Mother and Child

We braved the Farmer's Market with both Carson and Tucker tonight. It went really well. While we ate some delicious Thai food, some ladies at the next table couldn't get enough of Tucker. I know I said it before, but I love how events like this make you feel part of a community. How often do you get into conversations with complete strangers?

Family Night At The Park

We finally had clear air today! The smoke has been so bad this summer that we have felt trapped inside of our own home.

To celebrate, we went to the park. Carson and I rode our bicycles around while Angela watched Tucker.

Carson is an offroad cycling expert. He would drive down the grassy hill into the wood-chip play area. He has decked out his bike with a bunch of motorcycle stickers. On our bicycle ride around the neighborhood last week, a car stopped and said, "Cool bike, dude!" and another neighbor complimented Carson on it. Carson definitely loves riding.

All the Boys

After bath time, Carson and Tucker showed off their dancing skills. Then as I was holding Tucker, Carson put his arm on my shoulder to get a closer look at Tuck, giving us a perfect picture of the boys.

Aunt Andrea Shirt

While getting dressed today, I asked Carson which shirt he wanted to wear. He wouldn't wear anything but his 'Aunt Andrea Shirt,' (for the second day in a row). It is an Atlanta Braves shirt that Aunt Andrea sent him for his birthday.

I find it interesting that he calls it the 'Aunt Andrea Shirt,' not the Atlanta Braves shirt or the gray shirt. Though he doesn't get to see her much, he definitely remembers her from his pictures of them together and from her gifts.

Beware the Nose Monster!

Carson's new fort has successfully defended him from the Nose Monster -- the scariest of all monsters.

The Nose Monster is characterized by his occasional sneezing and runny noses, caused by allergies to all of the smoke in the air (thanks a lot, California). The Nose Monster attacks all kinds of forts, trying to scare those who seek refuge within.

Splash Down at Lilly's Party

Carson and I went to Lilly Taylor's second birthday party. They had huge inflatable waterslides, a fun playset, and lots of kids. Exactly what Carson needed to get over his 'missing Grandma blues.'

Already missing grandma Bea

Within minutes of her leaving, Carson was really missing his friend, Grandma Bea.

Later on, Carson asked, "Where's Grandma Bea?"

"She went home", I replied.

"Awwwhh, I miss her," Carson said in his saddest voice.

Grandma Bea and Tucker

Tucker is already close to his Grandma Bea. Tucker would always calm down and often fall asleep when his Grandma Bea would hold him.

Adventures at the Farmer's Market

Carson had a great time at the Farmer's Market with Grandma Bea and me. You know a little boy had fun when he gets a free visor, soccer ball piggy bank, cotton candy, and gets to drive a train.

We ate at Bangkok Cuisine again; we rarely get to go to their restaurant since it is so far away. Now that they have a stand at the Farmer's Market, we have a great excuse to go.

It seemed that everywhere we went, we ran into people that we know. It really makes you feel a sense of community when you can go to city events and know people.

Proud Big Brother

Carson has been wonderful with Tucker and has been happy to have a little brother.

Grandma Bea & Grandpa Gene Visit

Grandma Bea and Grandpa Gene visited us this weekend. Carson has really been looking forward to their visit.

They were so good with the kids.

Tired Family

We've quickly come to realize how tiring two children can be.

We appreciate all of the meals, gifts, and support from family, friends, members of the church, and members of the mom's club. It has really made a difference.

Ridey Rides

We had some quarters in the truck, so we let Carson play on the "ridey rides" (as Carson calls them) at the mall.

We also tried our hands at the crane game and won Daisy Duck -- not at all what Carson was hoping for.

Grandma & Grandpa Knight Visit

Tonight, Grandma and Grandpa Knight visited us; the Dairy Queen Blizzard that they brought made their visit that much sweeter.

It was nice to talk with them and fun to watch them play with the kids.

Carson was the ultimate tour guide, giving Grandma and Grandpa each their own private tour of the house (which he gives all guests everytime they come; they have had the tour several times).

Baby Tucker was alert and happy to be held.

Thoughtful boy

On our way to the park today, Carson asked, "Where's your hat, Dad?" I replied, "I must have left it at home." He responded, "Do we need to go back?"

Pretty thoughtful...

You Naked States Flag

With all of the US flags flying this month, Carson asked what they are. I called them the 'United States Flag.' So Carson repeated, "You Naked States Flag." We've been working on his pronunciation, but it hasn't changed much.

Cute Sleeping

Tucker was so comfortable in his bassinet today he slept for like, 5 hours! With some little breaks, of course, but it was still very nice to see him so restful.


I think there is a picture of me when I was a baby that looks just like these pictures.

Coming Home

Carson escorted baby Tucker and Angela back home today.

Baby Has a Name

The long awaited name has been decided; Tucker Zander Knight has joined our family.

Carson was so excited to learn Baby Brother's name. I told it to him while eating dinner at Grandma and Grandpa Knight's house, then asked him what Baby's name is. He knew 'Tucker'. Then I asked for Baby's full name, and amazingly, he remembered and pronounced very clearly, 'Tucker Zander Knight.' I was really impressed. Carson is so intelligent.

On the drive home, Carson and I were talking about Tucker, I told Carson, "I love you very much. You are a very special boy." He replied, "You are special too Dad. I love you," -- so surprising and heartwarming. We are so blessed to be his parents.

Later on, Carson and I were talking about the baby's name. I told him that he could call the baby 'Tuck' instead of 'Tucker.' Carson was excited and re-iterated: "Baby's name is Tuck and Tucker -- both. I like Tuck."

Proud Papa

Although I had to work today, I loved the opportunity to spend a few hours in the hospital with Baby and Angela.

The hospital room is quite large and surprisingly, Angela is loving the food. The nurses have been incredible; maybe even too good -- every few minutes they are stopping by for one reason or another. It doesn't hurt that the nurses know and like Baby's grandpa, Doctor Knight, who works in the Nursery. They all have their stories about how great he is.

Angela has loved the visits from everyone. Grandpa Knight stopped by. Her doctor, Dr. Mellum. Baby's doctor: Dr. Mathew. Then Grandma Knight, Aunt Anita, Danielle and Erin visited. While I was visiting, Sofia Lykes was so kind to stop by with flowers and some of Angela's favorite snacks. Angela was even expecting more visitors after I had left.

Baby is so calm and aware. He really looks into your eyes and explores your face. But he definitely loves Mom. I was holding him close and staring at his face when Mom started to talk. Instantly, his head turned towards her. Even when I tried to regain his attention, his eyes were fixated on his mom. How quickly those bonds are formed...

He definitely has the Aksland dimple in his chin and the Aksland nose. In general, I think that he looks a lot like his Grandpa Aksland and mom. Angela sees that resemblance but also notices the similarities between Baby and Carson.

His eyes are entrancing; luckily, he gives us so many opportunities to see them -- he keeps them wide open as he observes his new environment. They have this dark grey / blue hue that draws us in. While we know that they will change over time, it shocks us that his eyes are so different from ours and Carson's.

Baby Feet

What a difference: Baby's feet are so tiny! Carson's feet were so large, he could never wear his booties. We put those same booties on Baby and the booties were too large -- they wouldn't stay on.

He has amazing control of his long toes. He can articulate them individually, just like his mom.

Hail in July???

On my way to the hospital to see Angela and Baby, I could hardly see. A torrent of 1/4" to 3/8" hail stones were pummeling the car, followed by flash flooding.

I've never been in a hail storm while still needing the air conditioner to keep cool.

Another Picture of Baby

Baby: 6.5 hours old

Big Brother

Carson is finally a big brother. For the last few weeks, we have been asking him when Baby would arrive, his answer was always 'two days'. Those two days have finally passed and he was able to meet his baby brother.

Despite being exhausted from a rough night of being awakened, brought to Grandma & Grandpa Knight's house, and then not falling asleep until 5:00am, he was excited to see Baby and was very careful and considerate of him.

Finally Here!

Baby Knight was born this morning (Sunday July 13, 2008) at 11:36am; 9lbs 2 oz, ~21" long.





He is a happy little boy with a big Aksland family dimple in his chin. He definitely has more of the Aksland family genes.

Like a Race Car Man (aka Baby on the Way)!

Angela went into labor at 1:00am this morning.

Carson was so good when we woke him up at 2:30am -- didn't complain at all. As we were driving (and accelerating pretty quickly), Carson said, "You're like a race car man!"

We dropped Carson off at Grandma & Grandpa Knight's house. They were very good about being awakened at 2:30am... That was really nice; we appreciate their help.

We got to the hospital at 3:00am and are awaiting delivery.

Surprise!

The baby actually came naturally! We fully expected the labor to have to be induced, as it was with Carson.

At 1:00am, Angela began to have strong frequent contractions. She woke me up at about 1:30am and we started timing the contractions.

Not knowing anything, we frantically searched the internet to find out how frequent the contractions should be before going to the hospital. We set the laptop on the bed next to Angela and connected to http://www.contractionmaster.com/; it tracks your contactions. So Angela timed her contractions on the internet. She was basically there from the very beginning. So while she was tracking her contactions in bed, I was getting Carson's clothes together and everything else that we needed.

(Update:)
Everyone at work thinks that I'm such a geek for using the internet for something like that, but it really worked out well.

Let's All Go to the Movies!

To spend our last weekend before baby arrives, we decided to hit the movies.

Carson has been wanting to see Wall-E, so Carson and Keith went to Wall-E while Angela went to Hancock. It was a lot of fun for everyone.

The Waiting Game

Still waiting... and waiting... and waiting............................

The doctor called the hospital to schedule the delivery; the hospital says that they don't have any openings for a week! Pretty crazy. If we just showed up in labor, there would be plenty of room; so why can't they just schedule it anytime?

In any case, it is scheduled for Wednesday July 16.

Marshmallows

In his prayer last night, Carson said:
"Heavenly Father, thank you for Grandma, Grandpa, and marshmallows..."

Now that's sour!

You know something is sour when it takes a band-aid to make you feel better! Taking after Grandma Aksland, Carson loves sour foods -- so he tried to eat a lime today. Afterwards, a band-aid was the only acceptable cure.

Motorcycle ride with Dad

Dad and I went for a quick dirt-bike ride today. He can really move on that thing! It was a fun morning.

Fourth of July Party

Uncle Don hosted the family 4th of July party. It was great to see all of the family together and to watch the kids play. The weather was perfect and the food was delicious.

Even after nine months of pregnancy, Angela looks amazing.

We forgot Carson's swimming suit, but that wasn't enough to keep him out of the water. He borrowed his cousin's pink swimming diaper.

Nice and Cute!

When asked who gave him his Atlanta Braves shirt, Carson replied: "Aunt Andrea." I said, "she's nice;" he responded, "she's nice AND cute!"

Building Fences

Carson and I helped Grandpa Knight build a fence today. Carson and Grandpa both had fun playing with tractors.

Sparks Farmer's Market

Carson loves to see busses -- pointing them out whenever we see them on the road. So when we found out that Sparks has free bus rides from Reed High School to the Farmers Market, we figured that it was his opportunity to ride one. He loved it!




He wasn't the only to to enjoy the ride, it was nice to just sit back and not have to worry about finding a parking spot. Typically, we end up walking a long ways from our parking spot to the Farmer's Market, which doesn't work so well with Angela pregnant.

We ate some delicous Thai food, toured the old Glendale School House (from 1864), and got to tour and play on an old train.

Growing Up and Moving Out

Our little one is growing up and has decided to move away from Mom and Dad. Paprika Jr. is out on her own.

When we moved in, we had a couple wild cotton-tail rabbits living in our backyard -- Pepper and Paprika. About a month ago, we noticed Paprika Jr., a tiny little baby bunny running around, but Pepper and Paprika appear to have left Paprika Jr all alone. We haven't seen them since the baby was born. So she is now all on her own...

Here is a picture we took tonight. Paprika Jr is much more confortable coming closer to our house than her parents were. She is really tiny: no more than 5" long.