The Sunday before we left Georgia Ephraim blessed Ezra. We loved having Grandma Lillie and Grandpa Cory with us for the occasion. Max loved every minute with them and we can't thank them enough for all of their help. My mom came a few weeks before Ezra was born and my dad joined her a week before we moved. They graciously offered to drive our second car to Texas for us which was an incredible help. They watched the boys for us while our movers came and while we house hunted in Texas and pretty much, we couldn't have done it without them. So, here's to you, Mom and Dad! We love you!

The Lone Star State

We're heading off to Texas today! Here's hoping the drive goes as smoothly as it can with our 2 little guys. Ephraim's worried he'll be ostracized in Texas since he doesn't have a big truck. I'm sure we can make peace with the locals by flying some Texas flags. My Georgia friends have allotted me a 2 week break before they expect some new posts so hopefully we'll have a place to live by then. Wish us luck!

Bonus Pictures

To appease all of Ezra's adoring fans (e.g. his grandparents), here are a few bonus pictures of what the little guy has been up to.

The Best Two Years

Well, Max's second birthday was on Monday. We can't believe he's already getting old on us. For starters we took him to his favorite restaurant, CiCi's Pizza for dinner.

Everybody got their own party hat. Even little Ezra.

Max was really into opening his presents and he loved all the stuff he got.

His favorite present of all was his music set that included a drum, maracas, a harmonica, and a tambourine. He now enjoys making all of us part of his band.

Ezra Van Garner

For everyone that hasn't heard the news, he has a name. And to celebrate his new name we gave our blog a new name too. (Since it's not all about Max anymore. Although he'll still get his fair share of attention.) Anyway, Ezra is loving his new home and Heather is glad to be out of the hospital. Her only real complaint about her time in the hospital was that it was too hot (the air conditioning was on the fritz). But considering the Army paid for every penny of it, we can't complain too much. So, thank you, everyone, for financing our new child by paying your taxes.

Here are some more photos for everyone to enjoy.

We've decided that he looks exactly like Max did at this stage. We'll post a side by side comparison one of these days.


As you can see, Ezra is pretty laid back.

This is Ezra getting ready for his inaugural car ride.

And a shot of Max in the middle of one of his favorite activities.

He's Here!!! (But he doesn't have a name yet.)

Well the newest little Garner boy was born at 5:51 this evening. We just went in for Heather's regular appointment and the doctor told her to go up to the delivery room and 6 hours later we became a family of four. He weighed 8 pounds 4 ounces and is 21 inches long. Which isn't bad considering he was 15 days early. We're all excited that he's here and we're working hard to figure out his name. I promised my Mom that he would have one by tomorrow morning. Hopefully we can follow through on that.

Here is the happy family. Max was thrilled to meet his little brother. He had a big grin on his face the whole time. However he really doesn't understand that his whole world is about to change. But so far the two of them get along great.

And here are the three Garner men. Max and I can't wait to have some fun with the new guy.

Airshow Outing

Yesterday we went to the airshow and Max really enjoyed himself. He wanted to see and touch all of the planes and was especially intrigued by the golf carts that the workers were using to get around.

Max loved this miniature plane that kids could play in. In fact he loved it so much that he wouldn't come out and his dad had to go in after him.

This last picture is dedicated to Max's uncle Alex. Max and his Dad are sitting in a Stryker vehicle which is what Alex is cruising around in over in Iraq. I hope its more comfortable than it looks.

Its a bird! Its a plane! No....its Airborne Ephraim! (and other news)

Ephraim spent the last 3 weeks learning how to fall without breaking his neck. He then put it into practice by jumping from a plane 5 times. Apparently the practice paid off. He graduated last weekend and gets to wear a new pin which his dad stabbed into his chest (Which of course put a smile on his Dad's face.)

As always, Max was glad to see his Grandparents. He already misses them.

For some unexplained reason Max has developed a passion for posing like the Statue of Liberty. We're patriotic and all but we think it's kind of strange.

And last but not least here's the still nameless Garner boy taking a nap. We hope he makes his debut soon since the doctors say he already weighs six pounds (with 6 weeks until his due date.)

Here's a good shot looking right up his little nose. Enjoy the view.

By the way, we're taking suggestions for a new blog name since it won't be just about Max anymore.

Beauty and the Belly

Due to frequent requests, here is a picture of pregnant Heather. We even included a picture from exactly 2 years ago for comparison. We can't decide which belly is bigger. Any opinions?

February Update

Max is making sure that everything is ready for his coming little brother. Here he is making sure that his old car seat still works. He decided that it does.

Max and his Dad at the Riverwalk way down yonder on the Chattahoochee River

And Max posing on the playground right behind our house.