Visit from Oma and Poppy

Oma and Poppy came down for a visit and to help out some too. These are some pictures from Mother's Day and from the Atlanta Zoo. Katie thinks the Willie B. statue is just as cool as the live animals.

PHOTO CREDIT: FEZ (thanks dad)

Let's get some sleep!

Ok...pacifier in, bassinet vibration operating, mobile spinning, clean diaper, full tummy, sufficiently burped, clean onesie, temp 76 F.

Lets see how we do!

Camera phone photos from the circus

I left the camera in the car, but took a couple photos with my phone. Katie and Zion McCray had a great time watching the animals and riding the merri-go-round.

More pictures of the boy

Yesterday we brought Carrie and the baby home to introduce him to everyone back in Egan Park. The introductions went well.

He had a bit of a rough night last night and so did the rest of us. He is still a little conjested and so its hard for him to eat. He and Carrie were up for most of the night.

Katie and Ash went to the Shriner's Circus and didn't get home until 10:30pm. Getting to see tigers jump through rings of fire, brown bears ride motorcycles in funny hats and elephants walking in a chain (and eating gobs of cotton candy and peanuts) left her a little wound up.

Ash started out sleeping with Carrie and the baby, then moved to the futon in the office, then to the bunk-bed with Katie, and then finally back to the office.

First Photos of John Mark

This is Ash posting by the way. A couple months ago Carrie hijacked my Scrapple blog but I'm sneaking a post in here (Carrie's sleeping). There are more photos coming but here is what the little man looked like mere moments after birth (and a quick hosing off).

Oh, and for all you women, the vitals are 7lbs 9oz and 19.5 in. The pediatrician declared him perfect this afternoon but I already knew that.

A dog and his family

Living in a small house with a large animal that sheds year round can be very frustrating for someone whose natural strengths do not include 'housekeeping.' So on many occasions over the last three years I have found myself threatening to banish all 112 lbs of Scrapple the yellow lab to the back yard. In fact, I have actually threatened to banish him to someone else's backyard. There were times that I truly believed that I had had enough, and Scrapple had to go. In those moments of frustration, as I cleaned gobs of dog hair out of the vacuum hose, I actually believed that I could find a nice family who lived on a farm and drop Scrapple off with a wave of my hand and a sincere thank you to the new family. I thought I might feel guilty for a few days, but I would get over it. I now know that is not true. I have discovered that Scrapple is here to stay. He is a part of this family, dirty paws and all.

A few weeks ago Ash came in from the deck to tell me that Scrapple was having a seizure. It isn't his first, but it was definately the worst we have seen. It lasted about 30 minutes, maybe a little bit more. It ended with a trip to the emergency vet. As I waited by the phone for a call from Ash, my mind couldn't stay away from the looming question: What will we tell Katie if Scrapple doesn't make it?" And I began to realize what a significant part of this family that big dog really is.

Scrapple and Katie have grown up together. Scrapple sniffed around at boxes of diapers and baby wipes before Katie was even born. He learned to take walks next to her stroller. He took naps on the floor while Katie played with her baby toys. And now that Katie is growing more independent, there relationship has grown, as well. Most afternoons you will find Katie dragging Scrapple around the back yard by his collar. Scrapple will chase a ball thrown 10 feet by Katie as if it had been lofted into the air 100 feet. Scrapple lays on his side so Katie can snuggle up next to him and rest. He sits patiently as Katie checks his ears and listens to his heart beat with her Fisher Price Doctor's kit. He sleeps outside her bedroom door at night, just to be sure things are ok. And Katie loves him to pieces. She talks to him about her friends, her family, her favorite movies. She looks out for him, feeding him and letting him out. She proudly tells strangers in the grocery store that her dog is three years old. They are best friends.

The day after Scrapple's seizure, Katie and I watched him walk back to the exam room with his vet. He would have a day of observation and testing. I turned to walk to the car as Katie burst into tears, panicked over her dog's fate. It was her best friend and playmate walking off all alone. Katie could hardly take it. After a trip back to the kennels to say goodbye and a promise that we would return for Scrapple after nap time we headed home. Both of us waiting for four o'clock to come quickly

The 13th Dancing Princess

Katie has been watching her new favorite Video "Barbie and The 12 Dancing Princesses" lately. She is dancing around the house in her dress up clothes asking to be called Barbie (much to our dismay.) Ash says he is ready to go back to the days of Veggie Tales.

Katie has been picking up some interesting dance moves from her new video. We thought you might enjoy them.

Easter in Atlanta

Easter Sunday was cold, cold, cold, but we managed to do all the Easter-type activities: finding an Easter Basket, hunting for eggs and even meeting the Easter Bunny. Katie thoroughly enjoyed dressing up in her fancy, frilly dress and wearing her Easter Bonnet. These are just a few pictures of our Easter.

Supermom?

Super Mom...It is what all moms (at least me...) want to be. Katie seems to want a supermom, as well.

The weather in Atlanta has been beautiful lately. No need for heavy coats and sweaters. As Katie and I prepared for yet another Target run, I grabbed a black fleece wrap, threw it over my shoulders and headed for the front door. Katie stopped me with "Momma, what's that?" "It's a cape." I replied, explaining that it isn't winter anymore and we don't need our jackets. Katie gave her silent nod, indicating that she understood and we headed out the door. As we neared the car, Katie stopped me with another question, "Momma, why you have your keys?" I told her we were going to Target and needed to drive. Katie's reply was quick. "But Momma, You have your cape. We just fly."

After making my best attempt not to burst out laughing, I explained the unfortunate truth about capes. Alas, I am not Superman. I waited for Katie's tears or cries of protest, but none came. If she was disappointed in her mother's clear lack of superpowers it did not show. She simply nodded and headed for the car, her mind already moving to the next life lesson she would discover.

But I am still thinking about that brief moment when my daughter thought I was a super hero, able to leap tall buildings and fly with ease. It took no effort for her to believe her mother had this previously unknown power. And why wouldn't she believe? To her I am able to banish monsters from closets, heal skinned knees and broken hearts with a simple kiss and make the most exciting objects appear from my purse on a moments notice. Maybe I really am supermom. Or maybe it is our children who truly understand what powers really are extraordinary.

Either way, It is nice to think that for at least a little while longer, my daughter believes I can do anything.

Katie and Elena Playing Together

Here is a little dance video of Katie and Elena. I'm not sure about the the choreography but this is much more entertaining than watching Emmitt Smith dance.

The Tent

This was a great gift from Andre and Susanna that we are all enjoying (thanks!). Sorry it is so dark.

Hillsboro Hoodlum

This posse hat was a gift from Uncle Miller. Katie has now claimed it using her favorite word: "MINE!" and has commenced to laying down some old-school beats in the kitchen.

Fun with Friends at the Wedding

Grandma and Grandpa got to see all of their great-grandkids this weekend! Katie had a blast playing with all of her cousins - especially
"Shy-a"!

In addition, Katie entertained everyone else she came into contact with. She traveled well and had a lot of fun.







Trying out Remy's bike...

Bouncing on Mimi!

Cracking up Papa...

and the only way to improve a view of the Flat Iron Mtns.

Kev's Pre-wedding Fun

Last Wednesday Katie, Carrie, Mimi and Big-Daddy took off for Denver and Kevin & Josie's Wedding. Katie is becoming quite the little jet-setter.

Aquarium

So, Uncle Andre and Aunt Susanna were in town for a couple days and we went to the Georgia Aquarium. That was fun.




We've also taken trips shopping at the outlets and to the Virginia Higlands. And we've just spent some good time in the yard with the garden hose.



And so here a few picures of our favorite almost 2 year old. She loves sneaking up on Scrapple and whacking him with the balloon.

Little Girl?

Katie looking not so much like a baby anymore...

Lions and tigers....

"Lions and tigers and bears, Oh my!".

Katie has been enjoying her zoo membership. We live only 15 minutes away from Zoo Atlanta so when Katie wants to tell us that it is time to go again (daily) she makes monkey noises and scratches her arm pit.

Why fathers shouldn't stay at home to raise kids...

Carrie worked today and I "worked" from home. I also dressed and groomed Katie as you may guess.

Christmas 2005

these are some various jumbled pictures from Christmas. Here is her expression when she came down the steps and saw all the gifts that Santa brought her.

She learned the word "Wow" just in time for Christmas.

Christmas is best enjoyed with children around. I think that brings enjoyment to God too.

Here is the play house that Ash (with a little help from Bruce) put together with no instructions!

Over the past few weeks, as trees and lights have gone up (along with plastic Santas), I have seen awe and wonder in Katie's eyes.

And that is the natural response to Christmas.

Siesta Key 11/06

I hope to get more pictures of this trip from Floyd, but here are a couple from our trip last month. It was chilly but we braved the cold weather like good yankees.