Americana Realized

Accidental Anniversary Video

2008-10-09T21:04:00.003-04:00

Mike was holding the digital camera as I tried to coach him; neither of us realized at the time that the camera was recording. I thought this video turned out so much cuter than the photo itself. That's champagne in the glass. ;)

Bryson and Emily

2008-10-07T09:11:00.003-04:00

Here are a few recent pictures of the kids.

Emily and Daisy

Bryson playing Peek-a-Boo

Bryson the sidewalk artist

Crazy bed-head

Happy brother and sis

Missing Grandma Bland

2008-10-07T08:35:00.005-04:00

These pictures were taken early this year. We miss you, Grandma.

Jae's new haircut & hair color

2008-10-07T08:27:00.004-04:00

So my hair is a lot shorter and much blonder. I took this photo myself with that big camera, so it was a challenge.

Emily and Bryson

2007-11-04T07:09:00.000-05:00

Bryson's laughing now.

2007-09-14T21:55:00.000-04:00

Emily's kindergarten orientation

2007-09-14T20:51:00.000-04:00

I had the wherewithal to bring my camera to Emily's school orientation (at Mike's insistence) so I caught these moments of Emily and her classmates being read to by Ms. Banks for the first time.

New shirt

2007-09-14T20:39:00.001-04:00

Aunt Angela and Megan visited and gave Emily this shirt. The message is so apropos: "Being This Cute is Exhausting." She was heading out for some hardcore backyard playtime when I snapped this shot.

School Supplies

2007-09-14T20:36:00.001-04:00

We went to Target together and got almost all of her supplies, and I let her pick out whatever towel, backpack and lunchbox she wanted. When we got home, I took some pics of her with all of her supplies.

Emily's kindergarten haircut

2007-09-14T20:33:00.000-04:00

I took her to Panache before school started, so she could get an official first haircut at a salon. I paid about 30 bucks for her to look pretty much the same as she did before, but her hair does have a fresher look, and the experience was fun.

When we baked the cake for Nanny's going-away party

2007-08-23T21:45:00.001-04:00

Emily was a big help. Afterward, I asked if she'd like to lick the bowl that the cake mix was in. She was reluctant and said no at first, but I could tell she was still looking at the bowl and thinking it over. Finally she said she'd like to try it. As you can see...she liked it.

Crazy cake face!

More recent photos

2007-08-06T22:34:00.000-04:00

Things are happening so quickly these days! Emily is about to start kindergarten, Bryson is growing like crazy...I can't keep up with all of the photo opportunities. But I'm trying. Here are some highlights:

A recent visit from Angela, Megan and Tim (Tim was outside at the time and I forgot to get a picture w/ him...dangit.)

Emily getting Bryson to smile

Mike napping with his little boy

Bryson woke up smiley one morning and Mike caught the moment on film

Some family time with Bryson

2007-06-29T17:34:00.001-04:00

Grandma and Grandad visit

Emily's new favorite activity

2007-06-29T17:29:00.001-04:00

I think it speaks for itself. She's gotten braver since these were taken and now likes to swing from a higher rung, on her feet rather than her knees. Her friend, Austin, comes over to take part, too. They're a cute pair.

Bryson's first "bath"

2007-06-29T17:25:00.001-04:00

It basically consisted of him being washed down with a cloth. He wasn't in love with the experience, but he did glean some amusement from the lion towel, which he couldn't stop staring at.

Bryson in his bouncer

2007-06-29T17:21:00.001-04:00

Mike is a very proud Dad

2007-06-29T17:16:00.001-04:00

2007-06-29T17:07:00.000-04:00

These were taken the first day we had him home from the hospital.

Bryson is here!

2007-06-15T20:30:00.000-04:00

Unlike with Emily's birth, everything went according to plan. I delivered on June 11th at 12:20, noon. Bryson was born 7 lbs, 6 oz. and 19 inches long. He has dark gray eyes (for now) and his hair is dark, but light on the ends...and he has a full head of hair. He is perfectly healthy and very happy and alert. Thanks everyone for your prayers, gifts and overall kindness! It has meant so much to us.

Lots of people came to the hospital to witness his arrival:

2007-06-15T19:26:00.000-04:00

Emily meets Bryson

2007-06-15T14:39:00.001-04:00

She couldn't have been prouder or happier. She had been counting down the days til' Bryson's birth on a tiny fridge calendar. When she finally got to see her little brother, she was thrilled. She's told us since then, "I love him more than I love myself!"