The Mains Family

2010-02-06T18:02:00.001-06:00

My baby turned 3 in style!
Angela

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aaaaahhhhh

2009-12-04T21:47:00.001-06:00

IMG_0074
Originally uploaded by wormei

does clayton have a career in pro wrestling or what

Hog Heaven

2009-12-02T09:20:00.001-06:00

1103091650.jpg
Originally uploaded by wormei

Thanks to Philip for supplying a moment of bliss for the boys...they have noticed EVERY motorcycle on the road for months and now they got to sit on one! Wow what a special moment.

goodbye to an old friend

2009-07-03T23:39:00.001-05:00

goodbye to an old friend.jpg
Originally uploaded by wormei

There is a time when you must make a decision to just let something go. That time finally came for our little car. In the words of my father..."the love affair just got too expensive." As much as we loved this little beast, I am glad to move into a new chapter in life. A chapter that is complete with not just one minivan, but a pair...his and hers. We may not have a cool car, but we can haul all the people and their stuff!

I am thankful that this car came along when it did and all the enjoyment that it gave us. With every fond memory there is one of getting stuck or wet or really HOT. I sure did love having a convertible, but it will be nice this summer to go throughout the summer and know that before too long the car will cool off and that I don't have to carry a water cooler just to stay hydrated on the 7 mile commute.

I will certainly miss having this little car, but look forward to the next convertible. May I can trick out the Odyssey and make it a convertible...I am sure that A will go for that!

after ball game tradition?

2009-05-26T21:35:00.001-05:00

Zi6_0596
Originally uploaded by wormei

There is something about heading to the local DQ for a little ice creamy goodness after playing some ball! This is 1 thing that Cooper couldn't get enough of. He comes by his love of ice cream pretty honestly!

Hey Coach...I have a question

2009-05-26T21:29:00.001-05:00

Zi6_0577
Originally uploaded by wormei

Clayton is enjoying his new endeavor into the world of organized sports. This has proved to be an adventure for the whole family. Cooper also enjoyed his experience at the ball park as well. It was a great time and we look forward to games starting next week! Way to go guys!

2009-04-15T10:01:00.001-05:00

Are you ready for the music show?

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just a little glimpse

2009-04-03T15:16:00.000-05:00

This is just a small sample of the blessing that we received this week at our church. The African Children's Choir is truly a wonderful group that brought blessings galore to us. Words cannot really describe it...only their music and seeing the hope and potential that surrounds them. This was such a glimpse of heaven.

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good to the last drop

2009-03-27T16:08:00.001-05:00

Its an amazing thing once your kids figure out that you can trade a Chik-fil-a prize in for ice cream. Clayton continues to try to get the last drop of everything good and nary the first drop of anything bad. Much of this bowl was shared with Cooper, but finishing rights must be associated with the 1st born. Mom & dad just got to watch!

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driving in a winterwonderland

2009-03-26T13:18:00.001-05:00

I know it seems somewhat ridiculous, but this video was shot during a recent snowstorm...if you can call it that. We did have a couple of inches and it did close down church for the day, but we think that God's hand was on it. That Sunday was supposed to be a commitment Sunday for an outreach program. We had no other choice than to move it back a week. Instead of just meeting the goal for a kickstart offering, we tripled it. We also nearly met our goal for the pledges...isn't God good!

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2009-03-15T15:04:00.000-05:00

What a fun day at the zoo. For Christmas Nana and Papa gave us a year's supply of Zoo. Last Saturday was the first really nice weekend day and apparently everybody else thought it was a nice day too and accompanied us to the zoo. With a pass we can come and go and just enjoy. This pic is taken on the coolest playground around. Cooper had a blast wandering around and he felt so big because we werer't watching his every move (or so he thought). Lots of fun was had with Clayton too as we even saw a few animals.

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brothers

2009-03-03T15:00:00.000-06:00

"I will call him friendy." These are the words of Clayton about Cooper. It has been so much fun to see brothers really take care of each other and play with each other. It seems like Cooper is always wanting to bring his big brother along, or vice vere. We have told the boys all along that "Your job is to take care of your brother." That seems to be working as well. Our hope and prayer is that these 2 will grow to love and care for each other and continually watch each others back. Sure they will get into it from time to time, but it is so great to see some of it working!

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open up and say aaaah!

2009-02-23T22:40:00.000-06:00

Clayton's second trip to the dentist. We were so proud of him. He had to get a filling in one of his teeth. He had a little crevice that caused a soft spot. The assistant took a look and then the dentist came in and drilled and then filled. He got to wear some cool glasses. They shined a light on it (the sunshine light) and then it was done. Clayton is my new hero...he just opened up and took it like a man! One day I hope that I have a trip to the dentist that is this quick and painfree! Huge kudos to our dentist too! She is great! And i have seen lots of dentists that are just the opposite. Thanks doc for making this trip easy!

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look right here

2009-02-13T23:45:00.001-06:00

Zi6_0386
Originally uploaded by wormei

These are actually the words that I said...but no they both just touched their noses just like daddy! Oh well...we had tons of fun playing in the yard on this day! Cooper just sat down on the rocks...so i encouraged Clayton to join him. Clayton was a little hesitant because he remembered that the rocks were covered in ants! How he remembers these things from months ago, I will never know.

Maybe we will get a good picture of them both looking at me without their hand in their face soon!

we met the movers

2009-02-08T14:53:00.001-06:00

Zi6_0372
Originally uploaded by wormei

Happy Birthday Cooper! For Cooper's birthday we took them to see the Imagination Movers! It was so much fun. We are not sure who had more fun...the kids or the adults!

Cooper had a great birthday. Both boys had checkups and we found out that they are healthy as horses! Cooper's asthma stuff is now under control and we are getting into a great routine.

Clayton continues at his high speed pace! He is a ball of fun and talks almost as fast as he moves. He is learning so much and definitely keeps things interesting. I wish I had his energy...I could give up coffee!

my home last week

2009-01-20T16:41:00.001-06:00

Zi6_0117
Originally uploaded by wormei

We are blessed that we got to take a Sabbath week on this little boat in the midst of the Caribbean. It is great to be back on solid ground, but it was also GREAT to be gone for a week and relax. I really feel rested and ready to get back to the business of living this life! I am so blessed to have the family that I have (both the people that live in my house and those that I worship with).

walking cooper

2008-09-18T17:10:00.001-05:00

walking cooper
Originally uploaded by wormei

Finally some video evidence of the little guy moving on those cute little feet...notice the beautiful take down at the end. Maybe we have a wrestler on our hands!

Cooper D.

2008-09-18T17:06:00.002-05:00

Cooper D.
Originally uploaded by wormei

This is SWEET Cooper posing for the new Mountaintop Website...ain't he cute! Check out the new site at www.mountaintopchurch.com

slip slidin away

2008-09-16T16:58:00.001-05:00

0912081943.jpg
Originally uploaded by wormei

A quick and easy Friday outing with the boys to McDonald's...people are continually amazed that Cooper (in the back) is able to climb to the highest heights along with his brother.

cooper

2008-08-15T11:47:00.003-05:00

Just a quick jot to say that Cooper is starting to take some steps...Not quite ready to stand up on his own, but we will take what we can get! Way to go BIG GUY!!

what to do with a foreign object up nose

2008-04-14T13:29:00.001-05:00

can you see it?
Originally uploaded by wormei

The white thing is an actual BATTLESHIP Peg that Clayton managed to stuff up his nose. Photo was taken in the ER at children's. After much debate on the how to get at it, a bottle of AFRIN and the $150 ER copay the thing fell out on its own!

The AFRIN seemed to cause the swelling to go down enough to release the peg and it came flying out while we were playing in good ole' exam room 1.

I have also been told my Sage-like Father that you can blow (rescue breath style) into the mouth and plug the "other" nostril and blow. Unfortunately I have not tested this method (and hope I never get to)

what did you say about my teeth

2008-03-21T20:35:00.001-05:00

what did you say about my teeth
Originally uploaded by wormei

thanks aunt heather for my new set of teeth...er pacifier

clayton licking problems

2008-03-20T13:17:00.001-05:00

clayton licking problems
Originally uploaded by wormei

We have taught Clayton a huge life lesson. When you order a Chik-Fil-A kids meal, you can trade in the toy for ice cream. Here is Clayton enjoying this lesson!

cooper fun hair

2008-03-20T13:15:00.001-05:00

cooper fun hair
Originally uploaded by wormei

Cooper will not be outdone by big brother! Shortly after this picture, his hair was flipped in the front and stayed that way til the next bath!

scott and cooper

2008-03-20T13:14:00.001-05:00

scott and cooper
Originally uploaded by wormei

This was taken at Coop's first birthday! We were surprised by a bunch of our friend's at church and delighted that they threw a party for Cooper!

clayton fun hair

2008-03-20T13:12:00.001-05:00

clayton fun hair
Originally uploaded by wormei

what can I say other than WOW! Someday we will have to use some sort of "product" and make it stay that way somewhere other than the tub!

cooper in walker

2007-11-14T16:56:00.001-06:00

Clayton Singing

2007-11-14T16:53:00.000-06:00

0923071248

2007-11-14T16:46:00.001-06:00

0923071248
Originally uploaded by wormei

daddy's little helper...Big C pushed this almost all the way around the building...show me your guns!

great smile

2007-11-14T16:45:00.001-06:00

1113072045a
Originally uploaded by wormei

look at me! I am about to start really movin' and groovin'

Clayton go round

2007-08-03T15:49:00.001-05:00

Clayton choosing music

2007-08-03T15:46:00.000-05:00

Clayton dancin' @ VBS

2007-08-03T15:43:00.001-05:00

Kisses

2007-06-25T14:37:00.002-05:00

Cooper Swing

2007-06-25T14:37:00.001-05:00

Bowl Head Video

2007-06-25T14:27:00.000-05:00

time for a check up~

2007-06-25T14:23:00.001-05:00

0601071449
Originally uploaded by wormei

We got to get a check up a few weeks ago and dad just had to take our picture!

tractor driver

2007-06-25T14:22:00.001-05:00

0615071451a
Originally uploaded by wormei

Watch out lawns of America...this tractor driver is our to get you!

Look how cool I am

2007-06-25T14:21:00.001-05:00

0608072004
Originally uploaded by wormei

Cooper is da' man! Lookin' cool in daddy's shades!

bubblicious

2007-06-25T14:20:00.001-05:00

0618071811
Originally uploaded by wormei

playing with some bubbles in our next door neighbor's yard...some kind of fun!

baseball 5

2007-05-25T16:13:00.001-05:00

baseball 5
Originally uploaded by wormei

i really enjoyed going to the ball park and watching my good friend Andrew play ball...i really like the ball part of the whole evening although i never got to play with it!

puddle jumper

2007-05-25T16:12:00.001-05:00

puddle jumper
Originally uploaded by wormei

it is as if i am sucked into the puddle and have to jump in it every time! i just can't help myself!

tube crawlin'

2007-05-25T16:11:00.001-05:00

tube crawlin'
Originally uploaded by wormei

the restaurant we ate at one night had this really cool pirate ship...i got to crawl all over it and learned what a pirate says...don't know ask me sometime!

wicked hair day!

2007-05-25T16:09:00.001-05:00

wicked hair day!
Originally uploaded by wormei

this pic was taken right after we got done wandering down the beach and in between rain storms...do you like the windblown look?

digging on the beach

2007-05-25T16:08:00.001-05:00

Picture 062
Originally uploaded by wormei

we got a brief chance to run down to florida and hang on the beach. here we are digging and looking for some shells. this picture was taken just south of cocoa beach

AAAAHHHH!

2007-05-03T17:24:00.001-05:00

DSCF0085, originally uploaded by wormei.

I am so happy to be playing all the time in my house. Can't wait for brother to be able to not just lay there and play with me!

Monkey Boy

2007-05-03T17:22:00.001-05:00

0427071900a, originally uploaded by wormei.

I can climb the monkey bars at a friend's party! It sure was lots of fun!

Uncle Mike

2007-05-03T17:21:00.001-05:00

DSCF0073, originally uploaded by wormei.

My uncle Mike came to visit us and we got to play lots while he was here! It sure was lots of FUN!

All Smiles

2007-04-24T16:45:00.001-05:00

DSCF0058
Originally uploaded by wormei.

I am finally trying to join the likes of my big brother and smile, smile, smile! I am also starting to make some fun cooing noises. Don't mind the greasy pink eye that my brother gave me.

baby boys

2007-04-19T17:23:00.001-05:00

DSCF0021
Originally uploaded by wormei.

here are the boys...this photo was taking a few weeks ago and Cooper continues to grow and grow. Clayton too, but its just not as noticeable. They are truly the best ones ever!

rose in front

2007-04-18T14:50:00.001-05:00

0404070845.jpg
Originally uploaded by wormei.

this is a pic of a rose that is right in front of our house. i can't say how thankful we are for things that don't need to be maintained and are so stinking pretty!

blueberry yogurt

2007-04-18T14:43:00.001-05:00

0417072003.jpg
Originally uploaded by wormei.

Mom and dad took me to this great place for free ice cream and man was it ever good! We waited in a long line and saw our friends the Varner's...some of them went through the line 3 times for ice cream, but we didn't because it closed. I like ice cream alot.

On the Road Again

2007-03-12T19:46:00.000-05:00

The Mains family is traveling, but this time in separate directions. Mom and both babies are headed toward the great state of Ohio for some fun grandma and grandpa time, not to mention an Aunt and a whole bunch of cousins and other sundry relatives and friends! I am on the way to the Promiseland Conference at Willow Creek in Chicago. I hope to be able to post a few times this week and maybe I can get Angela to send a few pics my way (i have a sinking suspicion that there will be lots taken by the above list of people.)

Angela has so far made it to Franklin, TN and is spending the night with my parents and will travel the rest of the way tomorrow, with at least one stop at a McDonald's playplace in central Kentucky. Clayton seems to really enjoy slides, climbing, and running. He is certainly a great mix of Angela and I.

I on the other hand leave Mountaintop tomorrow bright and early with a shuttle load full of children and preschool workers! I am confident that we are going to have some kind of fun!

da boyz!

2007-03-08T15:19:00.001-06:00

070319000900
Originally uploaded by wormei.

Here is a pic we recently had taken...we are looking forward to both of the boys being 100% alert for pictures. Check out the other pics of the family and some fun ones of Cooper on the accompanying Flickr page!

peek a boo

2007-02-27T13:23:00.001-06:00

peek a boo
Originally uploaded by wormei.

i can usually be caught hiding behind something. i love to play hide and seek with daddy! all i do is laugh!

funny tongue

2007-02-27T13:22:00.001-06:00

funny tongue
Originally uploaded by wormei.

Oh the faces that i can make and the sounds that i am learning to make with my tongue. i am so cute!

coop close up

2007-02-27T13:20:00.001-06:00

coop close up
Originally uploaded by wormei.

Mom and Cooper get to spend a lot of time together! Here is Cooper hanging out with mom. He is becoming more and more awake, but definitely likes to sleep during the day! Someday he will figure out that the daytime is awake time and the nighttime is for sleep.

lovin brother

2007-02-27T13:18:00.001-06:00

lovin brother
Originally uploaded by wormei.

it is hard to see Cooper in this pic, but Clayton is reaching out to him. He is very curious but seems to be enjoying having a new brother and has even been of some assistance by carrying things and helping pick up his own toys.

So far so good!

life back to normal...or...what is normal, I don't remember!

2007-02-19T13:38:00.000-06:00

So much has happened so fast in the life of the Mains family! It is so weird to go into a restaurant and ask for 2 high chairs! But we are all adjusting well. Clayton (baby#1) is doing so well with Cooper (baby#2). There have been several moments of AAAAHHH as he has been very curious but so far the hits and smacks have been fairly limited and he has certainly given lots of kisses to his little brother.

We are now on our own as Angela's mother has left. It was a wonderful visit and a huge help. We could not have done it without you. Not to mention that our refrigerator and freezer are completely full.

We expect our next wave of grandparents this weekend as my parents will come, followed quickly by Angela's dad.

Angela called me earlier and said that she was about to take a nap...I am jealous, but honestly she is doing more than her share of the work. Can't wait to rush home and help her!

Baby's 1st Website

2007-02-08T16:49:00.000-06:00

We just got the pictures from the photo service at the hospital. Take a look at

	Virtual Nursery Page
	Visitor password: Mains

Everybody is doing well and at home! Big Brother Clayton is adjusting well to the change of having his new brother at home with him!

Getting Checked Out

2007-02-05T16:26:00.001-06:00

DSCF0028
Originally uploaded by wormei.

Here is Cooper Daniel Mains just being checked out by the nurse. Cooper was born at 12:56 and is 7 lbs 2 oz and 20 inches long. As you can see from the picture he has brown hair. Mom and baby are doing great. The baby was taken to the nursery because he was a little cool, but we should be getting him back to our room very soon!

Yeah, what an answer to prayer today was! Thanks to all that were lifting us up during this time!

the day has finally come

2007-02-05T09:09:00.000-06:00

We are finally at the hospital with baby number 2 and Angela is currently getting her epidural. She is dilated to about 5 cm and feeling great so far. God is really blessing her and taking awesome care of her. Keep us in your prayers!

Ride 'em Cowboy!

2006-12-05T01:38:00.000-06:00

DSCF0043
Originally uploaded by wormei.

With the recent additions of several new ride on toys and the word HAT to our vocabulary, we are having tons of fun! Clayton has enjoyed tremendously all of his new gifts and absolutely loves his hats (this one as well as all of the other ones that he owns and sees on other people)

As a side note, Clayton is also starting to notice the growth of mommy's tummy. He has played with him several times. I think that this is a great sign of things to come between the brothers.

blueberry muffin...i want cake

2006-11-23T19:47:00.000-06:00

DSCF0002
Originally uploaded by wormei.

This was taken on Clayton's actual birthday...we waited for him to have cake at his birthday party on the Friday after his birthday...he loved the muffins...a whole lot!

Happy Birthday

2006-11-14T08:30:00.000-06:00

Can you believe it? Clayton is one year old today! And what an exciting year it has been. We have learned so many things and have been a blessing and been blessed by so many people. I cannot even imagine raising a child without the support that we have from our families and from the church. It is so great to see that there are so many people that love your child!

Happy Birthday Clayton! I LOVE YOU!

Family Picture

2006-10-09T17:19:00.000-05:00

Family Picture
Originally uploaded by wormei.

A rare moment where everybody was able to be in the same place for at least a little while...everybody I will do some edits on the pics and send them out when I get a chance!

clayton at the beach 1

2006-10-09T17:17:00.000-05:00

clayton at the beach 1
Originally uploaded by wormei.

This is my first trip to the beach and man was it ever fun! I got to play in the water and I also learned that although the beach looks like sugar it takes a whole lot different!

Video of Baby #2

2006-10-09T14:12:00.000-05:00

This is the latest on Baby #2. Everything that the doctor saw looked good. There were a few things that they were not able to see, but overall everything looked great.

big smile

2006-09-20T16:21:00.000-05:00

big smile
Originally uploaded by wormei.

dad caught me smilin' at him underneath the coffee table...i have lots of fun crawling underneath it.

smilin boy

2006-09-20T16:19:00.000-05:00

smilin boy
Originally uploaded by wormei.

i sure am happy. i love hanging out and playing with mom and dad. the dog and cat are alot of fun too...someday i might even catch that cat!

walkin in the walker

2006-09-20T16:17:00.000-05:00

walkin in the walker
Originally uploaded by wormei.

mom captured me right after i had some spaghetti...it sure was good!

Clayton's Dedication

2006-07-06T14:36:00.000-05:00

DSC_3325
Originally uploaded by wormei.

We had Clayton dedicated this past Sunday at our church, Mountaintop. This is a way for us to accept Clayton as the gift of God that he is and for our church family to commit to helping us raise him to be a Christ-Follower. It was a great moment and he did fantastic. We cannot wait to see what God has in store for him and for us!

bumbolicius

2006-04-25T15:06:00.000-05:00

bumbolicius
Originally uploaded by wormei.

oh the shock and horror...what are they going to do to me next? Just kidding...I am doing great, I get like 7 meals a day, I sleep most of the time and the rest of the time I suck on my fingers, play with my toes (I just dicovered they were there) and play with all of the toys that all of my older friends have given me...Life is good!

bad to the bone

2006-04-25T15:04:00.000-05:00

bad to the bone
Originally uploaded by wormei.

You know that this kid is indeed Bad to the Bone! Thanks Grandpa and Grandma Clayton for these cool shades. Now I am styling!

bumbo smile

2006-04-12T13:59:00.000-05:00

bumbo smile
Originally uploaded by wormei.

This is our newest chair (on loan from the Baby McConnell Collection...thanks Sean and Christine) He enjoys it most of the time. It is a pretty cool thing that allows him to sit up all by himself. The chair is called a Bumbo and I think that it comes from South Africa. I think that the middle part looks like a saddle horn and if that'st the case, he is going to be a heck of a horseman...or maybe not. We'll see!

best friends

2006-03-27T09:55:00.000-06:00

DSCF0013
Originally uploaded by wormei.

So the moment happened and sooner than I expected. Man's best friend has taken a liking to man's offspring...and aren't they cute! I am confident that there will be many more of these later!

ooh ooh ooh look at me

2006-03-14T19:42:00.000-06:00

ooh ooh ooh look at me
Originally uploaded by wormei.

Me at my happiest. I love to giggle and laugh. Aren't I cute?

i have a huge forehead

2006-03-14T19:35:00.000-06:00

i have a huge forehead
Originally uploaded by wormei.

and now my newest trick, holding my head up. I get better and better each day. It won't be long!

clean and happy

2006-03-14T19:33:00.000-06:00

clean and happy
Originally uploaded by wormei.

How cute I am. How can you not love a body like this!

sitting pretty

2006-03-14T19:30:00.000-06:00

sitting pretty
Originally uploaded by wormei.

I am sitting in my daddy's computer chair...I hope he won't mind. But look at me, I am a big boy!

hey world!

2006-03-14T19:28:00.000-06:00

hey world!
Originally uploaded by wormei.

My mommy and daddy got some new toys from some friends and put me into it. Some of the toys around scare me a little but it won't be long and I will totally love it!

all I wanted was some milk

2006-03-13T12:12:00.000-06:00

After a long and fulfilling day of work at Mountaintop, I decided that I needed to stop in at the local grocery store to grab just a couple of things. As I meandered around the store, I grabbed several on sale items, some milk, things for this week's lunch and some ice cream. I was so tired and all that I wanted to do was get home and watch our Sunday night after church line-up of shows. But little did I know that there was more in store for me.

Having just come from church, I still had my "check-in" tag stuck to my shirt. The sometimes inconvenient sticker that I usually leave in the church trash can, was part of a bigger plan. The young gentleman that was bagging groceries noticed that I had on this tag and commented to the woman that was scanning the groceries. She commented, "Hey we were just talking about Mountaintop." Come to find out, the cashier in the next lane, had been looking to go to Mountaintop and needed just that much more information. She sensed that she needed to be in church after not attending any for several years and wanted to check us out.

We had a brief conversation and I drew her a bit of a map on a shopping bag (paper, not plastic). Needless to say, we are all part of a bigger plan. I thought that I was just going to get some milk and a few groceries, but I think that God has something else in mind. I am so happy that I am involved in a church that people are so curious and want to find out more about. I am also so blessed that I am part of a church where this woman and many others can come and find healing for the many hurts that are in their life. Thank you God for Mountaintop and the work that we do here.

i just love to smile!

2006-02-21T20:33:00.000-06:00

i just love to smile!
Originally uploaded by wormei.

Hey all you Grandma and Grandpa types out there! Not to mention the aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. I just want to say hello and give you a big smile. Can't wait to see all of you. Meanwhile me and the parents have been having a good time. I get to go a couple of days each week to my new friends house to play. Then I get to go to church and hang out with my friends there. Well see you later! Don't forget to look at the other pictures of me and the fam.

Giggles and Laughing

2006-02-14T19:57:00.000-06:00

It has been so long since I have posted anything of any length and so I figured that this would be a great opportunity. We have had several busy weeks lately and are finally getting a chance to kill some time. Angela spent this past weekend at a women's conference at the church. She thoroughly enjoyed "learning how to be a woman". Clayton also seemed to do pretty well as he also got to make the trip to church for the conference. He continues to be a dream!

Today is Clayton's 3 month birthday. Has it been that long! He is now 24 inches long and has a head circumference of 16. Wow he just continues to grow and grow. Last night we had our first "awake" giggle. He has giggled in his sleep before (Grandpa Clayton I know you heard it) but never while awake. As we were hanging out last night, I took the baby for a few minutes while Angela was up and about. I was singing and bee bopping with the baby and touching noses and whatever and I paused and then...it happened! He giggled!!! I called Angela and he continued to giggle and giggle. About 3 good times in a row. Lots of smiles and such. He is so much fun. We continue to grow more and more in love with our son every day! We will attempt to record it soon.

So what else is going on...I am moving right along with our latest home improvement project...the dreaded shower. I have finally been motivated to get more done. I just about have all of the HardiBacker board. It has been a challenge figuring it all out, but I almost have it up. After that I will attach the tileboard and caulk, caulk, caulk! I am also hoping to add some glass blocks for a more decorative look and also to increase the resale. Not that we are thinking of selling our cute little house, but eventually we might. We hope to have a working shower soon!

Angela and I have been trying to get to the gym as much as possible. We are trying to get ready for the upcoming triathlon season. She is even talking about doing at least one of them with me. I have done several 3 mile runs each week as well as time on the bike when I have time. Angela has gone a couple of miles running each time as well as time on the bike. The baby seems to enjoy the trips as well. He gets to sit in his car seat as well as looking around at the things going on.

And HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!! We celebrated one of our favorite holidays (can you hear the sarcasm) with a long lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. Thanks Kelly and Ky. We used the giftcard that they gave us for Angela's birthday. We split the Bang Bang Chicken and Shrimp, drank lots of Cherry Coke, and had our own cheesecake. I never knew that a piece of dessert could cost $7. BUT MAN WAS IT GOOD! Thanks Valerie for the great service! Maybe when we get another gift card we will be back (We hope that somebody out there will take the hint!)

Our life continues to be busy and there is no clear end to the busyness that is our life. We are enjoying the chance that we have to work together. Angela is continuing to get more comfortable teaching each Sunday morning and the other 50 other facets of her job. We are certainly thankful for the circle of friends that help to keep us sane: Angela's women's group, my new group of 'barbarians' and the couples group that is so forgiving when we can't make it every week. Our family of coworkers and church folk also help to complete this circle. What would we do without all of you!

The big adventure of this week is the ski trip this weekend! We are taking a group of our 4th and 5th graders to Cloudmont Ski Resort in beautiful Mentone, AL for an afternoon of downhill skiing. We are hoping for excellent weather. Yes I know that you might be thinking that there is no possible way to snow ski in the South, but they currently have a great base of 10-40 inches and it is still cold enough each night to make more!

Wish us luck...I will try to remember to bring the camera to Cloudmont for our trip!

i'm a little kanakuker

2006-01-28T20:00:00.000-06:00

i am a little kanakuker
Originally uploaded by wormei.

Ok so I am not really sure what Kanakuk is or even how to spell it but apparently it is where mommy and daddy met.
For those of you out that are not sure what Kanakuk is...its one of the greatest places on earth and It is a Christian Sports Camp located in and around Branson, MO. I hope to go there when I get old enough!

smilin'

2006-01-28T11:51:00.000-06:00

smilin'
Originally uploaded by wormei.

We have long been tryin' to get a pic of our guy smiling, but he just kept moving. He loves to hear his mommy sing as he is doing in this picture. He continues to smile almost all the time. He is such a happy baby!

fresh pic taken today

2006-01-23T21:17:00.000-06:00

Here you go Grandmas, Grandpas, Uncles, Aunts, and Friends...We keep trying to snap pictures when he is smiling but he is also beginning to hold up and move his head so the pictures come out in a blurry mess. But we'll keep trying.

He is making fun noises and other incredible faces from time to time. He is currently in my lap and looking all around. Not to mention that he is beginning to focus on things around the room and even on us from time to time. I am sure that if he could he would definitely be saying hello. Lots of kisses have been bestowed on him on all of your behalfs!

Special Birthday Wishes go to Grandma Kelly on her #$th birthday.

All grown up!

2006-01-23T20:53:00.000-06:00

Believe it or not this is our little guy holding the bottle for the first time...ok so I placed his hands on it, but he is holding it himself!

Visit with Santa

2005-12-12T17:14:00.000-06:00

Visit with Santa
Originally uploaded by wormei.

Clayton's first visit with the jolly fat guy. Merry Christmas!

fresh and clean

2005-12-10T22:12:00.000-06:00

fresh and clean
Originally uploaded by wormei.

We celebrated our little guy's first bath the other night and it went pretty well. He didn't seem to enjoy it especially, but he didn't hate it! He is now clean as a whistle (well he was, but that ended pretty quickly.)

Ain't I cute

2005-11-28T21:09:00.001-06:00

Ain't I cute
Originally uploaded by wormei.

Photo taken by Aunt Heather and quite possibly the cutest picture so far. Thanks sis for the pic!

Hanging out with Daddy

2005-11-28T21:09:00.000-06:00

Hanging out with Daddy
Originally uploaded by wormei.

Clayton had to spend a little bit of time under this hood during his first night at the NICU. Fortunately we were able to hang out with him some while he was there.

Precious time w/ Mommy

2005-11-28T21:08:00.000-06:00

Precious time w/ Mommy
Originally uploaded by wormei.

Moments after he is born Angela got to spend a few minutes with him before he was taken to NICU

Fresh Baby

2005-11-28T21:07:00.000-06:00

Fresh Baby
Originally uploaded by wormei.

just moments after he was born. Welcome to the world little guy!

He's Here

2005-11-17T18:15:00.000-06:00

Our little bundle of joy has made his appearance to the world. He was born on November 14, 2005 at 11:19 am. He was a whopping 7 lbs 4 oz, despite being 4 weeks early.

Angela's delivery was very smooth. She did decide to get the epidural and enjoyed it very much. She only had to push for a half hour or so and out he came.

Once Clayton came out the doctor and nurses noticed that he was "grunting." Because this is cause for worry they took him to Transition and then to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). He also had blood sugar that was way below the norm. He was placed under an oxygen hood and put on an IV. He was able to progress very quickly and was taken off all of the equipment and we were able to take him home today. That was great considering the rest of us had headed home only a day before. It is unusual for NICU babies to come home that quick. In fact please pray for the other babies that are still in there. There are a few other concerns with Clayton like jaundice, but they are going to monitor that on a out-patient basis at the pediatrician.

We are delighted that he has joined us at the house and that he is healthy. We have had a fun day adjusting to him. We are fortunate to have his Grandmother (Angela's mom) here to help out with things. It makes it nice to have an extra set of hands around. I kind of figure that there might be a few more trips this way from all of the new grandparents.

The other fun part of the day was to see the Amos and Rascal adjust to their new little "brother". The dog has been very curious throughout the day, with several tastes of a very small head from a very large tongue. Amos even ran down the hall when the baby was crying as if to defend him. What a good big "brother". The cat however has just sniffed occasionally but been rather disinterested.

Overall today has been one of the best days of my life. I got to bring my healthy little boy home from the hospital. Praise God for all that He has done for us and I pray that He continues to bless us!

Weekly Doctor Visit

2005-10-28T21:51:00.000-05:00

We are now almost 34 weeks along. The doctor is hoping that we can go just a few more weeks so we shall see.

This week's doctor visit was again uneventful. The doc opted to not "examine" Angela again this week. She is still measuring big however. They said that she is actually measuring 36-37 weeks, but again they want her to go just a little longer. The baby has been kicking her pretty hard in a couple of places. She has said that it feels like he is stretching his legs and arms.

She has continued her strenuous regime of sleeping late and wandering out to the couch and watching TV. She has a pretty regular schedule of what shows to watch. Some of the highlights are The Price is Right, Boy Meets World, Gilmore Girls, and Alias, just to name a few. Our friends, Christine and Sean McConnell, also loaned us their XBox for the time being. Big thanks to them for helping to keep Angela entertained.

In all seriousness, Angela has also been making the most of her time with a number of craft projects. I won't elaborate because I want it to be a surprise for Christmas. Tracy Podraza bought her a gift of a Knifty Knitter. She has worked it quite a bit already. Again I will leave out the specifics as some of you may see the finished projects this Christmas season.

I talked to my dad from Kathmandu tonight. There was a bit of a delay, but it was sure great to hear his voice. They are all back safely to a reasonably safe altitude. He was able to get to 16,800 ft (or so) and had to be helped down. I am still not certain if he had acute mountain sickness or food poisoning or whatever, but the great news is that they are safe and he sounded GREAT! They will be returning to the states very soon...Tuesday or Wednesday. I am glad that C-Bob has decided to wait until his Grandpa returns home.

Mobile Shower

2005-10-23T21:26:00.000-05:00

Well its official, we can take the baby home when he gets here. And we can dress him and diaper him for quite a while. Among the many gifts that we received we got the car seat/stroller combo and a whole bunch of CUTE clothes and diapers and other things. Huge thanks to all of the families that blessed us from this shower in Ohio. It was great to have Clayton's Grandma and Aunt here this weekend. They brought all the stuff and left us with a freezer full of food. I cannot believe how blessed we are. It is clear that this little guy is going to be loved by so many people around the globe.

Speaking of around the globe, my dad is currently on a trip to hike up to base camp of Mt. Everest. He was asked by a friend of his to make the trip to reflect on leadership, life and a bunch of other things. I heard via my mother that several of the men were taken back down the mountain due to illness. Unfortunately, one day away from base camp (their summit) my dad was forced to turn back due to illness. Although he did not get as far as he had hoped, I am still very proud of him. I can't wait to hear all that my dad has learned and discovered about himself and life in general. My prayer is that he will get well and that he will arrive back safe and sound.
More can be read about them on their Everest blog. They are currently not able to post new info but should be posting new stuff soon.

Angela is continuing her daily trip from the bed to the couch. She has taken up several craft projects and is having a ball. She would definitely love to get an email or visit from folks during this time of bedrest. She has also signed up for a Netflix account. That will hopefully help pass the time. Currently she is about 33 weeks along and the doctors want us to get to at least 36 weeks before they are even ready to think about the baby coming out. We will know more after our appointment on Wednesday.

Our hearts also go out to my brother in Tampa and the rest of the state of Florida that are about to get blasted by Hurricane Wilma. Take care of yourselves!

House Arrest?

2005-10-19T22:05:00.000-05:00

So far this week has been relatively uneventful. Angela has been confined to our home per the doctor's orders and is having tons of fun watching lots of TV and reading lots of magazines. Honestly she has been able to get lots of thank you's written and rest up as she approaches the biggest change that we have ever had...the birth of our (what we think will be a very active) son. I am sure that the rest will allow her to more manage and take care of C-Bob when he gets here.

We have now moved to weekly appointments. We had one today and not only was it very quick, but it was also very uneventful. Uneventful is good though. The dr. said that everything looked really good, even though Angela lost 3 1/2 lbs. All I can figure is the day or 2 on the IV and the increased body temperature from the drugs has caused her to lose a little weight. Doc said it was no big deal. We need to hold this kid off for about 3 1/2 more weeks and then Angela can possibly begin to be a little more active. The dr. mentioned something about headstands and cartwheels, but I disagree (if my opinion matters.) She is still contracting some, but they are not "productive" and the more she takes it easy the less they come.

She did have a big day. She got to drive, see people at the church, ride the elevator and we split lunch at the Purple Onion. So much fun all crammed into one day. She admits that she overdid it a little, but its all good. She will have tomorrow to rest up.

This weekend we look forward to our mobile shower arriving from Ohio. Angela's mom and sister are going to be coming to visit for the weekend. I know that she cannot wait to see them. They should be arriving late Thursday or early Friday.

One of the things that I am doing in anticipation of the baby is to redo our shower. It is not a voluntary project, but a necessary one. We had a tile that fell off at the bottom when I pushed on it (several months ago). I eventually removed some more tile to reveal the drywall that was almost all the way rotten from water. There was also some mold. I stripped that wall down to the studs and have started on the other walls. I should be able to get the remaining wall torn down and begin figuring out just how to put up drywall or tilebacker and tileboard for our new shower. Should be interesting. I just hope that I can kill all of the mold and get the job done before the little guy gets here. The good news is that as I tore some of the tile and drywall off, some of the ugly wall paper came off too. Can't wait to tear it off next. Pink paisley...what were they thinking.

Momma is Home

2005-10-16T20:52:00.000-05:00

Angela was able to come home today...YIPEEE! She is delighted to be back in a bit more familiar surroundings. She was blessed to come to a cleaner house, huge thanks to Tracy Podraza and my mother (I helped some but I will take no credit whatsoever.) She was also surprised to find a table full of gifts from friends and family. It was a great supply of very essential items just in case this little guy decides to come too early. It sounds so cliche', but all of the stuff is SO SMALL! It is unbelievable to think that some of this stuff is going to be too big at first. It is so exciting to think that he is about to come out and play so soon. Just remember little guy, don't come too soon!!!

Today was a busy day on the job front. Being a children's minister makes for a crazy schedule anyway but this weekend was extra crazy. I had made arrangements for someone else to teach for me this Sunday in our 4th and 5th grade class, but something came up and I was asked to step in. New series, new stage, new lesson...lots of stress. The new series is called Lost World and dives right into the why it is so important for all of us to seek out the Lost that are out there to bring them closer to Christ. It has often been said that there are about 100,000 lost people within 10 miles of our church. Needless to say there were lots of potential problems with everything from sound and lights to too many people being out this Sunday.

The lesson stressed the point that lost people matter to God. He is willing to go to great lengths to go after them and bring them into relationship with Him. One of the big problems is that people often don't even realize that they are lost. It is our mission to take God to these people or maybe vice versa, bring these people to God. Our church is designed to be a place that allows people to invite their friends and give them plenty of reasons to check it out and come back for more. I challenged the kids to use the opportunities that they have to build relationships with those around them in order to bring them closer to Christ. Kids have so many ways to do this with the kids in their classes, sports teams and neighborhoods. I wasted so many of these chances when I was a kid, I just hope that some of them heard me and react. What an incredible revival could be started if these kids heed these words and invite their friends to church. I have always had incredible faith in children, that they can make a huge impact in their world. My prayer now is that they will act on these words.

Our Sunday evening service also had its own stressors, but seemed to go off without a hitch. The highlight of the evening is really a toss up. Our "fun" activity is designed to be an attention drawer and interest the kids in coming. We couple that with a short but appropriate devotional and also use the time to practice for our upcoming Christmas musical. The fun activity was a Lego Build-Off. Really a pretty easy idea, but the kids loved it. The Legos were sorted evenly and placed in lunch sacks. The kids were grouped into groups of 3 or 4 and each group was given a bag of Legos to work with. They were given about 20 minutes to create whatever and then were voted on...every group was a winner of an award such as: Most Creative, Most Original, Most Practical, Best Theme, Largest Project and Most Unique. The kids loved it! What an easy activity, but something that all of the kids liked. I highly recommend having a few of the kids that arrive early help you sort the legos into same size piece piles and then make sure that all of the bags get an equal amount of pieces.

The most fun part (at least for me) was the devo. This month we are focusing on prayer and teaching the A-C-T-S method. We have covered Adoration and Confession and tonight we talked about Thanksgiving. My first thought was to talk about Thanksgiving, like the holiday in November, but wanted to steer clear of the holiday and talk about what it means to really give thanks in all things. With the week that we have had, in and out of the hospital, medicine that has made Angela sick, steroid shots, LOTS of contractions and now bed rest, I certainly have had reason to not be thankful. But instead I was able to talk about how all of the things that have happened are reasons to celebrate. We have doctors that are able to diagnose these problems and help solve them. The meds although they make her sick have slowed the contractions. The steroids were not any fun to get, but will help in the development of C-Bob's lungs. And bed rest is truly not all its cracked up to be, but is allowing Angela to get the rest that she has missed out on the past few months and allow her to get rested for what will be some exciting weeks, months and years. I then presented the kids with a blessing basket full of several mementos and explained what each meant and why I was thankful for these things. After I had emptied out the basket, I gave all of the kids a chance to write down their blessings and add it to the basket. I can't wait to read them tomorrow.

I just meant to write a few things and wow did I ever write a few things. Angela jokingly told me that she has finally figured out a way for me to journal. I guess she is right.

Saturday afternoon at the hospital

2005-10-15T16:29:00.000-05:00

We have had a fairly uneventful day here at Brookwood. At this point in the game we are certainly thankful for days that are uneventful. Angela has been taken off of the magnesium sulfate and her dose of Brethine has been increased. She is still contracting but they are very minor and the nurses don’t seem too worried. We did receive a couple of phone calls from the baby shower in Ohio that we were not able to attend. Hey all of you up there. We can’t wait to see you Grandma C and Aunt Heather. Sounds like they had lots of fun; we can’t wait to see the pictures and video of the shindig.

We are waiting to see if we will get clearance to head home this afternoon or if we get to go home tomorrow or later than that. She is now only dilated 1 cm and effaced 40% so that is really good news. But she is now confined to the house for the next 2 weeks…any thing that we can do to keep him inside of there for a few more weeks. Angela will of course be able to check email and talk on the phone but anybody that can visit and hang with her would make her day!

Angela has been hooked up to the 2 monitors for most of the afternoon to monitor her heartrate, the baby’s heartrate, and Angela’s contractions. She has had 9 contractions in a previous hour, but again they are pretty mild. We should know more news soon.

On a different front, Angela’s women’s small group has been busy planning a secret “drive by” shower today. So far it is still a secret to Angela so don't tell. There has been some concern that if this little guy gets out here we are not going to be equipped with the stuff to take care of him. It is so amazing that there are so many people that God is using to take care of us.

Breaking news… looks as if they are going to keep Angela for another night at least; kind of a bummer but the whole point of being here is to keep that little guy inside of her. So we will do what we can to make sure that happens.