Sawing Logs

You didn't think it was going to be a lumberjack video, did you?

Baby Spa

Nobody is perfect. I was, so Fate had to send jaundice my way so I wouldn't make the rest of you look quite so bad. Check out my sweet tanning bed!

This was totally not how my Mom and Dad planned on spending their 5th anniversary. They had decided to celebrate the event in style by going to Greece. They were just about to buy some plane tix last fall when Mom realized she'd been in a very bad mood for several days and took a pregnancy test and... well, Greece didn't happen. But they like me more than Greece anyway. And seriously, Greece has been there for thousands of years. It ain't going anywhere.

So go ahead and make fun. I've heard it all. Star Wars. Space station. Glow worm. Yeah yeah. Oh, and I'd like to give a special shout out to Grandma for sleeping in the recliner right by my side. Kept my 'rents from climbing the walls with worry. Thanks Grandma!

First Day Home

After a very long night, the events of which I will not reveal to you other than to say beware the nursery nurses at St. John's, we were told we were going home. Mom took a shower and Dad packed up our gear. We were all so excited. We were ready and waiting by 10:00.

And we were still waiting at noon...

And at 2:00...

But joy of joys, Dr. Heffron and Dr. Sadiki finally came and we got our walking papers. The wait was exhausting. I crashed out in the backseat with Mom and Dad drove. Grandma was there in the front yard to welcome us home.

Not bad digs, eh? My parents are yuppies so they have a thing for warm tones and lots of beige. Bland, but at least everything will Resolve nicely when I get old enough to destroy it with grape juice and crayons.

We were all so happy...

...until the weather report broke in over regularly scheduled programming. I remained calm. Not as much can be said for Mom. But seriously, can you blame a woman who spent nine months preparing for her precious little baby and got to bring her home to -

THIS!!!

That's right, folks. TORNADO! Sirens, lightning, rain, wind. The whole nine yards. The weather map on the television looked like a war zone, at least until the rain blacked out our reception. Nice of Oklahoma to welcome me home in such grand style!

This was not how Mom had planned on spending the evening. I heard her tell Dad that she never wanted to live anywhere but Oklahoma until that night. And to think everybody told her that having a baby in May was good timing! I got to give it to Dad, though. He did do a nice job on the fraidy hole. Scary, you say? Look, I slept through the whole thing. Took it like a champ. Mom was the one that cried like a... well, like a baby. You should offer your sympathies to her the next time you see her. I'm telling you, post partum hormones and civil defense sirens do NOT mix. Grandma was a pretty cool customer and she at least made Mom laugh a few times. But the storms did eventually pass and I got a get out of jail free card on sleeping in my crib. I'm in the pack 'n play right beside Mom. She may never let me out of her sight again.

Hold the Baby

This is a list with photo evidence of people that I have wrapped around my little finger. At 6lbs 12oz and 19" tall believe you me; It's a very little finger...

Grandma Karen and Papa John

...

Aunt April

...

Aunt Nikki

...

Grandpa

Miss Chelsea

My BFF Makenna

Miss Erica

Mr. Matt

Uncle Steve

Dad and Aunt Nikki (further evidence, they giving me my manicure)

Miss Kendall

Grady and Kathy

Aunt Erin

And of course Grandma

Charlotte's Birthday!!!

And finally, the day you've all been waiting for! Thanks to Mom's high blood pressure and Dr. Hubbard's willingness to buy doughnuts for the labor and delivery nurses at St. John's, we got worked in for an induction. Here's Mom and Dad just before go time. Dad was way excited and maybe a touch nervous. Or maybe way nervous and a touch excited... Mom was thrilled to finally get her baby and be done with pregnancy. Although, if you want to say it was the light at the end of the tunnel for somebody, that somebody would be me.

What a trip! Seriously, it was magical. The clouds parted, the birds sang and the whole world became a better place. C'mon, tell me it didn't.

Look at my pretty eyes. We're not real sure if they are Mom's or Dad's, but they sure are pretty and blue. Don't look too close or you'll fall right in.

It's moments like these that people write songs about. I warn you now, talk to Mom about this moment and she'll cry all over you. And somebody please keep her from posting this picture on anything when I graduate from high school. I still have goo on my face!

And this is my family! We're a good looking bunch, yeah?

Just had my first bath and it was completely awful. But look at my pretty bow! Is that "Lady In Red" I hear playing in the background?

Well it's been a long day... I'm out.