WI Law Enforcement Memorial

On Friday, May 9th Nick, Evan and I went to Madison, WI for the annual WI law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony. It was a gorgeous day with a light breeze and the sun shining. What a beautiful day to remember those brave people we have lost doing a job they love. Since Evan is named after Deputy Jason Zunker whom Chippewa County lost a year ago I thought it was the best time to get a picture with Evan near Jason's name with his dad in uniform. I love the picture even though Evan was starting to get hungry and not happy being against dad's hard vest.

Evan & Howie

I layed Evan down on the couch for a minute when we first brought him home from the hospital and Howie was right there to check him out. Evan didn't even cry which I was surprised at since I am sure Howie's nose was wet and cold. Even now if Evan starts to fuss or cry Howie has to get up and check on him. And when I feed him Howie is right there by us and gives Evan a "kiss" on the top of the head. I just love these pictures because Evan is as big as just Howie's head!! I think those two may be good buddies. Evan doesn't flinch or move or anything when Howie comes to sniff or kiss him.

From big belly.......to beautiful baby!!

The picture of my belly was taken right after we got to the hospital before Evan was born. The picture of him, we think he is trying to cover his eyes from the bright flash of the camera. When I took the picture Samantha told in to Evan: "You better get used to it, that's all mom does is take pictures!" Yes, that is me in a nutshell but I think they will sure appreciate it when they are older.

Proud big sisters and brother!!

IT'S A BOY!!!

Introducing our new son
Evan Jason Gardow
born April 21st, 2009 at 2:00pm
weighing in at 7 lbs 9 oz
19 3/4 inches long

His big brother Ian is ecstatic!! Between Sam, Katarina, Ian and Nicholas it is a fight on who gets to hold him next. (I wonder how long that will last!). Everything went pretty good with labor and delivery. Little Evan had pooped in utero and had managed to wrap the umbilical cord around his neck before coming out but Dr. Zander was there and helped suction all the meconium out of Evan's lungs and we heard that most precious first cry!! As for me I really can't complain. My water broke at 7:30am, we went to the hospital about 9:30 due to the meconium, I started having contractions around 1:30pm and Evan was born at 2!! (for all the mom's cursing me right now, sorry). We came home last Thursday and everything is going well. Evan is a really good eater and loves to snuggle. Well okay I don't know if Evan likes to cuddle as much as mom does but he still snuggles right in!! Dad complains because every time he gets a chance to hold Evan, he gets hungry and tries to eat dad's shirt or his little fingers. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by sometime!!