Hi!

Overdue Hello

I've been a little behind with posting pictures ... especially the most important ones! I went to Atlanta alone to pick up Bryan when he came back to the States. So, once home, we needed to pick up Jack. When we got to his school, he and all of his classmates rushed out the door with a 'Welcome Home' sign. Such a surprise - and so welcoming. We're so happy [& lucky] Jack can be a part of this school.

"Hi! look at my sign! and look at the eye on my shirt!"

And then (finally) there were three.

And of course - what I haven't done, most, most importantly is thank each and every person that sent their good thoughts and prayers to our family over the last year. It was a mighty difficult year - but we didn't do it alone. We would never have made it without your support, your help and your kindness.

Now, if you could just bare with us as we learn to be a family again. :)

Family Day

Jack's school had family day again this spring. However this time, Jack was running around, throwing soccer balls into hopscotch games and attempting to keep up on the jump houses ... keyword attempting. This image defines 'giving up.'

Jack Loves His Little People

Thanks to cousin's Matthew and Elizabeth - Jack started a collection of Little People ... and he loves them. He now knows the cow goes 'moooo', the plane goes 'vrooom' and the horse goes 'neigh' thanks to these little guys. Jack now even has a vulture, ostrich and yak.

(My personal favorite is what looks like a stoner goat with a fro.)

I am Cornholio!!!

My Life Runneth Over ...

So I know I have done a terrible job these past few months of updating the blog. Bryan is home - so it's one more person to keep me busy. :) Things are slowing down - slowly - and when I get a chance, I'll fill all of you in with pictures from the past couple of months.

Jack is doing great - he is having fun being a 'monkey-see-monkey-do' and enjoying building a relationship with his daddy. He's busy at school and they are slowing integrating him into the Toddler Classroom. (*tear)

Bryan is busy rebuilding our 23' Ticonderoga John Allmand boat (ship). He's getting ready for some fun in the sun. Before and after pictures to follow as well.

Me? Bryan and Jack have been busy accommodating to my hectic schedule. I just successfully completed my role as Director of an annual Arts Festival at Southern - it was it's 28th year. I also found out today that my American Sex project (previously blogged) went to Regional's and won a Gold ADDY - in turn, sending it to Nationals. To get a National ADDY? Oh boy - wish us luck! The Wide-Eyed Project has also been invited to speak about American Sex at our local Advertising Federation's monthly meeting... AND we've been invited to UCDA (University & College Designers Association) to present at their Design Education Summit in Kansas. So tonight? I am writing grant proposals to get me to Lawrence, KS - (Ra's Alma Mater!)

A little AF Love, from small-town outlets ...
GSU News Release
Studio Statesboro (and a brave middle school girl rockin' out)
Statesboro Herald
George-Anne Daily
Connect Statesboro

Jackenstein

Last Monday, we took Jack to get his eyes 'probed' for this clogged tear ducts. It was an early morning. Showering at 3:30am, on the road by 4:30 and in Savannah right on time at 5:30am. It was a quick procedure - the longest part was getting him under the anesthetic. Bryan and I had just enough time for a quick hospital cafeteria breakfast - although my appetite was slim.

They gave him a little concoction to make him groggy before taking him away for the procedure. It helped relax him and not get so upset with all of his stranger paranoia. It was somewhat entertaining for us - he was definitely 'drunk'.

Jack waking up from his deep sleep was horrible. It was the most upset I've ever seen him; I was unable to get him to calm down. As soon as he was settled, we were able to go home. We got back to Statesboro before 10am where we lounged around for the rest of the day and took it easy. Jack slept a lot and I held him a lot.

In his baby hospital gown waiting to get hauled off by the staff.

He wouldn't show his face -

3rd hospital anklet by 13 months.

He had bloody little tears and a bloody little nose.

Our little Frankenstein. Took a soak in the tub for easier removal.

The New Neal

The Helper.

The Climber.

The New Boat.

Bula Vinaka.

one.

I am fairly certain Bryan and I made thee cutest kid, ever.

A couple weeks ago, we headed to Savannah for Jack's last round of photographs for his 1st year with Nicole Rule. She's amazing, as always; such a fun afternoon. I have included a sampling.

See them all at nicolerule.com: login, one; password, neal.

Enjoy.

Welcome Home, Bryan!

March 11, 2010 - Our hell is finally over.

Bryan is home on American soil. Safe and with his family. One year, one month and one day after Jack was born, he finally has his daddy by his side.

I drove to Atlanta the eve of the 10th, stayed with Matt & Ann (thank you, again!!) and picked of Bryan at Hartsfield-Jackson airport the following morning. Bryan grabbed a seat on an R&R flight from Kuwait, so like his R&R in October, I waited on the top of the escalators with my heart pounding, short of breath, to witness my husband's tour to finally be over.

The sense of relief is almost overwhelming. We still have a long road ahead of us - but it's a positive road. Just a lot of getting to know each other again and getting used to routines and such. But - lucky for us, we're all quick learners.

In the back of my head, however, I keep feeling like I have to give him back in two weeks - I think it's because I didn't pick him up at Ft. Stewart. There was no ceremony, no banners, no pictures - just a long, tight hug and a few tears.

I'll wake up from my dream on the 25th and realize he's here to stay.