Prayer request

Not sure if anyone's even reading this anymore, but if you are we have a prayer request for you. Julie's close friend Brenda was involved in a serious car crash over the weekend. Even thought the article says she was released, she's in bad shape. She was released to be at the other hospital with her husband.

http://www.mlive.com/news/kzgazette/index.ssf?/base/news-26/1193669961242290.xml&coll=7

Still around

Just so no one thinks we've been carted off by aliens or anything, I let the domain name go on the website. We're tightning budgets around here with the munchkin and since I haven't been able to do much with it I let it go. I'm hoping to do more with some of the "free" services like facebook and the like.

See you around the net.

Jim

Yaaaawwwwnnn

My first thought this morning upon getting into the car (with baby and all of her necessary accoutrements):

"The coffee must flow!"

(with apologies to Frank Herbert...)




Thank God for Espresso Royale.

Quick update

Everyone's doing fine. Tired but fine. I haven't been writing much because....well...this whole dropping off and picking up of the muchkin is wearing my ("rear end" - internalized phrase edited for parent training purposes) out. Julie's laughing at me because my day is done by 9:00-9:30. I can't function anymore. She's not much better, she goes to bed too. So if anyone wants me, please call. This month I'm having a hard time finding the energy to initiate anything. I'm only typing this because I'm taking a little time for lunch here at work.

Hopefully we'll be taking our three month pictures soon. Elizabeth is getting soooo big we can hardly belive it. She giggles and smiles and makes funny noises at Daddy. She's also been know to lift her legs in the air, pass gas as loundly as possible and then giggle at you. That's one of those remembrances we'll save for her teenage years, I'm sure.

If anyone out there uses Facebook, look me up. I was goofing around with it the other day and I guess I'll keep it up. Let me know if anyone's around (thanks Josh for leaving the message, at least I have one friend out there) ;)

Ok, more coffee so I can stay awake before I have to go into a board meeting. Peace, out...

Prayer Request

Please pray for Julie today. Today is her first day back at work and she's feeling a bit sad at leaving the baby behind. Baby slept fine last night...mommy not so well.

Lizzie-bert is with Grandma today and tomorrow and then Daddy took Friday off so we can play and nap (we'll even find time to eat and burp). Next Monday starts daycare full-time. Woo-hoo!! We're fortunate that we found a day care through our church that really cares for our child. We really like the providers and the work they do. Fortunately Elizabeth will only be there full time through August. In September Julie starts her new job with the MSU Med School and she'll be working part time.

So pray for Julie and pray for me as I have primary baby responsibility through August.

Happy 4th of July

A happy Fourth of July to all those that don't have to work today! I know I'm glad to have the day off. Just wanted to share a few cute photos. Today, since Daddy was home, we took our bath. It was a quiet experience up to the drying stage. Once we got our cold, naked butt out of the water though it was a whole other story. Just a couple of quick points about the photos:

1. Yes, that is a bottle of Jack Daniels next to the formula. No we don't let her have any. I've tried to explain to her that it's kind of like formula for Daddy, although I don't know that I'll be above using it once teething starts. (It is scary the sorts of things we're discovering we're going to have to put away or lock away)

2. Yes, we do usually let our little girl play next to the kitchen knives. We figure it'll help her build character or guide her in her future path of becoming a bounty hunter.

Anyway, for those that are interested we will be baptizing Elizabeth this weekend at church. I was going to put a post out here about the subject, but I sort of figured that those who realized I was Lutheran now would expect it and those who didn't...well, this isn't really a point up for discussion. Maybe some other time when I'm feeling a bit more reflective (or sane). Julie and I are really looking forward to it and we've get a lot of family and friends coming.

Click on the picture below to enjoy the bathing experience:

Mr. & Mrs. Phillips

Well, it's official....Bill and Amanda are officially Mr. and Mrs. William Phillips.



I'm not saying anything, but please check for other signs of the apocalypse as you have time....





It was a good weekend. We saw alot of family that we haven't seen in a while, probably since Julie & I got married 7 years ago. The ceremony was nice and the reception was fun. My best man speech went off without a hitch and I don't think I insulted any family, so all is well. This being my second "best man" speech (and hopefully last) you can't go wrong just complementing the bride and telling her how good she is for the groom. It also helps if you mean it (which I did).



So it was an exhausting weekend, but fun. All was well. I don't have any pictures of the happy couple (it's hard to snap photos when you're both in the wedding) but I do have a picture of the other Phillips' couple. Boy, we sure do look cute when we clean up, don't we?

Julie's first post

This is Julie typing, my very first post! It's Father's Day, which we decided means Jim gets to pick the TV shows, and he's watching baseball, so I am posting to entertain myself. Feels a little weird, not used to keeping a public diary, but Jim and I thought it would be fun to turn it into a family blog. Besides, we're pretty sure no one really reads this thing anyway.

What else do I have to talk about but Elizabeth? I have now been a stay-at-home mom for exactly one month. I have to say, I'm really enjoying it. There's a small part of me that misses going to work every day, hanging out with colleagues, seeing patients... but it's a very small part. Taking care of this little baby is messy, monotonous, and emotionally and physically challenging... but also fun and very satisfying. Besides, although I'm a bit sleep-deprived, it's nothing compared to being on call - more sleep, more fun and way less stress. It's probably a good thing I had such an uncomfortable pregnancy, otherwise I would want another one right away!

There is one other thing happening in my life, which is that I graduated from residency last night. AND, I won a research award! We're not making too big a deal of this graduation, since I've already graduated a lot of times, but I have to toot my own horn a little. For those who don't know, I've accepted a faculty position at MSU's medical school. It's a fantastic job, but the commute will be a challenge for all of us for a little while. I'll be working part-time, which will be a really nice change; this year will be about figuring out how to balance being a mom with all the other stuff I've got going on.

OK, baby's crying, must go...
Julie

Changes

Ok, maybe it’s a little cliché to say, but it’s amazing how your life can change when a baby comes home. Your time is no longer your own. Whereas before you would just jump into the car and head out, you now have to plan your trip, estimate the number of supplies necessary to keep the Princess happy, content and dry, as well as factor in an estimate of where you are on the Princess fussiness scale. Then, and only then, is it possible that you might be able to go out…provided the Princess allows it. Otherwise Plan B is you hand Princess Fuss-a-lot to your spouse and you run through the door as though Satan himself is on your tail. Sure, there might be a bit of guilt associated with that method, but never discount the pragmatic approach to getting things done. Besides, you’ll be too tired to feel guilty for long.

You’ll also find yourself an indentured servant to one whose entire existence revolves around eating, burping and messing their diaper. The funny part is that while a few weeks ago I would have found this idea slightly…um…undesirable, now I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than take care of this little person. It’s amazing how your life can take on a totally new significance centered on someone else’s bowel movements.

There are fun changes too. Sitting in the evenings watching television with the baby sleeping on your chest is an experience that just can’t be described. The little hands that just keep pulling on your chest hair (painful, but cute), or the little blue/gray eyes that look up into yours as we try to hold our head up…

And there are all the dreams we have to look forward to. Just this past weekend Elizabeth and I spent some time watching the NCAA Women’s Softball finals on ESPN (tv at 3:30am is fun). Daddy imparted some of his softball wisdom and explained most of the rules as we tried to determine if she'd be better as an infielder or outfielder. At three weeks old, I imagine she’s still got time to figure out what she wants to do, but I plan on giving her plenty of choices.

Yes, Daddy’s Little Girl has me totally wrapped around her finger. Sigh.

In keeping with the theme, look for changes on this blog as well. I’m giving Julie write access so we can write as a family about all that’s going on. I’ll be redesigning the blog a little. I’ve got a couple of other things in the works, but we’ll see if they come to fruition.

Pictures

For any of you who may have been waiting, click here to see the baby pictures.

Day 1

Ok, so this isn't going to turn into a day to day in the life of Elizabeth, but I just wanted everyone to know we survived our first night at home. What a weird experience. It was one thing when we had her in the hospital, it's totally different now that she's in our space. Now comes the adjustment period. We both got a couple of shifts asleep last night, maybe 3-4 hours per. That's not bad at all. She gets a little fussy after she eats and we try all sorts of stuff to quiet her down. It's gas for the most part, but then she just likes to be fussy. So we learn and adapt. Anyway, I'm going to go play with the baby some more.

p.s.- yes, I am learning to diaper. What a skill.

New Baby!!!

Elizabeth Mariema Phillips was born Thursday, 5/17 at 3:30 am. She was 8lbs, 5oz. I'm not sure how long she was. Mother is doing fine. She got an epidural that helped alot and pushing was rather quick. I've attached a couple of pictures.

B-day -3

Monday blues....

No baby yet, back at work.

Come on, baby....

B-day -2

Still no change. Julie does get contractions every once in a while, but nothing yet. We do have talks with the Baby, but he/she isn't willing to come out yet.


....sigh.....

B-day -1

Well, no baby yet, but Julie is starting to feel some small, regular contractions. Now the wait begins.....


Will it be today?
Will it be tomorrow?
Will it be next week?


Come on kid, get here.....

Almost there...?

Well folks, tomorrow is d-day....or is that B-day? Either way, May 11 is the official due date and so far...? Not a twinge. Nada...nothing. So we're in hopeful anticipation, but Baby seems to be on his/her own schedule. Oh well, at least I'm getting financials done.

Please pray that the delivery comes soon and all goes well.

Iron Man

We take a break from our regulary scheduled baby watch to say....

Sweeeeeet!

Click here to check out EW's story.

Update

We're still here....still waiting on the baby.

There hasn't been much to blog about lately. Actually, that's not entirely true, there has been alot going on I just haven't had the energy to come deal with my website. So here are some quick tidbits:

• We've had three baby showers (I'll get around to posting those pictures soon) and we're just now getting around to putting the house in some sort of order. It's amazing how much stuff a baby can accumulate. The funny part is I've told Julie that I really don't remember advertising for another roommate, but suddenly here comes someone else and they're trying their best to take over the house.
• Yes, I have found my Detroit Tigers onesies. Baby and I are sooooo ready to sit and watch baseball. I even found "Detroit Tigers 101: My First Team Board Book" The real trick with this will be teaching Baby about baseball without yelling all of the things that first pop into my mind. The other night when the Tigers lost because Sheffield struck out looking at a two out, two strike pitch with a man on third....well.....I didn't say anything, but that was mainly because I was biting the front of the remote control at the time.
• I've also allowed myself to get caught up with the Red Wings again. The series against Calgary was ugly, but we advanced. I wasn't real sure about hockey after the lockout, but they appear to have found a slightly better balance on the penalty calling. Hooking is still a little tickey-tackey and I really don't get this emphasis on goalie interference, but it is getting better.
• Manchester United is still fighting Chelsea for the Premiership title. Apparently they're also going at it neck and neck in the Champions League as well. Julie laughs at me when I sit in the chair transfixed at football (soccer) games, especially the ones in languages I don't understand, but I love it. I personally can't believe she spent all that time in Aberdeen and never went to a match.
• Just pray for us. I'm working to get our church small group up and going again and otherwise we're just on auto pilot for the baby. Baby, baby, baby.....aren't couples with first kids annoying? ;)

The Mother of All Tags

Wow. While reading Darrell Pursiful's blog I discovered that I (along with what must be half the blogging community) was tagged with the Five Random Facts About Me meme. Eh...what the heck. Could be fun. You know...like just in case Trivial Pursuit decides to come up with the Jim Edition next year. Let's see what we've got here:

1. Most people know I love comic books. Most people don't know the depth of the sickness. My current estimate is that between my parent's house and mine I own (conservatively) 18,900 comic books.

2. I had the biggest crush on the same girl from junior high all the way through high school. The kicker? She was chasing after my best friend. Heh. Such drama.

3. My entire senior year of high school I really had no idea Julie was interested in me at all. She's still never forgiven me for not inviting her to my Senior Prom (silly Freshman...what was she thinking)

4. Believe it or not, I'm a frat boy. Alumni member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Of course if you asked me anything about it now I'd blank.

5. I worked at McDonalds for, something like, six years. High school and college. It wasn't until I reached my late 20s that I finally stopped having the dreams about having to get up and open the store in the morning. Heck, I still think I could walk back into a store today and run it as well as anyone there.

So there you go. Some of the quirkiness that is me. This was kind of fun. Maybe we'll do this again some other time.

Happy Friday!!!

Whew, here we are. Weeks are busy at this time of year for me. Year end close, audits, baby on the way....too much. We're trying to get financials done today, so I'm taking a little break now. I know that sounds a little strange, but the alternative is that I stand over my accountants going, "Are you done yet?" and giving them dirty looks. So they like it on these days when I stay in my office. So let's catch up on the news:

Family:

Julie & Baby: They're both doing well. Nothing new to report. Julie is looking pregnant, I talk to her stomach every once in a while. Baby Phillips and I have this thing going now. We're tight.

Other stuff:

David Beckam is going to play in the US. How weird. Non soccer/football fans are probably a little sick of hearing about it, but I'm kind of excited. As it is I can barely keep up with the EPL and I've only watched one Real Madrid game this season. I have to say David's status in the game does seem to be waning a little bit. I'm hoping to catch some of his games here, but I don't think that MLS gets broadcast much. Every once in a while a game shows up on ABC. I'll have to check ESPN2 or something like that to catch it, I suppose. Maybe Fox Soccer Channel will pick it up? Be nice to get games on at their right times for a change.

BTW, FSC: ManU vs Aston Villa this weekend and you're not showing it??? What dorks. Ok, so they just played last weekend in Cup qualifiers. I'm able to sit down this weekend. Show this weeks game please!!!

Check out this trailer for Hot Fuzz. This movie looks hilarious. We are so going to see it when it comes out. Best of all, it comes out in April....pre-Baby arrival.

The Apple iPhone (trademark Cisco). I must admit, I love my iPod and I'm seriously giving some thought to picking one of these up. If it works as well as advertised (and I'm willing to wait a while to find out) this is one of those gadgets I could get use to.

Marvel pushed Civil War #7 back to February 21st. Quesada is an idiot. I think he's killed the momentum on just about every Marvel "event" that's occured since he took over. It's getting to the point where even I lose interest after a while. Ok, that's a lie. So far my record for giving up comic books was 4 years. Then I fell again. I fell hard....

Oh well, that's some of the fun stuff I'm looking at. It's now time to go back and glare at my accountants for a little while.

Prayer request

Just a quick request for any who may be reading:

Julie's Aunt Pat passed away last night. She'd been fighting lung cancer for the past year or so (never smoked) and was in hospice for the past few months. Her passing was apparently a fairly quiet event the other evening. Pray for her family as they deal with this, she was in her early 60s....not old at all.

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy New Year to everyone. It's been a while since I've taken the time to get on here, so let's catch everyone up on the important news before chatting a bit.

Baby update: Over Christmas holiday, Julie and I went in for the ultrasound appointment with the intention of finding out the sex of the baby. In what appears to be sign of things to come, the baby was not cooperating and decided to remain in positions that made it impossible for the technician to tell definitively what the sex was. Sigh....the baby is definately taking after Julie...difficult from the start.

So if I were you, I would definately expect lots of baby talk (er....discussion about babies) on this blog for the near future. It's hard to explain if you're single, or even married without kids yet, but the whole of our lives has been taken up with baby thoughts. Yes, that's right....we've become some of those people...and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Things we've been doing for years are now taking on new meaning. Questions just keep circulating through my head. What am I going to teach this child? What is this child going to teach me? I've got to brush up on my nursery rhymes again. Do I remember the alphabet? Dare I subject my child to the pain of being a lifelong Detroit Lions fan?

If you haven't been through this it's a little hard to describe the equal amounts of sheer terror and absolute joy that run through you all the time. All this responsibility for something that's going to have it's own will, it's own desires, it's own likes and it's own dislikes. And of course there's all the impending heartache to come. If it's a boy he's going to have to grow up and make his own way in the world. If it's a girl then you realize she's just going to remain daddy's girl even if she decides to grow up and marry some guy who won't be good enough any way. Sigh.....

But before we get to all that there's going to be all of the adventures. So many things to discover. Hands, toes, hugs, kisses, cats, zoos, music, the Oak Ridge Boys, Petra, trombones, comic books, books, science fiction, television, Elmo, movies, Star Wars, sports, pool, the Detroit Tigers, the Detroit Red Wings, the Plymouth Whalers, Church, litergy, God, Christ and the Holy Ghost. And the list goes on and on. So much to do....so little time, it seems...

and I'm looking forward to every second of it.