The Patient

Jack's surgery went well. Thankfully he was pretty occupied. There was a big room filled with toys and then the individual waiting rooms had their own video games and televisions. After the surgery Jack was groggy due to the medications. He wanted juice right away though so that was a good sign.

When we returned home he was in pain but later that evening the medicine kicked in and he was doing great. Today he's back to his old self. He tells us how he went to the hospital and that he had Dr. Greenfield. He's a riot. Now the challenge will be keeping him occupied without allowing him to climb or run. :) Have a great weekend.

David snapped these with his cell phone.

Jack playing with the toys before his operation. It's probably wrong to think this...but I think he looks so cute in his little hospital gown and booties

Sitting with mom. I'm watching the Today Show, er, I mean, Dora the Explorer

J-A-C-K

I love this picture of Jack. It's rare these days that I get a posed shot of him. When I do, he's usually making a face. So, when I saw this picture it made me smile. As challenging as this little guy can be sometimes, he still makes David and I laugh every day. He's a constant ray of sunshine.

Tomorrow he's having surgery and though it's a quick outpatient procedure, I'll admit I'm a little anxious. I had a hard time sleeping last night but I know everything will be ok. I said to David this morning, "How's he going to go without anything to drink for a few hours?!" (Jack's got us conditioned pretty well) Anyway, we'll let you know how he makes out. I took the kids to the book store this morning and on the recommendation of Toni (thank you!), got Jack a Franklin book about going to the hospital. We keep telling him Aunt Bridget works at a hospital so I hope he's not disappointed when he doesn't see her tomorrow. Keep us in your thoughts tomorrow.

This Made My Day...

The other day I caught this on tape. Apart from Jack gnawing on a Lego, this warms my heart.

Make Way for Duckling

One of my dear friends, Nicole, is expecting a baby girl in September! I'm soooo excited and happy for her and Chris. The baby boom continues. We had a shower for Nicole over the weekend. She looks terrific and I can tell her family is ready to have a baby around. The book, "Make Way for Ducklings," takes place in the city of Boston. I think it's a must have for parents in Boston. Nicole was telling us all how the city has an annual duck parade. She certainly got enough duck apparel for the parade when the time comes! :)

Nicole and Kristin. This was one of the best profile shots I got of Nicole. Otherwise, you can't really tell she's expecting! Taryn taking her "secretary" duties seriously

A duck bib!
A few of Nicole's friends are also expecting. Missy, in white, made her the cutest hat adorned with feathers (should have gotten a snapshot of the hat). Nicole said it will be perfect for when they visit Scotland. Evidently the Scots like feathers?

Opening her bath supplies.


Tarbear, Me and Lily

Bridge and Lily

I Love That Sam-I-Am

Sam C. visited the Archer house this past week. He is a cutie. I can't figure out who he looks like yet. I think he favors his dad but then again, I see some of Julie's dad in there. Regardless, he's a little charmer. Sam was born the day after my nephew! Thanks Jules for letting me post!

Mr. Smiles...watch out ladies!

Show me Pouty!

This shot is a little blurry but I like how he's clutching his mom

Jules and I with our boys!

Bonus Trips

On our vacation we were lucky enough to visit some of my dear friends and their families! Here are a couple of pics (many of which I stole). Jack especially had a great time with his friends.

Jack and Attie spelling in the Daniels' kitchen

Donovan is so sweet...it's hard not to be smitten with her.

So, yea, we not only have the same birthday but we buy each other the same presents. We had just finished our morning run.

Mmm, fruit salad and cinnamon rolls. Does breakfast get any better than this? Attie looks like he's bargaining with Donovan. "Listen, I'll give you a couple strawberries if you let me have that last roll."

Mischief!

Jack and Nate playing with blocks in Erin's awesome toy cove

It seems like just yesterday we were singing and dancing all across Rochester and now we have babies. Can't wait for Baby Girl May to arrive! Erin and I both look especially happy in this shot because all three kiddos napped at the same time that afternoon.

Nathan getting fresh . I love this picture.

As I was looking at these pictures it made me sad that we're all not in closer proximity. Thank goodness for roadtrips!

Introducing Special Agent Lily P. Archer

Colin, Meet Uncle Dave

David was as excited as I was to meet Colin. He was so happy to become an uncle! He told Colin that now he could begin the long tradition of Archer uncles busting chops. Watch out Colin.

Last Night In Town

David and Rowan

Not sure that Lily is thrilled with Grandma Toni's attention being diverted

Poor David had a sty in this picture--but I still love it.
And man, is there a resemblance or what?

Happy Birthday Linda!!

On our last night in Tennessee we were fortunate to spend it surrounded by family. Jody flew in the previous morning. Then Linda, Michelle and Rowan came in late that afternoon. It was Linda's birthday the next day so in addition to a terrific dinner we also enjoyed an icecream cake! Miss everyone!

Memphis Pool = Children's Paradise

Check out the pool down in Memphis! It was like a mini-SeaBreeze that we could visit every day. No wonder Jack took three hour naps there. The nice part is that the pool(s) had a separate area for toddlers and babies.

Don't worry, Dad is right there watching him!

Lily wasn't sure what to make of the fountains

David was a good sport because I'm pretty sure they went down this slide about 3,000 times


Jack's favorite part of the water wonderland was the lazy river. He is still talking about the lazy river and how he went with Daddy and Lily and Grandma Toni and Aunt Jody. I think he was just thrilled to have so much of his crew surrounding him . Lily seemed to enjoy the ride as well.

My Baby Loves Babies

When we were in North Carolina, Lily was fascinated by little Colin. Any time she could see him, she wanted to touch him. I think she thought he was her very own doll. Then we went to Memphis and Dave's cousin Michelle visited with her baby. Rowan was a cutie. Lily must have thought so too because again, she needed to be near him. I wonder how early the maternal instinct kicks in? Jack on the other hand shouted a hello, and that was that.

A Trip To Memphis Wouldn't Be Complete Without BBQ

Dining at the famous Rendezvous

This picture cracks me up. We're hungry!

That Grandpa Dave is hysterical

Last visit we went to Corky's. This time it was Rendezvous. Next time I want to hit up the Neely's restaurant. I like to think of myself as a connoisseur of bbq.

The Peabody Hotel

One afternoon we decided to visit the Peabody Hotel for the marching of the ducks. The hotel is located in the heart of downtown Memphis (next to Beale Street). Apparently the tradition of the ducks marching dates back to 1933. Every day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, the ducks swim in the Peabody's fountain and then march down the red carpet and ride the elevator. The event draws quite a crowd!

A Peabody Duck! My camera isn't the best in dark places but there's the "duck master"
Afterward, we had cocktails in the lobby. It's a gorgeous place. I was trying to think who could have a wedding there. Wouldn't that be fun? The hotel is so beautiful and it is situated right next to Beale Street. Maybe Lily can one day! Lily doing some light reading with Grandma "Cheers!" Also in the lobby was a gorgeous baby grand piano and a great piano player. I asked him if he could play Jack's favorite songs. It wasn't quite up to Bobby Darin tempo so I think Jack was a little confused. Nonetheless, he's such a riot! Check out this video: