Pictures from Luke's first Road Trip!

The Byman guys. Kyle is so excited to have another guy in the picture- he is seriously outnumbered by the girls in his house. We are looking forward to seeing all the cool "guy" things Kyle is going to teach Luke.

Aunt Marsha corralled all of Luke's cousins for a picture.

Brittany is perfecting her diving form.

Intorducing, Twisting Ashley.

Here is Sammy, in mid-flip!

That's a 10 for form, Kyle.

Chicken fight!

Thank goodness Pappy was around to protect Luke from the wild excitement in the pool.

Sunning at Aunt Sally's pool.

A guy can really learn to love all this attention...

Fishing with Daddy on Pappy's new fishing pier.

Catching flies while Daddy fishes and plays with the nieces and nephew.

Luke and Uncle Floyd. Don't they both look comfy out in the sun?

Luke's introduction to his first great aunt. Luke was very happy to meet Aunt Sally. They both have a common love of animals (especially dogs!).

Cade came to meet Luke.

Update

Luke's eyes are getting better although they are still goopy and crusty- poor guy. Since he went to the doctor he has had a few more visitors- Aunt Linda came to see him and came up with a solution to his Thursday fussiness. All he needed was a little blanket coverage.

Friday was a busy day. Not only did Luke have his first bottle while momma got her hair cut, but he met Leigh and heard a lot of her funny stories. He also had his first road trip. That's right, Momma and Daddy braved highway 59 with a 2 1/2 week old to venture up to Marshall to see the Byman clan. Luke did great until about 30 minutes from Marshall- then he had his biggest meltdown so far, but I don't blame him. It is a long car trip. He was nothing but grins though when Nana and Pappy got their hands on him.

Cade Runyan (and his folks) could not wait to meet Luke and graciously brought us all breakfast on Saturday morning. We cannot believe how big Cade is already. Just think, he and Luke will be in the same grade...

The Bymans then had Luke all to themselves Saturday afternoon, until Aunt Marsha, Aunt Michele, Uncle Rob, Sammy, Kyle, Brittany and Ashley arrived Saturday evening. That is when the real fun began! Luke also got to meet Great Aunt Sally and Uncle Floyd. He even visted their pool, but he did not get in. Luke values his sleep much more than any dip in a swimming pool.

Also, everyone should congratulate Matt. After about an 7 year hiatus, he picked up a waterski again this weekend and had a successful 2:30 minute ski around Shadowood. I was impressed. He still looks like a natural, but I bet he feels like a novice come Monday afternoon when he can't lift his arms anymore!

Another First

As baby Luke turns two weeks old today, he was diagnosed with his first infection. His clogged tear duct got infected and now he has to have antibiotic drops and daily eye massages. Obviously, it could be much worse- and it is not contagious. But it is so sad to see his little eye all puffy and gooped shut.

A Viewing Party

The Buenger Ladies came to visit Luke. Little Abby wants to buy a baby boy just like Luke. She even had money in her pocket! Soon Luke will have a friend in baby boy Kubesch.

He's got skills...

Luke's impression of Napoleon Dynamite. He's got baby papasan chair skills. Gotta love his "moon boots" too.

Eyes Wide Open

Hanging out in the swing (Day 9).

In response to the comments from my sisters, let me clarify- Luke is not crosseyed. He is just looking down. Plus, newborns all cross their eyes- they can't focus.

And on the sixth day...

The Byman clan has returned home. Mimi is here looking after Mom and Luke. Luke had his first (of many to come) trips to Target this morning. We already needed more baby stuff! Luke slept through almost the entire experience. On the afternoon of day 6 , this is a rare moment of peace out of Luke. Today he learned to expand his lungs- ALOT!

PS- I promise to dress him in another outfit (in almost all of his pictures he is wearing this). This just seemed like the coolest thing to brave the Houston heat and humidity in - and it was new when he wore it on Saturday! Thanks to MM Auntie Jeanette for the fashionable duds.

The Astros Effect

Dad created a cozy nest for Luke to watch the Astros. When the blowout was obvious Luke grabbed another nap. We thought Luke was a good luck charm for the 'Stros until the Sunday game against the Marlins. We will have to get him a rally cap before Roger pitches next.

Who Are You?

While we are still skeptical of Archie's true intentions he appears to really love his new brother. Our only problem so far is the swing- Archie likes to increase Luke's speed while mom is not looking.

Luke's Fan Club

Cara could not stay away- we hear she is coming back for visit number two tonight! We cannot wait to find out what baby Wright is (baby Wright's arrival is expected in late December).

Michael Patrick also wanted to practice holding a baby before his nephew arrives. He did a great job.

Cousin Veronica is learning how to be a good babysitter. Her sister is expecting in August. We forgot to get a picture of her art project- a beaded anklet that says "Luke"! She was so excited to finally meet him.

Shayla could not wait to get her hands on Mr. Luke

SURPRISE!

What a surprise- Aunt Michele and Uncle Rob all the way from Virginia to see baby Luke. They made sure that we had dinner for a week and a nicely manicured yard!

Welcome Home

A welcoming message from the Rippling Springs ladies

First bath

Mom, dad and Nana gave Luke his first bath today. He didn't like it much but was very cute in his towel.

Going home

Luke and Mom leaving the hospital.

Open eyes

Luke studying one of his new toys.

At home.

We were anxious to get Luke home today and the hospital was at capacity this morning so they were happy to get us discharged and on our way. We made it home in time to have lunch with the rest of the family.

Luke is doing great at home. Archie isn't very impressed with him so far but I'm sure that he will warm up eventually.

Thanks again to everyone who has called, commented, visited or prayed for our family. Your kindness is appreciated.

We will upload more pictures in the near future.

Also, congratulations to Pete and Amanda on their engagement!

Matt

Luke's Day 2 Update

Thank you everyone for the comments. Reading them is a great way for Allison and I to pass the time in the hospital room.

Luke is doing great. He had a rough first night, but was doing well on Day 2 until his cosmetic surgery after lunch. The doctor swept him off and a nurse returned a peaceful baby to us after 90 minutes. Her comment was that "he does have a temper" which has us a little nervous for tonight. His temper earned him one of the closely held pacifiers from the nursery. He slept for 7 hours until we were finally able to wake him for a feeding. He is obviously out of his sleepy state so we are looking forward to an active night. Luke is now able to keep his eyes open and we are having lots of fun learning about each other.

The doctors are planning to let Mom and baby go home tomorrow. He had lots of visitors today who met a sleepy baby, but they will be surprised to see the new active baby tomorrow.

Luke and I had a conversation tonight about his new roommates Archie and Lady who he is looking forward to meeting them tomorrow.

Luke's Here!!!

Luke Fisher Byman was born on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 at 10:44 a.m. He weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces and was 21 and 1/4 inches long. He and Momma are doing well. We are very blessed. And to top it all off- he is super cute!

We checked in with the hospital at 5:30 on Tuesday and they said I could be induced at 7am. The pitocin drip started at 7:45. The epidural was graciously accepted at 9:00. At 10:15 it was time to push and at 10:35 pushing was stopped to let the doctor run over. Luke promptly arrived after the doctor suited up. Perfect Timing!

This was taken at 10:15- Luke arrived at 10:44...

Just cut the cord...

Bigger than we expected

Proud papa

The families

Luke is warming up- had to get to 36.5 degrees C before anyone could play with him.

Nana and Mimi wait for Luke to heat up!

Sue Sue and Baby Luke. Sue Sue is decked out in Luke paraphenalia (sp?)

Barry and Baby Luke

the little angel

Aunt Marsha

Week 39 Update #4

Went to the doctor visit this morning and he confirmed that he will induce Allison tomorrow morning. We are to call the hospital at about 6 am and then arrive to begin the induction at approximately 7 am. Luke will be born at The Methodist Hospital located at 6565 Fannin in the Medical Center.

We will keep you updated.

Week 39 Update #3

After breakfast in bed served by Veronica and Michael as part of Adventure Sunday and a pretty serious game of Skipbo, we went to Katy to meet Farrell and Angus's new baby Keegan.

No baby yet. We have a doctor's appointment tomorrow so we should get all of the details about the scheduled induction. It's looking like Luke is too comfy to come out without some persuasion.

Getting to know baby Keegan

Allison, Farrell and Keegan. We can't wait for Luke to meet his new friend.

More fishing

Per Angus's request for more pictures, this is the haul from our first wade on Sunday morning.

Week 39 Update #2

We have been unsucessful so far today in our attempts to convince Luke to come see us. We have walked the mall, eaten burritos (Freebirds not Taco Bell), and been to the movies.

Where all the magic happens!

Finally a picture of mom and dad's new grown-up bedding. Now that it's all done it looks like we need taller lamps.

Week 39 Update #1

No baby yet.

It has been recommended to us that "walking the mall" (not just any walking) and shopping in Lowes after eating at Taco Hell will bring on labor. Thanks Brian and Michael. In a landmark headline in Yahoo News today a study has confirmed that having sex in late pregnancy will NOT bring on labor (but thanks for the suggestions). Anyone else care to weigh in?

BTW - You may start seeing some extremely random posts just so everyone knows that we still at home. :)

Dad's Business Trip

Matt made me post this picture of him and "King Art" from their amazing fishing trip in Port Mansfield a few weeks ago. It looks like Art caught all of the fish since he is the only one holding a pole.

No baby yet...

We are one day away from week 39. No sign of the baby yet. I have even stopped having contractions. Nothing is happening. NOTHING. Luke is comfy in there! Will keep you updated!

Week 38 1/2..Still no Luke

Went to the doctor today. According to my doctor, Baby is as low as he can be- without being born. Apparently that will make for a fast labor. Whenever labor finally starts. I am ready for him to be here- I have watched almost all pay per view movies and even some freebies on tv. Doctor would give no hints for how to bring him on. I have gone on walks and will continue to do so. Trying to get Matt to take me for spicy food tonight. I have even started doing squats while drying my hair (yes, it is quite a sight). As ususal, will keep you updated.