The Hillman Crew

This Moment

2012-01-27T13:58:00.000-06:00

{this moment} A Friday tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A single, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. Enjoy!

This Moment

2012-01-21T10:54:00.001-06:00

{this moment} A Friday tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A single, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. Enjoy!

The baby boys

2012-01-20T07:25:00.000-06:00

2 months

2012-01-15T15:27:00.000-06:00

Charlie is 2-months old today. Already, where did the time go?

Weight: 16 pound

Length: 24 inches

Health: goopy eyes!

Look: Handsome

this moment

2012-01-14T22:18:00.001-06:00

{this moment} A Friday tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A single, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. Enjoy!

Birthday Boy

2012-01-11T14:54:00.000-06:00

This handsome young man of mine turned 4-years-old today!!!

Happy Birthday Beautiful Baby Boy.

I love you beyond the moon and back again, times infinity (which is way further than California)!

This Moment

2011-12-30T19:44:00.000-06:00

{this moment} A Friday tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A single, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. Enjoy!

Cute Baby

2011-12-24T21:44:00.001-06:00

Christmas Eve morning, cute baby alert.

Stats Update - Charlie was weighed, measured, and checked out on Tuesday the 20th.

Weight: 12.11

Length: 24 inches

Check-up: All good!

This Moment

2011-12-23T21:28:00.000-06:00

{this moment} A Friday tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A single, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. Enjoy!

Namesake

2011-12-20T21:31:00.000-06:00

Here's Charlie Gene and his namesake Gene Hardy.

Love!

This Moment

2011-12-16T23:28:00.000-06:00

{this moment} A Friday tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A single, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. Enjoy!

This Moment

2011-12-09T10:26:00.000-06:00

{this moment} A Friday tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A single, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. Enjoy!

Dirty 30

2011-12-06T21:27:00.000-06:00

A few days before my 30th birthday we bought a mini-van.

Yep, I own a mini-van!

There was a long, and quickly growing, list of "issues" with our trusty old (13 years, to be exact) Explorer - it was time to replace. With our growing family we determined that a mini-van was the best bet. We've been told you can't beat the space and convenience and they make them pretty fuel efficient these days. The decision was made. We went about shopping and finally found one and brought the new baby home, and I don't mean Charlie (he was already at home...haha). We lovingly call it the swagger wagon to try and make us feel like we're cooler than we really are.

So here you have it, this is what 30 looks like:

A mini-van, two kiddos, and a label maker!

I knew this day would come

2011-12-04T23:36:00.001-06:00

I’m the youngest. Iknow seems like a bold and general statement, but for most of my life (otherthan sibling order) that very statement has always seemed to follow me/defineme. I was youngest in my school class,by months and sometimes a full year. No,it’s not a smarty pants thing, just the way my parents (and the Fairbanksschool system) played the enrollment game. This meant that, for the most part, for most of my life I was typicallysurrounded by those who were older.

I was born on December 8^th, 1981. Yes, this means I turn 30 in just a fewdays. THREE ZERO. Thirty. I’m about to be thirty!!! And I’mshouting it loud and proud. So, why soexcited about the big dirty thirty? Because I knew this day would come. Sure, it was all fun and games while I had to wait while everyone elsegot their driver’s licenses. Then wait when everyone turned 18 and I had to geta fake ID (gasp) to get into the “club” in college (or get my tongue pierced –yes). And then I was the one waiting atthe house party while everyone else went out to the bar’s on their 21^stbirthdays. But I knew, one day we’d allturn 30. All the everyone’s would gobefore me in the darkness* and I’d still be rolling in the glory of my 20s!

There’s all that and then there’s also the fact that I’d sayI did pretty good in my 20s. That whole “list”that people seem to make. You know theone. The “I’ll do all these thingsbefore I’m 30” list. Well, I made mylist for 25 – freaking-weird-overachieving-nerd– so I was never really fretting the big three o. I’m not saying that I really accomplished allthe things on my 25 list, but I did quite a few and that feels prettygood. So because it’s my birthday and Ifeel like bragging (yep) let’s review!

Travel around the world – check
Get married – check (still determining if thiswas a wise decision*)
Have kiddos – check (like ‘em enough to keep ‘em*)
Earn master’s degree – check
Earn Ph.D. – check
Get a big girl job – check (sure it was a goal,but I’m still gonna say YUCK)

Not bad Mandi, not bad at all. The twenties have been good to me and now it’stime to part ways. I’m ready to face mythirties, fully outfitted now:

·        Minivan – check
·        Label maker – check
·        Too many bills – check
·        A job – check
·        My own place – check
·        Ability to understand politics – kinda check(that’s what the internet is for*)

And besides, with a track record like mine who knows what I’llaccomplish in my next decade!*

So sing it loud, sing it proud – Happy (almost) Birthday to me!

*This is tongue andcheek people – humor…laugh dang it, I’m funny!

What's in a name

2011-11-23T21:10:00.000-06:00

Baby boy has a name, it's Charlie Gene Hillman

We chose the name Charlie because we liked it, simply put. And yes, he is Charlie - not Charles and not Chuck. Just Charlie.

The name Gene has a bit more depth. Jack is named Jack Ralph Hillman. We borrowed the name Ralph from both our families. It's a family name on my mother's side for many generations and it also happens to be the name of Keiser's beloved grandfather. So when we finally landed on Charlie for the first name for our baby boy we set about the task of a middle name. We started throwing around lots of different ideas and then I suggested Gene after my paternal grandfather, who had just visited us a few days earlier. We realized that it was a perfect fit. To briefly go a bit deeper into our family histories we each (Keiser and I) have only one grandfather that our families really "acknowledge" as decent citizens of the world - yes, that's the kindest way to say it. Therefore, we found it quite fitting that both our boys have the honor of carrying on these two names. And frankly, Keiser and I think they are both pretty stand up guys - Ralph Hall and Gene Hardy. Additionally, Keiser's grandfather passed away 10 years ago and never met Jack (or me), but Grandpa Gene Hardy is still with us and gets the pleasure of getting to know his namesake. Something we're confident Charlie will take pleasure in as well.

So there you have it. The story of Baby boys name! Now that wait wasn't so bad, was it?!?!? :)

Wherever you are

2011-11-22T01:30:00.000-06:00

Wherever You Are my Love Will Find You

I wanted you more than you will ever know,

so I sent love to follow wherever you go.

It' high as you wish it.

It's quick as an elf.

You'll never outgrow it...it stretches itself!

So climb any mountain...climb up to the sky!

My love will find you.

My love can fly!

Make a big splash!

Go out on a limb!

My love will find you.

My love can swim!

It never gets lost,

never fades,

never ends...

if you're working...

or playing...

or sitting with friends.

You can dance 'til you're dizzy...

paint 'til you're blue...

there's no place, not one,

that my love can't find you.

And if someday you're lonely,

or someday you're sad,

or you strike out at baseball,

or think you've been bad...

Just lift up you face, feel the wind in your hair.

That's me, my sweet baby, my love is right there.

In the green of the grass...in the smell of the sea...

in the clouds floating by...at the top of a tree...

in the sound crickets make at the end of the day...

"You are loved. You are loved. You are loved," they all say.

So hold your head high

and don't be afraid

to march to front of your own parade.

If you're sill my small babe

or you're all the way grown,

my promise to you is you're never alone.

You are my angel, my darling, my star...

and my love will find you, wherever you are.

~Nancy Tillman

Happy One-Week Birthday Baby Boy - I love you so!
And Jack Ralph Hillman - I love you so, too!

The best laid plans

2011-11-21T14:41:00.001-06:00

What it feels like (for me) to have the baby come early.

Well, I certainly would not be the first to point out the obvious,that life rarely goes according to our plans. For the Hillman Crew this seems to ring pretty true (ahem, selling ourhouse). I’ve come to accept this as areality of life and chose not to fight it. However, knowing things do not always go to plan does not mean that weneed to stop making plans. As for the kind of planer I am I tend to waiverbetween chronic list-maker and fly-by-the-seat -of-my-pants gal. In general I’ve always got some sort of “to-do-list”lying around - or stuck to the fridgewith a magnet that says “24 hours in a day, 24 cans in a pack. Coincidence, I think not!” This does not mean I accomplish all (or even some) of the things Iwrite on these lists, but alas I make them to help me keep whatever sanity I might haveleft. So what does it feel like for thelist-making-family-planner to have her baby arrive 3 weeks early?

First off, Baby Boy is NOT premature. He was 100% “full term” – there is adifference and it’s important to recognize this. I do not want to minimize any woman’sexperience having had a “true premie” as those experiences might have somesimilarities to mine, but typically can be accompanied by complications (etc.)which I have not had. On Monday I wentto work – taught my class – and stayed latefor a faculty meeting about curriculum (fun). Then I picked up Jack, talked with my mom about only having 3 briefweeks left until “due” date and went home. Honestly I was excited that my almost 4-year-old son had not napped thatday because I knew he’d likely fall asleep easily and early so I could get “backto work.” I know, yuck-o, but I wastrying hard to stay on top of my work load (3 classes, with around 350students), prep for the fact that I knew baby could come anytime , and also getmy spring semester work somewhat organized so when baby did actually arrive I’d havelittle to nothing on my plate to worry about - except the wonderful new babe. So here's what my Tuesday (Nov. 15th) looked like - according to my plan:

10:00am appointment with student
10:30am appointment with student
11:00am appointment with undergrad coordinator
Teach from 11:00-12:15pm
Midwife appointment at 2:00pm in Des Moines

Needless to say my to-do-listwas long and baby’s arrival was not on it. Shame on me, I know.

So here was my plan:
My technical “due” date was December 6^th. The last day I had to lecture for the semesterwas December 7^th. Then, I’dplanned to have all my final exams offered online – so I truly would have littleto “worry” about beyond December 7^th. As well, my 30^th birthday is the 8^thof December, so I really had picked this as the “perfect” day for baby toarrive. I honestly would have been fineif Baby Boy had even waited a week past this and final grades were submitted.

Don’t misunderstand me, please, I’m happy and thrilled thathe arrived when he was ready and in his own time (and with my beautiful birthexperiences). And, yes, I can do the math I recognize how much he might have weighed had he not been born at 37 weeks. However, I’m inshock. Honestly. I’m struggling with knowingthat on Wednesday (Nov. 16) we were,

Going to take our family photos – the last photos as afamily of 3
And then my maternityphotos – the last photos of my with my beautiful baby bump
Then my sister and I were going to do abelly cast - to remember my beloved pregnancy

Eventually, before baby arrived (for the most part) we'd address all the “to-do”around the house things:

The diapers tosort and prep (cloth) and the clothes to sort, wash, and put away.

Finally, there was the whole thing aboutrelaxing and getting in what I like to call the “birthing zone.” A time forme, over the next however many weeks to prepare mentally for my birth. A time to prepare to be a mother to a newbornagain. A time to breathe, relax, andwelcome my baby’s coming.

I’m sad about missing some of those special “last” things I wasplanning to do. I’m overwhelmed about not getting the prep (for work and home)to do list done. However, most of all I’mmourning (yes, I’m being honest – I’m mourning) the end of my pregnancy. I've never denied that I love beingpregnant. Sure there are plenty of “notfun” aspects of pregnancy, but I’ll take ‘em. It is such a special time in a woman’s life - at least for me! I love feeling my baby move inside me. I love the bonding. I love the secret world that exists only between me and baby. I love the way Ilook – even on “puffy” days. I love itand I miss that end of pregnancy phase. The phase when I begin to accept the fact that it’stime to say goodbye to the bump, to the wiggles, and to the life-making miracle that has consumed the previous weeks of my life. Imissed my goodbye period and I’m at a bit of a loss. Yes, even with the beautiful Baby Boy in myarms.

So, yes it’s taking me a little longer to process this experience – even in the midst of all its goodness and blessing. And yes, it’s taking me a little longer to name my beautiful Baby Boy. Yes, it’s taking me longer. My choice to share these feelings is one way for me to emotionally sort through it all. Even a way to say goodbye to my treasured pregnancy and to fully cross the bridge to the next phase. Through it all, I’m learning to be patient and to always be prepared!

Baby Boy helping me write this post!

This moment

2011-11-20T14:55:00.001-06:00

{this moment} A weekly tradition. A single photo (even when it's a blog repeat) - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A single, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. Enjoy!

Early Bird Special - short(er) version

2011-11-16T22:24:00.001-06:00

Early Bird Special

Baby boy’s birth story - short version

November 14, 2011

It was 7:30 at night. I stood up from the couch and felt that my bag of waters had ruptured. For a moment I wasn’t sure. Had I wet my pants? Really, it wouldn’t have totally shocked me –sadly. As I stood with Jack in thekitchen, I felt more fluid coming out. Iknew now that my bag had indeed ruptured for sure. I made the appropriate phone calls (mother,sister, husband, midwife,* doula) and tried to rest. By the time Keiser got home around 8:30pm Ihad had a few contractions – warm up contractions! I tried to rest andencouraged Keiser to sleep too over the next few hours.

Probably November 15,2011

At some point around1am, I’m guessing, Keiser and Jack were both in the spare bedroom, where Paigeand I had been hanging out. Suddenly Ihad an undeniable bearing down urge. Itwas a reflexive, natural push – it was time to call the midwives! Not less than a minute (probably a fewseconds) I had another more intense reflexive push. It certainly was clear now. I sat up in the bed and said, “the baby iscoming.” I got up and went to thebathroom. I had another 2 or 3 involuntary reflexive pushes there. I stood up and braced on my sistersarms. The next one I had I instinctivelywent down onto the floor on my hands and knees. I remember having anoverwhelming sense of peace and calm, never panic. I hear my sister and Kesier (not sure whichone first) say “I don’t know what to do” and the other responded “I don’teither.” I knew what to do – I instinctivelyknew, stay calm and relax. There wasnothing to panic about, my body and my baby knew what to do even more than mymind did. I was leaning over the bathtuband another expulsion reflex (aka: push) came and with that one the baby’shead. I knew with the next push thebaby’s shoulders would be born and the rest would quickly follow / fallout. I had the baby’s head in my handsand my sister told me later that I said, “don’t worry baby, I’ve got you.” In this brief moment I said, “someone needsto put their hands down there and catch the baby.” I needed my hands to brace myself when thereflex would come and I didn’t want the baby to fall on the floor. My sister’s hands caught my baby. I heard her say “it’s a boy” and then I askedher to hand him to me. I brought him tomy chest and checked him out. I saw hewas breathing, I saw he was quickly gaining good color, and the cord was not aproblem. We covered him in towels andgot a blanket for my legs.

Keiser called the midwife back; mind you all of this hadbeen about 10 minutes since the last call the midwife – if that. She was put on speaker phone and stayed onthe phone with us until she arrived. Ibirthed the placenta just as the midwives pulled into the driveway. Theychecked out both me and baby and gave us high health scores. The midwives spent the next three hours caringfor our home – cleaning up and running a few loads of laundry – more thananything else. Of course, after sometime I we were both given other exams, but this was done at a very noninvasiveand the best I can describe peaceful, loving, and respectful manner. My son did not cry (like real deal babycrying) for the first 24 hours to give an idea of how peaceful the whole nightwas.

It was a beautiful and powerful experience. Althoughit wasn't as planned (most things in life aren't) I wouldn't have had it anyother way. Wonderful!

*Yes, this was a planned home birth. I am happy to share about why we made this decision, but the place of my sons birth is only one small part of the his birth story, so I’ll save that for another post another day

Photo post here

Early Bird Special - long version

2011-11-16T22:22:00.001-06:00

Early Bird Special

Baby boy’s birth story

November 14, 2011

HoneyDaddy was staying late at work to catch up on somethings and Jack and I were at home reading books getting ready for bed. We had just finished reading no less than 9 books. It was 7:30 at night. I stood up from the couch and felt that mybag of waters had ruptured. For a momentI wasn’t sure. Had I wet my pants? Really, it wouldn’t have totally shocked me –sadly. I went to the bathroom to emptymy bladder and then met Jack in the kitchen who was recording the books we’djust read on his fall reading program card for the library. As I stood with him and helped him color in thepizza slices on the red piece of cardstock, where he’d written his name and age(3 ¾) in the upper right corner, I felt more fluid coming out. I knew now that my bag had indeed rupturedfor sure.

I was not having any surges (contractions) and I knew thebest thing to do was get my tired boy to sleep for the night – it was sure tobe an eventful evening. Jack and I wentand laid down in “the big bed” and cuddled. Sadly, very sadly, I was overly concerned with him quickly fallingasleep so I could concentrate on the task at hand that I really doubt I trulyembraced the fact that those brief moments were my last with him as my onlybaby - a moment to cuddle him when no other little ones are waiting in line for their turn with mom. He fell asleep fairly quickly, given that Idid let him know that I would be having the baby that night. I’m sure I triggered a lot of excitement in hislittle body!

I called my mom and let her know, not sure why I felt theneed to call her first, but I did. ThenI called my sister who was planning to be at my birth and “in charge” of Jack. My sister didn’tanswer. Go figure, the girl ALWAYS hasher phone with her. Then I called Keiserand told him it was time for him to head home. He assumed it was because I was having a “rough night” with Jack and Iwas just tired and needed his help. I toldhim my bag of waters had ruptured and he said, “are you serious?” Yep, I’m serious! Then I called my doula.

Next I called my midwife. We were planning a home birth.* So when I say I called her, I mean I called her on her personal cell phone and talked to her! Since contractions still weren’t going yet I knew I didn’t need them(there were two midwives that would attend my birth) to come, but I wanted themto know – especially since I was literally just 37 weeks gestation and they wouldn't likely be expecting my call. She told mewhat I already knew, it could take up to 24 hours for labor to start and that Ishould try and rest. She reassured me, although I wasn't nervous about this, that she and the other midwife will come when I need them. I never doubted this love and devotion to me, a single client among many, for a second! I actually had anappointment with her the next day (Tuesday at 2pm) and we joked that I mightjust see her then. Although I knew thiswas a possibility, I doubted it would take this long. Although I was never anticipating having the baby at 37 weeks I also neveranticipated a long labor – I had a feeling the whole pregnancy that I wouldhave a faster labor (my labor with Jack was 11hours). I also knew that myhead was “not ready” for this (not to mention many other things “to do”) so Iknew I had to do a few quick tasks – cancel my class for the next day and such –and then lay down and get my head in the game, for lack of a better expression.

By the time Keiser got home around 8:30pm or so I had had a fewcontractions – warm up contractions! He went about readying a few things aroundthe house. Tidying up for me, gatheringthe items that we would have gathered over the next weeks to “be ready.” I got in the shower to warm up (my body keptshaking) and I thought the water would feel good and also help to warm me up. I got out the shower, got some warm clotheson, and laid down to rest as much as I could for the night. Keiser, Jack, and I lay in our “big bed” andcuddled for a few hours (maybe more, maybe less - I wasn't counting). Jack and Keiserboth slept and I think I got some winks in, but not many. Eventually my sister showed up and we jokedabout how she should never screen my calls!

Probably November 15,2011

Over the next few hours I simply tried to rest and get comfortable. I washappy that it was obvious labor had started and I was not going to be goingcrazy “waiting” for it to happen! I was lyingin our spare bed with my sister around 1:00am (I think) having some pretty intensecontractions. Through each one I wouldsay in my head things like; “my body and my baby know exactly what to do,” “breathethe baby down,” and “I will not fight my body” as way to keep my musclesrelaxed and my breathing concentrated. I was listening to the sound of the vocalizingI was doing to try and determine if my breath was “high” or “low.” I thought that if I could tell I sounded "low" it was time to call in the troops (aka: the midwives). Sometime around here I either called Keiserin or he came into the room for some reason and I heard Jack call out from ourbedroom to snuggle mommy. In the midst of Jack having a hard time thathis snuggle requests weren’t being addressed and a few more slammingcontractions I felt it – an undeniable bearing down. That one was low. It was a reflexive, natural push – it wastime to call the midwives! I told Keiserto call and he did. He hung up the phoneand said “they’re on their way.” Iwatched him put the phone down and while he did I said, “I hope I don’t feellike an idiot in an hour.” Meaning, eventhen I was still not convinced this was really happening – or rather happeningthis quickly. Not less than a minute(probably a few seconds) I had another more intense reflexive push that was even more concentrated and accompanied by a rush of fluid. It certainly was clear now.

I sat up in the bed and said, “the baby is coming.” I got up and went to the bathroom. I asked my sister where my mom was, I knewshe had called her. I asked this becauseI knew that this baby was going to be born momentarily and my mother is aformer RN. I figured she’d be the bestassistant in this situation - she wouldn't panic or be nervous (blood and fluid wouldn't psyche her out). She obviouslyhad been called and given the impression, correctly at the time, to come overbecause it was “just labor” so she was in no hurry.

I sat down on the toilet and asked my sister to help me getmy pants off. She gave me a look, like “ohwhy? Oh no.” I had another 2 or 3involuntary reflexive pushes there. Istood up and braced on my sisters arms. The next one I had I instinctively went down onto the floor on my handsand knees. I remember having an overwhelming sense of peace and calm, neverpanic. I hear my sister and Kesier (notsure which one first) say “I don’t know what to do” and the other responded “Idon’t either.” I knew what to do – Iinstinctively knew, stay calm and relax. There was nothing to panic about, my body and my baby knew what to doeven more than my mind did. I wasleaning over the bathtub and another expulsion reflex (aka: push) came and withthat one the baby’s head. I knew withthe next push the baby’s shoulders would be born and the rest would quicklyfollow / fall out. I had the baby’s headin my hands and my sister told me later that I said, “don’t worry baby, I’vegot you.” In this brief moment I said, “someoneneeds to put their hands down there and catch the baby.” I needed my hands to brace myself when thereflex would come and I didn’t want the baby to fall on the floor. My sister’s hands caught my baby. I heard her say “it’s a boy” and then I askedher to hand him to me. I brought him tomy chest and checked him out. I saw hewas breathing, I saw he was quickly gaining good color, and the cord was not a problem. We covered him in towels and got a blanketfor me. Yes, Jack witness the wholebirth and according to Keiser (who was by his side) he reacted like it wasliterally no big deal. He commentedabout the blood needing to be cleaned up and asked if he could go watch themovie he had just been given as a gift. Just life happening!

Keiser called the midwife back; mind you all of this hadbeen about 10 minutes since the last call the midwife – if that. She was put on speaker phone and stayed onthe phone with us until she arrived. Myparents also arrived at this point and were shocked to find the baby in my armsalready. I birthed the placenta just asthe midwives pulled into the driveway. They checked out both me and baby andgave us high health scores. The midwivesspent the next three hours caring for me and baby, our whole family and our home – cleaning up and running a fewloads of laundry. Of course, after some time I we were both given further follow up exams, but thiswas done at a very noninvasive and the best I can describe peaceful, loving,and respectful manner. My son did notcry (like real deal baby crying) for the first 24 hours to give an idea of howpeaceful the whole night was.

He was weighed and measured and we all took our guesses athow much. Naturally, I was SHOCKED tofind him over 9 pounds (9.2) at 37ish weeks gestation. He was 21 ¾ inches long with a head circumferenceof 14 1/2 inches. He nursed in the firsthour for a solid 30 minutes and after that we got in the birth tub (the place Ihad anticipated actually giving birth) for a nice warm herbal bath. It felt so nice, so nice! Next we all got our jammies on and climbedinto bed together and said goodnight to our guests. It was a beautiful and powerful experience. Although it wasn't as planned (most things in life aren't) I wouldn't have had it any other way. Wonderful!

*Yes,this was a planned home birth. I amhappy to share about why we made this decision, but the place of my sons birth is only one small part of his birth story. Therefore, I'll save the "why we chose home birth" for another post another day!

Photo post here

Baby Boy's Birth: Photo Post

2011-11-16T22:00:00.000-06:00

***Warning: This post technically has naked photos of both me and baby boy. However, there are NO photos of the actual birth (there was no time) and all nudity is pretty covert/tasteful. You've been warned. I'd suggest you read the birth story first, the photos might make more sense.

I have about 3 photos of Jack's birth and I've always regretted it. This time I was looking forward to having lots of photos. However, time did not allow for such. No worries. We captured a few pretty neat-o ones anyway!

This might be my favorite photo of his birth. My sister snapped it on her cell phone seconds after baby boy was born. She grabbed her phone to look at the time and announce when he was born, then she decided she should snap a photo or two. The look on my face is priceless, I'm looking back at Keiser and Jack!

This Moment

2011-11-06T07:37:00.005-06:00

{this moment} A weekly tradition. A single (or several) photo(s) - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A single, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. Enjoy!

Dear Baby

2011-11-03T13:31:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe that in just a few short weeks (anywhere from 1-6) you will be earth-side!

This Moment

2011-10-28T08:09:00.001-05:00

Family Photo

2011-10-21T17:42:00.002-05:00

Went to the pumpkin patch with some good friends last weekend. Snagged a couple quick shots while picking out our pumpkins. I'm playing around with editing, trying to put a "fall" touch on the images - not sure if I'm sold on the look, but the shots themselves are pretty cute!

Keiser was trying to get Jack to hold the pumpkin in front like a big belly (similar to this photo we took 4 years ago)...the boys weren't totally ready to pose, but mama was!

Happy Weekend.

It's been said before,

2011-10-17T16:25:00.001-05:00

But sometimes I need a reminder....

Mother, oh Mother, come shake out your cloth
empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
hang out the washing and butter the bread,
sew on a button and make up a bed.
Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown shiftless as Little Boy Blue
(lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
(pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo).
The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew
and out in the yard there's a hullabaloo
but I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo.
Look! Aren't her eyes the most wonderful hue?
(lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).

The cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,
for children grow up, as I've learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

by Ruth Hulburt Hamilton

All dressed up...

2011-10-16T11:36:00.005-05:00

All dressed up for a wedding last night and I thought I looked kinda cute, so I made my husband take a picture - Jack helped. The results were somewhat less than flattering (I thought), but my helper is pretty cute! So, I resorted back to the bathroom mirror :) Enjoy. I'm 32-33weeks, but who's counting (not me, I'm in denial).

This Moment

2011-10-16T11:32:00.004-05:00

{this moment} A weekly tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A single, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. Enjoy!

It must have been something I ate

2011-10-08T15:01:00.000-05:00

32(ish) weeks - there's no denying the bump now.

Officially rocking a beloved pregnant belly bump and loving it (except when I can't roll over in bed at night - haha). Gotta love the bathroom mirror shot, better than nothing.

All is well with mama and pregnancy / babe - except for that pesky name business!

This moment

2011-10-08T14:58:00.002-05:00

{this moment} A weekly tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A single, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. Enjoy!

This moment

2011-09-30T07:58:00.001-05:00

{this moment} A Friday tradition. A single photo (or video) - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A single, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. Enjoy!

2011-09-25T13:29:00.003-05:00

{this moment} A Friday (or maybe I should just say weekly) tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A single, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. Enjoy!

2011-09-19T13:36:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday HoneyDaddy!

Jack picked out the card, drew the picture on the inside and then made the "bow" himself! Then we put it on the computer, a place we were confident would get Daddy's attention (since it's blocking the screen)!

A few days before the big birthday. HoneyDaddy and Jack taking advantage of the new mattress in the "kids" room (I'm trying to get used to saying that). So sweet.

Lots of love to you Honey&Daddy on your 35th - Is it time to get the toilet seat raised? :)

It's getting pretty serious

2011-09-18T22:33:00.002-05:00

Okay blog fans, I don't think you took this post seriously enough. Yep, we're reaching desperation. We've got nothing. Alright, well we've got something (a few somethings), but we're not locked in on anything yet. Feel free to submit your proposals for names.

So fart the highlights* from these books include:

Ichabod
Peabody
Milko

*When I say highlights I really mean the names that Jack laughed the hardest!

Also recently suggested by Jack:

Pickle
Chunky (hmmm, this one seems like we're headed down a dangerous path)
Jack (yes, we'd have two)

This Moment

2011-09-17T10:08:00.000-05:00

{this moment} A Friday tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A single, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. Enjoy!

Preparing...

2011-09-09T14:59:00.005-05:00

Well loyal blog fans we're getting into full prep mode for the next addition of the Hillman Crew to join us. Sure, we've got well over 12 weeks (ish) - we hope - but thinking and prepping for this little one's arrival seem to be on the agenda a lot around here. Perhaps it's because having been parents for the past 3+ years we realize things just seem to take a little longer to get done than they used to. Who knows. I tend to be a procrastinator so I have no idea why I'm "on my game" this time around, but we'll just embrace it and not ask questions! With all this prepping in mind we recognize that some of you might be considering blessing us with a gift of some kind for our family or specifically this little one. Especially since over the next 4 months we will have all birthdays (Keiser 9/19, Mandi 12/8, Baby unknown date, and Jack 1/11) as well as the Christmas holiday. Therefore, I'm creating this post to help offer even a little more insight into our lives and our home and why we do what we do. My hope is that this "list," with accompanying explanations, links, and so on might help guide you if you are thinking about blessing our family with any thoughtful things. Please do not feel that this post in ANY WAY is asking for items or is a shopping list for us - this is not the case or our intention.

We are in no way claiming to be the greenest crew on the block, not by a long shot (we do drive an ancient gas-guzzling SUV afterall), but we do try to do what we can. We like to recycle and upcycle and do from scratch. We cloth diaper. We grow/eat/wear organic whenever possible. We do not use traditional household cleaners and soaps and such (or at least we try - I am not yet able to cope with my frizzy hair without some chemical enhanced hair care products). Therefore, we are also conscious (and conscientious) about what products (toys, clothes, etc.) we provide to our child(ren). We avoid plastic and electronic toys for the most part and prefer organic, sustainable, and responsible clothing/products. Since all of this sums up to be a bunch of crazy hippie stuff for some we thought it might be helpful to offer some resources we enjoy when seeking out "stuff" for our lives.

As for the new one about to join us. We are most certainly in the process of stockpiling small sized cloth diapers. It may come as a shock to some to find that there are actually LOTS of options out there for cloth. I'm finding that there's even more out there than when we were cloth diapering with Jack. Therefore, here are some (of many) of our favorite online retailers to keep it a simple as possible:

Baby Junk (free delivery to DSM Iowa)
Little Padded Seats (have a brick and motor store in DSM)
The Stork Wearhouse (also an Iowa store)
Little sprouts (having a massive sale on this and this diaper)

There are TONS, and I mean TONS of others, but those are a few that we've found helpful and also offer that "shop local" aspects!

We are stocking the selves with all-in-one (AIO) small sized diapers. Here are two brands we like a lot (Swaddlebees and Fuzzibunz) (images also contain clickable links):

We also use prefold diapers, size small like these (used from a diaper service), these, or this. Diaper covers (size small) like this, this, and this. And also we used cloth wipes like these, these, these or these.

Thirsties, a brand of diaper cover we like

As for toys for the kiddos (Jack or the coming baby) here are some good sites / cool toys we'd love to have in our home:

Nova Natural Toys & Crafts
Imagine childhood
Natural Kids - which is a collection of many different shops and crafters (cool stuff)
Finns & Flowers - a great etsy shop
Waldorf Shop
A Child's Dream

Although just about anything from the above shops would be exciting and welcome in our home, where we hope to foster creative play and imagination through simple natural toys, here a few more specifics if you'd like:

Wood: wooden rattle, other rattles/teethers, blocks, growing babes

Fabric: sweater balls, silks, balls, felt

Arts & Crafts: paints, eco paints, crayons, other crayons, dough

We hope you find this list helpful and perhaps insightful, but again, not in any way a request for gifts.

Love,
Mandi, Keiser, Jack, and Baby

28(ish) weeks, update

2011-09-08T17:16:00.001-05:00

In baby bump news, we had a midwife appointment yesterday and all is "on track." I was measuring right where expected - which actually shocked me a bit because I've gained little to no weight and feel like I'm hardly showing - but this is good. Baby was actually head down, not that this cannot change and not that we're concerned about this, but I suppose that's fine to be that way already! I had a feeling from the way I was feeling baby move around and kick that this might be the case, but the midwife confirmed it. Heartbeat was easy to find and in the 130s. Jack's, at least the times I recorded it, was never lower than high 140s. The wives tale suggests that the lower the heartbeat the more likely to be a boy...so who knows. When one looks at the way the heartbeat averages are graphed it really seems to be more of a wash. Either way - boy or girl - we're excited and welcoming this baby with love.

As far as how I'm feeling - excellent! As I jump right into the third trimester - WOWSER - I am starting to feel the tiredness set in again (at night I'm ready for bed with Jack usually), but then again the workload and season change could be affecting this too. I'm quickly recalling how much bending is a major chore, even for someone with hardly a bump at all, and with a 3-year-old around bending is a daily activity. Sleeping restlessness is also picking up a bit more too, some tossing and turning and such. But again, I really really feel great. All is well.

We're starting to shift our thinking to baby prep (aka: nesting) around here and starting to prepare Jack for the impending changes as much as we can.

There you have it.

Confidence Issue?

2011-09-08T08:32:00.003-05:00

We're a little concerned that we are raising a child with some confidence issues. This is what happened this morning when I tried to take a preggo self-portrait in the bathroom mirror.

Sorry I don't know how to rotate the image - I'm sure you get the gist of it!

Love you kiddo! You are awesome :)

Now accepting applications

2011-09-08T05:06:00.002-05:00

The Hillman Crew is now accepting applications for baby names - and yes, we're actually a little serious. We're really struggling with a name for a boy. We do not know the sex of the baby and we do not plan on finding out, so we want to be prepared with names for both a boy and a girl. We have more girls names that we like than boys, but we're not 100% sold there either. Although names like Jill* or Daniel* are good, we thought we should solicit a few more suggestions. Want to play along and offer your thoughts?

The baby bump around 27 weeks

When I wear actual maternity pants it seems to "pop" a bit more.

*That's a joke, please recall our other child's name is Jack!

First Day

2011-09-06T17:21:00.005-05:00

Showing off that the shirt we just got (4T) is obviously a bit to small! And, no, I did not prompt for him to make a silly face - did it on his own - love it!!!

Jack discovered that the new location of PFCC has the biggest worms he's ever seen in his whole life! I agree, easily could have been mistaken for snakes - yowzers.

He spent a significant amount of time turning over stumps to try and locate more of these ginormous worms.

The morning concluded with a friend finding, and quickly catching, a toad.

I {heart} PFCC

If you'd like to see a few more photos from the morning and some of the beautiful details of this amazing preschool, come friend Prairie Flower on facebook - I'm shameless, I know!

This Moment

2011-09-02T15:25:00.000-05:00

{this moment} A Friday tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A single, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. Enjoy!

Summer reading list

2011-08-27T14:36:00.003-05:00

If you're a reader of this blog, first off, thank you, second off you probably think you know us pretty well. For the most part, this is probably true. However, I thought I'd share my summer (into fall) reading list to offer some more insight into what makes us tick. So, here's my list:

I loved every one and would highly recommend any of them. Even the ones that are still in progress (which is two of them)! There you have it, a little more insight into the inner workings of the Hillman Crew.

This Moment

2011-08-26T14:01:00.001-05:00

{this moment} A Friday tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A single, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. Enjoy!

This Moment

2011-08-19T21:02:00.000-05:00

{this moment} A Friday tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A single, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. Enjoy!

We went to the Shore

2011-08-16T09:13:00.003-05:00

The Hillman crew made their annual homage to the Jersey Shore. We even made it to the beach for a few quick photos.

Here's a quick one of me showing off my "bump" - circa 23 weeks

I had zippo plans of making infamous pregnancy comparisons between Jack and this little peanut, but I can't help it when I still having a mostly missing bump. So here's a link to a blog post from around the same "weeks" in my pregnancy with Jack. Granted, I know there are plenty of reasons why I'm not "showing," but either way. People assume I'm around 15 weeks, so it's fun to see their faces when I tell them I'm 24+ weeks (as of this writing). I suppose the fat kid in me is just enjoying being "small" on something for once in her life :)

This Moment

2011-07-29T18:27:00.000-05:00

{this moment} A Friday tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A single, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. Enjoy!

never gets old

2011-07-29T18:24:00.003-05:00

Will Jack-in-the-box jokes ever get old? Well, maybe someday, but today is not that day - enjoy!

Holy Half Way!

2011-07-14T13:46:00.008-05:00

Dear Loyal Readers and Bump Watch Fans,

We've reached the half way week in this pregnancy - wowsers!!! I have to say this pregnancy has been so "easy." Which, ironically, is a word I don't like to use or assign - shouldn't pregnancy be easy. I won't get into my whole dissertation in this post, but my point being I wholeheartedly believe that there is not unnatural about pregnancy and birth and something as natural as say, breathing, shouldn't be anything but "easy" (in most cases). This philosophy is one reason I hate to use such a label, but at the same time it seems a dare-i-say easy way to describe the way I've been feeling. It's also not to say that my first pregnancy "hard" or "difficult" (granted, I did yack quite a few more times with the 1st - score a point for this one). The fact is, I simply forget I'm pregnant sometimes. I'm sure there are plenty of factors influencing this forgetful feeling: (a) a 3.5 year old in my life, (b) post-doc drain, (c) a summer that's been not quite as expected (job related) - just to name a few. I know I posted about a "real-deal kick" in this post, but honestly since that one I really hadn't felt baby since. That is, until this past week. I'm finally getting the true bubbles of baby. I notice it when I try and sit at my desk a certain way, or bend...yah know the typical times when baby says "stop smooshing me mom!" I'm feeling great and have only gained 1 pound back from my 8 lost!!! There is new research that suggests that women who are overweight (let's not beat around the bush, that's me) can gain little to no weight during

their pregnancies and baby still be perfectly healthy. Not that I packed it on a ton with Jack the bear (only 27 pounds and let's not forget how much of that really was baby...ahem), but I'm trying to be even better this time. Trying being the key word here. I'm not crazy worried about that number (weight) right now, but I am trying to be healthy, as always. Despite the trip to McDonald's for an egg mcmuffin yesterday, I confess!

Jack is sticking with the name Blanc or Blunk for right now and yesterday he voted that this baby was a girl. Depending on which wives tale you're inclined to follow I'm having either a boy or a girl - so one of them is bound to be right :) Heartbea

t has never been above low 150s and as low as 130s, this seems to be the wives tale I'm obsessing over as of late, trying to make my own guess. Jack started high in the 170s and then seemed to hang at the 150s for the remainder. Who knows, it's fun to guess! Except I'm going a little crazy trying to fall in love with a name for a little boy (which is my guess, for now, by the way).

Anywho, that's the mid-way point pregnancy babble.

No photo of mama or the growing bump (or non-bump, depending on your opinion / view), but how about a shot of Jack pointing out the cocoon he found on the front porch - seems fitting enough given the topic.

Lots of love,

Mandi (& boys + baby)

Fishermen

2011-07-10T16:01:00.002-05:00

Jack and HoneyDaddy entered a local charity fishing derby this weekend - first ever. They enjoy going to a local lake/pond to fish, but this was the first time they took their show on the road and faced some fishing "competition!" They caught a bass or two and had some fun in the sun that morning and then called it a day. Good times!

bump watch 2011

2011-07-10T15:47:00.002-05:00

Thought I'd turn profile and give a little better view of the growing bump. Again, it seems to really depend on what I'm wearing or even how I'm standing whether or not it really seems to be an actual bump (and not just chubby)...nonetheless, here's what I got for yah. Enjoy!

Approximately 18 weeks

berry patch and a baby bump

2011-07-01T21:27:00.006-05:00

We headed over to the local berry patch this week to load up on yummy strawberries! We had a great time early on a Monday morning walking through the rows finding beautiful glossy berries warmed in the sun - wonderful time. Enjoy a mega photo post...

Keiser even snagged this shot of me and you can see a little bump action happening (17 weeks)

Metamorphosis station

2011-07-01T21:23:00.002-05:00

We've got a metamorphosis area set up at our house. We've got a tank with 3 tadpoles (shown below) and a "net house" with 5 caterpillars already turned into chrysalis! We're enjoying watching natural wonders happen right before our eyes!!!

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T08:51:00.000-05:00

Love, Jack

16 Weeks, photo update

2011-06-16T16:56:00.003-05:00

Alright loyal fans, I'm posting my first "belly" photos today - well, rather, my attempts to take some belly photos!

I'm 16 weeks today, if you're counting along at home (which, I'm just oh so sure you all are). I'm feeling great. I officially received my first real-deal kick from baby last night, which was a fun reminder that indeed there is a little one growing in there. All is well. Well, expect the whole photo business...

Here's what happened when I tried to take a self portrait in the bathroom mirror this morning...

And here is what happened when we tried to take one in the front yard...

Jack is hugging my leg, I know it looks a little goofy...

and please pardon the wet hair (I'm a slacker).

Clearly, we've got a great little photo helper around here!!!

The truth is I really don't have much of a belly bump rocking right now. It seems to depend more on what I'm wearing, but at times it's getting harder to deny that something, just maybe, is going on in there. I've been carrying around an extra little bump with me since Jack was born (and let's face it, even before) so the truth is I'm not exactly trying to show one off or am I desperate for a bump to pop - I know it will come.

Alright that's it from the bump watch front.

Saver of animals!

2011-06-12T17:06:00.003-05:00

The Crew was out on a stroll around the neighborhood this afternoon, in a slight drizzle, and we came across this moth on the sidewalk. In fact, Jack, who was jogging, was the one who noticed the moth. I'm so continually impressed with how observant and in tune he is with his world and his surroundings - I know I could certainly take a lesson from him on this. We all gathered around to check out the moth. First, we were simply checking to see if it was still alive and kickin' since it had been a bit rainy. When I gently brushed it's wing it opened them up and revealed its beautiful pattern. We explained that the rain was not going to be good for the moth, so it was decided that he clearly needed a rescue. I helped Jack get the moth into his hand and he ever-so-gently carried it to a more covered area to try and help the moth.

It was a sweet little adventure in nature today. Jack declared that "animals like me, because I help them!"

Here's a shot of the big guy we helped today, not a bad shot for a cell phone.

This moment

2011-06-10T17:14:00.001-05:00

{this moment} A Friday tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A single, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. Enjoy!

Baby bump update

2011-06-07T12:20:00.005-05:00

Last night I was reflecting on the fact that I basically started this blog with a picture of a positive pregnancy test (who does that btw? Me apparently - I'm sparing you all this time). The whole blog was a tribute to my growing baby bump experiences and other Hillman Crew adventures (like moving to Iowa, etc.). I recognize that I've been a little more private about this pregnancy and keeping it a little closer to home. I'm not sure that I can really explain the why of that, but it's nothing in particular. I just feel differently about a lot of things since 2007 and hence am different myself.

I'm keeping a pregnancy journal for the babe, I'm taking pictures of my (non-existent) bump, and generally doing all I did the first time. Therefore, I'll try to be better about sharing some of the journey in this space. I know the few of you that follow this blog are interested in all things Hillman Crew and that now includes the baby. I'll try and show my appreciation for your readership and share more.

In the meantime, here's some preggo related info you might enjoy:

I've lost 7.4 pounds in the past 4 weeks!

I don't think pregnancy has had anything to do with that, I think it has something to do with less of the stress hormone called cortisol flowing through my body...but either way, I'll take it

We are NOT going to find out the sex of the baby

Jack has named the baby "Blanc" or "Blunk" depending on how he's feeling like pronouncing it on any given day. Despite efforts to suggest other names he remains steadfast in this moniker decision

I was asked to take a gestational diabetes (GD) test early because my MW wanted to be sure since I had a "big baby" (he's technically called a macro baby and there are only 3% of babies born worldwide that fall into this category) with my first pregnancy that GD had not been "missed." I PASSED with flying colors, NO GD - I knew it :)

No picture to post for today, but enjoy this fun one instead!

This Moment

2011-06-03T17:34:00.001-05:00

{this moment} A Friday tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A single, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. Enjoy!

The scoop on my son's hair

2011-05-31T17:17:00.002-05:00

I love Jack's hair - this is probably not news to any of you, dear readers. We've always liked it a bit longer than what might be normative for a boys hair-do, but we've never cared - and neither has Jack. In fact, recently he informed me that he had "girl hair." When I asked him if he was "okay" with this and if he liked his "girl hair" he replied in the affirmative. He then also confirmed, "but I am not a girl. I just have girl hair." Months and months ago Jack reported that he wanted to see how long his hair would grow. More specifically, he declared that he was not going to cut his hair until it was "all the way to his feet." Despite questions, more frequently than I would like, from adults about the length of his hair and when he was cutting it he remained strong in his stance on growing it. He would even explain this to the inquirers.

So, here's my parenting stance: I am not about to flex my parenting muscle and make him get his hair cut. Not when he has taken such a personal - and public - stand on the issue. There are plenty of other parenting battles to actually fight. Like, yes, you have to wear pants in public (sorry buddy).

Here's a picture of his lovely locks on Friday May 27th at his preschools annual May Fest / end of year celebration. It's not the best shot of him, but it's a fairly good shot of the 'do!
Then, Saturday morning (May 28th) HoneyDaddy was in the bathroom doing is weekly buzz cut when Jack approached him and said he wanted a buzz too. After about 15 minutes of further questioning and discussion HoneyDaddy complied with Jack's request.

Horrible florescent lighting on this last shot of the locks and Jack's interest in the buzzers.

I won't lie, it was hard to allow (let alone watch). I'd be hypocritical if I said I was backing his decision to let it grow and then not allow him to cut it when he declared he was ready. So I had to stand back and let it happen. I acted all kinds of excited and gushed over how cool he looked, but inside a part of me died (okay, maybe that's an exaggeration)....but, look at all the beautiful hair - gone!

Perhaps because it was a "home haircut" it maybe ended up a little shorter than we (the parents, or me, the mama) might have liked. If I was going to cut it again, I'd have probably gone with something a little closer to the first haircut he had back in October. But, again, it wasn't my call in the first place.

So, here he is - the new man.

He loves it, so that's all that matters!!! I'm just fine with it, I'm coping with the loss :) The truth is, after just a few days I was already used to it....besides look at this face, seriously, what's not to love!!!
He's already asking how fast it will grow and when it will be long again - of course. Yet when people ask about it he is also so proud to report that it's "really short." Go figure! We tell him if he wants it long again it will probably be pretty shaggy by the time the baby arrives sometime towards the end of the year.

Well - there you have it, the tale of Jack's infamous hair!

A relaxing read

2011-05-26T16:13:00.006-05:00

I picked up The Wind in the Willows from the library the other day. Jack immediately fell in love. And, yes, my 3-year-old can sit and listen to a chapter book {heart}! This afternoon he grabbed the book and hopped up on the couch and asked me to read it to him. I was finishing something up and told him to "get started" {ha!}.

The following is what ensued...cuteness...

Getting lost in a new/old book

passing out after a good read!

A lot of people go to college for 7 years

2011-05-08T13:28:00.009-05:00

Well DD-Day (dissertation defense) has come and gone - I cleared the hurdle. Apparently they are just handing out Ph.D.'s these days, because they gave one to me : )

It's officially Dr. Amanda Hardy!

Holy smokes.

To use the word surreal would be a massive understatement.

Here's a recap of the last few weeks events in the life of the maternal member of the Hillman Crew:

Monday April 25th (okay, well, Tuesday really): I submitted my dissertation, in all it's glorious 298 pages, to the 5 members of my program of study committee

adjunct

position

lecturing

ISU

Tuesday April 26th: Departmental research poster presentation. Official post-submission panic attack set in a few hours later.
Weds. April 27th -Wednesday May 4th: Tried to refrain from further panic attacks about the fact that my paper 1) existed and 2) it was out there being read, judged, and evaluated. Took Jack to the zoo with the co-op preschool crew, good times had by all!
Thursday May 5th: The Hillman Crew NJ edition (Cappy and Grammy) arrived to play.
Friday May 6th: Graduation ceremony. I was formally called a "doctor" by the president of the university after walking across the stage with my awesome Majors Dr. Jasper Crase and Dr. Hockaday and being "hooded!" This was a weird night, it was super exciting and cool, but strange having not yet actually completed (cleared) hurdle 3. My mind was somewhat distracted with thoughts of Monday at noon.
Saturday May 7th: Celebrated with graduation dinner at Taki in Des Moines with the Hillman and Hardy families!
Sunday May 8th: Mother's day church and brunch. Received encouragement and prayer from my church family, which was loving and deeply appreciated!
Monday May 9th: DD-day arrives. At noon I walked into the conference room a student and at 2pm (after lots of fun chatting) I walked out as a Ph.D.!!!

Thanks to all readers of The Hillman Crew, I know that if you are reading this, you have, in one way or another, supported me and my family during this journey - deepest thanks!

Here's a picture of me all suited up for the graduation ceremony on May 6th, with some details about the infamous question, "what's next?"

You read that right - I'm knocked up (again)! I completed the final phase of my Ph.D. during the first trimester of my pregnancy (why not?). As of this post today (Friday, May 13th) I'm over 11 weeks along.

A taste

2011-04-28T17:17:00.006-05:00

Remember me? I've been missing in action more than ever before and I'm sorry about that. So, I thought I'd give you all a taste of where I've been and what my life has been like for the past month (give or take).

Imagine life is like a pie. All the different pieces of our lives, the roles we fill, the jobs we do, and so on are a slice of this pie called life....Well, my dissertation ate my pie!!!

I don't mean to sound all doom and gloom, I'm just being honest. These past few weeks, finishing up that infamous paper, have been horrible. I have had to basically abandon my family and hide out and write, write, write, write, and then write some more. Then I give those writings to my major professors, whom I truly love - don't get me wrong, and they then suggest that I re-write, re-write, re-write, and sometimes that I re-think everything I've thought.

Well all that being said, I turned in said paper on Tuesday April 26th at 12:55am. What this means is that I am literally mid-air on hurdle #3, the last hurdle. Most people are asking me if I'm relived and excited. I say, "not yet." In fact, I'm actually pretty nauseous. The paper is out there being judged and read. It actually exists. I mean, I wrote a dissertation - me. And people are reading it. I don't know how this hurdle jump is going to end. Will I clear it? Will I fall on my face and make a fool of myself? Will I knock it over, but still finish the race? So many possibilities.

Needless to say, although I'm still carrying some nerves. However, I am SUPER happy to be back to somewhat of a normal life - well, my version of a normal life. My dissertation vomited back up pie that I call life and I'm trying to reassemble it into something enjoyable again!!!

There you have it - all the gory details!

This Moment

2011-04-08T10:01:00.003-05:00

{This Moment} a Friday tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A single, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. Enjoy!

This Moment

2011-04-01T13:55:00.005-05:00

{This Moment} a Friday tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A single, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause savor and remember. Enjoy!

Busyness and Balance

2011-03-25T14:28:00.003-05:00

I’m struggling today with rushing ideas of “what’s next?” As some of you know, I’m weeks away from defending my dissertation and formally being “done” with graduate school. Although this is exciting, and long-awaited, it brings with it so much uncertainty and fear. I have NO IDEA what’s next. It feels like I’m in a teeny tiny boat headed for Niagara falls – and I’ve got no paddle or propeller. Perhaps this is a good thing, but it’s no less scary – letting go and relinquishing control. I had a cup of coffee with a friend this morning, in a similar boat to me (if you will) and It was wonderful and therapeutic. It made me think about our (American) culture and the idea of "keeping up with the Jones’", etc. etc. etc. I don’t have a job lined up. The truth is I don’t think I want “those jobs.” Yah know, those one’s I’m supposed to have been applying for. The ones the “proper Ph.D. students” vie for. Nope – not me. I know what I want, balance and a simple life. Not competing for tenure, racing to get publications submitted, and the politics of academia. The only job I want is to be in charge of raising a happy content human being, in the form of my wonderful little boy named Jack. Yep, I’ve gone to grad school two times now and am about to have one of the highest educational honors bestowed upon me and all I want is to be a mom. There I said it - not likes it's probably news to my readers, but nonetheless, I said it!!! Peter Pan’s, “I don’t wanna grow up” message is flashing before me now. I don’t want to think about mortgages, and retirement, and new cars, and all the “flash” of being “An American Family.” I just want to be. Just to be. And to be content with that. Yet there are forces compelling me in a polar direction, and they are strong. I feel the powerful judgement of our culture at my back. Reminding me of the roles I’m “supposed” to take, the things I’m “supposed” to say and do, etc. and so on. I am so fearful right now that what lies over those falls ahead is not the life of peace, balance, and contentment, but even more to-do-lists, and a life of forever longing for someday. Someday when we get there. Someday when there is enough money, enough. . . (fill in the blank). A life of today, these moments, never being quite, well, enough. I hope I’m wrong. I hope that today becomes enough for me and my family (and for all). Until then, I’ll try and enjoy the ride and the free-falling that’s about to come with as much peace and joy as I can muster. No one ever promised an easy ride and really, I should not complain - I know America, I feel that too, and I don't disagree. And I'm grateful, don't get me wrong. I guess I've decided that today - I can chose what kind of passenger in the boat called life, right? So that's it I guess...I can make that choice. A choice of how to be. For now at least. So how do you ride the waves, the falls, life with peace and joy? What little things and little moments make it all the merrier going down the stream? Please share.

This Moment

2011-03-25T07:24:00.003-05:00

{This moment} a Friday tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember.

Enjoy!

This Moment

2011-03-18T06:27:00.003-05:00

{This moment} a Friday tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember.

Enjoy!

This Moment

2011-03-11T16:33:00.001-06:00

{This moment} a Friday tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember.

Enjoy!

Project 3 of 12: For Isabelle

2011-03-06T14:43:00.004-06:00

Happy (seriously belated) Birthday Isabelle!

Here's a hat for a sweet little cupcake, named Isabelle. This by far is the most complicated knitting project I've taken on. It had multiple colors, a brim, attachments, a pom-pom, and other things I'd never done before. It's from the book Knitting for Peace, by Betty Christiansen (p. 98) called the Kids Swirl Hat - I just adapted it a bit to try and make it look like a cupcake. I think overall I was pretty successful! However, my own new-knitter-critical-eye has decided that there are far too many flaws (and really they are - these are well posed photos) in it to even give to the poor little baby, who turned one WAY back in December. Don't worry, Izzy, I'll still give it to you, but don't judge me to hard!!!

Enjoy!

A close up, faws and all.

I can't decide whether I like the look with the brim folded up or down - either way, pretty cute!

This Moment

2011-03-04T15:17:00.002-06:00

{This moment} a Friday tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember.

Enjoy!

Did you know...

2011-03-01T13:32:00.004-06:00

I'm a lobbyist? Well, for a few hours this morning I was. Yep, Jack and I went to the capitol building to speak to Iowa Senators to request their support for the licensure of certified profession midwives in Iowa!!!

Did you know...

In the state of Iowa you can give birth at home and you could have your neighbor (or anyone) help you with that birth; however, if you choose a certified professional midwife (CPM) to assist you in your birth (someone professionally trained and certified in out-of-hospital birth) that is a felony.

That just doesn't seem quite right to me....how about you?

Did you also know that...

CPM's undergo high quality education and training, and
Their care has been associated with excellent outcomes for mothers and babies
Midwife licensure ensures that all midwives meet standards of professional competence, and
Ensures that all Iowa families can access safe, affordable maternity care

Also, academic research has consistently revealed that when women feel they have choices, have decision-making power, and feel respected they report more positive childbirth experiences. Positive experiences in birth are associated with smoother adjustments to parenthood; some of these parenting outcomes include less post-partum depression, maternal-infant attachment, and greater success with breastfeeding.

Here's my stance: You might not choose home birth, that's okay (I didn't). However, just because it's "not for you" doesn't mean that it should not be a choice that woman legally have the right to make. The fact is, they already are making that choice - home birth happening in Iowa! This licensure would ensure a set standard that ensures both options and safety for women.

Would you consider sending a quick email to your senator to request they give women the choice and Support Iowa Midwives? Here is a link to find your senator. Take a moment to ask them to support the Midwife Licensure Bill, (SSB 1065).

Thanks!!!

This Moment

2011-02-27T10:27:00.002-06:00

{This moment} a Friday (or weekend) tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember.

Enjoy!

Kitchen Experiments

2011-02-22T15:31:00.003-06:00

Is there anything better than playing in the sink? On Sunday we decided it was time Jack learned about the awesomeness that occurs when you mix baking soda and vinegar - good times! Our sharing this experiment with him led to the use of all baking soda and vinegar in stock in our house. Then when those were out he wanted to continue his experiments with other objects (foods) and water. He played (learned) in the sink for a good hour and made a tremendous mess, it was a beautiful thing.

I {heart} spontaneous teachable moments - and lazy Sunday's

Using a glass as a make-shift plug for the drain

Yep, those would be the dirty dishes - we're normal like that :)

Project 2 of 12

2011-02-19T17:10:00.003-06:00

Here's my second completed knitting project of 2011, a nice warm hat for my husband. Completed just in time for super spring like weather in Iowa - well, we know it won't last so he'll still get some good wear out of it.

Enjoy!

He thinks he's being sexy here...I'll let you, dear readers, be the judge of that!

Pensive Keiser

Rocket Ship

2011-02-07T16:46:00.007-06:00

Today, while home with my darling 3-year-old Jack, I was actually thinking to myself, "I hope Jack knows how to play. I hope Jack is a creative, freethinking, confident young man. Am I providing a space (physically and emotionally) for him to grow and develop into 'that' kind of man?" In that very moment my child picked up two pieces of his wooden Ikea train tracks that were strewn across the living room floor and declared them a ROCKET SHIP!!!

Thanks for the quick response to my concerned / questioning thoughts God - much appreciated!

I particularly liked this creativity, because although the objects he picked up were "prescribed toys," he found a way to turn them into something new and then played with them in this way for a good portion of an hour. Beautiful. At least for me today, it was very beautiful.

On the runwayReady for take off to "new far away special places"Being refueled

This moment

2011-02-05T08:11:00.002-06:00

{This moment} a Friday tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember.

Enjoy!

This Moment

2011-01-28T19:08:00.003-06:00

{This moment} a Friday tradition. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember.

Enjoy!

12 projects in 2011

2011-01-22T15:06:00.002-06:00

As many of you know I took up knitting this summer and quickly fell in love with the ancient art. I fell in love, not to the degree that I'll start knitting my underwear (or other Thneeds), but rather with a left brain activity that I can do pretty much anytime or anywhere! Being in academia right now often has me feeling right-brain- (analytical) overloaded. So, being able to pick up a knitting project and be creative, while also somewhat methodical, is such a good (and needed) feeling for me. I also happen to like the feeling of having handmade something, so it's a great fit.

I decided that to keep myself in check from going knitting crazy (perhaps as a way to avoid those left brain activities I should complete this year) I would set a goal of knitting 12 things this year - that's one per month - reasonable, right?

I finished my first project of the year. I call it Mandi's Cozy Cowl. I wanted to make something useful that would also be quick and easy so I chose a bulky weight yarn (in a fun color) and used size 13 needles! I also wanted to practice making cables (since I just learned them). So here is the result:

Mandi's Cozy Cowl

Here I am modelling - don't I look cozy?!?!?

Showing off the cables and big comfy sizing

How practical the big cozy cowl is under my winter coat!

Off to play in the snow with the kiddo and the good Keis.

The Hillman Crew, week in review

2011-01-21T15:22:00.004-06:00

Winter is in full swing this week in Iowa, with temps below zero (considering windchill), so suffering from cabin fever and going a bit stir crazy is to be expected. Therefore, for no particular reason....the best reason....just because, here's some highlights from the week in our (crazy) home.

Authors note: Mama Mandi was messing around with her camera settings, so please forgive the all-over-the-place-exposure of the images...hopefully viewers will survive this added element of insanity!

Enjoy!

A snowy day, led to the creation of Jack's first official snowman!

Last winter, he was not such a fan, this winter he's game.

Mama Mandi and Jack hang out with baby Shophie (5.5-months-old) on Monday and Tuesday mornings.

Jack actually asked me to take his photo...I {love} the way he's looking at me in this one, don't know why.

Jack took a bath.

His first bath in over a week - okay that might be an exaggeration, or it might not be, but whose keeping track?!?!?

HoneyDaddy got a new coffee pot and Jack insisted on figuring out it's inner workings!

21-month-old Masiah came over to jump on the couch with Jack on Wednesday!

There you have it, some highlights from a week in the crazy crew's house! Good times had by all.

This Moment

2011-01-21T15:13:00.003-06:00

{This moment} a Friday tradition. A single photo (or video) - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. Enjoy!

This Moment

2011-01-15T22:02:00.001-06:00

{This moment} a Friday tradition, a single [cell phone] photo - no words, capturing a moment from the week. A single, simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember.

Enjoy!

1.11.11

2011-01-11T12:07:00.002-06:00

Alright, one more on Jack's birthday. It's pretty cool that today is 1-11-11, and I know on New Years Day (1-1-11) a lot of people were taking pictures at 1:11 or 11:11 because it's apparently schnazzy and cool. Well, I failed to take a picture on his birthday at 1:11am (thank goodness) or 11:11am, because I was distracted, but I did snap these in the eleven o'clock hour - so there. Enjoy.

Happy 3rd Birthday Jack

2011-01-11T06:00:00.001-06:00

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy all of the time.* You'll never know dear, how much I love you.

Happy Birthday Jack

* Yes, I change the lyrics from "when skies are gray" to "all of the time"

The photographs are Mandi Crawford Morgan's taken in July and October respectively.

But when will I be 2 again?

2011-01-10T21:32:00.004-06:00

Warning: For those of you that don't want to read sentimental stuff - stop reading here.

I'm sharing with all of you a letter I wrote to Jack tonight. Because, well, it's my blog and I want to...it's personal, it's sentimental, and I hope you appreciate where it's coming from. Perhaps some parents will be encouraged to do the same for their children or simply be able to relate to the feelings I'm sharing.

This is not the entire letter I took out the paragraphs where I chronicled his "tricks" for the year.

With Love,
Mandi

January 10, 2011

Dear Jack,
I starred at your face tonight and found that my little baby was not there anymore – instead a young man looked back at me. And while this revelation took my breath away for a moment (okay, several) it also brings with it so much excitement. Tonight is the eve of your 3rd birthday. “But when will I be two again?” you asked your father and I at dinner tonight. A fairly typical Jack question these days, but of course tonight it takes on new meaning as we have to explain, and then accept, that the answer is never. Tomorrow you are three, you are not a baby anymore, you are not a toddler anymore, you are a kiddo (or as I like to call you a ‘little man’). As with all days, and all birthdays, there is so much excitement and joy as we celebrate who you are, and who you are becoming. In the same breath it is a sad reality that you, my beautiful son, will never be two again. But you should know, you did two very well – it was a great year. Often called the terrible twos I prefer to think of them (and you) as terrific. Two was a great year!

You are more and more our handsome, kind, thoughtful, sweet, intelligent, creative, and passionate son. Your father and I (as well as the rest of your family) often find ourselves taken-a-back by the amazing things you say and do.

------ editing (blabbed on about all the cool stuff I think he does)

Well since I’m your mother and it’s the eve of your birth I could naturally go on and on about the wonderful things you are and all the amazing things you do, but I’ll spare you the novel. I write these letters to you as a sort of time capsule, hoping that they will be rediscovered years from now – maybe when you are a father yourself. Naturally, I write them for myself also and my own memories of this wonderfully amazing fast-moving time, but ultimately they really are for you and your own curiosity years from now. I write them so you can learn about who you were and how you became who you someday will be – through the eyes of your parents (well, your mother). I am also a realist and I recognize that years from now these words from your mother about how amazing you were and how much I (we) adore you will probably seem like silly-mushy-mush. It’s the underlying message (through the mush) I hope you hear and feel. That message is that you are loved. You are loved so much. You are our whole world Jack, and we love and treasure you and all our moments with you. You are a wonderful creation from God and we appreciate the blessing that you are every day. So although, there is a touch of sadness, and even a tear, tonight at the notion of you growing up, I also look forward to getting to know the man you are becoming.

Know you are loved now and always,
Mama

Almost 3

2011-01-10T18:17:00.006-06:00

This handsome little man is about to turn 3, yep.

And in classic parental fashion I'm sitting here on the eve of his birthday wondering where the time went.

This Moment

2011-01-07T15:18:00.000-06:00

{This Moment}

A Friday tradition, a single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A single, simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. Enjoy.

Baby Steps

2011-01-07T11:21:00.004-06:00

Let me start by saying, Bill Murray is a comic genius, and if you haven't seen the Movie What About Bob, you must run out and see it immediately before you can truly enjoy this post! This is loosely inspired by Bob and my good friend and former roommate John Sidway (who little, okay a lot, like Bob)!!!

It's the time of year where people make resolutions, and despite my attempts to avoid making a resolution (something I inevitably seem to fail at) somehow I find myself wanting to set goals nonetheless. There is some innate desire to start each year fresh, with new (clearer) goals in mind. So, I'll listen to the wisdom of Dr. Marvin and share my baby steps for the year with all of you.

This year I will:

Relax and find peace in my daily life (i.e ., reduce stress, and stress reactions)
Finish my dissertation and graduate (i.e., grow up)
Walk 10,000 steps a day at least 5 times a week (i.e., stop being a fatty, and lazy)
Eat more greens (i.e., make better food choices)
Be joyful with my child and spouse (i.e., stop being a grumpy mama bear)
Make my child "light up" at least once per day (i.e., play and laugh with him)

I think 5...6 baby steps (goals) should do it for now. Here's another clip from Bob just because it reminds me of John and makes me laugh - see I'm finding joy and being relaxed at the same time...it works!!!

Enjoy.

Keiser is a teacher

2011-01-03T20:19:00.005-06:00

Keiser and I moved to Iowa for many reasons, but one of the big ones was for Keiser to go back to school to get his teaching license. He started in August of 2007 and finished in May of 2009. Since then he's been waiting for "the" job. He's also added 2 more endorsements to his license, yet the job eluded him all this time. Needless to say it's been a bit emotional for him, and for all of us, playing the waiting game. However, today Keiser was given the formal offer for a teaching position. Obviously, he immediately accepted and then typed up a resignation letter and brought it to his supervisor.

January 3, 2011 Keiser became a teacher!

We're all giddy with excitement.

a VERY happy New Year!

2011-01-01T15:38:00.004-06:00

Crew Log: 12.31.10

I was honored to be asked to come out of a wedding photography retirement last night for Sarah and Luke. Sarah is a good friend of mine from Middle and High school, so I was happy to do it - and happy to use some of my cool new photography toys (camera and lenses). Here's one of my favorites (I've only glanced over them at this point).

While I was shooting the wedding with the wonderful assistance of my sister Debra Paige, Keiser was at a job interview!!! The interview was a for a teaching position working with middle and high schoolers who've gotten into some trouble and now need an alternative classroom setting. Given his status as a licensed teacher who has worked with "naughty-kids" for the past 3 years, he's an obvious good fit for the job. The interviewers thought so too and tentatively offered him the position!!! Praise God, Keiser finally got that teaching job his been hunting for, formal offer will come soon - after HR stuff, including a background check. We are super excited. It's a little commute (60-70 mins. from Ames in Newton, IA), but we'll make that work, it's big time worth it.

So there you have it our big end of year - start of year - awesome, exciting, long-awaited, news!

Love, the Hillman Crew

This Moment

2011-01-01T15:32:00.003-06:00

{This Moment} a Friday tradition, a single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember. Enjoy!

Just in the nick of .... well almost

2010-12-31T15:34:00.001-06:00

At least I got it done before the end of the year. Our Christmas, I mean New Year's, card! Love, The Hillman Crew.

{front}

{back}

The beautiful photo was taken by Mandi Crawford Morgan in October. And my dad pointed out the typo (already printed them, of course) on the back - oh well, more proof I'm only practically perfect!

Peek-A-Boo

2010-12-25T20:17:00.004-06:00

Merry Christmas!

this moment

2010-12-25T15:10:00.005-06:00

{this moment}

A Friday (or Saturday) tradition, featuring a moment from the past week. A single photo - no words - from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause savor and remember.

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas and many blessing to you - thanks for reading!

Fishing, fishing, fishing, and more fishing in Florida

2010-12-23T20:07:00.007-06:00

It seems a significant amount of this trip has involved the boys (Cappy, HoneyDaddy, Jack, and soon-to-arrive uncle Greg) playing on the boat and fishing. Grammy and mama were also invited along for an adventure yesterday and I captured a few shots of Jack's haul, including him reeling in a little snapper! We also got to see a pair of dolphins playing and today the boys saw a heck of a lot of manatees. Enjoy.

Happy Solstice

2010-12-21T20:58:00.004-06:00

How the Hillman Crew spent the winter solstice this year! Bring it on winter.

photos via HoneyDaddy's cell phone

This moment

2010-12-18T10:26:00.004-06:00

{this moment}

A Friday tradition, a single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause savor and remember.

Enjoy!

PS: A special thank you to Meredith and Gareth for making this moment possible - we are truly grateful.

This Moment

2010-12-10T11:24:00.004-06:00

{This Moment}

This moment, a Friday Tradition, a single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A single, simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor, and remember.

Enjoy!

A.B.D. Day

2010-12-08T23:29:00.002-06:00

A.B.D. stands for All But Ddissertation, and today, December 8th, 2010 is my ABD-day!!! In truth ABD is really meaningless - expect to the people who have worked hard to earn this "status." It's not a set of initials that I can, or ever would consider, putting on a business card. It's not anything that I'd add to the signature line of my email. But for me (and my family) it's a big deal.

As of 3:30pm today, I had completed my last graduate class. This means, according to my Program of Study (POS), I do not have to take anymore graduate courses. In the spring (or for however long I chose) all I have to do it take those credits and write my dissertation - just a simple little research paper!

I'm really excited, and really scared, for what this means. I just wanted to share this moment with all of you, dear readers, so that you could enjoy, and celebrate, and panic with me.

Happy Birthday Grammy&Barb

2010-12-05T13:18:00.002-06:00

I recall way back in 2007 when I was all kinds of preggo with a little bugaboo, who would become Jack, when my mother-in-law Barb gave me a book - well, rather, gave a book to the yet to be born baby. She wrote a nice little message on the inside cover and signed it from _________ and ___________. I remember saying, "why don't you and Rob just pick out grandparent names and write them in?" She said she wanted to let the baby (her first grandchild) decide what they would be called. I thought she was nuts (not that I've ever thought this before)! Well eventually, through some consulting with Jack, they landed on Cappy (short for Captin) and Grammy (short for Grandma). Jack quickly turned Cappy and Grammy into CappyBarb (yes, one word). Then he went to Cappy and Grammy Barb (separate, but keeping the Barb). Now he is currently on Grammy&Barb (one word - kinda - again).

Well today is the anniversary of Grammy&Barb's birth - and we'd just like to send a little shout out to the woman's whose Grandparent name is still in the making. Blessings to you today and always, we love you!

Jack, Eric, and Mandi

PS: Greg, I win!!!

Christmas in our little house

2010-12-05T13:13:00.005-06:00

A couple quick shots to welcome the Christmas season in. We've got a tiny little house, which we love and are very blessed to have, but we truly don't have a space for a tree. We have a little 3 foot tall Christmas tree that is just right for our little house. Jack decided the "just-right" spot was in his bedroom in his reading nook. HoneyDaddy and Jack got it all set up yesterday and here he is pointing out the cool lights to me. I was also pretty pumped to use the 3200 ISO setting on my new camera....not bad, eh!!!