King of the mountain

This may not look like much, but those puzzle tiles aren't particularly stable. He was determined to get to the top of the mountain, though!

--Trish

Still Loving Crackers

--Trish

May 12, 2010

Robbie has discovered the love of books. These days he brings us a book, grabs our hand and shoves it in and said "DO!" and as soon as you say "The end" he flips it back over to "do!" again.

--Trish

It isn't always smiles.

--Trish

May 9, 2010

Learning to play the guitar with Grandpa.

--Trish

A Pirate in the Park

Recently, a friend of ours arranged a fantastic play date at Faust Park. She called it Pixies & Pirates in the Park. Basically a good excuse to dress the kids up and take pictures!
My local mom's group met up in the morning and let the kids run wild. The day was much cooler & windier than usual, so some of the costumes had to be covered with a coat at least part of the time. But everyone still looked adorable!

When we got to the park, the girls took off right away.

Robbie couldn't be bothered to stay with the girls. He had exploring to do.

This is what I saw most of the day- Robbie's back. He can not be contained these days!

It finally started to warm up and he was able to shed the jacket.

The handsomest group of pirates ever!

Here Mommy, can you hold these for me?

I've had enough of the eye patch. But I still love my momma.

 The pirate takes a swing break.

Ohh, I know how to climb! Gotta keep in shape so I can climb those masts.

Did ya need something?

I have some help! We can do it!

Borrowing a seat from a friend. And like a good gentleman, taking care of the girl's things so they don't get lost.

I would be remiss in not including Livi. Her mom organized the whole thing and then poor Olivia was sick and couldn't come. She had her own private party at home. She's just too adorable to leave out.

I think Robbie had a good time!

--Trish

A very important phone call

--Trish

May 6

--Trish

Peek-A-Boo

Peek-a-boo

I see you!

--Trish

Clean up

What a good little helper

I've got it all under control.

--Trish

Good morning

A good morning hug for the kitty.

Goodnight

Playing

One evening just at dusk, Robbie was insistent we go outside. So David, Robbie, our devil kitty and Trish all headed out front. Our devil cat has always been very vocal and Robbie loves to talk back to him. And then he decided he wanted to catch him. The kitty was not up for Robbie love, so he took off for the neighbor's tree. Robbie gave chase. At this point Robbie still didn't like to walk on the grass, so he stopped at the end of the driveway, but right after I turned the camera off, he took off across the grass. Apparently he just needed the right motivation.

Both the chasing and his determination was unexpected and hysterical.

--Trish

Devil Snuggle

We affectionately refer to our youngest kitty as "The Devil" because he's..... well.. Let's call him feisty. He's good with Robbie, mostly opting to run away when Rob wants a snuggle. But sometimes if you catch him in the right mood, he'll acquiesce to being used as a pillow. Robbie is a lucky boy.

--Trish

Mmm.. Cheez-It.

April 25, 2010

March for Babies

April 24, 2010 was the day we'd been anticipating for months. Our first March For Babies. Team Remarkable Robbie raised nearly $2,800 total. More than half of that came from a couple of our last minute walkers, Sherry & J. Their son, Gus, was born full term but with a birth defect known as esophageal atresia. He spent 107 days in the same NICU in which Robbie spent 96 days. But the rest of the team did very well, too.

Considering my original goal was $500, I don't think we did half bad. I was moved to tears several times when I saw the continued generosity of our friends, family members, coworkers and even perfect strangers. Thank you so much to all who gave!

The day started early. We hoped to be at the walk site in Forest Park by 8am. The walk was slated to begin at 9. That meant our day began around 6. As Robbie doesn't normally rise until after 8, he was a little discombobulated, but mostly in a good mood.

We arrived at the site. The first indication we were in the right place was all the balloons.

It was still early. There were plenty of people there, setting up booths and preparing to meet the walkers.

My company, AT&T, had a booth. Sadly, there was no one working it, so it was just a sign and an empty table. Wish I knew someone in marketing to complain to.

The March of Dimes did a photo-op of all the preemies in attendance. They were all given blue "I was a preemie.." shirts for the photo op.

Sherry made Robbie a stroller sign showing just how far he's come. "From Small Beginnings..." indeed.

Grandpa is here!

David's not so thrilled about the early hour, either.

The back of our T-shirts.

Grandpa insisted on getting the Ram's cheerleaders autographs. "For Robbie," of course.

Sherry and Gus arrive

And J & Charlie, too.

Robbie's still trying to figure out what is going on.

Some more mom friends and their kids join us as well.

Clare

Mia

Jenn & Becca

Uh-Oh. It's almost race time and Robbie is out cold!

But we're off anyway

Our team is off to a good start.

Gus is a lot livelier than Robbie.

J and Charlie can't be held back any more. They jog ahead.

Oh hey, Robbie's awake again. Maybe this is fun after all.

Nearing the end. Gus needs a stroller break.

Finally the end! Megan walked the whole 3 miles in spite of being 36 weeks pregnant. She's spent!

Grandpa and Robbie hit the snack tents before we head out for the day.

It turned out to be a good day for a walk. It stormed all night and again later in the day, but minus the occasional very light drizzle, we all stayed dry. The news reported 10,000 walkers marched for babies that day. St. Louis is the 9th largest walk in the U.S.

We were very proud to be part of it and are looking forward to doing it again next year. Hope to see some of you there, as well!

--Trish