sad tigers of all ages

Anna mentioned a few posts ago that Champ had got a couple of shots at his doctor's appointment. That was definitely a rough day for the little guy, but he told me to post his picture that showed off the war wounds. Since it was very cute, I agreed.

However, I knew he was a true Tiger fan when I saw his reaction to the LSU loss to Kentucky yesterday. He wasn't very happy about the two shots from the doctor, but the Champion came out in him as he threw an arm/leg flailing, crying fit after the heartbreaking loss. It was touch and go for a while, but after a couple of bottles (of milk!) he calmed down.

Of course, Anna and I weren't in much better of a mood. I understand that sometimes your opponent is just the better team on that given day, but the Tigers made lots of terrible mental mistakes at critical times giving up tons of yards in penalties. I think this is what made me frustrated the most. Oh well, I guess we will forgive them if they beat Auburn next week.

I went for a ride this afternoon for the first time in a while. I was trying to take advantage of the awesome weather we've been having. Of course I found some rain on the ride, and it was the kind of shower that wet the road enough to make it very slick. After remembering a few of the spectacular crashes I saw during the Tour in the rain, I decided to stop and let a bit of air out of the tires. I don't mind a little more tire area on a rainy day! Besides being a bit damp, I felt better than expected.

I signed up for the MS150 this year after my 2 year break from the event. Taylor gave me a bit of coaxing, and we both think it will be a good event to do before doing Cheaha again this year. I'd like to try to keep up with riding through the fall and winter to prep for the ridiculous miles and miles of sawtooth climbs at Cheaha. Well, I hear it is about time for me to quit babbling and go help Anna with the Champ.

-jeff

road trip

Another first for Champ...a Louisiana weekend. This weekend was important for many reasons, the Halter Island Redfish Rodeo, LSU (1) vs. Florida (9) and 2-great-grandmothers to meet. All 3 went extremely well.

Champ travelled well as he slept most of both drives. The largest challenge of the trip was packing and transporting all necessary items that such a small child requires. I think we made it there and back without forgetting anything of note. I hope he continues to travel this well as we would like to make frequent trips to visit family.

I attended my first football game of the season and it was fantastic. Tiger stadium was packed. The most amazing thing was the reaction of the fans and players when USC's defeat was announced. At that moment the Tigers stopped the foolishness, took control of the game and continued on their powerful season.

Jeff caught lots of fish, but did not place in this year's tournament. The sucess of it all was that thanks to the help of the grandparents he was able to participate in the rodeo and I was able to attend the football game.

huge milestone

I never though I would be so happy to wake up at 5 am. Last night the entire family went to bed at 10:30 and I am the first one to wake up this morning. Yes, Champ slept through the night, his first time. I don't think I can fully describe my excitement. I know that this occurance may not be regular for quite some time, but for this morning I am enjoying it for all that it is worth.

I have learned many lessons with a new child. The latest of which, is that a new mother's most valuable resource is another mother with a child about 1 year older. This can't be just any other mother, no she must be someone close to you that you can ask anything, and I mean anything. There are so many details that come with a new baby and all the books attempt to be complete "owner's manuals" but all fall short of the wisdom of a mom. For all of this, I owe a huge thank you to Carla. My wonderful nights sleep is all thanks to you.

Just catching up on other stuff...last weekend was pretty quiet. The lesson of that weekend was in football. If you are going to look bad, just be greatful when everyone else looks worse. LSU owes a huge thanks to all of the other teams who lost or nearly lost.

Another wondeful occurance was I am learning just how small of a town Houston can be. This weekend Jeff was sitting in the front window of the house, talking on the phone. To his surprise, he saw Christopher and Ana walking down the street. He waved them in and we had a nice visit and offered a bathroom and water stop. It's so nice to feel like you live in Mayberry.

two months; two band-aids

Tomorrow will be Champ's official two-month birthday, but today was his two-month check-up at the doctor. He was a little fussy through out the appointment, but who can blame him. I have to strip him to his diaper. I try to wrap him in a blanket as much as possible, because I know it must be cold. First he is stretched out to get his height, then his is unwrapped and placed on a scale. Then mom gets to console him a bit before the doctor comes and places a cold stethoscope on his chest and pokes around to check for hernias. That is just the warm-up. Then the nurse comes in for the heavy lifting. Today was one oral vaccine and 3, yes 3 shots. Two band-aids...one for each leg. I must give credit to the nurse. When it was time for the injections, she gave all 3 in record time. He didn't get the scream out until she was just about finished. He screamed for a few minutes, but grabbed two handfuls of my hair and slowly calmed. He fell asleep and is still sound asleep. I am a little nervous on how the next couple of days will go. Keep him in your prayers that he has little to no reaction to the vaccinations.

He is growing like a weed. At 2-months he is 23" and 12 oz. This puts him at 60% for both height and length. He is a chunk, but a proportional one.

Well I must run the prince is waking up. We are all doing well.

Anna

wonderful weekend

This past weekend the 3 of us had a nice quiet weekend. Jeff and I enjoyed some running and Jeff got back on his bike for a spin. The weather was wonderful. Most importantly, LSU continued their fantastic football season. We all watched the game and Champ learned that quiet sleep in his mother's arms during a football game is not possible.

Yesterday, Jeff returned to work. Champ and I ran around Rice. I learned a lesson. Jeff had pushed the BOB during all of our family runs. Monday was my first experience. I now have a lot more respect for runners with jogging strollers. It was more difficult than I expected. My pace was a great deal slower, but we made it. The weather was again wonderful.

Anna

No longer a heathen

Champ was baptised into the Christian faith this weekend. He is, for now, free of sin. The most memorable moment in the ceremony is that the deacon said an important part of the sacrament is that the individual is blessed with grace to help them avoid temptation. I just thought to myself, well I will see how well that works. Poor child he did get our genes. Well the deacon was also very generous with the anointing oil. After several washes Champ still smells like a church. I guess his head full of hair didn't help him in that regard.

The weekend was wonderful. Both of our families came in and Champ got to meet one of his great-grandmothers for the first time. Below is a picture of Champ and Mimi. Please note, the blanket displayed in the picture. Mimi cross-stitched it for Champ. As she presented it to me, she said it took her 9-months to create. So both Champ and the blanket are the same age. My brothers and I grew up with a similar blanket that my mother and Mimi cross-stitched. I am grateful that Champ will grow up with his own "Pluto" blanket.


To anyone who has other notable pictures from the weekend, please circulate them so that we may all enjoy.

Thank you to all of our family and friends who made the journey to enjoy this day with us. To all those who were unable to attend, we felt your prayers and thank you.

Anna

Who's your daddy?

Sorry it took me a while to post this...but note it was written 10 days ago.

I have mentioned to a few people that Champ happens to have been gifted with the incredibly potent Courville genes. So I have decided to provide evidence. Below is a picture of Jeff, yes that is Jeff, at about 8 weeks of age.

For futher reference here is a picture of Champ...

Well the Courville apple has not fallen far from the tree for the last 3 generations, so I guess there is no reason for that to change now. A fourth has blessed our presence. We must get to thinking, though. Jeff and his father have many names that refer to their pair: goober, Jake... Now we will have to figure out how a third will fit into this. Again, I must be carefull what I say. Years ago, noting that Jeff and his father are eriely similar, I asked my mother-in-law how she survived being married to one and raising another. I figured it has been a fun adventure when she started her answer with a laugh. So now I embark on my own fun adventure.

A little update on Champ, we weighed him last weekend and he has hit the 10 lb mark. He continues to be healthy and eat well. He is controlling his head more, holding it up longer and looking around more. My favorite new learning is that he holds onto my neck when I burp him. Feeling that first bit of a hug melts my heart each time.

Things here have been moving along. Christopher and Ana became our neighbors Tuesday. We are all so excited to have them back and so close. I continue to make to do lists and cross off my accomplishments as they come. Jeff and I have a 3-day weekend together and we are both looking forward to it.

Anna