Continuing Chaos

Blessings of grandchildren

2008-12-04T22:01:00.002-06:00

The man of the hour, our grandson Cole. I took these photos of him over Thanksgiving. He has grown so much in just two short months. Coltin Scott was born September 5th, 2008, but I haven't updated this blog in forever. He's the second grandchild of hopefully many - heck we had six kids for a reason, right? Look at his cute little chubby cheeks, so kissable!

Grandpa made him smile tons.

We found the little sweater while Christmas shopping but sent it to him early because they only had 6 month size – yeah, at 2 months he's wearing 6 month clothing! Marissa found the little pants to match the patches on his sleeves and the sweet little argyle socks.

He's dressed and ready to come visit Wisconsin and play in the snow.

Grandpa's always willing to share his Canon 5D.

Too sweet.

And because I haven't shared any photos of Tristan lately and I came across many from October I hadn't yet shared. . . I'll show you how much he loved the leaves.

Pure Joy! (he's 20 months old here) He smiles constantly and is an absolute joy to be around.

I even snuck in a photo of mama while she watched Tristan play. My granddaughter is growing. Britney is down to going to the doctor every week. This past week she was dilated to 1cm and 25% effaced. She's not due until Christmas day but we are thinking our Christmas present may come early. Should we do the guess the date game/giveaway?

Grandchildren are the biggest blessing of my life! Just two and a half years ago I sat here going through chemo wondering if I would ever get to meet my future grandchildren. Then Britney was diagnosed with PCOS and I wondered if she would ever have children. I celebrated my 40th birthday right before Tristan was born and now I will be a grandma three times over by my 42nd birthday. I love the ride of life! I only wish all of our grandchildren lived in the same town so I could play with them all every week.

Me and My Shadow

2008-04-15T23:49:00.001-05:00

I love everything about you!

2008-04-03T23:42:00.000-05:00

Broom infatuation

2008-04-01T23:32:00.000-05:00

You have a new found fascintation with brooms. And broom, big or small.

This broom was just a little too big for you and daddy helped.

But he couldn't let you see him or you would be mad.

You think you're big enough to hold the broom with one hand. You silly boy!

Good thing daddy followed you everywhere.

Look at your little feet marching along. And that expression! You're so deep in thought.

I know how to keep you entertained

2008-03-29T19:16:00.002-05:00

Easter at home

2008-03-23T20:25:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks before Easter we had you at the store with us and you quickly attached yourself to a singing, dancing duck. You would dance each time "Splish, Splash" played. We tucked it away and just brought it to you today.

You were really happy to see your duck again! And you remembered where to poke to make it sing and dance.

Your bunny ears are so cute but you didn't want to leave them on.

Then the egg search was on and you quickly mastered opening each one before finding the next one.

You are a perfect Easter bunny!

First Easter Egg Hunt

2008-03-22T22:10:00.001-05:00

16,000 eggs were waiting for you when you arrived this morning for the hunt. Due to the snow on the ground the park couldn't be used and you had to grab eggs from the parking lot at the mall.

I saw you and your mama, before you saw me. Your eyes were attached to all those brightly colored eggs. And I think the wheels were turning inside your head as you tried to figure out how to grab them all.

Mama decided you needed another jacket on. Although you were filled with anticipation you allowed her to put it on.

Daddy zipped you up.

You adjusted your gloves. (I thought they were adorable btw.)

And I shared my Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino with you. I think you're addicted already. I know it gave you the energy needed to fight for some eggs.

Your age group was 0-3 yrs and Daddy helped you grab and protected you from being stepped on.

PS - After you went into the mall to the Children's Musuem, I found you a girlfriend.

HAPPY EASTER!

new Tigger socks

2008-03-21T22:27:00.000-05:00

I brought you socks for St Paddy's day and you wanted me to put them on your feet. They were not on very long and, well, you see what you did.

I helped you get the one off and can you see what you did? Yeah, you wanted it back on.

So I put it on and you took it off then you wanted it back on and we did this over and over.

Until you had them both off. And you're looking sleepy.

And at this point you don't really care if they're on or off, you're just mechanically moving through the motions and I love you so much!

simply Tristan

2008-03-20T22:15:00.001-05:00

I know it looks like you are sucking your thumb, and I think it's adorable btw, but really you are just trying to get some candy off of it. You don't suck your thumb.

Your halo still glows just as brightly today as it did the day you were born.

You know some signs and while you do not do "more" correctly (thumb to fingers on each hand then touch tips of fingers together), we understand. Often it's your fist against your other palm or sometimes just your pointing finger against that palm.

your first piggy bank

2008-03-19T22:09:00.000-05:00

Then you thought the lens cap would be a good coin. I guess I know where to look for lost lens caps. :)

The lens cap fits on the coin perfectly.

Happt St Patrick's Day

2008-03-17T21:42:00.000-05:00

Your mother decorated a babyfood jar like a pot of gold and filled it with candy coins to hide for you. This gave you good practice for finding the Easter eggs later. I'm not sure about the details of this tradition, but I hope she can fill them in for you.

Mommy and Me

2008-03-13T17:35:00.001-05:00

Since you haven't come over to visit and play with me this week I came to you. I get such joy seeing your mommy and you interact.

Here she's helping you see your mice. You can look, but not touch. I took this photo in the mirror, just a reflection of the two of you.

She decided to change your shirt and I guess you can tell what you thought of that. When I look at this series it brings a tear to my eye and I just want to take you both in my arms and never let you go.

Mommy helped you turn on music and the two of you danced around. And for all the love and attention she showers on you who do you stumble over to hug?

Daddy!

First Birthday - Yay You're One!

2008-02-25T19:34:00.000-06:00

You turned one year old yesterday and today you had your party. You looked tired most of the day, I imagine because you're not used to having so much company. It was a day filled with toys, food, bubbles and family.

I think your doggie was waiting for you to toddle off so he could eat your cereal.

The bowl made a good drum! Have I told you how much you enjoy music? You wiggle and bob everytime you hear anything that sounds like a beat. If I simply pat my hands you will wiggle and bob.

Not sure if that's an idea or a balloon above your head.

I think the camera is in front of my face that you wouldn't recognize me any other way. :) You are totally natural with a camera in your face.

Calmly eating your cereal.

Playing with the balloons offered a few moments of fun.

"Hey, MeMaw, whatcha doing down here?"

"Do you like this pose, MeMaw?"

You have been drinking out of a straw for a couple of months now. You catch onto things very quickly!

We let you open one present early so you would have something new to play with while you waited for your uncles to arrive.

Mama and Toby helped you open it.

Vroom, vroom.

You figured out how to stick the megablocks together very quickly!

And take them apart. Time for more presents.

You got plenty of new books, puzzles, cars and even a new car seat so you can face forward soon. You weigh 19 lbs 2 oz now so in a few more ounces you can face forward in your new seat. We think you'll really like that!

Pizza face!

As usual, the toys were left behind while the box held your interest.

Do you want to go on a photo shoot with me soon? I bet you'll have that camera figured out by next week. (That is your parents' camera but they're nice and share.)

Your mother made you a little panda bear cake, keeping with tradition. Your mom and all your uncles had panda bear cakes for their first birthdays too.

You carefully poked at him for a while before digging in.

You didn't get nearly as messy as I thought you would. And each time you got very much frosting on your hands you wanted it wiped off.

There goes the other ear.

Reflection of you in one of your balloons.

Mama gave you a bath after cake.

And here you are all sparkling clean. Did that puzzle piece taste good?

Yay! It was an exhaustingly good day!

One year

2008-02-24T20:54:00.000-06:00

A day with MeMaw

2008-02-18T20:24:00.001-06:00

Your parents went birthday shopping for you today, which meant I got some time to play with you. :)

You love to crawl from one end of the couch to the other, stopping occasionally to clap.

Then you toddled everywhere. Trying to catch a clear shot of you toddling alone turned out to be difficult. You get so excited while walking you almost run, and then fall.

You repeatedly walked to me, hugged me, then walked away, just to do it again and again. After you fall, you clap, maybe because I say, "Good job!"

Then we shared some lunch.

It seems lots of things needed to be moved up, out of your reach. Still you tried to reach, and open drawers. . .

Yummy!

Hey, where are you going? Looks like you walked off a sock.

Such cute piggies!

The way you keep putting your feet are you going to be a ballerina? Have you been learning ballet secretly?

It was too cold to play outside, but we had fun looking out.
Today was the first time you cried when your mom came to pick you up, wanting to stay with me. You made me feel so loved and I know our times together will just get greater.

another first

2008-02-12T18:19:00.000-06:00

I just got a phone call from your mama. . . you took four steps! Yay! You can walk! I asked her if you threw on your shoes and ran to McDonald's and ordered a cheeseburger. She said, not yet, but I bet you will by next week.

Oh precious boy

2008-02-09T20:12:00.000-06:00

We had such a fun time on my birthday I can't wait until your birthday in a couple of weeks! You made me the best present! You handed me this sweet little brown paper sack and way in the bottom of it was your hand.

{I haven't taken a photo yet but I will add it here}

Your mama said you wiggled a lot so it isn't perfect but it looks pretty perfect to me. Your mama also helped you make me a card and it looks like you had fun scribbling all over it! *kisses*

Your PaPaw took that photo of you (the one up there) and you look so kissable!

first dentist appointment

2008-01-30T23:59:00.000-06:00

You went to the dentist for the first time today. It was hard for your mom to find a dentist to see you. Apparently, most dentists don't see children less than a year old. But the pediatrician wanted you seen so finally a dentist agreed.

While your mom filled out paperwork you helped MeMaw take pictures. We're using just the little point and shoot camera but wow my photos look waaaay different when you help me. I can't say they improve. Oh don't cry, ok, they're just different. But I guess that's what happens when you try to take a picture with your arm out straight, out of the reach of baby, the other arm wrapped around baby to keep him on your lap, and you poke the button without being able to line up the shot, all because baby really wants camera.

But MeMaw really wanted to somehow show your first dentist visit so, wiggly baby and all she managed at least a semblance of a photo record.

Somehow while my hand was doing a figure eight, avoiding your little fingers I managed to set this one up pretty good (for not being able to see the LCD). You aren't smiling but I like to think you are trying to show your bottom teeth.

I was surprised that huge mouth on the wall didn't make you cry. It made me want to cry and run from the waiting room. Each tooth was about as big as your head! Who has a mouth that big?!

You will be happy to know that your face is not rotting off. Nope, you are a-okay. That one little baby tooth is simply discolored, probably from too much of a mineral at the time the tooth was developing. So chances are good that when your permanent tooth comes in, it won't be affected. In the mean time, when is peeks its little shadow self out in future photos we'll just have PaPaw photoshop it back white.

my greatest addiction

2008-01-24T18:25:00.000-06:00

Well Booper (a nickname your mama calls you constantly), your MeMaw is sooooo slow. I’ve been really busy this past month and so have your parents so I haven’t seen you as much as I would like. I think I say that all the time though, don’t I?

So what’s been keeping me busy? Well, your PaPaw and I are starting a photography business and it’s a lot of work getting the website up and running, business cards ordered, paperwork set up, camera time in, and the list goes on. If there wasn’t over a foot of snow on the ground and many days in the single digit temps or lower I would grab you and have another photo shoot with you.

And why have your parents been so busy? Well, not only is your daddy working 40 hours a week but your parents are also doing a paper route. I think they started doing it to build a little nest egg, in case something would happen, and then so they could buy you lots of nice Christmas presents and then to get money to take you to Missouri to meet your great-great-grandparents and to see your great-grandparents again. Sometimes, you and your mommy stay home while daddy does the route but usually you all three, oops four counting Toby (your puppy), do the route together.

Doing the paper route has helped get you more accustomed to the car. You will fall asleep in your carseat now and you don’t always wail like you’re being killed while riding. You managed to go all the way to Missouri and back. Your grandparents were all so happy to see you and you charmed them easily.

It sounds like you guys had a really good time while you were there. Except, well, except the last day or so when you got sick and puked constantly. I have to laugh at the site of all of you traveling home with everyone puking ever so often. I wonder how much was really because you were ill and how much was just from the smell.

I don’t think your mommy would like you to know this, but that’s what I’m here for, to spill the beans, you spent the night in Rockford Illinois on the way home because the roads were bad and the next morning, Uncle Haden and Nick were packing the car while your mama got you in buckled in. The guys climbed in and after you were buckled your mom climbed in and. . . are you ready? Well, Toby was forgotten. He had been running around doing his duty of watering every nearby plant and tree while you guys were loading up and each person assumed the other person had him. So you dad parked the car again and they all got out yelling for Toby. Whew, you still have your puppy!

I love the way you look at me!

The first few pictures you see here are from right before you left on your long journey and the last ones are after you returned and are actually on your eleven month birthday. Shocking, I know. I was so surprised that you came home with six teeth. You have four on the top and two on the bottom. But the thing we noticed is that your first tooth, there on the bottom, has a discolored place. We’re not sure if it’s decay, or, well, we don’t know what. So your mom is trying to find a dentist to see you.

You eat a LOT, except for those couple of days you were expelling everything. Your mama is still breastfeeding you. She wants the absolute best for you and I think it’s wonderful that she has been able to do it this long. You’re still underweight at 17.5 lbs, yet you stuff food into your mouth at every opportunity.

I almost forgot to tell you how happy you have made me. Everytime I see you, not only do you smile now, but you also reach your arms out and lean towards me, once in my arms, you look at me with that huge smile on your face. You love me, but not nearly as much as I love you. You are precious and I am so honored to be here, with you, watching you grow and helping you learn. One more month and you will be 1 year old! What do you want to do for your birthday?

Oh and yes, we regularly let you play with medication. You love the way it rattles in the bottle!

Your first Christmas

2007-12-24T22:45:00.000-06:00

Look who came knocking on my door today.

Yep, that's you in your mama's arms. Daddy's at the edge back there carrying in some of your stuff. You were happy to see the house full of people and you gravitated to the kitchen. You are willing to try every food you meet.

Hey this would make a great Christmas card, except you will be much bigger by next Christmas. You didn't keep your antlers on long and when you shed them Uncle Mikal quickly donned them.

Isn't he silly?

Today you turned 10 months old, and it's so fun being apart of many of your firsts. You opened your first present today. You have had presents before but mama would open them for you. Now, you ripped the paper, then looked in the box with curiosity and your face lit up when you discovered a toy inside.

Your mama tells me that she has had your presents in your crib at home to keep you out of them. See, you still don't sleep in your crib, you sleep with mom and dad in a family bed. So one day, you were helping your mama clean your room - you know, the room you don't sleep in :) - and you reached through the rails of your crib and plucked a bow off of a package. That must have been good practice because you unwrapped presents like a pro today.

You took to that first present quite well and it kept you entertained for the next hour, until dinner (you opened the rest of your presents after dinner). It kept your mom and dad entertained too - you pushed it around the table so many times we lost count.

Daddy's making sure it doesn't roll too fast, so you don't fall. We saw a lot of those looks on your face today and heard a lot of giggles and happy noises. You were especially thrilled to sip on a little Strawberry Cream soda that your mama gave me permission to give you in a sippy cup. But you were ecstatic to show me that those suction cup based bowls I looked so hard for, could end up on the floor just as quickly as an average bowl.

When daddy got tired of helping you, mama took over. Isn't it funny that your little legs never tired. But you sure wore out your mom and dad, so . . .

Fibi offered to take over helping you.

See, we don't always make you cry to see your teeth, sometimes you are a little more willing.

contemplative

2007-12-17T08:35:00.000-06:00

You amaze me. So I am entering you in the photo contest over here.

you love me!

2007-12-12T19:34:00.000-06:00

You are the my most favorite grandchild! I can say that now and should say it a lot because you are the only grandchild. Yesterday, you came for a short visit - to pick up some snowboots PaPaw and I got you for Christmas.

When I greeted you at the door, not only did you smile, you reached out to me! That was a first. I've seen you reach for your mama many times but never had you reached your precious little arms to me. You melt my heart.

I remembered that I had a toy in my bedroom for you. As I carried you down the hall to retrieve it you were leaning your head, trying to peek into the room to see your PaPaw. Many times when you come over PaPaw is on his computer working and I take you to him. I'm sure you were looking for him. You are so precious! The smile that lit up your face when I handed you the blue toy fishie was priceless! I love you in so many ways!

Later on, you came over again and with the help of your parents you brought me some nice photos and a photo holder. Check 'em out.

Now I won't say I want to put a brick on your head to slow down your growing cuz I wouldn't want to hurt you. But I am loving you being little and I'm loving watching you grow and I am so glad your parents moved back here to be near me. One part of me wants to cover up your little feet (in that picture), doesn't your mom know it's December for goodness sakes? The other part of me wants to kiss your little arches. Don't hold me to that last part in 10 years when you have big smelly boy feet though.

Tristan, the Explorer

2007-12-10T18:33:00.000-06:00

I wanted some photos of you in front of the Christmas tree so your mama sat you on the antique trunk in front of the tree and stayed close by to make sure you didn't fall off and I grabbed the camera and tripod. What I learned is that long exposures and active babies don't mix. Still, you had fun.

It may look like you're rather mischeivious but actually you were just very curious. You weren't trying to tear the tree apart, rather exploring all of its interestingness.

I got it

This is a . . .moose?

See the moose, MeMaw?

Ok that was fun. Hmmm, what's that?

Lemme see.

Got it!

It won't come off.

Mama, can you help?

two teeth - count em

2007-12-09T19:26:00.000-06:00

When you went to the doctor for your check up a few days ago, you were given the go-ahead to eat people food. No more baby food for you. You're a little underweight and aren't found of babyfood so Doc said go ahead and eat those french fries, avacados, meat, etc. Just no dairy, including eggs.

You are loving it! And now that you can eat everything, your teeth are coming in. I told your mama they just were staying hidden because you didn't need them. We bribed you with cookie trying to get a photo of your teeth. As you can see, it only worked a little. You quit crying once mama popped the cookie in your mouth. Success!

First Santa Sighting

2007-12-07T21:22:00.000-06:00

Your parents took you to see Santa a few days ago and you weren't too sure about him. As with everything you come into contact with, you were curious. You looked at his beard a while then looked at mama. You say so much with your eyes.

below the low in Wisconsin

2007-12-07T03:00:00.000-06:00

I’m still ticked and miffed and ok, Tristan cover your ears, pissed that I cannot get on my main blog over at blog-city! So for today this post will be here then transferred over as soon as I can get it to the rightful spot.

As I tried to open our sliding glass door yesterday morning (about 7:30 am) to let my cute little dogs out to do their business I discovered it was frozen shut! I had to result to plan B and take them out the front door on leashes. They were quickly done and when we got back in I set the hairdryer on the back door. Hey, it worked after about 20 minutes.

I then got on yahoo and the weather channel to see what our temperature was. You’ll never believe it. It was -13° (Fahrenheit) and we tied the record for this day, set on December 6th 1955. My question is how? When the predications for the day are:

High: 22° Low: 20°

How are we at -13° ?

Side note: Last year I told you about an annual event here in Wisconsin (and other places) but did not get a photo of the sign. This year I present you with a written invitation, or uh, photographic proof.

My main blog

2007-12-06T20:39:00.001-06:00

Ugh! My main blog has been down for hours now. :( I am so frustrated, none of the blog-city blogs are working. Guess I may have to post here tomorrow if it's still down, then just move things over later. :(

UGH!!!!!

Just want you guys to know I am aware of the issue and frustrated by the issue and I hope you'll keep checking back. . . .

what happened to your spider

2007-12-05T19:20:00.000-06:00

When you ask me next Halloween what happened to your toy spider, I just want you to know, YOU ARE what happened to it. :) You have loved that spider that drops down when you clap then climbs back up its string while its green eyes blink. I told PaPaw that it was staying out through Christmas. Then we started letting you play with it.

You whack it, and whack it, each time getting a little wiggle from it. Finally you whacked it to death. No more blinking lights, no more wiggle. You spider is dead. Please remember you killed it with love.

Playing in the park

2007-11-27T21:17:00.000-06:00

Earlier in the month we took you to the park and double teamed you to get some nice shots. To get your parents' cooperation we told them we needed the practice but really we just wanted more photos of you. While I was getting this shot. . .

. . .PaPaw got this one.

Aren't you adorable!

You are looking so grown up. It won't be long and you will be walking and causing your mama all kinds of fun. She actually did not freak out about germs while you played on the slide or while she was digging sand and leaves out of your mouth. You wanted to taste everything.

See, she even let you crawl on the bridge. You have so much fun when we get you out into new places and doing new things. Don't worry buddy, we'll make sure you see lots of the world.

Of course, you felt the need to taste the bridge too.

And while you look all alone (and like a cute little old man) in the next photo your daddy was very close and had his hand on your belly out of sight.

Prevent baby drowning

2007-11-13T19:30:00.000-06:00

Your grandma Patty sent me this link and it's amazing. You watched the entire thing so maybe if you ever fall in a swimming pool you will know what to do.

If your 6 month - 6 year old fell into a swimming pool would they be able to keep themself from drowning?
Infant Swimming Resource

songs for a happy baby

2007-11-12T21:02:00.000-06:00

I hope you aren‘t too embarrassed when you are old enough to read this. Ah, heck I‘m your MeMaw, I‘m allowed to embarrass you.

Your mama and I sing to you all the time, always have. But I decided maybe I should write down a couple of your favorite tunes. I‘m not privy to what your mama sings to you but here‘s one that seems to entertain you.

*To the tune of John Jacob Jingle Heimer Schmidt*
Tristan Xavier Jameson Smith
His name is my name too
Whenever he goes out
The people always shout
There goes Tristan Xavier Jameson Smith
Tra la la la la la la LA

Ok, well that one isn’t all that creative but you sure like it! The other one I sing to you when I change your diaper. It seems to entertain you while you lay there, unhappy you are out of arms.

*To the tune of Ring of Fire*
I fell into the stinking poop of Tristan
I went wipe, wipe, wipe
and his wee-wee kept a mistin'
And it stinks, stinks, stinks
The poop of Tristan

I suppose I’ll have to quit singing that one to you or you may try to sing it to your kindergarten teacher. Oops. Maybe I’m a bad influence.

First Halloween

2007-10-31T23:35:00.000-05:00

Before you were even born we bought two costumes for your first Halloween. We had no idea what size you would be so we guessed. We bought a cute lion in a size you could not fit in at all now, and a fat little pumpkin that we squeezed you into for some photos a few weeks before Halloween. Aren’t you cute?

Even that hat wouldn’t strap onto your big head. Ok, your head is not big, just too big for the baby size. I managed to find the cutest little shirt to go under the pumpkin suit and it seemed worthy of a few shots too. You are simply adorable, especially when you are getting tired and calm.

So we looked for other costumes for you and the same day I found this sweet giraffe. . .

Your mama found this sweet puppy.

First Tooth

2007-10-30T22:15:00.000-05:00

At 8 months old you have your first tooth! It's on the bottom, left, front, can you see it? I can feel it.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

1st Wordless Wednesday

2007-10-24T01:14:00.000-05:00

You are 8 months old today and your first tooth is poking through.

Tristan in the pumpkin patch

2007-10-18T20:55:00.000-05:00

I am so happy that you live so close that I can be a part of many of your days and your firsts. Tuesday we all took you to the pumpkin patch. We put you in the wagon until we filled it up with pumpkins. It was your first time in a wagon and you liked it.

"Why am I in here?"

"Hey this is fun!"

Although you aren't speaking yet sometimes you give us a look like, "Did you see that?" You communicate through expressions a lot. This is your "look at me" face.

Here you were busily talking to your mama with you eyes.

I wonder if that leaf tastes good? You tried to find out but thankfully your daddy is quicker than you are.

"Are these all mine?"

Back in the wagon.

You look so tiny in the field.

Your mama must agree that your cheeks are kissable. :)

Tristan's new car

2007-10-17T16:29:00.000-05:00

Your parents got a different vehicle today. No more noisy old Jeep. Maybe you'll like car rides better now. I do know you fell asleep on our way to the pumpkin patch.

Whatcha think? Do you like the new car? Have I told you lately how adorable you are? How kissable your sweet little cheeks are? I love you!

Still no teeth

2007-10-16T17:03:00.000-05:00

You are almost 8 months old and you still don't have any teeth. Don't worry though, they will come in. You won't be toothless forever. Your great-grandma Patty, the one who sends you presents in the mail all the time, was slow getting her teeth in too. At least you don't hurt yourself when you chew on your fingers.

A Halloween Treat

2007-10-10T06:01:00.000-05:00

Hootin' Anni was kind enough to give me a treat for Halloween. Thanx!

I happt to be sweet instead of sour. Hmmm, who can I share it with? Anyone out there?

Signing baby

2007-10-08T23:36:00.000-05:00

Your Uncle Khris and Daddy had a job interview to be at this afternoon so while they went to it you and your mama played at my house. I know you will be extremely surprised to learn that I didn't take one photo of you. Well, photos with a camera, but I took a few into my memory to treasure.

You are growing too fast and advancing too fast and I wish we could keep you a babe for just a while more but I know that in a blink you will be an adult man. :(

But for today, you crawled and rolled and babbled and climbed. Yes, you read that right, you are 7 months old and trying to climb. You climbed up and over me to get onto the futon. From there you climbed up to a standing position and your little hands were still reaching trying to climb higher.

I made you giggle a few times and we showed you how your trees' (watching their leaves blow in the breeze would calm you) leaves are changing colors. The leaves aren't green anymore but those Maples are red, yellow and orange.

Finally you got hungry and a little impatient with you mama. She was preparing to feed you while I tried to calm you. You closed your little eyes and cried and made the motion with your hands, in sign language for "milk". It was the first sign I have seen you do.

Uncle Mikal

2007-10-01T22:08:00.000-05:00

Your Uncle Mike is okay but your eyes stay on mama at all times. And your mama's eyes never leave you.

Tristan and the carrot

2007-09-24T22:12:00.000-05:00

I had the rare privilege of babysitting you for a short time on your 7 month birthday. I think you were tired when your mama dropped you off but no way were you going to sleep through your time here. You played happily for a little while, you even got in your little swing, which you haven't done in ages.

It wasn't long until you were hungry so I fed you a little carrots and rice cereal. You didn't act like you liked either one even though you've had them before. So, PaPaw washed up a real carrot for you to gnaw one. You don't have any teeth so you couldn't break any off. I'll forever call this your teething carrot.

You carried that carrot every where we went until all of a sudden you started crying and nothing I did helped. A few of your grandparents have this idea that it wouldn't hurt you to cry a little but we know that your mother would not allow it. So I called your mom and your dad came and got you. You fell asleep in your carseat one block from the house.

I'm trying to get your mom to write some posts to you but she says she doesn't know what to say to you. Funny, in real life, she never quits talking to you. She really needs to take over this story about you as she never lets you go, some part of her is always touching some part of you and I think you both love it that way. I don't see you nearly as often as I thought I would before you were born, and you're not my baby (but my beloved grandson). So, your mom needs to start being your historian. She knows all that you do and when you do it. I only know a small glimpse, but I love you and treasure every minute I do have with you.

The Dirt Episode

2007-09-20T22:14:00.000-05:00

It happened! Today it happened. Remember how worried I was about how your mama would act the first time you took a mouthful of dirt. Well you did it today and she handled it with grace.
We had you out on a blanket trying to get some photos of you in your various Halloween costumes and since you are now the Master of Crawling there was no keeping you on the blanket. You excitedly combed your fingers through the grass, closed those fingers into a fist, pulled up dirt and all and promptly brought that hand to your open mouth. My hands were full of camera but your mom promptly plucked you from the ground, plopped you on her lap and quickly wiped your hand and face clean, while she laughed.

You still had a few seconds there where you could savor the newfound flavor and you happily chewed.

Here you are in your puppy costume immediately after the dirt episode.

Crawling Speed-demon

2007-09-19T23:39:00.000-05:00

Since you have learned to propel yourself by any means possible you have kept your mom busy. She’s says you’re worse than any puppy she ever had! You want those power cords and no amount of toys distracts you.

You are now officially crawling, on your hands and knees like the good “puppy” you are, no more army crawl for you. So when your mom brought you over for me to take some Halloween photos of you I wasn’t surprised to see you up and about. I was surprised at how hard you are to photograph now. Do you ever sit still? No, I mean when you’re awake.

I was also surprised that you learned to sit up one week, crawl the next and now you are pulling yourself up. No joke, take that literal. Slow down! Ya hear me? Be a baby for just a little while longer.

You pulled yourself up with the help of the futon. On your knees you intently watched Fibi (my doggie), apparently you weren’t as close as you wanted to be. Next you lifted your knees off the ground and were almost standing, then you fell over and crawled away to go grab a dog bone. Well with any luck that bone will help you cut a tooth.

You did this all by yourself (and don't you look pleased with yourself), from laying on the floor to this and you’re 6 months old!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey other people out there, isn't this young to be pulling up? I really don't remember when my kids did it but I thought they were more like 9 months old.

Grandparent's Day

2007-09-10T23:35:00.000-05:00

You are simply amazing! You're only 6 months old yet you reminded your mama about Grandparents Day and when she took you to the store you picked out a lovely card.

I'm a little disappointed though, she wouldn't let you chew, or slobber, on it. I imagine that was because she still has nightmares about that coaster you tried to eat at Chili's.

Thanx for remembering us Big Guy!

Help me Tristan

2007-09-07T14:28:00.000-05:00

Tristan, I need your help. In the short six months you’ve been here you have totally engulfed your mama. This is good, that she takes such great care of you but I fear you will hate it and grow to resent her as you get older.

First, I need you to remember how much she loves you in a year or so when you want to push her away because you’re a “big boy” and can “do yourself”. Be gentle with her. She loves you immensely!

Second, don’t be surprised when she goes all crazy that first time you put dirt in your mouth. I thought she was gonna hurt me for suggesting that we put in the baby swing. She was afraid of the germs on it. And that’s ok, but we need to help her realize that you have to grow up.

Your mama said, “But he’s the only one I have.” Oh Sweetheart, how many times have I heard those exact words from my mother’s mouth? She wants to save you from all the ills of life and that’s understandable. But trust me when I tell you that you better start requesting a baby brother or sister soon to save yourself the headaches of being the only child. A little brother or sister will occupy some of your mama’s time so that, while she still loves you immensely, you won’t be held back.

In the mean, MeMaw’s here for you. I’ll be the one putting you in the dirty baby swings, letting you feel the grass, sneaking you sips of Diet Coke and trying to help your mama lighten up a little.

Finger Licking Good

2007-08-22T20:50:00.000-05:00

We went out to eat for you PaPaw’s birthday but you can’t eat anything other than rice cereal and fingers yet. However you have never met a finger you didn’t like. You especially love MeMaw’s fingers because I dip my finger in my Diet Coke first, much to your mother’s chagrin.

You started with Uncle Mike’s finger, yummy! He gave you a small taste of whipped cream.

Your own finger didn’t taste the same. . .

. . .so you nibbled on mama’s.

Mama’s must have been pretty good because when she tried to take it away you gave her an evil look.

Then decided you could fix that and grabbed her hand, poking her finger back into your mouth. We sure are glad you don’t have teeth yet.

Precious Time with the Little Man

2007-08-01T19:53:00.000-05:00

We finally convinced your mother and father to run off without you. It took a lot of talking and a couple of, “You won’t let me see my grandson?” to get your mama to let you go. She was afraid you would be too fussy for us and I have to admit I worried about you getting hungry and unhappy with us too. But you survived a couple of hours with your MeMaw and PaPaw and without your parents. You are 5 months old now and don't have to eat every 15 minutes. *wink*

PaPaw bought you a nice little pool to get cool in. You loved splashing your toes in the water.

We took your diaper off to let you sit in it but the water was kinda cold so you didn’t last very long.

I wrapped you in a receiving blanket while PaPaw kept snapping photos of you.

You sure love to “talk”, "See my toy, PaPaw".

You couldn’t quite sit in the chair. . .

so we took a more relaxed approach.

PaPaw had a hard time getting your attention, you just love your MeMaw so much. ;)

You’re trying to get those teeth to come through. Hard to believe you still don’t have any.

You think you’re ready for your own camera now. But maybe you’ll be happy to share MeMaw’s for a bit.

I LOVE to see you smile!

I was trying to get your diaper on and you kept eating your foot! This is one of the few pictures I took of you, most were taken by your PaPaw. Your mama says you have never eaten your foot before. When your Uncle Mikal was a baby he would eat his feet all the time. Remember that so you have some dirt on him. I guarantee he will be sure to harass you as much as possible while you’re growing up. Just remember I’ll always be here for you, trying to help you even the score.

You spent a little time in your stroller but quickly we took you inside and fed you some Rice Cereal. It’s the only food you are allowed to eat right now. We obeyed mama’s wishes and that’s all we gave you. Of course, you would not take the bottle we made and offered you. Shockingly. . .

you fell asleep without your mama or a bottle, binky, anything.

Mama was so happy to see you. You just wanted to go back to sleep tired little man. I can’t wait to steal you away from your parents again.

4 months old and growing

2007-07-12T18:56:00.000-05:00

Little Buddy I'm sorry I haven't written to you in a while. Life has been busy and I don't see you often enough. It has been ages since I have had you all to myself. You no longer take a bottle at all. In fact, the last time I tried to give you one you acted like I was trying to poison you. You had the funniest look on your face and kept spitting it out. I had to call your mama and tell her to come right away because you were hungry but wouldn't eat anything I offered.

We spent the next hour with you in my arms, standing outside staring at leaves. You love trees; the way the wind blows the leaves makes you so happy and it offers a great distraction when nothing else works. Your favorite are Maples. You and I have spent much time watching the wind blow the leaves and I really don't mind. You are getting very heavy however, and it makes my back ache after a while.

I love the way your face lights up when you see me. Nothing in life makes me happier than to see you smile.

Your little hands reach for anything you want and you gain more control over them everyday. After you spent an afternoon beating on your Papa's computer he took you to the store and bought you a couple of toys to bang on and you think they're awesome. One is a caterpillar with 26 feet with the letters of the alphabet on them. You push the feet to make the caterpillar talk and sing. There's also a button on his back to make him play songs and that button makes his some lights on his head light up. You love to chew on those lights, but only when they are lit. So, you push the button and chew, when the song ends you push the button and chew.

Everything you touch goes directly to your mouth. You have recently discovered your feet and they go in your mouth too. When I kiss your cheek you try to eat my cheek.

You absolutely loved the fireworks on the 4th of July. We were concerned they would scare you and we only bought a few, but you happily sat in your mom's arms and watched every one. When the lights were done you would look back and forth searching for them. Then Papa would light one and you would hear the sizzle of the fuse and look in anticipation. I think you would have sat there for hours and watched but you didn't cry when they were gone.

Your mama is still the center of your world and you are hers.

You have hands!

2007-05-18T15:58:00.000-05:00

You are in the process of discovering that you have hands. You are quite capable of reaching for things and touching things. But it's often the back of your hand that touches the object. You have not yet mastered how to purposefully open your hand and grasp an object. When you do place your hand correctly it is by accident and you seem amazed. But all of this is okay because it's part of learning. I'm just so very proud that you keep trying and will keep trying until you succeed.

Your mom turned 21 years old today and you helped her celebrate her birthday. Next year will not have to wait for her to turn the cake into milk for you but you will be able to smear the frosting all over your face. She loves you so much that I have to pry you from her arms just to get to play with you.

Your first trip to the woods

2007-05-11T19:00:00.000-05:00

I wish with all my heart that you could remember and treasure today. I picked you up and was on my way home with you happily cooing in the backseat when PaPaw called. He said there was a brand new cache, so leave you in your car seat and he would come out.

When Papaw joined us I moved into the backseat with you and even though you had started crying, you quickly stopped at the sight of the camera. The rest of the trip you played with your toy and laughed at me.

We quickly made it a good parking spot for the cache and the little arrow on the GPS said it was only about .13 miles away. I grabbed you while PaPaw grabbed the GPS and of course I had a camera around my neck, a pacifier in my pocket and a bottle in my hand, just in case.

You were so happy to look at the trees that I pulled you from my shoulder, turned you around with your back to my front and sat your bottom on one arm while holding you against me with the other arm across your chest. This left your little legs and arms free to wiggle and you did a lot of that while you happily gazed at nature.

The path from our car to the water’s edge was nice. Just grass with trees on either side. Once we reached the lake we had to bushwhack our way to the cache. This is where things get interesting and why I wish you could forever treasure this memory like I will. As a side note, I wore capris and sandals - I was not expecting to go caching today.

Papaw led the way to the cache and we followed behind. We had to go through thorny bushes and Memaw’s leg kept getting scratched. After a few hundred feet of this I thought maybe I could go through the pine trees to avoid the stickers. We fell way behind PaPaw while I tried to maneuver through branches.

This was my favorite part of the excursion. You and I, seemingly alone, you totally trusting and quiet and me intent on keeping you safe and happy. I boosted you up so your face would be right next to mine, in this way I hoped to make it through the branches while keeping both of our faces safe. It was wonderful to have your little face so close to mine, like we were one, viewing everything together from the same angle. We ducked together and squeezed through together and it was the closest to you I have felt thus far.

After making it through three trees unscathed I decided it was too much work and even though no branch touched any part of your body I wanted you back out of the trees. So back into the thorns we went. My legs are scratched all over but no nature touched you and you were so calm, like you truly enjoyed the whole experience.

PaPaw found the cache as we approached him. Remember I was wearing sandals? Well, as my left foot came down I saw a little slithering green snake (about the diameter of a pencil and a foot and a half long). My foot was close to its tail and I freaked out. I know it was harmless, but I’m not fond of snakes. I jerked to the right while holding you even closer, I yelled to PaPaw, “Snake! Snake! I saw a snake! I almost stepped on it!” and I was dancing from foot to foot. The entire time I was screaming and hopping you were still content and quiet.

PaPaw held you while I signed the logbook and I managed to get a couple of photos of you with the cache before we headed back to the car. BTW, we did find a nicer path back out. One free of thorns, branches and snakes. I still think it would be a good idea if we didn’t tell your mama about this though. It'll be our little secret. Shhhh.

Your first geocache

2007-05-08T20:02:00.000-05:00

Last week your mama had surgery to remove her gall bladder and you stayed with me for two days and a night. We had so much fun! Your mama missed you SO much that when I wasn't taking you up to see her, she was calling to check on you.

When your PaPaw came home from work he got on the computer and found 5 new caches (geocaching). Brand new caches are fun to find so we loaded your stroller in the car and off we went.

You fell asleep for a few minutes but when you woke up, you stayed quiet. You stayed awake while we pushed you all over the park. You helped us be FTF (first to find) on all the caches. Good job, little guy!

Your mama is home from the hospital and doing great! I hope the next time your mama lets you spend the night with me she isn't sick. I also hope the next time you sleep over, we actually get some sleep.

2 months old

2007-04-27T16:04:00.000-05:00

A few days ago you turned 2 months old. You have discovered your hands and love to watch them. You went on your first excursion with just your Memaw and Papaw. We took you to Wal-Mart while we shopped for fishing poles and you loved everything in store. You picked out your fishing pole but you have to wait a few months to use it.

Every time I try to take your photo you open your eyes very big and I finally figured out why. The little orange light shines before the shot is actually taken and when you see the little orange light your eyes get big. Then I snap and voila, there's Mr Big-eyes.

Beautifully Hilarious

2007-04-21T16:05:00.000-05:00

You think your MeMaw is the funniest person alive! I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that I will do anything to see you smile? And I go absolutely overboard to make you wiggle and giggle. We have the most fun when we're alone. I can let my guard down because no one is there to laugh at me acting stupid but you and I know you're not laughing because you literally think I'm stupid, you just think I'm fun. And I gotta tell you that it's fun being stupid for you. You have wrapped yourself around my heart and will never let go.

The common phrases we hear when people meet you are:

He's so alert!
He's beautiful!
Wow, you're so lucky you got a pretty baby.

The last statement had your mom questioning me as to its meaning. At first I gave her a puzzled look as it seemed so obvious, and then it struck me what she was thinking and I laughed. It is a funny thing to say to someone and does kinds sound like you're telling them they're ugly and should have made ugly babies. Your mom is beautiful too Lil Buddy!

What makes this even funnier is that when your mom was a baby everyone would always say, "Wow, she has beautiful eyes!" or "I love her eyes" and I turned to my mom in tears inquiring, "Is she ugly? Is that all they can find to say about her?" Mom assured me then, and I've concluded through the many years, that her eyes are just striking. She got your Grandma Betty's bright blue eyes and then the shape of her eye allows you to see much of the blue. Add this to the fact that she got your Grandma Patty's almond complexion and, as a child, my white/blonde hair and it's understandable why people noticed her eyes.

4 shots and some goo

2007-04-18T16:06:00.000-05:00

You will be two months old in a few days and the doctor took this opportunity to introduce you to pain. After you were stripped naked you were placed on cold scales and weighed. You're still gaining and now weigh 10 lbs 11 oz. You were then placed on a table and your length was measured: you're now 23 1/2" long.

The doctor pushed and pulled on your various parts and eventually tried to hear your heart and lungs. Here's where she encountered a problem, she could not hear your heart because during all the aforementioned you were crying like banshee. While she couldn't hear your heart, she did declare you have perfect lungs.

While your mom talked to the doctor I tried to calm you and managed to get you quiet. Your torturer quickly tried once again to hear your heart. Success at last, and again you cried. Your mama soothed you and you fell asleep peacefully.

After you were deep into Dreamland, the nurse came in with four shots and a tube of medicine. She tried to wake you to take the liquid first and when that didn't work she shoved those needles into your thighs. You cried and your mom cried and within 5 minutes the torture was done and we were in the car and on our way home. You quit crying and went back to sleep before we even walked out of the building.

Do the cha-cha

2007-04-17T16:07:00.000-05:00

The last few days I have had the privilege of spending several hours a day with you. You have been in a terrific mood and totally entranced by me and my silliness. Last week, I felt you only wanted to cry at me and this week you smile, laugh, coo and wiggle.

You can hold your head up without any problems. . . do you see your mom in the background fretting?

You rolled over for the first time! Bravo! Accident or no, it won't be long until you do it on purpose and often.

You wiggled so much it was hard to get a clear photo but I think this one captures your joy.

I know you're worried about all the photos I take and I want to assure you that I will delete any crazy ones. . .

. . . that might cause you embarrassment when you're a teenager.

As I sang to you, you danced and wiggled and tried to sing too.

You make me feel so happy to be your MeMaw.

A "first" - caught on camera

2007-04-12T16:09:00.000-05:00

I have the magic touch when it comes to making you poop your britches. You filled them twice while you were here. During one diaper change your mom had to totally strip you down because you got it all over your clothes. I snapped a couple of photos while she held you, actually I asked her to freeze so I could snap the photos. I haven't taken naked photos of you since your birth.

So, your mom was holding you while I clicked the beast at you, freezing the moment in time, when she pulled one hand away from your body to point and tell us that you were peeing on her. Good job, buddy. Good thing we choreographed it. Only you and I know that I whispered in your ear beforehand to take aim and let me catch another first.

You went to the physical therapist today and she decided you are developing normally. She doesn't need to see you again unless your mom has concerns.

You and I need to sit down and have a heart-to-heart. Your mom goes to the doctor Monday and they will be setting up her gallbladder surgery. She's going to be totally fine so you don't need to worry. But, you will have to stay with MeMaw while she's gone and for a bit while she recovers. You are absolutely, 100%, attached to her breast and we've got to get you accustomed to taking a bottle, at least for while she goes through this. She won't be able to nurse you while she takes pain medications.

I think your biggest problem with the bottle is that it gives you Pepsi when you want Coke. I'm sure the formula tastes different and I'm sorry buddy but it's all we'll have when mom's away. Please be easier on your MeMaw, she can't keep your mama's breast to feed you with, it has to go with mama. And the surgeon can't cut on your mama's belly while you are attached to her boob.

Are you sure you're only 6 weeks old?

2007-04-10T16:11:00.000-05:00

Easter was this past weekend and it was your first holiday. Well, I guess you could count St Patrick's Day in March but we don't really do anything then. So, this was your first holiday that the family all got together for. I can't wait for next year so we can hide Easter eggs and let you have fun finding them. I can envision your little face lighting up with joy at the colorful plastic tucked in grassy tufts.

But this year, you are too little for a chocolate bunny and although we thought for weeks about what we might get you, we were unable to come up with any ideas for something that you need. So, I hope you don't mind, we bought your parents a crock pot for your first Easter.

You are now six weeks old and can hold your head up pretty good. Your pediatrician is sending you to a physical therapist for evaluation though because you keep your head tilted a lot and may have some weak neck muscles. This just means that you and I are truly related because when I was a baby I had weak muscles on one side and my mom was instructed to use a pillow to prop my head and stretch those muscles. I don't walk around tilted now so it's no big deal. You'll be just fine, sweetheart.

You are a very strong baby and love to stretch your long legs out. You will whip your head around to look, if someone walks into the room. When you get tired you want your mama. You insist on nursing on her excessively. I hope you outgrow it; hate to see you still sucking on her when you go to Kindergarten.

You love having your picture taken! PaPaw says it's because I have been snapping that beast at you since you popped into the world. The light floods your features and it's goes clicka clicka clicka. You look and look, occasionally you frown, but for the most part you just look at it. You have an infatuation with ceiling fans and chandeliers which I get blamed for. Everyone thinks you must think they are more cameras like MeMaw shoots at you. One of the first things you do when you come to visit is talk to our ceiling fan. You seem more happy to see it than you do to see me. It's okay though, because one day when your mom carries you in you will kick your little feet and wiggle with joy at the sight of me. I know it'll happen even if I have to smear chocolate behind my ears to encourage it.

To be so little, you are very alert, you coo and smile and make sure the world knows when you are unhappy. Sometimes you cry so hard and you are inconsolable. It's not a cry that you're hungry or your diaper is dirty. You don't seem to be in pain; you seem mad. Simply, mad. You throw your arms around and cry, tears and all you bawl, a full-out tantrum. I would like to know what you get so mad about.

All the photos above were taken on Easter Sunday. You are wrapped in your brand new afghan, made by your Great-grandma Patty. It's really soft and has pretty edging and you're still little enough to appreciate both.

Encouragement

2007-04-03T16:13:00.000-05:00

Your parents have been placing you on a blanket on your tummy for a little while each day. On this day, you are laying on the brand new quilt your great-grandma Patty made for you. It's so pretty! Your mom says you will turn your head but every has to get behind you and talk. Then you're so curious you turn your head to face us.

Last week you and your mom spent the day visiting and Uncle Mikal was here too. I had fun snapping your picture. You have learned to look away form the camera. The camera has a little orange light right before the flash and when you see the little orange light you look away. Here you decided it would be more fun to make eyes at your mama.

I think Uncle Mikal gave you some secret instructions. You repeated them back to him to make sure you understood and Fibi styed close by to protect you always.

One month old

2007-03-24T16:15:00.000-05:00

Today is your one month birthday. Hope your first month out in the world has been a good one to you. I watched you for a while yesterday and you were very good. Even though I bugged you by changing your clothes and taking your photo, you were still in a good mood.

You fell asleep in my arms but when I laid you down you woke up. After this happening twice I decided the third time to try laying you in your swing. You slept contentedly for at least two hours, just swinging and sleeping. In fact, at one point I stood up (your swing was in front of my chair), leaned over you, moved your blankets (you had made no noise or movements for several minutes), touched your head and still not pleased by the depth of your slumber I moved your hand. You tried to pull your hand away which confirmed you were still indeed alive so I was able to relax again.

Your parents decided that you deserved a present for your one month birthday and they bought you a swing for their house. I think this is really a present for your mom because twice I have placed you in your swing here enabling her to eat with both of her hands.

What clor are your eyes?

2007-03-20T16:16:00.000-05:00

23 days old, right after diaper change

We convinced your mom that we were going to melt into oblivion if we had to go one more day without seeing you. So she graced us with a couple hours of your presence yesterday.

You love your PaPa! As soon as you heard his voice, you whipped your head around. You kept your eyes on him at all times and I wonder if it was because of the bright red shirt he put on right before you got here, or his wonderfully soapy smell or maybe it’s because you know he can’t be trusted. Maybe your eyes were glued to him to make sure he behaved himself. I gotta tell ya though that your PaPa is quick and he’ll be slipping stuff past you while you blink. If I was you I would never close my eyes around him.

As soon as you arrived I grabbed my camera and of course I renewed your flashbulb tan. I need to ask if you have decided on an eye color yet. Your PaPa took a photo of you and your eyes look light and kind of gray, about 30 minutes later I took one and your eyes look brown. I think you have hazel eyes but I really can’t tell.

Way to go big guy, while we played tug-o-war over you, you pooped your britches and I quickly won the game. You howled while I cleaned you and your PaPa mixed you a bottle. You were so impatient that you turned the knuckle on your right pointing finger bright red from sucking on it. As soon as the bottle was ready your PaPa snatched you. Told you that you can’t close your eyes even long enough to blink. I blinked and suddenly PaPa had you snuggled close to him.

You barely finished 1 ounce of your bottle and you fell asleep. You depend on your milk-maker or a bottle to pacify you; I’m not sure what to think about that. Within moments of your falling asleep PaPa put you to bed. He wanted you to be comfortable while you slept but I couldn’t resist making sure the tan on your face was just right.

Proof that we can put you down.

Hey Little Buddy

2007-03-15T16:26:00.000-05:00

I sure miss seeing you every few minutes but I know your parents need their own space. I begged to watch you while they went shopping a few nights ago so I got to see you for a couple of hours. You love your swing and watched the lights and toys on it for quite a while.

The other part of our time together was spent with you in my arms and I know when you go to Kindergarten you will be arguing with the teacher about the proper words to "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt". You will tell her "NO! It's Tristan Xavier Jameson Smith" Much as your mother did to me when I tried to teach her how to read. She always thought she already knew the words and got mad at me when I corrected her.

You are so alert! Everyone is amazed at how you look at everything already. I don't remember your mama being this alert this early. You try to hold your head up but can't really get it for very long. In trying you almost jerk yourself out of arms. You better slow down, or you'll be crawling next week.

I sure do love you little buddy!

A room of Your Own

2007-03-10T16:29:00.000-06:00

You're two weeks old today and you should be very excited as today is the day you move into your own place. No, we're not booting you out on your own just yet, you'll defintely want to take your milk-maker with you. Your parents signed papers last week on an apartment and we have moving truck sitting in our driveway as I type just waiting for us to wake up enough to start loading it.

I'm going to miss having you in the same house and being able to kiss you everyday but you'll only be three miles away so I know I'll see you lots.

Your daddy has applied for lots of jobs in that area (we're moving a few cities away) and one of them has called him back for an interview, a lifting test, a physical and drug test so I'm assuming he has that job. We're just waiting to hear. Until he starts it he may have to drive back and forth. Hopefully, they'll call Monday and tell him when he can start.

Well, I better get my butt up and start loading the truck. Be good today little man and you'll have your crib together in your own room before you know it.

Just a Swinging

2007-03-03T16:30:00.000-06:00

I stole you from your parents this morning long enough to pop you into your swing and see what you thought. Verdict is in - Hey Mikey, he likes it!

Doctors, Daddies and Great-Grandpas

2007-03-02T16:31:00.001-06:00

You had a lot of fun at your first doctor's visit. You fussed as the doctor checked your various parts and we repeated heard the words, "He's completely normal." and "That's completely normal." The only comment he made about anything not being "completely normal" was when he looked in your mouth. He said, "Wow his uvula is pretty small. . . But that shouldn't matter." (Hey, I used the word uvula for probably the first time in my life!) So you are a good healthy boy and you looked so big compared to the other babies we saw there.

Your doctor looks like he was having too much fun torturing you.

Today is your daddy's birthday. Not only has he gotten another year older but he's now a daddy! He's so proud of you and attentive to your every need, as is you mama. He hates to leave you to go to work but knows he must. He wants to do the very best for you and has only your best interests at heart. You made a little mistake this morning by granting your first smile to your PaPa, maybe you could grace your daddy with one on his special day.

We're taking your daddy out to eat for his birthday at his favorite buffet and this will be the first time you have been anywhere other than home and the doctor's. I imagine you'll hog all of the spotlight but I think your daddy will still have good memories of his birthday. When you're older, you and your daddy will enjoy many buffets together as you definitely acquired your daddy's appetite.

Your Great-Grandpa has taken a photo of you to his work for his desk and you now have the coveted spot once held by his little naked dog, Tinker. I don't think Tinker will ever realize this but you should know in the few short hours your Great-Grandpa held you that you wrapped him around your finger too. Boy your fingers should be full with all the people willing to do right by you.

What do I do with it?

2007-02-28T16:33:00.000-06:00

Apparently your mom saved all of her humor for the labor room. I promise you she smiled through 90% of the labor and said some of the funniest things. She had the best attitude I've ever seen in a woman in labor and talk about a silent birth.

When I walked into the labor room early in your mom's labor she was standing by the bed. I asked what she was doing.

"Making plans to leave the baby with his grandma's so I can get some sleep."

---------

You dad was so excited I said, "Proud Papa"

Britney, "I hope it's not ugly"

---------

When told it was time for the IV.

Britney, "No IV"

Me, "It's ok honey, everyone gets one."

Britney, "Not the women in rice fields."

---------

Britney, "Why did I say no to the epidural?"

---------

And my favorite, "I know you have to feed them, burp them and change their diapers and love them but what do you do with it?" It looks like she's figuring it out.

Today your mom and dad went to a movie. Your mom didn't really want to leave you and she teared up when leaving but she told me she knew you would be ok with me because I raised her and her brothers and they were all still alive. Thanx for the vote of confidence. :) I told her that I knew the cell phone would work in the bathroom at the theater and she called in tears checking on you. She raced home after, wasn't even gone 2 hours and you were precious. Somehow you and I survived without her.

Home from the hospital

2007-02-27T16:34:00.000-06:00

You are an excellent baby, doing your job and allowing your parents very little sleep. You keep your eyes open a lot looking at everyone and from the moment you entered the world you seem to recognize voices. I was really surprised that you seem to recognize mine even though you didn't hear me as much as your mom and dad. Your dad is being so good to help your mom as much as possible and I see the pride in his eyes each time he looks at you or her.

The three of you came home from the hospital yesterday and are working on getting a routine. Right now I think the routine is you make a tiny little noise and they jump. Isn't that neat! You just have to sigh and they both come running.

Your ever resourceful parents started you college fund while in the hospital and everyone gladly forked up a little dough for the privilege of being in your presence and a little more for the honor of holding you.

Your mom got you ready to come home.

Then a nurse showed the proper way to belt you into your car seat. I really thought I knew how to do this but it looks like I never had the belt tight enough. The nurse made the belt so tight on you that you couldn't wiggle. She said there should only be enough room for a few fingers between you and the strap.

You looked at your mom on the elevator, peeking through your cover.

Miracle in the truest sense of the word

2007-02-26T16:37:00.000-06:00

As a child your mother never wanted babies; she wanted horses. She dreamed of horse and begged for horses and as she got older she dreamed of babies to teach her love of horses to.

In March 2006 she promised me four grandchildren. A promise that due to my battle with cancer I feared I would never live to see. In May 2006 her boyfriend asked me for her hand in marriage and around this same time she saw a doctor for problems plaguing her. She was told she has PCOS or PCOD (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/Polycystic Ovarian Disease) and was told the condition would make it difficult, if not impossible, for her to fulfill her promise to me.

My heart ached for her. It's a feeling you never want to have. If you yearn for children it's not fair that you may not be able to have one. . . simply one.

I know everyday of her pregnancy she worried about you and feared losing you. I know she loved you before you were. I know she loves you more each day and is so very thankful that you have come into her life. You are treasured. Not a mistake, not an accident, not unwanted and always cherished.

What a wonderful experience when she allowed me to see you come into this world and breathe your first breath. How awesome she searched my eyes for strength to push you out of the darkness and into our world. She smiled all the way through every trial of pregnancy, labor and delivery. She beams now.

As the doctor laid you on her, your first resting spot in our world, he checked your cord and discovered you had tied it into a knot. This could have been very dangerous for you and could have made it to where your mom's heart would never recover. You are so lucky. She is so lucky. We are so lucky and I promise you that you will always be treasured.

After your mom and dad held you, I did. I was happy to wait and I left promptly after your birth to give them room to realize their new family. I beamed with pride at all of you and saw my little girl become a woman, my equal, not only my child. I was so overcome with emotion that it's hard to put words to it. I have mental images that will outlive any photo taken with a camera.

I'm afraid that I made you promises as soon as my hands touched you. Words just gushed from my mouth and they weren't even proper promises. I didn't promise you the unconditional love in my heart but rather horses and motorcycles and anything you ever requested. I hope you'll understand when at times I will have to say no. I hope you will understand that while I promised you material things what I was trying to say was that I loved you and always would and that in any storm you can run into my arms.

We're so happy you made it through all the trials you had and I hope we can get you through all the trials to come.

Tristan is born!

2007-02-25T16:40:00.000-06:00

Tristan Xavier Jameson Smith

February 24th, 2007 8:26 p.m.

weight 8 lbs 20 1/2" long

Check out those hands and feet, they're huge!

Mother and baby are doing great and while there's a lot to tell it has to wait because I have been without sleep for over 48 hours. Goodnight.

Labor of Love

2007-02-25T16:38:00.000-06:00

Flashback to Friday - Your great-grandmother decided she had to come up and drag you out of your safe haven. She called to say she had convinced your great-grandpa to bring her. Your parents helped us ready the house for their company. Your mom spent a lot of time straightening up her level of the house and then went to bed. Your grandpa and I finished our cleaning and he fell asleep but I stayed awake getting periodic updates from your great-grandparents on where they were and that they were still on the road and alive.

Did I neglect to say that the biggest snowstorm of this winter had started as well? Your great-grandparents have guts, or maybe they're stubborn, but they drove through a blizzard to get to you. They even had to sit on Interstate 90 for over 2 hours because a semi had jackknifed and there was no way to get around. In this area no plows had been yet and the snow was up to their doors.

So, here we are Friday night, or early Saturday morning if you prefer, 1 am and I just got off the phone with your great-grandma when I see your dad in the kitchen. He's on his way to tell me that he thinks your mom's water just broke (by the time you read this you'll know what that means). So, I run downstairs to check on your mom. I find her sitting in bed, blankets all around her and she sits there shaking slightly. She looked so sweet and I truly regret not snapping her photo but at that moment cameras weren't on my mind and as much as I've subjected her big belly - you - to the camera it would have been pretty mean to do it then.

To make this story slightly shorter I'll sum a few things up, possibly to expand on some of them later. Your grandpa drove us (you, mom, dad, me) to the hospital. We waited a long time and your mom labored and your great-grandparents traveled. Somehow, everything clicked together and you were born at a perfect time to be able to meet your great-grandparents and catch your grandpa home, instead of working. Your timing, although 6 days late by the doctor's calculations, was perfect!

The snowstorm's timing was not. The snow has made things very difficult and your great-grandparents had to stay in a motel as they couldn't get up our driveway. Today there was so much snow that we couldn't get out. We were lucky to have a nice neighbor to plow it for us so we could. But the snow still falls and I pray we can get out tomorrow to bring you and your mom home.

I'm pretty impressed by you; you managed to be wise beyond your years. You parents had a tough time picking your name and I hope you like it as much as we all do -Tristan Xavier Jameson Smith. You're the first baby to enter our family in 15 years (Uncle Haden) and you share having two middle names with your uncles Mikal and Haden. You weighed more than your mom and her brothers at birth, although only 4 ounces more than your mom and Uncle Mikal. You're 8 lbs even. You're the same length as your Uncle Khristiaan, 20 ½" (although some of your paperwork now says you're 21 ½"). And you were born in the evening like you Uncle Haden.

When your mom had an ultrasound I commented that you had huge feet and guess what, you still do. You hands are big too, with looong fingers. The entire time you were inside you loved being in a ball and you still do. You love being swaddled and you are nursing great! A lot of people came to see you today and I have photos as proof.

Patience is a virtue!

2007-02-22T16:42:00.000-06:00

Hey you little twerp where the heck are you?!?! There are so many things waiting for your arrival and you are making us all impatient. I know that you don't yet know what impatience is but just you wait. When your little belly is hungry and your little mouth is seeking anything to draw sustenance from and your mama can't get her milk maker out quick enough, you will feel impatience. That feeling is the one many of us are feeling now while we continue our wait. It appears that you are so content that the doctor is going to have to pry you out with his crowbar.

Your parents are in the process of getting an apartment with a room just for you. You will have a huge space to stretch out in. It will seem like a mansion compared with the tiny space you currently are in. You have a puppy anxiously waiting to lick your toes and steal your toys. I know you'll really like him and he'll feel much different to you than he does now. Right now he's the one sitting on you as often as possible.

I know I have told you repeatedly how ready for you but check this out. See all those boxes of diapers? You can poop all the time and still never run out.

Expired

2007-02-20T16:43:00.000-06:00

You are two days past your due date and if you were a gallon of milk or loaf of bread we would be throwing you out. Your mom doesn't seem to mind your tardiness but your Uncle Mikal was five days late and I was irritated. Your mom still has a smile on her face to everyone's surprise. I'm beginning to think that by the time you decide to join us on the outside you'll be half grown, speaking in full sentences and ready for steak. You're great-grandma in Missouri has had her bag packed for a week just waiting for the phone call saying you're on your way and I think she's about ready to come up here and show us how it's done. If you feel a tug on your hair pulling you into waiting arms I can guarantee you that it's your great-grandma.

Doctor says he's sick of seeing your mama with a big belly so he set up a date to remove you from your comfort. If you do not come willingly in the next few days, the doctor is going to demand your presence next Monday morning. One way or another we're gonna getcha, getcha, getcha getcha getcha, One day maybe next week we're gonna find ya, find ya. . . ok, so your grandma's 80s high school years are showing up. I promise to dance to Blondie with you. See you soon.

Still we wait

2007-02-19T16:45:00.000-06:00

Your due date came and went with no sight of you. You must be awfully comfy. Your mom goes to the doctor tomorrow and we'll see what he says.

Intel Inside

2007-02-17T16:47:00.000-06:00

I know your mom is getting tired of me snapping photos of her belly but someday she will appreciate that she has so much documentation of the pregnancy. This evening I got to do the idea I've had for a while now. The sticker reads "Intel Inside - Celeron". Someone on flickr had a great idea to use a "Migrate to Mac" sticker on her so I'll be doing that in the next day or two provided you don't appear before then.

I apologize

2007-02-16T16:48:00.000-06:00

I need to apologize for almost deafening you yesterday. We took your mom to walk around around at the mall, actually it's more like 7 or 8 stores placed in the same parking lot sharing walls. At least there is a hallway with a roof connecting the stores and as cold as it's been it's good to be inside. So, we went into the Hallmark store and there was a neat 'Party Button'. If you pressed the button it played a loud happy song. I placed the button on the top of your mom's belly and you passed the hearing test. Now, I'm sorry if I startled you out of a sweet warm quiet dream, but your mom has all kinds of worries about your normalcy and at least I was able to assuage one of them.

I know you think you're nice a safe in there but I want you to know it's much more fun out here. Your mom is pretty miserable right now and while it's normal I think she's ready for 2 a.m. feedings and seeing her feet again. You're easiest escape route is the same path your dad uses to visit you (By the time you read this you'll be shocked your grandma said such a thing). I'd draw you a map if I could. Hey, maybe if I drew it your mom could eat it to send it to you.

That bump on your head earlier was your mom falling. She slipped on the stairs and her butt went thump, thump. We're hoping you're not going to be born with a black eye now. Boy the last two days have been rough on you, maybe you'd like it out here better. We bought you another neat toy, come on and we'll play.

Sharing the love, er, pain

2007-02-15T16:50:00.000-06:00

Out of the blue your mama suddenly hit your daddy.

Me "What he'd do?"

Britney "I just want him to share in the experience."

You've been wiggling a lot lately and apparently every time you wiggle or kick she taps Nick. Wish I'd thought of it.

Nick "I don't mind it so much except when she keeps me awake."

I looked inquiringly at Britney.

"Well if the baby keeps me awake I keep him awake" she explained.

Wishing for a refresher

2007-02-14T16:54:00.000-06:00

Your mom is dependent on your dad and me to get her through labor. Last night, she lost the mucous plug which is totally normal and your dad was so excited he couldn't put a sentence together and he couldn't sit or stand still. We all started taking bets on how much you will weigh (winner gets $20) and were sure you would would be a Valentine baby.

Well, we made it through the night and so far today your mom still isn't in labor. But the way your dad was acting has given me cause for concern. It's been about 15 years since I've had a baby and I didn't go to Lamaze with your parents. I sure wish I had a refresher course. I'm not so sure that your dad is going to be able to calm his excitement down enough to guide your mother calmly through this experience. I sure hope he can contain his excitement and I can pull enough out of the cobwebs of my mind to help your mom get you out as easily as possible.

Maybe you know the day you're scheduled to arrive is February 18th and you are waiting. Your mama was one of that small percentage of babies born on her due date.

Week 39 doctor visit (5 days left)

2007-02-13T16:55:00.000-06:00

Doctor exact words were, "There's the baby's head. . . you're a good 2 cm. . . cervix is 50% effaced and nice and ripe. Should be anytime. I'm going to go ahead and scrape the membranes a little to see if we can get things going. We'll set you up with next week's appointment but if the baby hasn't come by then we'll set up a time to induce labor."

Seems that the doctor has just upped your odds of being a Valentine baby. See you soon!

Where oh where. . .

2007-02-12T17:38:00.000-06:00

I know of a couple of babies who were due on the same day you are (Feb 18) and they are already out in the world. I am so anxious to see you and touch you; where are you? Grandpa and I are staying close to home because we figure you will arrive when we're gone if we go anywhere. In fact, this past weekend we got your mom and dad to come with us (hosiptal stuff in tow) just so we could go somewhere. I keep trying to get your mom to walk but she says she's too tired.

Earlier today we had to go help your Uncle Mikal in Wausau (45 minutes away) and your mom called when we were halfway there. Your grandpa and I figured we were going to have to turn around but it turns out that you are still safe inside. She was calling for other reasons. :(

She says you aren't moving around as much which could be a good sign. Until you appear we wait. Camera's charged and ready. Doctor visit tomorrow.

38 week - doctor visit

2007-02-06T17:40:00.000-06:00

When your mom and I went for your check-up this week we were placed in the same room as last week. I got a better look at that magazine I mentioned last week and discovered it was not Psychology Today but rather Newsweek and the date was August 2005. You can see the entire article here along with the photo of the baby and her electrodes.

Your mom is now 50% effaced and we are all anxiously awaiting. Your great-great-grandma's birthday is the 7th and mine is the 8th so you should come soon. We're more than happy to share the week with you.

Still snug as a bug

2007-02-04T17:41:00.000-06:00

Apparently you really like your hidey spot. You are wiggly and squirmy but refuse to come out. I thought you might like to see a photo of your mom and dad with you hidden from view.

37 week doctor visit

2007-01-30T17:43:00.000-06:00

We went to the doctor today, your mommy and me, and your heartbeat sounds good, you've grown a little and all seems well.

There was a magazine in the room, I think it was Psychology Today but not sure which issue, that had a photo of a baby with tons of things attached to its head with wires everywhere. This enticed us to pick it up. The article was titled Jealousy to Joy and it told of a study they conducted with babies testing emotions and when they supposedly develop. I was reading the article to your mom while we waited for the doctor and your mom had a little episode. She and I had been discussing the article when she quit talking to me. I looked up from the magazine and she was holding her head with one hand and the table with the other.

I asked if she was ok and she said she felt dizzy and kind of weird. After a little bit I decided to go get the nurse. As we reentered the room your mom looked even more pale and suddenly she erupted. Fast nurse grabbed the trash can for her. By this point your mom's ears were ringing too. She's never had this happen before but doctor seems to think it's a fluke.

The rest of the exam went well. She's dilated almost to 2 and effaced 20%. Won't be much longer and you'll enter the world. I'm so excited that I set up your port-a-crib today and your swing. Wanna come out and play?

This is a quilt your great-grandma Patty made for you. Isn't it pretty?!

Good Vibrations

2007-01-26T17:44:00.000-06:00

I had my hands on your mama's stomach for a while feeling you wiggle. You wouldn't wiggle very much for me. When I gently pushed you would move away. Grandpa came up with idea to put his cell phone on Britney's belly and call it so it would vibrate; we wanted to see if it would make you respond. Within seconds of the phone beginning vibrations you kicked. I think you were trying to say that you want your own phone so you could respond properly.

Another doctor visit

2007-01-23T17:46:00.000-06:00

Your mama went for her next weekly check-up and you're doing good. She gained a little more, 1 1/2 lbs and you are still growing. Doctor says that you will be just fine at any point you decide to come out now. Your mama's been having a lot of Braxrton Hicks contractions and lots of back pain.

Here you can see your mama and you in her belly as well as your Uncle Haden. He was much shorter just a few months ago. I think he's decided you need a taller uncle.

I finished your afghan . . .

Lamaze time

2007-01-21T17:47:00.000-06:00

Your parents have now completed the class informing them how to help you enter the world. They have the certificate as proof. It won't be much longer until your mom gets to huff and puff your house down. All we're waiting for now is her belly button to pop out like the pop-up-timer in a baking turkey to signify you're ready to come out.

Growing up

2007-01-19T17:48:00.000-06:00

Your mom is really trying to be the best mom she can and I know she's anxious for you to come into the world and out of her. She doesn't say it but I know she's nervous and she gets a little bossy with your daddy. Daddies just don't comprehend the responsibilities involved in having a baby as quickly as mommies. She's really pushing him but I think we'll see the biggest maturing of him shortly after your birth. They're both still really young but I was younger when I had her and she turned out ok.

Your daddy is working hard trying to make sure your mommy can be with you all the time and he may need to get a second job after you're born. Don't take this to mean he doesn't like you, it's just part of the day we live in. Most families have to have both parents working or one person working two jobs; heck sometimes both people work two jobs. I'll take care of you whenever I can or they can't. You're loved by many already.

Your mommy is trying to make sure she does everything just right. Reading a lot and asking lots of questions so she'll know just how to make sure you're comfortable, healthy and happy. Don't be upset if she cries a lot when you first get here, that's perfectly normal and will go away over time.

Grandpa and I are trying to figure out how to be grandparents, it's a little different than being parents but I think it'll be a lot of fun. We'll teach you stuff and play with you but your parents have all the responsibility of disciplining you. Woo hoo! Fun!

When it comes to eating please listen to us and we'll teach you good manners. So many people in our area chew with their mouths open, smack and talk with their mouths full. Not traits we want passed on to you. Trust us you'll appreciate it when you're older, although you'll probably get tired of hearing us say, "Chew with your mouth closed." and "Don't smack."

Be gentle on us as we try to learn you and we promise to be easy on you. We're all trying but we're not perfect.

Pregnant Belly

2007-01-18T17:50:00.000-06:00

Your Uncle Mikal thinks it would be a great idea for your mama to advertise on her belly until you're born. Apparently there are people selling advertising space on their bellies on ebay. I can't see your mom running around town in a half shirt with her belly sticking out and colorful words painted on it telling of the new Martini Bar in town. For one, your mama likes all body parts covered at all times, for another our town only has 18,000 people so not a large crowd to advertise to and lastly it's single digits lately so you would freeze.

Can you believe before you were even thought of your mama got her belly button pierced? She was 15 at the time. Since you started growing she removed the ring and you should see how stretched out that hole is now. She has the red streak where the ring used to be. Kinda funny that they make pregnant-belly-shafts for pregnant bellies to keep the rings in throughout pregnancy. When I was young the only thing people pierced were their ears but nowadays they pierce any part they can and a few they shouldn't.

Doctor Visit

2007-01-16T17:51:00.000-06:00

For the first time in over a month your mommy gained weight. She gained 2 lbs, not alot but better than nothing. Doc says you're doing good. You're a funny one, back when we saw you in the ultrasound and you were tiny, you were in a tight little ball. Now that you are much bigger you prefer to stretch out. Doc says he felt you on both sides of her tummy.

Your mommy's not real thrilled because she has to see the doctor every week now but I reminded her this means you're coming soon. Here's how you look now:

Your mother's view.

Ready or not

2007-01-14T17:53:00.000-06:00

Well baby, we are all ready for you now. You aren't due to enter the world for one month but today we did the last of the shopping for you. We bought you a really pretty sleigh crib with the nicest mattress we could find so you can have great sleep. Your parents are ordering you a playpen online but grandpa bought you one for our house too. I figure the swing and playpen we have bought you for our house will get used by all our grandchildren to come but you will be the one to initiate them.

I am in the middle of crocheting you an afghan. Let's just say that crochet is not my forte, but I am enjoying relearning the stitches and you gave me the perfect excuse. I have never made an afghan before so let's hope I do ok. So far it looks nice.

Your parents have settled on a few names for you. I guess I should say they have narrowed it down a bit. I'm sure we won't know until you're born what you will end up being called but here are the choices thus far.

If you are a boy
Damien Xavier Jameson Smith
-
or
-
Tristan Xavier Jameson Smith

If you are a girl:
Sierra Aubrey Montana Smith
-
or
-
Audrey Xyliana Montana Smith

The doctor says you are a boy but the doctor told us your uncle was going to be a girl so your mama is being prepared.

You're definitely doing your job. Your mama got very tired from our shopping expedition today. You have your favorite position - you like to stay on your mama's right side. And she says you have the hiccups every night when she tries to fall asleep and often in the mornings too.

Well I just wanted to let you know that we have everything you need when you get here so when you're ready it's safe for you to come out. You stay right where you are until you think you've grown enough. Don't get too excited and come out too early but know we are all waiting with open arms for your arrival. And please don't be too mad at your grandma for hoping your daddy faints during your birth. If he faints I will get to be there to see you come into the world and I really want to be there.

Million Dollar Baby

2007-01-10T19:08:00.001-06:00

With your mommy's due date approaching we have began the search for essentials. I am amazed at how the baby world has changed since my children were small. It's much more complex and with the addition of the Internet it isn't as simple as running to Wal-Mart, Sears or JCPenney.

We figured that a stroller wasn't necessarily needed at this moment but of course we looked at them too because many car seats are attached to strollers. It seems this would be a good convenience but the car seat is separate which doesn't make a lot of sense to us. Wouldn't it be great if we could just plop the car seat onto a metal frame instead of getting a whole stroller out of the trunk and attaching the car seat to the top of it?

It's great that we can now use the carrier as the car seat too but that will only last so long so. We'll have to buy a new car seat shortly and it has really upped the prices of the carriers. The carriers I had for my children didn't have a base that stayed in the car, I had to actually strap the belt across the top of the carrier each time I placed it into the car.

I haven't been able to find a simple little bassinet, you know the little white wicker ones on wheels. No nowadays a person must spend a lot more than $20 but you get vibrations and other things that are actually ok to live without. Come on you'll use a bassinet for only a few weeks.

When it comes to nursing you why can't your mommy just use her arms and maybe a feather pillow as added support as I did with her? Where's the need for a Boppy, v-pillow, mybrestfriend, nursing nest, or even simple nursing pillow?

Cribs have advanced the most. What happened to one side lowers and the rest stay up and that's it? Now there are drawers below, cribs that change into regular beds and round cribs. I like the idea of the round crib, I can see you circling and circling inside. Seems you would outgrow it quicker than a standard rectangle shape and I imagine the bedding is more expensive. How would I store a round mattress?

Playpens - my children had one old wooden one, think it was called a portacrib as you could raise and lower the legs. They also had the standard soft-sided, netting, with flimsy bottom pad on plywood that you lower two sides and fold in half to get it out of the way. Playpens nowadays are also your changing table, portacrib, bassinet . I think I really like the changes there have been in playpens. I think you'll like the new ones too.

Highchairs are another thing that has changed. Mine had little metal frames with padding and plastic tray, the entire thing folded in half to slide out of the way. Seems all the new ones are hard plastic and not compact at all. It's really neat how you can have them low or raise them high though. And some are basically boosters that you strap to a chair.

I had a metal framed back pack to carry my babies on my back. In fact for one of them I think I had a soft front pack. Now there are slings of all kinds to choose from or make one yourself. Couldn't you just tie a sheet around yourself and the baby?

While stumbling through the plethora of baby stuff on the Internet this morning I stumbled a cross a few things that made me ask why? (although you may need one of these - it's cute!) Made me laugh at the absurdity. And made me go "hmmmmm". What will be available 20 years from now when I have great-granchildren? And how much is it going to cost?

Swings and things

2007-01-08T19:11:00.000-06:00

I am so anxious to teach you everything I know. The first thing I'm going to teach you is to stick your tongue out at your daddy. It'll be fun!

You will soon see how fun grandma can be. We'll go to zoos and play games and stay up as late as we want. Don't tell your mom but I hope she goes to work after you're born so I can see you everyday.

Grandpa and I have been unable to resist buying you clothes so you have enough wardrobe for quintuplets. Just a few days ago we bought you the cutest swing. They make them a lot neater now than they did when your mom was little. It sits down low, has toys attached to it and has batteries so I won't have to keep winding it. I bet you will love the swing like your mom and uncles did. They usually fell asleep in it and woke up when it stopped swinging. Come on out and play with grandma, she's ready for you!

What are we gonna name the baby?

2007-01-05T19:49:00.000-06:00

Almost daily your grandpa utters these words annoyingly to your mama. Can you believe that you will enter this world in just a few short weeks and your parents still haven't decided on a name for you?! Considering the fact that your last name will be Smith they need to think long and hard for a name that not many Smiths have. Grandpa and I are rooting for Montana but I think you are going to be called Damien. The doctors have said that you're a boy (we don't really care as long as you're healthy) but Montana would work for either. We've never met anyone named that before and we've lived a long time.

Before you even started making your mommy's tummy grow we started a list of names on the refrigerator and I must say some really cute ones have crossed. A few have been rejected because your parents knew people with the name and those people were mean or ugly or stupid. A few remain, under consideration. While I'm very happy they are taking it seriously I really wish they would make a choice. And I hope you and I like their choice.

For now you are just Baby.

The First Grandchild of Many

2007-01-04T19:51:00.000-06:00

When your mother was a baby (1986) I started writing to her in a spiral notebook that only a handful of people have read. But so many advancements have happened since then that I'm able to write to you on my laptop computer, submit it to the web and let anyone read it. It is my hope when you are older you will enjoy the words of love from your grandma.

You are doing a good job at making your mommy miserable. Her belly is growing more each week, which means you are getting bigger and bigger and soon you will come out into the world. I love watching her belly grow, knowing you are there causing it, and it makes me anticipate your arrival.

I often touch you through her belly, trying to make sure you know your grandma. Occasionally, you poke back, but usually you move away. Soon you will snuggle in my arms.