Newest Member of the Hardie Family!

Mandee and Paul having a bonding moment. They have spent two days at the hospital together and will leave Monday morning. I have this next week off work, so we'll be able to help each other out. Plus, Mandee gave me a list of things to do around the house. It won't be a vacation!Just the four of us. Nate is still adjusting; he knows something different is happening. He seems a little jealous. He won't say his new brother's name as easily as he did before Paul officially joined the family. The nurses recommended that we keep him as involved in the process as possible. They recommended little things like having Nate get the diapers for the baby.

He's got his mother's looks and his father's name - at least his middle name. Paul is his first name, and that is Mandee's grandpa's name. It was her mom's dad; he passed away from the disease in the early to mid 90's. Her grandma came over and told us some stories about him. He was a pilot in the air force, good sense of humor, always complimentary to her, loved to play with his kids, served faithfully in 4 bishoprics, faithful home teacher, wonderful singer, likable guy, etc.

This is just before Mandee went in for surgery. They made me dress up in scrubs. Once Mandee was in the surgery room they gave her the medication she needed. It made her quite nauseous.

This is a good face shot. It is difficult to describe the feelings we felt having a baby again. It is just as good or better than the first. There is less uncertainty and fear, and the joy is palpable. We cannot believe we will have two kids the house now!
The nurses always wrap him like a little burrito; they say it is good so the limbs move less and the baby stays warm. It makes the transition from womb to open air a little easier.

The nurse just finished weighing and measuring Paul before this camera shot. He is a half a day away from his circumcision. Ouch! The pediatrician later told us that he took it like a man and didn't even cry. He must be a tough one.