Brody was born in February. But, because of Covid and the fact that Bobby lives in New York, we had not met him yet. Until now. Bobby came in town for a Ravens game. And we all met up at the grandparents’ place. All of the cousins enjoyed getting acquainted. Lila got to meet Uncle Bobby and Aunt KC. And Brody got to meet all of his cousins and aunt and uncle. It was pretty special. Brody was so inquisitive.
Noah had a lax game last night. His grandparents came out to watch him play. Before his stroke, Noah’s grandfather, Pop Pop, coached him in lacrosse for several years. And since his stroke three years ago, it has been rare that he has been out to watch any of the kids play sports, where he was super engaged with them all before. Last night, he was very excited to watch Noah play, and was thrilled afterwards at how well the team did and how well Noah did. Noah scored two goals.
As always, baby sis was out smiling and watching her big bro play lacrosse. It was cold, but Lila bundled up and watched the whole game with mom.
Lila loves her baths. Mom and her older sisters give her baths every night. Tonight, Eden helped Mommy give her a bath. Daddy took some video.
Had to take a nap before the long drive to Louisville. Got to get to sleep, but can’t stop watching Lila sleeping peacefully. 8pm, and Luke and I need to be up at 3AM to hit the road. Little bit of cuteness passed out on the couch, captured my heart. Good night baby girl.
Lila got a new activity mat for some tummy time and some kicking. Let’s check it out
They grows up and they grows up and they grows up.
Look what we’ve made. Lila’s first few weeks of life zipped by. Dad was dealing with lacrosse nonsense, per usual. Liz was recovering from ACL surgery and going back and forth to the rehab several days a week. Jack trying out for lax teams. Noah and Maggie finishing up a summer schedule for lax. Eden and Maggie preparing for a new school. The boys all getting ready to go back to school for the first real time in a while. Liz was finishing up summer school; she managed to take three classes with exams (which she had to take in Essex) and have surgery in the middle of it. Luke got a bike for his birthday and everybody was wheels up in August. Maggie went camping with Becca in Chincoteague. We all took a quick trip down to spend a night or two with Aunt Joan and Uncle Greg. Eden started a job at Play It Again Sports. All the while, Lila was eating, sleeping, crying and pooping. And being loved.
And in a blink, it was time for the seven to part, at least for Liz to hit the road to go back to Louisville.
Taking stock. Seven is a lot. There is a lot of love in this picture right here. A lot of kids who are smart, respectful, funny, conscientious, and, in my opinion, pretty amazing. And I want them all to be happy. So, we do our best as parents to provide for them. Help them become good citizens. Help them through their struggles. Help them dream. Help them grow. Help them to learn the value of hard work. And help them find joyous moments in life.
2020 was tough. In so many ways it was tough. It was tough on Liz. It was tough on Eden. Noah did well, but 2021 threw up new challenges. Maggie seems to bee bop through anything that comes her way. 2020 was tough on Luke. Jack is a cool customer and is ready to be back to school soon. It certainly had some hardships for Marcia and me. And Lila is coming onto the scene with no expectations.
At the end of 2021, I hope to have two (licensed) drivers in the house, and one working on it. And Eden figuring out where she wants to go to college. And for the seven to be together again for a few weeks around Christmas.
On July 10, 8:40PM, Lila Kate was born at Johns Hopkins Howard County General Hospital. She came 5 weeks early. It was a rough delivery for Mom. Her doctor coerced her to get admitted to the hospital and she induced labor. Anesthesiologists had to place multiple epidurals. It was rough. Liz and Eden stayed at the hospital with Mom most of the day, but went home for dinner. And then it was time.
One push, and Lila popped out. She was early and blue. And took a few minutes to warm up. But when she did, she was the most perfect baby.
Lila got to visit with Mom for a little bit. And Eden rushed back to the hospital. Due to an arrogant security guard, she missed the delivery, and didn’t get to meet Lila. Lila went down the hall to the NICU for the night. Dad went with her and got to have his first date with his newest baby girl.
Six With Sticks 