Happy Easter

Atlanta Shoot

The trip to Atlanta was a great one.  Reese was such a trooper!  I will write more about our travels soon, but this is about what we went to Atlanta to do.  Many of you guys know how passionate I have become about child passenger safety and part of it is because Graco is so passionate about it, I couldn't help but be immersed in it when I worked for them.  They go the extra mile to provide consumers with how-to videos to assist in the installation process, because we all know how overwhelming it can be for new parents trying to get this new contraption into their vehicle correctly.

So, Reese and I set out for Atlanta to film the installation video for the SnugRide, our most popular seat.  Of course it is top-rated and more moms rely on the SnugRide to protect their little one than any other seat. 

We started the day on location at 9 am...well, let's say 9:15 for us since traffic was horrific and we were a tad bit late.  I'm so glad I don't have to battle that mess everyday...my commute took me almost 2 hours that morning.  Thankfully, Reese had a full belly and slept through it all.

First thing was hair and makeup.  Considering they shoot with hi-def cameras and such, you're normal everyday mask usually isn't enough.  Then once I got dressed it was onto the demo part of the series.  We shot outside in a mini-van and went through the steps of how to install the seat using the seatbelt and LATCH. 

We had Reese buckled in the seat to show putting the baby in the car , but as soon as I clipped the seat into the vehicle she began to fuss because the bright lights were shining directly into her eyes.  We did several takes of it though, so hopefully there is a take that works.

The actual demo took a majority of the morning, so we finished up and then broke for lunch.  During the short hour or so timeframe Miss Reese had two blowouts and went through the two pink outfits we had, so the majority of her camera time was wearing jeans and a yellow sweater...our last option since dresses don't really show well buckled into a car seat.  You never know what you're going to get with a baby on set!

Then we moved on to shooting the informational/Vanna White-style video.  I had done the installation demo videos before, but never this one, so I was a little nervous at how I would do.  Of course, our producer along with the Graco staff that was there were great coaches and the teleprompter made it so easy, so I feel fairly confident that it will turn out ok.

We wrapped up the day recording the voice-over for the installation demo.  It is amazing that two simple videos lasting less than 2 minutes can take a whole 8 hour day of filming.  Like I said earlier, Reese was such a trooper and had several naps throughout the day.  When it was her turn to be on camera as we were showing how to adjust the harness around her, she was really hamming it up with the camera guy...hopefully we'll see a few smiles in the finished product.

Final videos to come...as soon as they are edited and in their final state online.  Thanks, Graco for a great day!  I look forward to recapping this again with Reese one day when she can really appreciate it!

Oh, and check out the Graco blog for their take on the day.

On the Run

So with Reese's 2 month birthday came her first ride in the jogger.  This was one purchase I was really picky about.  I love to run and be outdoors and I was determined to continue this once the little one arrived too.  So I decided on the BOB Ironman, which is supposed to be the primo for runners.  I have to admit after using it for the past two days, I really don't have any complaints.  From my time in the baby gear business, I did learn that to be a true jogger, you have to have a fixed front wheel.  I know you might be asking yourself, "well how do you turn it?".  Well, this thing is so lightweight and maneuverable you simply put a little weight on the back and move the front tire where you need to go...I love it!  And, no, my Graco loyalty has not gone out the window...they don't make a stroller suitable for running, however I did get in contact with one of our sales reps to get me the best deal on my BOB, so it does help knowing people in the industry.

Now on to the run itself.  Let me just put it this way, if you want burn some extra calories and work harder on your normal run and route, simply put a baby in a jogger and you've got yourself a pretty extreme workout.  First of all, you have to push the thing, so that leaves only potentially one arm free to run with.  That in itself is an adjustment.  And for me, my iPod is also in one hand, so it does become a bit of a juggling event.  Hills of course are much harder when you are pushing a stroller.  Reese, of course only weighs 11.5 pounds, but that's enough to keep me huffing and puffing.  Throw in the crazy wind today, and I found myself having to take a walk in some parts of my route.

So, I look forward to mastering my runs, stroller and all...wish me luck!

Wide awake and ready to go

Must have fallen asleep at the very end...out like a light!

2 months

We had Reese's 2 month checkup today...my how time flies!  She is long and lean weighing in at 11.5 pounds and 23 inches long.  We have been battling her reflux and are now on our second medication to try.  Beyond the reflux making her uncomfortable, she really is a great baby.  I think her favorite place to be is in her car seat, considering it makes her upright enough to feel some relief.  It sure does make it easy to go-go-go..which is really all we've done lately, so that is a plus!  She's really getting into the interacting stage where she smiles, coos and laughs at us when we talk to her (videos to come soon)...it is truly one of the best things to see that beautiful smile and it just makes my heart melt.

We had all of her vaccines done a couple weeks early since we are headed to Atlanta on Wednesday.  We figured we should be on the safe side for her first plane ride.  I'm saying my prayers that she does well and is not "that parent and child" that I always used to be so frustrated with on my plane rides and tuned out with my iPod.  Oh, why are we going to Atlanta?  Well, we are filming a car seat installation and demo for Graco on Thursday.  I will be sure to keep you updated on how it goes and the finished product of course, but it's going to be one like this and this that I've done in the past.  I'm looking forward to the trip and seeing some of my work friends while I'm there, too!

Here are some of my favorite recent pics of my lovely little lady.

Family Photos

We also used the Sip n See to get some family photos taken...here is our first attempt.

Reese with the Mama and the Papa

trying to get set for the 4 generations pic

Here we are...Reese still not looking at the camera

even though this is with the paci...I just love it!

with Grandpa and Grammy...so cute!

With Honey and Grampy...we have a trend here of the grandpa's looking at the baby

A Busy Brenham Weekend

We were in Brenham last weekend once again for a weekend filled with festivities.  On Saturday morning we helped host a bridal brunch for Karla along with Vicky and Melissa.  I sure enjoyed seeing everyone and it was great for Reese to meet all the lovely ladies!  Unfortunately, Reese decided to spit up all of the guest of honor.  Sorry, Karla...hopefully we will be growing out of this sooner than later.

Vicky and Rosemary with Reese

Karla and Leslie with Reese

all the ladays (and Reese and Madalyn)

Saturday was also Rob's birthday, so we celebrated with the fam and Reese got to see some of her cousins...Beckett, I hope you are feeling better and we'll catch you next time!

Emma sharing the love

Reese and Finley--4 months apart

 

Then we get to Sunday and Reese's Sip N See for all the Brenham peeps that had yet to meet her.  It was a beautiful day and I know Reese enjoyed meeting so many wonderful people that have been such great family and friends to us! Thanks so much to Honey and Grampy, Grammy and Grandpa, and Bill and Dana for hosting.

Reese with the Betty's

Jana and Dana with Reese

Edna and Aunt Helen with Reese

Jamie getting her practice...we can't wait to meet Baby Rankin!

New Look

I'm sure by now you've noticed the new look of IBP.com.  We're diggin' it too, but will soon be making some refinements, so stay tuned...

Firsts at The Ranch

• "ladies retreat"
• riding on 1-10 where the speed limit is 80 mph
• napping by the fire
• walk behind the ranch house to see the windmill
• taking baths in the kitchen and bathroom sinks
• riding around in the truck and looking at the wildlife
• trip to Simon Bros. Mercantile in Roosevelt

Reese and I sure enjoyed our trip to the ranch a couple of weeks ago.  I think she will enjoy it just as much as we do!

Brenham Babies

I think we might be entering the next baby boom...at least if you are from or live in Brenham.  When I announced that we were expecting, there were several others that I grew up with and went to high school with that did the same just before or just after, and I tell you what....they just keep coming!

A couple of weeks ago, we headed to Brenham to see Amy and Will in from Augusta.  Will was born about a month before Reese and several of the other new babies were there too. 

William Ashley and me

 As I looked around at the crowd attending the Sip N See, I noticed that for the most part everyone there was either expecting, recently had a baby, or a grandparent to one of the babies.  We had fun lining up all the little ones for a quick photo opp and it was quite hilarious watching the newborns fall over on each other, the older ones touching all over the newborns and of course the ones that won't sit still for a picture.  Many more fun times to come with these little ones!

lining them up

craziness!

Sue and Karla with Reese and Madalyn

our first attempt at a family photo...must be something really interesting on the ceiling!

Snow

I'm extremely late in posting this, but wanted to share a few pics from Reese's first snow...she didn't like it much. Of course, snow in Central Texas is a rare thing, so when we do get it, everyone seems to freak out.  Well for us, it was just another normal (cold) day, but in the years to come I know a day like this will provide pure bliss for Miss Reese.

The snow also had me thinking about my past travels to Philly at least once a month.  I'm sure glad I wasn't making that trek with all of the snow they've recieved this year because I'm sure it would have resulted in a few delayed or cancelled flights.  And I know all of my fellow Graco co-workers that moved down to Atlanta were ecstatic about the break from the weather, too.

Needless to say, I'm so ready for spring and for all of this cold nasty stuff subside!  I'm much more fun enjoying an afternoon stroll or jog with the sun beaming, sitting on a patio sipping a mojito or admiring the freshly planted flowers in my yard...so here's to saying goodbye to winter and hello to spring!