Sending 2005 Out with a Bang! (Bang!)

We left Austin at 4ish yesterday and rolled into Liberty a stir-crazy 4 hours later. It's officially 223 miles, but there wasn't much traffic so it wasn't that bad. Along the adventure, I read the crossword puzzle clues aloud to Don and filled in the blanks with his answers. He's a crossword genius. Por ejemplo, words like "abed" roll off his tongue to the clue "sleeping." Not everyone can be a crossword-meister.

Don went out on his first full-emersion duck hunt at the crack of dawn this morning. That's right... he waded out to the middle of the cold, flooded field. On the way out, he wants us to know, that the water was up to his thighs with just an inch to spare protected by his hip-boots. Very, very carefully he troded to just the perfect spot to take down the duck that crossed his path. They called him "Dead-eye Son-In-Law." He had a blast with the other five men and all told, they took home 13 ducks. A very good hunt. Especially since the day before Dad reported there were some 1,000 ducks a-flying. Mom and I thought they would have all flown away come the day of the hunt just like they did last time.

Meanwhile, back on the ranch, RJ and I had a great morning. Honey and I bathed Rosa Jane in her first big ol' kitchen sink bath and I think she genuinely liked it. We went to breakfast at Casa Don Boni's with our favorite friend, Mickey. Post breakfast, Mom and I went shopping and now we're back home updating their new computers.

Rosa Jane turns 14 weeks today. She's talking and singing a lot these days. She is singing right now as I type and I wish that I had a recorder to share it with you. It's so cute! On the other side of the cute coin, she wakes up in the middle of the night -- much to our dismay. I suspect it might just be the lack of our usual routine. The bad news is that she has "outgrown" her miracle blanket, but in its place, sister pixie gave us a leopard-printed baby sock called a Cozy Cocoon. I have to say, Rosa Jane looks ADORABLE in leopard print!! For the past two nights I've had trouble walking away from her crib after placing her down because she looks so cute. I just want to stare at her.

We don't have big plans for tonight -- just more of the same -- updating computers. I wouldn't even bet that we'll see the clock strike twelve. In his Christmas note to me, Don referred to 2005 as a crazy, scary beautiful year. I have to agree. It was such a scary, full of doubt rollercoaster that has concluded with overwhelming joy, love, excitement and hope for the future and all that will be in 2006. I can't wait to find out what's next. We're definitely starting out on the right foot -- our good friend, Robyna, is coming to stay with us for a while. Let's hope for good health, good friends, more peace on earth, more joy, more ducks, more laughter, less house in Boston and more baby steps.

Happy Birthday, dear friend Laurie Zuehlke!!!

Feeling Rich in Richland

Feeling Rich in Richland

We got back yesterday afternoon from a wonderful long Christmas weekend in Richland. It was a weekend marked by my first duck hunt (and I got a BIG one), Sara's first hunt of any kind (too cold, too early), Kristen regaining her rightful place atop the flower hill (which is an inside joke only the family will appreciate), Hank's first time in a 300+ acre dog park (no comment from laid back Hank), the Wrangler's first time off road (it lived up to its Trail Rated badge), sunny skies and very warm temperatures, and the usual Richland family love and laughter.

My two daughters bonded like superglue over the weekend. You can see the proof in Kristen's amazing pictures. There was never any doubt that it would happen, but it was great to watch. RJ is well out of her infancy and into her babyhood. She sits in laps, pays attention, serves up normal expressions, smiles, burbles, shrieks, sucks on her hands (when she isn't rubbing them together, plotting baby schemes) and does a good job overall of appearing to be a little human. Which, of course, made her all the more endearing to an older sister who was meeting her for the first time. It also afforded RJ considerable forgiveness for the many times she unexpectedly spewed half-digested milk over Sara and the rest of us.

The hardest part of the weekend was putting the Pixie on her plane back to New York. The air always goes out of the balloon when Sara is gone, and KB and I need a day or two to figure out how to fill the void. It's a lonely, sad time. We just hope that we showed her a good enough time to convince her to come back to Texas, often. Because Texas looks good on the Pixie...

Little Pixie is Ready to Meet the Big Pixie

Click on the picture to see more...

Never Mind Santa. Sara is Coming!!

I'm so excited I can barely stand it. Sara comes to Austin tomorrow. I haven't seen my older daughter since July. Normally we'd have gone up to Ann Arbor sometime this fall to see her, but a little wrinkle we refer to as Rosa Jane made that trip impossible this year.

For those of you who haven't had the huge pleasure of knowing her, Sara is a brilliant and beautiful woman about whom I could write all day. She hasn't seen my magnificent wife since the summer. And she has never met her little sister Rosa Jane, but she will tomorrow. I imagine magnetometers around the world will register that event, when these three feminine titans come together for the first time. I know I'll be happier than I've been in a very long time (and just so you know, I've been plenty damn happy for the last few months).

I can't wait to show Sara around our new locale. And if Texas is smart, it will do everything in its power to impress Sara while she's here. Texas could use some Sara for a while...

Rosa Jane at 12 weeks and her best clean-up pal, Hanky 

704 Babywipes later... Rosa Jane Hits 12 Weeks

I wanted to follow up on an earlier post -- back in the day when we didn't know how long 704 babywipes would last us. The answer is simple: 12 weeks. Our best guess is that she weighs somewhere in the 14 pound range. She's starting to laugh a little more when we bend over backwards trying to entertain her. Whatever we have to do, it is worth it! Keep on laughing, little girl.

Guess How Much I Love You

This afternoon Rosa Jane and I shared storytime. I read to her two books that were given to us in a sweet package from our Boston friends, The Averys. The first book was called Guess How Much I Love You and the second was The Runaway Bunny. Guess who ended up crying through both books? I'm wondering -- in all seriousness -- can a mother ever get through these books without crying?

Cutie-Britches Rosa Jane

Click on the picture to see more happy, smile-y pictures of the most adorable baby in Texas and let's be honest -- quite possibly the entire planet... though it makes it tougher to boast when your friends are the competition.

Equivalents

It's all downhill from here... Rosa Jane is quickly approaching 3 months or as Don prefers (because it doesn't sound so old) 12 weeks. I like to convert to months because that is what the lay person can understand. There is no math involved. I've been on the receiving end of many of those conversations where the new mom proudly says, "he's 17 weeks old!" And there I am left struggling to do the math as to what that really means. Weeks meant nothing to me. Don and I agree on one thing: the counting of days at this point is for the crazy people. Nevertheless, as of today, RJ has been around for 80 sunrises and sunsets.

Back in the days of the early KB and Donr courtship, quarters meant something to us, too. In our business life, we would plan budgets and conduct regular marketing performance reviews at the end of each quarter. When we were first married for a full quarter, we couldn't resist the urge to do a performance review over a sushi dinner. And now come the weekend, our little Rosa Jane will pass the Q1 mark. We look back on her progress both in her newborn-ness and as a contributing member of our family and match it up to those goals and predictions that we set for ourselves.

(Don't worry, Rosa Jane, this won't hurt a bit. We do this out of love.)


Like most newborns, Rosa Jane required extra coaxing to sleep at night during those early days. Sweet Daddy would let her sleep on his chest night after night so that she and Momma would get some good zzz's nevermind the effect on darling Daddy. Though we've always been smitten with Miss RJ, lately, I'd say we're both incredibly and overwhelmingly in love with her. The way she converses with us and is starting to respond to our jokes, it's clear that we are big fans of each other. We predict in early Q2, she'll be full out laughing and will properly respond to "flooffing" on her belly. Rosa Jane holds her head up very well and has begun to find more interest and interaction with her playmat kicking gyms.

It's funny to realize all the changes that have happened within me, too. For instance, as a studio photographer I saw many, many infant babies and I always recognized the baby's uniqueness and specialness. I admired the pride and love each new mother exuded over her darling one. However, I was always convinced that the little one was really just a blob who couldn't do much. True, infants can't do much but stick to where you put them, but there is so much more to an infant that I now recognize and appreciate. I just want to squeeze Rosa Jane all the time and pushing her smile button brings great joy.

The facts are these: Rosa Jane is cuter than cute and stronger than strong and smarter than smart. In short, she's our pride and joy. It's amazing how I find my emotions tied so closely to hers. If that evil Gas Monster has a frightening hold on her belly and causing most discomfort, then I, too, won't rest until we rid ourselves of him. I hurt when she hurts. I find delight where she finds delight. I can only imagine the number growing up with Rosa Jane will do on my nervous system. No doubt, I'm looking forward to every moment, but I'm just wondering if we could skip some of the heartbreak and live happily ever after in Utopia? Pretty please??



Meanwhile, Don is busy teaching Rosa Jane to say, "My name is Rosa Jane. Who are YOU?" And that makes me laugh. He has a way with words and I love the way he is with our daughter.

Overheard at Target

A spatula will not get ice off your windshield.

Burr! Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Yesterday turned freezing in Austin. I wasn't too worried and headed out the door with my little baby girl. We had to get to the post office and later headed to Old Navy for some cheap fleece for somebody special. Burr Rabbit! Was it ever cold out! While we were shopping, the windows and mirrors on our car froze and I thought, "oh, boy, are we in trouble!" People here don't know how to drive on ice, nor is the city prepared with loads of trucks to drop salt or sand. What's more, my tires were reading low pressure. Thankfully I made it to the Jiffy Lube to get everything checked out and we arrived safely at home. Since then, we've been homebound with no internet or phone service -- I ain't mentionin' no names--Time Warner-- until just now. Would there be a better time to take more pictures? I think not...



I have to admit after living in Boston for so long, I kinda liked feeling the chilly air and wearing my warmest downcoat. Don't tell donr the reindeer. I think I mostly just liked the weather because I know that come the weekend, the skies will be blue and the highs will be in the 60s again. This is definitely the good life.

The other morning I awoke before Rosa Jane (a rarity). Before I slipped downstairs to make coffee, I poked my head into her room. There she was sleeping soundly and I was genuinely struck and taken aback by her beauty. There is something really special about watching your peacefully sleeping baby. It seems like there should be a word for it, but nothing comes to mind.


I listened to some of my favorite Christmas music and decorated our tree earlier this week. I had so much fun unwrapping the ornaments and recalling all the sweet stories that go with them -- like the frog ornament from Sally's mom, Linda. She said "You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find the right one..." I had just met Don when she gave that to me. I love this time of year. I've been trying to stay away from the malls, watching too much TV, and other commercial areas because they just ruin it. They make you think if you don't spend money, your holidays will never be special. The truth is that it is all about family and spending time with the ones you love... even if it's just sending a card to let the ones you can't be with know that you love them. I hope we can all keep this perspective and remember the REAL reason for the season.

Tuesday's Cutest Infant

I didn't see any other entrants, but I think Rosa Jane has to win Tuesday's Cutest Infant contest handsdown. It's not that I'm so biased. I mean just look at the photo and ask yourself, have you ever in your whole entire life seen a cuter baby today?? If so, I'd like to see a picture.

2 1/2 Months: Time for a SkyDome Cruise Around Town

Miss Rosa Jane had a very lucky day. It was her first convertible ride in the wrangler. Temps were in the 80s today and it was just gorgeous. There was never a better time to be a happy baby and nor a better day to enjoy the sweet sunshine. It's all good in Austin where the main slogan is "Keep Austin Weird."

Don and I both think that Rosa Jane's eyes have turned a lighter shade of baby blue. We think it happened today during her afternoon nap, but who can really say for sure?

Wednesday morning held another first for RJ. She laughed in her sleep. It was so funny and so surreal at the same time. I haven't been able to get her to do again. Or at least I haven't caught her in the act. Sometimes though she is so giddy that she coos and smiles almost to the point where you think "her cheeks have to be hurting her," kinda like after a sorority rush party. We got the camera out a little too late and weren't able to capture all the fun. There is always tomorrow.

It must have happened overnight

Rosa Jane has turned into a chunky monkey and though I've been keeping a close eye on her, I can't really figure out when it happened! On Monday we went for her two-month check up and vaccinations. Poor Little Rosa Jane broke out into a fever that afternoon and despite the doctor's warnings of the symptoms to look for, I wasn't prepared for little Rosa Jane's pitiful cries of pain. It was heartbreaking. Thankfully, we were able to control her fever with a little Tylenol and on Tuesday she woke up happy again. Rosa Jane is 22 inches long and 12 lbs 1 ounce in weight which makes her an average baby, but we know she is as unique as the day is long.

Meanwhile, over the weekend, we noticed that Hanky wasn't feeling well and I don't need to tell you I was scared to death that we were going to lose him, too. I took him to the vet on Monday and he checked out okay. He got a shot and a special diet and he's now on the road to recovery. Thank goodness.

Don gets to go to Nashville in a couple of weeks and I'm downright jealous. I don't know what it would be like to fly with Rosa Jane, but I sure would like to visit my Nashvillian friends.

She Looks Like Her

The jury is in, ladies and gentlemen. The unanimous verdict is that my sweet little Rosa Jane bears an uncanny resemblance to my gorgeous wife and looks nothing like me.

When RJ was just days old, I compared a photo of her to a picture of my older daughter Sara when she was five days old. Sara and I are unmistakeably father and daughter. And I thought Sara and Rosa Jane looked like twins. My impression was that everyone around me - family and friends alike - was in complete agreement. Now as I think back, it's possible that the agreement was merely polite.

I was further encouraged when my sister-in-law's mother-in-law took one look at my new daughter and opined, "Oh my, she definitely favors you!" You meaning me. Of course, I now remember that, after this pronouncement, all you could hear in a room full of family was the Cowboys game play-by-play.

In the ensuing weeks, as Rosa Jane has come into her own (i.e., has stopped spazzing randomly and has acquired actual expressions), the unanimous reaction of every new admirer has been "Oh, wow, she looks just like Kristen." I've dealt with all of these well-meaning but obviously misguided folks by smiling politely and saying something like "She'd be lucky if she did!" But deep down I knew that as beautiful as I find my wife, our daughter definitely favors me.

And then, tonight, as I was playing the piano for KP and RJ, my two precious acronyms, I noticed a photograph there that I don't think I've ever seen. It's a portrait of the three Brown kids, Caren, Kevin and a very young Kristen. I took a deep breath, looked closer, held the photo up, pointed to the young Kristen, and asked "Who does she look like?"



The answer, of course, is Rosa Jane. My new daughter and the youngest girl in the family portrait could be the same kid. Faces shaped the same. Same eyes. Identical smiles. Having seen this portrait, I now know what Rosa Jane will look like in a few years. Gorgeous of course, but nothing like me.

So now the question of what I may have given this little girl has become a mystery again. She may turn out to have my laugh, or my eye color. She may end up loving Robert Altman's 70's masterpieces and hating Julia Roberts. God help her, she may elect citizenship in Red Sox Nation, or decide to be a Democrat in this reddest of Red States.

I'm confident that she and I will turn out to share a great deal, and I can't wait to find out what it is. But I know now that no stranger will ever see us together and recognize us instantly as father and daughter...

Happy Thanksgiving from the Browns!

Two months is just Tutu Too Cute!

Our good friends, The Sardinas, in Beantown gave us this cutie outfit for Rosa Jane. We met Tracey & Jim and their new yellow lab pup, Sophie, in the park when Purdy was just a new puppy. Sophie and Purdy liked to play together and it gave Tracey and I good excuse to get to know each other. It was really fun to share the puppy experience with her and it was even more fun this summer when we realized we were pregnant at the same time. Their son, Evan, is just precious and I think he's the spitting image of Tracey. That's his butt and her arms in one of the photos on the August blog. Thank you for the precious outfit, Tracey & family! It made Rosa Jane's celebration at two months even cuter!

Rosa Jane takes a trip to Granddad's Office

Nothing proud about these grandparents, is there? We sure did have fun meeting all the good people that help Granddad help people feel better. Click on the flickr button to the LEFT to see more pictures. In the meantime, know all is well in the big town of Liberty and it feels good to be home. Happy Thanksgiving Eve and safe travels, everyone!

Me and My Little hic'UP girl

Sometimes something has happened for so long that we forget to document it. Rosa Jane and hicCups go together like white on rice. I could feel her in the womb having the hiccups and now that she's out, nothing has changed. She is visited by the Hiccup Fairy twice a day (first waking up hiccups 7-8am and evening 6-7 pm) for almost 30 minutes each time. Sometimes they make her smile, but other times I think she'd rather have a throw down. Either way, she's still the most beautiful, most adorable, most likely-to-succeed baby girl monkey in the jungle of life.

Taken Behind the Woodshed

Last night we were watching the evening news when the sportscaster said a certain town was taken behind the woodshed by her rival. Today as I was getting all my hair chopped off, I couldn't help but feel as if I had been taken behind the woodshed. I have been Texified by my hairdo. Click on the picture to see the after effects.

PS: donr kept baby Rosa Jane all afternoon long! What a trooper. I was gone a good 6 hours and I surely did enjoy my time away.

Dress Me Up Little

Everyday Rosa Jane grows more. I have known this for a while and especially notice it when I'm dressing her. This morning after her warm and toasty bath, I dressed her up in one of my favorite newborn gowns and took her picture. I was a little worried it wasn't going to fit her, but she cooperated just fine.

I've been trying to edit down my photo sets but it is ever so hard when she's my one and only and I love her so much. Click on her picture to see more from this set. As always, Hank follows us around everywhere and is constantly battling for my attention when I happen to turn it towards RJ. RJ and I went for a drive this afternoon in an attempt to get her to settle for a long nap (it worked, which is why I'm able to post now), but the real story is that when we returned 45 minutes later, Hank was faithfully staring out the front door waiting for us to come home. Good boy, Hanky.

Smilin' Up A Storm!

Little Miss Rosa Jane has found her smile and is on the cusp of cooing. When Don got in late last night he found us playing peek-a-boo together. She was smiling non-stop and Don wondered how he could have missed this big development. I said I think it's the miracle blanket. I love that thing and it is truly working wonders. Last night she slept from 11 until 4:50. It is so delightful to get some rest! The remainder of the day was thrown waaaaay off kilter when we had to be at my doctor's office at 7:30 a.m. It was my post partum visit and everything is going just fine. After the doctor, I followed Don to his new office. It was so fun for us to see where he works. The whole right side wall is a big ol' wipeboard and it was packed full of all kinds of high-tech marcom top secrets. My husband is brilliant and I'm so proud of him. His co-workers ooh'd and aah'd over little Rosa Jane. I really enjoyed watching all the women circle up around her as Don held her. They made as many funny faces as they could in order to catch a glimpse of her smile. The things people do... Afterwards we came home and because our schedule was already shot we didn't get much accomplished except for a long winter's nap.

Today I learned that one of don's co-workers is from Longview TX and knows the people featured in the "Hands on a Hardbody" movie. I love being back in Texas, but sometimes I feel less and less unique because it seems everyone here loves Patty Griffin and everyone here loves Hands on a Hardbody. It just means I'm gonna have to start branchin' out for something new and improved... although it really doesn't get any better than Patty Griffin. Don and I are determined to meet her some how some way and to become best friends with her. That will be the easy part. Getting her to write a song and sing it for our little Rosa Jane might be the challenge. We wouldn't want her to farm it out to the Dixie Chicks now would we?

Ah, dreams. I better git.

Wake Up Happy

RJ awoke in a good mood today after her PM nap so we got out the camera. Good thing Hank was around. Hank is always around these days. He's gotten more attention than he ever has in his whole life. I'd say he's pretty lucky and adjusting to his new role just fine. Click on the picture to see more from Rosa Jane's post nap -- cutie in pink.

No Baby Sounds Like My Baby

Well, that's what I thought until last week when we went to my doctor's office. There was a baby there that sounded *exactly* like my baby when she cries. It was very unnerving. Rosa Jane was sound asleep, yet I kept wanting to soothe her and couldn't concentrate on talking with the receptionist.

Don flew to Miami yesterday and returns tomorrow. The lucky dog gets to stay in South Beach and it sounds like he's in a pretty swanky hotel. We're getting along pretty well without him though we miss him terribly. RJ slept really well last night. I kept her up pretty late last night -- until 11 -- and then swaddled her all cozy. She awoke at 3ish and then 6ish and then 9. I was quite pleased that we actually slept in this morning. I hope we can keep it up.

Last night I weighed Rosa Jane. She tips the scales at 10 pounds.
It is amazing how much she has changed since day one.

We sing this made-up song to Rosa Jane which is called, "Honk If You Love Baby Rosa Jane" and we think she likes it. Today we let her play with her beautiful silver rattle from our jeweler friend in Beantown and I swear that girl's got rhythm. The cutie outfit came from our favorite merchants in Arlington, MA Wildchild. Simply precious. 

I'm in Love and It Sucks

I know you expect me to say I'm in love with my baby. Or perhaps even to profess my love for my darling husband. Yes, I do love them both dearly. But what's really got me going tonight is my spankin' brand new vacuum cleaner. Never in my life would I have thought I'd fall head over heels in love with a vacuum cleaner but I have and it's all I can think about. I like to think about Kurt Lightner's song about vacuum cleaners Suck.

But this is no ordinary vacuum cleaner.

First of all, it's PURPLE. I know there are purple people out there who love everything purple and they claim it makes them unique. I am not one of them. Back in Boston's Quincy Market lives a Purple Only Vendor and it would always make me laugh because it looked like Purple had vomited all over the wagon. Everything in sight was purple.

Second of all, my purple vacuum cleaner is the grandmaster of sucking. It cleans our floors so well, that I would now be perfectly happy to eat my dinner off of the carpet. No more pesky dog hair. YAY!!

Won't you come over and join us for a carpet picnic?

Time out for some worthy product endorsements

Yesterday was a pretty fun day for us. We received the Miracle Blanket in the mail. This was a product which was recommended by our good friend, Sally Gulde. We wrapped up little miss Rosa Jane last night about midnight and boy oh boy did she sleep well! She only woke us once at 4:20 for a 20 minute feeding and then she was quickly back down and out of it. What a relief!!! I was just about to lose it with her three hour spells of wakefulness in the dark hours. She was tired and would want to sleep, but she would be jolted back awake by her sudden arm movements. The swaddle keeps her warm and secure, just like she always wanted. Just like we always wanted!

From here on out, this is THE gift for all our expectant friends. Check'em out at www.miracleblanket.com

The other thing that made me really happy yesterday was this handheld vacuum called The Shark. Woo-doggies does it ever clean up doghair on the stairs. Clean stuff makes me feel good.

Rosa Jane at 7 weeks

Isn't she the most precious? She may not look like it here because she's so cutie, but RJ has a common cold which has spread to the rest of our household. It has put a tiring spell on all of us and only compounded our sadness about Purdy. It's really hard when you have such a unique dog like she was to even think of ever getting another. But at the same time, it's weird to be a one dog household. We know this would be a horrible time to be trying to housetrain a puppy. All the same, it is something we can't help but to talk about -- the addition of another dog -- but I really want to give Hank a chance to become twice the dog before adding another. He's been sweet, cuddly and lovable, although he's made no mention of the loss of his playmate.

Anyway, that's about all from the Roedner household.

REST IN PEACE Indian Princess Little Head aka PURDY

Feb. 22, 2003 - November 10, 2005.

Little puppy kisses. Vicious sounding growls, but very harmless. Today Purdy told us how her story ends. A joke I've always said about her to Hank and Don. I miss you, Purdy Girl.

Do All Dogs Go to Heaven??

It has been a very traumatic day. Replaying every little bit and interaction with my dog, Purdy. At about 10:05 this morning, Purdy had an accident in the yard while she and Hank were chasing the neighbors chocolate lab up and down the fence line. I saw the whole thing. I was trying to keep them both from being so barky. All of a sudden Purdy collapsed and started to howl. Rosa Jane was crying as I was trying to find our new vet's number. I needed to find out how to care for Purdy. How to pick her up to get her to the vet...but by the time I found the number and went back out to the yard to Purdy, she was no longer breathing. I called Don immediately and he said I should go to the vet. It was all too much... between crying baby and sad little dog and I just knew it was already too late. I was bawling.

We'd had Purdy for just 2 1/2 years. We have hundreds of happy Purdy moments in our hearts and maybe 20 some-odd crazy, nutty times when we wanted to throw her overboard. She will be missed. She's already missed. I loved our "Indian Princess Little Head." She was one of a kind. She would purr and play with insects like a cat. She was the sensitive dog in this house. The one that would cuddle up when she sensed you were upset and sad.

LOOKOUT for GERMS!

Yesterday afternoon Rosa Jane and I ventured out to the market to pick up a few things for the week's eating supplies. She was kinda fussy when we first got there so I had to find a private space to feed her. Lucky for us, it was beside the ice cream aisle so Mom could have a good long look at which one would be coming home with us. We decided on the raspberry sorbet AND some real fruit popsicles. Once we were finished, RJ dozed off and we headed for the bananas. An elder woman was there and couldn't help herself but to coo at Rosa Jane and touched RJ's face a lot. Now, I'm wearing Rosa Jane in my sling on my person... so no matter what, I'm trying to get over the issues of having my personal space invaded. Nevermind that she coos so long at Rosa Jane that she wakes up and becomes fussy britches again. Late last night and into the early morning, I'm feeding Rosa Jane and she sounds a little congested like she's having trouble breathing. No, it's not an all out cold, just a little something in there that makes her breathing passage not clear. To date we've never had to use the nasal squeegee thing-a-mabob they gave us at the hospital. So I'm thinking RJ would probably like that thing right about now. I can only wonder who gave this germ to her and how can I be a normal person without walking around with anti-bac squirting it everywhere and especially on those that approach us out of the clear blue sky. Boy, I'd hate to be one of THOSE psycho moms.

Six Weeks and Wearing Holiday Attire

Okay, so we're a little late in getting Miss Rosa Jane's First Halloween outfit on "film." We got our act together this morning and took these pictures of little RJ. You'll soon see she must take after her namesake, Heather Jane, for our little girl does not like holiday wear. See her pitch a fit in the new pictures on flickr.

She's officially six weeks old now and effectively has us wrapped around her littlest finger. When we hold her close, she grasps at us and every now and then she'll flash her amazing toothless smile and it just makes you giddy with joy. Like, "oh, boy! Did she really smile at me? I'm in love, I'm in love! Tell me, little one, what can I do to make your life all the more happy so that in return you'll keep flashing that smile at me?"

I'm sure it won't be long before we get that smile on "film" and posted here for all to see. Keep close tabs on us.

Nature's Good Timing

Just about the time that caring for a newborn really begins to wear you down, nature throws a curveball.

Newborns take and take, and give nothing back. Deep-seated instinct makes us want to protect and nuture these little bundles, but over the course of weeks and weeks that instinct gets blunted by sleep deprivation and the sacrifice of every free adult moment. Eventually you begin to hear the first, faint voice inside wondering whether it wouldn't be better to put this creature up for auction at eBay and get on with your real life.

And then she smiles.

It comes out of nowhere. She's responding to the same nonsensical words and sounds you've been making since the day she was born. The same words and sounds that garnered zero response. For weeks. And then she smiles.

It's fleeting. It comes and goes too quickly to photograph. But it's a smile. It's not a spasm, an infantile random event, or even the sweet strain of pooping. Nope, it's an honest-to-god smile.

And just like that, the voice inside is gone. Besides, you don't have time for voices anymore. You're too busy making an ass of yourself, trying to earn another one of those smiles...

Ah, the sound of music

Today I learned that it seems Rosa Jane sleeps better, longer when there is soft music playing in the background. Our good friends the Youngs sent us a Celtic Lullaby CD which arrived yesterday. We listened to it and out goes Rosa Jane, just like a light switch. Beautiful! We also have one of those Relaxation CDs that we bought from Brookstone right before labor. She seems to like that one, too. At any rate, you can bet there will be music playing from here on out. It's a great thing!

Tonight we're going out to dinner with Don's new boss, Larry. Larry used to work at Zilliant in the exact position for which Don was interviewing for just a few months ago. Funny how they both ended up at Vignette.

She's no longer a newborn?!?

I mean, sure I know the days are going by and that they all add up to 37, but I sure didn't expect the pediatrician's office to say she is no longer a newborn.

Sadness.

Where did the time go?

Soon she'll be riding a bike and learning to drive and then walking down the aisle and I don't mean as a candle lighter.

But if no longer being a newborn means she can put herself to sleep and enjoy her crib and no longer startle herself completely, why then, I guess I will just have to resign to her growing up.

I sure do love her and all her preciousness.

Happy Halloween!

Did you miss me?

We're back from our retreat to the land where there is no super highway de informaciones. While we were gone: Rosa Jane celebrated her one month bday in a Rosy outfit, Don spent his first nights away in the town of Big D at a user's conference, Honey and RJ bonded as only grandmother and granddaughter can, Robyn drove to town in her new used boxy volvo just as she wished and made delicious spinach lasagne (we need that recipe!) and the grandparents went to their 45th class reunion... click on the picture to see all this and more...

Oh, yeah, and for the record, the picture above was taken on Saturday, Rosa Jane's start of week number 5. I can't believe how quickly the time is flying by!

Not so bad for a life sentence

fire up, buttercup

Okay, so today wasn't as bad as I had initially feared. Turns out my friend, Kat, was right in her advice in the last comments section. RJ and I had a pretty good day being just girls and hanging out at the mall. We were on a mission from the grandparents to find a 50's style flat-top 'do for my dad's 40th high school reunion. Couldn't find one anywhere.

At one point today I found myself thinking... "whoa... this is a lifetime commitment to babysitting." but the very next thought was, this is easier that I thought it would be. Excuse me while I find some wood to knock upon.

We're heading to Richland for the week to spend some QT with Honey at her hive. Don will be in Dallas all week working at a user's conference. All that to say, we might be sparse on postings seeing how there's no internet in the doublewide.

Don had a great first day at work and the latest bit of excitement is that he's getting his very own office. I'll let him blog all about it when he gets the chance.

As for now, it's bedtime. Be good.

The 4th Anniversary

donr and I just spent the last two hours re-living one of the best days of our lives by watching our amazing wedding video (Video It Productions/Nashville). We laughed. We cried. Sally wore the fake hair. Robyn brought the fringe. And thanks to Chad and Jonathan, it was said that we wore our underwear on the outside. We were engulfed in love and by love that day, that whole weekend really. And that love continues to ripple today. We are hugely blessed.
A big thanks to everyone who makes up our community and celebrates in our joy.

Little Rosa Jane has been called a kranklepuss by my darling husband today. She is still a little fussy -- so tired yet she doesn't know how to get to sleep on her own.

Tomorrow is a big, big day. Don goes back to work. And it will be my first with RJ all alone. No one else there to share the load. I'm more than a little nervous. But it's just a day and who can't do anything who babysteps through it?

All you need is love.

Sweet dreams

After a long, long nap (which followed a long, long, long sleepless morning), little RJ had a BIG meal and, well, ended up intoxicated again.

Fortunately, she had nothing else to do today, so sleeping and eating and sleeping again ended up being the perfect way to spend the day...

Post Aluminium Foil Photo Shoot

I thought you might enjoy seeing a look behind the scenes, post FauxToe Shoot.

You Say It's Your Birthday?

Why, It's My Aluminium Foil Birth Day, Too, Yeah!

Yup, it's Day 24 and I was born on the 24th day of September so here I am livin' large on Aluminium Foil Shiny-ness. Enjoy!

Happy to Know You

For Those of You Who Could Never Get Enough Rosa Jane

Here are some more pictures. But please, if you think you might overdose on RJ and her mighty, mighty cuteness, then we are counting on you to provide your own rations. We are smitten with Rosa Jane and so here are some of her many adorable faces and expressions. Day 21.

Zdogg's coolness

IMG_6988
Originally uploaded by The Roedner Fam.

I just finished hanging one of my most prized pieces of art. Photo'd by the one and only Lindsay Maiorana. Priceless.

Happy Birthday, Brett!

Wednesdays are for Field Trips

Yes, two days ago, we ventured onto the UT campus for a photography field trip. Marty at NESOP would have been so proud and envious of us. There are 126 prints of Ansel Adams on display along with the Gutenberg Bible and the Niepce's first photograph, taken when ladies?? Yes, 1826. Who knew those treasures would be on display as soon as you walk in the door? All this time I had envisioned traipsing up to the 5th floor way back corner to see the jewels.

The exhibit was quite spectacular and we all really enjoyed it. Rosa Jane caught up on some zzzz's, but we've made sure to retell the highlights.

It was a great day and don tried to staple it onto the back of my previous birthday celebration. Nice try, but no go. I'm a stickler when it comes to birthdays. Anyone noticed that yet?

So that we're all on the same page . . . The Birthday Order of Specialness

This coming Monday, October 17th, is a big day for our girl, Rosa Jane. It marks her twenty-fourth day on the planet, which I needn't remind you is significant because she was born on the 24th day of September.

Now, we all know that when you turn the same AGE as the DAY you were born, we call that your GOLDEN birthday. That's a big one. I wonder where RJ will be on her 24th birthday

And when you turn the same age as the YEAR you were born, why that's your MAGIC birthday. Donr got to celebrate his in 2004 -- the lucky dog. RJ will come due when she's five. Lucky me, I'll wait until I'm 73. Yippee!

Now, when you turn the same DAY - old as the day you were born, we call that your ALUMINIUM FOIL birth day. Perhaps we've eaten too many burritos since we've arrived in Austin, but at any rate... we're planning to wrap our little RJ as a burrito in just 4 days from now.

We also believe that when you turn the same months old as the day you were born that that is your Silver birth day. RJ will get her day in the sun at 24 months.

Now, please, don't come up a-belly-achin' just cuz you missed all your most remarkable birthdays. We must seize the day and always, always, always make the most of what we have. If nature has dealt you lemons, git yerself a fruit squeezer and make yerself a nice tall glass of lemonade. I'll take some too. I'm thirsty.

ROAAAR says RJ

Yesterday RJ practiced her best SIC'EM BEARS! Practice makes perfect. I think we'll be ready by the time of Baylor's Homecoming Oct. 29th.

A Mum as Big as She Is

Click on the picture to see Bree and her Corsicana Fightin' Tigers Homecoming 2005 Mum. It truly was as big as she is. Let's hope the wind don't blow.

Some Guys Have All the Luck

Don got the coolest new local cell phone number from Cingular. If Sprint doesn't do me right, I just might have to drop them.

Stay tuned...

Back to Spontaneity

Saturday was a fun day. We woke up and decided to take a little trip up to Richland to visit the fam. Granddad was participating in his first Richland school reunion and the huntin' had been so good we wanted to partake of the good eats. Rosa Jane had a great time meeting her cousins for the first time. Brett was in awe of the baby and on his best behavior. I think the two year old is finally starting to come around to Zia's side of the street. And I like that.

Last night we took baby out to dinner to Trudy's where we met good pal, Allen Powell. Allen was recruiting some of the finest from UT's Law school. It was great to see him, but even better to have my first margarita in many, many months.

With only ten more days of being home all together, we've decided to make the most of every day. Having our priorities in mind, today is mall day, tomorrow is Ansel Adams exhibit day, the day after that might be Texas Imax movie day... the list goes on and on. So much to do and so little time. One thing we know for sure... not a minute will be spent ironing or on other such chores. This time is precious and we intend to make the very most of it.

Unbelievable

Don is constantly telling me what a great mother I am and how he can't believe how wonderful and patient I am with her, even when she is most upset (which is hardly ever).

I can't believe how all-caps WONDERFUL my dear husband has been at fathering little RJ. He takes her to and fro and gives me all the time I need to take care of myself and just heal after the ordeal of childbirth. RJ has definitely taken to her big, sweetheart daddy. Nobody really talks about all the healing the mother needs to do, but I know that I couldn't be a mother if I didn't have all his love and support the way I do. It's this unbelievably amazing circle of love thing. My cup runneth over.

And if all that weren't enough good news, little miss Rosa Jane is thriving and getting bigger! She's gained a 1/2 pound and while she measured 19 3/4 tall on her birth day, she's shrunk to 19 1/2. We're not surprised with the size of her precious little cone head. Little precious cat.

A friend suggested that I give the camera to Don and get in some of the pictures with RJ, but I was talking with the Pixie (my stepdaughter) who said she didn't really want to be in any pictures with RJ because she couldn't stand not being the "cuter one" in the photograph. I have to say I feel the same way. Pretty stiff competition. I'm only half-kidding.

Precious dearheart is squirming, so I better git. It's a beautiful 66 degree day today. Make it a great one!

Made it

Hey, guess what's new in the Roedner household?

We made it out of the house as a family yesterday afternoon! Precious little Rosa Jane was a little skeptical at first (wailing her brains out as we pulled out of the driveway), but quickly calmed herself with the sound of the road. She's such a terrific baby. We went to Costco and walked around for an hour as we waited for pictures to be printed.

We purchased our first box of 704 Huggies baby wipes. I feel like that might last us until she's 16, but that remains to be determined. We also couldn't resist Cinderella on DVD. No, little Rosa Jane will not be spoiled by us. Only the necessities, please.

I was so glad to get out of the house I can't even begin to tell you! Everything looked beautiful and rosy as we passed our favorite BBQ spot, catfish joint and the countless rolling hills.

When we got back, RJ and I totally crashed. We slept right through our newcomer to the neighborhood orientation meeting. Guess we'll have to wait for the December meeting now.

In other news, it's downright chilly here! We got our first cold front and the temps dropped 39 degrees. It's 53 and we've gotta bundled up our little hunk o' love as we head out to the pediatrician's office for her 14 day check-up. My how time flies!

I would tell you how well RJ sleeps through the night and how she's already on a pretty predictable schedule, but I fear the pattern will be jinxed, so I cannot breathe a word of it. Let's just say we have an angel among us. And I love her.

So What Does the Boy Monkey Think About All This?

Ok, little RJ is ten days old. How did she manage so quickly to twist me completely around her tiny finger?

I love this little girl. It's an unconditional, brain stem kind of love. It's unaffected by 3:00 a.m. wakeups, poop-filled diapers, and her inability to make a decent fist. And it isn't mitigated by a new parent's nervousness or uncertainty, unlike early days with my precious Sara. This is just fun and glorious and frickin' amazing. Who knew that being sleep deprived could be so exhilirating?

I realized today that I'm a slave to a ten-day-old whose whole reason for being is to get drunk on breast milk. No, worse than a slave, I'm actually a facilitator. Regardless of what I'm doing, when she starts turning her head to the side and opening her mouth and making sucking sounds and, lord help me, crying, I drop everything to carry her to the milk. I do it without hesitation and, yes, I like it.

We have two very smart dogs who are extremely concerned that they've lost their once-exalted status. Purdy, the girl dog, is sublimating her anxiety by becoming very maternal. When RJ cries, Purdy scrambles to find me and let me know ("What's that Lassie? Timmy has fallen down the well? Good girl!!"). On the other hand, with no real role in this new world Hank has become incredibly needy. He's a shadow of his former self. It's as if he knows that we no longer have the time or energy to keep up our old game, where we all pretended he was the big dog, and we were all just pups up on the porch. Lo, how the mighty are fallen.

Check out KB's picture of RJ and Hank practicing their synchronized yawning routine. That's why my brilliant and creative wife gets paid the big photograper bucks.

I'm scheduled to start work at Vignette on the 21st. I can't begin to imagine how, in a little over two weeks, I'm going to get in a car and drive away from this domestic paradise...

Miss Rosa Jane and her big ol' love me eyes

Sleeping Beauty

Click on the picture to see Rosa Jane on day 10.5. We thought it was time she start learning the rules -- Girls Rule. Just see her shirt for evidence.

Momma Said . . .

. . . that although Hank is cute and makes for some funny stories, she only wants to see pictures of her precious granddaughter here. So, as soon as the little dear wakes, we'll take some and post some for all's enjoyment.

Make it a great day!

Anything for a Friend

fire up, buttercup
My friend Robyn writes the following. If any of you can help, please do ...

I need a car.
Can I have your car?
Will you steal your neighbor's car for me?
Grandmother's sedan?
Santa's little helper?

Please help me alleviate the pain of the following cold call conversation:

Nice Lady: "Hi, my name is Robyn and I'm interested in your car for sale."
Suburban Prat*: "Huh."
Nice Lady: "The honda lowrider with mag wheels, is it still for sale?"
Suburban Prat: "Who?"
NL: "How many miles does it have?"
SP: "Maybe."
NL: "Okay...Do you have the title?"
SP: "Hunnie, if you wanna titled used car, you shoulda called somebody who cares....

Alas, any hints about where a reliable used car might be for sale that doesn't smell like Katrina, Rita, or excrement, would be greatly appreciated.

Today's Requirements: decent gas mileage and AC....but I do really like old, boxy volvos. Character is a plus, but it needs to be able to make it to Austin and Ft. Worth quite a bit on behalf of friends, family, and ritas, so i'll sacrifice character for uh, you know, decent tires. $3000 to $3500 sounds reasonable, $5000 is the limit...sunroof and orange flames, notwithstanding.

Thanks!
rh

*"Prat" is the British colloquial term for your local "Prick." (Use only for special folks)

Happy Birthday to

fire up, buttercup

My super star niece who is a teenager, BREE! and to special friend Holly! Hope your days are great!

Hankster the Prankster 

hankster's latest prank

On Saturday, the Feldott family came to visit us with their 8 month old son, Maddox. We had a great visit with them. While they were here, our dogs were sent to the backyard so as to avoid being a nuisance. All his life, Hank has desperately wanted to catch a squirrel by his toe. Saturday afternoon was as close as he's ever come. He climbed a tree! The squirrel got away, but oh what a story to tell! I'm hoping he'll do it again when we have the camera ready. A dog in a tree. It's something you all should see.

Rosa Jane is getting cuter every single day. It's such a blessing to be with her.

I'm getting a little stir-crazy in this ol' house... but unfortunately my body says, "Rest. Rest, little girl. There'll be plenty of time for shoppin' and showin' Rosa Jane the sights and sounds of Texas."

Poppa Tree and His Little Shrub Rosa Jane

And on her sixth day of life outside the womb, Rosa Jane donned her first tree outfit. She took to the colors like white on rice and we know there are many days in her future when camo will be called upon time and time again. Good thing it looks so good on her. All hunters know "safety first!" so that's why she wears a highly visible orange bow in her hair. Be sure to see all the photos in this set. There are lots of gems. Just click on the picture to the left ===> over there.

Testing

This is a blog test from Miss Sally. I'm signed in under KBR's name for the one and only time setting up her flickr/blogger account. This is a test. This is only a test. This is a blog test from Miss Sally. I'm signed in under KBR's name for the one and only time setting up her flickr/blogger account. This is a test. This is only a test. This is a blog test from Miss Sally. I'm signed in under KBR's name for the one and only time setting up her flickr/blogger account. This is a test. This is only a test.

Finally, a morning that says "Fall."

There are thunderstorms in the area this morning and temps are in the 60s. We enjoyed the morning out on the patio then I gave Rosa Jane her first sink bath. For her privacy's sake, we'll keep those photos to ourselves. I think the dogs were glad to see that they aren't the only ones we torture with baths.

Happy Birthday, dear friend Ellis. What a great day to celebrate a fabulous girl friend!

Who Do You Think Rosa Jane Looks Like? 

RJ's place of sweetest dreams 

This one is blurry, but it's Hank's first look at RJ in her new bedding and crib 

Another one by Honey