It's Christmas Time in the City Part 3

What are the holidays without a trip to the Orlando Science Center?!

Flying to outer space!
Vroom! Vroom!
Hey Parker, do ya know how this thing works?

Thanks Yia Yia. I didn't know cars drink juice too!
Don't worry guys, this tightening the bolts on the tires is a cinch.
Wait, what are these...?
Ohhh cool! Sea shells! And sand!This place rocks! I'm glad our Yia Yia thought to bring us here!

It's Christmas Time in the City Part 2

Another holiday outing was a Bowling Adventure with the Ryan clan:

My sister Chelsea showing her son Parker (age 2) the ropes.


Go ball, go!! Did I mention that Duke and Parker's ball barely made it down the lane? :) Oh, and check out the bumpers. Definitely a necessity for Duke and for me!
The boys. Just hangin'. The Ryan Clan.
Uncle T, Peyton, Aunt Nancy (visiting from Colorado!), Madison, Eric, Parker, Chels, and me and Duke in front)

It's Christmas Time in the City Part 1

This year, we celebrated both Christmas and the New Year in Orlando. Thankfully, we were able to spend time with our families (immediate and extended). It helps that both sets of grandparents live in town and that many loved ones traveled to town for the holidays. Since fun pictures were captured on more than one camera, this is the first installment. More pics to come!

My sister, Chelsea, brother-in-law Kevin and their son Parker visited us to bring in the New Year. One night, the "grown-ups" snuck out for a night on the town at the restaurant Seasons 52.

Group shoot. (Left to Right: Kevin, Chelsea, Me, Darrell, Mom, Dad)


The Ladies.
The Men.Mom and Dad (known as Yia Yia and Pops by their grand kids).

A New Year

Hello 2010! Good bye 2009!

As this time of year usually brings about resolutions, I have spent the past couple weeks thinking about mine. And here goes...This year my New Year's Resolution is to actually add entries to my blog. A radical thought, I know. In fact, I have set myself the lofty goal of posting once weekly (or if I miss a week, at least aim for four entries per month). But in truth, the greater goal I have for myself is finding creative ways to stay in touch with you -- family members and friends -- as this New Year takes way.

So, to begin, here are a few recent pictures of Duke (since the last picture of Duke posted on this blog is from when he was a day old!!) More updates to come!

In the Beginning

On April 11, 2008, at 12:48 am our little peanut joined the world. Seconds later, Darrell announced it was a boy (as we had waited to find out the sex). We chose boy & girl names prior to delivery and felt proud to name our little boy Darrell Franklin Carpenter III after Darrell's dad. We nicknamed him Duke (Mr. Darrell had considered calling Darrell by that name.)

While caught up in admiring Duke, a nurse announced there were people in the waiting room, expectant faces glued to the window. Darrell and I laughed and told the nurse our family was more than welcome to come in. Seconds later, our parents and Darrell's sister Katyrose flooded into the room, each with tears in their eyes as Darrell and I grinned from ear to ear.

The next clear memory (one I will never forget) is waking up to Darrell sitting in a chair at my side, fast asleep, and with Duke nestled snuggly in his arms. As I drifted back to sleep, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace, like all was well in the world.

Our New Expanded Family

The first time I held Duke just seconds after he was born. Even though Duke came two weeks early, he weighed in at 7 lbs. 10 oz.

Proud Papa (even at 2:30 am in the morning!)
Darrell's first diaper change as he wonders "What did I get myself into?"
Mr. Darrell enjoying his status as Grandpa -- no more changing diapers for him :)

Darrell Franklin Carpenter I (Duke's namesake)

Duke's Great Grandmother (Meredith's Dad's Mom).
Duke all bundled up!Our new expanded family!

Darrell F. "Duke" Carpenter, III

Darrell F. "Duke" Carpenter, III

Born April 11, 2008 at 12:48 AM.
7 lbs 10 oz
21"

The greatest things in life come in small packages!!