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We had a ton of pics from his first birthday, so I hope that will hold "Mercer's public" for awhile! Todd and I have both been pretty busy lately -- he has a big proposal he's working on at work and he's studying for a test every night. I'm holding down the fort for the most part and have also been working a fair amount.

Last night, my company had their annual fund-raiser dinner. It was at the aquarium - and - it's SO COOL to sit / have dinner / catch a glimpse of the huge, graceful whale sharks swim by the big viewing window! The food was good - local / organic "farm-to-talbe" 5 course meal with 5 "local celebrity" chefs each preparing a course. This year, we didn't have a wine vendor, so the wine wasn't as flowing as in years past, but there were still "tastings" that were paired with each course. We had a speaker from Central American Progress who talked about business, the economy, up-and-coming industries, and a shift in the work force to these new industries. ie: There are 1,000,000 construction workers who have lost their jobs since the recession started in Nov / Dec 2007. There is, however, a need to work and expand the labor force in the clean energy / green building industry... he showed a schematic of a wind turbine and images showed folks installing it with the tools that they are accustomed to using from their experience in the construction industry. He showed young adults in South Bronx learning to install green roofs. He talked about government incentives for power companies and how (in the past) they had no choice but to buy coal and nuclear power... [those were subsidised and they're businesses - so they choose the lowest cost]. He talked about how it's up to gov't to subsdise clean energy sources.

He also talked about obligations that folks without jobs have to their families and how "greening" of their homes is not a part of the equation when they're concerned about putting food on their table. That's what they're hoping to change so it can become a part of the dialogue in the American famiy structure. It was pretty interesting.

We were allowed to bring our spouses this year (b/c we didn't sell the event out like we normally do), so Todd came with and Mercer hung out with 2 different sets of neighbors. The "first shift" hung out with him / played / swung with him on the porch while he took a little cat nap. They had a nice time. The "second shift" played a little with him (and their children did too)... but they had the pleasure of putting him down to bed in a pack-and-play I took up earlier. Both sets of neighbors said he was great and a pleasure to be around. It was a relief to know he was in great hands!

Mercer had some bumps on his face when I took him to daycare this morning... I thought they were due to a reaction to food... so far, we've noticed that he broke out a little when giving him peaches and mangos. I was thinking the same would be true for raspberries b/c he's had those the past few days. But - when I got to daycare tonight... most of the bumps are redder... and they're on his belly and back. I am wondering too if his vaccinations he had a couple of weeks ago is causing this rash. (The Mumps / Measles / Rubella (MMR) warning says that within 1 - 2 weeks of the shot he could have fever or rash. He has a rash for sure, but - of course - acts great otherwise. I will take him to his doc tomorrow to see what they say. I had started to take him to a children's clinic tonight, but got there and found out that there was a 2 1/2 hour wait... and at 8:45 pm when I was taking him...the idea of sitting there 'til close to 11 pm was just not appealing! I'll blog what it's all about later when we find out more.

One other (random) thing that I thought was pretty fascinating about the Aquarium and Ga Tech's Center for Music Technology: they have a program called "accessible aquarium" in which they're adding sound to the aquarium experience to help the visually impaired. Check out: http://gtcmt.coa.gatech.edu/?p=634

we celebrate our 11 year anniversary today!

We didn't do anything too fancy today, but we had a nice one~

Well, I got to do something fancy... I had a hot stone massage earlier in the day -- courtesy of a gift card from Christmas 07 that I hadn't used... I'm really glad (now) that I hung onto it for so long! It was nice to use it after the busy last couple of weeks we had.

I was actually able to "zone out" all of the chatter in my head... and go to a nice, peaceful place. I went to a house that we looked at several years ago on a river up in the mountains. Oh - how we wanted that house! (And, apparently, I still do!) I know there's no way possible, but it was really nice to be sitting / chilling on the back deck (in my head) overlooking the creek that runs directly behind the house. Mercer was looking under rocks and digging up worms! At times, I imagined him and a friend running through some trails in the nearby woods... and at times, I imagined him playing with his (future) little sister skipping rocks in the creek.

Yes - we plan to adopt again (as mentioned in a previous post). Earlier this week, I was actually approached by one of Mercer's day-care teachers about it. She said that she was pregnant and planning to talk to us to see if we would be willing to adopt the baby -- however -- she lost the baby a month ago. Wow. We felt bad for her loss (which she didn't seem too upset by because of the tough decision ahead of her). We feel lucky to be having these conversations with people!

I'm really digressing... back to the anniversary...

We ended up going for a long walk (at least 3 miles) along a river at a nearby recreation area because the weather was so nice. Mercer rode in the stroller for the most part, but at the end when he got really squirmy, we let him out and "walked" with him. He actually went pretty far holding onto my fingers! Afterwards, we ran some errands, then went to dinner at a restaurant we like (one we used to patronize a lot before Mercer) called Flying Biscuit. They have sort of "hippie / trendy" food, but is pretty casual. We had a yummy meal and came home in time to put Mercer down to bed.

Todd and I both have a SWANK dinner coming up this week, though, so we didn't miss out tonight by any means! My office has a fundraiser every year and they've invited spouses to come (perhaps we didn't sell enough tickets / but have already paid for the food?) A 5-course organic meal with a wine pairing for each course... and during the meal, an inspirational speaker about sustainability. Looking forward to it!

I guess the only other thing that happened since the last post, we FINALLY finished our wills. Our financial advisor stayed on us 'til we did it... we always have homework with him. It's a pain sometimes, but really good to keep us focused. We wouldn't be as far along with being "responsible" adults without his guidance! He's really kicked us into financial shape -- which right now is a good thing. Todd's job is pretty uncertain in the coming months, but it's nice to know we have someone to talk to / help us plan and get through this if it does come down to him losing his job.

It's been such a busy few weeks, that it's really nice to now be able to relax. Yes, I'm really glad I held onto that gift certificate and cashed it in today! Tomorrow, we are going to go to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. We were going to go today, but didn't have time after Mercer's nap. We'll get an earlier start / go check out the blown-glass exhibit in the orchid house... in a couple of months, they have a big exhibit of Henry Moore sculptures. I think we'll join b/c as Mercer's able to walk (any day now, right?) he will SO be into the children's garden area. Check out their website if you get a chance.... it's fun b/c they have music to go along with the different links. http://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org

I hope that all of you have a nice, relaxing week ahead. Good night.

ONE YEAR OLD!

Mercer turned one on Monday. We celebrated a little early, though, and had a small birthday party for him Sunday afternoon. My mom, Todd's mom, and the birth mother Danielle was here in town. We invited a few families from the neighborhood that we hang out with that have kids. We didn't want to go too crazy or go too big... as to not overwhelm Danielle or Mercer - or us, actually!

Here are a few pics from the party. It went well.
One of the most popular toys was a drum set that his aunt Becki and uncle Jimmy gave him. The kids loved banging on it. (You can see Danielle on the left -- sitting on the couch.)

We (Todd's mom, my mom, and I) made frog cupcakes. One sat on top of a sheet cake airbrushed blue (for water) with a lily pad on it. He freely took a swipe of the cake... but was apprehensive about eating his cupcake. He did eventually warm up to it and seemed to enjoy the icing. But - he did NOT like his first try of ice cream!

All-in-all, he had a great time.



On Monday, we went to the aquarium downtown. I didn't know if Mercer would enjoy it / if he was too young, but his expression told us that he was enjoying himself: "ohhh" "oooohhhhh" "oohhh" (and he'd point at the fish behind the glass or above our heads (they have several exhibits that you walk under)) It was cute. Perhaps we should get a season's pass and take him back more often?

Things went well for the most part. There were a few times that I felt that the birth mother got a little too possessive -- but it wasn't very often. Overall, we felt like it was a good thing to do to bring her out. She got to see that Mercer is loved... we have a stable home and relationship... we have a good support system (in our family / neighbors that she got to meet)... that he's well taken care of.

Also, we got a little bit out of it too. We found out that she's in a relationship (she has actually been dating the same person for over a year -- even while she was pregnant -- someone she knows from middle school!), we found out that she has some hobbies and interests now, and that she plans to get her G.E.D. Now we feel that she has some support in her life / she has some interests / she a goal -- which we didn't feel like she had any of one year ago. We're happy about that. And - she told us that Mercer's birth father is actually half African-American and half Puerto Rican. This is something that she didn't tell us a year ago either, but it puts that "wondering" on our part to rest! (We've always wondered if he had some Hispanic or some Native American in his genes.)

We enjoyed it, but we're glad it's all over. Todd & I travelled to Savannah... then as soon as we got into town, we had company... then Todd had to travel for work just before everyone left town. NOW - we're getting back to normal.

Earlier today, Mercer had his 1 year check-up at the pediatrician. He measured in at 30" tall (I don't think he's quite there, but it's hard to tell when he's squirming on the paper that's rolled out on the examination bench). And - he weighed only 23 lbs. (I could've sworn he was already 25 lbs b/c of an unofficial weigh-in I did with / without him a couple of weeks ago.) Oh well. Those are the approximate measurements. He's 75% on the height for other 1-year-olds. He's 75% on the circumference of his head. He's 50% on the weight (he had been following the 75% curve all along... this is the first time he's dropped off of the curve). The docs aren't concerned at all and he's very a very healthy baby overall.

He does have something called thrush (levels of bacteria have dropped in his system and yeast is forming on the inside of his mouth). He's also been fighting fever off-and-on this week, but is REALLY teething.... in fact, we can see the two teeth coming through on the bottom.

I guess that's about it. It's been a FABULOUS year! We've enjoyed it all. We are very happy.

This time last year….

…Todd and I were coming home from our camping trip at Cumberland Island. It wasn’t until the day after we got back that we even found out about the “opportunity” in Colorado… we Fed-Exed our book that evening to the social worker who received it on Saturday (the day Mercer was born)… and found Sunday that we were selected. We were on a plane Monday! Wow… what a whirlwind that was. What a year it has been!

We are really grateful for this opportunity and are – admittedly – exhausted, but so happy. We struggled for a number of years when not being able to start a family of our own, but all-in-all, we feel that it worked out the way it was “supposed to.” It was the “right” time, as we mostly got the house renovated, traveled a fair amount, and socialized a good deal. Now, however, we’re GLAD to spend not-so-quiet nights in (instead of out) … and do know that we’ll continue our travels, but will make modifications to our “pack-it-in” mentality that we used to have. We’re definitely a lot more settled down now and are glad for that.

I started this post on Friday – in Savannah. I was teaching a class – to SCAD architecture students, no doubt! It went well and Todd was our “helper” for the class so he could sit in on it. Todd’s mom is down and hung out with Mercer all day.

I’m finishing this post on the way home Saturday and will upload when we get home. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to hang out with any of our former classmates. Todd and I are a little bummed that we didn’t get to see the city either. There just wasn’t the time. No walking around town b/c we were in the class all day. The professors were pleased with the class and at the end said they’d like for us to come back this fall… we’ll plan more time to hang out, hopefully on the next trip!

Some interesting things about Mercer:
- He’s starting to stack blocks instead of trying to only tear down the “structures” that Todd or I build. We also have a wire-mesh ball with big holes in it. Mercer will stick a solid ball through it. It seems as if he’s learning relationships with multiple objects now.
- He’s a PRO at using his walking wagon. SO CUTE. Check out (watch in high quality if you see that button!) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxUL7T9FCvY
- He’s scaling the walls like Spider Man… he “walked” around the corner and then started playing peek-a-boo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FT_Kf2orEww&feature=related
- He also thinks it’s hilarious to “hide” behind his crib rails… then laugh and crawl away when I come near. It’s definitely a game for him: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW744Z2TBTU&feature=related

There’s a lot going on. When we get back home, my mom’s coming into town. Danielle is flying in too. We’ll be celebrating Mercer’s first birthday with our out-of-town company and a few of the families in the neighborhood that have kids / who we hang out with. We don’t want it to be too large b/c we don’t want to overwhelm the birth mother… but there will be plenty of action and (I’m sure) LOTS of pictures. I’ll post mid-week after all of the company leaves to report how everything went. This, too, will be an adventure!

Oh – before I go – something “interesting” happened last week…. The cousin of a friend asked me if we were interested in adopting again. (Of course we are!) but – this birth mother is due in June… mmmm… a little soon for us, but wow. We hadn’t ever gotten a call like that! We were thrilled that she was thinking of us – and – want to put the word out to the blogging public that we’re thinking about starting the process again at the beginning of next year (2010). So, please do keep your ears open for any situations!

Have a great week.
Candice

Got some nice photos this week

We went for a hike over the weekend. It was beautiful weather here. Todd carried Mercer in a carrier the whole time. However, once we stopped, Mercer really wanted to crawl. Problem is -- we stopped on a big flat rock in the middle of a river -- so he couldn't crawl around.

You know, though... he won't be crawling much longer. At daycare on Tuesday -- they told us that he took 2 steps on his own. I don't know if I (want to) believe them. He still seems so unstable. We did get some GREAT footage of him "walking" behind his walking wagon. He can definitely walk while supported... very well actually! I hope we can get that video converted and posted on YouTube soon. It's adorable!

I've been working a lot lately. It's been SO HARD juggling work and Mercer on those days that I work from home, but you know - I'm really enjoying it! Otherwise, I wouldn't get to see the scrunched up face he makes when I'm trying out a new food on him... (or new textures, actually). I wouldn't be able to cuddle with him when he falls and needs me to "make it all better." Sometimes, I take him to our library on Wednesday mornings because they have an infant story time and songs. I don't know that he gets that at daycare (because there's a lot of adult / baby participation) ... and I don't normally get that with him! (so it's good for me too) Also - there are unexpected surprises some days. As seen in these shots. Something simple like doing laundry -- is apparently hilarious!

We have a busy week ahead. There's lots of cleaning to do... and a work trip to take. Then, when we return -- we have company and a small party... I don't know that I'll post again in this coming week because of it all. Enjoy the hamper pictures 'til we have more to share!

Also, we hope you have a nice valentine's day~ love, "our little Cassanova"

Oh he's so close....

... to walking. Honestly - I feel like he'll be doing it within weeks... (Of course, that's what I thought about his crawling too... "any day now" but that went on for a month or longer thinking it was "about" to happen!)

We'll charge up the video camera battery this weekend and try to get some footage of him scooting around. But - you can see through still images how he likes to rearrange the furniture... Move Bar Stool. Crawl over to Chair. Grab Chair. Put in place where bar stool used to be.

He was especially cute moving the bar stool around. He was giggling. (Maybe because it's taller than he is?)

He hung out in his PJ's most of the day today while I worked. I just finished a big task today that I've been working on all week... reviewing & commenting on a City Green Building Ordinance. It's actually pretty strict... and pretty interesting... but once it gets implemented ALL buildings built within the city will have to comply. Here's a link to the home page if any of the (architectural blog readers are interested). For those not interested in reading, there's a nice video on this home page about Atlanta and a my company is featured on it. http://sustainableatlanta.org/Policy/Default.aspx?pageid=37

I should go now / get little M changed and go for a walk (it hit 60 today!). We both need to get out of the house! I know we have (more) housekeeping... (more) baby-proofing... and I need to do some work. I've been pretty slammed lately, actually, but maintaining my hours so far.

But - before I go, let me share a few things:

I may have scarred Mercer for life already. We were at a neighbor's house last week who has a dog and I said "puppy dog... it's just like a kitty cat but bigger." For the rest of the evening he kept saying "dit-dee. Dit-dee." (kitty) And - days later - even when seeing puppies / older dogs on tv - like he did this morning - he says "dit-dee!"


I figured out what he calls "no no no." Our Laptops! Probably b/c if we leave it open he likes to bang on the keys and we run over to him saying no no no! Literally. Every time he saw me working on the computer he said "no no no." (Either that or he doesn't want me to do work!)One last thing he says that's new... "guh-ck" which sounds like: guh (pause) ck
"guh-ck" is what he says when he picks up his truck!

Mercer was pretty tired today and it took him 3 tries to get him down for a nap... I was a little frustrated because I was trying to finish that review for work, but, on the 3rd try, I realized that I got to cuddle with him more than normal as trying to get him to sleep. Realizing that made me less frustrated and actually appreciate that time!

One thing that's been especially endearing lately: after changing Mercer's diaper... setting him in his crib so I can go wash my hands... he likes to play hide and chase with me. As I approach the crib, he ducks down and crawls to the back corner. If I squat down to look at him through the slats of the crib, he giggles... and as I "get him" through the slats... he giggles / flops down / and crawls to the back corner again. He could do this over and over again. It is cute. Indeed, I do egg it on!

Candice

Soup night is officially over!

Our annual tradition of making 2 pots of soup each Saturday night in January / opening our home to friends and neighbors has come to a close. We enjoyed the good company over these past four weekends, but admittedly, it was harder to do all of the cooking & cleaning this year than in the past. Todd and I would have to take turns hanging out with Mercer so Todd could clean and I could cook. Mercer did pretty well each night - as he's definitely a social baby. Although it was tougher - we still feel it valuable to show him the warmth of sharing a bowl of soup with those that we care about.

There have been some changes we've noticed in the past week or so. Mercer has become more clingy... we can see separation anxiety. He's starting to grind his top teeth against his bottom teeth (yikes)... he's exploring a new noise that he can make (I hope it stops soon as it's sort of like the fingernails on a chalkboard noise!). He's becoming more daring as he's on the verge of walking... he's testing his limits - and - unfortunately sometimes learns about gravity.

He's begun to say "no no no no." He doesn't know what it means, but we say it sometimes... so does he. He's becoming quite the parrot - we really have to watch what we say! I think I blogged already that he's pretty much holding his own bottle now. Here's a shot of him and his daddy watching their first Superbowl together.

I bought the birth mother's airline ticket this past week (we promised her 11 months ago that we would fly her out for his first birthday & she still wanted to do it). I have officially started to make preparations for his 1st birthday party. 1 year. wow. a year?! crazy how that time slips away - but what a fantastic year it's been for us!

Have a good week,

Candice