Thursday, November 12, 2009

Firsts

Wow, what a month! Time sure does fly by when you're having fun. Abby is almost six weeks old now and our first month with her was filled with many different experiences and emotions. We went from sleeping well, to not at all, and now she sleeps in her swing because its the only thing that makes us all happy. Jim and I have learned to enjoy late night TV programing and the feel of a couch. We have run the gamut of emotions from nervous and confused to content and elated. These days, as Abby gets older she tends to change on a daily basis. Her face changes, her schedule changes and her habits change. Abby had a very hard time gaining her birth weight back - in fact the last visit to the doctor, at one month, was the first time she actually reached her birth weight. In fact, she exceeded it - she weighed 7lbs. and 14oz. and measured at 21" long. Below you will see a progression of some of our first experiences.
This was the first time Abby sat in her swing. The seat is removable and this is what she spends most of her time in. She joins us at dinner in her seat, sleeps in her seat, and generally enjoys most of her day in this seat. It rocks and vibrates so she has plenty of stimulation to keep her busy.
Abby really enjoyed her first ride in the stroller. We had a very nice afternoon just a few days after coming home from the hospital. I needed a little fresh air, so we trekked around the driveway. If I could put her in this and walk her around at night, we might solve the sleeping woes. She got a little sun on her face, but slept almost the entire stroll around the driveway.
This was Abby's first bath. Sponge bathing is definitely tricky for mom as well as for baby. She did very well, but we have decided that she does not like water. We did the sponge bathing for about three weeks, until her umbilical cord fell off. At that point we progressed to the infant bath tub. She still doesn't like being wet but each bath gets better. Of course, sleeping is a major part of our day. This was our first nap with Grammy. They were both so comfortable and cute together. Abigail loves to sleep on her tummy, which is of course against modern day parenting rules. When all else fails, sleep occurs like this on somebody's warm body. Hey, whatever works is my philosophy at this point! We had a stretch of about five days that were very cold and Abby got to dress appropriately for winter. Kristina Putnam (Kiki) provided us with this cute little winter suit. And, with perfect timing it arrived just the day before our doctors appointment in this cold, cold weather. As you can see, its still a little large, but we are growing into it nicely now. All we need is the winter weather back and it will be perfect! This is Abby's first time at home with her Daddy. She couldn't wait for him to come and cuddle. I have a feeling I will be taking a lot of these shots in the future. They are two peas in a pod, and spend lots of time together. Jim is a great Dad - he loves to change her diaper and cuddle and play. He is very supportive and caring. Kind of hard to tell here, but this was our first time sucking our thumb. We have been trying to stay away from binkis and thumb sucking, but sometimes it's inevitable. One night, she just decided to put her thumb in her mouth and enjoy. It hasn't really happened since, but I have a feeling there is more of this on the way. You can't enjoy the month of October without a Halloween celebration and of course, this was Abigail's first. Her costume was a black cat, complete with ears and tail. Like the rest of her wardrobe this was again, a bit too big. Too bad it won't be appropriate next year. We had a great celebration with Aunt Rita and cousin Jeri, and the McClennen family (all cousins). Lisa, my sister, joined us as well. To top it off we watched the Phillies play game three of the world series. Too bad that didn't turn out better, maybe next year. We had dinner in a Pumpkin, a fall stew. It was very seasonal and something different for on the table! We enjoyed some other firsts as well, we had our first diaper explosion (yes this happens to girls too), our first tears, our first smile (too short for the camera), and our first laugh (while sleeping, which I understand is very normal). Other than that, we have all been getting used to having a baby. It's been almost thirty years since my parents had a baby in the house and it seems like a totally new experience to them at times. They love being able to see Abby every day and it is great for Jim and I to have some extra hands to help. We have hired a photographer to do a baby photo package for us. This will include five sessions throughout Abigail's first year. Her name is Angela Pursell and is located in the Doylestown area. I have added a link to her website at the bottom of our blog. She also writes a blog with some outstanding photos. Golf continues as well. Jim has just left for Florida to play in the second stage of PGA Tour Q-School. For those who don't know, this is about the only way to qualify for either the Nationwide or PGA Tour. Jim will have very good status on the Nationwide Tour due to his finish at 65th on the money list (honey, I am very proud of you!), but there is always room to improve your position or to make it to the big show! I have added a link to the Q-School home page. Here you will find articles about the tournaments and you can select the second stage locations on the left-hand side of the home page to follow the scores. Jim is playing at the hombre course in Panama City Beach, FL. There are other sites with other familiar names, so enjoy. The tournament is a four day, no cut, tournament where they usually take the top 20 players with ties to move on to the final stage in December. There is no live scoring, but scores will be posted as players finish. Enjoy following along. Back to baby duty for now!!!!!

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Welcome Abigail Elizabeth Herman

Jim and I were blessed with good timing, a speedy labor, and a precious baby girl on Monday October 5, 2009. Abigail greeted the world at 10:06pm weighing in at 6 lbs. 12 oz. and measuring 19" long. Jim was on his way out of town early Monday morning when I went into labor. He decided to stay and his decision definitely paid off. We spent most of the day at home, just relaxing and hoping that things would progress quickly. They did...and we were in the hospital in full labor by 6pm. Abby is absolutely gorgeous and perfectly healthy. We are trying to catch our breath and return to normal life. Visitors are welcome as long as you're not sick!!!!! Check out the Fun Things to Look At section of the blog for the photo shoot in the hospital. The password is 1005abigailherman. More to come...
Four Minutes old and I already love my daddy THIS MUCH!
One happy family
A basket of goodness
Pop-pop with grand-daughter #3
Me and Grammy!

Monday, September 14, 2009

Better Late Than Never - Springfield

What a great time Jim and I had in Springfield, MO this year. We stayed with a wonderful family for the second year, the Nurnbergs. Our surrogate family for the week, the Helfrechts, were wonderful as always too! The Nurnbergs and Helfrechts always make us feel so welcome, along with all of our friends. We had a nice gathering Friday of the tournament and then again on Sunday. Everyone enjoyed the pool, some cards, and the company. Joe, caddy Darrell, Wheatie, and the Putnams joined us for the festivities. Wednesday, before the tournament started, the Nationwide Tour Wives Association spent three hours of our time to work on the Habitat for Humanity project for the week. The build was done 75% by women, go girls!!!! We had a great time painting and putting up siding insulation. We'll miss everyone in Springfield and hope to see them all next year!
The Sunday night gang: Helfrechts, Nurnbergs, Hermans and Putnams The Friday night "boys club"
Some NTWA members, flexing their muscles
The whole NTWA crew in front of the house

Saturday, August 22, 2009

The Kansas Prarie

Wichita, Kansas is usually hot and windy. It didn't disappoint this year as temperatures were near 100 and winds were upwards of 30mph at times. We were very fortunate in having a great new family, the Slaters, to stay with. They live right on the golf course which made getting around very convenient for me! We had a great week enjoying the delights of Wichita. There was this wonderful burger joint, Freddy's, with shoestring fries and frozen custard treats! We had some take out BBQ ribs which were fabulous and, the best of all, homemade ribs, courtesy of Rick's gourmet kitchen and smoker!!! Jim made lots of new friends, including neighbor Julie's dog Sarah, an English Springer Spaniel (see picture of the week). Jim and I enjoyed the food, the pool, and the company. The golf was pretty good too...making it a very successful week :)
Joe, Rick Slater, and Jim getting the smoker fired up!
Rick and Debbie enjoying their porch
Rick's famous ribs...I must say they were about the best I've ever had
The four of us (oops...five), enjoying the night air

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Oh Mama in Omaha!

Omaha, although it is in the middle of the country, is one of our favorite spots on tour! They have the best tournament activities, the best sushi, the best zoo, is home of the college world series, and a great family to stay with!!!! This year in Omaha was a busy one. The weather was hot and sunny, we just loved it. The week began with a quadruple baby shower on Tuesday. Kristina Putnam, Mindy Dickerson, and Jennifer Anderson were kind enough to throw a shower for four of us fall mommies-to-be. We had a great time! The girls put together some really fun games, great food, incredibly generous gifts, and so many good friends. It was really nice to get to know some of the wives/moms that don't usually travel.
The whole shower gang
The four mommies-to-be, Jenn Willis, Alexa Tambellini, Emily Summerhays, and me
Wednesday brought more excitement. Jim played in the pro-am while I went on a day of luxury with the ladies. Ladies day in Omaha is by far, the most fun all year! The tournament organizers put together a super day. It started with a stretch limo as transportation and gifts by Estee Lauder and some lotions. We traveled a few minutes to a nice shopping area to get a mani and pedi (aaaahhhhh). After our pampering, we had a little over an hour to shop and then it was off to lunch. Lunch was served at an art gallery called The Gallery and Loft in Valley, NE. Catered by Delicious cafe (owned and run by a US Today top 10 pastry chefs in America) , we all sat and had a marvelous lunch in this beautiful art gallery. Later we got some history of the town and its revitalization, and a tour of the gallery and the cafe. From there it was off to another shopping area that was absolutely fabulous. The day ended back at the golf club with a wine and cheese party. I enjoyed the cheese while some of the others enjoyed the wine. What a day!
The ladies day group after their mani and pedi
Kristin Gardiner, Emily Summerhays, and Mindy Dickerson enjoying lunch
Kristina and I decided to match - again!
The golf in Omaha was very good, but we missed the cut and looked for other activities to enjoy. Jim spent his time with our host Nick Kelley and Joe playing golf. I spent my time with Sara Kelley, their daughters Beth and Katie, and soon-to-be grand-daughter Sadie! On Saturday, Sara, Beth (and Sadie), and I went downtown to the old market. This is an area of restored warehouses that now serve as galleries, shops, and restaurants. We walked around for a while and enjoyed the sites, one of my favorite being an old passage way through the town. We had lunch at M's Pub where I was introduced to Lavosh, a wonderful flatbread appitizer. During lunch Beth decided she was in labor!!!!!! Wow, we didn't panic but went and had rootbeer floats instead. Instead of making our way home, we made our way to the hospital. This was a great experience for me, now I have some idea of what will happen in a few months.
The old passage with shops and restaurants
Beth and Sara waiting in the hospital lobby and having some fun!
Beth and Mike ready to go on a big journey!
Saturday night was long. We enjoyed a great dinner with Nick and Sara and attended the fireworks, bands and beer fest at the tournament. While enjoying the evening and partying away, Beth decided it was time for Sadie Day! Sara and Nick wanted to go straight to the hospital, so we did! Jim and I got lucky and went home for a good night's rest. Sunday came early with news of Sadie's birth. Later that day while the boys played more golf, Sara and Katie and I went to see Sadie. Everyone seemed content and happy...Beth to have a baby-free belly and a beautiful daughter, Mike to finally be a daddy, and Sadie to be wrapped up and warm! What a wonderful way to end our time in Omaha!!! Congratulations to the Kelleys and the new happy family!
Aunt Katie with Sadie
One proud grandmom, Sadie, and Beth
The new family, Mike, Beth and Sadie

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Canada, Eh?

We had a wonderful time in Canada. We decided to rent a house to accommodate ten. Everything went well and we all had a fabulous time. The Carsellos, the Hermans, the Putnams, Steve Wheatcroft (Wheatie), and Joe Griffin made up our large but fabulous crew. The week started cool and rainy but we were fortunate to find a half a day of sunshine! Mom, Kristina and I went to the Blue Mountain scenic caves and suspension bridge. We had a great time walking through the wooded nature trails, over the large suspension bridge, and through the rugged caverns.
Mom and Kristina on the beautiful wooded trails
Mom and I enjoying the sunny walk
The suspension bridge
A scene from the middle of the bridge, how beautiful
Mom posing under a rocky overpass
The girls continuing the climb...up,up,up
The next day while the men were on the golf course, the ladies walked around the beautiful town of Collingwood. We enjoyed the shops and all the other people walking around. Lunch was at a small cafe, good, but expensive. We stopped for some ice cream toward the end and then went home to relax. Later that evening the whole gang went into the Blue Mountain resort for dinner. We had a great time at the Firehouse Pizza and then went for a photo op. On the way Michael Putnam decided to teach us all how to catch frogs. The boys were very interested. We finally made it to our photo spot, an over-sized Adirondack chair.
Mom in front of the Collingwood town hall
Michael, teaching the boys how to catch frogs
Jim and I in the giant Adirondack chair
Jim poses with the Blue Mountain resort in the background
The golf course was just as beautiful this year as it had been the year before. The Georgian Bay could be seen off in the distance, along with beautiful flowers and a gorgeous golf course. We enjoyed sitting in the sun on the patio at the Georgian Bay Club, enjoying all the sights.
The Georgian Bay in the distance
Friday night brought more festivities. There was a large party being hosted by Wayne Gretzky and attended by some of the celebrites that played in the tournament. The group got all gussied up and headed for the party spot for some good food, good drink, and time to rub elbows with the celebs. At the party, Charles Barkley was a hit. He was friendly with all and even took some golfing advice from Dad. He swore he would use it the next day! Way to go Dad.
Joel, Michael & Kristina Putnam with Mom and Dad
Wheatie, Jim and Joe

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Fun On The Fourth

The Carsellos and Hermans enjoyed a few days on the Chesapeake Bay for the Fourth of July. Our very good friends the Brickers, invited us for a weekend full of good food, good friends, and good fun. We began our days with cool temperatures and windy conditions, not so good for boating. Flags were flying and so were the paper napkins! The sun shone however and other diversions were easy to find. Walks on the beach, searches for beach glass, napping, bocci, and badmitton were all tops on the list.
A windy bay scene
Waves crashing on the beach
Dad, napping in the sun
All the young guys enjoying badmitton
On the Fourth, we had a mid-afternoon treat of Maryland Blue Crabs. The crabs were cooked and chilled and loaded with tons of wonderful Old Bay seasoning. Preparation and clean up from the event took almost as much time as eating the crabs themselves. Wooden mallets and sharp knives were the main tools, along with ones fingers! What a mess, and how time consuming, but oh so scrumptious. I must say they do go better with a nice cold beer...I unfortunately missed out this year!
Kim is getting her mallet ready!
The whole crew, cracking away
As nighfall came, so did our cookout. We had a wonderful cookout with all our friends. The evening was beautiful, but still breezy. Fireworks were going to be interesting! Before the booming light display came God's display. The sunset was just beautiful and the progression bringing a new sight each moment. What a wonderful way to enjoy our Independence Day!
The late afternoon sun, shinning through the trees
Pinks and oranges lit the sky as evening fell
The blue and purple of the sky and water was breathtaking