The Sam Justice Media Repository

New Blog - change your links

2008-03-30T09:33:00.001-07:00

We are going to move the blog, retiring babycavin.blogspot.com and moving to goteamcavin.blogspot.com. The reason for this is because we want the blog to represent the whole family, and not just a place where we post pics of Sam. We will hopefully be able to keep you all updated on everything else that is going on with us. So, babycavin will still be around for you go back and look at, but all new posts will be on goteamcavin. Hope you like it.

Susu & Grandad are in town

2008-03-28T19:23:00.000-07:00

We've been having fun with Susu this past week. Here are some photos to document the visit. Alan just got in town tonight, so we'll probably add photos to this album by Sunday.

I apologize for the barrage of photos that are coming at you tonight. I've been meaning to put these out for several weeks, then my computer crashed (with some photos that I didn't have anywhere else). Once we recovered the photos I wanted to get them posted without delay.

Easter Camping Trip

2008-03-28T19:04:00.001-07:00

To celebrate Easter we met up with Grammy & Grandy at Lake Somerville State Park which is just 30 minutes down the road. We had a great time sailing and relaxing; I got to go trail running; we took our camping palace for her inaugural trip; Sam got some sun on all his 2000 parts; we dyed Easter eggs; visited with Sherry & Darrow; and then had an Easter egg hunt on Sunday morning. It was a great way to celebrate.
In all that fun somehow we didn't get any good pictures of Mom & Robert, I mean Grammy & Grandy. I'll try to get some more from them.
I have to say that I really like going to a sunrise service on Easter morning - maybe next year. Our church meets on Sunday evenings, but there is something really special and wonderful about greeting one another with "He is risen!" and receiving a warm "He is risen, indeed!" Nonetheless - He is risen!

Drew's Soccer Game

2008-03-28T19:02:00.000-07:00

Drew had a soccer game the day after he got back from California. Sam & I had lots of fun cheering. Go Scrubs!

I'll add more action shots from the game later. They're on the other computer.

Spring Break Visit with Family

2008-03-28T18:56:00.001-07:00

While Drew was in California leading a surfing trip for TAMU Outdoors, Sam & I went to visit family in the Dallas area. We spent Wednesday night with Brett & Julie, then Thursday night with KK & Pops, spent the day with Gran & Pa and finally spent Friday night with Grammy & Grandy (Mom & Robert). Some how we didn't get any photos with Brett & Julie or with Gran & Pa. Bummer! We had a great time seeing everyone - thanks for hosting us!

Snow in College Station

2008-03-07T17:41:00.000-08:00

Have a look at this!

And a photo of Drew and Danny heading out to workout in the white stuff. (Don't they look tough?)

Visiting Che & Nila

2008-03-05T09:20:00.000-08:00

Last weekend Sam & I flew out to Arizona to visit Dad & Phoebe. Melissa, Adam, Elijah & 3 week old Collier also flew out, so I've finally gotten to meet our new nephew! While we were there, we decided that the boys will call them Che & Nila (I'm not sure about the spelling - Phoebe will you tell me the correct spelling, please?). These are the Navajo language (Diné Bizaad) words for grandfather & grandmother. We are really excited to honor Phoebe's heritage in this way.

Here are some photos from the trip. Phoebe's birthday was on the 29th, so we celebrated her "8th" birthday. When Phoebe's mom called, we found out that it was actually her 9th birthday - oops!

What did George Bush ever do for me?

2008-03-04T09:16:00.000-08:00

Don't worry, this is not a political rant, but I did want to show off the new tent/garage that we bought with the money that Jorge Bush's government gave us back this year. It's huge, as you can see. We could quite literally park our car in it. We bought this with the hopes that it would provide years of family camping fun. It's big enough for us, at least 2 pack and plays, and the dogs, or 5-6 adults. We plan on testing it out after spring break, we'll share more photos then.

Letter from the Graces

2008-02-22T13:21:00.000-08:00

Our Dear Friends and Family,
This email has taken far too long to reach y'all, but I believe the delay speaks of the business of our new life as a family of four. Collier Conlon Grace joined us at 4:23 am on February the 8th after much, much anticipation. The labor was very quick, so quick in fact that it caused bruising on his face giving him Jaundice. Otherwise,he was a completely healthy baby. We spent four days in the hospital. Collier spent most of the time on a lighted electric blue blanket in order to reduce the amount of Jaundice in his system. He also spent time in the nursery under various other lights and had many blood tests taken.Thank the Lord that infants sleep so much of the time! It is so good to have him home and healthy.
We are all adjusting well. Adam and I feel amazed that we have two baby boys. How is it that you fall instantly in love with this baby that you've only known for moments, just as in love as the baby you've cuddled for 17 months? It just speaks of God's infinite wisdom how he just multiplies the amount of love one person can give. Elijah hasn't shown any signs of jealousy. While I nurse, he often times comes up and really gently rests his head on Collier's giving him a little snuggle. When I'm changing Collier's diaper, Elijah will sometimes grab a wipey and clean off his face or his blanket. It's sooo precious.
Thank you for your prayers and for the many meals that have been brought to us. And thank you Mom, Robert, Judie, and Dan for loving on Elijah while we were in the hospital.
We love you all very much,

The Graces

13 month stats

2008-02-20T13:07:00.000-08:00

With all the excitement for Collier's arrival a couple of weeks back, I forgot to post Sam's 13 month check up statistics. This visit was supposed to be at one year, but the doctor had to be out; thus the 13 month mark.

Sam weighed in at (sounds like a little boxer, doesn't he) 21lb, 13oz. He didn't quite triple his weight like I've heard is the goal. But who cares! How in the world are you going to make your kid gain a certain number of pounds or inches anyway? Sam gets lots of good food, hours of loving attention and more dirt & dog hair in his diet than most kids his age. That's good enough for us.

He's also 29 1/2 inches long and has about 8 teeth these days. I say about because one of those is a molar and it's not all the way through yet.

And just last night he started wearing his 12-18 month pjs. He looked so cute in the brown puppy ones. Thanks Su-su! We roll up his pants and I think shorts are going to look more like capris, but overall 12-18 months are the thing. Except shoes, of course - this boy is a Morris (my maiden name) when it comes to his feet. Size 6 (18-24 months) is not far away. To be fair, that's not so much due to length as to thickness.

So those are the stats. They all add up to one happy kiddo!

More Collier Pics

2008-02-18T09:39:00.000-08:00

Collier and Elijah with Grandy & Grammy (Robert & Mom)

Welcome Cousin Collier

2008-02-11T18:21:00.000-08:00

Sam is proud to announce his little cousin's arrival:
Collier Conlon Grace was born Friday February 8. He weighed 7lbs. 6oz. and was 20.5 inches long. He and Melissa arrived home today (Monday). It looks like Elijah's just realizing that this new little guy is here to stay.

Mom and Robert have been taking care of Elijah while Adam and Melissa were in the hospital with Collier. Elijah's been getting the royal big brother treatment - enjoying french fries, Dr. Pepper and stickers at McDonald's among other special treats.

Drew, Sam & I are eager to meet this handsome new boy in Arizona at the end of the month.

Welcome Collier - we're glad you're here!

Fun at the Farm

2008-02-10T17:37:00.001-08:00

We went to visit with an old friend of Jen's from high school, Christy (Fahrenthold) Rolf and her husband Noah (center). we had a great time at dinner with their friends Candice and Med (right), too.

We also got to visit our friends the Coles and stay at the farm they live on in Waco (World Hunger Relief). They also watched Sam while we had dinner - thanks Steph & David!

Very good times. The weather was great and Sam had enormous fun with the goats and chickens at the farm, and we also enjoyed Saturday afternoon at Cameron Park in Waco. I've put up some photos and video as proof. Enjoy. Click here for a link to more picures, (including one of me and chicken I slaughtered and cleaned this morning. Mmm, yummy!)

Also, here's proof of Sam's adventure with household appliances. Yes, he crawled into the dryer under his own volition!

Two Good

2008-02-04T20:50:00.001-08:00

Today was wonderful.

Since the accident (Dec. 7) I haven't been able to pick up Sam. This means that I have had full time help raising him. Our church was incredibly gracious to make it possible. What it also means is that Sam and I haven't had time together, just the two of us, in two months. Maybe this wouldn't be a big deal if he was a generally unlikable kid; but Sam is, well, he's the second love of my life.

And today I appreciated time together more than ever. He cracks up laughing and I love it! After he wakes up from naps, turns on his own music, and plays quietly for about 15 minutes, I sneak into his room and he puts on a show for me in his crib. We play hide and seek. He dives backward into the crib bumper with one leg up in the air. He crawls the length of the bed with his head pressed into the mattress. He looks up to see if what he's doing is putting a smile on my face. And when he's ready to get out, he pulls up on the rails, gives me a big open-mouthed (slobbery!) kiss, and then signs "help" or "all done" or just reaches his sweet little arms up. -Before today he would play with me, but when it was time to get out of the crib, he knew to go to someone else since I couldn't lift him. But not today!-

He'd gotten mud on his Crocs, so I banged them against a post outside. This must have been the funniest thing Sam had ever seen. I was enjoying his laughter so much that I banged the shoes much more than it took to get the mud off.

He's an adventurer and a ham. He's stolen my heart for good.
I love you, Sam Justice.
It's good to be together again.

Reiteration

2008-01-29T07:39:00.000-08:00

Not long after Sam was born, Drew posted this verse for Sam Justice. Here it is again.

Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

- Psalms 82:3-4

Christmas and 1st Birthday picture extravaganza

2008-01-14T17:48:00.000-08:00

Hi all. It is likely to be a tradition now that we have Christmas and Sam's birthday celebrations back to back. So to start it off I have a bunch of pictures from each. Enjoy. You can go to this link to see them all at the same time.

Robert and Debbie's Wedding!

2007-12-27T19:20:00.000-08:00

I was asked to take photos at Robert and Debbie's (Jen's mom) wedding and these are the results. I had never taken any wedding photos before so it was a new experience. I tweaked them a bit. I hope you enjoy.

Long awaited post

2007-12-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

Most of you know that Jenny was in an accident recently. I won't go into that much but to say that she is on the mend, and we hope she will recover fully, and soon!

I will just put up some fun pictures of the boy and the Greta. We borrowed our friends digital slr and have been having way too much fun. Some of the pictures are of Sam and his new toy his Grandpa Joe bought him. Also, Greta found a nice spot to lay down under Sam's crib. Enjoy.

Harry Potter Halloween

2007-10-31T18:16:00.000-07:00

For Sam's first Halloween, we went with a Harry Potter theme. I went as Minerva McGonagall, Sam went as Harry Potter (of course), and Drew went as Remus Lupin.

Our friends, Matt & Chenae and their son, Jackson also went with the HP theme. Jackson's red hair actually inspired the whole get-up. Here's a picture of the whole gang.

The best of the evening.... Ron (Jackson) & Harry (Sam).

Chenae crocheted the Gryffindor scarves, I sewed the robes and Drew whittled the wands. What a fun Halloween. This holiday is a heck of a lot more fun when it's celebrated with children!

Happy Halloween from our Sam & our Sam O'Lantern

2007-10-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

We welcome autumn

2007-10-13T06:58:00.000-07:00

9 months strong

2007-10-11T07:47:00.001-07:00

For those of you who dig stats, here are Sam's most recent:
19lb 3oz, 27 1/4"

He's babbling, crawling, pulling to standing, cruising, standing on his own for a few seconds, and is currently cutting his 2nd tooth (on the bottom next to his first). I think the top two are following very soon, I can feel them under the gums. He's seems like he's just beginning to catch on to the idea of waving bye-bye. Drew, Danny & I get so excited when he does.

He is so curious and bold. It's so fun to watch him explore his world. Today his Su-Su and Granddad (Cavin) are coming into town & I just can't wait to share him with them.

You know, I haven't mentioned Danny much, but I should! Danny is our housemate & friend and is a huge part of Sam's life. When Danny gets home from work about 3pm, Sam & Danny play and both of them positively light up! It's so good for "Uncle Danny" to be a part of all our lives. Thanks, Danny!

Thank goodness we have dogs!

2007-10-08T15:10:00.000-07:00

...because without our pups we wouldn't have these videos to share

a day in his life

2007-10-08T14:41:00.001-07:00

Sam loves the dogs. He hasn't mastered petting them gently, though. When they go out, he crawls over to the back door and waits (somewhat) patiently for them to come back in. Greta & Juneau are trying to teach him.

Sam & Drew playing the piano. Sam loves to play. At least twice a day he crawls up to the piano, pulls up & reaches up to play as best he can. When he's not playing the piano, he's often playing Drew's guitar.

Sam & me brushing our teeth. Sam thinks this is really fun. He was so interested in me brushing my teeth that we got him is own tooth brush for his single tooth. (In this picture he had recently been treated with Gentian violet for thrush. He hadn't been eating otter pops! He did really need to brush those gums though.)

Sam's new hobbies

2007-09-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

Sam has taken up a couple of new hobbies. Crawling, and the beastie boys! Check out the videos below.

Colorado Videos

2007-08-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

Here are some random videos from our trip to Colorado. Drew has some more, but hasn't had the time to edit them together nicely. He wants to make a "Summer of Love - 2007" video with all the best video from this summer.

Sam + Mountains = Love at first sight

2007-08-20T18:59:00.000-07:00

Here is a schmorgasborg of photos from our trip to Colorado. We met up with our friends Steven and Heidi from South Carolina and went climbing and exploring in the mountains. Heidi took some really great pics that I will post soon. (She actually took a couple in this bunch as well.) Look out for some video as well. Enjoy.

Stats

2007-08-06T14:02:00.000-07:00

Susan reminded me today that I never posted Sam's stats from his six month checkup. On July 19 he weighed 17 lb, 3 oz and was 27 1/2 inches long. He's almost out of 6-9 month clothing - 6-12 month things are usually safe though, & 12 month clothes fit with a little room to spare.

We've been taking swimming lessons the last two weeks. Sam & I went to the Starfish class at Adamson Lagoon. Sam had lots of fun & is learning to be comfortable in the water early. There are lots of summer pics to post. I may need to figure out how to post them, since Drew's been pretty busy lately.

For now, check out theleesblogspot.blogspot.com for some photos that Steph took of Drew, Sam & I and also of Melissa & Elijah.

Sam and Cereal

2007-07-20T07:19:00.000-07:00

Sam likes lots of other foods, but not this plum/rice cereal concoction that Mis made. I hope to have a montage of our trip to Arkansas up soon.

Pictures from Family reunion in Arkansas

2007-07-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

...and over again

2007-07-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening Drew was playing with Sam with a piece of junk mail while I was cooking dinner. Sam found the mail so interesting that when he dropped it he moved from sitting to his tummy, rolled onto his back, and then onto his tummy again to retrieve it each time it fell. Today he reaffirmed that he can roll onto his tummy from his back. I was pretty convinced that he had no interest in rolling whatsoever. He has only rolled a handful of times since April, for crying out loud!

During the first part of July, we took a family vacation to Cotter, Arkansas (the town where I grew up). We had tons of fun staying at Hopkinswoode, the house where my great-grandparents lived (and my great-great-grandparents, too). It's now a beautiful Bed & Breakfast near clear deep lakes and freezing cold rivers filled with rainbow trout.

We've got lots of pictures and video that we will be posting soon. Drew's trying not to devote too much time to it - he's putting his nose to the grindstone with his research. I'll add more commentary when he is able to post videos & pics.

Sam's 6 month check up is tomorrow, so I'll post then with his most current stats.

Five generations

2007-06-18T18:52:00.000-07:00

These are from the Mulkey family reunion and Grandmother Mulkey's 98th birthday party!!! There is a great sequence where Elijah grabs Sam's pacifier. You can see how long that lasted!

Sam in Arizona

2007-06-07T09:32:00.000-07:00

classic

2007-05-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

Some of the women and our kids from the little home church we were a part of not long ago got together on Thursday (May 24). When we joined the group none of us had children. Would you believe that three more cuties weren't able to make it and there are two more on the way... in only 2 1/2 short years!?

You're looking at (right to left) Sam, Jada, Jerusha, Toby & Elliana.

To be fair there were others in the group with children that had moved just previous to our joining, so there could be even more in this count - Whew!

bare

2007-05-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

Couldn't be much cuter than a naked baby.

Sam Laughing, finally

2007-05-08T17:54:00.000-07:00

We finally got a quick laugh of Sam's on video. Enjoy:

Also, Sam had his 4 month check up on friday.
25 1/8th inches long
15 lbs, 8 oz.

He's a growing baby, that's for sure!

New Video

2007-05-02T14:09:00.000-07:00

Just a sweet little video of Sam and Sam with Elijah. He kind of gets cranky in the first part, but then it goes to he and Lije. Enjoy.

over and over

2007-04-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

This morning while Sam was playing on his tummy, and both Drew & I were watching, Sam calmly rolled over! Then Drew put him back on his tummy for a repeat performance and he casually rolled over - in the opposite direction. We are delighted with his big success.

Just Tuesday I was telling the women in my Bradley Method Moms Group and Wednesday I was telling my friend Kim that I thought rolling over was a long way away! So, so wrong.

:)

Like Father Like Son

2007-04-08T20:53:00.000-07:00

I won't tell you which is which, but you can probably figure it out. We thought this was just uncanny.

Happy Easter!

2007-04-08T11:06:00.000-07:00

Easter 2007

Sears photo

2007-04-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

Grandma SuSu took us to Sears to have a portrait made of Sam on March 22. Here's our favorite. I think Drew's a better photographer, but studio lighting adds a lot. And with a guy as cute as Sam, you couldn't take a bad picture!

Sam's big blowout

2007-03-27T20:46:00.000-07:00

Parents always talk proudly about their children's capacity to poop or pee in a variety of different comical scenarios. Most of them, however, lack photographic proof. Please enjoy the reenactment of Sam's latest big blowout. Megan and Andrew are the ones holding Sam and laughing uproariously as Sam toots and fills his diaper beyond capacity. Look closely and you can see the proof. If you don't see it, click on the youtube link in the video screen and go to full screen by hitting the button on the bottom right of the video controls .
(sound effects are done by Drew).

Sam laughed today!

2007-03-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

This morning I heard the best sound ever to reach my ears! Sam was laying in his crib watching his Flutterflies mobile (thanks Mom!) while I was folding laundry and ....

He laughed!

I jumped and laughed so loud that Sam startled a little. My friend Ryan said it best, "I've never been more proud of someone who can do so little."

As soon as we can capture it on video, you know we'll post it.

a curl in the middle of his forehead

2007-03-27T08:54:00.000-07:00

Pa (my grandpa) used to tell me this little rhyme:

There was a little girl
who had a little curl,
right in the middle of her forehead.
When she was good
she was very, very good;
but when she was bad she was - and I'd interrupt and say "Pa, don't say that word."

(The word was horrid.)

Well if you have a look at the pictures Drew posted March 24, I think you'll see that Sam has his own little curl right in the middle of his forehead. The rhyme held true for me. I wonder if Sam will either be very, very good or ... well, you know.

Sam at 11 weeks

2007-03-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

We can't believe Sam is getting so BIG and grown up. Here are some recent pictures of him.

Sam Justice - 11 weeks

New Sam Pictures, Smiles and Helping Dad

2007-03-05T06:33:00.000-08:00

Here are some fresh shots of the little turtle.

7-8 weeks Sam

Sam smiles

2007-02-19T08:50:00.000-08:00

I think we coaxed a legitimate smile out of Sam this morning. Not one of those gassy faces, but a real deal smile! We will keep working on it and trying to get a photo.
Drew

Sam and Elijah, thick as thieves

2007-02-18T20:37:00.000-08:00

Here are some new pictures of Sam and his cousin, Elijah. There are also some of Jen's G-parents with the boys, as well as one with Juneau being sweet on 'Lije
Drew

Sam and Elijah, thick as thieves

Sam and Friends

2007-02-17T10:59:00.000-08:00

A new video. Sam is 6 weeks old today!! The video is from valentine's day.

The Be Good Tanyas

2007-02-05T12:50:00.000-08:00

Everyone should go and check out www.myspace.com/thebegoodtanyas. Look at the blog post called "beautiful." Does that video look familiar? Yep, that's Greta and Sam! What a compliment! Sooooo coooool!

Greta and her Sam

2007-02-03T09:09:00.000-08:00

A new video featuring the always motherly Greta and the new baby Sam.

double digits

2007-01-25T13:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went to the doctor for Sam's two week check up. He's growing like a weed! In 18 days he's gained 2 pounds and 3 ounces - that's right - Sam weighs 10 pounds!

He's a healthy, happy guy. In fact the only time I've ever really heard him be unconsolable is when they did the PKU screen. The technician pricked his heel to get some blood, and Sam did not wish to comply. Once we left the office, he was instantly back to his sweet, sleepy self.

Recently he has been spending much more time with his bright blue eyes open and alert, moving his huge hands, and vocalizing (somewhere between fussing and cooing). I just love watching him grow.

Drew and Jen's baby pictures

2007-01-22T12:23:00.000-08:00

I thought I would post this so everyone can see Sam's parents in their week old glory:

Drew and Jen's Baby Pictures

Some new Sam pictures

2007-01-22T11:50:00.000-08:00

If you haven't seen them yet, I added some new Sam pictures to the album. Have a look, they are towards the bottom:

Sam Justice Cavin

A verse for Justice

2007-01-13T22:19:00.000-08:00

Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

- Psalms 82:3-4

New Sam Faces

2007-01-13T21:31:00.000-08:00

Sam is very expressive when he wakes up to nurse. I took a series of pictures of him as he was waking. Enjoy:

Sleeping Sam Faces

Baby Sam pics

2007-01-09T11:25:00.001-08:00

Click to see the album:

Sam Justice Cavin

Sam's first video montage

2007-01-08T21:44:00.000-08:00

I couldn't resist putting together a video of Sam at the hospital. Enjoy. The song is a beautiful one by Ben Folds called "Still Fighting It." I posted the lyrics below the video.

Good morning, son.
I am a bird
Wearing a brown polyester shirt
You want a coke?
Maybe some fries?
The roast beef combo's only $9.95
It's okay, you don't have to pay
I've got all the change

Everybody knows
It hurts to grow up
And everybody does
It's so weird to be back here
Let me tell you what
The years go on and
We're still fighting it, we're still fighting it
And you're so much like me
I'm sorry

Good morning, son
In twenty years from now
Maybe we'll both sit down and have a few beers
And I can tell you 'bout today
And how I picked you up and everything changed
It was pain
Sunny days and rain
I knew you'd feel the same things

Everybody knows
It sucks to grow up
And everybody does
It's so weird to be back here.
Let me tell you what
The years go on and
We're still fighting it, we're still fighting it
You'll try and try and one day you'll fly
Away from me

Good morning, son
I am a bird

It was pain
Sunny days and rain
I knew you'd feel the same things

Everybody knows
Tt hurts to grow up
And everybody does
It's so weird to be back here.
Let me tell you what
The years go on and
We're still fighting it, we're still fighting it
Oh, we're still fighting it, we're still fighting it

And you're so much like me
I'm sorry

Introducing Sam Justice Cavin!!

2007-01-08T19:25:00.000-08:00

After 8 hours of intense, medicine free labor, our little sprout Sam was born at 7:38pm on Saturday, Jan. 6th. Jen did great in achieving our goal of an unmedicated birth, althought she is kind of wondering why we decided to go that route to begin with! Baby Sam weighs 7 lbs, 13 oz and is 20 1/2 inches long. He has a full head of brown hair with blonde highlights. Shortly after birth he and Jen got acquianted with a long 1 1/2 hour breasfeeding! Mom, Dad, and Baby are doing well and recovering from the ordeal. We are very proud and excited. The pregnancy is over, but the journey is just begining!!!

Stay tuned for many, many more pics and some video, probably later tonight!

48 inches

2007-01-05T20:39:00.000-08:00

See for yourself!

The telephone was ringing...

2007-01-01T09:10:00.000-08:00

Here is a neat song that sums up how we feel. Jen is not really overdue, but we are ready, and she is already dialating so bring it on!

Waiting for Jaden
Animal Liberation Orchestra
Fly Between Fall, 2006

Baby momma photo shoot

2006-12-28T11:48:00.000-08:00

We went down to the path we always walk on and took some pictures of Jen, hopefully some of the last ones we get of this pregnancy. The doctor today said the baby has dropped more and Jen is 3 cm, 80% effaced. Any day now.

click on the photo below to see the whole album:

9 month pregger pics

In the right direction

2006-12-28T09:49:00.000-08:00

This morning Dr. B said I have progressed to 3 cm dilated & 80% effaced. She wonders if I'll be her New Year's Baby. Drew & I are wondering the same thing...

Baby's First Christmas: 2007

2006-12-25T17:35:00.000-08:00

2006 brought a wonderful Christmas holiday, but it won't be Baby C's first (unless something really dramatic happens in the next 4 1/2 hours). That's a-ok with us, though.

But things are definitely progressing toward the wee one's arrival. Last Monday (at 37 weeks) my doctor found that I was 2cm dilated and 70% effaced. That's great news. Then last night (Christmas Eve), I had a string of unpredictable and painless, though noticable contractions. Not that it means birth is imminent, but the right things are happening to prepare me for when the time is right. We are ready to welcome this baby we've been hoping & praying for! I go back to Dr. B. on Thursday for my next check up. We'll keep you posted of any news or further progress.

It's been very nice to spend this Christmas with friends in town, rather than traveling. Though we've certainly missed our families, it's been the right thing to be here.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas!

--
I didn't mention it previously because I've not been able to log in to Blogger for nearly a month (technical glitch), but the women in the department where we work REALLY surprised me with a wonderful shower on the 7th of December! They are all wonderful and thoughtful and we can't wait to introduce them to Baby C early in the new year. They made sure this little one's hiney is covered - literally! We plan to cloth diaper & they really set us up. Thanks, Ladies!

36+ week belly

2006-12-14T21:20:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful belly!!!

Last ultrasound videos

2006-12-07T20:20:00.000-08:00

Part 1:

Part 2:

Showered with love

2006-11-16T09:53:00.000-08:00

We pretty much have everything required for having a child, except, um...well, skills and experience. But as far as all the creams, lotions, various absorbant things, soft, tiny clothes, and fluttery mobiles, we're set. The baby is kicking like crazy, doing summersaults and such. I think I got some video of the baby moving throught Jen's belly. I'll get it up soon. Thanks to everyone who has supported us with gifts and love and support. The baby will be here soon.

A doctor's visit, and some thoughts on natural birth

2006-10-16T20:28:00.000-07:00

An update from the doctors office: All is well. Jen does not have gestational diabetes, anemia, or any other bad things. The baby's heart beats about 140 times each minute, and is moving alot! We are very thankful.

As some of you know, Jen and I are taking a natural childbirth class called the Bradley Husband Coached Childbirth Method. Why are we doing this? Well, first of all it is very educational. While it does advocate unmedicated, natural birth, it also teaches alot about the stages of labor, what happens to the body during labor, what happens right after labor, etc. We also learn ASL signs to use with the baby and helpful tips for breastfeeding. What is so special about unmedicated natural birth? Well, it is how God intended birth to happen. Some of the supposed advancements of modern science have really had some adverse effects. There are lots of risks involved in things like epidurals and vacuum extractors. Before I go on to suggest that anyone should choose not to have an epidural, I will stop. I have zero credibility to do that. I am not a woman and have never given birth, so my voice has little validity.

What I can talk about is my role as "coach" during the birth process. Jen has decided to pursue natural birth, whether that means she has one or not. My job will be to coach and encourage her every step of the way. We practice this by doing relaxation excercises, physical excercises, and studying the progression of birth so that we can know what to expect. We are also creating a birth plan to go over with our doctor (who is very supportive of natural birth) and give to the attending nurses. This will say things like we don't want anesthesia offered to us unless we ask, we don't want to be restricted to the hospital bed (Jen should be able to move around and be where she is comfortable) or to an IV (a "hep lock" is okay though just in case), things like that. The medical establishment is not necessarily interested in us having a natural birth. They want to make sure nothing bad happens under thier watch, so they might unnecarrily intervene. My job will partly be a go-between for Jen and the nurses, so that Jen can concentrate on labor, and not on some arcane practice done for the nurses convience. All in all, I think natural birth is the way it should be. While I am thankful for the medical interventions that are available for the 5% of births that really need them, I think the medicalization of birth is one more way that modernity really screws us over.

belly at 25 weeks

2006-09-25T17:45:00.000-07:00

another good checkup

2006-09-18T14:09:00.000-07:00

This morning we went in for another checkup & everything's looking great. Strong clear heartbeat, and the results from last month's ultrasound came in without a hitch.

The funny part is that according to this ultrasound, Baby C is due January 5 - the date that I had told Drew that I think the baby is going to come. In reality, this is so close to the original date that the due date won't officially change.

And, this afternoon I was able to get an extra ultrasound at Hope Pregnancy Center here in town. They needed "models" to give their technician practice, so I happily signed up. That's a great and much needed ministry in the area. The environment is welcoming and peaceful - just the kind of place I'd want to go if I was pregnant unintentionally!

I think I'll go look at Elijah's pictures some more... Isn't he so cute?!

Adam Elijah Grace is here!

2006-09-17T19:26:00.000-07:00

I guess a good first step to being mom and dad is being aunt and uncle! Well, we officially are Uncle Drew and Aunt Jenny to Adam and Melissa's new boy, Adam Elijah. Elijah (as he is to be known) was born tuesday September 12th weighing in at 6lb10oz, and 18 3/4" long. He is healthy, and feeding and sleeping well. Here are a few pictures.

A note on the new ultrasound video

2006-09-06T07:13:00.000-07:00

Especially for ultrasound technicians and other folks trained to read ultrasounds:
We really want to be surprised by our baby's gender at delivery. So if you know what we're having judging by the clip Drew provided, please kindly refrain from posting your expert opinion.

On the other hand - friends, family and all of you with no training in radiology or related fields - guess away! But I challenge you to watch the video several times before you guess. What I once thought was the baby's hand turned out to be the umbilical cord. We'll find out if you're right early next year!

New Ultrasound Video

2006-09-05T12:37:00.000-07:00

Hi all. I finally got around to editing our big ultrasound video. This one was at about 5 1/2 months. You can watch all 21 minutes of it in three parts if you look on my Youtube profile. Or you can just watch the ~2 minutes of highlights, including some good shots of the babies legs and arm, it's heart, and it's eye.
Enjoy.

No thank you

2006-08-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

These three words were difficult to utter yesterday when Dr. Blasingame asked if I'd like her to grab an ultrasound machine to find out our baby's gender. But Drew being in Colorado made it much easier! (This was the first appointment he'd missed. - What a great husband & dad!)

Baby C is really living up to the earlier nickname, "Wiggles". When Dr. B was trying to hear the heartbeat, we'd find it for just a second before the in utero acrobatics continued. The swishy little heart was going strong at 153 beats per minute - how does s/he have the energy to pump a little heart so fast and still exercise non-stop? (No wonder I'm tired!)

I am feeling some of Wiggles' wiggles these days. Usually when I sit down after going strong all day. I cannot wait until Drew can feel them, too. He's going to love it!!

We'll have the "big" ultrasound on the 28th - be looking for more video - when Drew's back in town, but we're still not going to find out if Baby C is a boy or a girl. We'll all have to wonder together until the big day.

Rounding

2006-08-11T07:26:00.000-07:00

Here's a little photo (without my head) to add to the proof that we really are pregnant for any doubters out there. Ok, so after watching the video, there probably aren't any doubters, but I still thought you might enjoy this:

But I just cannot compare to my sweet little sister's belly (below)! This is her at 28 weeks - she's 32 now.

Practice

2006-07-25T08:59:00.000-07:00

We went to Washington DC and the Jersey Shore a couple weeks ago and got to hang out with Jen's family and her little little sister Kristen. Kristen is 4 and is a delight to be around (most of the time). Jen and I took her to the zoo and it really felt like a family, with all the other kids being wheeled around to look at the animals. It was really fun. Here are some pictures.

On 2nd

2006-07-06T21:11:00.000-07:00

Actually, "in the second" is more accurate. I feel surprised & delighted that we're now in the second trimester, so that when we tell folks we're expecting we won't shock them saying we're only 5 weeks along.

All Baby C's critical development is complete & now's the time for some serious growth.

We're headed for family vacation so next week I hope to post some pics with my really pregnant sis, too.

Take good care -

Thank you Rachel!

2006-06-20T12:59:00.000-07:00

Rachel Burdette is the best!
She introduced me to Tums. Where had they been all my pregnancy? Needless to say indigestion is the way Baby C lets me know he/she's doing great. Already working on strong communication - I'm so proud.

If the folk legend holds true, this will be one baby with an awfully lot of hair.

Na, I'm doing really well. I got to visit with lots of relatives this weekend at my Great Grandmother Mulkey's 97th Birthday party. She's the picture of health & kindness.

And, we're nearly out of the first trimester - I hope that means I'll have energy again... time will tell.

Video premiere

2006-06-16T09:15:00.000-07:00

Here is the video from our 2nd ultrasound. Baby is 10 wks, 3 days. Perfect for a January 8th due date.

Enjoy

go here if you can't see it above.

that baby

2006-06-06T21:18:00.001-07:00

My take on our first ultrasound.

Before the U/S, I really wasn't able to connect with the fact that we are going to have a baby. I understood it in an abstract sort of way, but that's it. Once I saw our baby move and when I saw it's heart beat, it took on new meaning for me. Instead of "yeah, we're having a baby" now it's "yeah, we're having that baby, the one in that picture right there, the one that I saw moving in my wife's womb." It is real now. I have seen it. I can't wait.

1st pic of wiggles, aka Baby C

2006-06-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

Today we got to sneak in an early ultrasound at Dr. DeSplinter's office in Tomball (she's great!). So for the very first time we got to see Baby C wiggle, kick, jump and wave (more or less). Baby's heart is pumping away at about 160 beats per minute - no wonder I'm so tired.

Right now, our baby is right on track for a January 8 arrival.

Enjoy the photo!

32 to go

2006-05-28T19:16:00.000-07:00

A few brief, disconnected thoughts:

8 weeks pregnant feels a lot more pregnant than anything before. I'm not sure why that is exactly. I do feel more pregnant, physically. No morning sickness (& I'm pleased about that!), but tired - just generally pregnant.

Last week I visited family in Arizona and Drew headed to South Carolina for a wedding. I miss him. There's something special about pregnancy that can only be shared between the two most intimately involved.

We found out on Friday that my sister (Melissa, & her husband Adam) are having a baby boy! His name is Adam Elijah Grace. We're thrilled for them & are continually delighted that he'll have a playmate.

Now's the time when I'm not sure what to do with myself. Look at babystuff? Think of names? Take a nap? In some ways it feels like seven months is a long way away, so I don't know how to prepare... All in good time, I suppose.

Live well,
Jenny

PS Drew created an blogger account for me so that my posts can really come from me from now on. He's the tech person in this house, for sure!

6 weeks and counting

2006-05-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

In some ways it feels like it was months ago when we saw those pink lines, but it's only been 2 weeks!

Well six weeks (at least that's our best guess) into this thing we call pregnancy & I'm feeling really good. No nausea. Only indigestion, fatigue, and the weirdest belly button sensation you can imagine! It's not bad at all & I'm glad for the symptoms I do have to remind me that I am pregnant. Sometimes it just doesn't seem real.

Our first doctor's appointment isn't until June 15. Poor Dr. Blasingame, I'll have two hundred questions for her by then!

Blessings to all!

A little history - Jen's view

2006-05-14T17:28:00.000-07:00

- Whenever I (Jen) post on the blog, it will be in green. -

Drew and I started trying to have children a year and a half ago, in October 2004. When you're trying to have a baby, a year and a half feels like a long time. In January 2005, we found out that I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). We went through several fertility treatments, nothing happened. We decided to take a break & wait. We were waiting for God to provide somehow: $ for another treatment cycle, $ for adoption, or even conception. During the treatment we had in January (IUI, if you're curious) I really felt like I heard God ask me to "Believe" Him for a baby. I didn't know if that meant adoption or conception, but I heard, nonetheless. After that treatment didn't work (which was terribly difficult), I realized that what I hoped for more than anything, was for God to do this baby thing in a way that would give most honor to Him. In the course of the first months of this year about ten (yeah 10!) of my close friends found out they were pregnant! Whew. A lot to take when you hope to join them so badly.
In late April, I began having a really hard time being around mothers and children. I actually began to feel angry toward them and super-distant. Especially at church - I just wanted to bolt as soon as the service was over!
Then (not a week later) I saw that my chart (I had been keeping track of my basal body temperature) was looking really promising. But, I was feeling sick - a cough, not nausea - so I thought maybe I had a fever. And I'd pulled some really late nights, given that it was the end of the semester, so mabye that's why my temps were high. For everything that looked good, I had a reason that it might be wrong.
Well, you've read Drew's post about how we came to take the test; but what do you know? We're pregnant! We're thrilled. And we feel like that God really did do this in a way that honors Him. We're so thankful.

pregnancy test pics

2006-05-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy test

2006-05-04T08:48:00.000-07:00

We woke up tuesday, may 2nd and jen really wanted to take a pregnancy test. She had been tracking her temperatures and thought there might be a chance. I told her it was too hard to be let down with a test, because neither of us really thought we could be. So we went back to sleep for a while and I had a dream about having a baby boy and when we woke back up I felt better about jen taking the test. What do you know! Positive! We were totally shocked. After 2 years of trying and a few rounds of fertility treatment we get pregnant on our own! What a blessing.