The Work Baby is Born!

I'm sitting here wrapping up my last set of emails and stuffing the last thing in my over-sized suitcase that holds 2 weeks worth of clothes/shoes/toiletries - and wishing I could just click my heels and be HOME.  I'm missing my babies and my honey like crazy!

However, ending these two weeks, I'm very happy to announce that our HR On Demand baby - a 20 month project to design and deliver a global HR system in a big bang implementation to 90K employees in 96 markets with nearly 200 integrations - is here.  And things went well, especially considering the scope.

This project has been a huge part of my life.  It's meant a lot of late nights and early morning on calls, a lot (a LOT) of travel and working side-by-side with Colleagues from all over the world. It's been the first time I've done a big implementation from "the other side" (meaning, as the client, not the consultant), which means that this go-live is just the beginning for me.  Now we've got to run the thing. :)

I'm so grateful for the opportunity to lead and work with the most amazing teams on this project. It will go down as a highlight and key accomplishment of my career.

But, now, it's time to get home and snuggles these babies.  I've missed them and the 48 hours I got with them last weekend was not enough!!

(They are obsessed with their baby cousin. JB asks me all the time "when does our new baby get here?"  I feel like I can finally turn attention to preparing for the new little guy!)

Cheap Summertime Entertainment

We are fortunate to have a huge, flat backyard, and people always say "you should get a pool!" Honestly we don't have any desire at this moment to even consider a pool. The cost, the maintenance, the risk....  Not to mention all of us are pale as all get out so we avoid lounging by the pool (choosing to hit up the country club pool down the street at 5PM when the sun - and crowds - are gone.) Plus, the fact our kiddos looooooooooove their really small, $15 Big Lots baby pool makes me think they won't raise this request for a while.

Another piece of plastic that is getting a lot of usage these days: our t-ball set.  And JB has gotten very good at knocking that ball across the yard.  He has trained his sister to go retrieve the ball, set it back on the tee, and then back up so he can swing.  They have a cute little system.  

(JB's 2t swim trunks fall off of him quite frequently.  Poor kid - he's got those skinny Kerr genes!)  

Lastly, another oldie-but-goodie:  BUBBLES. They're constant entertainment and bring so many laughs.  

Summer is off to a great start!  The kids are staying cool (both figuratively and literally) and having fun!

Happy Father's Day!

A big HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to our sweet Daddy. He takes care of us, puts up with us, and loves us unconditionally.

James is the smartest, most driven man I know, and every single thing he does is for the present and future of his family.

I asked JB what he loved most about his Daddy and he said “that he plays with me and that he’s my best friend”.   (He also said his Daddy was 429 years old and was as tall as a tree house.) 

XOXO, James, we love you.  

Superboy JB and the Mystery Bandit

We have two new individuals in the Sasser household who have become part of day-to-day life. Superboy JB (not to be confused with JB, they are separate identities) and the Mystery Bandit.

JB told us he wanted to be a Superboy for Halloween a few months ago, also requesting that Sissy dress up as Supergirl and that the baby (once he confirmed that Baby Boy will be here for Halloween) dress up as "a villian".  Now we're way past dressing up because JB actually morphs into Superboy several times a day.  In his mind, this is not a costume. It's an identity. The imagination on this 3 year old child astounds me!!

What does "morphing" look like, you ask.  JB crouches down, spreads his arms, and spins up on his tiptoes declaring "I AM SUPERBOY JB!!!" Then he must be addressed as such until further notice.   His superpowers (according to JB): he can run super fast AND he can "make his poop camouflage". I can hardly keep a straight face when he says these things to me...

It's a good thing we have Superboy now that the Mystery Bandit is on the loose.  I can't remember the first time I heard of the mystery bandit, but now we hear about him all day long.  Who he is we're not quite sure, but we know he's a "villain" and he's "powerful".

For instance, the other day JB was running across the yard and took out his sister like a little linebacker.  From time-out he explained to me that "the powerful Mystery Bandit must have put his Mystery Bandit machine into me and that makes me do mean things to Sissy".  Uh huh... we talked about how he needs to ask God for His powerful Holy Spirit to do nice things to Sissy and others.

And speaking of God, JB let us know that "God says to love everyone but God does NOT tell me I have to love the Mystery Bandit!".  So this guy must be really, really bad.

All day is spent looking for the Mystery Bandit. JB's teachers and camp counselors keep us up to date on how the search is going while he's at school.  JB roped in his little pal, Willow Cate, into the search in the Pool this weekend.  Poor gal seemed so confused as to what she was looking for!

Several policemen and firefighters hosted a demonstration at the library on Monday evening. JB and Maryn walked up to say "hello", and as one policemen put out his hand for a high-five our little JB dropped down to the floor and said in a quiet dark voice "and, so it begins.... our search for the Mystery Bandit. Superboy JB - ACTIVATE ".  I could hardly hold back my laughter while the policeman looked at me with wide eyes.

We love this boy - whoever he is at that present moment!

Bumpdate - 24 Weeks with #3

Things are moving so quickly!  I can't believe we're at 24 weeks!

My work right now has been keeping me very busy. Probably as busy as I've ever been (or, at least, I haven't been this busy since our last major global go-live in 2010, and then I didn't also have responsibility for two little ones.)  It prevents me from focusing too much on baby planning, but that could be a good thing.  Sometimes my anxious mind tends to be equally consumed with excitement and fear when I think about what is to come!

How Far Along: 24 weeks + 5 days
Total Weight Gain (so far): 12 lbs.  I now weigh the exact same as I did with Maryn at this point. Going for consistency.

Sleeping: not as much as I should because I've been going to bed too late.  Too much to do within my waking hours!

Eating: still pretty healthy, if I don't count the 5 days of our Texas trip.  I've had a cold for a solid week, so food doesn't sound too good.
Craving: still loving salt. I even add salt to my food (which I never do!)
Wearing: several cute maternity things! Although I haven't bought much new, I'm loving what I found.
Feeling: pretty good, pregnancy-wise.  Have already felt a few Braxton Hicks, so making sure to keep my water intake high and my activity moderate. Also trying to manage my stress-level, which is not easy.  (I may be 16 weeks from the baby go-live, but only 12 days from our project go-live. AAAAAH.)
Loving: the movement that I feel every day now.  Never gets old.
Missing: the same stuff - wine, beer, and (with two weeks of travel and hotels coming up) Ambien.
Dealing With: lots of comments about the big belly!  already!  Folks, it's only going to get bigger so be prepared.  (I'm measuring right on track, btw.)

Best Moment(s) of the Month: seeing so many friends and family and getting belly rubs from loved ones.  Also, watching JB's face when he feels the baby move.
Worse Moment of the Month: I've had a cold for 1 week that gives me coughing fits. I'm going to call that the worst thing (which, really, isn't too terrible.)
Looking Forward To: the big project go-live! It's something I've worked so hard on for so long, and it's great to see things come to fruition. Also, in my head, once we're live I can turn more of my focus to a fun part of baby prep: shopping, nursery, names.

Maryn Elizabeth - 21 Months Old!

I only have a few more of these monthly updates for our baby little girl before she hits the big T-W-O mark.  AAAAH, how is that possible?

Maryn is turning into a little girl before our eyes.  So much so that we're in no rush to push some of her "baby" tendencies.  First, girlfriend wants to be held (by me) pretty much all the time.  I've gotten her to commit to hand holding when my back is killing me, but she's quick to climb in my lap or on top of me whenever I'm sitting or lying down.  I've also decided the pacifier is best left to tackle once she's ready to go off to college. She just loves them too much.

We did, however, push the bottle issue this month.  DISASTER.  She cried and asked for her "baba" every morning and night for weeks.  Refused milk outright.  Only in Waco for Memorial Day did she finally take a cup of milk (in a Minnie Mouse cup that Grammy gave her), although this week she's regressed to refusing.  Last night I finally gave in and poured her milk into a "baba". She smiled, laughed, hugged it, cuddled it...but didn't actually drink it.  Goodness, toddlers are confusing!

Maryn's vocabulary is increasing and she says new words each day.  Her new word this week - "cheese". Her speech is difficult to understand, but JB's speech therapist (who does informal evals for me when we get together socially) says she's still "right on track" for her age.  (Speaking of JB, I can't get her to stop calling him "bubba".  And we hear "weh bubba?" - or "where's brother" - all day long when he's not in her direct line of sight.)

The Kerr family got a glimpse into her little temper several times during our trip. I guess we're used to it, but, boy, can she get mad at you (or the situation).  She'll also now hit, pull hair, or do something else "naughty" and then immediately follow up with a big hug to say she's sorry.  JB is so confused as to why she's not in time out multiple times a day.

The other thing I want to remember about this month: she is always holding up her little pointer finger to her face and asking, inquisitively "wo mo'?"  When we've finished reading books  I always get the little "just one more" finger and request.  She'll clean her plate and then her little finger goes up.  She goes and gets a box of cookies or bars, brings to me, then stick that little finger up and asks "wo mo?".   It's the cutest thing and I just love it.  She gets waaaaaaaay more than "just one more" of most things because I can't resist her.

We love you, (always going to be our) baby girl!

I took these pictures at our neighborhood Sunday Supper last week.  She cleaned her plate using a fork like a big girl, then devoured a bowl of homemade peach ice cream.  And she looks SO OLD.  

Cameron Park Zoo Trip

I know people are flocking to Waco so they can visit the Magnolia Farm Silos, but anyone with kids (or just anyone) should also hit up the Cameron Park Zoo.

I remember enjoying it as an older child (it opened when I was in Middle School maybe?), and I also know my parents love it. In fact, they have a Grandparent membership which allows them to take their grandkids as much as they want.

The great thing about the zoo is that it's small enough to see everything before you exhaust little attention spans, but what all they pack into the mid-size zoo is really outstanding. Great number of animals, great exhibits, everything in a very natural environment (no metal cages with concrete floors) and you get incredible views of the animals.  It's just such an enjoyable 2-3 hour stroll.

JB loved the orangutans!  They were lounging and not bothered at all when JB stuck his face up to glass.  In fact, they gave him a kiss on the glass (and totally made his day!)  We have a video of it and JB requests to watch it over and over again.  

While JB loved the up close view of the animals, Little Miss did not appreciate all the sounds and noises and sudden movement from the habitats. It took her a little while, and it wasn't until the aquariums and otters (end of the trail!) that she warmed up to the idea of them.  

By the final monkey cage (who she refers to as "ah ahs") Maryn decided that these animals were pretty fun.  It's a shame we couldn't go through again!

After the exhibit we enjoyed some playground time. I tried to bypass it because we were nearing lunch time/nap time, but JB wasn't about to let me get away with that!

I also attempted some photos of the children in their coordinated outfits.  As usual, the children cooperated fully, resulting in magazine quality shots...   :)

As we walked out the gate, Gran Gran treated the kids to a stuffed animal to remember the trip. Maryn immediately picked out an "ah ah" and JB took a while before settling on a tiger (that he promptly named "snuggles").  They've slept with them* ever since.

(* well, the "ah ah" was in the line of fire during the throw up incident on the way home, so he's had to undergo several washings over the last week. How in the world can that smell linger through washing and spraying and all the other methods I have tried!?!?!)

Such a fun day!!!  I'm already wanting to go back next time we make a Waco visit. 

Memorial Day Trip to Texas!

Texas, Texas, Yee Haw!  Always a fun time when we head over to Texas for several days with our Kerr family. And I think this weekend we saw nearly everyone in our family.  All the siblings, all the aunts/uncles, several cousins.  Plus friends that are close like family.  Can't ask for a better trip.

First, gotta brag on the kiddos because they did great traveling from Dublin to Atlanta to Dallas to Waco (and back).

"lap child" was not a bright idea...

Only the first night in Waco resulted in little-to-no sleep, but by Day 2 everyone got with the program.  Every day had lots of activities!

My brother and sister-in-law hosted a fish fry on Friday evening at their new home.  The views are amazing!!

My parents hosted their annual crawfish boil (20th year!) at their house on Saturday.  JB did not enjoy the "pincher-dads" (as he called them).  He did enjoy playing the "beanbag bandit" while folks tried to play corn hole!  Maryn enjoyed being carted around by all her teenage cousins.

Sunday we met with with some of our good friends and their kiddos, enjoying a local playground, cupcakes, and a catch up on everyone's life.

My brother and sister-in-law hosted another fish fry (no objections from James or our kiddos!) for the remaining family in town that night.  The kids played in the dirt and rocks, got super dirty, and then marveled at the Texas storm brewing on the horizon.

On Memorial Day we did not attend any services (as we normally do), although I do want to make that part of our future Memorial Days once the kiddos can understand the reason for the day (and the sacrifices of life, body and spirit that so many of our service men and women make.)

We did make a trip to the Magnolia Silos but I did not (gasp!) actually go in.  Can you believe I'm a Wacoan who's never been to the Silos?  I did enjoy some shopping at The Findery and would definitely recommend that place to anyone who takes time to visit the Silos. They are right next door.

Only the girls went shopping, but the boys met up with us later for a quick bite to eat.  I forced the kids into some pictures to showcase their patriotic outfits.

Monday afternoon/evening we played around down at the river, throwing rocks and splashing in the water.  Plus several loops around the pasture in the Mule.  While JB avoided the water, Maryn was more than willing to jump in (requiring Mama to get ankle deep in that murky river water, bleh.)

Tuesday we took a trip to the zoo - but that's another post!!  Too many good pictures and good stories that I want to write it out separately.  

Tuesday night we ended our Texas trip the same way we end every one - Poppa Rollos for pizza! The kids are finally big enough to appreciate some good pizza.  And JB now understands the concept of games (so lots of quarters are required).

And just like that, our Texas trip was over. Wednesday morning we performed the reverse Waco to Dallas to Atlanta to Dublin trek. The kids did so well again, minus one puking episode an hour from home that caused a 30 minute clean-up delay (and the remainder of the ride with all windows down).  

I treasure these Texas trips so much!  And the kids had a blast with all their family.  Pictures didn't capture all the sweet moments, but we have those memories in our head.