Turkey Day! er, Ham Day

Thanksgiving 2010 is finally here, and not a moment too soon. The leaves have fallen, Sarah's family is in town, and the little one is settling into a routine. It'll be an action packed eatfest for all, I'm sure.
All the gory details will be forthcoming.

Salut!

Nope, not Hannah, but still dern funny

Keeper paid the dog next door $5 to wear the costume so he wouldn't have to.

Da Funk at 646

Did I pick it up student teaching?
Did I pick it up at DePalma's?
Is it just something going around, unavoidable like Communism in the 50s or Justin Bieber today?

Who knows. What we do know is that the common cold has come, and it's visited me, Sarah, and now lil' Hannah has the sniffles. It's nothing serious, but anything to compound the general lack of sleep going on can turn the frustration knob to 11.

Mama Donna is still here (thank heaven) and will be here through Turkey (actually Ham) Day. After this weekend, though, we 646ers will be left to our own devices. Updates to come.

We've all been there

This one is called, "Taking its toll"

We'd expected a sibling rivalry. We were wrong.

Uncle Sam Comes to Visit

The 646 was graced by a visit from two of our favorite far-flung friends today. Sarah's brother and Rosie Thomas-Shoop Shoop Doowop swung by today to meet the newest 646er. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day to have out-of-towners in; the leaves are in stunning fahsion right now, and are fighting the good fight against the battering rain. Crimson leaves look so good against a gray backdrop, no?

No visit is ever long enough, but we were unhurried and without an agenda. Mama Donna, Sarah, Hannah, Rosie, Sam, and myself were able to just sit back and chat and bask in the glory of a child who really couldn't be more easy going. I hesitate to say that, and Sam chuckled as he said, "You just wait," but still... I'm pretty sure that every parent thinks they have the best child in the world. What makes me different is that I'm right.

Just a couple pics today.

Rosie and Sam examine the view(s)

Our best to all.
More soon.

Hannah's Big Day Out

First of all, the above picture is for those of you who've been wondering about the 646 part.
It's also a good reflection of the nature of our days lately. The fall weather has been beautiful--crisp mornings with warm afternoons and the leaves are peaking this weekend. This is the stuff that makes Athens, Georgia one of the best places to live... well, anywhere. Sarah and I have played the "If you could live anywhere..." game and we really can't think of a place that beats where we already are. All y'all should move here and see for yourself!

So the last couple of days have been highlighted by the visits of dear friends. Nedra (now Aunt Nedra) swung by to meet little Hannah yesterday and this morning saw visits from the Macker-Morris Co., Melissa "Temp Mom" Roberts,  and the Cymerman clan. Us 646ers would be in sad shape without the help, support, and invaluable advice from said parties.

Then, as if this wasn't enough, Hannah attended her first society function tonight. Seth and Kate finally tied the knot at the Campbell Compound in Cumming where I went to high school. It was a beautiful ceremony and the perfect opportunity to introduce Hannah to a good portion of the people I hope to never lose touch with. Friends-- they're the family you get to choose, right?
The Campbell's have done more for me and all us crazy boys than we could ever hope to repay. 

On to the pics!

Somewhere behind the glo-worm hides a much-appreciated grandmother

Aunt Nedra and the Ladies of 646

The littlest Cymerman and the most petite Simpson met for the first time today

Temp Mom contemplates all the sparkly things she will dress little Lady Ha Ha in when she gets the chance

Ladies of the Day- The Bride: Kate Fowler Campbell and a temporarily out-shined Hannah Marie. Oh yeah, and me, too.

Mother of the Groom, Lady Meg Campbell, meets the newest branch on her informal family tree.

Sometimes it's hard to believe that they'll let retired pizza delivery boys have kids, yet here' the proof. Adam Morris, me, Drew Strickland, and 2 choice examples of America's future.

Anybody who's anybody was here! Well, except for Bennett and Vivian and the McGaughey's, and Jody and...

Hannah Comes Home

Hannah was held at the hospital one extra day just for observation. There was a little trouble with the latch, a problem which has since been remedied. Nothing to worry about. In fact, one pediatrician who examined her looked at me and quietly said, "She's perfect."  No words could have been more welcome. It remains to be seen if Lil' Hannah will end up being what we've hoped for: a person with Sarah's good sense and my lack of allergies.

All parties seem to be making the home adjustment nicely, though it must be stated that this could not be possible without the assistance of Sarah's mom who will be with us through the Thanksgiving holidays.

How awesome is she?
I knocked on her bedroom door at 2 in the morning with a crying infant in my arms. She got out of bed and took her and sent me back to sleep.
That's how awesome.
Plus S has someone to keep an eye on her as I wrap up my student teaching this week. It's been a mixed-bag experience, and while I'm grateful for the lessons, I'll not be sad to see this part end.

So, on to the pics:

Three generations of ladies

Sarah might be able to launch her knit company with this photo alone.

On the right is Monica, the midwife who attended Hannah's birth. A sweet lady, and we were very pleased with her.

I call this one above, "Life Is Pain." Is it the camera angle? Is it the bizarre reflection in the window? Is it Hannah's expression? Who knows, but we're pretty sure Kubrick would approve.


Game on. Sarah and Rob have a little one.

 

Here is a teeny weeny Hannah Mo doing her "Thriller Dance" pose

Hannah in the kitchen with Papa Rob staying warm in Aunt Lo's cool hat

Hannah Is Here!!!

November 5th
- Contractions begin in earnest: 8:00 pm
- Sarah calls Rob at work: 10:00
- Rob gets home from work, and fast: 10:50
- S & R arrive at hospital: 11:20

November 6th, 12:45 am, Hannah arrives!
7 lbs. 15 oz. 19 1/4" long, happy and healthy

Let's let the pictures tell the tale---

Sarah presents the hill that will become a daughter

An incredibly brave and strong Sarah with Hannah, just five minutes old

The eyes open for the first time

Hannah's first bath

H seems to have caught on to life's injustices earlier than some, though were still working on appropriate responses. Here, Hannah drops her first f-bomb.

Our first family photo

Really, could you ask for more?

Dear Jackie Macker saves the morning. She fed Keeper and let him out, and brought us good coffee and sausage biscuits. Her spot in our inner circle is assured.

Mama Donna is the first family member on the scene. As I type this, she's still holding Hannah.

Two big girls, one little girl, and one giant ham. The Harwells and the Cymermans stopped by to share our joy.

Sam Harwell- the littlest visitor of the day. Too dern cute not to include.

Remember, remember...

Friday, November 5, 2010, my brother Andrew would have turned 33.

He was an anomaly when he came, I'm told. Just five years later he left us on April 14th. That day, incidentally, was also the day the Titanic sank and Abraham Lincoln was shot (he later died on the 15th).

It's difficult and counterproductive to dwell on what might have been, still one has to wonder. He was a joy to all who met him and he is dearly missed.

As his birthday comes around once more, though, I am profoundly heartened by the nearness of my first child's arrival. Hannah could hardly choose a more auspicious day to come than the 5th of November.