It's About Time I Had a Say - Caroline

As you can tell, Mommy and I got to come home the other day. My brothers were delighted, to say the least, and Garrison in particular wanted to know all about our matching hospital bracelets and to see Mommy's tummy where I hung out for SO long!!


Garrison is so much happier than when his little brother came home from the hospital. But Daniel isn't sure he cares if I'm here or not; he's happy as long as he gets fed and watered regularly. Come to think of it - that's one of my top priorities, too. But every once in a while he gives my strawberry blond curls a tender whop or he investigates the holes in my ears or nose. You wait, Brother!

On the same day that I came home, my Pops arrived from the airport to see me (from South Carolina!) My brothers showed him my room - with the painting that Garrison did for me - and their own new room as well. They have this cool fake fish tank thing that I'm sure I'll enjoy a lot one day. Right now I'm all about sleeping - that was a hard delivery, you know. It's not easy coming out face up - and then having to have your tongue clipped so that you can eat properly. Quite stressful really. But my mom handles everything so well!
Like having Traveler come to spend the night. Todd and Schelyn were both going to be away so my Mom said it'd be OK. She knows that our Dixie likes to have her friend over - especially when Oma plays ball in the backyard with both of them. Did I tell you that G & D gave me this cute little pink pig? (Of course we all got presents from Pops, too). It may look like I'm about the same size as this soft critter but I've got it outweighed, let me tell you!



Anyway, it wasn't long before Todd and Jack Greer came by to see me and to pick up their dog. And then late the next day Auntie Schelyn stopped by on her way home from the airport. Can you believe she'd come to see me before picking up her own little boy from the baby sitter's (Todd had to go back to work - it's a complicated story - I'll tell you one day)! Anyway, I feel really loved.

That's all I have to say for now! But I'm sure my mom will keep everyone updated either here or on her spot: erikacounts.blogspot.com. Check it out. And I can't wait to see what my Aunt Nancy and Uncle Reid's little girl is going to look like. She and I will be having tea parties with Oma one day, I know!

I'll get to meet little Miss Fisher and all the others from South Carolina in early October at the 'Baker Laker' week. Think of the pictures we'll get then!!
Thanks for listening - I think I'll go back to sleep now. After a little more milk and maybe a new diaper. I feel like such a princess already.

Well, sort of:

A Very Important Visit to the Hospital for Two Big Brothers

This brand new hospital has a great view of Pike's Peak but I didn't want to move the kids for a better angle!

Caroline looks so very little and helpless next to G & D.

I bet these boys will do a great job of protecting their little sister in future but for the moment they were more interested in what was under her wrappings. Of course G & D got to unwrap a couple of gifts and Garrison immediately started writing his letters - in particular: Caroline's initials. (Keep in mind that this boy just turned three years old four months ago; spoken like a typically proud Oma, eh?)


Caroline's mommy is a little worried that she'll grow up to be a tomboy so she's going to put her in a lot of pink 'til then.


And Daddy doesn't mind what his little princess wants to wear!

A Very Special 'Birth'day! -a note from Oma

I promised some details and here they are: Caroline Ashleigh Counts was born on May 31st, 2007 at 12:49 PM - six pounds/10 ounces and 20 inches long. Now for a little story on her first day of life!

Big brothers, Garrison and Daniel have had quite a bit of practice with babies (since cousin Jack Greer is only 8 months old right now and they have Peter and Spencer on the other side of the family). But we all know that it'll be a different story when a baby actually moves into their house with them! (They've already had to give up one of their rooms for her! But that'll be OK since they have bunk beds to look forward to!)



Thankfully, a lot of fun and exciting things happen when a new baby comes into the world. On this particular morning (before Little Sister's arrival), I presented the big brothers with some really cool toys (at least I hoped they'd think so): a kaleidoscope with Thomas the train decorations on the outside, and a car that pops when you roll it.
Naturally, smart little copy-cat Daniel thought that he should use his toy the same way that his big brother did his.
Fortunately for me, these toys proved to be a bigger hit than even I'd guessed - and helped to fill quite a few blocks of time in the day (in between watching Elmo, playing in the sandbox, napping, playing with rocks, eating a few meals and enduring bathtime!)
Anyway, after naptime, since we knew that 'Baby Sister' was finally here, G & D celebrated with pink popsicles that Garrison had helped make the day before.
We weren't even finished our treats when Mommy and Daddy called from the hospital and told us her name: Caroline Ashleigh!!


Then it was time to put the pink ribbon on the mailbox and greet a few well-wishing neighbors. The boys were euphoric about her arrival, or just about life in general, and as they spun around the lamp post in the front yard, we made up a new song (Uncle Will will appreciate this):

Ring around the rosies,
Caroline likes posies
Ashleigh, Ashleigh,
we all fall down!

At last Bryan returned home from the hospital (very sweet of him to take over bedtime duties) in order that I could go the hospital all by myself! Spending time with our own first daughter, and holding our first little grand daughter was a pleasure 'beyond all praising', to quote the words from my favorite hymn.
Caroline, you are so beautiful (of course) and your little face really reminds me of Erika's 30 years ago. We'll have to pull out her baby pictures today - I bet Garrison will really like that.

But this is only the beginning of the story, of course. Caroline, your little brothers are coming for a visit today - you're going to meet the rest of the most important people in your life!

Pops, when you fly out here on Saturday, would you please bring an infant-sized hard-hat or football helmet please?

With love to all the Baker's (and Counts')
from Oma Marijke
(in sunny, dry Colorado)

Little Miss Counts Has Arrived

I'm so sorry but I have no pictures and not much news, either. Erika just called from the hospital to tell me that their little girl is here; I didn't even get to hear the weight or time of arrival or ANYTHING when she told me she had to get a shot and would call me right back. In the meantime, I've put the pink bow on the mailbox and I'm waiting - just like all of you - to find out more info. (I DO know her name but I'm not sharing until she says it's OK to do so!) Pictures will surely follow, too. Be patient a little longer. At least you know her birthday will ever always be May 31st!! - Expectantly, Oma Marijke

Prego Erika

This is for you, Nancy and Danni...I wouldn't have done it if you hadn't challenged me. :)
love ya'll!!!!

Baby Girl Fisher documented...

She's not scheduled to make her debut until June 11th... hopefully Nancy can wait that long... See Erika, now that we posted our two, you need to pony up with a picture!

The Third Trimester

So when I had Olice at 31 weeks, I obviously missed out on any third trimester fun. I had no idea what I was missing. The third trimester is a freaky time. Yesterday I felt like I was walking on a float because my ankle and foot were so swollen. Imagine walking on a swimmie. Doesn't sound fun does it? My balance is also a little off which makes me want to walk a little slow just to be careful. I have also taken up waddling. It isn't intentional. It's just that, my belly is so heavy and full of water that it swings side to side(much like a pony tail does as you walk) and in turn, swings my whole body.

Schelijn and I were walking into target yesterday, and I looked over at another couple about fifteen feet away(also entering the store). Just as I look over at them, I catch her rude husband point at me and say, "Hey, look at that." That's right, people are pointing me out in awe at my enormous belly. Kinda makes me feel like I'm a freak show. Oh well, I'll still wear it proud. They say a camera adds ten pounds. In the case of these pictures, let's say about 30 pounds;)

Compliments from Olice

Olice and I were at the grocery store the other day. We were in the card aisle when Olice started pointing towards a row of cards and saying, "mama, mama". Not knowing what to expect, I looked to see what reminded him of his mama on one of those cards. The only human face in the general vicinity of where he was pointing was, get this, the one only Barbie. Obviously this was a very flattering thing for a 34 week pregnant mommy to hear. So thanks Olice, and yes, I have been known to dress up like Barbie.

Happy 8th Anniversary Todd & Shinny!

Today the Flippins celebrate their eigth anniversary. In South Carolina, hurrah! I hope it was a good one guys. At any rate, since you are celebrating 8 years on the 8th of the month, does that make it a golden anniversary? Or do you still have to wait until 50? Hmmm....

Just so you know - this 'Oma' is like Ernie

You Are Ernie

Playful and childlike, you are everyone's favorite friend - even if your goofy antics get annoying at times. You are usually feeling: Amused - you are very easily entertained You are famous for: Always making people smile. From your silly songs to your wild pranks, you keep things fun. How you life your life: With ease. Life is only difficult when your friends won't play with you!

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

Outside Fun @101

After Olice finally learned to walk, he discovered how much he loved the great outdoors. Bringing him inside from playing outside is literally a knock down drag out fight.



Yesterday we had such a fun day playing outside with the hose water, balls, dirt, frogs, and whatever else struck Olice's fancy. About the frog, though. Olice saw it hopping around and thought it was neat so he held his little cup down by it (we told him to give it some water). The frog jumped in his cup. Once he realized it was in there, he reached in to pick it up. The feel of that squirming frog in his pinchers was enough to freak him totally out. He screamed and threw the frog. He was really scared, and I tried so hard not to laugh.
Highlight of his day after all this fun: pooping in the tub. I'm sure it had to feel much better than going in a diaper, but come on! This totally freaked me out, and I screamed and jerked him up out of the tub. He stayed pretty calm other than the fact that he was mad he had to get out of the tub. I have no pictures of the frog or the poop. You are probably glad for that.

As some of you may know (read more in evelynfloyd.blogspot.com), Danielle rose to the occassion and created a beautiful Easter meal for the Baker's and friends. We had three Somers there (Dot, Ray, Kenny) and three Baker's (Ken, Marijke & Thomas) as well as three Gibbs (Will, Amy, Danielle) - well, four if you count Jim.

We feasted on the best lamb that I've ever eaten (marinated by our wonderful host, Will) with roast potatoes and beautifully cooked green beans. Afterwards we had outstanding coffee and berry pie. All too wonderful for words so I'll stop right now.

Except to say that Thomas was having issues with his pants being a little too short. Shouldn't grow so much, we say.

Nancy, Reid and Olice couldn't make it and Erika and Schelyn were making their own Easter's in Colorado naturally. I guess holidays may not be the time for mass gatherings anymore - but we're looking forward to some time together in late September/early October. Bet there'll be lots of cameras present!! Hope so.

A "Sib-la-roo"

The east coast siblings had a "sib-la-roo" in the park today. Nancy didn't provide me with a Webster's definition of the term, but based on our experience today, i can safely say it is one heck of a good time had by all, usually sisters and brothers. Here are some pics documenting our lovely picnic in Falls Park in downtown Greenville today:

Uncle Thomas and Olice sharing conversation and lunch...

Olice gazing in wonderment at all of the activity bustling around us...

His favorite thing to watch: the volleyball players in front of us...

Can you count all five of us in this picture? (hint, two are hiding in our bellies...)

Olice trying to get in on the action in the baseball game also going on in the park:

neglected blog?

I realized recently that the bakercrowd spot has been a little neglected recently. And then i discovered that some folks didn't know that Tootie and Pudzy had eached branched off to create little individual blogs... so just incase you are looking for bakercrowd updates... some of them have been placed here:

Evelyn & Floyd: http://evelynfloyd.blogspot.com

Tootie's Tales: http://tootietales.blogspot.com

Olice's playdate

About a week and a half ago Olice and I went to my friend, Frances' house. She has two girls, Lucy and Bella. Lucy is about 2 months younger than Olice, and Bella is 2 months old. Anyway, in the Mitchell Road nursery is where Lucy and Olice's friendship has blossomed. Every time Reid or I come to get him and as soon as we drop him off each time, they are together. We tease him about it some:)