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.

"Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties."

- Erich Fromm

Toot, Toot!

Yea, that's my horn and I'm tootin' it! American Sex [graduate class project from last semester] won a Gold Addy + Judges Choice Award for Social Awareness!! We were even pulled aside by the ADDY hosts to tell how how amazing of a job we did - how moving our project was - and how much they can't wait to see us at Regionals!

So yes - Toot, Toot!

Our undergraduates cleaned house! 30 ADDYs total! Had a great night in Savannah - thanks for having us!

Grads, Undergrads, Professors + Dean

Partial American Sex - can't seem to ever get all together.

Look who I found! Lil' Steph!

Love.

I love you
Not only for what you are
But for what I am
When I am with you
-Roy Croft

I was lucky enough to have two Valentine's this year, both near and far. Bryan surprised me flowers and a note that I will hold near and dear to my heart forever. Jack and I spent the day in our pj's catching up on our sleep. It was a great day, full of love - other than the fact my main beau is on the other side of the world.

"One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly making exciting discoveries."

- A. A. Milne

Paaaaaar-tay!

By the time Jack's party started, the majority of Statesboro's snow melted. The county got 3 - 5 inches!! Now, I know to many of you, that's not a lot. But let me remind you - we're in South Georgia. Last year, I was bringing Jack home from the hospital in shorts & a t-shirt.

Anyhow - Thank you so all of our loving friends who came over to celebrate Jack's first year of life. I requested no gifts - but no one came empty handed - Boy! Is Jack spoiled. From little people, to tool sets, picnic benches, books and clothes - Jack is more than set! Thank you, too, to all of you who sent love from afar. We're so lucky to have such wonderful friends and family.

loooooves his phones!

Jack is a shoe horse.
(takes after his mom & Unc)

all the guys assembling the loot.

Brant (Lauren & Russell - 2 years old) & Jack at Jack's new picnic table
(we love being outside!!!)

my red baby
(shirtless, saggy britches with one shoe and one sock - different feet)

Baby Nathan!
(Josh & Brandi's newbie - 5 weeks old!)

"People with courage and character always seem
sinister to the rest."
- Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962)