Jackie Lane's Blog

Year in Review

2011-12-22T19:42:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!!

Noah

Ian

This Little Light of Mine (that's moose poop on the right)

Halloween - Ian wanted to wear a different costume every day following Halloween - he's definitely more of our fashionista!

Bros

A Pair on the Island of Coronado

Snorkeling in Kauai

Connor and Noah

My fave - boys exploring in the rain, and hanging with Poppy in NC

San Diego, North Carolina, Maryland, Oh My!

2011-12-18T18:45:00.000-05:00

Back in Maryland, at the end of November - after a month of travel - we cut down the perfect 2011 Bates Christmas Tree.

Photo Credits: Noah Bates

We spent Thanksgiving in Chapel Hill, NC with family - four grandsons all together! Here are Grey, Ian (both 2) and Cameron (1) rub a dubbin'.

Beyond eating and visiting, we got Christmas trees, took hayrides and kept up with the Twilight movie series!

My sister, Carly and her family.
Cam - below in his blue hat.

My new slipper duds!

Grey

Signature look by Ian

The last night in NC, Carly and I got together with my UNC ladies over margaritas and Mexican at our old stomping grounds - Monterrey's. We took many a 'study break' here while at Carolina!

Right before Thanksgiving, Connor and I may have lost our heads for a moment and decided to squeeze in a quick trip to San Diego (Connor was there for work and I joined while the boys played with Grandma). Del Mar, La Jolla, Coronado Island, downtown San Diego, Torrey Pines Park - we hiked down to beaches, sat by fire pits, toured, and hung out with some of our best buddies who were also in town! Definitely a memorable time.

Halloween 2011 was also very memorable - we spent it in Chapel Hill, NC with family. The first house Ian hit, he ran straight in and to the back. Welcome home! He is doggie below. Cameron is the dinosaur.

I'm Just Sayin'

2011-12-10T21:24:00.003-05:00

Just doing year-end picture clearing house--making 2012 calendars and came across these...ahem, gems. Connor had just re-tarred our driveway (with the boys' help of course) and thank the good Lord I was able to get to the camera quickly enough. Be still my heart. I love this man.

2 Boys, 1 Pumpkin Patch and a Corn Maze

2011-11-10T07:05:00.000-05:00

Falling behind this fall - but the good news is that we are thoroughly living it to the max. Daily I wish I recorded more events, took more pictures and captured more of the growing world around me of 2 boys. Instead, I am fully immersed in simply keeping up with each adventure as it comes.

Ian in a tippee

Ian watching Noah in the Pumpkin Patch

Noah flirting (a typical question for him - "are girls my age going to be there?")

A mom in a corn maze, and...

A pumpkin-head dad

We Do It Island Style

2011-09-17T18:15:00.005-04:00

From the mountain to the ocean from the windward to the leeward side.

On the Island, we do it Island Style!

Aloha!
We just returned from our journey to the island of Kaua'i.... Crazy to say that this marks our third visit to this majestic place. We honeymooned and babymooned here as well! Words cannot describe so pictures...

The Na Pali Coastline - hard to tell where the sea ends and the sky begins. This is about an hour and a half drive from the North Shore, where we stayed.

Connor and I at Secret Beach.

Secret Beach - we spent most of our time exploring the rocky masses on the far end of the beach. Water pooled in low-lying areas creating 'baby pools' for swimming and playing. The ocean waves and currents were actual insanely strong this day. No one was swimming, only watching the waves storming in and out - they were huge and fast. Well, no one went in that is except for me. A guy had to pull me out! Seriously, what was I thinking!

Connor and Ian stopping to check out the views on the Kalalau Trail (~14 mi). We made it about a mile in and back. Noah hiked the whole way - even lost his shirt about half way! Many fellow hikers likened him to a mountain goat. This trailhead began right next to the Ke'e Beach, great for snorkeling.

We lived off local fruit (papaya!!) - the Starfruit in particular was a hit.

Connor and boys on Hideaways Beach (Princeville - near St. Regis Resort) - this was a picturesque spot where waves crashed against the rocks behind (of course, not in timing with the smiles...) To get to this beach, you must shimmy down several hundred feet of bumpy dirt, holding onto ropes, rusted pipes, even garden hoses!

Our duo in diapers - Ian and Ayla

We managed to fit in some romance...we celebrated our 7th anniversary while here! On the night of our anny (September 5th), we opened a bottle of Vueve (champagne) and laughed over our favorite memories together thus far. Kari and Bob also celebrated their anny (5th) while there (September 3rd)...actually this is how the idea to take this trip originated...over a bottle of wine in California I believe...

Ian's "cheese!"

Connor and Noah on Ke'e Beach.

Jackie and Ian on Ke'e Beach

Now, my favorite beach - the one where they filmed a scene from the movie, South Pacific: Lumaha'i Beach. Long stretches of fine sand and turquoise waters combined with steep rocky structures and low-lying rocks where the ocean rushes in and gets trapped, creating warm shallow pools.

Kari and Ayla

Bob and Steve did end up jumping off the far end of the rocks!

Ian n Ayla

The bus! Sophia is the driver, then we have Ian, Noah and Rocco. This outdoor patio area was a Kingdom at times, a bus and even a late-night cocktails location for the adults.

Sophia our driver

Ian, "cheese!"

Girls on our way out for cocktails: Patty, Kari, Gene (Kari's mama) and Jackie

Oh we had some fun! My face seriously hurt the next day from laughing so hard that night!

This is a locals favorite, and became one of ours as well. When we walked into this joint for the first time, the live Hawaiian band randomly hit it with our theme song: We Do It Island Style. We could have died!

Ian in one of the caves we visited.

Fishermen

2011-09-16T22:21:00.001-04:00

Traverse City, Michigan - late August we visited good friends up north. These were some of Connor's close undergraduate buddies from Kettering University and the families they have been blessed with over the years. Below are some pictures from the 'most awesome fishing trip of my life' (Connor). This would be Salmon fishing and we still have ours packed on ice in the freezer (that was interesting to pack for the two flights home).

Ian waving to daddy somewhere out on the water.

And Seven Years of Marriage!

Pictures from our engagement - 2004

Photos from September 5, 2004

Beausejour to Saskatchewan

2011-07-24T10:39:00.002-04:00

We spent Canada Day and July 4th celebrating Uncle Cody's Graduation, Uncle Cole's 15th Birthday and Bayna's (Connor's Grandpa) Celebration of Life event. This 11-day journey began in Connor's cozy hometown of Beausejour, Manitoba and ended in Saskatchewan--and ultimately dropped us into the Winnipeg airport. Connor's family is now like my own. I love them so much.

I wish I had gotten more pics of Wormville (Nana Betty's backyard is a small oasis of earth worms) and our Grand Beach trip. I think the camera came out randomly. Another random note - United did loose all of our luggage (4 bags) for the first three days of our trip. This small setback was easily absorbed by the excitement of being up there and by the neighbors who pooled together a nice bag of clothes for the boys. I was 'stuck' in one of my favorite brown sundresses and was given the excuse to not do laundry (or unpack!) for a few days. Who could complain?

Noah had many jobs helping Pa. He earned money and got his very first wallet. According to him, this was his favorite part of the trip (along with keeping Wormville wormy and playing hockey).

Ian is all about keeping up with big bro.

Cody graduates!!

Super special for all of us.

Uncle Cody (stud of the day!) and Pa.

Me giving unsolicited advice to the seniors.

Keeping the graduates in line.

Mother and Grad dance. This was a super special night.

Sandbox in Pa's garage. Truly there for a pool repair job, but doubled as possibly the coolest outdoor sand park ever.

Sprinkler under trampoline - who knew how much fun this could be?

Outdoor campfire. You cannot take a trip back to B-town without at least a few evenings around one of these.

Celebrating Uncle Cole's 15th birthday.

Remembering Bayna. Check out the strong family resemblance.

This could be my husband. Crazy.

The cuz's (Riley and Rowan) on shuffleboard.

Entertainment during our 6-hour roadtrip from Beausejour to Saskatchewan...

For adults as well.

Which version of the story do you like better? ;)

Hard at Work

2011-07-08T12:47:00.000-04:00

These days and flying by the seat of our pants. Lookin' forward to posting some pics of our trip to Manitoba soon.

When Was the Last Time This Happened for You?

2011-06-16T16:38:00.000-04:00

“When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds: Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person, by far, than you ever dreamed yourself to be.”

- Patanjali -

This is my friend Kari. She is always working on some cool crap. I just have to give her a shout out - Kari girl, you inspire me. You and Patanjali would get along just fine.

I Can Tell That We are Gonna Be Friends

2011-06-12T12:01:00.000-04:00

Every year we get together with our old-school friends...These are buddies of Connor's from Kettering University (undergraduate school) - now complete with families. This year, Mer's gracious family allowed us to enjoy their beautiful mountain lodge up in central Pennsylvania for the long weekend - we went up the weekend we got back from Nags Head (mid-May). Really special is getting our kids together. I can already see the years - and friendships - unfolding...

Blowing Bubbles, Eating Dirt

This Little Light of Mine...

2011-06-05T16:21:00.001-04:00

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

- Marianne Williamson
http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Marianne_Williamson

Publish Post

My Mother's Day gift from Noah

I do Hot Yoga most Wednesday nights. During shavasana (final, resting 'pose) one recent Wednesday, she read this excerpt.

A Pair On The Pier

2011-06-05T16:18:00.000-04:00

A quick 'date' on the pier during our Outerbanks trip.

Spring is (err, was) in the air! Few from Towson, MD - represent!

Where I Belong

2011-05-28T11:52:00.005-04:00

We visited the Outerbanks, NC (Nags Head) the first week of May with our families.

What is it about the beach? The ocean just washes it all away. This time, for me, especially. Despite Strep throat, various injuries and emergent care visits and simply 3 kids under 2, 4 kids in total, it was downright Paradise for me.

I've actually given this quite a bit of thought since we've been back. I'm not sure if it was the ocean, warm weather and beauty of Nags Head; all the extra help we received from our families; or simply being re-connected with 'my people', the tribe where I fit, the birds of a feather. The southern kindness / Canadian go-with-the-flow spirit. The imperfections, the problems and all. Our relative take on "normal." I think it's this. It's the whole 'where I belong' feeling. And, that's a powerful feeling. I really miss my sister.

There was lots of [insert male symbol here] time at the beach! Boys, boys, and more boys. Where's the grand-daughter (...carly matt? :-)?

Our Family, by the i of the Phone

2011-04-25T21:12:00.011-04:00

Ian - "Shoes...Ouww-side"

Making Banana-Cinnamin-Blueberry-Oatmeal-Raisin-Butter Soup

"What does your tongue connect to?"

What do you think of my hair?

Photo by Noah

My Parents are in the Mafia (CinemaFX by Noah)

Interesting to note - the only pictures I have of Ian are when he is either already asleep or sleepy. Hmmm, I wonder why.

How else would we remember life lately?

Cherry Blossoms

2011-04-16T14:46:00.002-04:00

April showers have indeed been bringing the flowers. Maryland is just lovely this time of year. We trained down and spent the day in Washington D.C. last weekend during the Cherry Blossom Festival. We covered almost 5 miles on foot, often with one or both boys on our shoulders (Ian does love to walk but not in your desired direction). We were able to meet up with our good friends Vipul, Smita and Rohan (2.5). It was very cool getting the boys all together.

Your next Congressman?

Who Me?

2011-03-06T21:55:00.001-05:00

Hi, I'm Ian. I'm 1. I know I look young & innocent. But, there's a lot going on to the north of the thumb.
~~~~~

So... my iPod Nano has been broken since I ran the Halfer in October. Connor tried setting it back to factory settings, re-configuring the hardware, googling 'ipod nano menu button stuck'... Nope, the keys have remained stuck, songs stay stuck on repeat, and this is if the screen even comes on.

Until... we decided to let Ian play with it today. Those who know Ian ("e") can understand this. The iPod now works. Perfectly.

Just now...
Noah: What is the lowest number when you think I'll be able to drive?
Me (inside my head): 42

See my bug? (still not sure if this was a tick...but will forever be wondering as he ate it shortly after this picture was taken):

And, Don Juan (each day I hear about a new girl he has plans to marry from his Montessori class), is growing his hair out (as long as mine apparently). Those of you offended, take comfort in that all 10 of his toenails are freshly polished blue.

In his defense, this kid may arguably have the world's thickest, longest eyelashes, crazy. They even curl at the end.

Date night (big ups to Kari B who intro'd CinemaFX to me - this app has really neat FX):

Who me?

Ladies, Not All at Once

2011-01-31T14:52:00.001-05:00

Noah, now 4 (!), giving kisses - not unusual. He is serious about his hugs and kisses.

A Canadian Christmas 2010

2011-01-17T11:28:00.001-05:00

We spent Christmas this year, as we do most, up in one of the colder parts of North America (obviously during one of the coldest times of year). This alone makes it a mini-adventure for us, and I think it goes without saying that we dig adventure and travel. Connor's family is loving beyond words. They are a relationship-driven, nurturing group of people that anticipate our coming from the moment we book our plane tickets and go way out of their ways to make us feel comfy and loved. They are wonderful people!

Pics above from Leanne's mail route...
While there, we did some ice fishing (think fishing in a little hut on top of a frozen lake - we actually drove the van out onto it and built a fire inside the hut)...

Preparing to catch proof of Santa's visit..

Sledding (we did sustain a few minor injuries), bundling, ice skating...

Visiting, eating, seeing old friends...and new!

Inside our ice hut...

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

2010-12-18T13:33:00.002-05:00

That's more my size.

Dancing Down the Outerbanks

2010-12-09T22:07:00.009-05:00

On our way to Chapel Hill, North Carolina for Thanksgiving, we said No Thanks to 95 and instead, strolled down through Eastern Maryland and the Outerbanks. We did two nights in Chincoteague and two nights in Nags Head.

We must have rolled down every sand dune Jockey Dunes had to offer and collected at least 100 neck-laces worth of sea-shells.

Can I help?

Mommy and Ian

Can I tell you something?

Pizza party in the back camper.

See my Sea-shells?

Wait up!

Burd!

Breakfast

Jockey Dunes

When was the last time you remember being this happy?

Telling on us.

Sentir vivo

2010-12-04T15:08:00.002-05:00

One way to do this (feel alive) is to pack your bags four days after you run a half marathon for a 'long weekender' to Europe. The Photos

So, while I still can find my crumpled piece of scrap paper (a Swiss Air ticket) that I jotted down some epiphanies, insights and other notes onto, let me record this onto my Web Log...

+ Theproblem with a Lonely Planet writer illuminating a sweet hidden local gem …isthat it kind of ruins the whole ‘hidden’, and ‘local’ part. I believe we found this out the hard way andhence forth avoided all other hidden treasure recommendations. Lonely Planet should let the planet be lonely. My vote would be to get your sneakers on, find a map (and preferably be with a person who can read a map)and start exploring.

+ I knew Connor was a mean one with a map (like glance at a map showing a labyrinth of side streets, rivers and converging metropolitan areas - while driving - and seamlessly find his next turn). But, I am telling you, I was astounded at how we covered about 12 miles a day over three days and saw some of the most amazing pieces of history imaginable, all through Connor navigating via a TINY free little 4" x 4" map we got at the Visitors desk.

+ Barcelona - an old city, drenched in history. While walking, you may rub shoulders with the old Roman Wall, happen upon the old Cathedral and bump into one spectacular spectacle after another. Much of the city was not well organized with large descriptions and promotions of its 'sights'. It was quite non-presumptuous.

+ Guadi - amazing

La Sagrada Familia

la Casa Batllo

+ Even the Barcelona airport was a cultural experience. Europe (or the limited places I have been) seems to be a melting pot of languages, currencies and cultures. It felt to me like Europe is In-It together. It made me feel a world apart, being in the U.S.

+ I saw so many older people smiling, laughing. It really stood out to me. They seemed to be not so jaded by a "hard life." But, instead truly happy.

+ No one is in a hurry. I call this the Chill Factor. We're talking business men drinking beers in their business suits over extended lunches; people playing cards over breakfast. Smoking, drinking, smiling laughing. I get why people describe Europeans as Live for Today.

When in Rome...

+ ?Fumar, porque no? Holy smokes, everybody smokes. I think I almost got second-hand lung cancer watching the Flight Attendant sell box after box after box of 'Smoking Kills' (no kidding in huge font).

+ I got by with my 'Mi hablo Espanol muy pequito'. But, thank goodness for my Pictionary skills.... Those of you who know me well can probably can conjure up a great visual or two.

+ I am not particularly convinced that the Spanish are in love with Americans. I could be wrong.

+ The gracious town of Basel hosted us for one night also. I found Switzerland to be so clean, just pristine and full of old-world beauty. Cold, quite cold as well.

I am SO VERY eternally grateful to have been able to do this trip, and for this, I truly owe mi marido que adoro. We had a total blast.

Also...I'm sure it goes without saying that I am operating on about a six week lag, but as I have said before, at least I am in operation.

Also, I should mention, while the post below is still somewhat "fresh", that I smoked (IMO of course) the halfer with a 1 hour and 53 minute time - at least for a first-timer who had no goal whatsoever beyond 'just finishing' (preferably without embarrassment). I got so nervous and excited for the Race and I loved having those feelings. What better way to keep those fires burning than our trip to Barcelonita?

Baltimore's Half Marathon

2010-11-28T10:32:00.002-05:00

...was back on October 16th. A Half Marathon is 13.1 miles. Exhilarating! It was nice to have an accomplishment with a start and a finish. Especially given most days feel like one long continuous series of small successes (we got our grocery order and had a day of happy conversations) and small defeats (we ran over part of our grocery order and taught our children a few new inappropriate vocabulary terms).   I liked the working towards something and the finality of actually having done it.

As for the difficulty level, the truth is that it was not that much different than what I do every day. I'm sure there are some mothers out there who would be nodding.

The atmosphere in a marathon is bustling and contagious. It can carry you through the race. People were handing out skittles and gummy bears - beers around mile 10! One street had Jamaican music jamming and the streets were lined with kids, grown-ups, some armed with pots and pans belting out a homemade rhythm to run to. Thousands of people came out to cheer us on--and the weather was ideal. Sunny and cool. The hills, now the hills were another story. Apparently, the Baltimore Marathon is only 10 years old. The reason being, no one wanted to host a marathon in this hill-acious town. Whew!

I did learn a few lessons during my month-long training session, and during the race:

1. Don't stop. If you stop, you may not start again.
2. If you did not train with it, don't race with it. My warm top layer that had to go during Mile One of the race - the top layer with all my safety pins embedded into it and my race number - was not my most ingenious wardrobe choice to date.   Unpinning and re-pinning while running could constitute a new sports event in its own right.
3. Just drop the red skittle!   In my entire life, I do not think I have turned down a red skittle. However, if I could have referenced this check list (#2), maybe I would have thought twice. I think it may have taken five miles, but I did eventually get it down without embarrassing myself by spitting it out onto someone else or drooling on myself.

And, here are a few shots of the race - the first pic is of our very wonderful neighbors, John and Ellen and their buddy who I ran the race with:

Fall Has Fallen

2010-11-02T20:34:00.002-04:00

Noah's head, and...

Feet!

Noah being Noah.

Happiness!

Boys are happy and growing. We love this time of year on the East Coast! :) I think Thanks-giving is a perfectly timed holiday. That is what my heart is full of these days.

I am also piling through...mounds of Barcelona pictures. They light me up with smiles as I go through them. I cannot wait to share.

Just a Family of Four

2010-10-04T10:16:00.005-04:00

While we were up in Manitoba (September - see post below), we took advantage of a gift card Betty had gotten for us for Christmas (oh, about three years ago) for a photography session. Pat (the photographer) took us to a local park area where the old Beausejour Glass Factory used to be (now remains). The area is full of character - nicely wooded and smiling with sunflowers. The boys seemed to enjoy climbing all around and cheesing when requested. Pat did a wonderful job and we now have lovely pictures of the four of us - just us, doing what we do.

Here are some of my favorites...

Just Give Me the Chocolate Milk and Nobody Gets Hurt

2010-10-03T18:32:00.006-04:00

We spent the first 1.5 weeks of September in Manitoba, Canada celebrating Kirsten's wedding and visiting family. She was a gorgeous, glowing bride with all the flare and allure of a Southern Belle. The small, vivid-green field and Tarheel-blue sky created the perfect backdrop for a perfect day. Unfortunately, I have to describe this in all words to you as my camera died, right after I took this picture (we had just arrived)...

Funny how a similar thing happened at Neera's wedding - two weddings, zero pictures. Nice. From earlier in the trip, here are a few - Rehearsal dinner - Noah and his little buddy Allie:

Uncle Cody and boys

Connor and I also celebrated our 6 year anniversary while up there. We spent the night at the Fort Garry, an old historic site built in 1913 as a Pacific Railway hotel. It really embodied the feel of Winnipeg - a prairie city full of "Old World elegance." Does the smile say it all?

And a few artsy ones we burned battery life on...

The flights home were much less eventful than the flights there, but did officially confirm that we might have what some experts might describe as a 'strong-willed' child. While I recognize that these are qualities of a leader, right now.... these are qualities of a very busy day. We had a chocolate milk incident on the first flight. May I just say, what was I thinking bringing two full pints of milk, pre-opened (one plain, one chocolate, to mix on-flight, really), aboard a small propeller air craft anyway? By the end of the flight I think everybody knew us by name (or by whatever word they chose to call us).

When we got home, around 2:00 am, the boys fell soundly asleep into their beds and actually slept in! Just enough rest to geared up and back at it...

(Artwork by Noah Bates)
This month, October, we have some pretty darn cool stuff on our roster. Namely, a half Marathon (Baltimore, October 16th, WOOT!) and a trip to, ahem, Barcelona baby! As one of our friends so eloquently put it - we seem to be living La Vida Loca!

I Got This!

2010-09-01T16:50:00.000-04:00

My First Year of Life - Check!

2010-08-29T09:34:00.001-04:00

Ian turned ONE on July 31st. Yes, I am operating on about a four week lag. But, the good news is that I am in operation! We are EXTREMELY blessed over here. Two healthy happy (generally speaking) boys full of life, new ideas, humor and love. The brother-ship between Noah and Ian that is developing is good for a mother's heart to watch. There are plenty of death squeeze/hugs in the mix, but the 'I love yous' and kisses are also abundant.

It is a brave day for me when I venture out with them for a fun afternoon on the town - we usually play in our fort outside and dig in the mud / crawl in the mulch. Our days are full of life planning (Noah is going to have five babies, and when he grows up he 'just wants to be a dad', with a shrug of the shoulders; he's going to build his own house with a fireplace in every bedroom). Ian loves to wave 'HI' to everyone that crosses his path, with a huge line of drooool danging down. His wave is faced toward his own face and his 'hi' sort of sounds like a very loud 'HHHH' sound. We get lots of smiles (at least that is what I am interpreting them as).

Recently, I took them to a local used bookstore, the UPS store, Starbucks (I have aVanilla Milk junkie), and then Trader Joes. By the time I got them all wiped down and loaded up, I sat myself in my seat...and took a deep breath. Put the car in drive - and almost ran over my two bags of groceries and gallon of milk waiting patiently for me in front of the car.

At any rate, HAPPY BIRTHDAY baby boy! You are ONE! He is my eater--has not turned down a food yet. And, cake, fuggetaboutit!!

All The Birthday Pics!

My Boys in Big Sur

2010-07-25T17:14:00.004-04:00

I know you can't tell this from the pics above, but it was extremely COLD and windy (which is usual there). Let me assure you that the water was freezing! Most people were in coats and jackets.

And a few from our wonderful visit from Uncle Cole, Uncle Cole's Pa and Uncle Cole's Nana :) They drove down from Manitoba back in May.

It's been exhausting!

Cousins (Hugs/Thugs for Life)

2010-07-10T19:15:00.004-04:00

From our time in Chapel Hill, meeting Cam.
Grey and Ian (3 weeks apart)

Connor and Ian

One more of Cam

I have one of those picture frames that has words on it: 'Hugs for Life' - it is a 'Mother' picture frame. For whatever reason, my mind sees the 'H' as a 'Th' and the words become 'Thugs for Life'. Inside my head, I just laugh (the picture is of baby Noah and me). It's a great picture and all, but I love keeping the frame front and center b/c it gives me a smile in all the chaos.

I digress. But, let me try to make a full circle - Grey & Ian - little do they know now, but what they have is a friend for days to come. To call, have breakfast or beer with, talk or cry with, and otherwise have for all of life - person always on their team. A thug for life! ;)

Lots more NC pics.

Welcome Cameron Raynor

2010-07-05T13:47:00.004-04:00

Dimples, deep green-blue eyes. Y'all, seriously. Lock your girls up! :) I am so honored and thrilled I was able to meet my new nephew this week: Cameron Thomas Raynor, born June 29, 2010 (in about 10 minutes!).

In Flight

2010-07-05T13:45:00.049-04:00

When Noah was four weeks old, he boarded his first flight from SFO to BWI. At 3.5 he should have his own frequent flyer number! Both our boys, en utero and out, have enjoyed (or suffered through) countless flights over most of North America. We've traveled on planned trips--on the Bart, Amtrak, red-eyes and in rentals. We've also traveled on unplanned trips in caravans with strangers and rented carseats. We've slept in tents, on friends' futons, in fancy hotels and in dirt-floored cabins. It's busy, and yes, often several unpacked suitcases remain as month-long fixtures on our bedroom floor. We love the adventure, though. The experiences of seeing new places (or re-experiencing old ones) and being with family and friends just inspires us. We also have two fearless boys now - it fits our family dynamic well.

We just returned from N. California and North Carolina. The N.C. trip was one for the record books. We met our new cousin/newphew: Cameron (Cam) Thomas Raynor. I am madly in love!

While we remain in flight, it grounds us to be with our families. Carly has always been both my sister and best friend. I admire her so much. Being with her family during this special time was something I will always remember! I have eons of pictures to go through, most notably ones of my handsome new nephew, Cam!

Until then, some recentlys:

Little Beauty, Ayla and her beautiful Mum, Kari (so good to meet you baby girl!)

At the campground, by Big Sur River and hiking in the Redwoods, screaming at the Pacific...

Meeting new friends - hi Chloe!

Mama's Mama

2010-05-30T09:45:00.000-04:00

My beautiful mama and Noah, or Noah's Nanny.

Thoughts...
Did you know that our new car has a loose tooth? (blue tooth)

"Do you like my eye-browns?"

Nanny & Noah
(About a year ago, a lil conversation they had)...
Noah: Nanny, what's your name?
Nanny: Denise
Noah: Noah and Denise, Noah and Denise (smiles)

Above, they are building an outside inside-house (notice the tree and pillows they carried inside his fort - blankets, stuffed monkeys, digging utensils - we could have camped here). These are a few late Mama's Day pics. We went on nature hikes and did some nature pooping (which turned out to be a spectator sport!).

My mama's love and support is enough to keep any tired rundown mother in working order. She amazes me. Her immense love of Noah, Ian & Grey reminds me why we embarked on this wild adventure in the first place.

Does this link work? Do you see pics?
More pics? I gotta get on Flickr y'all.

Cure for the Common Meltdown

2010-05-27T21:13:00.001-04:00

This seems very appropriate for how my week is going. I found this older post that I never published.

How is it going lately you ask? Something like this...

Leading me to wish I had one (okay, both) of these:

And was here (Antigua, baby):

Thank goodness for wishful thinking!

Somehow the tropical pictures are enough to bring me there... Or at least bring me to the tequila store to get some margarita mix and then to the back deck for 5 minutes of a 'tropical nature'. I think I speak my own language these days.

Little Italy

2010-05-20T09:49:00.005-04:00

The Brightest Light, she lit up the room. You are missed and remembered by so many Lydie. We love you.

Lydia Denise Gosnell
February 20, 1980 - May 20, 2007

This year she would have turned thirty.

Thoughts from last year.

Thanks for the perfect name for this post, Jakob B.

Mothering: Lessons I'm Learning

2010-05-08T07:32:00.022-04:00

"A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five." - groucho marxHappy (late) Mother's Day to all you fabulous mamas out there!Random thoughts upstairs that I'll spill onto paper. Maybe this list can be a work in progress...

Oxiclean can remove anything (and not just from clothes - from couches, carpets...)

If I am trying to do many things at once (always), I feel stressed out. If I choose the children, it's a decision I will never regret. Simplify.

How I conduct my relationships, talk to others and in general live my life is always being watched, ingested and emulated. In that respect, there is no line between a 'me' and the 'parent' that I am.

Free reign on the inside of an automobile is a little boy's wonderland - and it can be a great car tutorial for the parents. We learned that our car has a key-less auto start, as a "safety" feature (your car starting is not the best sound to hear when you are not in it, but your 2 year old is).

How many times have I thought, a young male engineer without kids designed this?

I think instilling self esteem is one of the single most important responsibilities of a parent. It is the foundation which all relationships will be built on. The lens that all of life will be viewed through. It's the determining factor for how much their jug of happiness can hold.

I try to make parenting choices based on what will instill self discipline - get our kids to think on their own, make amends. For example, it is my hope that our kids will make choices because they are the right ones to make, not just because a teacher told them to do it.

One place you really want to avoid at all costs: The ER

Does it really matter? Are the kids okay?

As a natural-born over-reacter, I have tried, over the last 3 years, to learn to respond rather than react. This requires eons of thought, preparation, & scenario playing before "discipline opportunities" ever arise. This TRULY makes parenting a full-time job.

As my good friend once said: It's not the parenting part that's hard. Being a bad parent is easy. (You want to eat that for breakfast? Sure! You're not ready for bed yet? Not a problem.) It's being a good parent that's hard.

Humor is the great diffuser.

I don't always do anything. Sometimes I mess up. Sometimes I get it right.

What they say about a Mother's Instinct is true. Learning to trust it is hard. As my good friend pointed out - our society teaches us to not trust ourselves, our bodies. There is a product out there to 'fix' everything. Yet, often, we already have the answer.

Drink wine.

More ramblings and revelations:Nathaniel Branden from his book The Psychology of Self Esteem: "There is no value judgment more important to man, no factor more decisive in his psychological development and motivation--than the estimate he passes on himself... The nature of his self-evaluation has profound effects on a man's thinking processes, emotions, desires, values, and goals. It is the single most significant key to his behavior."I love the book 'How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk'

Staying Afloat

2010-05-03T15:46:00.025-04:00

Our Inaugural Pachanga 19 (Noah's Ark) boating excursion yesterday was a success. While it did take us several hours longer to get out the front door than anticipated (and a scenic trip to the wrong beach), it was worth the effort (and really long car drive). Although we thoughtfully packed, it seems like an impossible feat to include everything you might need. In went sunblock, clean/dry changes of clothes, spoons/buckets, diapers and wipes, cooler with waters and beer - you know, the necessities. We did, however forget one small item that might have come in handy...

Food. No worries, Ian ate sand. And, Noah, well, came up with his own solution. "Let's go to Restaurant Island." Hey, I want to go there too! Despite the engine sputtering and spitting a few times, I remained upbeat (de-sensitized) and the boat remained afloat!

Along the way, we have learned a few key lessons about Boating:

- Boats and rocks do not mix (actually learned this one a few times).
- It is generally not good to be surprised by how deep the water is.
- The fuel gauge is not the most ideal part of the boat to be inoperable.
- Trim tabs are sticky widgets.
- It is best to put your prop up BEFORE exiting the water.
- A new boat prop costs about $1200.
- Boats are expensive to repair.
- Grab your keys and wallet off the top of the boat before catching the highway.
- Generally plan for an extra 4-6 hours more than you think you'll need.

At home, we had a typical morning. A little herb garden planting, dead bird burying, & artwork creating. Light questions are posed: What is life? What happens when you die? How much is 5,000?

Speaking of turning wheels, Noah created a "Crank 3000" with his set of gears & crank parts (gift from Tommy D.). The thing was so intricately designed, I swear I could not have done it. Then, he asked me to help him make some adjustments to it. There's only one response to those kind of requests: You'll have to wait till daddy gets home. I'm just waiting for the "Are You As Smart Your Three Year Old?" series.

Apparently, the Crank 3000 can also cut anything ....like bacon! (Maybe he was hungry?)

Up, Up, and Away!

2010-04-29T20:23:00.015-04:00

Baby boy started crawling earlier this month. At first, the motivational factor was simply figuring out how to get what he wanted. So, 4-5 scoots, get there, then drop and play with toy. Now, he realizes the value of crawling in its own right - as a mode of transportation - and this is truly new found freedom! He is all over. He has really started pulling himself up to a standing position and is just starting to 'cruise' around - scooting along the couch. He is trouble! Loves outlets, vents, door stoppers, tall fragile floor lamps and whatever Noah has. Now, when we go in to get him from the crib, he is standing up, smiling to greet us!

This morning, he is onto stairs - he can get up one step so far - so I decided to change my post title! Poooor Noah. Most of his projects span high/low ranges (up and down stairs, ceilings are sometimes involved, you get the picture). He is having a hard time staying out of harm's way (Ian's path). And, whatever Noah has and is doing - is what Ian is after!

Another note - he LOVES Noah. Often, but not always, the feeling is mutual. Noah loves to entertain him - dancing around for him and clapping, etc. Ian will get laughing so hard, he can't catch his breath. We have lots of videos - I just have to go through them all (when I say lots, I mean LOTS - we're gonna have to learn the art of real-time editing)

I love remembering what mr. Noah was like at this stage.
And, that he had been crawling for nearly two months now! Noah has always been my busy boy - on the go!

In the spirit of catching up, here is Ian at 7 months...

I'd love to have some motoring-around and brother videos up soon...

4.10.10

2010-04-29T19:56:00.012-04:00

Neera and Dave's Wedding at the Biltmore

Connor and Doug, Krista's husband

Gardens at the Biltmore

Me with Allison and Krista

One of my very dear friends from college, Neera, tied the knot at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC earlier this month. Y'all know how I feel about Asheville! It was absolutely beautiful - The ceremony was at sunrise and the reception followed at sunset. The sky was lit up with the moon and stars and the day was clear and mild. It was picturesque. Something's up with me and Murphy's Law lately - wouldn't you know that my camera died just as Neera was walking down the aisle. My memory can attest that she was stunning. The ceremony had many traditional Hindu elements. On the other hand, at the reception 'Say Yes to the Dress' followed Neera around with the cameras rolling, filming her in a dazzling white dress!
All the pics.

Joy Ride

2010-03-29T19:35:00.020-04:00

All the Jersey Shore weekend pics(38).

Or, more like the song: "Highway to he@#!!. Ian has developed a strong disliking for his car seat. The sound of the 'click' throws him into a panic: Contorted face, swollen lips and cheeks, a shade of red that would put a tomato to shame. No matter how many times I remind myself about perspective, when it comes right down to it, perspective just doesn't get me by. The good news is that Noah has become QUITE the entertainer. He leans way over in his own car seat and offers several 'goo-goo, gaa-gaa's baaaabee!" "It's okay, baby"...and even, yes, you got it - "You're my best friend in the whole world Ian." That is until he reaches his own breaking point, at which pt., he leans way over and starts screaming right back at little brother. This moment, for the driver especially, is well, special.

Our Jersey Shore trip last weekend was awesome. This is our annual reunion with our buddies from Connor's undergraduate school (Kettering) and their families. This year, as Jersey Shore would have it, we had a definite Situation.

The Situation:
During their mid-stop layover, or 3 hours from home, as they are pulling into their booked hotel for the night, Joe and Amy hear a burp from the backseat. This precedes one of those special events only the parents of a two-year-old can fully appreciate: The (Toddler-Style) Stomach Bug. Messy, stinky, sticky, tearful (mom and child), and all together memorable. They headed back home the next morning. Their trip was eventful, to say the least. Sadly so, we missed out on the Tommy-Noah Show and Cake.

Nonetheless, we had a wonderful time together with Ken and Mer - who definitely has The Glow, and Brent and his lady-friend, Susie. All in the trip was a major success - windy weather - PERFECT for kite flying, excellent food (ken, you could totally quit your day-job for chef-dom), Patron margaritas (that's what I'm talkin' about!), great conversation, lots of laughs, and a couple of MTV episodes of Jersey Shore on someone's laptop. A success!

214 Steps up, up,up! We are at the top of a lighthouse.

Back at home - Ian splashin' in water. You wouldn't believe for a minute that I am the unhappy car seat baby, would you?

ian and i

And, this nicely sums it up:

And the Trouble I Find Is That the Trouble Finds Me

2010-03-27T11:35:00.008-04:00

"Daddy, look, it's very GLUE-y." (objects glued together, dripping glue all over the couches)
(large crash from somewhere downstairs) "I'm Sorry Mom!"
"You're my best friend in the whole world!" - Noah

Love my boys

2010-03-24T21:17:00.003-04:00

Will update soon on our Jersey Shore weekend...

Olympics 2010

2010-03-22T10:45:00.008-04:00

Heather and Charlie at the Super G event. Heather and I attended this on Day One with our little dudes.

One of our Go Canada rotations!

Super G track behind us - Lindsey Vonn takes the Bronze for the U.S.

View from our balcony

We began our journey with a Baltimore to Seattle flight. Night one we stayed with Pete and Heather, Lena and Charlie. The three hour time differential was easily absorbed by all the excitement and sleeplessness of our adventure's start. The next morning, we packed up our rental Jeep and drove about 6 hours north, across the border, into Vancouver and finally ending in Whistler. We stayed right in the main Village where all the ceremonies, concerts and bustle occurred. It was like being in a movie! Very cool thing I must point out - chillin' at the playground one rainy morning, I lost one of my Olympic pins (these things are quite the commodity - I am guessing if you Googled Olympic pins it might tell you more). A tall blonde woman with fantastically bright pants and legs that went on forever glided over to me. Here, she said, you can have one of mine. In chit-chatting with her, we learned that she was in the 1998 Games in Japan for Ski Arials. "Did you win anything?" Pete asked. She said, "Yes. I won." Nikki Stone, baby! Google her.

The whole experience was incredibly EXCITING - and sleepless and all around, energizing - and deflating afterward. Memories we will all carry with us for a lifetime.

All the Pictures.
We packed up in Whistler - then drove to............

Osoyooooooos

2010-03-22T10:29:00.008-04:00

Bayna & ian

When we completed the "Olympics" portion of our Olympics trip, we drove through North Vancouver, stayed with Connor's cousin Allan and family for a night, then drove through a take-your-breathe-away-beautiful mountain pass to reach Osoyoos. This beautiful section of B.C. is home of Connor's Aunt Donna and Uncle Mike and his grandpa Bayna. Having the boys meet their Great Grandpa was incredibly special.

Our visit to see Bayna's home - the boys had a wonderful time with Great Grandpa! For days after our trip Noah said he wanted to be a soccer player. Some conversation he had with Bayna triggered this notion for him.

Family road trip! Final 6 hour stretch - Leavenworth

Me & my boys :)

Special note on travel with children - be prepared mentally. You must bring yourself down to ground zero. Roll with it, go with it, turn off all 'stress-trigger' switches, and go to your happy place.
ian: Does not like car rides.

Plane rides are better.

Points for Honesty

2010-03-11T18:54:00.002-05:00

Noah: Turn your head that way.
Me: Why?
Noah:Because I'm going to do something I don't want you to see.

Hrm.

That was this morning.... just now, from the next room (Noah): Mom, don't come in here. I'm doing something I shouldn't be doing.

Sure enough. That would be climbing the shelves (thankfully bolted to the wall).

Winter Wonderland

2010-02-12T19:32:00.012-05:00

Y'all know that this North Carolinian is out of her element, c'mon!

Noah asked me - "Will it be Christmas now?" We got dumped with 32.4 inches of gusty snow on Friday and Saturday (February 5-6) and with another 20+ inches on Wednesday of this week. There is SO much snow!

Lots more snowy pics are HERE!

Ian Be-an

2010-02-12T19:25:00.004-05:00

6 Month Check-up:
Weight: 16 lbs, 10 oz (45%)
Height: 27.5" (90%)

Special note: My drool totally freaks out my older bro. It is God's perfect baby-weapon.

Photography by Noah

2010-02-12T19:24:00.005-05:00

Self portrait

"Daddy"

"My View"

I Know You May Not Agree...

2010-02-11T19:34:00.006-05:00

But I do not have a daughter, you see.

Love my Noah.

Three and Thirty

2010-02-01T13:23:00.008-05:00

This month, Noah turned THREE and I turned THIRTY. This is the only year where we will both have a three in our age (unless I live to 300...never know). On the 9th, we had breakfast and lunch down on the water - by the Inner Harbor - and just spent all day together. The boys made me a yummy vanilla cake. Noah's 3rd birthday party was a mix of making play dough, riding the new pedal car, racing (crashing) remote-controlled cars, taking turns having melt downs, but overall LOTS of laughs and excellent naps that afternoon. Noah enjoyed having his buds, Dylan, Gannon and Luca over. It was great!

I should also point out that Ian turned HALF A YEAR yesterday! Happy 6-Month-Birthday Baby Boy!!

My Boys Are Hard at Work

2010-01-27T21:30:00.009-05:00

Eating for the first time (4.5 months)

And, laughing it right back out...
**he is cutting his first tooth - now poking through the gums; he is freely rolling belly to back and back to belly - very amused by this**

Getting clean

My Dish "washer" - funny, the sound of running water I associate with productivity - dishes getting washed, countertops getting wiped down, a stain getting scrubbed out... It is so odd to hear water running and realize--it is my 3 year old. The only thing getting accomplished is the creation of a really messy, wet kitchen. He LOVES this time though, and somehow, I think it is good for me too.

Ian and Nana laughing

Christmas in Canada, New Years at Home

2010-01-27T21:14:00.007-05:00

Here is the Pedal Car that Grampie Akulis made for Noah (and his cousins and brother to enjoy). He made it out of PVC piping, customized just for Noah's size. It is Carolina Blue and a definite family treasure.

We spent December 19-27 up in the heartland of Canada: Manitoba. It was a wonderful time with family! We spent lots of time just talking, eating, sledding, visiting with friends and being together. It was sooooo nice.:)

N, E, and IOU

2010-01-10T15:37:00.013-05:00

N

* Large and interesting vocabulary - things are described as liquids/solids, fragile or sturdy, wonderful/terrible...on and on (he's really into opposites lately); humorous way of describing things - for example, he'll go into great detail as to what he wants and ends with 'so that's my deal. what's your deal?'
* Big negotiator
* Loves his artwork - describes what he is drawing in great detail as he creates his work.
* His dad would be disappointed if I didn't point out his budding math skills. Beginning to know that if he has four licorice pieces and someone takes one, he would be left with three.
* SO grown-up; feelings and understandings are *slowly* (and episodically) taking on new maturity (although we are still enduring the 'terrible 2's' phenomenon...which apparently carries over into the 3's)
* Loves his little bro - well, usually. Very protective over him, likes to say what you can and can't do with him. Although yesterday, when I asked if he wanted to hold E, he said, 'no, I would punch him'.

E

* LOVES to eat; shakes and laughs as the spoon comes near his face
* Mr. laugh-out-loud, smiley-pants
* LOVES his dad
* Very strong guy...Loves standing straight up, occasionally making it the way for a full rollover.
* Pretty mellow little dude...doesn't he have to be?

* Oh, and loves his bath...

IOU...
I have many more updates to follow - Christmas in Canada - so wonderful, Noah's THIRD birthday and....my 30th!!!

Few more of big bro...
Did I mention he likes to talk?

In his new red watch (it's usually 7:00, altho he can tell u the #'s it's pointing to...) and Olympic head gear!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-30T22:21:00.010-05:00

We are just back from a snowy, wonderful time with our family in Manitoba! It was somehow - relaxing, although vacations, I must say, have become much less "vacation-y" these days. The whole less-laundry, more-sleep associated with most vacations is just not reality these days. But, we made up the difference with extra chocolate and wine. And, the time we spent laughing with our family is really all we were after. As for getting back into the U.S. after the 12/25 terrorist deal, now that is anther story!!
Here are pics from our first snowfall in Baltimore. You might have received one of these on a Christmas card from us if we were organized enough to get one out in your direction! Hope you had a FABULOUS holiday!

Ian ~one month ago~

2009-12-30T22:06:00.004-05:00

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...

2009-12-17T20:50:00.012-05:00

Getting our Christmas Tree, 2009... Not a far cry from the Griswald Family Christmas. Everyone I talked with in our area - nope, not going out in the blizzard to chop down a tree - was I crazy for asking? Nothing doing. Out we went and the gusts of snowy wind literally took your breathe away. No coat? No problem. Connor and Noah rocked the sweatshirts to find our perfect tree. Ian and I huddled out by the hot chocolate hut (found all over Noah's face below).

One of My Favorite Moments...

2009-12-04T10:26:00.002-05:00

Just Now (4 Months Today)

2009-12-01T14:49:00.008-05:00

Ian did great for his shots appointment today. He flirted with all the girls in the waiting room (many commented at his happiness and how cute he was - and of course I agreed!) and he even coo'ed at the nurse (right before he got two shots). I had to slip in here quickly & update on our little man :)

Height: 25" (90%)
Weight: 13 lbs, 8oz (25%)
Head: 42cm (50%)

Today is my first day back to work. It was also Ian's 4 month check up. I am nervous but excited to be back. It feels good to use my brain in capacities beyond mommy-hood; at the same time, it makes me sad. Back to it - I just had to document this day!!

This Small for a Moment

2009-11-30T14:58:00.009-05:00

And the moments, they are going fast...

Main things remain consistent, though. I am blessed! Two beautiful boys and my ability to give them my very best. I am so thankful for my role as mother.
Late...Connor and Noah drippin' on Halloween. Lot lots more to post and share as more time opens up... Krista's wedding and Thanksgiving...

These pics - the boys and I made for Connor's bday. Bright Blue paint, two young boys - you do the math.

Two Soggy Monkeys

2009-11-06T11:27:00.012-05:00

Seen a ghost!

I had two soggy monkeys! Halloween night was a rainy one. Didn't stop the Bates's! Nor did a broken umbrella or a crying baby! Onward, there was candy to be pillaged!

My sweet baby Ian :) He loves to hold hands.

Brothers

2009-10-29T15:24:00.006-04:00

Yo Bro! North Carolina Cousins

2009-10-26T17:00:00.015-04:00

The boys and I headed to NC for almost two weeks in early October. Connor joined us for the weekends. Having all the family support was HUGE! So nice - like vacation for me:) They have so much love for our boys and my appreciation for (and happiness I get from) that is immense. I love our families so much. All the pics.

The Raynor Family

Sock it to me!

Grampie and his boys!

Chapel Hill - you should SEE Carly and Matt's beautiful new home. Wowza. Amazing!

Baby Grey

Baby Ian

Noah's nap fort he built out of pillows.

Pumpkin Farm

2009-10-26T09:20:00.004-04:00

"Is the Bates Family ready?!" This is the question Connor rings out most Saturday mornings - errr, afternoons - it is usually around 1:00pm before we can finally get out the door. Here we are at a local Pumpkin Farm - on a beautiful day, end of September. When you ask Noah "where do pumpkins come from?" he will let you know that they come from a Pumpkin Farm, of course!

More Pumpkin Farm pics

My Boys

2009-09-23T15:49:00.002-04:00

Why My Eyes are So Red (subtitle: Five Years & a Family of Four)

2009-09-23T15:33:00.015-04:00

Connor and I celebrated 5 years on the 5th! Hard to believe - 2004 seems soooo long ago in many ways, yet the memories from that time are poignant and fresh. We now have 2 boys - we are a family! Many thoughts, hard to put into words...on so little sleep.

In the background, my house is being destructed. Quite literally. By my 2-year-old. I have rolls of toilet paper around the living room and little bits of dental floss. No idea why. Most things I touch are sticky. The bathroom floor is wet. I am not sure with what. I have a baby sleeping in increments of 5-minutes, about as long as it takes for another loud jarring noise to occur somewhere in the house. And - are you are missing something? It's in the freezer. Noah asks me, 'Mom, why are your eyes so red?'. ??????

Here are a few pictures from the end of our Lake Wallenpaupack trip, when we had 2 days of family time. Making memories, we are!

God is Good! All the Time!

2009-09-18T14:17:00.013-04:00

Last Friday, Connor fell off our roof. He was fixing a room leak during a torrential downpour (yes, we know what you must be thinking). When he put his weight on the top rung of the ladder, coming back down, it slid out from under him (or slid out from the rubber mat he had it "securely" placed on). From the back of the house I heard the sound that only a man falling off your roof could make. When I saw him lying flat on his back, on our back deck, it was a tangle of Connor and ladder.

Thank everyone for their prayers! Connor surely has Guardian Angels. His CT Scan checked out good. Apart from being unable to move for a few days and a few knarley bruises, his body remained nicely intact.

The Ladder vs. Connor - ladder wins

But Connor gets a good dent in.

Reminds me of how God has kept his eye on our whole family since moving to Maryland - there have been multiple potential catastrophes:

Noah - Falls backward out of our SUV onto the cement. About 5 large knots, but the CT Scan checks out good. We are definitely one hard-headed group.

Jackie - 17 stitches, wrist incident (unloading dishwasher - coffee mug wins) Conveniently, I do this with a 10-month old - days before our big move.

Needless to say, we are keeping the GBMC Emergency department in business.

Dr. Poopsie

2009-09-17T15:25:00.013-04:00

Pics from this morning - Ian will be 7 weeks tomorrow!

Ian Russell at 4 weeks:
22.5 in - 75%
10.5 lbs - 75%
39 cm (head) - 97%
Not sure what Noah's measurements were at this age - but at his 2 year appointment, he hit the 10% for weight and height! Our boys might be growing at different rates or just inherited some different genes! At this age, though, their faces look remarkably similar. Time will tell - something that is flying by!!

Connor and I also had our 5-YEAR Anniversary on the 5th! Wowza! I think I'll keep him around a bit longer... :):) It honestly has been a wonderful 5 years of marriage - life has thrown a few curve balls here and there, mind you, but the being-married part has been better than a few words could sum up. More family pics from our Wallenpaupack trip to come.

Love enPaupack:: Kate and Ian

2009-09-17T15:10:00.007-04:00

Talkin' with Tommy

Photos from our Lake Wallenpaupack (annual) trip - Kate Dubow (4 months) and Ian (4 weeks). I think he definitely had her charmed with his manly grunts and impressive gas noises!

The Lucky Dog Club

2009-08-29T17:00:00.020-04:00

All the pics from our Family Reunion.

Our Growing Family - More photos of Noah with Ian and from Ian's first 2 weeks.

Pa and Noah, buddies

We got back from our Annual Wilbur Family Reunion - held each year in Charlestown, WV, around where our cousin Valerie lives in a BEAUTIFUL old historic home. You should see the history this home holds -if the walls could talk! Our Reunion was a very memorable and enjoyable time with family members we do not often see. Lots of laughing, reminiscing, sharing of stores long past and just being together - it is a very important tradition for our family. Many many people have commented that they have not seen a family as close as ours.

The LUCKY DOG Club! Aren't they so lucky to be married to a member of the Wilbur family! I don't know about you - but, I am thinking that Connor and Matt are looking extra lucky!

Our best effort at a family photo

So, here's just the 3 of us!

Me and my snuggle-bug

New Family

Carly and I with our babies

Cousins! We are very close with my Aunt Dolores's girls.

Nana holding Ian

Treasuring every (well, most) moments (okay at least every other moment or so...)

The Wilbur Sibs - Grandma (or Great Grandma, GG) is on the bottom left. She is the cornerstone of our family.

Cutting Loose

Ian Russell

2009-08-22T14:40:00.011-04:00

Weeks 1-2

For Comparison - How Much Do These 2 Look Alike??
Photo below - Noah at 4 weeks old

Back to Ian photos...

Boyzzz

2009-08-22T13:33:00.010-04:00

Notice Noah holding his nose...

Loosing his mind??

In one post, I really can't tell you how funny I find our two-year old these days. The things he says... One of the more memorable questions he recently asked, while visiting us at the hospital about 12 hours after Ian was born: "Mommy, if baby's already come out, why is your belly still so big?" Nice.

Connor is a wonderful father - I could not ask for a better man for our boys. He loves spending time with Noah - setting up a water slide in our backyard, building things for our home, having wrestling matches - they will spend hours together, and Connor is never ready for a break - there is not another place he would rather be - genuinely. The type of father a person will be is is not exactly something you know about that person when you marry them! Well, I sure lucked out :):) I am eternally thankful for the gift I have in my hubby.

Noah and Connor have been BUDDIES, hanging out 24/7 since Ian was born. They went on many many adventures during Connor's week-long paternity leave. These are just a few good times they had - most that Betty captured for us. :)

Brotherly Love

2009-08-19T15:45:00.005-04:00

This has been the most special time I have ever known - watching Noah understand the importance of having a brother and seeing the very first chapter of our family of four - has been profound. I will never forget this time.

I have many, many more pictures to post - we just got back from our family reunion (Wilbur Family Reuion - and The Lucky Dog Club) - and I have many stories and pictures to post from that as well... Ian is coming to life - eyes are opening wide now and he is cooing and making lots of baby noises. Our days and nights are definitely reversed (he is sleeping now - not so last night), but we are getting by. I think because I was expecting the absolute worst, I am pleasantly surprised - bad is when both boys are crying and neither will sleep! But overall the precious, I-will-never-forget-this moments outweigh any of the bad stuff.

First Days with Ian

2009-08-05T14:17:00.009-04:00

All Ian photos

Minutes after arriving from home from hospital - Ian gets his first story time - big brother's idea.

Best feeling in the world...

Dr. Duke and delivery team!

Our chunker...

"Tick Tock Bates" Arrives On Time

2009-08-03T17:44:00.004-04:00

Ian Russell Bates
8 lbs, 2oz
21.5 inches
8:53pm, 7-31-2009 (his due date)

Click here for:All photos of Ian!

Funny, Noah has been calling him "Tick Ttock Bates" for months now--appropriate, then, that Ian decided to join us on his due date, July 31st.

Trader Joes Now Delivers?

2009-07-30T20:40:00.007-04:00

Apparently there is some confusion as to where the baby will be born. Saint Joe's sounds awfully similar to our favorite local grocery store. Noah is convinced that baby brother will be born at Trader Joe's (hopefully not!) Guess the produce isle is not that dissimilar from the maternity wing...

Here is (hopefully) where baby will be born.

Conversations from tonight about the baby...

Observations & statements about baby...

"Baby is taking a long time."
"Baby not come now - baby come in 2 weeks. Pretty soon, couple more weeks."
"Plan" for when baby cries:
1) "Tell him, it's okay baby"
2) "Give baby his own binky."
3) "Kiss baby."
Noah "plug" head to mom's belly to listen: "Baby not crying right now."

At our appt. yesterday, I was 75% effaced and 2 cm dilated. It is the waiting game...

Noah & mommy pics from a few weeks ago:

Windsor, NY, July 4th - Uncle Charlie's Place

2009-07-29T15:56:00.015-04:00

Our Time Before Baby Time

2009-07-17T21:41:00.012-04:00

Connor and I left Noah with Nana and Pa in New York and spent two days in the Maryland mountains - Frostburg, MD. We had the BEST time. It was just like our silly days of dating ... We hiked all over, explored different parts of western maryland, almost encountered two black bears face to face, laughed till we cried and had dessert every night. These will be lasting memories.

I am 38 weeks pregnant!

Shades of Grey

2009-07-14T11:02:00.008-04:00

Carly and Matt's soulful little angel.

View all the pics of Grey.

Harrison "Grey" - I cannot wait to hold him in my arms!

My Precious New Nephew

2009-07-10T09:39:00.007-04:00

Big, wide-eyed peepers, head full of wavy, red hair... and some strong vocal cords! He is a doll and I am a VERY proud aunt. Will post more. Congratulations Matt and Carly!!!

Harrison "Grey" Raynor
July 9th, 2009, 5:40ish pm EST
19 3/4 inches
5 lbs, 7 oz

Whoa Mama!

2009-06-29T14:52:00.007-04:00

Here we are at 34 weeks - already 2 weeks ago! This weekend marks week 36 for us....not long now! No definite name selections and we are very open to ideas!

The pics above are from our date night. We have scheduled with our wonderful sitter Molly for several precious nights out before the baby is born - this particular night we went to a candlelit, open-air restaurant in downtown B-More.

Walk on the Ocean

2009-06-16T10:13:00.004-04:00