2008 SPRING - CHECK OUT THE BACKYARD

While Tam's taking a nap I thought I'd sneak in another blog entry.

See if you can't figure out the story just by looking at the pictures...


"Oh! Here you are, out enjoying the nice weather."

"Wait. What have you been doing to our deck? Well, if you think you got a handle on this one..."

"Let's see what else is going on back here."

"Nice... getting lots of sun these days."

"And look at some of that color!"

"Grrr.. Rough. Guess which ones are my favorites?"

"..."

"..."

Is that the story you saw too?

Well, as you might guess we are out trying to 'smell the roses'. It hasn't escaped us how moments like this (just the two of us) are precious.

Also, here's a preview of the refinished deck. In a few weeks there will be a nice painted deck and a fantastic gazebo for shade going in. Should help out with enjoying the outdoors with sensitive baby skin a little easier too... I can almost see our guests enjoying it with us too - hint, hint. ;}

Cheers again!

New delivery dates pending and a new nursery!!!

Two new pieces of news:

1) The doctor says we are due a week earlier than we thought. AND She also says that we can schedule inducing if we want. Wow! Less waiting, one less week for Tam during the third trimester (big deal!!!), and we get to actually plan on the day and time (family visiting, work schedules, and no emergency mode activities!!!).

2) We've got the basic nursery set. Paint on the walls, new hardwood floors, a sitting chair, and (with the help of some very generous friends - thanks Jeff and Zenna!) a beautiful crib . Dad says he thinks he can make it out. I'm hoping we can work on making some shelves together - something simple. Decorations, clothes, blankets, toys, and stuff I'm still trying to identify - everyone is having fun helping out and we couldn't be more fortunate with such good friends and family.

Here are a couple of pics to share:





Cheers and love to all!

Happy Mother's Day

26 weeks and Showing it with Pride!!!

See our posing model today? She's gorgeous!!! And if you can read the shirt it shows a little sass too...





I thinks someone just kicked...



Some still have to get used to the idea.

Actually, Tommy's pretty excited about having a little bro around.

Hope you all enjoyed the pics.

Cheers,
Tam, Tommy, & Ty

2008 Half Way There!!!

Hi Gang,

We've got more ultrasound pics. Last doctor visit says all is going really well!!! Tam's been dealing with a cold that's a bit more of a challenge to shake, but she's still in great spirits. We've been doing lost of reading and shopping. It's exciting to dream up his new room deco and all the things he's going to need.

Tommy and I have been ripping up the nursery - carpet is gone, baseboards are up, and painting is scheduled for today. Then, I've got wood for floors ready to go in - opting to go with raw wood and do all the finishing by hand (It's only matter of time now 'till the new kiddo's got a hammer in his hands too).

...It's times like these that I'm reminded of how special it was of my dad to share his building talents with me and my mom, her endless patience.

Haven't decided on a name yet, but we're close... =]

Hope you enjoy these pics:







This morning we felt the first signs of movement!!! We've seen lots of jumping around on camera, but this was way cooler!!!

Cheers!

2008 - First Trimester Happiness

Thirteen Weeks!

First trimester screening provided more pictures. The little one was jumping and spinning around in there we decided we need to prepare for a feisty one.

Check out these pics:





The week prior we had a visit with the regular OB and heard "strong" heartbeat. Doc thinks it might be a girl since the heartbeat is so fast. She says "boys are slow". Tam has her interpretation of that remark and I have mine. :)

So Tommy wants a brother. I'm guessing he wants someone to take fishing. I think he'll be alright with taking a little sister too though. Tam and I are on the fence - which is to say we completely happy with boy or girl. We're just happy to have another little one on the way.

And, "no" we didn't plan on the coincidental timing when Tommy is of prime babysitter age. But we're not ignorant of that fact either - ;)

I've alreay mentioned my preference on not changing diapers. That, of course, was reciprocated with lots of class registrations for baby care and baby cpr, etc. ...Good times.

Please feel free to share this info with any and all. We're feeling much more comfortable with the first trimester behind us. Whew!!!

Cheers and Love to All

2007 - We have news!!!

 
A Heart Beat and think we saw a smile in there too...

The Big Picture!

...closer up

DUE DATE IS AUG. 12, 2008.

2007 - Denver Aquarium

2007 Neuvo Vallarta Vacation

2007 - Ty & Tam in Estes Park

2007 - Ty & Tam at Home

2006 - Hudson Garden

2006 - Mammoth Family Reunion

2006 - Shelby... we'd hoped to adopt

One day Tam and I were approached about taking Shelby. My wife was extremely attached to Shelby when she was a babe. She's come into her teen years since then. She's quite the handful now. Her aunt has her in Sweeden and needed help - their medical system didn't seem interested in offering medical help...

We thought hard on the idea and realized that adoption was the best thing for her. We didn't want her tossed around and only wanted to stabilize her by not allowing her aunt or mom to try to jerk her out of our home on some kind of impulse.

Well it didn't work out. But we did lots of reflection when we had to consider what kind of home we could make for a troubled kid.



Of course, the first thought was of Tommy. What would an unstable gal do to our son? He was just getting his feet under him, finally making friends, not having a temper tantrum every other day any more.



Shelby was the child we never had. She was a blessing in our lives though. She made us consider ourselves in a way we never had before. We looked at ourselves - where were we, what had we accomplished, what were our shortcomings, what did we have to offer another little one... It was ... enlightening. Thank you Shelby.

2004 Tommy: Why do we live?

As a father I struggle to find the right words that open up my son's mind. My son has an extreme tendency to "do" without considering "consequences"... He's a wonderfully free spirit, but it does have it's dangers. Anyhow, one day I tried showing him the big picture of "why" and for a brief second he seemed to understand. For a few years after that we left the this on the dry-erase board that hangs on the wall next to the computer - we never looked at it again.



It was a monumental moment for me as a dad and worth keeping fresh in my mind. I just couldn't erase it until after I memorialized it.

2003 Soaking in Mt. Lemon

2003 Tommy at the Beach, Santa Barbara

2002 - Mt. Lemon Climbing