

Mackay was excited to finally meet his new brother--and for the train set his new brother brought him! A friend of ours took this picture of the two of them on Saturday. Stay tuned for more picts...and for a name...

And here is a better close up of our new son!

He's Here!

Our little boy finally arrived! He was 9 lbs 6 oz and 21 1/4 inches long! Not a bad size. We went in around 11:30 p.m. on the 10th so they could do "prep work" for a delivery on the 11th. After intense labor all afternoon (Andrea was a trooper), the doctor broke her water around 4:30 p.m. When the doctor came back at 6:15ish, the baby's cord was trying to come out first (the doctor could feel the cord on top of the baby's head), so they did an emergency c-section. Luckily Andrea had just been given an epidural, so they didn't have to put her completely under for the surgery. I got suited up and was able to sit by her head (I didn't want to see any of the overly bloody stuff). After several minutes of surgery, we heard a cry and the baby was out--at 6:31 p.m. on August 11th. He's a cute little guy. Everything seems good so far--with the exception of a dip in his blood sugar after he was born. Because of that I actually had to feed him with some formula while still in the nursry. I can proudly say that I was the first to feed him (and the first to be spit up on). That said, he seems to really have taken to feeding the old-fashion way. Andrea can hardly get him off her.

We are still have trouble picking a name--we are currently trying out Beckett and old pick has come back in the mix (Jamison Thomas--J.T.). I wasn't sure he looked like a Beckett after hanging out with him for the first hour or so after the delivery (when they do all the tests, give him his vitamin K shot, etc.). Anyway, we will figure it out. Stay tuned...

So does Baby Boy #2 look like Mackay? You be the judge...here's a picture of Mackay just after he was born...

A Look Back at Mackay's First Two Years

With son #2 on the way--and not wanting Mackay to feel left out--I thought now would be a good time to reflect back on the last two-plus years since Mackay decided to join us. Thanks for all of the great times Mackay! Dad has sure enjoyed watching you grown into a cute little man!

Taking Mackay home from the hospital...one day old. Mackay was born on May 26th.


Mackay's first haircut...at grandma's house...while great-grandma was visiting...two and a half months old.


Mackay's late great-grandpa--big "Mac"--with his little "Mac" great-grandson...at two and a half months...four generations.


Mackay's first bike ride...three and a half months old.


Mackay after a bath...nearly 4 months old.


Mackay's first Halloween...as a skunk.


Santa came...and brought a sweet drum!


Happy first New Year's to Mackay! Way to party it up!


Mackay enjoying a bath with cousin Hannah...at 10 months.


Mackay loves going to the zoo and seeing all the animals...11 months old.


Mackay's first birthday...he didn't know what to make of the cake.


Mackay loved it when dad would drop beneath him like a ride at Disney.


Mackay the world traveler on a trip with mom and company to the Czech Republic...at 16 months.


The dolphin show at the aquarium was so much fun that Mackay and grandma could not help but make fish faces...at a year and a half.



Mackay was already working on his pickup lines by his second Halloween.


It looks like whatever he said worked...Mackay at a year and a half...the pimp meister.

Who said the joy of Christmas is in giving...Mackay likes receiving gifts too!


Mackay's first real snow...21 months old.


Mackay Walker and his Walker great-grandparents...21 months.


Mackay's second birthday party...umm that's good cake...how time flies!

Let's Get This Party Started

Well, I have finally decided to join the 21st Century by starting a blog! Thanks to those of you who have set a good tech example to me by having a blog already. Got to love Google for making it so easy.

I plan to post fun updates...especially with Strong boy #2 about ready to join us. Mackay has recently begun saying "baby, out" pointing to his mom's tummy. No baby yet, but it shouldn't be much longer. We are still trying to decide what to name him. We have two names left on the short list.

• Beckett Thomas
• Elijah James

I think we are leaning toward the first...but time will tell. Mackay seems to like "Beckett." When we ask him what the baby's name is he says "Beckett" in his cute little two-year old voice.

Speaking of things Mackay likes...ice cream cones are certainly high on the list...this is a picuture from a recent ward party. His shirt seems to like them too!