Birthday Parties Galore

What a summer... Robbie celebrated his first birthday on July 6th with a nice party at the house. He invited a few of his friends (and a lot of mommy and daddy's friends) to come play. Robbie hasn't quite figured out the whole present thing - but Michael was certainly willing to help him out. We figured he'd dive into his cake, but ended up being more reserved.

September is a busy month for mighty Michael. The day after Labor day, he started school at Shallowford Pres. Preschool. He is in Mrs. Michelle's class with 8 other friends. He loves to go and says Michael's school each time we drive by. On the 6th, we held Michael's birthday party at the "Little Jumping Bean". He had an excellent time - and was exhausted by the time we hit the interstate to go home. What can be better than that. Pictures to be posted soon.

Lobster Turns One!

I can't believe it - Robbie is one. This year has really flown by. We celebrated the big day with a party of family and friends. The little man was very well celebrated. We were glad to share the day with Gija and Grampy, Nana and Papa, Aunt Julie and Uncle Jim and lots of friends. Michael loved having all the kids over to the house too. With lots of cake and snacks - what could be better?

Michael is doing great. We have the follow-up from the surgery next week and we don't expect to see any issues. He is learning more each day - he can even count in Spanish. He starts preschool in September.

I promise - won't take me so long to update next time.

Blog Tag

What was I doing 10 years ago?
I was living in Durham, NC going to grad school. Jeff and I had been dating for about a year and we were really getting serious. At that time, Jeff thought he would be a professor and I thought I would do education for the church. Hmmm.... how much things can change.

5 things on my to-do list for today?
1. Pack for the mountains
2. Laundry
3. Draft a funding request memo
4. Make dinner
5. Call to find some missing receipts.

5 snacks I enjoy:
1. Rice Crispy treats
2. Guac and chips
3. Popcorn
4. ANYTHING with chocolate
5. Fruit - any kind will do

5 things I would do if I were a billionaire:(this is in no particular order)
1. Buy a house in Ansley
2. Pay off the houses of my family and close friends
3. Start my own foundation
4. Quit work and take my kids on cool (but educational) trips in our private plane.
5. Hire a housekeeper

5 bad habits:
1. Watching CSI marathons... truly addicted
2. Making snarky comments
3. Biting my nails
4. Waking Jeff up when he naps
5. Not updating my blog until Kate calls me out

5 places I've lived (just 5?):
1. Indianapolis, IN
2. Atlanta, GA
3. Oxford, OH
4. Durham, NC
5. Evanston, IL
(In case you are wondering - England, Greece, Germany, and Florida round out the list)

5 jobs I've had:
1. Lifeguard
2. Diving Coach
3. Accenture Consultant
4. Verizon Business / Training Manager
5. BearingPoint Consultant

April 2008

Alas, I didn't do a very good job of updating the blog each month. The boys are doing great! Michael is chatting up a storm. Right now, his favorite word is "Sure". Absolutely adorable. He is starting to take his big brother role very seriously and loves to help out with Robbie.

Robbie just turned 9 months old. He is a big boy - weighing in at 22.5 pound - he is only 5 pounds behind Michael and rapidly gaining on him. He is pulling up on all the furniture and is convinced he can walk. Of course, he can't. He ends up letting go and falling down. The look on his face says "Why isn't this working.... I could have sworn it would work this time".

Jeff and I are great.... nothing really changed. Jeff is looking forward to his boys trip this weekend. I am looking forward to going to the Mountains with Kate and Lauren. More soon!

The Rickman's welcome 2008

I can't believe it is already 2008! The Rickman's had a lovely holiday season. We were lucky that Nana and Papa were able to come down and spend the holidays with us. Gram and Grampy were also in town and came to see the present opening. Michael loved Christmas - he kept saying "wow, look at that" over and over when he saw the loot left by Santa. Robbie wasn't quite as excited, but he loved playing with the wrapping paper.

Robbie made his stage debut as the St. Luke's baby Jesus. He did wonderfully - slept through the whole event. I was a proud and nervous mom squatting in front of the pews as Mary (played by one of the 5th grade girls) rocked him. She looked tiny compared to the 20 lbs baby "J" in her lap. All the girls loved to dote on him and he LOVED having all eyes on him. Thanks to everyone who came to watch: Godparents Frank and Gloria, Andrew, and Emily Meaux, Wyatt and Caroline Engwall, Justine, Pat, Rhett, and Lily Foo... and of course Nana, Papa, Gram, Grampy, Aunt Julie and Uncle Jim! We had quite the cheering section.

New Year's resolution - keep this blog more up to date! Holiday pictures coming soon....

Fantastic Fall

Forgive me readers, for I have sinned. It has been two months since my last post. Robbie and Michael are both doing great! Michael has started preschool at Cliff Valley and is enjoying it. He doesn't love sharing (who does), but is learning. Robbie continues to grow. At his 10 week check up, he was almost 15 pounds. Here are a couple of new pictures... Michael and Robbie on a autumn boat ride and, of course, Michael's first day of school.

Announcing Mini Moose

I have finally decided to make the big leap into the world of blogging to help keep family and friends up to date on the latest adventures of the Rickman boys. The latest adventure happened on July 6th, 2007 when we welcomed Robert James Rickman into our family. Robbie was a big boy - weighing in at 8 pounds and 6.6 ounces. He was 21.25 inches long and had a head of red hair. Since the very first hour, he has been an enthusiasitc eater! This has promptly earned him his first nickname of mini moose.

Older brother Michael (aka Mighty Mike) is adjusting to having him home. Occasionally, he will look over and gently touch the baby, but for the most part is more interested in his toys. He doesn't love having mommy, daddy, or daisy hold the little one though.

We have had lots of great help the first two week. Nana and Papa came for the first week and Gram and Grampy have been here for the second week. We couldn't have done it without them.

Stay tuned for our upcoming adventures!