This kid gets around

Strother has been very busy this weekend. He started at his cousin's 7th Grade Homecoming Football Game. Go Trojans!

Another Stolen Post

My thanks go to Christian for being a more entertaining writer (and having cooler blogging skills). Strother talked about his new buddy Beckett all night. He's looking forward to his next play date. Now onto the stolen blog...

Beckett Meets His Twin at the Jazz Cafe

You can make many cowboy-oriented assumptions about living in Ft. Worth, Texas, but expecting to find a Sunday Brunch 'dive' like the Jazz Cafe is not high on the newcomer's list.  Soon after Karla and I made the pilgrimage to Texas, this local's joint famous for great food (Greek, everytime but breakfast), slow service, a funky paper-reading atmosphere, strong coffee, and a live jazz session on Sunday mornings became a regular part of our monthly routine.  Today was Beckett's first visit.

With a late breakfast completed out on the patio -- you gotta love living in a place where the final Saturday of October allows you to eat outside in shorts -- we finally had a chance to catch up with Darin and Blythe who stopped by for coffee with their 3-week old, Strother.

Most striking was the fact that lil'Strother is Beckett's spitting image (esp. the profile) a few weeks ago.  Scary, really.  Sort of a weird separated-at-birth moment for all of us, although all 4 adults are pretty sure that no funny business took place.  If the literal 'look' of each boy didn't mirror the other on occasion, we'd still have done the ah-shucks moment when we realized that each little critter was wearing the exact same outfit.  Bought on sale in the same clearance rack of the same store within a few days of each other.  Bizarre to see 2 similar looking kids next to each other for the first time...and see them worshipping the same fashion deities on the same day without any planning. 

At least they both wear different brands of diapers to maintain a little ego-credibility. 

Blog School

Ok blog-newbies, and you know who you are, here is the "Where are all the photos?" Lesson. Look to the left. Below Previous Posts and Archives is a heading called Links. Click on Darin and Blythe Photo Collection. There! You'll find hundreds of photos, from our wedding up to today's latest pictures of Strother. So easy! Good luck. Blog School is finished now.

Boo

Yup, Strother Norman can be a spooky little baby when he tries really hard:

Strother's Cousins

Our son is a lucky boy. He has a large handful of older and wiser cousins to hand down clothing, teach him to throw a ball, learn to play tennis with, and look up to for the rest of his life. We spent last Saturday afternoon with three of the Norman cousins. They think he's cute, but they can't wait until he can toss around a football too. Jack, Lily and James even made Happy Birthday cards for the boy.

First Playdate

Strother had his first playdate with Lilah yesterday. They talked and talked like old buddies. Actually, they slept calmly side by side for two hours. It was an enjoyable outing to the park either way.

Another crazy day in the office

This is how a new mom finds time to blog:

I miss my Papa!

Darin went back to work Monday. Blythe and Strother are doing great at home, but it sure is more fun with Papa around. He brings love and life to the house (and so many kooky songs to soothe the boy). We'll keep him part of the picture at the office by sending him some photos...

Bundled up for a cold (60 degree) outing to the doctor:

Hi Papa! Miss me yet? I miss you!

GREAT BIG BED, itty bitty baby...

Papa's Boy

Darin Junior

We've figured out where the super dark hair came from. I was bald as a baby, Darin was platinum blond. So it was a mystery that Strother should have so much crazy dark hair. That was until these old photos of Darin as a newborn surfaced.

Strother 2006:


Darin 1972:



Wild isn't it? It's like looking at the same baby! We're thinking Strother will lose his hair like his dad did and it will grow back blonde.

Strother Cantrell Norman

He's here! Our son made his debut Sunday night at 11:23 pm after 12 hours of labor (au naturale). He's a sweet little one, with lots of dark brown hair like mom and heart shaped lips like dad. He weighed in at 8 pounds 3 ounces, and 19 1/2 inches. Thought I'd share some photos while he takes a break from his favorite chew toy, my boob.





Lot's more photos to arrive, I'm sure. Nap time now!

39 Weeks

Ugh. I'm so thrilled this little boy is so big and strong and developed. But my bladder and intestines are smooshed. He's quite the acrobat. I'm looking forward to his kicks, stretches and hiccups on the outside of my body!

As of yesterday, Kirsten, I am 90% effaced, one centimeter diated and at 0 station. Word is, could be tomorrow, could be two weeks from now. Castor oil is starting to sound like a tolerable cocktail these days.

Haven't grown much myself, but I'm in awe of these little graphics:



I'm sure D'Bob/Ace/Blarin/Darin Jr./Insert your favorite made up name here, is much cuter.

First Anniversary

We celebrated our first year anniversary this weekend. We enjoyed a stellar meal at Lonesome Dove followed by a glass of champagne at the Ashton Hotel. The year has literally flown by. I think Darin and I agree it was a good go at it, and we'll try one more year.



p.s. Darin, thank you for a beautiful night out! I love you.