May 2009 Archives

On this day - May 23

1948 Saw "Bishop's Wife."
1949 Stayed home from school. Finished dress.
1950 Wore shorts for first time. Summer's here.
1952 Went to Rose Dance with Duke Anderson.
1957 Bought Revlon "Snow Pink" lipstick and polish.
1958 Sue weighs 8 lbs. 7 oz. at 6 weeks. Robbie received third polio shot.
1959 Fifty years ago, this was moving day. There were four of us taking this momentous step in our young lives: Daddy was 28 years old, I was 24, Robbie was 2 and Sue was 1. We had a 30-year mortgage of $14,050 (reduced by $150 because the salesman was a friend of Daddy's) to be paid off over 30 years at the rate of $74 per month, plus an additional $6 for insurance. We had been renting a shotgun house off of Carrollton Avenue for $65 per month and we worried about that additional $15 each month. Where was it going to come from, we wondered? I loved this house then and I love it today and even though we were terribly crowded at times, I'm glad we never gave it up. It's perfect for me today.
1960 Bought Robbie tennis shoes, Sue a pair of white old-fashioned sandals. Sizes 9 and 6, respectively.
1961 Left for Minneapolis at 6:30 a.m. Arrived at 4001 at 10 p.m. next day. Beautiful trip. Everyone stood it well (including little baby, due in August).
1985 Moschella Contracting gave estimate for extending kitchen into carport -- $11,800. (Note: Ended up being closer to $16,000!)
1987 Sue and family arrived today.
1988 Bought starfish for $20. Dead by morning.
1989 Bought blue Corsica. $10,200.
1990 Received Outstanding Secretary Award, $700--$530 after taxes.
2008 Paid $80 for a simple air conditioning problem that took three minutes to fix!

John and I took the train to Whitefish,MT and Glacier Nat'l Park last week. We had sun, rain, sleet, and snow while there. Saw mule deer,elk,mountain goats,antelope, and coyotes. Didn't see any bear(that's a good thing). We stayed at a B&B, had great food everywhere we went. While the weather was less than ideal we both agreed we'd have to come back again, even on the train with the cramped sleeping quarters, to see what we couldn't, didn't see on this trip.

Glacier National Park

Tom Bye II (Tom's oldest) and Julie had their baby boy on Monday, May 11th. His name is Zachary Evan, he weighed 8 pounds 10 ½ ounces and was 20 ¾ inches long. All went well with the labor and delivery. Yesterday I took my mom aka Great Grandma Bye to meet Zachary for the first time. He is a cute, cute little baby and was showing off for us by being a sweet sleepy little boy. Here are a few photos of Great Grandma and the new family.

Zachary Evan

Jude is 12 months old today. The ordeal of his birth is so fresh in my mind that I can hardly believe we are already at this milestone. He's doing great, in spite of his early arrival. He's still just a peanut though, barely on the charts. He's crawling around really well and pulling to stand but not cruising furniture just yet. He's also saying "mama", "dada", and "baba" which the boys say is "bubba" for brother...never mind that we don't really refer to them as that! He's pretty much off baby food now too, eating whatever we eat. I still send baby food to daycare though, just for the convenience. The school lunch is neither appetizing nor nutritious looking so we won't be trying that anytime soon!

We celebrated his birthday on Mother's Day. We had everyone over to our tiny little house for burgers...what else?!! It was a really nice, hot day. Jude was not impressed at all with his cupcake. In fact, he pushed it away. Later on, I fed it to him with some ice cream and he liked it better then.

School is finally coming to a close. Just 9 more days. I can't wait to be at home with all my boys. These last days sure to drag on though!

Jude

Wyatt got to meet his big brother at the hospital on Friday. Barrett was very interested in him and had plenty of kisses to give. He also pointed out some body parts that are familiar to him like his head, nose, and feet. Since we have been home, Barrett has been super sweet with his baby brother. He loves to kiss and hug him. We just have to
keep reminding him to be gentle. He is also enjoying some of the baby items that we have around like the pacifier and the swing. I was surprised that he knew what to do with the pacifier since he never really used one.

Flick was introduced to the baby when we got home from the hospital and she noticed the pack-n-play was back in the living room. She took a peek in to see what was inside. I am sure she scoffed when she realized it was another baby. It amazes me how the newborn cry gets her attention though. Any time the baby cries, she perks up and wants
to assess the situation. On the other hand, when Barrett cries, she just minds her own business. Despite the neglect we're sure Flick feels, she is great with both boys. She sure loves those newborn kisses! Between Flick and Barrett, Wyatt can barely catch his breath.

I have had to say several times already, "You two, leave the baby alone! He is sleeping!" It is like we have three kids instead of two. Thanks to all for the well wishes. We are adjusting well enough, but Stephen goes back to work tomorrow and isn't too excited about it.

Only two more weeks though and he will be home for summer break.

Kellie

Barrett, Wyatt, and Kellie

Nicole turned 18 this past Friday (May 1st). We haven't had our family party yet but Dan, Nicole and I went out to dinner to celebrate the occasion. Then home for presents. Nicole loves chemistry and was thrilled w/ her new periodic table t-shirt. Goofy girl. Then on Saturday, it was the last Prom we will experience in our household. Whew! It was a beautiful day; nothing like last year's snow storm! Nicole went with a group of friends, none were boyfriend-girlfriend. So different now and sometimes I think better. Everyone and anyone can go if they want; you don't have to have a date. They ate dinner at her friend Kristen's house and everyone supplied extras, I provided Chocolate Mousse for dessert. It was a lovely affair. Ashley made Nicole's dress (again) and I think it turned out beautifully. I was so thankful that she made the dress because then I didn't have to endure shopping for a dress and shoes. Here are a few photos of the day. And Nicole's 18th birthday the day before.

Group Shot Prom 2009

Wyatt Stephen was born at 4:53 a.m., a day after his Uncle Patrick's and cousin Julie's birthdays. We checked into the hospital around 10 a.m. after a couple of hours of heavy contractions at home. Kellie made labor look easy again with no problems. Wyatt weighed 6lbs 7ozs, is 19" long, & is nursing well. Both baby & mom are doing great. We have had a few visitors...Kellie's mom drove up from Warner Robins, my parents & grandparents came while the other was watching Barrett for us (Barrett has a fever so we're letting him stay home), then Grandma Ferrara got to see Wyatt before she had to get on a plane back for New Orleans. We are hoping to be back home Friday, but may have to stay until Saturday.

Wyatt Stephen - April 30, 2009