There is a new person in our world

Congratulations to Jennifer and Toby on the birth of their new baby boy, Ryan Timothy. Welcome to this crazy world! You have a great big sister, Anna and perfect big brother, Evan. I also know of two instant friends (J & E) who can't wait to meet you!Also, Happy Birthday to Toby! What a perfect present.

Of the fun we will have!

Babies, babies everywhere!
Just none here. Hehehe...

Congratulations to Natalie and Dorian

on the birth of their new baby girl.
Brooke Alaina Powell was born Saturday, June 13 at 10:01 pm.
7 lbs, 7 oz and 21" long.
This makes me a Great Aunt, my oldest brother a Grandfather and my Mom a Great, grandmother.
Another generation of Brooks'. Life is great!

One of the best little gifts a mother could ask for...

Jack was invited to a birthday party at 10:30 this morning (Sunday).
Paul took Ellis to NCAR for the morning.
Jack and I went to the party and what did I hear upon entering,
"You are welcome to stay if you want to, or you can come back in a couple hours."
I was bathed, dressed and planning on spending 2 hours at a 5 year old's birthday party with my son, but I was just handed a 'get out of jail free card'.
I promptly asked Jack if he was ok if I left, to which he replied, 'Yes'.
I RAN out of the party and headed out for 2 hours by myself.
No husband. No kids. No grocery store list.
Two hours of unexpected 'Erica time'.
I wasted my time at the liquor store, Target and the mall, but it was the best 2 hours I have had in a long time!
No guilt.

Now I'm not one to brag, but...

I have two things to brag about:
1. Jack has been a real trooper with his little injuries. He has learned to clean his wounds (1st with peroxide, water and a syringe and now with soap and water) and care for his hand. He has managed to still be a 4 year old little boy who runs, jumps, swings and rides his scooter, all with stitches, scabs and a smile on his face. He rarely complains about his hand or head hurting, and when he does, you know he means it. He has exercised his hand as much as possible and is even dressing himself, as best as he can.

2. All that said, today Paul came home from NJ/NY (hung over is my guess, but he claims his stomach hurts... it's 6:40 and he is already in bed) the four of us went to see UP (cute movie and worth the $30 price of admission). After dinner Jack made dinner for himself and Ellis. I had left over chicken in the refrigerator that I cut up for him, but he put on the plates and warmed up in the microwave. He gave Ellis her coveted Ranch dressing and squeezed himself some honey. He then decided that they should have strawberries (from Dawn and Bill's garden), and dished them each a nice helping. He added yogurt drinks to round out his meal. He set the table and called his sister to dinner


They really DO grow up fast. Tonight I am a proud Mama, not the most happy wife, but proud of my little boy. I'll take it!

WARNING: Not to be read by children

I have learned to deal with living in Colorado. I gave up being close to my dear friends in Boston, although most of them have left the city. I have learned to give up Lobster Rolls on Newbury Street, fresh fish and seafood (Colorado's idea of fresh is frozen), shopping and meals out in the South End and Backbay, getting my nail done by Tiki and living in my newly renovated home, wish was just shy of perfect. I have accepted that there is NO beach in Colorado, but I do have a nice view of the mountains. I can tolerate the crazy ideals of the people of Boulder and I can almost admit that Denver is a 'city', not by my standards, but some think it is a city and I will give them that. But I can NOT learn to live with this shity, fucking weather. Rain. Cloudy. Cold. Good for the garden, but really sucks for me! I need sunshine and heat!
There, I got that off my chest....


the blog will return to it's "G" status as soon as the weather returns to normal.

Paul is leaving town, another emergency...

...room visit. On Friday night I wasn't feeling well, so I went to bed early after getting sick. Saturday, still not feeling well so I let Paul have a day with his kids in the backyard and the neighbor's dogs. I was laying in bed about 10:30 am when I heard an awful sound. I jumped up and ran to the window, Paul was running to the back door, carrying jack whose face was full of blood. I ran down the stairs, grabbed Jack from Paul and took him to the bathroom. We washed off the blood, got the bleeding to stop and surveyed the damage. Jack had been bitten by our neighbors dog. In the head above his right eye and on his left hand. It looked awful so we threw him into the car and headed to the ER. He got 2 stitches in his head and two in his hand. I wanted them to call the plastic surgeon to do the stitches in his head - didn't want to mess up his perfect face, but the Doc assured me he would still be beautiful when he healed, so a agreed. Jack was a trooper. He got the stitches in his head with minimal screaming, the ones in his hand were another story. Because of the tearing, it took a little longer and a couple extra shots of lidacane. I cried as hard as he did. I'm sure the Doc thought I was a freak, but that is MY baby. We spent the rest of Saturday recuperating and trying to manage the pain. Sunday was a day of movies and quiet time at home. This morning, Paul is on a flight to Jersey. Jack is being a trooper about his head and hand. Ellis is being the perfect little sister, helping him get what he needs and keeping him company in the potty. Deep breath...

Congratulations to Michelle, Mark and Abby

on the arrival of their newest family member, Zachary Herbert Richardson. Born May 30, 2009, weighing 7 pounds 14 ounces and 19 inches long.

We couldn't be more thrilled for you guys.
Congratulation.
We love you all.