Weeks One and Two of Gideon's Life (and Ours Too!)

Gideon Robert Owen Matthews in his father's hand, at one week old.Gaius has had lots of fun with all the people who come to see Gideon, especially when they bring their children with them to play with him. This is Gaius playing with his good friend, Alyssa! Alyssa had fun holding the new tiny baby!
In between all her hard work, cooking, cleaning, and taking care of everyone, Grammy squeezes some cuddle time in with Gideon.
Gaius entertaning himself and us too.

Everyone is doing their part.

Our First Visit to Church at KFC

Well, Gideon is two days old and but we could not resist taking him to church to see everyone. These photos are of his first car ride and his visit to church. Gideon slept through almost all the service in Mrs. Fiona's arms I am not sure who enjoyed it more, what do you think?

The kids were very excited to see Gideon all the girls wanted a shot holding him. The adults were thrilled to see him also so he was definately the "hot potato" that morning.
Our first car ride together. Well, the cars in this country are small then in Texas and we are not exactly sure how we will fit mom as well but we will cross that bridge on Monday. The boys had fun riding together for the first time.

It's a BOY!!!!

Gideon Robert Owen Matthews was born on November 9, 2007 in the comfort of our home at 9.20 pm Scottish time after a short 8 hour labor:)--well a lot shorter then Gaius. With the help of two dear and talented midwives and a wonderful husband Eleanor brought forth an 8lb 7.5oz, 51 cm healthy and relaxed boy! Mother and baby are doing great, and father and brother are thrilled.

We praise and thank the Lord for answering our prayers and bringing us a healthy baby and granting Eleanor the strenght to endure the labor and delivery naturally.

Gideon Robert Owen Matthews, born November 9, 2007 at 9.20pm Scottish time. 8 pounds 7.5oz and 51 cm long, healthy, happy and relaxed little boy.

The next day we are both feeling happy and well, we only wish all our family and friends could be coming by to see us from back home.
Some friends of ours stepped in and took Gaius for the night of the delivery. Early the next morning while Gideon and I were still sleeping Andrew picked him up--I could not wait to see him. He was very excited to see his brother though he is desperate to wrestle and tickle him. We think with a little help from us it won't be long before he will get the hang of "gentle!!!"

The birthday boy.

Just about an hour or two after the big moment we were able to have a moment with just the three of us before we all climbed into bed for some well needed sleep. Proud daddy finally got a photo with his second born son. And I think he was well worth the effort!

Mary was with me from the get go and she thought the product was pretty darn cute! We all could not get over the full thick head of blond curly hair.

Yes, he is one relaxed kid. I kept asking my midwives is he breathing...and then he would grunt in happy contentment. He took to feeding with ease and vigor.

This bun is just out of the oven and he looks done to us! I needed to lay down after all that work. Gideon came out so quickly (once I was at that point) that we could hardly even catch him.

Mary and Heather, my very experienced midwives, I could not have done it with out them!

Pre-labor started at 6.00am but "real" labor did not start till about 1.00pm; at this photo it's about 5-6pm and I'm more then half way done! You can do it....

We praise the Lord who in His grace and mercy opened my womb to not only grant us the gift of this beautiful son but also the ability and safety of bring him forth into this world. I have to tell you I am sure glad that he opened my womb faster this round!

Guy Fawkes

Inverness had an awesome firework desplay and bonfire, here are a few photos from the night!

Andrew's Birthday Party!

We had a fun celebration on Saturday November 3rd for Andrew's birthday, we had over 20 people in our tiny little cottage but we had fun non-the-less. We enjoyed food, cake, fellowship and the kids enjoy the back yard fireworks that we bought.

Halloween 2007

We decided to take Gaius into a Baptist church in the city that was having a "Fancy Dress" party for Halloween. It was a lot of fun and the church did a great job, they even had one of the elders share the gospel message using a carved pumpkin. We did not decide to do anything until the day before so went last minute to Tesco's and bought a pumpkin outfit and a little pumpkin basket for 5.49 pounds and I am very pleased to say that Gaius won the best costume in the "little" boys category. We were very excited as neither Andrew nor I have ever one a best costume however Gaius was just excited to get his big tube of Smarties!

Andrew's First Scottish Wedding

Andrew preformed his first Scottish Wedding for a dear couple in our congregation. Gaius and I were kindly invited to take part in the festivities. We had a wonderful time, the wedding was beautiful and the Scottish Wedding party that followed was great fun. Gaius had an awesome time and was up parting from about 1.30pm till 11pm (he did not make one single complaint until 10.55pm).