Welcome to our family, Sam!

Please forgive the long delay in any news about our little family! To say I have been distracted over the last two months is a total understatement! Last Monday, November 16, our little Samuel Wesley Garner was born. Cori went into labor around 4pm shortly after her weekly doctor appointment. We went to the Hospital around 8pm and she was dilated to a 7 and stayed that way for about 2 hours. Then, suddenly, (without going into the gorey details) within what seemed about a minute, he was here! I couldn't believe it. This little miracle that we have been waiting for for so many months was finally here! Cori and I and even Wes were in tears as they cleaned him up and weighed him (5lbs 12oz) and measured him (18" long). Finally the nurse wrapped him up and put on his little stocking cap and asked to whom she should hand him. It was no question- Cori, of course!! We knew that we would have eternity with him and this was her time to hold him and whisper to him and let him know how much she loved him. We still had a chance to hold him before they were both moved up to the mommy/baby floor, though, and I was so overwhelmed by how tiny he was! Little perfect fingers and toes and, would you believe it? BLONDE hair and tons of it!!! Here are some pics of that moment...

Could the lighting have been better in the room? He looks like an ANGEL! (and he is!)

He was so peaceful when Cori was holding him. He knew who she was right away.


A little silliness before the delivery (And yes, it's a Twilight shirt- I tried to get Edward to be Cori's focus point!!)

The next day I was able to spend a whole six hours with Cori and little Sam while Cori recovered. His hair was just incredible! His little face is so perfect- Cori and I just couldn't kiss it enough!

Cori was able to spend all day Wednesday with little Sam. It was a weird day for me. I missed him so much but I was so grateful that Cori had that time. My sisters truly saved the day! Billye brought a home-made ice cream cake and Cristi brough McDonald's and her little baby, Alex, who is three weeks old so I could have a baby to hold! My family was also available to babysit at a moment's notice whenever I needed them. So here is a shout-out...THANK YOU EVERYONE!!

The next day, Thursday, was placement. With Kolton our placement was a little rushed and a bit hard on us all. It was still full of love and hugs and good tears, but I felt like the time Cori could have spent with Kolton was robbed from her. I was so worried about Cori and cried the whole way home. I didn't know what to expect this time so I just braced myself and made sure that many tissues were present. I was so pleasently surprised that I left the placement feeling so spiritually uplifted and HAPPY for Cori. She has a wonderful life ahead of her and much to look forward to. It goes without saying what a miracle she is to us. I know without a doubt that we were friends in the pre-existence. She means so much to me that I really can't write about it without blubbering, so I will leave it at that. I won't go into detail about the placement much but I will say that, while I did cry copiously, I felt so at peace and I know that peace came from Heavenly Father and was projected through Cori. She was so calm and it gave me strength. I hope that doesn't sound too cheesey, but I know she reads this and I want her to know that. So, here are some placement pictures...

Cori and I- what a pair!! I miss you!

These are actually pictures taken at the Hospital after he was born, but blogger won't let me put them where they belong....sheesh...

This was his very first bottle- he was starving!

This cap was for Cori to take home. It was kind of huge on him!

His poor little sliced feet!! Can you believe how tiny?

Can I say more? You bet I can! But, I am tired and have many more pictures to load and send to people. Thanks so much to everyone who has brought by little gifts and treats and dinners! We live in such a wonderful neighborhood and ward. I have been so overwhelmed with all it takes to care for two little guys but I wouldn't change it for the world. I just need to stop staring at them both and crying or Kolton will think his mommy is nuts! To end, here are two precious pictures. The first is of Kolton holding his little bro for the first time and the second is my favorite picture of him so far!!

What a sweet big brother! He is all ready throwing away diapers and giving Sam kisses. I can't believe how much this all has increased my love for Kolton. Love you, buddy!
Isn't this incredible?! What a face! My sister Billye took this and I couldn't believe what a photogenic little guy he is!!