Homecoming, Part I

Today was Claire's coming home day. However, things didn't go as smoothly as we had hoped. Due to some unexpected events, we spent more time at the hospital than we wanted waiting for Claire and Mommy to be discharged and released. In true Aunt Fabby fashion, I managed to snap a few shots while we waited out the long day.





Jake came to be with Mommy and Daddy while we waited to bring his new Sissy home. His whole routine has been disrupted this week, and like the rest of us, he's very tired. I don't think anyone has been able to "get our naps out" yet, so he's been acting out a little due to fatigue...and maybe a little out of hurt feelings. He's not used to having to share all the attention.












He's a tired boy, but he snuggled right up to his Mommy!









I've mentioned Claire's dark spiky hair to several people. Here is a profile picture of her that shows off the mess of hair she has...dark like her Mommy.

























Since she was ready to go home, Andi decided she wanted to sit in another chair...not the bed. But, because the room was on the smaller side, there's not so much sitting room. Jason took the opportunity to climb up on the bed and stretch out his legs. What a great place for two sleeping children! We decided a family shot was in order. (Notice the pink shirts. Guess the Browns are "tickled pink" too!







It didn't take long for the waiting to get to us. Understandably, Jason dealt with it the best he could without a PSIII.



Apparently his attempt at sawing logs to build that cabin in the Smokies was a bit disturbing to Claire. She gave her best "mean mug."





Also, Jake reminded us of his homecoming day picture with the hand on the knee.











Claire already loves to play dress up. Or at least she doesn't cry when Aunt Fabby and Mommy play dress up with her. Andi calls this picture Claire's "Little House on the Praire Close Up."





I just think she's beautiful...like her Mommy!











But she does kind of favor her Aunt Fabby too!










This is a beautiful shot of her Coming Home outfit. Jason said that every little girl needs to come home from the hospital in a white dress to show her purity. I have to admit that while the theory is a little silly to me, the dress is perfect.








































While I was posting, I realized I had too many pictures for one post. And since I feel the need to comment on EVERY SINGLE PICTURE, I know I need to separate my posts. So more pictures from Claire's Homecoming...tomorrow.

Tickled Pink

There are a lot of things you learn from doing things once. After the first time through, you have a better idea about what tools make things easier, what NOT to do, and where to go when you need more help.

Thanks to Jake, Nanny Nette and Paw Paw now have this grandparenting thing down pat. They have even learned to color coordinate their clothing to celebrate special events.

The birth of Claire Elizabeth is definitely one of those very special events worth celebrating!
One of the things about having a great camera is that I get to take fantastic pictures of everything that happens in my life. Unfortunately, what that means for me as the photographer, is that I don't end up in many of the photos. I did manage to pass along the camera to Andi (very nice of me, huh), so that I could get into a couple of them. Here is one of my favorites. You can tell that the Harpers are "tickled pink" to have a new baby to love.

Claire Elizabeth Brown was named partially for our friend Elizabeth Lambert who died several months after Andrea and Jason got married. I know that if there is any part of Bissie in Claire...it's probably her already excellent napping ability.

Claire wanted me to tell you all that she cannot wait to meet you. She already likes to play dress up. Notice her boxing gloves. This little girl will knock you out!

I'm in Love with a Girl

My daddy has been saying since Andi and Jason found out they were expecting a little girl that Jason has no idea how a little girl can wrap her Daddy around those tiny little fingers. By the look on his face when he looks at Baby Claire, Jason is already wrapped pretty tight.

There is no doubt that Andi and Jason are naturals in the Parenting Department. Just look at Jake and his genius. But I'm sure that they have no idea what they will getting into with a little girl. Two geniuses in the family!

Paw Paw can hardly contain himself with two babies in the family. However, with a little girl, he is now in a little more familiar territory.


















Nanny Nette is excited because she has another sweet little one to shop for and another shopping buddy.

Jake will definitely have some adjustments to make, but it looks like he's ready to step into the big boy role...he's practicing with his Daddy's shoes.

Baby's Birth Day

In the wee hours of June 7th, just before the full moon, Claire Elizabeth Brown made her way into the world. She didn't take long to arrive once the show was on the road. In fact, Claire almost didn't wait for Dr. Martin to be ready.

Claire weighed in at 7 lbs, 15 oz, and is 20 inches long. She has beautiful dark, spiky hair and looks very much like her beautiful mommy. Jason and Andrea are thrilled for the adventure that will be coming along having a daughter.

Jake came to visit his new Sissy during the afternoon of her first day. Although he wasn't sure what to expect, he seemed to accept Claire as another part of the family. I think he's just ready to have everyone back at home.

Claire already has a personality, as you can see. I also think she may be a bit tired of the paparazzi and their flashbulbs in her face. Jake may have to teach his new little Sissy about the love for the camera...because this is a face, like Jake's, that will definitely be in pictures!

Memorial Day

Memorial Day means different things to different folks. For some, it is an opportunity to remember those who have fought for the freedoms most of us take for granted. For others, it means celebrating those who are currently serving in the Armed Forces. Others use the day as a holiday from work...to work in the yard, on the pool, have cookouts, or go to the lake.

This memorial day meant a little of all of that to my family. My Pop Charlie is a Veteran of World War II, although now he fights the War against Alzheimer's. He doesn't remember those days, but we remember, and are thankful that men and women like my Pop Charlie fought bravely for those who couldn't fight for themselves. We did enjoy the day off work, sleeping late, and spending time with Andi and Jake who came to visit. Andi, Jake and I napped while Dad watched "The Longest Day," and mom went to the grocery store for cookout essentials.

Even though we did celebrate a typical Memorial Day, mostly we celebrated by making new memories.

"On James!"

Jake loves to ride in Paw Paw's wagon, but he would rather drive Paw Paw's truck!

"Women Drivers!"

Baby Girl

Any day now Baby Girl Brown will make her debut into the world. This week, Andrea's "CrazyGirlz" got together to celebrate this new Ladybug. The girls had dinner and then returned to Becky's house for cake and ice cream. Sounds like a birthday celebration already.

Aunt Fabulous

Not everyone knows the story behind my becoming "Aunt Fabby," although there is worldwide speculation and have been numerous tabloid rumors. To set the record straight, I need to introduce a few other important characters into the story. Alyson and Matt are the parents of two boys, Sawyer and Brighton. These boys have tried to teach me everything they know in order to help me become a fabulous aunt. Their jobs are far from complete, but I feel pretty confident that they have the expertise to teach me all about how to love little ones.

For Christmas, Santa and Mrs. Claus brought me a new camera. Sawyer and Brighton each wanted a turn taking pictures. I think they did a pretty good job.

The week before Sawyer was born, a little over six years ago, I spent some time with Matt and Alyson. At the time, my overused expression was, "That's Fabulous!" Matt made fun saying that since it was in the last days of Sawyer's development in the womb, he might just come out saying that everything is "Fabulous." Matt went so far as to say that Sawyer might just come out calling me "Aunt Fabulous." We played around with some other silly manifestations of fabulous: Aunt Fab, Aunt Fabu, and it stuck as Aunt Fabby. That is what Matt and Alyson taught Sawyer to call me. Sawyer taught Brighton. And when Andi was pregnant with Jake, she and Jason talked to him about how much Aunt Fabby would love him. So, now I'm a Fabulous Aunt to little boys....what am I ever going to do with a little girl???