Pollinators of the world

(Yes, it's a bit crooked & off center, sorry, I was trying to do my best w.out the flash on laying on my back w. Jackson asleep next to me.)

This is what Jackson looks at when he wakes up in the morning & from napping. Jerrod & I got this poster at the Worm Gruntin' Festival in Sopchoppy, Florida.. yes, you did read that correctly. It was a very small, but really fun festival in the "big bend" area of Florida, which is south of Tallahassee, right on the Gulf. It was our first trek up to the big bend area w. Jibbies (Jackson's nickname via Daddy). We acquired the poster from a few representatives from the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, which is also located in the "big bend" area. The poster is vibrant & gorgeous, plus Jackson really seems to enjoy looking at all those pollinators. We talk about each pollinator & what they are, teachable moments abound.

Plus, now that Daddy (Jerrod) planted a few things in the spring garden, we get to actually see some of these pollinators at work in the vegetable garden, along with the blueberry bushes & in many of my flowers.

Our sweet baby boy

Jackson's Baby Jogger

Here's Jackson...

Jackson's starting to roll....

Jackson's growth & development has been WOWing us... I will upload some pictures soon to share his progress, but for now words will have to do. Here's what been happening for Jackson:

He was 16. 5 lbs on Thursday May 24th He's reaching for items & grasping them He's laughing - yes, an actual laugh - so funny to hear him laugh! He likes to stand up & then squat down He has an activity center where he can sit in & scoot around using his feet & stand-up too During tummy time:

• lift his head up off the blanket for extended periods of time,
• rotate his head while lifted,
• do push-ups with his hands (a mini-push up)
• roll from his tummy to his side, then to his back w. only minor aid from Mummy tucking his arm under his chin

These next 3 pix were taken almost 2 weeks ago...

One of his favs is to suck his thumb while nursing! He's double-dippin already -That's our boy!

hmm...what else, he's outgrown almost all of his 3 month old clothes. We just ordered his crib mattress from Naturpedic (I'm so excited for him to be in his own special crib, plus my Mum aka Nana, is making his bumpers & crib sheets). We've got his room almost done, except for painting it & a small area rug, but that'll come later.

Gosh, I know there's more. Oh, our trip to see my sister & Mum, Auntie Julz & Nana, what a special time for all of us, pix to follow!

Jackson met his Grandpa Eddie on Grandpa Eddie's birthday, May 12th, another special day. Then Grandpa Eddie came to visit "The Kid" (that's what he calls Jackson) on his big ole Harley this past Saturday. He wants to take The Kid for a ride to "cruise"...we'll see about that!

Jackson at 8 weeks old

(Mommy needs to work on centering Jackson in the picture!)

Jackson at 7 weeks old

A few of the big boy!

quick update

Jackson's grown some-more...he had quite the feeding frenzy over the weekend & thusly gained a bit more this past week... today he weighed 15 lbs 13 oz. (he was almost 15.14 #)

I'll have more pictures this weekend to share here!

Oh, fun news... my mom & I found Jackson a great dresser, mirror and matching bedside table. So on Tuesday we arranged Jackson's room, it's coming together so nicely. I'll have to take pictures of his room when it's complete - it's getting close!

Jackson is 2 months old

Today, May 3rd, Jackson is 2 months old...

We had our 2 month check-up at the Pediatricians office yesterday. Our boy weighed in at 15.6 lbs. His length measured out at 25" and his head circumference was 41cm. WOW! His height & weight are both in the 95th percentile and his head circumference is in the 90th percentile. And, our Ped, Dr. Michelle Massias, said that Jackson is functioning developmentally at a three & a half month old level. That's our boy! We are so proud.

Things to know about Jackson:

• He's cooing - THE most wonderful sound ever!
• He's rolling from his side to his back
• His head control is really good - getting stronger & having more control every day
• He's tracking (eye movement)
• He's learning how to pre-crawl during tummy time
• He seems to enjoy sucking on his hands, fingers & thumb, especially the thumb
• He's drooling (pre teething - maybe?)
• He's smiling (social smile), has been for the past 3 weeks
• He's laughing - so sweet!
• He enjoys reading & looking at the pictures (he loves The Runaway Bunny)
• He loves the ABC song - that's his favorite when his diaper is being changed
• He's learning how to do the Itsy-Bitsy Spider
• He loves spending time with both sets of Grandparents
• He loves going for walks in his stroller w. either Mommy, Daddy or his Nana (Kate's Mom) at the helm
• He loves to snuggle!
• He's going to meet his Auntie Julie in a few weeks, we're very excited!

A couple candid ones...

May I have a moment to my self please? I just need a little alone time, just me & my thumb..

" I ain't got time for your jibba-jabbah's"

Jackson is 15.4 lbs @ 7.5 weeks

Here are a few photo's of Jackson. These were taken on a recent trip to St. Augustine. These pictures were all taken at Crescent Beach.

Here he's thinking..."I was so comfy just a few minutes ago, I had a full belly, I was nice & snuggly in my car seat & now what? The wind is blowing & the sun is shinning...what else is going to happen? Oh Mommy!"
Jackson has yet to feel the cool Crescent Beach waters...

Not sure what he's thinking right now, but it may be close to ...."what on earth has Mommy gone and done with me this time and where are my pants?"

These were taken after we left the beach area. Jackson is so happy to be in Daddy's arms.

Here's a sweet one of Jackson.

Jackson at the Gator's National Championship Basketball Game

Good Morning All,
Jackson is taking his morning nap so I thought I would upload a few of his most recent pictures. These were taken the night that the Gator's won their 2nd National Title in Basketball... needless to say, Jackson was totally worn out at the end of the night from cheering his Gator boys on to victory! Go Gators!

Ps.Thank You Neal for the pictures of Jackson!

Jackson is now 13.1 lbs 4.2.07

This song was written by Bob Dylan & performed by Susan Tedeschi on her most recent album, Hope & Desire. The song is Lord Protect My Child. I first heard this song when I downloaded the album from Itunes... it spoke to me then, and means so much more to me now. Here are the lyrics. As you can probably tell, I love music & I love lyrics, they can express & convey so much of what we are feeling and where we are at in our life's journey.

For his age, he's wise
He's got his mother's eyes
There's gladness in his heart
He's young and he's wild
My only prayer is, if I can't be there,
Lord, protect my child

As his youth now unfolds
He is centuries old
Just to see him at play makes me smile
No matter what happens to me
No matter what my destiny
Lord, protect my child

While the world is asleep
You can look at it and weep
Few things you find are worthwhile
And though I don't ask for much
No material things to touch
Lord, protect my child

He's young and on fire
Full of hope and desire
In a world that's been raped, raped and defiled
If I fall along the way
And can't see another day
Lord, protect my child

There'll be a time I hear tell
When all will be well
When God and man will be reconciled
But until men lose their chains
And righteousness reigns
Lord, protect my child

FLORIDA

This song was written by John "JJ" Grey of MOFRO, which is a local band, with a great love and passion for ole Florida. This song perfectly captures the way Jerrod & I feel about where Florida is headed and how sad we are for the future of Florida - mainly for our son, Jackson, who will inevitably grow up in a very different Florida than the one Jerrod grew up in.

I remember my grandpa tellin me

about the early day of Florida

Born a swamp cracka two miles from Granny's Bay

comin up the way of the wilderness

No car, phone or electric light

yeah just livin life one day at a time

no newspaper, no wars, no strife

just the elemental keys that provide for life

Florida I know you're out there hidin from me

you get harder and harder to find

Everyday she keeps slippin away

Florida please don't fade on me now

Autumn sun set morning skys ablaze

the oaks and the pines turn their palms up to the sun

The kind of beauty that hits down in the soul

and still we're hell bent to destroy it all

With concrete and steel we pave

a road to hell on a land we've killed

So take a good look and remember it now

cause one day you gonna wake up and find it gone

Now skyscrapers and superhighways

are carved through the heart of Florida

building subdivisions while the swamps are drained

makin' room for people and amusement parks

It's like watchin someone you love die slow

yeah they killin her one piece at a time

I know some fools who think that I should let go

but they've never seen Florida through my eyes

Florida I know you're out there hidin from me

you get harder and harder to find

Everyday she keeps slippin away

Florida please don't fade on me now

Jackson, weighing in at 12.7 lbs, in his new Baby Sling...3.27.07

Hi All,

Just a quick picture & update on Jackson. We made our 3rd week postpartum visit to the Birth Center yesterday, March 27th. Jennifer, one of the midwives, weighed Jackson and he's now 12.7 lbs. Can you believe it? I still can't believe how jynormous he is sometimes... I joke that he's my 3 week - 3 month old... have any of you seen The Best of Will Ferrell...the one where he's the 30-year old newborn? (here's the youtube link in case you haven't seen it). Our friends Tara & Neal commented on Jackson being that 30-year old newborn. Jerrod was joking at church on Sunday how we had just shaved Jackson's beard on Saturday! Oh, Jackson how amazing you are!

Here is Jackson, with Mommy, in his new baby sling.

Jackson's Birth Story

It all began on Thursday March 1st, with an acupuncture appointment. My acupuncturist Clare Fenn did every down-bearing point that is called for stimulating uterine contractions, essentially "bringing-on" labor. The next day was Friday the 2nd & I was at home doing some work out in the yard - I guess my "nesting" struck outside with doing yard work, which isn't that different from any other day at home for me. Anyway, I felt great all day long. Jerrod had called on his way home from school to ask if I needed anything from Publix. Of course, eggplant. I was going to use eggplant, another uterine stimulant to get the ball rolling. Jerrod arrived home a bit after 6pm, where I began making eggplant Parmesan. Jerrod's not a big fan of this meal, but I was ready to dig in, and I did. It was good, something I haven't eaten since becoming pregnant so many months ago. After dinner Jerrod & I spent our last "quiet" night together.

Little did we know that at 12:30 am, I would wake with contractions. My contractions were a bit sporadically spaced at first, but within an hour they were approximately 6 minutes apart. I lost my mucus plug around 2:30am, then my water broke around 4:30am. I called my midwife, Jen Love, around 4:30am and informed her of my progression. I asked if we could come into the birth center early since we live so far away, approximately 45 minutes. She said of course, so Jerrod & I got ourselves ready to go. Jerrod was a bit nervous as he spent more time getting ready & making sure we had everything known to man that we probably needed. (Jerrod's motto in life is Better to have it & not need it, then to need it & not have it.)

Finally, around 5:15 am, we were on the road heading towards downtown Gainesville. We arrived at the Birth Center around 6:00 am, settled into bed where my contractions were now at 4 minutes apart. My labor progressed rather quickly throughout the morning & into the day. I will say that looking back, it wasn't nearly as hard as I had originally thought. Please don't get me wrong, it was still tough, but I had a wonderful midwife, and a fabulous doula, Melanie Grogan - who I actually did my master's with at UF. Melanie totally helped me with my breathing, thinking about each contraction as if it were me riding in on a wave -breathing right through the crest of the wave all the way through to that "floating" feeling.

Jerrod & I took a nap together during early labor, then things started to progress begining around the noon hour. Then around 3 or 4pm my labor was rapidly progressing. I was moving from the birth ball to the tub allowing the labor to progress all the while concentrating on my breathing and doing my best to stay relaxed. By 5 or 5:30 pm I was fully dilated, now the hard part had begun. I was in the tub and things were not progressing, as in Jackson was not moving through the birth canal. Jen Love suggested that I get out of the tub and move around, climbing the stairs, sitting on a birthing stool, sitting on the birthing ball, getting on all fours, and walking around. Jerrod & I walked around for a good solid hour, up and down the stairs (Jerrod was getting in quite the workout!). After all that walking around, Jackson still hadn't moved past my pubic bone. Jen suggested that I get back in bed and try out several different birthing positions. We tried all these different positions for approximately an hour with no progress in the birth canal. Jen then informed us that she was calling Dr. George Buchanan to inform him that he was needed and that Alachua General Hospital was also being called and to expect us in the next few minutes. Jen did say to Jerrod & I just prior to these two phone calls that if I could get the baby to move past my pubic bone that I could potentially have the baby at the Birth Center, which is what I really wanted. But, alas, that was not the case, and the baby did not move, even a centimeter down the birth canal. After making the two phone calls, Jen came back in the room, asked if there was any progress, and No was the answer. I asked Jen what should I expect from the hospital? She said either they would use suction to get the baby out or the dreaded c-section. At this point I was still adamantly against a c-section, not that I wanted out child to be sucked out either. So, we packed up our things, and made our way the 2 miles to AGH. While en route to AGH I finally realized that all my strength and energy was gone. I had nothing left to give, nothing left to push, my will was finally broken and God's will finally took over.

We arrived at AGH only to experience the worst labor & delivery triage intake nurse known to man. She was so mean, so unsympathetic, so uncaring, dealing with her was actually more painful than my final hours worth of contractions. I will spare you all the horrendous questions she asked, only that it took them over an hour to do my intake, meanwhile I was still experiencing contractions every few seconds, only to be flat on my back with a fetal monitor attached to my abdomen, a catheter inserted, IVs jammed in my arm, and Attilla the Hun yelling at me because I failed to inform her of my latex allergy. She originally asked if I was allergic to any meds, where upon I said yes, to morphine, she never asked if I had any other allergies. Also, during this wonderful Q & A session, Jerrod and my midwife were not allowed to be with me. Finally they let Jerrod in, where he did his best to calm me down and try to get me to cooperate.

Then the anaesthesiologist showed up, this guy was hilarious! Thank God for him. He asked a few questions, then Dr. Buchanan came in, checked my cervix and declared that I was the next contestant for You're Having a C-Section! Amen to that, just give me that spinal & get this kid out of me, was all that was thinking. Finally, Attilla was done with her interrogation, and Dr. Buchanan was ready for me. They wheeled me down to the OR, where Louie, the anaesthesiologist, was awaiting my arrival. He informed me that my spinal make take as long as 15 minutes to do, depending on how easy or difficult I was... needless to say I was saying to my body "Take the needle, you like the needled, your body wants to the needle, the needle is good for you". After he numbed the area, I leaned over onto one of the nurses, where upon Louie inserted the needle and within seconds I stared to feel my pressure decrease, and listening to Louie, who informed me that I just experienced my last contraction! WHOO-HOO! Celebrate Good Times Come On!

After, the needle, they laid me down on the operating table where Louie began to pinch my abdomen, asking what I could feel and what was numb. He said that once I was numb past a certain point, Dr. Buchanan would come in & perform his magic. It seemed like only a few minutes has passed before Dr. B. was slicing & dicing. The OR nurses did ask if we knew what we were having & I said "No, we're waiting". So once Dr. B. opened my up the nurses were desperate to know what the baby was. Dr. B. informed us all that he couldn't tell by the baby's head of hair, but within a moment he announced that the baby was a boy! What joy! Jerrod was so excited as was I. Dr. B. showed us the baby over the partition, where upon they whisked him away to do the APGAR, then weigh, measure, and clean him up. Jerrod was with our precious boy the whole time, he's such a great Daddy! Then of course, we had to decide on a name. I hollered over to Jerrod that he could make the final decision, either Jackson Lee or Colt. As you already know, Daddy decided on Jackson Lee! The nurse informed us all that Jackson was 10 lbs, 4 oz, and 22" in length - a whopper of a baby boy!

The nurse brought our beautiful boy over to me, I said hello to my beautiful boy Jackson, gave him multiple kisses, then she took him away to do some tests, the standard hospital tests, CBC, Vitamin K shot, eurethromiacin for his eyes, and and an IV for antibiotics, as I was GBS+. Jerrod went to the NICU with Jackson, and held his hand and talked Jackson through the hole process. Back in the OR they were stitching me up, putting everything back into place. Let me just say how weird it is to be awake and have someones hand inside your abdomen, squeezing your uterus, getting all the blood clots out and actually knowing what they are doing. Weird, just totally weird!

Once they put me back together, they wheeled me back down to labor & delivery, where they brought my boy back to me, with Jerrod right by his side. Jerrod said that Jackson was hungry, so mommy duty kicked right in. Jerrod's Mom & Dad had just arrived. They got to say a quick hello to their newest Grandson, just before I started to nurse him. Jerrod has also called my Mom when we had arrived at AGH to inform her of what was going on. He called her again to let her know that the baby was a boy, that we named him Jackson Lee, and he informed her of his birth weight, how long he was, and how beautiful he was. At this point Jerrod, Jackson & I had a uniquely beautiful moment together, our family- all together, and all doing just beautifully! Thank You God for this Amazing Blessing!

Jackson Lee Fletcher born 3.3.2007 @ 11:37pm, 10 lbs, 4 oz, 22" long

I will share the birth story later, when I actually have half a brain to think with. Jackson Lee Fletcher is the greatest joy Jerrod & I have ever known or shared. Without further ado, here is Our Greatest Blessing

This is my favorite picture of Jackson - I love that furrowed brow. He's already deep in thought!

Ps. Thanks to Debbie Royer for taking all these wonderful pictures of Jackson Lee Fletcher!

40 Weeks today 2.28.2007

These 2 pictures were taken today, at UF, "on the hall" by Debbie Royer! Thanks Debbie!!!

Baby Names

For those of you who are unaware of the names we have picked out for Baby Jube, here they are:

• If Baby Jube is a boy, his name will be Jackson Lee. (Jerrod has been campaigning hard for "Colt Fletcher", but I highly doubt that that name will written on his birth certificate... one can dream, right?
• If Baby Jube is a girl, her name will be Harper Lee.

Yes, both middle names are the same. We have discovered that Lee is a family name on both sides of our families. For my family, it's the last name of the first family member, on my mother's side of the family, to cross the pond from Ireland to America - Mary Lee was her name, she was bringing her niece's over to America and was supposed to return to Ireland upon delivery of the girls, but something else happened. The ship that they were on was shipwrecked off the coast of Newfoundland. As the story goes, a sailor on the ship tied her and 1 of the niece's to some floating apparatus - they floated to the coast of Newfoundland, lived, navigated her way down to Pennsylvania, became a housekeeper & cook, finally settling in Massachusetts, where she married a Sea Captain named Henry DeGorville, who ended up being lost at sea, but as the Lord had in store for Mary and for the rest of us, He had a plan for her. She had several children with Henry, then grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren, and now a great-great-great grandchild! Thank you Mary Lee for starting this great legacy of strong, resilient women!

As for Jerrod's side, the name Lee was the middle name of the matriarch on his mother's side of the family, Virginia Lee Sikes, who brought the Sikes family from Alabama to Alachua via cover wagons during the 1800's. The Sikes family settled in the Forest Grove community, on the same land that Jerrod & I now reside. Thank you too!

sweet thoughts

This picture was emailed to us by our friend Neal Horstmeyer... it's a sweet picture I wanted to share with y'all...it's what Baby Jube looks like when Mommy listens to Mozart for Mothers to Be, or when Daddy talks to Baby Jube telling him/her how much he loves them & can't wait to meet them!

We love you Baby Jube!!!

The Final Countdown...

Well, I will be 40 weeks tomorrow, February 28th, & the baby could arrive any day now... I've had a few people "placing" their bets... the most notable date thus far is for something to occur this Friday night, the 2nd of March. Not only will there be a full moon (oooooohhhhhh) on this night, there is also a lunar eclipse taking place (double/triple oooooohhhhhh).... the myth behind this crazy phenomenon is that the pull of the moon works in relationship w. the pull of the tides aka "WATER" hence the association with the increase in births during this full moon fever.

Funny side note, my Mom worked in obstetrics for 38 years, talk about experience with this crazy phenomenon. I remember her sharing w. my sisters and I all these crazy full moon fever baby births at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, Mass... more on potential arrival dates, my Mom has some hopeful thoughts on the arrival date for Baby Jube... she's been suggesting/hinting about the 6th of March, hmmm, one could only wonder why? (It's her birthday!).

Another funny tidbit, my mother-in-law, Jeanette, is convinced that the baby will arrive this Saturday the 3rd of March, which is also Auntie Bob's, her sister, our Aunt Barbara Fowler's birthday.

My sister Lynne is flying to Aruba on Saturday, and of course, she & I are both thinking... Murphy's Law.

And, of course EVERYBODY wants to be the first to be called when Baby Jube enters the world... I am going to have to disappoint for just a moment, then you can get over it, I highly doubt that making a phone call as soon as Baby Jube enters the world will be the first thought on my mind - just taking a stab in the dark with that thought. But, have no fear, calls, emails, pictures, smoke signals, snail mails, etc. will arrive promptly to all who requested. Jerrod will do his very best to make sure that all will been informed. May I request that if you receive the word to pass this very special word along, Thank you!

This may be our last blog before Baby Jube arrives, or we could wait 2 more weeks - whatever the case, we, Jerrod, baby & I, greatly appreciate all of your thoughts, prayers, well-wishes, support, encouragement, advice, and most importantly your love!

Family

Family, so important and so loved!

Here are some pictures of our family. I only have a few, so as I collect more family pictures I will continue to add to the blog.

The first picture is of my sister Lynne w. Bronson - her doberman! She also has a cat, Romeo, but he's rather elusive & no pictures of him have surfaced as of this posting.

The next picture is of the Fletcher Men. This picture was taken on Christmas night 2006. From right to left on the front row, it's Kenyon, his son Ryan Ashton, and Papa Fletcher, on the back row, it's Daddy. It's a 50-50 chance that you could be part of the Fletcher Men clan... we'll soon find out!

This last picture is of Bubb's aka Clarissa Jane. She's, in our humble estimation, the best cat ever. This is one of her favorite things to do... to lay on Daddy's boat... she's probably taking in the that much loved aroma of fish and I am sure she's thinking about having salmon for dinner, we'll have to check the menu on that one.

almost at 38 weeks....

Hello All,

Yes, I know it's been toooooo long since I have posted anything. I do apologize. I have so many exciting & wonderful things to share, but haven't found the time to sit down & write them all out.

I do want to update you on how "big" I am. Here's the most recent picture of me w. Baby Jube still hanging "in" there. These pictures were taken this morning, the 13th of February by one of my co-workers, Debbie Royer. Tomorrow, on Valentines Day, I will be 38 weeks... and I am considered full-term - so Baby Jube could make his/her grand entrance any day! And yes all of my bags are packed, baby's bag is packed, the infant carrier is securely fastened, our homeopathic kit is also ready to go too. Essentially, all systems go.

Let's see what else has been going on... I had two absolutely wonderful baby showers, the first given by our Church Family, including the hostess Angie Middleton, along w. the assistance of Kala Duncan, Dianne Skye, Steve Middleton, Bennilene Pennisi, Glenda Hayden, Sondra Hester, and Sarah Cathey - there may be others, but I am unaware of who they are. Thank you to all who assisted Angie. The shower was fabulous. It was a Jack & Jill shower so it was quite interesting having the men there with all the ladies. I think it was especially comforting to Jerrod to have some "testosterone" in the room too... but that's my personal opinion. Some of the guyes even had the opportunity to play holey board. My Mom got to come to the shower too, which was such a blessing for us. She also made her carrot cake... it will soon be known as her world-famous carrot cake as this carrot cake is THE best I've ever had the opportunity to eat (and that's not just the hormones talking!). We, Jerrod, Baby & I were showered with so many great gifts and a money tree, with which we bought our much needed cloth diapers... which I have at the house washed & ready to be utilized! I also purchased a few other odds & ends like a changing table & a baby boppy. Here's a picture from the shower.

The other baby shower was given by my work family at UF, the department of Family, Youth & Community Sciences. This too was another wonderful shower. The wonderful people involved in giving us this shower were Kathy Septer, Rose Barnett, Ellen Vaughn, Karla Shelnutt, and several others that I am also unaware of... my hats off to all of you who made this shower so unique & special for Jerrod & I. At this shower the people in my department blessed us with many great gifts including, a diaper dumpster (the "technical" term for a diaper pail) several great outfits, bibs, washcloths, a safety first baby essential kit, a Gator outfit, some onezises, books, music, a Christian video, and so many other great items. They also pitched in to give us enough money to purchase our travel system! All in all two of the best baby showers ever! Jerrod, Baby & I have been blessed by so many people! Thank you.

Well, that's about all the time I have for now, I will blog more later.

Ps. I am still feeling really great! I Thank God for blessing my pregnancy and making it so very enjoyable!!

January 20th - gift giving

I've been contemplating posting this blog ever since I posted our Baby Registries blog, mostly because I know how expensive & how often (sometimes) gift giving can be, plus I would never want anyone to feel obligated to buy us something or spend more than they have, so without further ado...

Considering that Jerrod & I are such big fans of our local consignment shops, thrift stores, & freecycling - along w. the thrill of a great bargain, we encourage gently used or gently loved items to be given to Baby Jube. We realize that like us, many of you are on a tight budget, so please feel free to seek a bargain, whether it's online or in your own hometown.

I have been able to find many newborn to 6 month old baby clothes and other miscellaneous baby items at our local consignment and thrift shops.

Please give as you like and like what you give. We thank you for blessing us in your own unique way.

With much love,
~Jerrod, Kate & Baby Jube

Ps. My midwife updated my "due date" yesterday at my prenatal visit. Now, as so many of you know I have been very vague about what my actual due date is & of course I am sticking to the original plan of NOT revealing that date, but I will update you on how far along I am. According to my midwife & how "big" I measured yesterday (1.19.07) I am 34.5 weeks along. Now, of course you can do the math & "guestimate" my due date, but I believe only God knows what day Baby Jube will enter this world & I am very content leaving that mystery date in His hands. Continuing to enjoy the mystery of it all...

The National Championship Game 1-8-07 ~33 weeks

WOW! What a game, what a fabulous game to watch if you are a Gator Fan! If you're a Buckeye- well then it was basically the worst game you have ever had to sit through. But for the Proud Gator Nation this was not the case. We were all cheering on our boys to the best victory of this long & tumultuous season. The final score, just in case you've been buried in snow or haven't seen ESPN or Sun Sports or ANY network news... for that matter if you missed The Tonight Show w. Jay Leno on Tuesday the 9th of January, then the final score was 41-14. (In case you are wondering why Jay Leno... Chris Leak was his guest that night).

As for you Baby Jube, I prayed prior to the game that you would not enter this world on this very special night. Not that we wouldn't welcome you with joy, excitement & love, but I was praying that you would wait until we've reached 37 weeks (as of today, 1.14.07, only 3 more weeks to go). That way I can have you at the Birth Center. Needless to say, it would have be quite cool to say that you were born on the night of our 2nd National Championship, but alas God knows best.

I believe you enjoyed the game. I could tell by your squirms & soft movements. We started the game at Uncle Tommy & Aunt Dawn's house with several other die-hard Gator fans... You will most certainly recognize Uncle Tommy's voice when you first meet him - he's that lovable Gator fan who likes to scream & yell during Gator Football games. During half-time we headed over to Tara & Neal's house where we spent the remainder of the game. Matt & Debbie and Marcus & Sarah were also there to cheer on our Gator boys to victory. The picture shown here is taken late into the evening, after the game was over. You'll notice that both Mommy & Daddy are looking pretty sleepy here, but with all the excitement in the air it was hard to settle down.

One more thing...

GO GATORS!!!!

Baby Registries

Hello Friends & Family,
Below you will find the websites where we have registered. I have included the necessary info on how to access each registry. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Jerrod or myself. Also, please let me know if you encounter ANY difficulties accessing the sites or if you have any other difficulties with the websites.

***Also, if you move your mouse over any of the registry web addresses you can click right on it & go to the log in site.**



http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/baby-homepage.html/105-5110204-5996459 Registry Name is Jerrod Fletcher or Kate Fletcher

Christmas 2006

Christmas was different this year for the Fletcher families. Mom Nette, your paternal grandmother decided that she wanted to spend Christmas somewhere special this year. She decided on one of her favorite spots, The Dillard House in Dillard, Georgia. Here we are, Mommy, Daddy & You (in utero) at the Dillard House just after Christmas day lunch.

We, Mommy, Daddy, Papa Fletcher & Mom Nette, left on Friday the 22nd, with a stop over for lunch at the Blue Willow Inn in Social Circle, Georgia. We arrived in Dillard later on in the evening, unpacked, had dinner at one of the local restaurants and then we all had a great night sleep. We woke the next morning, had breakfast then went out shopping in Dillard and Clayton, Georgia. Clayton's downtown was very quaint and Dillard has many antique shops.

We had a great time together shopping, looking, and walking around all these unique little places. By the early afternoon we all needed a nap, plus the Gator basketball team was playing the Ohio State Buckeyes! Of course it was an awesome game - we blew them away. The next day was Sunday, so we headed to church, the Rabun County Church of Christ. We worshipped and fellowshipped with some of the nicest people...we even knew some of the same people... As you grow you will come to find out just how truly small this world really is! That afternoon we relaxed once again by taking in the mountain air with a quick trip to Tallulah Falls, absolutely beautiful & picturesque. Here's your Daddy in this picture, the falls & gorge were so immense, I am afraid that this picture doesn't do them justice.

On Christmas Day we celebrated with sleeping in and then opening presents before eating lunch at the Dillard House. Mom Nette, Papa Fletcher, your Daddy & I each gave each other a few gifts, nothing extravagant, but each given with much love. I gave your Daddy the book The Boys From Old Florida: Inside Gator Nation, which I had personally signed by the author, Mr. Buddy Martin. Your Daddy loved it! Here is our Christmas morning picture taken in Mom Nette & Papa Fletcher's room at the Dillard House.

After lunch we headed to Alpharetta, Georgia to spend that evening with your cousin Ryan Ashton and his Mommy & Daddy, Anna & Kenyon. We all had dinner together, exchanged presents and then they all went out to movies. Your Mommy was too tired to go to the movies so she stayed in the hotel room and went to bed early. We got up the next morning and headed to Whole Foods to do some light shopping. I found this great baby rattler. It is a hand crafted wooden piece perfect for you. After that we headed back to Social Circle for another lunch at the Blue Willow Inn. This time we ate in the Lewis Grizzard room. This is one of Atlanta's most famous authors, and he just so happens to be one of your Daddy's and your late great grandma Bell's favorite authors. We'll have your Daddy read all of the Lewis Grizzard books to you when you get a little bit older. He has quite the Lewis Grizzard collection.

After a delicious lunch, we headed on down the road. We took all back roads because the interstate was too hectic and insane. We got home late that evening to a very hungry Bubbies aka Clarissa Jane. She was SO very excited to see us, she missed us just as much as we missed her. I believe Bubbies loves you almost as much as your Mommy & Daddy do. She loves to snuggle up to my belly and put her paws on my belly too. She's quite the snuggler. Needless to say, Mommy & Daddy were very happy to be home again, there's nothing quite like being home. All together we had a wonderful Christmas. We even found a few presents for you along the way in some of the antique shops.

Psalm 139: 13-16

For the past several weeks Mommy has been reading a wonderful book to you called Before You Were Born, by Nancy White Carlstrom. I haphazardly found it while at the Alachua County Public Library in the Children's section. I wasn't really looking for anything in particular, but when I came across this book it seemed rather appropriate to read to you while in utero.

To my pleasant surprise the story is lovely and the pictures so beautifully illustrate it. On the very last page of the book the author added this psalm, which has been one of your Mommy's favorites for the past few years. It has brought me much healing and great comfort knowing how much our Lord loves each of us.

It is my prayer for you, Baby Jube, that you know right from the moment of your conception that you were formed by God - in His mighty and infinite love. That He is our creator, and your Mommy & Daddy are just His instruments. We are here to love you, support you, nurture you, guide you, and most importantly let you grow and flourish into the being that God created you to be.

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mothers womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me were written
in your book before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139: 13-16

Sunday December 10, 2006 ~29 weeks

This picture was taken just one day before Mommy's 34th birthday. We had just come home from our small group when your Daddy took this picture. If you notice the painting behind Mommy, your Great Uncle Charge painted this picture for us and your Grannie Nette gave this to us last Christmas. It's a painting of the Baughman Center. This is where your Daddy & I were married on May 21, 2005. We have a story for that night, but will share that at another time. Right now, your Mommy's just thrilled that she's still feeling great, still has lots of energy and still fits into one of her favourite dresses, her dragon fly dress (notice the silver pin). Your growth & development is beginning to progress rapidly in your last trimester. I am sure we will both gain a lot of weight during the next few months, then it will be time for you to make your grand entrance! We can't wait to meet you - face to face!

The SEC Championship Game 12.2.2006

What a Fabulous game! Gators v Hogs...
A great win for the 2006 Gator football team!

We are in Alpharetta, GA in this picture, w. your Uncle Gooze (aka Kenyon), your Uncle Ricker, and Mommy & Daddy. Your Aunt Anna was taking the picture while Buddy Goo was asleep upstairs.

The game was AWESOME - we had great seats (thanks to my tutee Mike Knowles), the atmosphere was intense, and of course, the end result was awe-inspiring! Plus, this win sealed the deal on the National Championship Game - Gators v Buckeyes 1.8.07.

Last but not least, you, Baby Jube, are approximately 28 weeks along in this picture. At the game, you enjoyed the cheese pizza & the apple cobbler a la mode! I believe, after a full season of Gator home games you will know by heart all of the following songs upon arrival into this world: We are the Boys of Old Florida, The University of Florida Alma Marter, and the Orange & Blue Fight Song.

Go Gators!

Thanksgiving 2006

Thanksgiving is always a special time of year for the Fletcher & Bell families. We typically celebrate it each year out on the farm, but this year Uncle Charge & Aunt Nancy had dinner at their house. After a wonderful turkey dinner with all the fixings we all drove out to the Forest Grove Cemetery to honor our ancestors. In this picture your Mommy & Daddy are standing in front of your Great Grandpa Bell & Great Grannie Bell's headstone. They were both famous in their own right, Martha for her cinnamon buns & fantastic cooking and Curtis for his watermelons & sweet potatoes.

You've come from a long line of Forest Grovers. We pray that you will come to love this time of year as much as your whole family does, especially how much your Great Grannie Bell loved this day and how much she reveled in feeding everyone to their hearts content.

We also celebrated your cousin Ryan Ashton's 1st birthday. We had a great time all being together, singing Happy Birthday to Buddy Goo & seeing him dive into his homemade one-of-a-kind birthday cake!

One final celebratory note, two years ago, on this very special day, your Daddy asked for your Mommy's hand in marriage. He asked me on our walk down to the cemetery, on the steps of the Forest Grove Baptist Church. Your Mommy said very excitedly with a great big smile on her face... "Yes!"

The Fletchers & Bells have so many reasons to be thankful!

25 weeks... and growing

Daddy & I have been enjoying your movements... You squish & squirm around in your protective little home. You are especially active after Mommy eats, which is usually every 2 - 3 hours. Mommy & Daddy both love food & it's apparent that you are already taking after us. You have lovely sleep/wake cycles - you typically sleep most of the way through the night, but are usually stirring by 5am. Every day that passes we get closer & closer to when you will enter this world. We pray for your growth & development every night. Daddy & I read to you at night too. Mommy loves reading several books in a row and Daddy loves reading one book and then talking to you, praying over you and kissing my belly and you good night. Sweet dreams beautiful...
Ps. This picture was taken during the first week of November, 2006 - just around the same time as your Daddy's birthday (11.03).