Sibling Rivalry?

Actually, Allie really likes baby Luke so far. I think the best part has been hearing her say the word "Glook" more often. That's what she calls Luke. "Glook."

She calls him "baby," and responds whenever she hears him cry or sees him. Allie just turned 18 months old, and is so much fun. I can't believe all the toys and clothes she got for Christmas. It's clear she doesn't feel left out at all at this point.

Because I'm an only child, I really have no experience with the whole sibling rivalry concept.

Any words of advice? I'd love to hear 'em.

Nice.

That's Grandma Walta (Jennie's grandma) with Luke, and Jennie with Allie. We've had more challenges getting the four of us to pose together than you would possibly believe. Not sure if we'll actually send one of those cute Christmas cards again this year. Though now, I feel guilty for calling it a "Holiday Card" last year.

We called it a "Holiday card" because we didn't get around to sending it until about New Year's. Not because we were trying to avoid Christmas. But boy, what a controversy during this recent Christmas! I think it should be okay to wish people a happy whatever day they want to celebrate.

Precious?

Absolutely.

Go Buckeyes!

Luke gets ready for Ohio State's big bowl game against Notre Dame on Monday. Last night, he laid on Daddy's chest and watched a replay of the Buckeyes' battle with Texas in September. What a great kid!

Learning to Love?

Allie kisses mommy 12-16-05
Originally uploaded by wailer2000.

Allie has been giving kisses now for at least a week. What a sweetie!

The Reunion...

Luke Allie happy 12-16-05
Originally uploaded by wailer2000.

Allie is all too excited to show off her new little brother. Amazing how much we missed Allie during our 2.5 days in the hospital. We're home now and Allie is adjusting well to our new addition... so far =)

One day old...

Luke up close 12-16-05
Originally uploaded by wailer2000.

Who do you think Luke looks like?

Cast your votes in the comment section.

Little Buckeye

Luke with Daddy 12-15-05
Originally uploaded by wailer2000.

Several have already said Luke looks like his Dad.

Dad first thought Luke looks like his sister.

Regardless, Luke got all the love yesterday on his arrival. We love him and can't wait to bring him home.

Allie met him for the first time last night at about 6:45pm. She did great, and even looked at him and said "baby" a few times. We all know she has no clue whatsoever. But she will be a great big sister.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers and encouragement!

The Hero

Luke and Mommy 12-15-05
Originally uploaded by wailer2000.

Jennie had a long day yesterday. We waited a while at the hospital so they could monitor her contractions, heart rate, and other various statistics.

Her induced labor went well, especially after the epideral.

Everything is going well (feeding, sleeping, etc.) and Jennie is already bonding big-time with this one.

Welcome Luke Underwood!!!

Luke sleeps 12-15-05
Originally uploaded by wailer2000.

Luke Thomas Underwood

Born Thursday, December 15, 2005
3:44pm

8 pounds, 7 ounces

21 inches long

Mom and baby are doing great. Luke came out pretty fast, so he has some purple (bruise) on his face, but he's doing great!

Couple of Babes...

Jennie & Allie 12-11-05
Originally uploaded by wailer2000.

'Nuff said.

Picture Day

allie sittting
Originally uploaded by wailer2000.

Allie got all dressed up for picture day. On one of the first significant snow days here in central Ohio, Allie broke out the furry coat for the photos. Of course none of her actual photos turned out well, but this one did.

What a cutie.

Little Reader

allie reads 2
Originally uploaded by wailer2000.

Allie likes to read. Sometimes, she'll grab a book and go sit by her own and 'read' it.

It is amazing how she'll read a book, and then insert some of the words she actually does know how to say.

Like "ducky."

Like "cracker"

and, of course,

"Go Buckeyes!"

It's a Wonderful Life!

Underwood best..
Originally uploaded by wailer2000.

We just watched the Frank Capra Christmas classic last night on NBC.

But it really, truly, is a wonderful life. God has blessed me with an awesome wife, a beautiful daughter, and a wonderul son (below Allie) who will arrive this Thursday (or earlier).

Jennie and I can't wait to meet Luke. Allie still calls him "Glue."

This picture is from today's daycare Christmas program, where Allie got to "sing" with other kids her age. We had fun and got some great pics! More to come...

Roller-Coaster Narnia Day

The decision to take Fridays off (instead of Sunday or Monday) paid off well today. Jennie and I spent three hours in the hospital this morning (3AM-6AM), convinced that Jennie was going into labor and ready to bring Luke into the world...

Jennie was having lots of contractions, but Luke was still '"high" and she wasn't dilated but only 3 centimeters with no progress. I remember being this open about Allie details, to Jer's chagrin, but here I go again...

We had planned to have an extended "date-day" today, spending time doing Christmas shopping, going to a movie, and probably eating somewhere cool.

Anyhow, after being at the hospital so long in the middle of the night, we were plain zonked (tired). So we got home, took Allie to daycare, and slept for four hours. We woke up, had a great burger at Fuddrucker's, and then went to see Narnia on opening day.

Narnia - the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe - a disney-produced rendition of C.S. Lewis' literary classic. The movie was excellent, and the action, drama, and special effects were better than I thought they'd be. Without giving an extended review, I'll just tell you this movie is well worth seeing. 3.5 stars.

The kids and voices in this movie did a terrific job.

Before seeing this, I kept comparing Narnia to The Lord of the Rings. Borh are fantasies, both involve strange creatures, and both have similar effects and graphics. But we must remember where these movies came from. The Lord of the Rings trilogy, written by J.R.R. Tolkien, is an extended mythology written for adult fantasy readers in England. Most copies of the trilogy together consist of over 1,000 pages. The Narnia movie is based on C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia - but only book one of the seven in the series. Book one, The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, is often about 150 pages, and written as an allegory - a story that is an extended metaphor or symbol for something else. The book is written for kids, but has much appeal with adults. I feel the same about the movie.

Narnia is a great movie for kids (especially ages 7-12), but will have much appeal for adults.

The Lord of the Rings is probably the opposite. A fantasy movie for adults, but has much appeal for kids.

All that to say I liked Narnia and will probably rent it when it comes out to see it again. Let me know your thoughts on this one, as I know many of you will see it - if you haven't already...