Welcome Hatcher Kai

Hatcher meeting his big brother, Chewedon

And, Kismet

Chewedon is very protective

The Stiteler Clan - Sam, Chad, Gretchen, Budda, Chewedon and Hatcher

This kid is learning fast to keep up with the men in this family

Uncle Shane made it just in time

Hatcher Kai was born April 9th. Gretchen was having contractions for many, many, many hours and we were all a little worried that she might have to have a c-section. She was transported from the birthing center to the hospital and Shane knew he needed to be there. Makenzie had surgery the previous day but was doing great, so we booked him a ticket on the next flight out of Bellingham to Anchorage. Shane arrived about 30 minutes after Hatcher was born. As soon as he landed and texted me that he landed I told him to get to the hospital ASAP! Shane arrived with beer in hand (at the request of Gretch - she wanted BEER) to see his sister and meet his new nephew. Gretchen was shocked that Shane was there (just as we were when she surprised us when Baker was born). It's an awesome thing that Shane was able to be there for Gretchen as she was there for us. He had about 36 hours to meet and take as many pictures as possible of our nephew to take home to Aunt Erika (I am so proud of all the pictures he took). Hatcher is a welcome addition to the family! We love you li'l man! I think I might need to make some frequent trips to Anchorage if I want to get some pictures :)

Surgery #2

Makenzie and her new friend at the fish tank in the surgery center (I love their jammies)

Makenzie's head pre - surgery

Just changed into her gown and she was freezing...

The socks cracked me up!

Apparently Makenzie didn't like them

Our big, brave girl

Daddy dressed ready to take his baby girl into the surgery room (I was crying so the doctor felt I should stay back - smart Doc)!

After the surgery she was so thirsty. She drank apple juice sitting up while asleep

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***Fair warning----after surgery picture below***

So drugged - so swollen
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It looks like we have to wait 6 months to find out if this is Goon's final surgery. She is doing great. Her hair is filling in nicely and I have a feeling this was our last surgery. Lets cross our fingers. Our baby girl was a strong trooper and did great - but she did manage to pull out her IV during recovery which made it difficult to inject more morphin. But, the nurses managed :)

These Boots Are Made For Walking

During Nana and Papa cross country trip, they stopped in Texas to see some family friends. There they found some cowboy/girl boots for the kids. Aren't they cute? They pretty much won't take them off. And, Makenzie's are pink with steel toes :)

Easter

Baker is modeling Makenzie's new outfit

What a good brother - helping his sister

Cheesy grin

Baker's egg finding montage...

more....

off for another look...

My dad drawing on the game Raving Rabbids to help Baker get to the plunger throwing section....it's such a great game - throwing plungers at bunnies - sick, I know!

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Easter was great! Baker had all the eggs already found about 5 minutes after he woke up. But, daddy wouldn't let him take any of them until Makenzie woke up (about 2 hours AFTER early rising Baker). The kids had fun finding the eggs and Baker was such a big help to Makenzie. The best part of all those colored eggs - egg salad! YUM :)

Easter Eggs

Goon = Makenzie; Baker = Green egg. Coloring eggs was fun except Baker is always in a hurry. And, whatever Baker does his sister does...so egg coloring lasted all of 5 minutes.