And then there were four...

Samuel's finally ready to come home, even though he's a little sleepy.


Welcome home, little buddy.


It's obvious he didn't learn this from Liana.


Liana loves to hold her little brother, however she hasn't quite learned that when she wants to play, she can't drop him and run off like she does to her dolls. She's slowly learning to be more gentle. A few whacks to the head, a few pokes to the eye, stepping on him...he's going to have to toughen up quick.
http://s189.photobucket.com/albums/z276/paulandshannonflood/?action=view&current=MOV01366.flv


Having fun feeding tortilla chips to everyone, all day long. Grampa seemed to be the only one who didn't tire of the game.


Liana, Auntie Amy, and Grover.


Uncle Bill, Auntie Amy, and us trying to pose. Liana wasn't such a fan of sitting, as usual.


Grandma Pauline and Samuel.


Samuel's new cozy sack. Thanks Bob and Jackie!


These shoes are Liana's new favorite. They go with her wherever she goes. I couldn't stop laughing at her between these and her Ebenezer Scrooge pajamas.


Ready to watch some football with Daddy.

Welcome Samuel Paul Flood

After nine long months, our son decided he wasn't going to waste any time coming into the world. At least he waited until after the Pats game like I asked him to. Shannon spent most of the afternoon trying to relax through the contractions, but they never seemed that intense (spoken like a true "guy"). After lunch time however, they increased rapidly in their frequency going from 10 minutes apart to 5 minutes in little over an hour around 5:00. She decided to call the doctor, but not hearing anything right away, she decided to go the hospital. Even though she clearly wasn't comfortable, I thought she was handling things very well. I met her a little after six after dropping off Liana, but she still hadn't been seen. The midwife examined her around 6:30 only to inform her she was fully dilated and only needed to push this baby out. They barely got her wheeled into the delivery room and set-up before the whole thing was over. That was it? I was so relieved Shannon didn't have to go through anything like last time.
Samuel Paul was born at 6:59 pm; 8 lbs. 3 oz.; 23 1/2 inches (!)
I still can't believe how great and strong Shannon was, I'm so proud of her. She's endured so much the last two years. I'm blessed beyond measure to have such a wife and mother of our children. I love you, sweetheart!



Daddy, proud, and still a little shocked...that was it?


Mommy and baby finally at rest.



Samuel, and big sister flashback, Liana (below)



This hair cracked me up. I wasn't expecting such a dark coif. Shannon says her hair was like this before it came in blond. He's actually been quite alert, looking around checking out his new digs. I think his eyes are blue as well, like Shannon and Liana. He wouldn't let me get a really good look.

Thanks everyone for your help, prayers, and support for all of us. We are extremely grateful.
We look forward to seeing and talking with you as things settle in a little.