Max's Homecoming, Aunt Ellie Visits, and Mother's Day

On Friday May 6 we finally got to bring Max home. We ended up ended up being in the hospital from April 28 - May 6th. Needless to say, after our extended stay in the hospital we were excited to introduce our little boy to his home and his four legged brother Oscar.

Max, for the first 8 days of your life you only knew the inside of a tiny little hospital room. Bringing you out into the world was both frightening and joyful. When you're awake and alert you have such an awestruck look on your face as you experience everything for the first time. It's fun to imagine all the milestones you'll be checking off (first words, first steps, etc.) but we have to remind ourselves to appreciate every day and every stage along this journey.

Max was born just in time to give his mom her first Mother's day. There could be no better gift than to be home with our healthy baby. We had a nice Mother's day as Nana, Papa, Great Grandma Marianne, Great Grandpa Vic, Uncle Ryan and his girlfriend Dana and her kids Sadie and Lanie all visited. Max was showered with love and gifts and the weather was beautiful!

Goodbye Meriter Room 575

Home at last!!

It's taking some time for Oscar to adjust to the new change in the house. He's not getting near the attention he's used to, and it's definitely showing. He goes from being curious to indifferent with the new baby. He's very gentle with Max, but also acts annoyed that he's playing second fiddle these days. We're sure it won't be long until Max and him are best friends and he's getting more attention than he ever dreamed of from a little boy tugging on his ears and tail.

Aunt Ellie flew in from Nashville on Thursday and was there that Friday to help with the homecoming. Ell was upset she couldn't be there for the birth, but it all worked out because she got maximum Max time.  We can't express how great it was to have Ellie there to help us adjust to those first days at home. Through household chores to watching Max so the new parents could get some rest, it was invaluable to have her there those first couple days.

Nana & Aunt Ellie trying to wrangle a diaper onto Max. Notice the MAX sign over the crib that Pops hung for us while we were at the hospital.

Max's great grandparents on Nana's side meet Max for the first time on Mother's Day.

Welcome to The World Max McCool Small

On April 30th, at 7:20 a.m. we were blessed with our big beautiful baby boy! Max, you were 3 weeks earlier than expected but you took your time being born. We checked into the hospital on Thursday at 3 p.m. and after 40 hours you graced us with your presence. When we heard you come crying into this world, it was the most beautiful sound we'd ever heard. Soon after, we found out we had a 9 pounds and 20 and 3/4 inches long baby boy. Your daddy was able to hold you in his arms and bring you over to meet your mommy. You were healthy and we were the proudest people on Earth. The whole time your Mommy was in labor you had a long list of family and friends anxiously waiting for the news. We are so thankful to have you in our lives, and so thankful for all the love and support from our family, friends, and tremendous hospital staff.

Thursday Night before the madness and the magic began.

First family photo.

Nine Pounds!!

Proud mama

Proud papa

Meeting the grandparents.

Max & Nana

Max & Mimi

Max & Papa

Max & Pops

Max & Uncle Ryan

Max & Aunt Sasse, very excited to finally be an aunt!

Max & Aunt Hattie

Max & Uncle Baby Sammy

Max & Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Luekbe

Max & Auntie Julianne

Four generations

Three Generations

Cool tradition started when Max's cousin, Eli, was born. Pops got a baseball for all of the visitors to sign for Max to have as a keepsake reminding him of all the love and support he's had since day 1. 

We can't wait for more family and friends to meet our little guy. We feel so blessed. Life is good. God is Great