Welcome Josephine Elizabeth Becker

Josephine was born at 10:40 and is 7lbs 6oz and 21 inches. She has dark hair and looks like "a Becker". Mother and daughter are happy and healthy. I am so proud. Jack is here now meeting his sister. I will post a video of their encounter, it was priceless. For now enjoy the picture.

It's on...

Kady woke me up this morning at 5am and said "I am having contractions. It's time" We are at hospital. She showed up at 8cm. Things are moving very quick. Will try to keep updated.

They're working...

You know those on/off contractions that have been keeping me up at night and making me uncomfortable?!? They're working.  I had a doctor's appointment today and I'm 3cm dilated. WOOHOO! Only 7cm left to go!

My doctor didn't say much about my cervix - other than it's "soft & ready." Pretty sure that's good!

She was in and out (more ways than one) in under 5 min. As she left the room, she said, "Well, I'll see you next week...or maybe I won't. Regardless, GOOD LUCK!"

You know how David Blaine (magician/illusionist) focuses on a person/object and then makes the object move? Well, I'm going "David Blaine" on this baby. I'm focused on making my uterus contract. Think it will work??

SIDENOTE: There is snow in the forecast for both Indiana and Michigan tonight & tomorrow. If she is anything like her brother, she'll be making her debut in the next 24 hours. (we can only hope)

Advice from a (almost) 2 year old

Jack's Advice: Mom, you need to spend some time on a birthing ball. THIS is how you do it.

UPDATE:

Still pregnant. Still having on/off contractions.  Still trying to finish up about a million and a half things on my list of "THINGS THAT MUST GET DONE BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE HOSPITAL..."

Sorry for my lack of pictures. Sorry for my lack of "happy".

It's stressful times in the Becker House. We'll get better. I promise.

Adios, Grandma & Grandpa...

Saturday morning attire. 

Introducing Jack and Nancy to my favorite Christmas movie - Elf! I love that movie! "Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color?"

Jack's last picture with Grandma & Grandpa Becker - as the only grandchild. He really has no idea what's coming.

Waving bye-bye to his grandparents. Not sure when we'll see them again...maybe this week...maybe next week...hopefully not three weeks from now.  (Are you listening, baby???)

Thanksgiving Day

Here are some pictures from our Thanksgiving Day celebration.

 The Lions crew preparing to head downtown. 

Jack found out he wasn't invited. He wasn't happy about it. BUT - he stayed behind with his Grandma and they had a fun time! Maybe we should have brought him along...he may have brought better luck to our Lions. Yikes.

When we got back from the game - Nancy had the table set and dinner (almost) ready! We ordered 90% of our meal from a local "specialty" market. The turkey was ready for the oven and most of the sides just needed to be heated. Nancy made my favorite - Schnitzel Beans - and brought them up! Yum!

Denny got some "coaching" from Nancy and Tyson as he cut the turkey! He was a good sport about it.

Jack waiting (im)patiently for his Thanksgiving dinner! His favorite? The mac & cheese, of course! Although, he was also a fan of the pumpkin pie!

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. We definitely missed seeing our whole family. New rule in our household - no more holiday babies! Spring, summer, or fall...from now on...

Friday Flashback

Flashback to November 26, 2005. Tyson and I were married in Fort Wayne - surrounded by our families and many of our very best friends. This weekend we will celebrate six years of marriage, two children, and a future that we can't wait to embrace - together.

I never got this picture into The DePauw magazine.  Think they would publish it six years later?? :)

Happy Turkey Day, Turkeys!

Our little turkey, Jack, is excited to share some turkey with his Grandma & Grandpa Becker today! We miss all of our family from Indiana to Idaho...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Denny, Tyson, and I are heading to Ford Field to watch the Lions take on the undefeated Packers! Go ahead and say it with us:   GO LIONS!!!

Date with Syd

IMPORTANT: Justina Suh is NOT the name of the baby. It was a joke. Sorry. Justina is a nice name, but it is not in the running to be Baby Becker's name. Tyson's Aunt Kim has suggested Kimshirnan. It's under consideration.

Our neighbors, Jessica and Mike, took Jack to a Holiday Parade on Saturday. I was at the Craft Show and Tyson was finishing up some work.  Jessica offered to take Jack along so he wouldn't miss out on seeing Santa! Rumor has it - the Monster Truck was a Jack favorite. Trucks & buses are a new found LOVE.

Last night Syd came over for a dinner date.

The tots dined on Organic Popcorn Chicken, whole wheat pretzels, and Honeycrisp apples. Juice was the drink of choice.  And for dessert - pudding & a swedish fish. Yum!

There was a Toddler Dance Party after dinner. Our thanks to Katy Perry & Fergie for their amazing songs. These kids love to groove to their jams!

Not sure what this was all about, but it was really funny (according to them).  They also played basketball, had a Scream-Off, and pretended the dogs' bed was a trampoline. I can't speak for Syd, but Jack was dead tired!

Baby Name

Blog followers REJOICE! We have a baby name! And I think you'll love it.

Since living in metro-Detroit, we have really embraced most of the sports teams (we're so-so on the Red Wings & no love for the Pistons, actually no love for the NBA, period). However, the Tigers and Lions have won us over! I have a feeling Jack will grow up (regardless of where we live) cheering for these two teams.

Thus, we have decided to name the baby after two of Detroit's sports heroes - Justin Verlander (2011 Cy Young winner & AL MVP) and Ndamukong Suh (a Defensive Badass)!

Are you ready?

JUSTINA SUH BECKER

We hope you love it as much as we do! 

Disclaimer: In reality, Baby Becker is still not named. I'm pushing really hard for my name choice...but Tyson won't commit.

School Day

 Hey, Jack - hold the cheese!

Jack is off to school and Tyson & I are having a much needed day to get things done! A new car is on our agenda today... Update to come!

Dead Air

Apologies for the lack of posts/pictures. No, I'm not in the hospital. I have been battling a sinus infection {insert my love affair with my Neti Pot HERE!} Seriously, I love it. I took TWO naps yesterday and ONE, so far, today. I need to kick this thing before the Thanksgiving festivities begin...or before the baby makes her debut.

Speaking of which - I was up from 4-6 with on & off contractions. Around 5:30 I just about got up and started cleaning the house.  I have paranoia about people seeing "my dirt." Obviously, if I took two naps yesterday, I wasn't cleaning. Let's just say, my "TO DO" list grew exponentially from 5:30-6:00am!

Here is a little fact: Today I'm 36 weeks and 5 days pregnant. Jack was born on this day during my pregnancy with him.

Falling Leaves

That rake looks good in your hands, boy!

"Jumping in Leaves" Rule #1: You're not having fun, if you don't have leaves smashed in your hair and on your face.

By 10am today I was ready to wave my white flag and surrender. It's usually my mission to wear Jack out, but today he had me worn out...and lunch/nap was a long way away. I sucked it up, put on some sweats (for you, Carrie) and told Jack we were going outside to play.  I grabbed the rake and made a pile. Who knew - the leaves were a HUGE hit! Jack ran through them, jumped in them, and threw them (no surprise there).  I even "jumped" in them...probably not the best decision at this point... but we had fun!

Let this post suffice as your "fill of Jack" (Grandma Shirlee)... I have a craft show all day tomorrow.  Tyson and Jack will have a Dude's Day. Luckily for Tyson Santa (aka: Ho Ho Ho) is appearing in a parade here tomorrow morning!

Friday Flashback

Our Friday Flashback this week is Tyson (I'm guessing he's 1?!?) and his Grandpa Chalk.  Chalk was Nancy's father. His first name was Oscar, but because he started getting white hair at such a young age - everyone started calling him Chalk and it stuck.  Tyson has his grandpa's name as his middle name: Tyson Chalk Netherland Becker.  He always gets some interesting looks when he tells people his middle name is "Chalk."

And - I can't ignore Tyson's cousin, Ryan (at least I think it's Ryan) - who apparently hijacked the picture! Kids in Fort Wayne learn to "defend themselves" at a very early age!

EDIT: Actually, the hijacker is Tyson's cousin Seth! Those Swihart boys looked so much alike!!

Shot of Jack & an update on Mom

Breakfast on his face, juice in his cup, Elmo on his shirt - one happy toddler.

UPDATE: Mom's surgery went well. Perfectly, actually.  Mom & Dad called me around 12:30 and they were Warsaw bound. She will be excited to see her dogs, sleep in her own bed, and have Jon cater to her every need... (the last one is probably a long-shot). After two weeks in Florida, however, she will not be happy to see the dropping temps & snow! You can't have it all, Shirlee.

Grandma Shirlee

Today is a BIG day for Grandma Shirlee. Not only is it her birthday - it is also "final-surgery-day!"  I've told her this before, but today - on her birthday - she is the envy of SO MANY 16-18 year old girls (whose parents refuse to buy them implants for their birthdays).

Of course, my Mom's journey has been long & hard. She has battled through the pain and we couldn't be more proud of her.

Keep her in your thoughts today as she completes this final stage in her fight against breast cancer!

Happy birthday, Mama! I love you!

Playing in the Park

Jack and I ventured to the park for an hour or so this morning. When I say "ventured" - I mean we drove there. Yes, it is in our neighborhood. But I'm out of breath going up & down our stairs right now... 

Temperatures dropped overnight, so we were bundled up! Michigan winter is quickly approaching!

Jack enjoyed playing with the trucks in the sandbox. We saw a train AND a helicopter - that is HUGE in a toddler's world! The tennis courts were open, so we ran around those for 15-20 minutes.  Jack ran. I hobbled at a faster than normal pace.

 Then Jack ran through the leaves. I watched.  The swing was also a big hit today!

Just takin' a ride on a dinosaur...

I know our outdoor time is limited. I also know that my one-on-one time with him is limited. I guess a part of me feels guilty about that (if I'm being completely honest).  At the same time, I know I am giving him a sibling to enjoy the rest of his life with... (fights and all)

One last look at our Baby Girl

Today I had my final ultrasound - which was my last look at the baby until she decides to join us on the outside! Ultrasounds are hard to look at and interpret...but I've had so many, I have to admit - I've gotten pretty good!

Our little girl is measuring perfectly at 35wk 6 days. She is estimated to weigh 6lb 3oz right now (that was Jack's birth weight) and is in the 48%. My doctor was happy with all of it. It was at THIS appointment with Jack - that we were sent into a panic thinking he was too small. It will be interesting to see how this "normal" pregnancy plays out. I've been doing my homework and I feel so much more prepared for the birthing experience!

I don't have another appointment until the Tuesday after Thanksgiving! (the holiday threw my schedule off) Let's hope she stays put until then! Tyson, Denny, & I are going to the Lions vs Packers game on Thanksgiving day - and I couldn't be more excited! A Lions victory could kick-start contractions...and at that point, I'd be okay with it. Get me to the end of November and I'm a happy momma-to-be!

Finally - a HUGE congrats to Justin Verlander - the KING of PITCHING! He was the unanimous winner of this year's Cy Young Award (and should win MVP, but we'll see). He has made his city very proud!

Go Visit Floyd's Momma

You should stop by Total Basset Case today to visit, Sarah (aka: Floyd's Momma). She is hosting a special "giveaway"!! She also has inspiring recipes and craft ideas...not to mention fashion and amazing taste in decor. She's pretty fabulous.

How many licks?

Last night after dinner, Tyson and Jack enjoyed a tootsie pop together. Jack's Halloween candy is dwindling (no idea how that is happening!?!) and this was his last sucker. As you can see - he was excited about it!

 Really excited! (or perhaps that's the sugar kicking in)

Tyson was willing to share his sucker, but Jack's not much into sharing these days. 

Becker Wedding Weekend

We were in Fort Wayne this past weekend for a Becker Wedding. Tyson's Uncle Jeff married his long-time girlfriend, Marie. We had already considered her a Becker, but they made it official on Saturday.  Jack's Uncle Devin flew into Detroit Thursday night. We were excited to spend some time with him!

The next Becker groom is DEVIN! We can only hope he finds a decent razor before the last weekend in July.

Two brothers - having a fairly serious conversation during post-wedding pictures. Notice they both use their hands to make their points seem more important than the other's.

The Becker clan. Uncle Larry, the bride - Marie, the groom - Uncle Jeff, Aunt Becky, Denny (in the back) served as Best Man, and Uncle Bill. This group once ruled the streets of New Haven, IN!

I am ashamed to say that I took ZERO pictures of Jack all weekend. What a terrible mom! Jack stayed home from the wedding and entertained his Great Aunt Sally & Uncle Tom.  We are so thankful they were able to watch him!!

Pre-wedding festivities were so exciting - they sent Billie into early labor.  She's due two weeks after me...but was in the hospital Friday to stop the contractions.  Rumor is - the contractions are back today. Seems her Baby Girl isn't interested in missing any more family get-togethers! She wants to be around for Thanksgiving & Christmas! Lots of positive thoughts for Billie & Brent today!

Friday Flashback

In a couple weeks - Tyson and I will celebrate SIX years of marriage. We've done a lot in six years and we have been blessed with so much during our time together. I thought in preparation for the Anniversary celebration...we would reflect back with this flashback.

This is the very first picture we ever took together. He had a girlfriend, I had a boyfriend. But Tyson quickly became my best friend at DePauw. He talked me into staying when I wanted to transfer. He gave me advice when I broke up with my HS boyfriend. I remember my mom saying to me a few times, "Kady, you talk about this Tyson boy a lot. Are you interested in dating him?" My response: "NO! He's not my type, mom!" I meant it. I really didn't think he was...

But then in March 2001 - something changed. The boy who had been my best friend, my confidant, and my laundry buddy... somehow seemed different. All of the sudden, we connected differently. And after a few days of talking about dating...we took the plunge. Best friend to boyfriend. I was on cloud nine!

I found this picture in a scrapbook I made for Tyson on our one year anniversary (of dating). Little did I know how true those words would be... Now & Forever. 

Living on the Edge

Pretty sure this is Jack's motto in life. He loves pushing his limits, seeing how far he can go before he: 1) gets in trouble or 2) gets hurt.  Gotta love boys.

In other VERY exciting news - Jack would like to officially congratulate his lake buddies: Kelly & Aaron Wright (and grandparents: Mark & Karen Dixon)! Baby Madison arrived early this morning 12:30am! {my theory is she couldn't decide if she wanted an 11/9 or 11/10 birthday} Madison's cousin Ethan arrived on October 18th - which means Jack & Baby Becker have TWO new friends to play with at Lake George this summer! I told you we were having a baby boom at the lake! Congratulations Wright/Dixon family! We can't wait to meet Miss Maddie!

Dinner for Two

Jack had a dinner date with Sydney on Monday night. They dined on all beef hotdogs, Trader Joe's apple/carrot crushers, cheese crackers, and fine wine... Okay, sippy cups of juice. Bless Jessica for taking on two kiddos, especially so close to bedtime!

 Don't tell Sydney's Daddy...Jack tried to sneak a cuddle on the lazy boy. Sydney wanted NO part of it.

She was totally giving him the cold shoulder. "Don't get fresh with me, Jack!"

Dear Santa,
Jack has embraced his inner chef. He loves playing with kitchens and he can whip up a pretty mean bowl of (fake) soup! I was shocked at how much it held his attention! I'm sold!

Happy Birthday, Aunt Gina.

This was Jack's reaction when I told him that today is Aunt Gina's birthday. He's pretty excited about it. Hope you have a great day! (Joe & Hank: treat Aunt Gina extra special today!)

A (not so) Relaxing Campfire

On Sunday night Tyson decided we should have a bonfire and I decided we should have s'mores.  Jack hasn't been able to participate in events like this because he is normally asleep. His participation Sunday was thanks to daylight savings time (more on this)...

Have you ever heard the expression: "...like a bull in a china shop." ? That pretty much sums up Jack. Add a fire and it's a dangerous situation. Of course, he wanted to "help".  He also wanted to throw a ball and do anything BUT sit still.

We enjoyed a few s'mores and then Tyson declared: "This is having the opposite effect. It's not relaxing. Time for bed, Jack." And that was the end to our bonfire.

Jack woke up at 5am yesterday...NO thanks to daylight savings time on that one! Like the mean mommy that I am - I made him stay in bed until 6:50. I think he fell back asleep... But I also vaguely remember hearing him carry on a conversation with himself.

**Like my shirt? It's Tyson's. I have reached that point in my pregnancy. I raid my husband's closet for clothes that fit.

Sneak Peek - Becker Family Photos

We learned yesterday that family pictures are easier with two labs...than they are with ONE toddler (or maybe just our toddler). Jack was uncooperative - to say the least. A HUGE thanks to Brooke, who tried her best to get some cute pictures of our family of three.  I'm happy to say, we have JUST enough for a Christmas card (i.e.: a few). I think I should throw my idea of "Big Brother pictures" (Jack & baby) out the window...Baby Becker will star all by herself in her birth announcements.

Looming...

With a due date looming...I must say - I'm getting things done! Christmas cards are ordered, addresses are ready to be printed, and having spent a few hours on Etsy...my "Christmas Gift List" is getting crossed off.

Considering I am usually still running out for "one last thing" on Christmas Eve...I'm pretty proud of myself. See what having a baby around the holidays can do...

Aside from giving me gray hair.

Fantasy Showdown

There will be a Fantasy Football showdown in the Becker Household today. The Detroit Comebacks (Tyson's team) is taking on the Aztek Hunters (my team, of course).  Tyson is currently in first place, but his wife is not far behind him! {That's right, I know my football!}

Stay tuned to find out how this showdown turns out. It could be a quiet night in our house.

Go Azteks!

(My apologies to anyone unfamiliar with Fantasy Football. It is pretty awesome and I truly feel you're missing out.)

A Special Saturday

It was a sad special day in our house today.  Jack got his first mullet hair cut! I will not lie. This was Tyson's decision and yes, I cried. While eating dinner, I looked over at my little guy and couldn't help it - I started crying. How do babies grow up so fast? I know it was time for the curls to go (they had become kind of ratty), but that was his baby hair!

The locks before they got the chop. Did I save them? You better believe it!

Even with a sucker, Jack protested when the nice lady cut around his ears.

But in the end, he walked away looking very handsome and grown up. They gave us a coupon for his "second hair cut."  I told them, "Thanks...we'll see you in another TWO years."