The Hobbs Family News

Welcome, Ellie!

2010-12-25T19:57:00.013-05:00

Eleanor Rose Hobbs
"Ellie"
September 11, 2010 at 3:04 am
8 lbs., 2 oz., 21.25" long

I can't believe that it's taken over three months to announce Ellie's arrival on the blog, but I guess that just as the website once replaced real photos and phone calls, and the blog once replaced the website... Facebook has now usurped the blog. Ever-evolving. We like things quick and easy, right?

So it's a few months late, but I just can't make a Christmas post and overlook the biggest event of the year for us. I hope to bring Christmas photos to you soon, but in the meantime, here's the birth story:

We had been on edge for a month, since Bridger was a month early and the doctor told me it could be any day... for almost three weeks. Mainly, I was having tons of contractions and had about six nights when they got into strong, frequent, regular patterns for hours on end. If it were my first pregnancy I would have been in and out of the ER all those nights for false labor, but this being the third time, I just wasn't convinced it was the real deal and went to sleep, figuring I'd wake up if I needed to.

Finally Mom couldn't stand the suspense and arrived. After a few days of learning the routine, it was Friday and there were lots of strong contractions but still no baby. We were considering induction on Monday. I started jumping up and down about 20 times in a row when nobody was looking. Brooke had a "Fun Run" fundraiser at school, so we all went to cheer her on in the heat. That night after dinner, we walked to and home from Scoops, the new ice cream store (I had coconut). Kids went to bed, contractions kept coming.

By around 11:00 they were stong enough to really get my attention, but I still wasn't sure. We arrived at the hospital shortly after midnight. I was checked around 1 and was already 6 cm dilated! I saw no reason to go through the experience I'd had first time around, got the epidural, and our sweet baby arrived after 2 pushes at 3:04 am! Easy peasy lemon squeezy! It was fun and made for 3 fast, esy deliveries for me (thank you, God!). When Dr. Garcia held her up to Brad for him to announce whether we have a boy or girl, he was actually speechless for a moment! I'd suspected the whole time I had another daughter, despite the wives tales predicting a boy (baby's size, heartrate, and carrying very low). How'd I know? The pregnancy just felt like Brooke's, especially with the same endorphin rush I got from sugar.

She is such a sweet, calm baby. One precious moment was right after she was born, I laid my hand on her tummy to give her skin-to-skin contact right away and talked to her and she immediately calmed. During the first two months I only heard her cry a few times; she'd squawk when she was hungry or tired, but no crying!

The big kids are fantastic with Ellie and fight over who sits next to her in the minivan. The cuddle, coo, and sing to her. Whenever I pick Bridger up from preschool, Bridger squeals, "Elllllliiieee!!!" and runs to kiss her. When Gran told him she was a girl, though, his response was, "No. A boy. I wanted a boy." I think his misunderstood when so many people asked him which he wanted... he thought he could pick! I didn't hear any more about it until this past week when he remembered that he had picked a boy and was confused (and a little sulky) because "Brooke got to pick." I tried to explain that God picks and Brooke just wanted a girl and happened to have a lucky guess. Both kids want lots more babies, which is fine by me... start working on Daddy!

We SO appreciate all of the visits, thoughts, cards, meals, gifts, and well-wishes. Mom, Dad, Pat, and Katie and her family have blessed us through visits. Scott and Nancy were a tremendous help watching the older kids, especially toward the end of the pregnancy and in those first few weeks. They also came to our rescue when I was sick in October, and again when Bridger was ill this month. Nancy Messano was on call for the labor night shift for weeks and spent the night with the older kids whe Ellie arrived, so that grandparents could go to the hospital with us. My good friends Kristin Kelley and Allison Malemezian have been especially good to me, hosting a welcome baby shower and being on call to help out with rides and play dates for Bridger. Karen Snell organized meals. Brad has been super-Dad through it all, helping in whatever ways he can.

Here are some highlights from the Dickses' visit:

It's been a rich few months. Tiring (exhausting, really), but so rewarding. I'm so happy that she's here. We always hoped that we'd have at least two kids, and I wanted a minimum of three. Maybe I'm extra grateful this time around because I wondered for so long if I'd even have a third baby. Watching our cousins lose 2 precious baby boys to SMA has shot my appreciation of our babies through the roof; I think of Jacobsen and Hodges every day and am a better mom because of them. I trust that God has beautiful plans for both our family and theirs. My heart breaks for the pain the Manrosses have experienced, yet I'm grateful that He is trustworthy to provide each of us strength, grace, peace, hope, and love -- even in the midst of sorrow and no matter what may come. Their story isn't over; I'm hopeful for their family and their future. In the meantime, I pray for them and love my children more and better because of them.

May we each take advantage of every day, prayerfully asking God to show us to what we are called, walking humbly in His Spirit.

Crazy? Our FL Trip!

2010-05-19T20:49:00.012-04:00

Last week, Brad and I decided to take a last-minute trip. To Florida. Camping -- with the kids! Why? To view a two-minute event that could very likely not even take place, of course!

As you probably know, NASA is retiring the space shuttles and the future of American launches is uncertain. Brad has frequented Cocoa Beach for 18 months now on business. On several trips, he's missed viewing a shuttle launch due to rescheduling. We've been hoping for some time that we could combine a family vacation with one of his trips and happen to catch a launch. The time drew near and Brad couldn't honestly justify the trip with his work schedule. The two final shuttle launches are scheduled for September and November... hello, baby. We knew it was most likely this one or none.

Should we go? Really? 9 hours of driving with 2 preschoolers, 2 days off from work, when I'm pregnant, not to mention the expense.... for a 2-minute event?

There wasn't too much room for debate in my mind. I was ready to go. Why? Was too much blood going to the baby and not my brain?

Why? It was pretty clear to me. Mostly because I want to be that kind of person. The kind who sees a worthwhile opportunity and goes for it. A woman who will choose a great memory over some discomfort and inconvenience. A mom who values family time and finds joy in a little adventure, despite a few obstacles. I want to be a yes-we-can woman. Thankfully, I'm also married to that kind of man! ;)

So we watched the launch schedule and the weather forecast, crossed our fingers, and on Wednesday decided it was a go to leave the following morning. Yes, we drove 22 hours in 4 days. So we didn't sleep so well during three nights of camping, but it was fun and also the smart choice in the wake of purchasing our new minivan (for which we are very grateful!). Yes, it was a lot of work and energy. But boy, it sure was fun! We did it as a team, carving great family memories that never would have happened had I chosen the easy way out.

The campsite was peaceful, on the edge of a pretty little canal, near a lake. We chose to view the launch from Cape Canaveral Beach, where we had a ball playing in the ocean and sand. What a great way to view the launch, spending a pleasant, breezy day on a sunny beach!

The shuttle launch was really neat to see and we could hear it miles away. Bridger cried afterward because he wanted to go up, too!

I savored a dinner of crab-stuffed flounder that night, finally getting my own taste of the fresh seafood of which I've envied Brad during his business trips. During that dinner, we filled the kids in on Saturday's plan: Disney World.

I had only been to Disney World once, when I was 4. When I was younger, I'd complained of this injustice when everyone else I knew (including my sisters) had gone at least several times. As a paying adult, though, I'd become much more content with the deprivation. Honestly, I'm not a huge Disney fan. I could take or leave Mickey Mouse (sorry, Nancy!). I don't hold much against it, really, other than having characters splashed all over anything that can be remotely marketed towards kids and scary, overly-intense moments inappropriate for little kids in nearly every movie. On the flip side, I'm not anti-Disney. As memory serves, I did really love their Robin Hood.

So when Brad pitched the idea of taking the kids for a day (after all, we'd be right there), I flinched a little at the price, appreciated that Bridger can still get in free for 4 more months, and trusted him that we'd all have a great time and the kids would really love it. And we did.

(Note Brooke's little head peeking over as she "drives"!)

The kids had never been to an amusement park before (I think we might be setting their standards a little high by starting with the big DW!). We started early after a good breakfast, rented a double stroller, stuck to our priority list and took many snack/water breaks, interspersing the day with air conditioned rides, shows, and restaurants. We were there 10 hours(!), with no naps, and everyone stayed happy the whole day. Success!

The kids' favorites were It's a Small World, the Swiss Family Robinson Tree House, the Jungle Cruise, and the one souvenir they each picked at the end of the day: spray bottles with battery-powered fans built in. Despite heavy crowds and sore feet, I really savored a fun day together as a family. It was a really special day.

Sunday morning, we broke camp, packed up, and made it home around dinnertime, a little road weary. It was a huge trip... and we did it!!! Pregnant, with little kids -- and had fun almost the whole time. A huge plus: Brad and I went the entire trip without getting snippy once. Now there's an accomplishment for you!

Happy summer! Let the good times roll!

Good tricks

2010-04-14T22:19:00.004-04:00

I've often heard that I need to record the cute stuff that the kids are saying and doing. Here it is!

Bridger loves showing off tricks. Many times a day, I hear "Idea, Mommy!" or "Look, Mommy, look. Good trick!" His favorite involves a tape measure with a friendly recoil. Over and over again he says, "Look at my good trick, Mommy!" (He presses the button; the tape recoils.) "Click!" (Cocks head.) "Isn't that cool?"

Lately, he simultaneously proved his dexterity and the worth of our childproof locks:

The same night, Brooke heard Bridger singing his ABCs and of course, wanted to show what a good job she could do, too. Brad half-jokingly said, "That's great, Brooke. Now do it backwards." She did! We had her do it a second time for the camera:

By the way, here are some of her recent cute 5-year old sayings:

"Meteor" accidentally became "meateater."

"How do you like Bridger's mush-mash?" (He had an applesauce mustache, which was pretty mushy.)

"You have to use lots of different foods to make oatmeal. That's why it's oatmeal." (I make fantastic "Mommy's Oats," by the way.)

Brooke and I had a two-hour pony bathing party, washing their "brains" and tails.

"The snake is asleep now, Mommy. It's nighturnal."

And although this may be TMI, Bridger's label for his you-know-what is his "tail."

2010-04-07T20:41:00.005-04:00

We just finished a wonderful visit with Mom (Gran), who was able to visit for five days. Unemployment has its perks, huh? The kids absolutely loved having her here. They continually asked her to read them stories and push them on the swings, to which she sweetly obliged.

Fun dying eggs at Nancy's house:

A neat highlight was their introduction to her flute last night. They were delighted and requested song after song. She played lots of kids songs and several hymns that they know and love (Beautiful Savior, Holy, Holy, Holy, Christ the Lord is Risen Today). Wild dancing and scooter riding quickly ensued.

When she started the hymns (which are lullabies around here), Bridger decided it was time for bed, got his lovies (Baba and Oof Oof), and made a bed on the carpet. He was quite disgusted when we told him he still had to go to his real bed.

Although these pictures are from last summer, it seems fitting to include them. Cousin Robyn was kind enough to introduce her bassoon to us. She played pretty music, but even more impressive, she made funny squeal-y sounds and blew up a glove on the end!

Last night we took the kids to their first Hibachi restaurant, which they loved. Even though Brooke was scared of the fire, she said it was her new favorite restaurant. Of course, the kiddie chopsticks (spring-loaded) with the pink umbrella was a bit hit. In another funny word mix-up, she called them "chapsticks!" Bridger decided his was an airplane. His didn't make it home, and Brooke's met their demise thanks to him this morning. I promised that if we go back we'll ask for another pink one.

Finally, this morning, we went to see my good friend and mentor from church, Alison Ibsen. Alison is a neat lady; she and I meet a couple times a month to talk, pray, and ride horses (although we're doing ground work this year due to my pregnancy). We had a great time introducing Mom and visiting with her horses, particularly Scotty, who is really an overgrown Labrador Retriever incognito. We groomed him and the kids even got to sit on him! Brooke seemed very comfortable up there. Bridger held very tightly onto Brooke!

Alas, the good visit had to end. Bye bye Gran:

Poor Bridger was very disappointed when he woke up from his nap: after playing in the back yard, he very excitedly yelled "I go find Gran!" and ran to the front yard to find her car, which was sadly heading north to KY. (Fortunately, I was able to console him with the promise of going to Grandmother's house down in MacDonough tomorrow! Let the grandparenting fun continue!)

He is Risen!

2010-04-04T21:40:00.006-04:00

Easter is my favorite holiday. The day of the resurrection is in my opinion the most important day of all human history up to this point. (I say that because the story isn't over yet!) I believe in the bodily resurrection of Christ. If it were not for that, everything I have based my life on would be foolish. Ridiculous. To be laughed at and pitied. If it were not for the resurrection, Jesus would be a liar or a lunatic, but certainly not Lord or even a good man or a good teacher (credit to C.S. Lewis for that sentiment). However, I have been convinced on intellectual, emotional, and personal levels that Jesus' resurrection is a historic fact that proves that everything He said and did was trustworthy and true, and thus worthy of being the Lord of my life. And so, Easter is the biggest celebration of the year in my heart.

BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) deserves a huge thank you for preparing the kids and me to celebrate Jesus' victory, through its in-depth study of John this year.

It was a neat day with the kids, too. They had a fun time at church and with family. We've dyed and hunted eggs, baked special foods, dressed up, and enjoyed the Easter story with the Resurrection eggs -- Brooke even told the story herself. Of course, lunch with family at Scott and Nancy's house was wonderful. Easter was extra special this year because Gran (Mom) is here for the celebration.

Here are a few pictures. Brooke's dress is one from Mom's generation.

Here's a cute series of shots that shows how animated Bridger is these days:

Brooke was an egg-gathering machine!

A (rare) quiet moment on the patio swing:

On a more somber note, we learned today that my Uncle Joe (Dad's brother) passed away this weekend. I am happy to think of him reunited with Mother Dot and Granddad. In a way it's a good touch on the day, thinking of the eternal life that is available to us through Jesus' redemption. There is hope and celebration. Where, O death, is your sting? I don't fear you any more.

Happy Easter, everyone. Much love to you.

Winter in Alpharetta

2010-03-27T14:10:00.013-04:00

I suppose that I've fallen into the Facebook trap that I've long criticized: Facebookers assume that the once something is posted on Facebook, it's "out" and the entire world knows about it. Gone are the days of (no, not telephone calls, not letters, but...) the mass email announcements. Have you noticed how years ago people sent emails out to everyone they knew, with news and often pictures just as a "here's where we are and what we're doing"? How many have you received one in the last year or two? Few or none, if you're like me. Mass electronic communication has gone the way of blogs and Facebook. Sadly, even I overlooked our blog, opting for the ease of Facebook in the last few months.

So, if there are any of our friends and family who happen to follow this and haven't heard yet, we're pregnant! Again! We're expecting our third bundle of joy in September, and don't plan to find out what it will be until we meet him or her face to face. I've been absolutely exhausted for a couple of months, but am now officially 14 weeks along and thus in my second trimester, so hopefully I'll be pulling out of my fog soon. I'm starting to show a bit and the kids are extremely excited! Brooke really wants a little sister; Bridger smiles and says, "Bridger big brother!" and "My baby come to my house!" Brooke has been sweet to ask me how tired I am and how my tummy feels, and if it's not a positive response, answers "Baaaabbbyyy!!!" with a knowing grin. We're excited, too, especially as we were hoping and planning for another one. Life will be very different in the fall, as Brooke will start kindergarten, Bridger will begin preschool (in the older MW 2's class, where Brooke began), and Brad and I will be outnumbered!

As a side note, my sister Amy is expecting twins -- a boy and a girl -- also due in September! I won't pity my fatigue too much, bearing in mind that she'll have three kids under the age of two in addition to working to full time. My hat is off to you!

Here are some catch up pictures to share from the last few weeks:

A few years ago I made two resolutions: Never to complain about aging or rain in Georgia. I was challenged on both with some aches and pains and all of this past year's flooding and "cold" weather, but I kept them! A good and unexpected outcome of this past year's crazy weather patterns was the prettiest snow that I've seen in my 10 winters here:

Watch out, Mommy!

Does anyone else see something wrong with this picture?

Or this one?

Proof of the aging, too! No complaints here!

Tunnel time!

And finally, proof that we're in good spirits around here. Go, Cats! (And yes, I know the logo is upside down, but it was either that or having it backwards to the visible side of the street....)

Remembering Hodges

2010-02-08T16:19:00.002-05:00

We said goodbye to Hodges Chip Manross in a beautiful memorial service this past Saturday. Highlights from the service were Dr. Carter's meaningful message of comfort and hope and a photograph of Hodges during his last week in the hospital, wearing his oxygen mask, looking in the camera and raising his tiny finger, which was his "light" while Ashley sang "This Little Light of Mine." I'll always think of him when I hear that song!

I thank God for his short little life and pray for their sweet family and they grieve, heal, and continue the journey of life. I am so proud of how intently they are looking to Jesus and His promises even in the midst of their sorrow.

Should anyone like to make a donation in his and his brother Jacobsen's memories, Rich and Ashley have requested that it be sent to:

SMA Kids Fund
c/o Kathryn J. Swoboda, MD
Pediatric Motor Disorders Research Program
University of Utah School of Medicine
30 North 1900 East
3R413A-SOM
Salt Lake City, UT 84132-2305.

Thanks to all my friends and family who have shown love and support to us during this difficult time. His life was not in vain and we will see him again.

Hodges

2010-01-31T14:55:00.001-05:00

I want to send out a status update on our cousins Rich and Ashley's baby with SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy), Hodges. He was in the hospital last week after catching a cold. He's had a feeding tube for a while and is now on a ventilator as well. They are now trying to make him comfortable and are waiting for his specialist to fly in to see and assess him (an extremely gracious offer), possibly Monday or Tuesday. He is 1 year and 2 months old.

My heart is very heavy and I am thinking of them continually. Anyone who would like to read more and check in on them can go to Ashley's blog.

Prayers would be much appreciated. Please pray for God to bring all of them direction, strength, comfort, and peace, to protect their faith, and also protect and guide Hodges' sweet sister Kensington, who is 3.

On a positive note, a treatment/cure for SMA is on the medical horizon -- some think within 5 years if resources are available to fund the research. The SMA Treatment Accerlation Act is being promoted in the current Congress. For anyone who is interested, an internet petition is available, as well as additional info (including help contacting representatives) for fighting SMA.

Thanks for your love and support. Praise to the sovereign and merciful God, in times of blessing and sorrow.

On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand.

Brooke is 5!!!

2010-01-12T20:32:00.006-05:00

(Hopefully more pictures will follow sometime this week. I'm experiencing some technical difficulties and the IT department is out of the office at the moment. Here's one from Thanksgiving to tide you over, though.)

The biggest birthday of the century (in the mind of a preschooler, anyway) finally came! I have been hearing about this birthday for months. Brooke became very concerned a few months ago when friends of hers started turning 5. I've heard how nearly every kid in her class is 5 already; seeing as her birthday only falls 4 months after the cut-off, I wonder if this is a matter of coincidence, lots of kids who were held back, or just a skewed preschool perspective.... Anyway, she is officially a member of the 5-club!

She wore her shiny pink Chinese outfit from Granddad to BSF this morning and changed into her ballet outfit for the party. We had a drop-off party with 11 kids, handled by 2 parents and 2 very good-natured grandparents (thanks, Scott and Nancy!). It was pretty simple to put together: cupcakes, juice boxes, balloons, and a few prizes for game winners. The kids loved a dancing session with piano music (from the iPod), tissue paper (a spontaneous idea after opening gifts), ballet instruction, and a prize for the best dancer (Brooke judged Grace to be the best).

A very funny moment was when a mom came in with a little dog who mingled with the kids for a while. They loved it! After a few minutes, I said to her, "I didn't know you had a dog." She looked at me like I was crazy -- it wasn't her dog! Nobody noticed it slip in, nor had we ever seen it before! Fortunately, it was nice and the owner came looking for it shortly. As Bridger says, oof oof!

The best part of all was seeing Brooke's hopes and dreams fulfilled. I gave her a lot of free reign on her party, asking what theme she wanted (ballet), which guests to invite (the usual six playgroup friends, Anna, Nicola, and a new best friend Chloe from church), what kind of cake (pink cupcakes decorated to look like ice cream cones), which games (pass the baby, hide and seek, and Rover, Rover, Where's Your Bone?). The roller coaster from Christmas was a fun addition and Brad did a great job organizing the line.

Our big gift to her was a birthday kit to use with her dolls and trains: signs, hats, plates, cups, napkins, goodie bags, cupcake liners, tweeters, etc., all stored in a purple and pink plastic box. She LOVES to have pretend birthday parties and now she can create elaborate events to her hearts' content and have a nice place to store it all. Maybe she'll be a party planner one day!

We appreciate the many wonderful gifts from family and friends. You all did a great job picking them out for her and I know she genuinely likes them. She's especially taken with her new American Girl doll, Felicity, from Scott and Nancy. Thanks for all of the gifts, phone calls, and other ways you have shown her love.

It's hard to believe we've had Baby Girl Hobbs for 5 precious years. What a privilege.

On the philosophical note, I know we have a limited window when dreams are so "easily" fulfilled. Older birthdays and Christmases don't always live up to the pure, innocent excitement of the younger years. It's really sweet to see my little girl growing up, full of wonder and joy. I cherish these times and thank God for all of His good gifts. It's amazing what joy some tissue paper and a batch of pink frosting will bring!

Christmas Day 2009

2009-12-25T21:08:00.010-05:00

Merry Christmas! If anyone didn't receive our Christmas "letter" (via email) and would like it, please email me for it.

We had a very loud, very exciting Christmas morning. Rest assured, Granddad, your grandchildren were not neglected! Santa Claus, Daddy, and Mommy made a great team. We are proud owners of scooters, a toddler roller coaster, new Bibles, a nice leather bag for Daddy, a fantastic SLR camera for Mommy and... a new canoe! We're looking forward to many Saturday morning adventures on the Chattahoochee and Big Creek. Thanks Scott and Nancy and David, too, for our gifts. It was fun having you here this morning.

The roller coaster!

(This isn't ours, but here's a representative shot of what a toddler roller coaster is!)

Scooters!

Bridger's beloved football (which added much excitement to the day -- HEADS UP, y'all!!!):

(Now might be a good time to mention that he threw a massive fit the night we returned from the Ford Christmas party because he had to leave Granddaddy's big football behind. No, I didn't run out and buy one... it was already under the tree!)

And last, but not least... The canoe! Thanks, Daddy! What a surprise!

It was a wonderful, much less-stressed holiday season for us this year. We enjoyed seeing Santa, riding the Pink Pig, baking Christmas cookies and a birthday cake for Jesus, the Ford family Christmas party, Brooke's performance as a sheep in big church, shopping for charity donations, Christmas crafts, and many loud exclamations of "Christmas lights!!!" Bridger yelled "Jesus born!!!" a lot today, which gives me hope that as the kids mature, they will associate a deeper meaning beyond all of the presents. (Please, Lord!)

Me, I'm happy for a silent night now! Time to go play with my camera. (And feel smug that I'm the first of the sisters with a Christmas Day post. Hey, I've got to enjoy any small victory after such a blog-neglected year....)

Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-07T22:58:00.007-05:00

We've gone from Easter to Halloween with a whirlwind of life and activity in between! Our theme for last season was "Celebrate Summer," which we did so mightily that we lived instead of blogged. It was fun. Here are the annual Hobbs Halloween family costumes and pumpkin! I rediscovered a love for Mary Poppins this year (as the kids were introduced to her) and we had fun recreating the characters. Introducing... Mary Poppins with Miss Jane and Master Michael Banks! (Brad was going to be Bert, but was ill that night. Too many tea parties with blokes on the ceiling, I'd say.) And of course, the corresponding Popkin: Bridger quickly figured out how to beg for candy: The costumes mostly came from thrift and craft stores, although Brooke's dress was one of Mom's when she was a girl. (I remember wearing it, too.) We went to Central Baptist's Halloween carnival on Friday night, where we won the prize for the best family costumes. I had several children come up to me thinking I was the real Mary Poppins! One little girl said she saw me on TV. I smiled and said, "Oh, I loved being on TV! It was so much fun!" One of the best moments was when Brooke came around a corner and saw me dressed for the first time. She jumped, stopped, and then looked for a few moments, and finally said, "You startled me!" Even though she had seen me mostly dressed a moment ago, the full picture took her off guard and she thought I was really Mary for a moment. Magic!

It was fun celebrating in Kentucky for a change. (I'd love to write more on that, but I need to go to bed!) Cousin Elizabeth was very cute as Tinkerbell. You can see the effects of the excitement and candy on the kids:

It may have worked in our favor for Brad to have been sick this year. Brooke's solution is that we can all be the same characters next year so that Bert can wear his costume! Especially since that saves me a ton of work and we'll probably be back here among friends who missed the Kentucky fun... that works for me!!! Quite right -- practically perfect in every way! :)

Happy Easter!

2009-04-14T21:33:00.007-04:00

I've decided that Easter is my favorite holiday because of the significance of the resurrection. Without it, I and everyone else who trusted Jesus as Lord would be fools. Because Jesus rose from the dead, he is the Christ, my Savior. If he had just been another good teacher or prophet, I could pick and choose what I want to believe about Him. He'd be another good man with good ideas, but with no power to actually save me from God's penalty for sin. Because of His victory over death, I know that He is worthy of my worship and a life fully surrendered to Him.

So, I was very excited about celebrating Easter this year! It's sweet to see Brooke understand more and more every year. And yes, it was fun to have Easter baskets, hunt for eggs, and gussy up the kids! We had a wonderful afternoon at Mama and Papa Ford's house.

Brooke's dress is one of Gran's old dresses from her childhood. Or maybe an aunt's? I'm sure someone can identify it! Gran also supplied Bridger's Easter outfit. I was disappointed to find on Easter morning that he had outgrown his saddle shoes. (And no, I won't dress him up so "sweetly" when he's older, but I will enjoy my little cherub now!) They were absolutely precious together and I'm so grateful to be their mom.

Time for a new post

2009-03-17T21:33:00.006-04:00

Funny how every now and then I'll be checking blogs, and then will check ours. I'm secretly hoping that somehow the Blog Fairy will have posted and amazing update, complete with gorgeous photos and dripping with wit. Hasn't happened yet. (Confession time: I also harbor the idea that my keys should always be on the hook, even if that's not the last place that I left them, just because I've seen them there so many times. And, even though we've lived in our house over 5 years, I still have a wonderful recurring dream that I'll find a new door, open it, and discover a full daylight basement....) So, yes, I've just been living in denial for 3 months that our last blog post was of Christmas Day. I've taken very few pictures of the kids the last few months. I have a dying camera battery that will only stay charged for a few shots at a time, and, we've been too busy stimulating the economy, spending lots of money (and time) dealing with house projects lately. More on that later...

Here are a few pictures, though. Enjoy!

Brooke had a wonderful train birthday party (her first drop-off party) with a James cake. She still loves showing everyone her 4 fingers to show her age.

Brooke loves tents! She received one for her birthday, which she quickly named her "tabernacle," thanks to BSF and our Life of Moses study! She slept in it every night, on top of her bed, until it was replaced by Uncle David's Thomas tent from Christmas. (Now the rule is that she can sleep in her Thomas tent if she hasn't had any time-outs that day.) The tabernacle is a great place for a tea party with her big girl tea set, which was her birthday present from us. Bet you didn't know that the train Diesel likes peppermint tea!

Bridger loves balloons. In fact, he woke up crying in the middle of the night last week and I went in to check on him. I picked him up and asked him what was wrong. The reply? "Boon! Boon!" For the record, kid, I do NOT appreciate being dragged out of bed at 3 in the morning to hear a request for a balloon! (And no, he didn't get it. Mean old mommy, not letting him sleep with a choking hazard!)

Check out Bridger's "Balloon Game." This is the mild version! Fortunately, it's not always directed at Brooke. He just loves to swing balloons as violently as he can. Maybe Elizabeth can teach him the calmer game from the Waggener sisters' childhoods during our visit next week.

Christmas Day 2008

2008-12-25T21:25:00.011-05:00

Merry Christmas! What a wonderful, magical day! Christmas with an almost-4-year-old and 15-month-old is a special, sweet time. We were blessed with a happy, peaceful day at home. Scott, Nancy, and David stopped by for brunch and more presents! We’re all feeling rather spoiled! Thanks for all of the great gifts, everyone!

Opening presents with Daddy (note the matching jammies from Aunt Amy -- too cute!)

Our kids must have been very good, because Santa sure did right by them. He brought Brooke the four things on her list: a bike, a tennis racket, and Jack and Alfie (two Thomas the Tank Engine characters). Bridger got a 4-wheeler riding toy, a T-ball set, and the classic Fisher Price garage from when we were kids. He knew just what to do with them all, too!

Santa came!

So who remembers this classic toy? An oldie but goodie!

Bridger tries on Brad's new hat.

Here's a video of "the Best Present of All!!!" (so-called by Brooke... score for Uncle David)!

The only time we left the house was for a swinging and bike-riding break!
Our tough little guy (Note the warm weather! No white Christmas in Atlanta!)

Livestrong, Brooke Armstrong!

One of the sweetest times of the day for me was our Christmas dinner tonight, just the 4 of us. We even used the fancy crystal. We sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and enjoyed the cake we had decorated for Him. I had asked Brooke what kind of cake she thought was Jesus’ favorite. I was going for chocolate or vanilla or strawberry or something like that… but I’d forgotten that a child doesn’t think in flavors (e.g., her favorite ice cream is “pink” ice cream – not “strawberry”). Her sweet 3-year-old mind went to the best cake ever for Jesus – a Thomas cake! So, a Thomas cake it was!

We had lots of fun decorating it yesterday and it was a good way to teach her that even in all the hustle and bustle of the season, Jesus is worth taking the time to make a birthday cake. (Okay, so we didn't get all of our wreaths hung this year, but Jesus had a cake!) I think I see another tradition forming... I wonder what Jesus’ favorite cake will be next year?
"Peep, peep, Jesus!"

Yesterday she asked me, “How will we get the cake to Jesus?” I explained that Jesus lives inside of us in our hearts, and when we eat the cake, he gets some, too. It worked for her! She told us tonight that Jesus was getting the cake inside of her. As we ate the cake, Brooke was in a very sweet, contemplative mood and was asking us lots of questions about God and Jesus. It was a precious time. I am honored to be married to a man with such wise, gentle answers to her sweet questions.

I feel so very blessed; the material goods are only the smallest beginning of all we've been given. God has done a great work in me and our family.

Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Fabulous Fall

2008-12-12T20:03:00.010-05:00

Even though we're all in the swing of the Christmas season, technically it is still fall until December 21, so I'm right on schedule for a much-needed Fall post! Our trip to Boyd's orchard in Kentucky was very fun! After all, what's better than wagon riding with cousin Elizabeth and playing in hundreds of pumpkins?

Thanks to our neighbor's oak tree, we were blessed with lots of very pretty leaves! Brooke was a good raker and pine cone gatherer, but her true talents shown in leaf compaction and wagon riding! Bridger enjoyed toddling around and sporting his Kentucky pride. I try to get the kids outside as much as I can when the weather cooperates. The most-requested activity is swinging "super high in the sky" and "super high for a baby!" All swing-pushers are extra-welcome to come visit! Thanksgiving was lots of fun. Brooke and Grandmother had made hats together for the occasion and everyone was a good sport. The food was very yummy and we were very thankful! And finally, check out Bridger's new favorite game! He'll go into the bathroom and turn the sink on himself.

Yes, he was fine from the little tumble at the end. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of the part where he leans over the edge of the counter -- feet dangling -- and sticks his face in the water, then looks up at himself in the mirror and laughs and laughs... and then repeats it all over again! I have to remember to close the door unless I'm up for changing a wriggly, soaking toddler who didn't want to stop his fun!

Happy Halloween from the Bear Family!

2008-11-01T13:06:00.010-04:00

For the past two years, we've all dressed up as a family for Halloween and I've carved a special jack-o-lantern. Looks like we have a tradition! The Bear family has officially adopted Goldilocks!

Papa Bear, Mama Bear, Baby Bear and Goldilocks went on a trick-or-treating walk together last night. Although Brad really wanted to be Goldilocks, Brooke convinced him that she'd make a much better blond-haired little girl. We bought a set of sponge curlers and even a clip-on hairpiece for the occasion. Tres chic! I even got to use the curlers for my costume, too! And I did get a new dress from Goodwill, too -- no, that was not in my closet! And yes, those are pillows under Brad's and my clothes.

Our Bear-o-lantern:

Happy Birthday, Baby!!!

2008-09-14T20:42:00.012-04:00

Yes! We made it!!! Hooray!!! Today is Bridger's first birthday. What a year!

Fortunately for the blog, his party was on Saturday, so we have birthday pictures ready to go.

We've reached a lot of milestones latetly. He took his first steps on August 6 and has steadily gained control over the last few weeks. In the last week he made THE shift -- walking now constitutes the majority of his transportation. He has progressed past the Frankenstein/zombie walk (arms outstretched in front) to the drunken sailor amble. Very cute!

We are also on Day #5 without bottles! AND, I quit pumping two weeks ago in anticipation of his birthday, our New York trip, and the busier school year schedule as a leader in BSF. What a relief to have that done with! (Forget you read that if it's TMI). On a good note, I've only had to buy one can of formula this year, having managed nicely on pumping and sample cans from the doctor. :) Bridger's one-year check-up is on Thursday and I anticipate him being cleared to make the switch to whole milk. He's also able to feed himself now -- not from a spoon, but entire diced meals of whatever we're eating. No more jars of baby food! Less stressful mealtimes! So we've officially entered the sweet spot -- when he's able to feed himself, walking, off of bottles, but thankfully still taking two naps a day, not squabbling with Brooke or into tantrums... yet. (We'll see how long it lasts!)

He has been very enamored with his birthday presents (and so has Brooke), especially the balloons that Brad bought. He'll grab onto several and walk around with them for a long time. He held one all through dinner after his party.

And, as a parting comparison shot, here are Brooke and Bridger, both at their first birthdays:

Lessons Learned from an Unexpected Detour

2008-07-14T14:28:00.013-04:00

Here's what I learned from getting laid off in December. I will ignore the popular basics (write a good resume and have pros review it, use recruiters, etc.) and will focus on new stuff, critical stuff, or lesser known stuff. Some of them we succeeded in doing, others only partially, and a few we failed at. Hopefully you will do better after reading this!

Before you get laid off:

1) Identify and live by SOLID FINANCIAL PRINCIPLES.

a. Get out of debt. End of sermon. Read Dave Ramsey's book The Total Money Makeover if you need a plan or more motivation.

b. Live on less than you earn and become a saver. If you have a nice salary now, there is no guarantee that you will get another well-paying job! End of sermon.

c. Save up an emergency fund – at least 3 months of expenses in a checking, savings or money market fund. See Dave Ramsey's book The Total Money Makeover for emergency fund guidelines.

d. Now add HEALTHCARE COVERAGE for 3 months to your emergency fund. This is easy to forget because most of us salaried employees don't write a check for it on a regular basis, and it is a major expense.

2) Prepare your Professional Network.

A lot of you engineers out there hate this one, and I fully understand. You don't want to be a schmoozer, you hate chit-chat and a lot of the relationship-maintaining stuff that you see the "suits" doing. But it's not sleazy, it's not hard, and it is immensely valuable.

Here's what networking means to me:

a. Remember every person you worked with at every company or school you attended.

b. Keep current contact information for these people.

c. Don't burn bridges.

That's all there is to it. You don't have to golf with people every weekend or do a lot of business lunches to maintain old friendships (although it certainly won't hurt).

Just REMEMBER people you have encountered, MAINTAIN a way to reach them when you need them, and INSURE that they will want to help you when you need help!

Here's how to build your network:

a. Write down everyone's name!

Before you leave your job, or immediately after getting "down-sized", take a sheet of paper and write down the name of every person at that company with whom you worked or communicated. Get up, walk around and look for people you missed. Scan the corporate address book for more names. Include clients, customers, partners, the guy who filled the vending machine, everybody. Don't get bogged down getting their contact info – initially just capture their names because YOU WILL FORGET THEM. My list from The Home Depot was written on a yellow legal pad, and filled 4 columns top-to-bottom, front-and-back.

It amazes me how quickly we forget. Are you young and in your first job? Trust me, get 3 or 4 jobs down the road and it will all get blurry.

b. Join the LinkedIn network at www.linkedin.com.

It's free and is just about the perfect networking tool. Probably the best feature is that everyone maintains their own contact information, which increases your odds of finding them 5 or 6 years from now when you are looking for a new job.

c. Make "Connections" on LinkedIn with all of those people on your list.

If they are not on LinkedIn, invite them to join.

No, I don't get any money from LinkedIn for promoting them. I did, however, land a great job because a recruiter FOUND me on LinkedIn.

3) Trust God to provide while times are good.

Remember that all good things come from Him and are His, not yours. Recognize that positive circumstances (like negative ones) are probably temporary. Expect hard times in the future. Then, when they happen you won't be surprised or disappointed.

Build your Faith (and fill your silos) when times are good to sustain you when times are not so good.

After the layoff:

1) Go to the unemployment office. Immediately.

a. I hate it, I really do. Going there makes me depressed every time, and is a real blow to the ego. But know this – THEY WILL NOT PAY YOU RETROACTIVELY for the weeks that pass before you drag yourself in there. Also, the money that you will be collecting comes from the employer who just screwed up your plans. Why not get every dollar from them that you are due? GO!

b. The maximum that you can collect (in Georgia) is $320/wk. If you make $50k or $500k/year, you are going to get $320/week. Plan accordingly.

c. If you saw the ordeal that George Costanza from Seinfeld went through at the unemployment office, don't worry. It isn't like that. They don't micro-manage you – in fact they will probably NEVER check up on you. You are supposed to keep records of who you apply for a job with, and do at least 2 a week. However, your chances of them ever auditing you are slim-to-none. And if they do, it's a cinch to pass it.

2) Kill the COBRA.

You've got to have healthcare coverage, but COBRA coverage will eat you alive. Unless you have a GUARANTEED job lined up, go first to the unemployment office, then to your computer and look up http://www.insweb.com/ to comparison shop for health insurance (I have not used insweb.com for health insurance, but did successfully get a great rate on our auto insurance there years ago).

Skip COBRA and get independent health insurance.

3) Work your network.

Remember all of that work you did setting up your network? Now is the time to reap the benefits! Here are some ways to use your network to find a job:

a. FIRST: Clearly define what job you want. Your friends won't be able to help you if you don't communicate clearly. Also, they will NOT spend a lot of time analyzing your wants/needs/skills/special abilities/experience. Would you, if the situation was reversed? Tell them "I want an I.T. Project Manager job, and I am PMP certified" or "I want to program in Java" or "I want a part-time evening shift while I finish school". Then your friends will gladly circulate the word around about you.

b. Method #1 - EMAIL-BLAST: After you have clearly defined job requirements, a cover letter, and a resume, then email-blast them to every person in your LinkedIn contacts and your email address books.

After you do this, clear your calendar. The responses I got kept me chasing leads for at least six weeks.

c. Method #2 – Find a friend where it counts: When you are chasing an opportunity at a particular company, you cannot just send them a resume and wait. Many times when you send a resume to a company via their websites, it goes to either 1) a black hole or 2) an enormous pile of resumes. There is no guarantee that anyone will even see it. So use LinkedIn's search engine to find friends, or friends-of-friends at the company you are trying to get into. I believe that LinkedIn can even find 3^rd level connections (friends-of-friends-of-friends). Get a friend to introduce you - make a friendly contact inside the company - and then your chances are far better of landing the job.

4) Don't count your chickens before they hatch.

So, I was laid off on Dec 31^st. Then:

a. By Jan 15^th one company said "We need you, and you are virtually the only candidate." Rumors of an impending acquisition caused a hiring freeze.

b. By Feb 28^th I had 4 companies who said "We want to hire you, just as soon as <insert an out-of-my-control reason here>" Never got an offer from any of them.

c. In March, 1 more company said "You're perfect for the job!" No offer.

d. Later in March, 2 companies called me into their offices for interviews. They both said "We love you! Unfortunately we don't have any positions available. Sorry."

e. Also in March another company said "You're great – we want to interview you." I persisted through seven first-interview attempts. The first reschedule was my fault – car trouble kept me from making it. After that, it was all them. No-shows, last minute reschedules, calls from the emergency room. I persevered. Six weeks later I finally get into the office and am told "Well, the job title isn't accurate and we are looking for a more junior candidate. You are overqualified".

f. In April the same company says "We really like you and your name keeps coming up in our meetings regarding new initiatives. There may be possibilities." Never heard from them again.

g. In May I interviewed seven times with the same company. Rejected with no reason given.

h. In June a hiring manager said "You are the one. Expect an offer from us." The same day they announced a re-org and hiring was frozen. No offer.

i. Also in June I interviewed with another company who said "We love you, want to hire you, buuuuut…we have got to wait until some deals close." This time, however, they did call back two weeks later and made me an offer! Thanks Innovative Architects! I don't think that they have closed the deals yet.

5) Even if the repo man is in the parking lot taking your car away, maintain an optimistic image to your interviewers.

They can smell desperation on a job candidate, and it can frighten them away. Pretend if you have to. I got lots of compliments on my "positive outlook" and "great ability to cope with adversity", when on the inside I was saying "Please please pleeeeeeeeeeeease give me this job!" Oh yeah – no whining to the interviewers either. Save that for your friends and family. 

Also, don't be lured into whining by the question "so how are you finding the job market?" My answer: "It's definitely harder than it used to be, but there seem to be lots of opportunities available if you can navigate around the hiring freezes."

(for the record, the repo man was not in the parking lot waiting for me. Our cars may be well-used but they ARE paid for!)

6) Work your contacts AGAIN.

So you worked all of your contacts and still no job. It's been a couple of months. DO IT AGAIN. Stay on your friends and family. Everyone gets lax, and unless challenged, they think they have done all they can. But this time they may remember something that they didn't before.

I bring this up because it is (sorta) how I finally got a job. The poor guys in my ChristianRunners Bible study had heard this same prayer request from me week after week for six months. One night this caused Kirk to remember another friend of his in the I.T. business named Pat. Kirk contacted Pat, who didn't have a position for me. But apparently Kirk had said nice things about me because Pat forwarded my resume to a friend of his named Scott, who hired me.

Brad –> Kirk –> Pat –> Scott

7) Find an outlet – preferably a physical one and one in which you can have some success.

I thank God for tennis, literally. Just last summer I started playing again and it was a lifesaver when I got laid off. Exercise really helps me cope with stress, and the small but steady victories I have had boosted my ego when the job hunt was discouraging. "No one may want to hire me, but I sure can beat A and B and C in tennis!" The male ego is a fragile thing.

Just don't let it distract you from your primary purpose: finding a job!

8) Give yourself a break.

The chances of someone returning a call, or setting up an interview, or responding to an email about an open position are just about nil after lunch on Friday afternoon (or so I told myself). The kids were also napping then, which was convenient. So every Friday afternoon I would head to the tennis courts for a 3 ½ hr workout with the ball machine to excise all of the frustrations of the week. Or play a video game, or go to a matinee movie (cheaper, plus no babysitter required), or something like that. My break time helped me stay sane.

9) Give yourself a treat.

Find the cheapest hamburger or ice cream in town, so that you can indulge with a clear conscience. Ice cream cones at McDonald's are only $0.99. 

---------------------------------------------

So as you can see, the most important things to help you out when you get laid-off need to happen BEFORE you get laid-off. I hope this will help you prepare!

Email me if you have any questions.

Brad

Keeping Cool in KY

2008-07-14T11:46:00.003-04:00

In June we traveled to Kentucky to visit family and host a wedding shower for a friend. It was really hot, but the kids kept cool by playing in the sprinkler!

New Blog You Should Try

2008-07-07T09:24:00.004-04:00

Alright, hold onto your seats for this new blog recommendation:

http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/

It is a hilarious blog that often hits really close to home. Pay attention, and you will start noticing references to it in the media...

Don't miss the Full List of Stuff White People Like.

Did I mention that it hits close to home?

For Example:
#1 Coffee
#9 Making you feel bad about not going outside
#19 Traveling
#27 Marathons (or running...)
#28 Not having a TV (or only 9 channels)
#37 Renovations
#51 Living by the Water
#61 Bicycles
#62 Knowing What’s Best for Poor People
#87 Outdoor Performance Clothes

And those are the only ones I am confessing to right now!

:)

P.S. More baby pictures coming...

Catch-up Post #2: Sleeping Children

2008-06-29T23:11:00.004-04:00

One night, Erin looked in on the kids. Brooke's blanket wasn't entirely covering her. So she moved it up...

...and discovered what the blanket was really being used for!

Bridger loves his jumper (well, he did until he learned to crawl). He especially loves how LOUD it is. It's *really* loud when he gets it rockin'.

One day, the jumper went strangely quiet...

And in his crib he only seems to feel comfortable when he just can't go any further. This is his typical sleeping position:

Our little explorer is already pushing his boundaries!

Catch Up Post #1: Family Camping Trip in May

2008-06-29T22:37:00.006-04:00

In May we were bold and took our 3 year-old and 8 month-old camping! Many questioned our sanity, but we persevered.

Bridger liked to just hang out...

Our campsite at Desoto Falls State Park, north of Dahlonega, GA in the wonderful mountains...

Brooke doing what Brooke loves to do!

Happy campers!

The scenery was beautiful...

The kids were ... energetic

I had lots of help all weekend. Have you ever taken a Pack N Play on a camping trip?

Grandmother and Granddaddy were in the neighborhood, and stopped by for lunch.

We will do a LOT more camping - once Bridger gets older!

(Specific) Prayers for Soldiers in Iraq

2008-06-26T09:33:00.003-04:00

If you want to pray more specifically for our men and women serving in Iraq, please visit the website below. It is specifically for the prayer requests of our church members/families who are serving in the military right now, and really humanizes the war effort. Thanks!

Fellowship Bible Church - Military Prayer Requests

Also, please remember to pray for Eric Maddox, who is "Mama Ford's" great-nephew. Eric is an Air Force helicopter pilot and has his own crew. He has been there one month and is not to return until sometime this fall.

More pictures coming soon, I promise!

So, what are the Hobbses doing these days?

2008-05-14T17:27:00.010-04:00

Well, you may be wondering what the Hobbses are doing these days...

Bridger is crawling all over creation, trying to eat things that he shouldn't, and groooooowing (he is up to 21 lbs now!) Also, as of this week, we have liftoff! The boy has gone vertical and is now pulling up.

Brooke loves to tell Bridger what NOT to do ("No Bwidger, No!") and loves to "read" by herself in her room.

Lest you think she is too bookish, she also enjoys running through the house screaming at the top of her lungs, occasionally with a pair of panties on her head. She is NOT an introvert.

I am still looking for FTE (full-time employment). In the meantime I have picked up some contract work with SupportSoft, which are two tough balls to juggle at the same time. In addition I have contracted Tennis Elbow, which means no more tennis - my primary stress-relief at this time. So Bagheera and I just chill out by the fireplace a lot.

Erin just tries to keep the three of us happy, and has picked up some modeling business at the local used-car dealership to help us make ends meet.

So, where have we been? I have a very good reason for not posting more frequently on our blog - my cellphone made me do it! Seriously, I am a listmaker. If a task is not on my list then it doesn't get done. And I put "Update the blog" on my list TWICE, and set it recur each week. But when I synced my phone to my PC it mysteriously deleted random tasks - including this one. So I forgot about it. It's the truth. However, I am about done with that phone, and have re-added it to my tasklist, so you should see more posts coming from us. If not, then it's Erin's fault...

Weekend at the Grandparents

2008-04-15T11:31:00.005-04:00

After a series of visits to Atlanta by the Waggener & Dicks clans, the Hobbs grandparents were ready for a weekend with the grandkids too (Erin and I were even more ready!). So off Brooke and Bridger went to McDonough, GA.

Erin and I had a great break, but Brooke didn't want to come home! After seeing the following pictures, we understand why...

Bridger and the Flamingos

2008-04-07T12:29:00.002-04:00

Bridger enjoying the flamingos at the Atlanta Zoo (March 20, 2008)

Public Service Announcment

2008-03-28T09:09:00.006-04:00

As you all know, I am not one to circulate emails warning of impending doom or sick children who need your help. However, I DO need you to visit this site and take this very short and entertaining AWARENESS TEST!

http://www.dothetest.co.uk/

Make sure to stay with it to the very, very very end and you will understand why I want you to take it.

Thanks!

And as a reward here's a picture for you...

"It Otay Bwidger, It Otay!"

2008-03-27T13:48:00.009-04:00

Just another lunchtime at the Hobbs's house...

Where is Jesus?

2008-02-14T13:11:00.004-05:00

Last night while Brooke and I were praying, Brooke said she wanted to go see Jesus and asked where he is. I told him that He's here with us but we just can't see Him. He's like the wind -- He's real, but you just can't see Him. He's invisible.

Brooke's response: "I want to go to Visible."

Apparently Jesus is in Visible. :)

Snow Tubing!

2008-02-09T15:21:00.000-05:00

Last saturday we headed off to Scaly Mountain, NC for a little Snow Tubing!

What is snow tubing you ask?

Inner tubes + a ski slope + big mounds of manmade snow = snow tubing!

I took Brooke up first, and together we came down the bunny slope. At the bottom she promptly said "I want to go by myself". But Mommy wanted a turn too. So Mommy and Brooke went.

At the bottom she immediately repeated "I want to go by myself!" Now, the bunny slope isn't terrifying, but it is 150+ yards long and pretty fast. The first time I stood at the top I had a few mild butterflys. So I was mighty impressed that this little *3* year old wanted to go by herself so quickly. And she did!

And she never rode with Mommy or Daddy again that day....

Here's a video of her going solo. By this time it had gotten pretty warm, and the run had gotten slow. She rode at least 10 times.

This was *my* job all day. Haul her up the hill, help her slide down, walk back down the hill, repeat.

There was an *awesome* slope for the adults too! You had to be 42" tall to go, so Brooke just had to watch. Here is Erin conquering the downhill...

All smiles...

And me...

And another video...

Brooke loved to meet us at the finish line - so that she could go again!

Better Late than Never!

2008-01-30T11:17:00.001-05:00

Here are some belated Christmas pictures I wanted to share...

We visited a country church that was having a Bethlehem village exhibit one cold night, and it was a lot of fun. Yes, that is Bridger in the basket!

(click the picture for a larger view)

We made it to the mall to see Santa just in time (on Dec 23rd, I believe). Santa had his hands full, and the photographer elf did her best, but getting them both to look the same direction at the same time and smile was tough.

(click the picture for a larger view)

And finally, Brooke's preschool acted out the Christmas story and staged the Nativity scene. She is an angel (of course). Look just to the right of center. Next year she wants to be a wise man so that she can wear a bathrobe!

(click the picture for a larger view)

Sad news

2008-01-15T15:26:00.000-05:00

Ashley's baby Jacobsen went to be with Jesus early Monday morning. He had Type I SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy), a genetic condition caused by both parents being carriers of a rare recessive gene. He was exactly four months old. While I am happy for him -- for all of the suffering he has been spared and how he has been given abundant life, free from death and all pain -- I am so tremendously sad for the immense loss felt by Rich, Ashley, our family and all of those who have been touched by his short life. The last week was especially rough, with lots of scary episodes and long days in the hospital. Many, many tears have been shed.

Services will be Thursday night. You can read his obituary here: http://www.legacy.com/atlanta/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=101324058

Thank you for all of your prayers and concern, which have not been in vain. Though we may never fully see why God allowed such pain to come to this sweet, young family (Ashley is only 24), we know that He is sovereign and good. As sad as we are, this will ultimately bring the most glory to God.

Praise to the Lord that there is more than this life! He has been healed, though not in the way for which we prayed. Jacobsen's life is not over and it was not in vain. We will see that precious boy again... and next time, for all eternity.

Please continue to pray for:

the Holy Spirit to comfort and heal our family.
the direction and growth of this precious young family.
that God will use this event to reach those who don't truly know Jesus as their Savior and Lord -- and that more people will join us in heaven because of Jacobsen's short life.

I am reminded of what Colts' football coach Tony Dungy said after his son's death:

“If God had talked to me before James’ death and said his death would have helped all these people, it would have saved them and healed their sins, but I would have to take your son, I would have said no, I can’t do that.

“But God had the same choice 2,000 years ago with His Son, Jesus Christ, and it paved the way for you and me to have eternal life. That’s the benefit I got, that’s the benefit James got and that’s the benefit you can get if you accept Jesus into your heart today as your Savior.”

Rich and Ashley have chosen their church's recreation ministry to receive donations in Jacobsen's honor because of the eternal impact it is making in bringing children to know Jesus. I'll paraphrase Ashley's mom, Susan: "What ultimate good would it do to cure a disease and still lose someone for all eternity?"

Please don't misunderstand. SMA is a horrible disease and we need to continue to seek for a treatment and a cure. When it's all said and done, though, the death rate on this planet is 100%, whether it comes when we're 4 months old or 104. What comes after our very short lives in eternity is more important than however many days we were given. In honor of Jacobsen, please consider carefully what you know of Jesus and his atoning death for you. If anyone would like to continue this discussion, please email me.

Donations can be made in memory of William Jacobsen Manross to:
Salem Baptist Church Recreation Ministry
Salem Baptist Church
1724 Hwy 155 North
McDonough, GA 30252

Thanksgiving

2007-11-27T21:47:00.000-05:00

Monday night was dramatic. I woke up around 1:30 to a strange sounding cough. I went in to Bridger's room to feed him and could tell that he had become very congested. Within a minute it registered how bad it was; his breathing was extremely labored and his cough, though bad, was very weak because he wasn't able to take in enough air to put any real force behind it. With every breath he was gulping air and making a horrible sound in his throat known as stridor. Yup -- the croup had hit. I remembered a nurse warning me when Brooke had croup that if a baby develops that stridor sound it needs to be taken to the ER right away, so off we all went to the closest hospital.

After breathing treatments of two medications, his airways cleared enough for him to doze off. Our dear friend Leslie came to get Brooke from the ER at 3:00. Bridger was transferred in an ambulance to the children's hospital while I drove behind. He was monitored there until 7:00 this morning when we were released.
He's been much better since we came home and we had a great night last night. I have him set up in the corner of our room by our bed, next to a humidifier and a Vicks vapor nightlight. Sleeping in his carseat keeps him upright and helps his congestion. Note the pink sleep sack leftover from Brooke's baby days. Of course there wasn't time to change him into something more manly, so everyone thought he was a girl last night. Maybe Santa can find him a blue one.... :)

It's a strange experience driving behind an ambulance in the middle of the night, knowing your baby is in there. It was dark and they had the lights on, so I was watching what was happening inside. Fortunately, they were all calm and I knew that everything was going okay. As I drove, I was praying for him. A few thoughts occured to me then and have been striking me since this all began. This has helped me appreciate how many blessings we have. I'd like to share a few.

I thank God for:
* His sovereignty in all things
* healthy children
* living in the age of modern medicine and a country with advanced technology
* living so close to a hospital and a specialty children's hospital
* grandparents who regularly keep Brooke so that she is not phased by spending nights away from home
* a reliable vehicle, clear roads and a full tank of gas
* competent doctors, nurses and EMTs
* medicine that worked
* insurance and money to pay the copays and premiums
* family willing to come in the middle of the night and take off from work if needed
* friends nearby who heard the phone ringing downstairs and came to get Brooke and watch her -- and even considered it an honor to be called
* being tracked down and reached at the hospital when Steve returned my call
* a babysitter who could watch Brooke at Leslie's house yesterday morning while I tried to rest
* the exact amount of money in my pocket to pay the babysitter
* Bridger's milk in the fridge, ready to go
* good naps yesterday afternoon and an invitation back over to Leslie's house for dinner
* Brooke's extreme love of "Baby Grace" and her family
* a great night's sleep last night
* Brooke's preschool this morning
* that I don't have work and can focus on taking care of our kids
* the reminder that God's word promises me that I will not be tempted beyond what I can bear, so whatever comes my way, God will give me the grace and strength to endure.

Crazy as it seems, this experience has been a wonderful blessing because it has reminded me of God's faithfulness and provision. While I don't thank God that my baby is sick, I do thank Him that He is our good father who cares for and provides for all of our needs, no matter what happens.

Praying for Jacobsen

2007-11-08T14:00:00.000-05:00

We are praying for our baby cousin, Jacobsen, and ask that you please join with us. Jacobsen has just been diagnosed with a neuro-muscular disease, possibly spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a degenerative genetic condition that is life threatening. He was hospitalized Monday night and has undergone tests and monitoring. We are waiting for more information from DNA testing, which will take 7-10 days.

Personally, this rips my heart out. Jacobsen was born one day before Bridger. I know so well how much love I have for our seven-week old baby boy. The compassion that I feel for Jacobsen, his parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and all of the lives whom he has already touched takes me to the Lord on their behalf. As emotional and awful as this is, I know that God has a plan, and that even though this is part of it, it is still a good plan. We only have a small piece of the big picture. Even with that knowledge, though, a tremendous amount of pain and grief accompanies such news.

Please join us in praying:
For God to be glorified in every aspect of this situation.
For Jacobsen's healing.
For an accurate diagnosis and perfect plans of action and care.
That God's Holy Spirit will comfort and bring peace and understanding to all involved, and show us how to bless, encourage, and love one another.

In the face of news like this, there are so many questions. There are so many needs and hurts and desires. It seems there is so much to pray for.

Here is a verse God is putting on my heart:

"...the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:26-28

We'll keep you posted. Thanks for your prayers and support.

The Builders

2007-10-31T22:39:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween from the Builders!
Brooke loves the TV show "Bob the Builder" so much that the whole family dressed up as the two main characters, Bob and Wendy. Big Bob (Brad), Mommy Wendy (me), Little Wendy (Brooke) and Baby Bobby (Bridger) had a great time last night camping out in the front yard around a campfire, drinking apple cider, playing with friends and handing out candy. Brooke LOVES Halloween now and had the job of giving candy to the trick or treaters. Brad also took her to a few houses, where she very quickly caught on. She'd ring the doorbell, say "trick or treat" and "thank you" and even tried to rush into several houses! This girl was not bashful!

Here are a few pics from the evening. Don't miss Bobby's toolbelt and the earrings on the Wendies!
Little Wendy

Baby Bobby

Big Bob and Bobby

Brooke and her loot

Our Bob-o-lantern

No worries, man!

2007-10-17T19:29:00.000-04:00

While working on the Miata together, Brad taught Brooke a new phrase: "No worries, man!" This is what they say whenever there's a problem (like Brad's new amplifier not fitting under the seat as he had planned for eight weeks!). Brooke is his grease monkey buddy and has spent hours out there working with him this week.

On Monday she saw a firetruck at preschool and today she went to the pumpkin patch with her class -- very exciting! So much fun, in fact, that she burst into tears when she saw me arrive to pick her up! She cries almost every day when we drive away from school. I can't even tell her the night before school that she'll go the next day because she'll have a meltdown -- because she wants to go "right now"!!! Here's a picture of her ready for school today, wearing her pumpkin outfit that Grandmother gave her. She even keeps the hat on!

Fortunately, when she was so distraught that I had come to take her away from school, I was able to tell her that we were going to the park for a picnic with her friends, Grace and Garrett Russell (and their respective baby siblings, Daniel and Harper). They had a great time playing. Of course, all three toddlers had trouble focusing on eating and then had simultaneous meltdowns when it was time to leave.

Look at how long her hair is! (To answer the three most asked questions about her hair, no, it's never been cut, yes, those curls are completely natural and yes, I'm afraid that I might cut the curls off since they're all on the ends!)

Bridger didn't seem to mind, though. :) No worries, man!

Visiting grandparents

2007-10-06T13:43:00.000-04:00

We've enjoyed visits with Gran and Granddad lately! Mom was a huge blessing and was able to come stay with us for Bridger's first week at home. She cooked, cleaned, made play dough, went shopping for us, drove Brooke to preschool, gave baths, read stories, organized two and a half years of Brooke's clothes and our baby things and was a first class baby and toddler entertainer! (All that while recovering from gall bladder surgery!) What a Godsend!!!

Granddad came this weekend and stayed for a couple of nights. We enjoyed a relaxing visit playing with Brooke's dollhouse, watching football, walking to the antique fair in downtown Crabapple, gleaning insight on our Founding Fathers (thanks to Dad's current literary interest) and getting our facts straight on Daniel Boone folklore.

Unfortunately, Brooke's been under the weather with a bad cough, a fever, new molars coming in and growing pains in her legs. Poor girl!!! I'll probably take her to the doctor tomorrow. She's in remarkably good spirits, though, and had great fun playing piano with Granddad, showing him her sandbox, pretending to take a nap with him and covering him with her blankets. Bridger enjoyed napping with Granddad (no pretending there!), his first trip to a restaurant (Chinese) and his second visit to Bruster's ice cream shop. He slept through the outings, but I'm sure he enjoyed the food once it got to him!

Brooke has also had a great time staying with Grandmother and Granddaddy (Nancy and Scott) lately. They watched her the weekend Bridger was born and also last weekend. Here's a picture of Brooke on her tricycle at their house. (I'm really glad she can ride down there, because the hill on our driveway is completely unsuitable for riding toys.) She frequently spends weekends with them; Brooke absolutely loves staying there. I'm so glad that she'll grow up with those memories. It's great that she's so comfortable in her home away from home. I can tell that they really have a special bond. Thanks again, Scott and Nancy!

Bridger's Official Photo

2007-09-20T14:04:00.001-04:00

Here's a good picture of my little man, compliments of Northside Hospital.

If you'd like to buy a copy of this picture on a mug or button or something similar click here and use the code "101-B5155" in the "Guest View" box. However, the page doesn't seem to be working at the moment. Perhaps it will be fixed soon. Otherwise, just enjoy this copy of it.

Here are a few more to enjoy:

Bridger Pictures from the Hospital!

2007-09-19T17:38:00.000-04:00

Here are some pics from the hospital!

3 minutes old: Another tall skinny Hobbs!

I know it's fuzzy, but you can see his weight on the scale.

Happy Mommy!

("I'm so glad to not be pregnant anymore!")

That's my boy!

Happy (and surprised!) family

Welcome to the World, Bridger Scott Hobbs!!!

2007-09-17T08:19:00.000-04:00

In case you haven't heard, we have a new baby boy!

Bridger Scott Hobbs was born on Saturday afternoon (Sept 15) at 1:01pm. Mom and baby are doing fantastic, and are really making it look easy! So far we have been blessed with good naps, good feedings and few problems. It has been an absolute joy these last couple of days, which is a relief as on Friday things looked much more difficult. More on that story later...

Vitals
Weight: 7lbs 15ozs
Length: 21 inches
Gestation: 36 weeks, 2 days! (Yes, he showed up almost 4 weeks early!)
APGAR: 9 & 9!

I'm off to the hospital again to prepare to bring home Mom & Baby Bridger. Brooke will return home from her Grandparents' house this afternoon as well. Luckily Gran is here to help out. Keep us in your prayers this afternoon and tonight as we transistion to home.

Oh, and don't let me forget to tell you the story about everyone trying to get to the hospital. And the one about Brooke visiting the baby! And her armband! And the birth itself (Erin should have been a sprinter on the track team!) And my cousin who had her baby the previous day! And "Brooke's baby out!" Wow - so much to tell! And more pictures too! Check back late tonight for an update - I'll do my best.

The House that Brooke Built

2007-09-11T21:18:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Brad's inspiration from his new tool chest box, Brooke has a new house! It has been quite a family project and has provided lots of fun play lately. Daddy provided the vision and materials, Mommy was the architect (placing doors, windows and the roofline) and then Daddy jumped in again as our General Contractor and Interior Designer. He cut the windows and doors and taped the roof up. Of course, Brooke was the ever-ready Assistant, holding tape, pulling out cardboard shapes and banging on it with her toy hammer! She does a good job keeping it maintained, too, because she still works on it with her hammer and duct tape.

I came home the next day to find that Brad and Brooke had equipped it drawings of a kitchen (sink, fridge, microwave, counters -- the works), a bookshelf complete with all of Brooke's favorite titles, a bed (with a cat lying on it), doorknobs, a welcome mat and a street sign! At Brooke's prompting, I added pictures and labels of our Rocky, Bagheera, and Romeo, Brooke's stuffed dog "Cookie" (a birthday present from Aunt Amy), flowers, our names, pictures of the new baby, and... tape. Yes, she wanted me to draw a picture of tape! (What house is complete without tape?)

And, everyone knows that any house of ours will require lots and lots of paint! Brooke has spent many blissful painting sessions decked out in a smock with her paintbrush and palette in hand. She really likes it when I tie a bandanna around her head to keep the paint out of her hair. We have wonderful painting sessions in the kitchen and then fun baths afterwards. She has painted this house all over! She used up all of her paints and we had to go buy three big new bottles. All of the drawings were painted first, so they're hard to see. And yes, she had aptly illustrated that kids' paints mixed together make lots of dark purple! (The trick is to give only two colors at a time and have multiple layers if you want to see other colors!)

She takes after us: a natural DIY-er, ever-evolving results!

(Unpleasant) Milestone

2007-09-06T09:28:00.000-04:00

A few minutes ago I took something away from Brooke, and for the first time she ran crying to her room and shut the door! I suspect that this won't be the last time that happens. It's not a "happy" event, but I really enjoy seeing her growing up and learning new things. She is spending more time playing in her room lately, and is really starting to "own" it. She is in a dramatic intellectual growth period now. Her vocabulary and comprehension is just skyrocketing. It's not an exaggeration to say that she is picking up 5-10 words a day, which is keeping Erin and I on our toes.

Here's a happier picture of my buddy and me at the zoo in June...

Brooke's Office

2007-08-31T09:35:00.000-04:00

Here's a mini-post:

Just this morning Brooke set up a corner in my office for her to "work". She was playing with her toy laptop (and dancing to the music), but now she is reading her Bible! Life is really tough! :)

The Sourwood Inn

2007-08-30T10:55:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago Erin and I snuck away for a final getaway before Erin's doctor could impose a "no-travel" policy on us. Following a recommendation from our good friend Anne Marie we went to the Sourwood Inn in Asheville, NC. It was fantastic!

Situated just off the Blue Ridge Parkway on top of a mountain ridge, the views were spectacular and the natural mountain air-conditioning was a relief from Hotlanta.

No TVs, no internet, barely had cell-phone reception - ahhhhhhhhhh...

A big back porch was the typical evening gathering spot. Ideal for family get-togethers! (hint hint)

Beautiful dining room. We never used it, choosing instead...

...the outdoor patio. We ate all our meals here and it was wonderful!

Only 15 mins from downtown Asheville, the drive is spectacular! I would love to have a house here someday.

D-day

2007-08-28T21:20:00.000-04:00

We have some likely days for delivery! If I seem ready to go into labor, Dr. Garcia will induce on Friday, September 21st. If I look like I can hold out for a while longer, the backup induction date is Tuesday, October 2 (yes, Uncle Dave's birthday!). Of course, I could also go on my own sometime in between. As my original due date was October 9, hopefully we're still in the range of being able to control things in time for me to have an epidural this time around. (If not, I know to head south at the first signs of labor!)

Dr. Garcia seems optimistic that, given my history, she may be able to just have me prepped, break my water, and that the baby will come without much more prompting.

Of course, there's lots of room for the baby and my body to act otherwise, but that's the plan for now! Right now, the next big date on the calendar is September 19: the day I go in to see if I'm ready to be induced. That will determine what happens next.

I love my new OB and am so glad that I switched! I have been so thoroughly impressed with Dr. Garcia. She's a young, very peppy Indian lady with two kids of her own who has practiced obstetrics for 10 years. She seems incredibly competent and is so encouraging and approachable. She came very highly recommended and I'm looking forward to the possibility that she'll deliver our baby. She works in a rather large practice, so if it weren't for Brooke's fast labor (which is prompting the induction) I would be at the mercy of whoever happened to be on call when this baby decides to come (of course, that still may happen if he comes between Sept. 21 and Oct. 2). Hopefully, though, he'll cooperate with the doctor's schedule.

On a funny note, Dr. Garcia says she gets lots of hispanic women who request her because of her last name... and who then are very disappointed to learn she doesn't speak any Spanish!

Brooke Becomes a Do-It-Yourselfer

2007-08-22T11:25:00.000-04:00

We've had a few home improvement projects lately (to say the least). I'll post the results of some of those later. Brooke has picked up on this as well, and when she sees my camo work shorts (and usually an old orange work shirt from Home Depot) she points and says "Daddy work!"

And then one day she added "Brooke work!" and "Brooke help!" - very enthusiastically! And if we said "no" she would cry just as enthusiastically. She really wanted to help me work! She has turned into my little assistant, and challenges me to find ways for her to help.

So, if I'm going to have an assistant then she has to have skills! One night we had a little training session. I really needed these 4 scrap pieces of wood connected into a rough square, and it was Brooke's job to do it!

I believe that the heavy-duty Dewalt worksite radio behind us is playing "The Man on the Flying Trapeze!" Everyone (including Brooke) knows you have to have something to listen to while you work!

She learned how to hammer (mine was a little heavy so she used hers. Hint: predrill the nail hole!)

She learned how to drill holes and drive screws, using both with a screwdriver and a screwgun.

Then she had to sand it smooth...

And give it a coat of paint (water-based paint minus the paint!)

She was very pleased with her work!

She did a great job and was really into it. Not once did I have to drag her back to finish or keep her attention. I love my little helper! Do you think she is ready for a Miata engine-swap? :)

Alive and busy

2007-08-12T22:06:00.000-04:00

Yes, we're alive! Sorry for the hiatus, but we've been trying to do way too much and several things just had to give -- blog posts being one of them, for a while.

The last month has had some great highlights, including visits from Granddad and Granny Pat and another with Gran, Aunt Katie and Elizabeth. Brad and I also snuck away to Asheville last weekend for an early anniversary celebration and had a wonderful time. We're also still trying to wrap up house projects, including our master suite and window repairs. We're also gearing up for a huge garage sale this coming Saturday, not mention needing to make room for baby in the art studio (his temporary room until he's sleeping well through the night and will share the nursery with Brooke).

In the midst of all that we're trying to accomplish, the third trimester has really slowed me down. I'm back to needing naps every day (you know, sleep when the baby sleeps).
Standing up, bending over, and walking across a room all make my leg muscles burn and leave me breathless. So, for those of you who call, please stop sounding surprised if I'm of breath when I answer the phone. I get out of breath just sitting and lying down these days, so given our big house and the effort of locating one of our ever-wandering cordless phones, just expect that if I actually manage to pick up before the answering machine, I will sound like I've just run a marathon!

Brooke sailed pretty smoothly into her latest venture tonight: a night in her big girl bed! We decided to switch her directly to the twin bed in her room instead of fooling with multiple transitions. Brad replaced the boxspring with a board to lower the height and we have toddler rails for good measure. She's very excited and proud! I gave her the choice of the big bed or her crib, and she chose the bed. We had an extra-long story time lying on the bed tonight and put books on her nightstand for her to read in the morning. I expect that she'll be excited and wake up early tomorrow. We'll see how long she'll stay in her room in the morning! I may have a very early wake-up call....

I've heard that some kids don't realize that they can get out of the bed (e.g., Brooke's friend Grace, who has spent about six months of being lifted in and out of her toddler bed). Not Brooke! She is up and down in a flash, as I knew she would be. She did come out of her room once tonight, but we marched her right back to bed and told her she needed to stay there. She cried and I quickly offered to put her back in her crib (which she heartily refused). She seemed to get the message! She played for a little bit and fell asleep.

One great thing is that she has absolutely no concept of sleeping in our bed. She hasn't done that once since she was a newborn and I don't think that possibility will even occur to her, so I'm not anticipating any night visits. I'm just hoping that she'll continue her tradition of playing in bed or her room once she wakes up! Our worst case scenario with this is that it will wreak havoc with naptime.

I am, however, a bit nervous about nap times. Most afternoons she's down for a minimum of three hours, sometimes stretching to four and a half. (I know -- blessed am I among women!) She plays a good bit before and after she sleeps. We'll see what happens when she's not confined!

She has a big changes coming up in the next six weeks. She'll start preschool and get a new brother. We're still working on potty training, too. I wanted to try to clear this hurdle now before things really shake up around here (and before we need the for the new baby).

She's such a great sleeper; I'm hoping this venture will go smoothly. What I didn't expect was how proud I would feel tonight watching her sleep peacefully in her new bed. It's a milestone and I'm happy for her.

New furniture

2007-07-02T16:05:00.000-04:00

We're committed! After months of shopping, we've actually ordered new furniture. No, not from a garage sale or a scratch and dent store. No, not unfinished pieces that would take me a month to finish. No project pieces this time!!! We have, for the first time ever, shopped for exactly what we want and special ordered it. (We did, however, do some serious shopping around to get the best price once we settled on the line.) Yes, cheapskate Erin actually consented to springing for new stuff!

In two or three weeks, we should receive a king sized bed, two nightstands, a tall chest, dresser and mirror.

We're very excited. We chose the American Drew Edinboro line, which is beautiful, very well constructed furniture (dovetails joints, dustcovers, wood drawer slides, solid wood drawer sides, etc.). It has beautiful crotch mahogany veneers over hardwoods. And, lest you think these projects are winding down -- it's now time to shop for a king sized mattress (and bedding, curtains, a ceiling fan, bathroom fixtures, etc., etc., etc.)!

Also, after living in our guest room for five weeks, we finally moved back into our bedroom and boy, are we glad to be home! The guest room is very nice, don't get me wrong, but we had emptied the entire content of our master closet in there as well and thing were just too chaotic. We'll be very happy to have all of this wrapped up before the baby arrives! That's been the big motivation to do these projects this summer. Hey, the old roof can last us a little while longer.

Backyard Fun and (Threatening) Sun

2007-06-29T10:44:00.000-04:00

Ever since our trip to Myrtle Beach, one of Brooke's favorite things in the world is a baby pool. (It even ranks up there with Choo Choo [Thomas], Baby Choo Choo [the train at the zoo], babies [dolls], and Babies! [Brooke's friends]).

I've discovered some peace and quiet in our own backyard. Set up the baby pool and just add water (a.k.a., "juice," in Brookese). I'm working on this post in the backyard now, with the laptop on the picnic table watching Brooke pour water from cup to cup and wash her baby. Yesterday her friend Grace came over and the girls filled cups with "coffee" and played happily while I sat in the shade and read a magazine. This is a good thing, indeed!

Here's an example of how Brooke has mastered the "Cheese!"-y smile for the camera. The funny thing is, that half of the time she doesn't even bother to look at the camera when she smiles and says "Cheese." She also has started cheesing even when the camera isn't around. Sometimes -- particularly at the dinner table -- she'll throw her head back, start squealing and being silly. I usually take that as a clue that she wants to participate in the conversation more.

Unfortunately... we have an axe looming over our backyard shade. Last year we were informed that the power company was planning to remove about half of the trees on the hill in our backyard. We protested, nothing ever came of it, and that was that. Brad has met with them this week, though, and not only are they back, but they say they need to remove ALL of the trees on the hill. We are NOT happy, especially since most of them obviously pose no threat to the power lines. They say that a new law has been passed, though, that subjects them to large fines if they don't remove all trees over 15' tall within 50' of the middle of the lines -- which for us, means all of our trees all the way up to our back door. If anyone has any advice on how to save our trees (and our shade and privacy), please let us know!

Who would have thought?

2007-06-19T17:11:00.000-04:00

Wonders never cease! Being born to a family of three girls from a mother who is one of four girls, and only having a daughter and a niece born to our generation, the shocker of the year is that we are expecting a boy!!!

As many of you know, Brad and I had a LOT of discussion over whether or not to find out this time. When we were expecting Brooke, I wanted to know and he didn't. Apparently I did too good of a job convincing him last time because when I wanted to keep this one a suprise, he absolutely wanted to find out! In the end, I figured that if he wanted to know, he had the right to. So at the sonogram, I asked the doctor to write it down and fold it up. I gave him the folded-up paper for his birthday a few weeks ago, and amazingly, by his own choice, he even kept it safe and didn't look for weeks! It may have had something to do with my request to be in the room with him when he opened it....

Over those weeks, I realized that it would be a lot more fun for both of us if he wasn't trying to hide it from me and the world. I also didn't want to put him in the position of me being mad at him if he slipped to me or someone else. So Saturday night we were out on a date and opened the paper. Talk about suspense! It's like opening a fortune cookie that you know is TRUE and will determine a course for the rest of your life!

Even though I suspected it was a boy (from a few of the pregnancy factors), when we read "male" on the paper I was in absolute shock for the rest of the night! (Remember, boys are very rare in our family, as are mixed-gender siblings.)

We are keeping the name quiet until he arrives, though, so don't bother asking unless you want a very unsatisfactory answer. You know me -- I like to keep my options open!

Yay, Baby Brooke!!!

2007-06-13T09:42:00.001-04:00

Potty training is going extremely well! Miss Brooke has only been wearing panties and has kept them dry for FIVE days!!! My approach was making the switch quick and intense. No pull-ups for us. For the first two days everything in our house revolved around her learning to use the potty. Here's a picture of her "practicing" while watching a potty-themed video. Notice how even the little potty needs a step stool!

She's kept herself dry since Friday afternoon, and we've had lots of outings (including to the zoo, church, the lake, and lots of shopping and errand-running). She's consistently telling me when she has to pee, so I'm only prompting her before we leave the house. I'm so proud of her... and the fun part is seeing how proud she is of herself! She loves to say, "Yay, Baby Brooke!!!" (Even with all of the big-girl talk lately, she still wants to be a baby. Of course, all children under the age of 8 are babies in her language.) The jellybeans are a big incentive, too!

Speaking of babies, it's been cute to see Brooke helping her babies go potty. She loves to take off their clothes, help them walk up the step stools, go, wipe, and wash their hands. With her new step stool, she's tall enough now to give her baby a bath (a very fun and messy project!). The biggest problem with it is that our sink doesn't have a overflow drain, so I have to constantly monitor the water level. That, and she seems to want to wash the baby all of the time, especially when I want us to eat lunch or go somewhere!

I still put her in a diaper at night and for her nap. (She's still in a crib, which doesn't give her any other options if she has to go.) However, she's been keeping her diaper dry during most naps (a very sudden change) and even for a night or two.

(For those who don't want potty details, skip this paragraph.) We still have to clear the #2 hurdle, but I'm hoping that a few more days will help her figure that out. I've offered to put her back in a diaper so that she can do that business, but she doesn't want that, either. I'll give it a little more time and then come up with a strategy if it doesn't work itself out. I've read that it's pretty common for kids to master either one function or the other first. She's doing so well staying dry that I'm okay if this aspect takes a little longer. Fortunately it doesn't happen very often!

The part I didn't plan on is how much time this all takes! Brooke loves to go potty and wash her hands. She'll do it two or three times in a row sometimes. I need to adjust my schedule to allow for all of that. (It's starting to become a stalling technique, too, so I have to discourage that.)

On another note, we've done a lot of gardening this week. She loves digging with the trowel, finding worms, and pushing dirt back in the holes. She's also very good about making sure that all of the plants have "juice" (water). We've planted tomatoes and annual herbs, re-potted houseplants and outdoor flowers, and relocated some ferns. Yesterday we bought okra, squash, and grape tomatoes and will have another planting session today or tomorrow.

It's Potty Time!

2007-06-05T23:08:00.000-04:00

We had a wonderful weekend in Arkansas for Amy and Neal's beautiful wedding. We'll do a more detailed post on that great weekend soon.

As I've been promising Brooke, though, now that Amy is married, it's time to get her big girl panties! (I wasn't about to try to travel with a newly toilet trained toddler.) She's been waiting eagerly for about six weeks, ever since we bought an Elmo toilet seat insert at Wal-Mart. I haven't let her play with it one bit, promising that she'll be big enough to get it when she gets her big girl panties. We've talked about Elmo and her big girl panties nearly every day and she is very excited about both. (We'll see how excited she is about actually learning this skill tomorrow.)

Two nights ago we were at Lowe's and spied more seat inserts; I let her pick out a second one for her bathroom. (Katie will be proud to know that she wanted Bob the Builder over Dora and the other options!) Today we had a big shopping trip to Target and let her pick out new panties, step stools to reach the toilets and the sinks, special drinks for tomorrow, and fresh bottles of Lysol and carpet cleaner. (She really wanted Thomas the Tank Engine underwear, but they don't make those in girl panties. I was going to let her wear the boys' briefs because she loves Thomas so much, but they didn't have them in her size. All of you who think I might screw this kid up by starting her out in boy's underwear will breathe a sigh of relief, I'm sure. Fortunately, she was happy to have Curious George panties as a second-runner up! No Tinkerbell or Disney princesses for this girl!) We also checked out lots of potty books and a video from the library.

So tomorrow's the big day! Say a prayer for us! We're trying the get-it-over-and-done-with method, with lots of praise and treats for dry panties and productive visits to the potty. Hopefully she'll figure out that wet panties are no fun and will choose to keep them dry.

Her bear will also learn how to use the potty tomorrow, too. Hope he likes jellybeans!

Happy Birthday, Brad!

2007-05-24T22:00:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was Brad's 34th birthday, which makes him older than Jesus! (We won't say what that makes many of you out there!) Yes, sir, there are advantages to being the youngest sibling and marrying an older guy! Just think, your gift to me is helping me always feel young!

Kidding aside, Brad is a super special guy and we're very happy for the chance to celebrate him. He had a great day: his new smartphone arrived (a phone/pocket PC/camera combo), he got a sleek little new digital camera and lots of nice cards and well wishes, we enjoyed some good ribs and key lime pie, watched Lost's season finale... and other people were in our house doing "his" nasty job of smoothing our bedroom and bathroom ceilings! Thanks to everyone for your thoughtfulness in remembering him.

One of the biggest challenges of Brad's birthday was coping with Brooke's disappointment that it wasn't her birthday! All week long, when we were shopping for his presents, Brooke kept insisting that she should be shopping for her! But, it did help that we all got to wear party hats last night.

Yes, we actually hired painters, painful as it has been to us DIYers. All week three amigos have been smoothing ceilings, taking down our hideous 1991 wallpaper, patching, priming and painting. The contractors brought their own problems and reminded us why we usually do it ourselves. My experiences hiring various painters over this past year have taught me that my standards for quality work are much higher than a lot of professionals'. Tomorrow their supervisor is either coming himself or sending someone else to come finish the job properly. He stopped by tonight and agreed with us that the job has a lot of clean-up and touch-ups still left undone. So, hopefully the problems will at least be resolved soon. The good news is that the ugly wallpaper and ceiling popcorn is GONE!

I'm very glad that we're going through all of this mess and disruption now instead of after the second baby comes!

Here's the hideous before picture. I'll post pics of the rooms' progress when they're further along.

In the meantime, here are some of Brooke playing at the zoo's park on our last visit to tide you over.

IT'S A... !!!

2007-05-16T22:05:00.000-04:00

I had my first appointment with my new OB practice today and surprisingly, it turned out to be "The Big One" with the 20 week sonogram! I was very sorry that Brad couldn't be there, but it was nice that they rearranged their schedule for me. Apparently, now is the preferred time for that. I'm within a week of the official halfway point. The due date is still October 9, but we do suspect it will be earlier (more on that below).

The baby is doing great! (It's kicking as I write this.) I got to see it put its fingers in its mouth and pedal its legs a bit. As you can see, it struck a nice profile for us! (Hint: You can click on the picture to see a larger view.)

This baby is on the big side, measuring a week and a half ahead of schedule, which is quite a change from little Miss Brooke who was so small that we got extra sonograms. (Maybe I'm eating more ice cream this time around?) The doctor said that second babies are typically a little bit bigger. My weight gain (13.5 lbs.) is great.

I was very relieved that the doctor made a big note about how quickly Brooke came. Hopefully we'll be more prepared if we have another quick delivery (since second babies tend to come faster than the first) and we just might even have time for an epidural with this one! She said we'll probably look at scheduling an induction and do the same prep work that kicked off my last labor without the Pitocin (the induction drug) and see if that works again. That way my odds of delivering in a GA 400 gridlock would be greatly reduced. I was just glad to see that she took Brooke's lightning fast arrival very seriously and is planning accordingly.

Of course, the most exciting part of the midway sonogram is getting to find out the sex of the baby! Brad has wanted to find out, but I haven't this time (which is reversed from Brooke's pregnancy). So...

It's a baby!!! Hey, Brad wasn't there and we hadn't planned on the sonogram today; thus, we hadn't finalized the decision. I didn't find out. Sorry! I know you're all disappointed, but hey, that will just make the news of the arrival all the more exciting. The suspense will just have to continue to build!

That's okay with me. Forget wanting a boy or a girl. I just want a baby, which I'm sure this one is!

Beach Babe

2007-05-09T16:50:00.000-04:00

Yes, we're long overdue for a post. We've had a crazy month: I've been sick with colds (twice!), we were in KY for a week (thank you, Katie, for the great post on your blog where I was negligent), I completed a pen and ink portrait and then we were in Myrtle Beach for a week!

Our trip to the beach was fabulous in nearly every way. Brad was there on business and Brooke and I just tagged along. Of course, that meant that we didn't have the luxury of Brad's company for most of the week, but it was a very nice trip that we wouldn't have taken otherwise. We did pay for an upgrade to a condo from a hotel room, and after some problems at check-in, we were blessed with an even nicer one than we had reserved! It was a large, 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment with a full kitchen, washer and dryer, living room, and screened in breakfast patio overlooking a small lake that was only 20 feet away! In other words, it was heaven!

We were even visited by a nice family of ducks during breakfast a couple of mornings.

I LOVE going to the beach with a 2 year old!!! Brooke had a wonderful time playing in the baby pools and on the beach. Every morning we enjoyed both, came back for a bath, had lunch on the patio and then -- joy of joys -- Brooke took a three hour nap and gave me glorious down time when I didn't have to be cleaning!!! I indulged in Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" all week and discovered a new favorite book. I LOVE the new movie with Keira Knightly and was absolutely enthralled by the novel.

At night, we'd go out for dinner with Brad and go for a walk or short play session on the beach.

Brooke's favorite part of the week were the baby pools. We stayed at the big Hilton complex and so we had access to all of the amenities -- including four baby pools and a water park. Her new favorite phrases are "Splash babies!" and "Down!", describing a huge bucket at the top of the play structure in the water park that would fill every few minutes and splash down over everything with much fanfare.

This was her first time at a beach. She loved the sand, shells, and playing with her beach toys. She didn't like the ocean at all, though, and was even upset when we'd walk along the beach at night and her stroller wheels would get wet. She had no problem, though, sending Mommy and Daddy out to fill her buckets with water! On the fourth day, though, I did find a little tidal pool and she really enjoyed playing in the "baby pool" that the ocean had made! It's all in the terminology!

As you can see, she loved filling her buckets with sand:

She sported some Pippi-Longstocking-esque braids for the pool:

And she even stayed still enough to try her first french braids!

Here she is in her very stylish hat from Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville:

Thanks to my diligence with the SPF 50, there were no burns and even no tan lines on my fair-skinned self and baby! (I do actually have a nice tan, though, thanks to a bottle of self-tanner.)

So, a fun time was had by all! I'm all for Brad getting more work in Myrtle Beach. Thank you, Supportsoft!

Adventures in Myrtle Beach

2007-04-16T22:36:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone,

It has been an eventful week so far, and it is only Monday night!

Yesterday my flight from Lexington was delayed almost 2 hrs due to weather. As you may have noticed, it was also rather windy. The plane from Lexington to Atlanta is the smallest of commercial jets (the Embrasier 145). 1 seat on the left – then the aisle – then 2 seats on the right. Quite a small plane. Small jet + high winds = exciting takeoffs and landings! We bucked like a bronco up out of Lexington, then back down again into Atlanta. Fortunately my connecting flight to Myrtle Beach was running a bit late and I was able to make it. We had to walk outside from the plane to the terminal and nearly got blown away. Winds, some rain, and cold!

Hartsfield Terminal D was a madhouse due to all of the cancellations up north. Packed solid with people. Our departure gate was serving 4 outbound flights at the same time, and the PA system didn’t work. The Delta agent stood up in a chair and yelled “DELTA 6161 TO MYRTLE BEACH BOARDING NOW. FORGET ZONES – JUST GET ON THE PLANE!” Down the stairs and back outside onto the tarmac again – get blown away again – and up into the even smaller turboPROP plane. They were in a big hurry – “let’s go, let’s go!” And then we sat there. For about an hour. It was a bit tedious but not a horrible experience. Thank goodness for my video iPod.

We finally get airborne – bucking and bumping again. Note: Noise cancelling headphones work GREAT on a turboprop plane! Smooth flight – until we start descending into Myrtle Beach. The male flight attendant said over the intercom “buckle up – this could be exciting”. Just what you want to hear from the flight crew. The closest comparison to that descent that I can make is Space Mountain at Disney World. The plane rotates through all 3 axis’s at the same time. Some ladies were gripping their husbands arms, other people held the arms of the seats like a vise. Others of us laughed at the drops and twists to let off the tension. I put both hands over my head like a roller coaster and went “weeeeeeeee” and made the old lady next to me crack up. The flight attendant saw it and said over the intercom “Sometimes we are more fun than Disney World” and the plane IMMEDIATELY twisted and gyrated in response.

Bouncy descents are nothing new, but usually when you are with 50 ft of the ground it will smoooooooth out and settle onto the runway.

Not this flight.

We are 10 feet off the deck and it’s still twisting. GULP. The rear wheels touch down and the nose of the plane goes RIIIIIIGHT. The pilot did a great job and got all 3 sets of wheels on the ground and it is STILL trying to twist and sway. Not until we slowed down to something like 40MPH did it finally calm down.

After 2 bouncy take-offs and 2 bouncy landings my head was pretty woozy. But we got there safe and sound, and only an hour and a half late.

My buddy Duane – who logged 200,000 flight miles last year – said “That was the worst landing I can EVER remember!”

We got our rental cars and headed to the hotel. The wind was really trying to blow our cars off the road. I had plans to go for a beach run when I got to the hotel, but that was pointless. Probably would have gotten blown out to sea.

Staggered into the Hilton and checked in. Safe at last. Time to relax and get dinner. Get to bed early for the big day on Monday. Yeah right.

I’m in my room for 5 mins – just enough time to take off my coat and call Erin to say “I’m here”. Hung up the phone and “BEEEP-BEEEP-BEEEEP-ATTENTION-ATTENTION-THIS IS AN EMERGENCY-A FIRE HAS BEEN REPORTED IN THE BUILDING. EVACUATE DOWN THE NEAREST STAIRS IMMEDIATELY. BEEEP-BEEEP-BEEEEP”

Darn. Fire alarm. Grab the coat and computer bag, climb down the 10 flights of stairs and back out into the wind and now, cold. An hour later and the Horry County Fire Department has declared the building safe. The wind set off the fire alarm. Back up to the 10th floor. Finally order dinner. It’s going to be delayed because of the fire drill AND because the delivery boy got stuck in the elevator and is now AFRAID of the elevator, and doesn’t want to make his deliveries (they actually told me this). So much for an early evening.

Interesting note: The wind blew 2 feet of water out of the hotel pool.

Up early for the 30 min drive to the client, and am there at 7:30AM. My 8:15 presentation went great (had an audience of 30) and the afternoon presentation (a different one) did too. Thanks for the many prayers – they really helped!

Got back to the hotel after work and finally went for my beach run. The wind was better but still amazingly strong. Lots of people braved the stinging sand and were out for walks. Some (foolishly in my opinion) had their little kids out there too. I headed down the beach into the wind for 15 mins and wore myself out. Then turned around for the 15 min return expecting a tailwind and – what? How can there be a headwind this way too??? I returned to the hotel exhausted and (literally) windburned but gratified. It looks like I have a slight sunburn but I believe it is due to the wind and sand.

Got some dinner and headed to the local chapter of Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). A new friend named Ken said “I flew out last week and started to come back yesterday, but I was scared of flying in that wind so I waited until this afternoon to return.” Smart man.

Now to shower, iron a shirt, go to bed and do it all over again tomorrow. Thanks again for the prayers. There is less pressure the rest of this week, but still a lot of tough work to do.

Baby, it's cold outside!

2007-04-10T14:08:00.000-04:00

I thought I'd let everyone know how highly we think of all of the nice plants Dad and Pat have given us! For three nights, we lovingly put "babas" (blankets) on all of the blooming plants around our house. We've developed quite a collection of azaleas, hydrangeas, ferns, lilacs, hostas, etc., mostly thanks to Dad and Pat's generosity on their visits.

Brooke had a great time taking care of the plants like she does her babies, making sure that each one had a blanket and telling them "shoo shoo shoo" (her words for sleep). Even more fun was yelling "up!" -- telling them to wake up! As with all toddler's timing for pretend sleep, though, she wanted them to wake up right away. I had to convince her to let them sleep through the night and that we'd wake them up in the morning.

The best part for her was the last morning, when it was finally time to take all of the blankets in for good. I laid out a big dropcloth and piled blankets on top so that I could drag them into the garage. At first she had fun helping me pull, but quickly realized that riding with the blankets would be even better! She said "choo choo!" all the way and was sad when we pulled into the station. We're all looking forward to warmer nights ahead! Fortunately, today the weather really seems to have turned a corner and it's sunny and beautiful again.

On a related note, last night during bathtime, Brooke lined up all of her cups and shampoo bottles along the edge of the tub and said "choo choo!" and then moved them from one end to the other and back again. She'd apparently made a train!

Brooke's first camping trip

2007-04-10T13:16:00.000-04:00

How do you have a cheap night of family fun? Camping, of course!

Last Friday afternoon, Brad and I were looking for something fun and unusual to do as a family. I suggested camping! Brad was skeptical. Throw together a camping trip in less than an hour? (After we'd hosted an Easter party that morning, too!) Besides, it was darn cold outside. Oh, ye of little faith!

Braving the cold, wind, rain, and wild beasts, we set up camp in the family room! Brad pitched the tent and built a fire in the fireplace. We set up sleeping bags, sang camp songs, roasted marshmallows, and read "Curious George Goes Camping" by flashlight. It was lots of fun. When we first told Brooke that we were going camping, she held her nose -- she was referring to George getting sprayed by a skunk on his camping trip! I had to break the news to her that we wouldn't have skunks on our trip, although I know of three black cats who would have loved the tent!

Getting a two year old to sleep in a tent, however, was not quite so amusing. Brooke liked the idea so much that she didn't want to go to sleep and miss out on the fun. She kept wiggling, kicking us, standing up to play with the tent and pulling on the zippers. Finally I threatened that I would go sleep on the couch if she didn't go to sleep. She kept up her shenanigans and I followed through on the threat, which she did NOT like. When she kept fussing, I told her that she needed to go to sleep right then or I would go put her in her crib. She believed me and finally went to sleep -- perpendicular to Brad, and kicked him all night! She actually slept there all night and woke up at her usual time.

It was the first of what we hope to be many fun nights of family camping. Next step, the backyard!

Happy Easter!

2007-04-09T14:19:00.000-04:00

I hope that everyone had a very Happy Easter. We enjoyed it very much. We decided to start the celebration with a party for our friends on Friday morning. We invited friends (Brooke's and ours) over for snacks, coloring, stories, an Easter egg hunt for the kids, and also a devotion on the resurrection for the adults. It was a lot of fun. I've decided to look for ways to emphasize Easter for our family, as it is the most important holiday of our faith. Having a party was one way to show Brooke that Easter is a big deal, which was the main reason I wanted to do it.

On Sunday, Brooke had a great time with her Easter basket that the, er, Easter Bunny brought for her. She loves her new gifts: a new baby complete with a little carrier, a numbers puzzle, yellow Play-Do (Elizabeth isn't the only one who loves yellow!), Thomas the Tank Engine stickers and some Sunkist fruit snacks, her new favorite treat.

After church, we had a great time visiting with Brad's parents and grandparents, David, and his girlfriend Regan.

When we came home, Brooke discovered that plastic grass makes great hair!

And a nice birds' nest, too.

Finally, here are some comparison pictures from the past three Easters:

Hard to believe that next Easter we'll have a three year old and a five month old!

We Belong in the Zoo!

2007-04-06T16:18:00.000-04:00

Your suspicions are confirmed. The Hobbses now officially belong in the zoo!

We joined Zoo Atlanta less than two weeks ago and have been three times already! Brooke absolutely loves it. Yeah, those animals are alright, but the REAL attraction is the "Baby Choo Choo," a little train runs through the zoo. Brooke is quite smitten. For those of you who haven't heard, her new love is Thomas the Tank Engine and anything having to do with trains -- especially riding trains -- is pure magic. Now, if I ask her if she'd like a treat, her eyes light up and she says ever so hopefully "Baby Choo Choo?!?" (Mind you, I was about to offer her fruit snacks or something that was much grander before this new possibility entered her mind.) She would go every day if it were up to her and communicates this quite clearly!

Zoo Atlanta really is a very nice zoo and has a fantastic area for preschoolers, which includes the train, a carousel, playground, and petting zoo. Thanks to years of the Counts' membership, this is one attraction that I know better than most native Atlantans! (Including Brad, hahaha...)

Brooke loves taking care of the animals in the petting zoo, armed with a brush on each hand. As everything is all about quantity for Brooke, she feels compelled to brush every goat, sheep and pig (even the ones hiding out under the feeding trough)!

We upgraded our membership to include one free guest and Nancy as our nanny. That means that Nancy can take Brooke without us and that anyone can get in free with one of us. We've already taken Karen and her two kids, Garrett and Zoe. As you can see, Garrett and Brooke had lots of fun riding in Garrett's wagon together.

We also met Scott and Nancy there as a rendezvous point on Tuesday after her weekend with them. We brought Brooke's friend, Grace, who just became a big sister and needed some big girl time out of the house! Grace has been talking about it ever since.

So let us know if you're itching to see some elephants, a baby panda, and ride a little train. I'm sure we'll be headed there often over the next year.

Future Virtuoso?

2007-04-05T15:28:00.000-04:00

CompUSA is Closing Stores

2007-04-05T15:09:00.000-04:00

CompUSA is closing a bunch of stores, including 6 in Atlanta (none in KY though). Good deals can probably be found! Click here to see the nation-wide list.

Moving Pictures!

2007-03-30T16:54:00.000-04:00

I've finally put all of the pieces together for us to put video on the web. This is officially an experiment, so please let me know how it works for you.

Find out what Brooke thinks about cookies!

RSS Feed Now Available

2007-03-27T21:44:00.000-04:00

For those real techies out there (probably only Katie and Robyn), our blog is now available to be picked up by RSS aggregators. Here is the URL you will need:

http://hobbsfamilynews.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default

Or click the link at the bottom of the sidebar ->

If you don't know what I'm talking about, either Google it or ask me in person. I am using NetVibes right now and love it.

Katie, if you are interested I can show you how to do this to yours, if you like.

Surprise!

2007-03-14T12:44:00.000-04:00

Yes, we are indeed alive and are now capable of creating new blog posts again! After weeks of pregnancy fatigue and queasiness, exhaustion, working full time, battling technical difficulties and most recently, the stomach flu, we are back on line. Get off the floor and read on!

Most notably, congratulations to Amy and Neal, who have announced their upcoming marriage in June! We're very excited for you both and look forward to adding Neal and his son Jack to the family. Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of the happy couple together, but if someone will send me one (incriminating or otherwise!), I'll be happy to post it!

The big news of the week is that we've been hit by the stomach flu again. Poor Brooke threw up seven times on Sunday. We took her to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta where she received great care and anti-nausea medicine. Since then, we've been battling the other stomach ills with her, too, though much less frequently. She wants to sit in our laps a lot and be cuddled, with for Brooke -- energizer bunny that she is -- means that she's feeling just awful! She threw up again this morning and then at 11:30 she actually told me "book shoo shoo shoo." Translation: "I want to read a book and take a nap." NEVER in her life has that girl told me she wanted to take a nap! She slept for an hour, we went on a walk, and is now down for another nap. The most trying times are when her blanket needs washing for reasons that you can imagine and when she wants food off of her restricted diet (mostly she wants milk). I'm SO glad that the weather is pretty and warm so we can at least get outside with the stroller.

I've had a touch of the bug myself. Fortunately, Brad seems to have slipped under its radar.

I'm just glad that my sweet client is understanding in yet another delay on her never-ending project! I'm only a day or two away from finishing, but it will probably be next week before I can wrap it up. Such is a mom's life!

Since you don't want to see what we look like this week, here are pictures to catch us up from our absence:

These Mr. Potato Head glasses are great!!! I like to try to wear the shoes, too.

Check out Mother Dot's earrings!

And Mommy's pin!

Yup! They're still there! Who says you can't dress up jammies??? I just might wear this outfit to Aunt Amy's wedding!

Go Tech!

2007-02-23T18:08:00.000-05:00

Welcome Abigail Sue Raines!

2007-02-20T21:30:00.000-05:00

It's a GIRL!

Born Tuesday, February 13, 2007

11:55 AM

19.5 inches

8 lbs, 0 oz.
Congratulations Amanda and Dusty!

Baby Hobbs

2007-02-06T14:39:00.000-05:00

Well, here's a great reward for checking the blog!!! You're in the loop!

We're very excited to announce that we're expecting!!! Baby Hobbs is scheduled to arrive on October 9 (but probably a bit sooner, if it follows Brooke's lead!). Our little ones will be 2 years and 9 months apart.

It's great that Brooke is already obsessed with babies and baby care. I'm hoping that will transfer to her new role as big sister. She was proud to be the one to announce the big news to family via her snazzy new shirt!

Even though it's still very early, I've already seen my OB and had a sonogram, which is pretty unusual for only being four weeks along. They weren't even sure if they'd see anything, but sure enough, he found the little black "hole" made by the baby's fluid sac. He also used Doppler sonogram to show the good blood flow to the sac and around the baby. It looked like a little weather system inside of me! That was just the sneak preview, though. I'll go back in a couple of weeks for another appointment, which will be considered my official initial exam.

Yes, I am feeling pregnant! I recognize the waves of fatigue and the odd mix of hunger and nausea from carrying Brooke. I've also been thrown for an emotional loop lately; my hormones are going crazy, so be nice to me, please!

One funny development is that Brad's cousin Ashley is also pregnant with her second baby and she is due October 1. Their babies will be 18 months apart. We're excited for them. Talk about close cousins! Congratulations, Rich, Ashley, and Kensie!

More Birthday Pics

2007-02-01T14:13:00.000-05:00

My friend and neighbor Camille just sent me some pictures that she took at Brooke's party. Enjoy!

Baby Louisa knows how to party!

Brooke and Grace share a meal.

Let them eat cake!!!

The dainty (and efficient!) Marian!

Good times!

Curious Brooke

2007-01-26T22:39:00.000-05:00

This is Brooke.
She lives in Alpharetta.
She is a good little toddler
and always very curious...

...especially about Curious George!

Brooke loves this mischievous little monkey!

Brooke received The Complete Works of Curious George as a birthday present from Gran last Saturday. Since then, George has become an important part of our day. We read several stories a day -- each over 50 pages long! I estimate that we have read around eight hundred pages of Curious George this week!!! It's a good thing that they're such good stories (I loved them when I was little) and that there are seven of them for rotation! There are also several stories within each story. So far, she hasn't figured out that I take reader's license and edit them at times.

The highlight of this week was our trip to the Fernbank Museum of Natural History with our good friends and neighbors, Garrett, Zoe, and Ms. Karen. Brooke was well-prepared for the trip, because George went to the museum, too, and she knew all about his adventures there. To Brooke's great delight, George pulled down a tree on the dinosaur exhibit. When I told her that we were going to the museum to see dinosaurs, her eyes got really big and she asked "Tree?!?!"

Resulting from our visit, she has a new vocabulary word: "bones." It took me a couple of days to figure it out. Unlike George's dinosaurs, most of the ones we saw didn't have skin.

She and Garrett were pretty impressed.

Here, they're looking at a dinosaur statue outside.

Zoe was just happy to be pushed in the stroller and have interesting things to see. She was a very good sport and shared with Brooke beautifully.

(By the way, this cutie was is the inspiration for naming Brooke's doll "Baby Zoe." The real Zoe was a lot littler back then!)

We all had a very fun day at the museum. Brooke is still talking about the bones. I'm just glad that she was much better behaved than George that day!

Prehistoric Shark

2007-01-24T13:58:00.000-05:00

This is pretty wild!

A rare frilled shark was filmed off of the coast of Japan this week. This species usually lives between 2,000-3,000 feet underwater and is referred to as a "living fossil" because it is a primitive species that has changed little since prehistoric times.

Click here if you want to see the article. Don't miss the video either - look for Brooke swimming alongside towards the end...

Christmas Portraits

2007-01-23T12:27:00.000-05:00

Apparently establishing a new holiday tradition, Mom spirited Brooke away to the portrait studio again this Christmas. She even made the Rudolph dress. The other outfit was a Christmas gift from Mama and Papa Ford. Thanks, Mom, Grandmother, and Granddaddy!

Brooke became obsessed with Rudolph after that dress appeared and would continually point to her nose for me to play it on my iPod. Fortunately, I have three different versions. They all quickly went to the top of the 10 most played songs playlist.

(And just in case you didn't know, you can click on any of the pictures in our blog to see the larger version!)

Birthday Girl

2007-01-21T22:21:00.000-05:00

Brooke's birthday party was on Saturday, and wow, was it fun! The house was filled with friends and family. Brooke actually understood that we were having a party for her and got so excited about everything. It helped that we'd been to her friends' Garrett and Grace's birthday parties recently. She was so proud of her party dress and was such a pretty, sweet little lady.

We had quite a household: 11 adults, 2 kids, 4 toddlers, and 2 babies. The guests arrived, the little ones played and then the kids enjoyed the finest of toddler cuisine: hot dogs, grapes, and cheese (all in small pieces, of course!). She had fun playing with her birthday balloon and waited eagerly to greet the guests.

Garrett and Marian dined together and Brooke and Grace were at a table.

Brooke especially enjoyed helping herself to Grace's plate when she wasn't looking.

Brad grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for the rest of us. The crowning glory was the birthday cake. My good friend and neighbor Karen (Garrett and Zoe's mom) did a fantastic job decorating the birthday cake. Thanks, Kare! Didn't it look great? (It's all gone now, of course.)

As you can see, Brooke loved it!

It was a great day. Brooke is thoroughly enjoying all of the new toys and we talk a lot about her party. We were pleased that she said thank you for her presents and gave hugs -- except to Uncle Dave because his whiskers tickle! She took a long nap yesterday and finished the day with one of her favorite activities: a bath with the BathMaster (a.k.a. Brad). She was even glad to be put in her new, soft jammies from Mama and Papa Ford afterward! Night night, sweetie!

God Works in Mysterious Ways

2007-01-18T10:02:00.000-05:00

We all claim that God works in mysterious ways, but we all probably have trouble really believing it when we are in the midst of crisis. The following is a story from a member of the Peachtree Miata Club. This is first-person reporting - not e-mail spam.

All of the regulars at the 2006 Camp Miata, heard that I was laid off from my job in October when the company I worked for was bought by a competitor. Friday the 13th of October as a matter of fact. Unfortunately, that was just the beginning of a classic bad news comes in 3's scenario. Since being laid off in October, my mother passed away in November and my grandmother passed away in December.

Okay, now for the God knew what he was doing even if I didn't... When I was laid off, I left with a pretty good wad of cash. I had a generous severance package as well as the proceeds from the sale of the stock that I owned in the old company. So, Beth and I have lived comfortably for the last 3 months with no concerns about mortgage payments, car payments, etc. Enough so that Beth and I stayed with our plan to go to the big island of Hawaii for our anniversary and a 4 day cruise to the Bahamas.

What 3 months off did allow me to do was spend time with my mom and grandmother in the their last days but also spend time with my sister supporting her in our time of loss. My mom lived with my sister as she has battled cancer for the last three years. So, we had lots of things to sort through, paperwork to do, etc. We helped convert my mom's room back into a regular guest room at my sister's house.

Now for the punchline...At the end of the whole ordeal, I received a call from the new company and they asked if I would be interested in coming back. As of this Tuesday, I have been re-instated to my original seniority date.

So, Beth and I are praising God for His control over our lives. He knows WAY better than we do what we need, even before we need it.

Beth and I are also looking forward to getting plugged back into the club in the new year. 2006 is behind us and 2007 is looking bright.

Love to all of you,
Robert and Beth

Brooke is TWO!!!

2007-01-12T21:30:00.000-05:00

Happy birthday, Brooke! Our sweet little "baby" turned two today. We had a wonderful day with all three of us home together. Brooke may not grasp the concept of being a year older, but she certainly "gets" singing, cake, and -- thanks to Christmas -- PRESENTS!

She and I baked birthday cupcakes this morning. She helped me put the paper liners in the muffin tins and put stars on them after they'd been frosted. She happily sat in a chair watching me put everything together. She did get a little impatient waiting for me to frost them before she could add the stars.

We opened presents this afternoon and she has lots of new toys to play with: Curious George in a little house, a great alphabet Noah's ark with a 26 pairs of little stuffed animals, lots of baby doll accessories, more farm pieces for her Fisher-Price farm, a book with a built-in Elmo puppet, and (maybe best of all), a new stuffed Yorkie in a sassy pet carrier, complete with accessories. Thanks for all of the great presents, everyone! She really likes them. Her party will be next Saturday morning. (Good thing we just cleared a lot of the toys she was starting to outgrow out of the playroom. I think that will become an annual Christmas/New Year's tradition.)

What a difference a year makes!

January 12, 2005

January 12, 2006

January 12, 2007

On the road again

2007-01-10T15:15:00.000-05:00

I'm sorry that it's been a few weeks since we posted an article. I think I've been avoiding it because of needing to post the sad news of Mother Dot (my grandmother) passing away. Even though almost everyone who checks this knows that, it has still been hard for me to sit down and write the words. I've been the classic procrastinator, putting off the unpleasant. I may write more on it later.

We had a wonderful Christmas morning at home. Here we are walking down the stairs on Christmas morning.

Brooke got a kitchen, a Mr. Potato Head family, and some great new books. She LOVES talking on the phone, cooking, and setting the table with her new pots, pans, dishes, and food.

We also had a great afternoon at Brad's grandparents' home. Brooke has really taken to Granddaddy Ford and loves to sit in his lap.

We've been exhausted since Christmas. We learned of Mother Dot's death the first morning after arriving in Lexington. It was nice to be around everyone at the time, but we hadn't packed for a funeral and so had to spend a lot of time running around to a new suit for Brad, clothes for me, and shoes for both of us. Then we made the trip to Western Kentucky for the funeral and came back home to Atlanta on New Year's Eve. For the first time, we didn't stay up to welcome in the New Year after all of that.

We were very grateful for the holiday on Monday and spent the time undecorating from Christmas. We were far more festive than usual this year, so it took a lot longer! I have been very grateful for my trusty new vacuum cleaner to help with all of the mess. (Thanks, Santa!!!)

This past weekend was spent in Houston attending a wedding for Brad's friend, Troy, who had been a groomsman in our wedding. It was a very nice trip. We were glad to see old friends from Brad's single days, Aunt Beth, Uncle Ben, and Timothy, as well as my dear friend Kelly from the Bible Study I used to lead at UK.

We'll be blessed to get some of Mother Dot's furniture, which means more upcoming time on the road -- this time in a 22' rented truck! We'll be delivering things to my Uncle Joe in Nashville on the way home. We're very grateful that Scott will help us with the move... and that Nancy will help us by staying behind and keeping Brooke!

Happy New Year, everyone!

Whew...

2007-01-08T12:09:00.000-05:00

We are still here. It's been a busy few weeks - Christmas in Atlanta, Christmas in Kentucky, Mother Dot's funeral and Troy's wedding in Houston. We will be catching up, but here is a pic to pacify you until we do... :)

It's a Wonderful Life

2006-12-24T22:17:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas Eve!

Brad and I have already titled this Christmas as our best one ever -- and it hasn't even officially arrived, yet! We have so enjoyed the season and have seen EVERY member of our family on the Hobbs/Ford side this year, which has never happened before. We are feeling incredibly blessed. I know that word can be overused, but it is really the only way to begin to describe how we feel. Thank you, God, for you are the source of all good things.

We just returned from a wonderful and meaningful day with Scott, Nancy, and David. We were all spoiled rotten with gifts and more importantly, good fellowship. Here's a sneak preview of Brooke with her new heirloom -- a baby cradle very lovingly handmade by Scott. It's absolutely the most beautiful one that I've ever seen. It's solid red oak and rocks beautifully. The brass plaque on the front reads, "Brooke, 2006." Brooke is absolutely enthralled by it and had a great time putting babies in both and being a precious little mommy to her beloved babies. She also loves being a baby herself, as you can see! That's Scott rocking the cradle behind her. Thank you SO much, Granddaddy!

Our hearts are so full and we are so very grateful and happy. We're very much looking forward to our upcoming visit to Lexington to see our beloved Kentucky and Arkansan folks.

I hope that Santa will reward all of your year's good behavior tonight! Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Dear Cousin Elizabeth,

2006-12-20T18:05:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much for your thoughtful letter posted on your family blog. Please let me assure you that I indeed know all about sharing and I sweetly, happily, and enthusiastically share every single time -- as long as it's YOU sharing your toys with ME! It works even better when I can believe that every single toy in every room belongs to me and exists solely for my enjoyment. Your cooperation in allowing me to believe this will be most appreciated.

As for that "m" word that you mention, I'm proud to say that I have yet to stoop to such vulgarity. My mommy assures me that I'll know its meaning someday, but that I need not expose my innocent mind to such a word for now. She'd really appreciate it if you refrain from using such an ugly word in my presence. My favorite words happen to be "no" and "more," and if using them once is good, saying them ten times in a row has to be better!

I'll also be happy to demonstrate my very advanced folding abilities by taking all of the clothes out of any drawer or bag in your house that I can open. It's lots of fun to organize by laying them into piles, sorting shoes, and stacking diapers. See what a good job I did of unpacking my bag from the trip to Grandmother's house all over the kitchen floor?

Maybe we can even play tug of war with your mommy's pantyhose and wear her underwear on our heads! I'm really good at that, too. We'll spare you the picture of that, though.

By the way, I really like the picture that you sent in your Christmas card of me wearing Aunt Amy's hat from Peru. When Mama and Dada ask me who it is, every time I smile, point, and say, "Book!"

What a pretty baby -- surely she's me!!!

Lots of toddler hugs and kisses,
Cousin Brooke

Visiting Santa

2006-12-15T16:34:00.000-05:00

What a difference a year makes!

2005

2006

Merry Christmas!

More on the New Speech Developments

2006-12-13T08:10:00.000-05:00

Just a few mins ago Brooke woke up, and coaxed Erin out of bed with "Mama ... Mama ... Peez?"
That's a first!

When Erin went in to get her, she quickly said "Dada... bath" (pronounced "baaa", sometimes with a little "t" at the end). Last night I gave her her bath right before bed! More story telling! She then marched down the hall to my office and told me the same thing.

I asked her if she could say "Love You", and she replied "gshjs jhfksh" - a deliberate two-word attempt that is the first step. Hopefully she should have this one down shortly!

A Week of Developments!

2006-12-12T08:46:00.000-05:00

Well, just when it seemed like:
1. "NO" was the answer to every question

2. The only nouns she would use started with B ("Ba-Ba", "boo-boo", "Bay-Bee", "Books", "Ballz", "Brooke", etc)

3. And there was no chance of verbalizing the signing words "more" and "please"

Brooke has finally broken out of her shell! Here's what she is up to the last 7-10 days:

1. Says "Peez", meaning "please" and "peas".

2. Says "Mo" for "more", usually accompanied by the sign.

3. Answers "Yes!" to appropriate questions ("Want some yogurt?" "YES!")

4. Points to the glass ball ornaments on the Christmas Tree and says "No!" because she isn't supposed to touch them.

5. Mention Santa Claus in her presence, and she'll pat her head because Santa wears a hat. Then she'll wave "bye-bye" just like she did went she met Santa a few nights ago.

6. Gives real kisses now, complete with the lip-smack. She will volunteer kisses when she is feeling affectionate or knows she has been bad.

7. Plays by herself in the playroom for long periods of time (especially nice at meal preparation time!)

8. Picks out Baby Jesus in any nativity scene and wants to kiss him. Then she sometimes wants to kiss all of the animals and people in the nativity scene (thanks alot Cousin Elizabeth! ;) )

9. Loves looking at Christmas lights. They are always greeted with "Mo! Mo!", and she is disappointed when we get home and the show is over.

10. Tells stories: Instead of just telling you what she wants, she will now tell you stories about what she did. Say "What did you do at music class?", and she will respond "Amy", "Babies", "Balls", shake her arms indicating "played bells", and pat her knees meaning "played drums"! Ask her "what did you do at school today?" and she'll respond "Ba-ba", "Juice", "Milk", "Cookies", "Books", and "Babies"! Sometimes she will start a story unsolicited, and you have to pay close attention to figure out if she wants her baby, or is thinking about how she played with the baby earlier. It's a subtle change that requires close attention.

What a fun stage of life!

An imposter!

2006-12-08T22:59:00.000-05:00

Yesterday as I put Brooke down for her nap...

I start to go get her sweet baby Zoe. (Strangely, she seems to nap whenever Brooke does.) Then I pause, noticing that Zoe is already in the crib, when I had thought she was downstairs — and she is dressed, when I had helped Brooke undress her that morning. Hmm. That’s odd.

So I go downstairs, glance where I had originally thought I’d seen Zoe — and low and behold, there she is. So I momentarily disregard the upstairs Zoe as a case of mistaken identity. After all, we do have up to four bald, naked baby dolls around here at any given moment.

When Brooke wakes up, aha! Zoe IS still in the crib — and I verify my suspicions! We have a stowaway! There are really (hahaha) TWO baby Zoes!

So now the hunt is on to find the real identity of the imposter and return her to her home.

She's not talking. Apparently she likes it here and wants to stay!

She has kept a low profile until now, so I'm not sure how long she has been with us. If you have any information regarding the identity and whereabouts of the fake Zoe, please contact us immediately. (Between you and me, we’re hoping a reward may be involved....)

In the meantime, these girls are giving us a hard time and are keeping us guessing as to who is the real Zoe. Any tips for dealing with trickster twins???

Pen and inks

2006-12-07T17:11:00.000-05:00

I've been doing a growing number of pen and ink drawings over the last two years; they're becoming one of my specialties. It's a tricky medium because there is no erasing! Actually, many pen and ink artists don't show their originals because they use correction fluid to cover mistakes and so the pieces are only meant for reproduction. All of my originals are white-out-free so far. Most pen and ink drawings don't have ink washes, but I always do those because I really like the softness and added depth that they give. I haven't had a colored one commissioned yet, but I anticipate that I'll start doing those at some point, as well.

Here are three that I've been working on over the last few weeks. These are Christmas presents commissioned by various clients. The houses are a set for people who just moved from one into the other. The portrait of the older couple is a gift for their daughter from her son; the grandparents have both passed away. I was very happy for the opportunity to branch out into portraiture in this medium. I selected portraiture as an emphasis in AP high school art but haven't done any more until now. Each of these drawings required two days of work. I've finally upgraded to a very nice set of technical pens which need to be filled with ink and then cleaned out afterward. It's time-consuming to care for them, but I really like using them better than the felt-tipped ones. (By the way, thanks again, Scott and Nancy, for the gift of my drafting table; it's making my job a bit easier!)

So I am now finished with all of my official jobs of the year. (Although I might take something else small if it comes up.) This will be the first year since I started the art business that I decided not to work right up until Christmas and I'm looking forward to the slower pace! Maybe I'll finally get around to re-doing our kitchen table top.

So far, though, I still think that my best pen and ink drawing so far is the one of Amy's church in Arkansas.

Starting in January or February, I'm going to redirect the art business to do more studio work like these sketches instead of the murals and faux finishes. That will allow me to work from home in smaller chunks of time (like during nap time) -- and ultimately give me more time with Brooke. I still love painting murals and faux finishes (and I might still take a small job here or there). Work still keeps coming in from referrals and I'm actually starting to turn down jobs. It's VERY hard to do that, but I feel like God is calling me to further develop my studio work and -- mainly -- free up more time and energy for family, friends, and whatever else He sends my way.

PotD - Dec. 4

2006-12-04T13:20:00.000-05:00

Electronically challenged

2006-12-02T22:55:00.000-05:00

After several weeks of computer agony, I am up and nearly running again! Headaches have abounded as I was crippled in the wake of two hard drives independently crashing -- one being all of my documents, the other housing -- among other things -- my backups. Brad set me up on an old PC in the meantime, but I was sans printer, sans scanner, sans card reader for my camera card, sans documents (including estimates, pictures, and my portfolio) and, can you guess? Sans sanity and any shred of efficiency!

I am very happy to say that as of tonight, the art business is now the proud owner of a new laptop. Dude, I almost got a Dell, but in the end went for the value on an in-stock Gateway model at Best Buy. I spent a few extra hundred dollars to get a workhorse model instead of the budget version. Brad has cobbled together old systems for me for the past five years and I'm sure we're both looking forward to much less computer stress in our future. And I'm thrilled by the prospect of working or surfing downstairs while Brooke is playing. (Somehow, an art studio just isn't a great place for our extremely active and curious toddler.)

So here's a huge thank you, sweetie, for being my own personal in-house Computer Guru. You're amazingly skilled and have kept me going! Hopefully we'll all be more relaxed after this purchase (after we finish the set-up, that is!). Thanks.

Finally, here's a cute picture to satisfy your visual sweet tooth. This picture was trapped on my card and is now free thanks to my new purchase. As you can see, Brooke LOVES to dress up in Brad's cycling gear. Here she is complete with helmet, jersy, and gloves. Once she sees one of the pieces, she's not content until she's wearing all of them! Doesn't the jersey make a nice floor-length gown?

It's a Major Award!

2006-11-28T09:46:00.000-05:00

The home from the movie "A Christmas Story" has been restored just as it was in the movie, and is open to the public.

They are also selling:

(and yes, they come marked "FRA-GEE-LAY")

Visit them here

Uncle Shuck's Corn Maze

2006-11-27T12:02:00.000-05:00

Back on Nov 4th (wow! seems like a long time ago!) we ventured up to Uncle Shuck's Corn Maze with our friends Steve, Leslie and Grace Hyland, and Steve's dad Christopher from Canada. Just outside of Dahlonega, GA the maze is shaped like a NASCAR race car. The corn was around 8 ft tall, so imagine your hallway made of corn and that is what it felt like to walk in it!

It was a chilly day, so we bundled up. We used the baby backpack again, though other folks used strollers.

Here we are, lost in the maze.

After we finished the Big Maze, Brooke and Grace explored the children's maze.

My beautiful girls.

One more with Daddy!

If you haven't done a corn maze before, check one out. They are a lot of fun!

Pic of the Day - Beloved "Bay-Bees"

2006-11-21T09:46:00.000-05:00

Pic of the Day - Nov. 17

2006-11-17T17:55:00.000-05:00

More Halloween Pictures

2006-11-15T01:04:00.000-05:00

Cue the X-Files Theme Song...

2006-11-10T11:35:00.000-05:00

I'm going to make a slight departure from my usual posts of Brooke pics to share this fascinating article I found. Don't blow it off too quickly - check out the guy's background! "MoD" is the British Ministry of Defense!

Aliens Could Invade at any Moment

See Rock City

2006-11-07T21:57:00.000-05:00

On the way home from Kentucky a couple of weeks ago we stopped off at Rock City in Chattanooga, TN. I had only been there once as a kid and loved it. Erin thinks she had been there before but was too little to remember any of it. It's a convenient stop between Atlanta and Knoxville, not taking more than 15-20 minutes to get to.

One of our common questions these days is: stroller or backpack? Due to the uneven terrain, we decided on my favorite backpack.

Brooke loves to ride along on hikes. She will playfully pat my head or want to hold my hands. If she gets a little whiny I can grab her shoes and tickle her legs (we call tickling "attitude adjustments" around here). When I stop she will bounce as if nudging a horse ("gitty-up Daddy!").

I remembered that there was a "Fat Man's Squeeze" and an "Eye of the Needle", but thought that there surely would be an alternate path for those not able to make it. I was wrong.

"Um, mommy???"

"Fat Man's Squeeze" was apparently designed for the pear-shaped, because it was wider at the bottom!

A great workout for the quads and lower back - especially when you are walking so carefully not to knock your daughter's noggin!

Whew! Safely through the squeezes and onto the swinging bridge. A lady ahead of us didn't like the heights or the bridge very much, and took a looooooong time to cross. Brooke was terribly tempted to bounce her, but restrained herself.

Gazing down at the waterfall below us.

See Seven States! (yeah right)

Come on Brooke, stick your head in the hole!

Big happy family!

And look who we ran into while we were there!

(just kidding)

Happy Halloween!

2006-10-31T21:30:00.000-05:00

Brooke had a very fun Halloween last week. Brad was able to join us at the playgroup Halloween party in the afternoon, which was lots of fun. Brooke adores her kitty outfit and even held still enough for me to draw some whiskers and a black nose. She was so proud of her costume that she started crying when I had to take it off to change her diaper! She wore the hat almost throughout the entire party. Great job on the costume, Nancy! We got LOTS of compliments. She was the only kid there with a custom, handmade costume.

We were exhausted after the party and still had trick or treating ahead of us. Brad took her around to our friends' houses and I agreed to stay behind to pass out candy. I think I got as much of a workout as Brad did jumping up to answer the doorbell every two minutes. I think I now know why Mom is the Halloween scrooge every year who shuts up the house and unashamedly pretends she isn't home. It's not that she doesn't like the kids, it's that she doesn't like getting off of the couch!

On a side note, my computer crashed last week and I am now shopping for a laptop. It's been painful around here without it, which is why it's taken a week for me to get this post up. Hopefully we'll get things straightened out before too long.

ANOTHER kitty!

2006-10-30T21:28:00.000-05:00

We are introducing... our FOURTH black cat to the family!!! (Fifth, actually, if you count the stray who hangs around and likes to be a nuisance and pick fights.) This one, however, is definitely the cutest! We decided to let her sleep inside.

Brooke is so proud of her costume and loves to wear it, which is a great improvement over last year! She likes to yell "Myow!!!" and show off her tail. A huge thank you goes out to Nancy for making the costume!

Her debut is tomorrow afternoon at the playgroup party and then we'll make the trick or treating rounds to the neighborhood folks we know -- the list gets longer every year!

Beloved Baba

2006-10-26T15:44:00.000-04:00

Anybody who knows Brooke at all knows her blanket (a.k.a., "Baba"). We had tried to only use it for naptime at daycare because she was getting so possessive and the other children were taking it away. She became far more concerned with guarding the blanket than with playing. Putting it away during playtime had worked when she was in the infant room, but we've discovered that now it only makes her want it more! The last straw was when we pulled into the parking lot and she started crying, "Baba, Baba, Baba!" Translation: "I'm at school now and Baba is about to be taken away!" So now she keeps it with her and drags it around everywhere. They do tie it around her waist sometimes, to help keep it a little cleaner and so that she has both hands free to play. See how proud she is! Her teacher took these pics on the daycare playground with her camera phone.

It used to be a gorgeous blanket, handmade by Churchill Weavers in Kentucky (its beauty was only rivaled by the ones that Grandmother and Grandmother Ford gave her, of course!). It is still beautiful, but more in the Velvetine Rabbit sense of the word! We stopped by Berea to see if they had a smaller version to carry around, but I had highly underestimated the cost! Let's just say that Brooke has VERY expensive taste! (And we didn't see any smaller ones.) So thanks, Grandad, for giving Brooke her most prized possession when she was born. As you can see, it's been special from the beginning! This picture was taken when Brooke was three days old.

Oh, well. I'm glad she has something that helps her feel safe! All in all, we have found that she has a kindred spirit out there in Linus! And heaven forbid that she suspects it's being washed!!!

Whirlwind Tour...

2006-10-22T17:52:00.000-04:00

Brooke and Erin had a whirlwind tour through Kentucky, visiting friends and family. Here's just SOME of what she did!

At the Orchard with Mommy

Played with Ana.

Read books with Gran and Cousin Elizabeth.

Went for a wheelchair ride with Charlie Stewart (you can tell she loved it!) . Charlie got Erin started in furniture refinishing in college.

Read more books with Granny Pat and Granddad's foot.

And read even more books with Uncle David! (she really loves books)

She also visited Aunt Katie, Cousin Jonathon, Aunt Amy, and Joy but they missed the pictures. Sorry!

And yes, I'm very glad to have them home. :)

Annual trip to the pumpkin farm

2006-10-18T09:34:00.000-04:00

Sunday afternoon, Erin and Co. took the girls to the local pumpkin farm. They decided to forgo the outlandish entry prices to the petting zoo, playground, and corn maze. The girls didn't seem to notice. They had a great time being pulled in the wagon, playing with the pumpkins and running through the corn tunnel. And, everyone enjoyed the yummy apple dumplings!

Mommy Wasn't Kidding...

2006-10-16T22:28:00.000-04:00

... art is hard work!

Brooke loves to draw and color in her coloring book. She has an interesting habit though: she takes a marker (usually blue) and colors the EYES of all of the characters on the page FIRST. We didn't teach this, nor even point out the eyes in the coloring book. This is completely HER thing.

Unfortunately this habit isn't demonstrated in THIS picture - go figure.

Brooke's Little House

2006-10-16T22:17:00.000-04:00

Like many people, Brooke and I often play "blocks". Her favorite game is, of course, "Daddy-builds-a-tower-and-I-knock-it-down". Her 2nd favorite game is "build a house for Mr. Noah" (Noah ia a small doll from her Noah's Ark playset.) Noah's house generally consists of two walls and a roof, and then Noah moves in. Shortly thereafter Brooke reenacts the flood and wipes out the house, and we do it all over again.

So while building my new office with the modular shelving, Brooke saw my stereo cabinet coming together. She recognized it and jumped in!

Brooke's House!