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.

Ranger School Graduation!!!

Ephraim graduated from Ranger School today. This was momentous for two reasons: (1) it proves how tough he is (I have to brag- only about half of the people who start the course actually graduate) and (2) now he's home with us again! Its a win-win situation. The ceremony was held outside (on what felt like the coldest day of the whole winter so we froze) but it was worth it to see Ephraim get his new Ranger tab.

Swim Diaper Day

This was all Max wanted to wear yesterday. Here he is posing with the new kitchen he got for Christmas. In other news, only 2 more weeks until Ranger School Graduation! It will be great to have a husband again.

Our Nation's Capitol...

One of me and Ephraim's favorite Christmas presents was a Max-free day of sightseeing in Washington, D.C. We think its hilarious that we look photo-shopped into a lot of these pictures. Rest assured, we're actually there.

Lincoln Memorial

Washington Monument
I had no idea you could go to the top but it was really cool.

The beautiful new World War II Memorial

The National Christmas Tree
No offense to America but I thought the paper bows were a little disappointing.

Ephraim at the base of the Washington Monument looking down towards the WWII and Lincoln Memorials.

Here we are flanking the White House.

At the Smithsonian with Mr. Rogers' sweater and Seinfeld's puffy shirt.

Charles Lindburgh's Spirit of St. Louis at the National Air and Space Museum.

Looking towards the Capitol.

Christmas in Virginia

Ephraim had an 18-day Christmas break from Ranger School so we drove up to Virginia and had a great time with his family.

Here's Max wearing part of his Christmas jammies and opening the other part.

Modeling the jammies.

Max got some fun new toys like trucks and cars and puzzles for Christmas. After opening a few things though, he decided he needed a break. After laying down for a bit then having some M&M's, he was ready for more Christmas festivities.

Max with Aunt Hayley and Uncle Adam.

Max started saying, "Joe!" (as in, "Yo Joe!" from G.I. Joe).
Here he is demonstrating his new skill with Grandpa.

Max with Aunt Paula, Grandma, Cousin Izzie, and Uncle Jake.