Best of the Betts

A Professional View

2010-09-26T18:25:00.001-07:00

Sawyer at Six Months

2010-08-15T19:20:00.001-07:00

Well, it's been a while...having technical difficulties with the blog lately..and no time to mess with it. Lots more pictures are posted on FB!

Sawyer is sitting up, grabbing toys, babbling and laughing away...especially at Merritt's antics. He is adorable and more fun each day.

Sawyer at 3 Months!

2010-05-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

Our baby boy is already three months old. Here are some recent pictures, of which his hair features a prominent role. (He got his first haircut last week - thanks GrandMo!).You'd cry too if your hair looked like it was styled by an 80's rocker.

Finally!

So much better!

Loving hanging out with the grandparents!

Sawyer at the Beach*

2010-04-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

*Note that no actual pictures of the beach are contained herein. You'll just have to trust us.

Sawyer with cousin Javier.

--Apparently, good hair runs in our family.

With Grandpa Boat

--Well, sort of.

And with cousin Sara.

--Since they shared a bedroom, we learned that snoring runs in the family too.

Sawyer with a new friend.

--The University of Florida indoctrination has already begun.

Buh-Bulls!

2010-04-08T10:04:00.001-07:00

First Outing in Our Double Stroller

2010-03-04T11:57:00.000-08:00

The stroller was a Christmas gift from Doug's family - we love it! Finally warmed up enough here to use it a couple weeks ago when my parents were visiting. We walked to our neighborhood park. Merritt played. Sawyer slept. It was a great afternoon.

He's Here!!

2010-02-23T09:09:00.000-08:00

Sawyer Douglas Betts arrived at 3:30 AM on February 15th! He weighed 9lbs 5 oz and has a full head of rockstar hair! Enjoy some photos:

New Years Week in Augusta, GA

2010-01-18T17:05:00.000-08:00

We spent the week following Christmas visiting Doug's family in Augusta, where we were thoroughly spoiled by good company, delicious food and loads of presents...

Merritt meets baby doll.

Uncle Don is the BEST!
Captain Betts.

Look-a-likes...

Rudy the Rody!

Gene and Margie with baby Blake.

The Tartikoffs open a few presents.

A Very Florida Christmas

2009-12-27T08:45:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful week in St. Petersburg with my parents, sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew. Although it was chillier than usual, we still managed to get some FL sunshine while fishing (my nephew, Javier's passion) and visiting Sunken Gardens. Merritt LOVED spending time with her cousin, Sara, and they spent many hours in the "reading closet" in my parents' house. We always enjoy our visits to FL!

2009 Christmas letter

2009-12-17T12:47:00.000-08:00

Betts2009YIR

I'm One!

2009-11-28T15:28:00.001-08:00

Here's the gorgeous cake Rachel Lee Stuart made:

Favorite "present" were the balloons.

Playing with a special new book (from Aunt Andrea) with Baby Kate:

The cake was definitely a winner!

Merritt's first tricycle...we are working on our balance.

Halloween - The Tale of Two Costumes

2009-11-07T15:49:00.000-08:00

First we put on our "official" halloween outfit...whereupon we discovered said costume was (a) too small and (b) too warm (it was a rare 80+ degrees). Merritt was a trooper for a few photos...then she laid down on the floor and cried.

Then, Doug suggested Plan B....a UNC cheerleader outfit. This was a much better idea (and fit)...

With our neighbor, Wesley...Merritt is fascinated by him....

Trip to the Park with Granmommy

2009-10-17T10:29:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-17T08:59:00.000-07:00

Our news

2009-10-02T09:10:00.000-07:00

Baby Boy Betts is due February 13, 2010! We're thrilled!

Philly!!!

2009-10-02T08:15:00.001-07:00

We flew to Philly to spend time with Doug's family this past weekend. Doug's sister, Anne's youngest son, Blake, was getting baptized at Tenth Pres. We flew up with Gene and Margie, stayed in a great location downtown, and had a wonderful time visiting with family. Merritt enjoyed meeting her cousins, Blaine and Blake, for the first time. We loved walking around Philadelphia and seeing the sights. We also got to see JT's parents and Doug's cousin Lynn and her family. Enjoy the photos!

Having fun with Blaine and Margie.

Grandpa Gene with Baby Blake (so cute!).

Merritt thinks Uncle JT is FUN!

On our way to a lovely dinner downtown.

First time flying on Betts Air

2009-09-30T15:38:00.001-07:00

Fun with Dad!

2009-09-30T15:28:00.001-07:00

Merritt loves to eat!

2009-09-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

We love how cheerios often stick to her chin! Always in that same spot...now named, the Cheerio catcher.

We've also learned how to give her teething cookies....guess which way is the wrong way....

Baptism

2009-08-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

Merritt was baptized at our church in July. Doug's parents and my parents came for the weekend. Doug's brother Don also came from Atlanta and Doug's Aunt Rebekah and Uncle Ed came from Virginia. Their son, Austin, his wife, Grace and their 3 kids came from N. Raleigh. What a fun and meaningful weekend. We were so busy, we didn't think to take too many pictures (but a friend posted a few more on Facebook).

Happy 4th of July!!

2009-07-04T12:03:00.001-07:00

It's Been Too Long

2009-06-22T15:21:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot my password, it's been so long. Here's some recent photos from this month....

We flew to Orlando a couple weekends ago to attend my grandfather's memorial service. It was a sad but sweet time with my family. Merritt especially enjoyed getting to see her FL cousins!

Merritt recently figured out that stuff on the spoon is food!

The Vacation

2009-06-01T19:25:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a wonderful week on Sea Island, on the Georgia coast. Gene and Margie arranged for everyone to stay in a friend's home - Don, Sean, Keri, Emily, Sean's friend Matt, and my parents all came for the week. Enjoy some of the photos!

The Fun

2009-06-01T19:05:00.001-07:00

The House

2009-06-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah, did I mention the ah-May-zing house we had the privilege of enjoying?

The Food

2009-06-01T18:38:00.001-07:00

The Grands

2009-06-01T18:26:00.001-07:00

The Aunts and Uncles

2009-06-01T18:13:00.000-07:00

The Pool

2009-06-01T16:36:00.001-07:00

The Beach

2009-06-01T16:18:00.001-07:00

The Cloisters

2009-06-01T16:03:00.000-07:00

One morning we walked down to Cloisters for a tour. It was gaw-geous!

Grandpa

2009-05-16T19:03:00.001-07:00

My grandfather passed away on Monday evening. He was almost 95 years old and was the patriarch of our family. While I'm glad he's not suffering any longer, I still wish I had one more chance to talk with him. Here's our photos of our last time with him at Christmas.

On one of our last visits with him, he asked Doug to go out on a tractor ride with him. After an hour or so, I started getting worried and sent out several "search parties" for them. There was no sign of the large orange tractor anywhere on the farm. Eventually, they arrived back home on their own. Apparently, they'd been on their way back when a neighbor stopped them and asked them to come by his place and dig a hole (this gentleman had a bull he needed to bury). Grandpa and Doug had a grand time using the tractor and lost track of time. We still laugh when remembering "Grandpa and Doug's Most Excellent Tractor Adventure".

A Sweet Mother's Day

2009-05-11T18:41:00.001-07:00

Around the Garden

2009-05-11T16:32:00.000-07:00

Peonies:
Hostas (until the rabbits find them):

Louisiana irises in full bloom:

Around the Neighborhood

2009-05-11T16:18:00.001-07:00

Merritt's first trip out in her "big girl" stroller

Legs can't bend just yet.

Seeing the world in front of her for the first time:

Big Don Bigato*

2009-05-04T16:05:00.000-07:00

Doug's brother Don came to visit us this past weekend and we had such a great time! He arrived Friday night and we had a yummy chicken curry dish with cashews and cilantro over rice. The next morning I went to a friend's house to help sell some stuff at their garage sale - the boys took care of Merritt. Then we had a late breakfast - scrambled egg and chorizo burritos. Delicious! (Doug always makes great food when it's just us, but he always amps it up when we have visitors.) Afterwards, I somehow convinced the guys to come with me to the mall so I could buy some new linens (we just bought a new bed). Their reward for surviving this endeavor was lunch at the California Pizza Kitchen. We sat outside while the baby slept in her stroller. Doug and Don later drove to Garner to go go-carting (is that the right way to say it?). Again, they had a ball, and are working on how to get the rest of our family out there in July. Meanwhile, I went next door with Merritt to our neighbor's 2nd birthday party. Doug and Don made a long drive back here to grill hamburgers and have a nice dinner outside on the deck. Afterwards, they went to see the new X-Men movie. After the baby went down, I collapsed on the couch and watched a chick flick - it felt like pure luxury!

After church, lunch and a nap on Sunday, we only had time to run to Locopop's in downtown Durham before Don's plane left. I'd heard of it many times, but this was my first visit. They sell delicious popsicles like cherry hibiscus, mojito, mexican chocolate, blueberry thyme and cookies and cream. If you're ever in Durham, I definitely recommend it!

Here are some photos:

Uncle Don with Miss M (and yes, we are aware of the resemblance):

Reading the Sunday Paper:

Being sweet:

A lovely Sunday outing:

Their motto is "Think Global. Act Loco". We complied.

*Doug's nickname for his brother. Must be declared with great volume and enthusiam when used.

A Visit to Italy

2009-05-03T17:45:00.000-07:00

We went to dinner with friends from our small group this past Tuesday night at Pulcinella's. Our friend, Gene Lee, plays the accordion there from time to time. (He also plays classical guitar, ukelele, and the piano!) We were also celebrating our friend Bob's birthday. Between the large group we had, the celebratory atmosphere and the festive music, we had quite a lively time. Here are some photos from the evening:

The birthday boy:

Jane, Jerry and Stuart:

Gene with his mom, Juanita:

Enjoying the music:

Having a hard time deciding what to order:

Ten Years

2009-05-01T06:45:00.000-07:00

Happy 10th Birthday to my nephew, Javier!! I was taking my Trusts & Estates final exam the morning you were born - I could hardly concentrate. Come visit us soon and have a wonderful day!

Merritt Talks to Her Grandparents

2009-04-29T16:09:00.000-07:00

But to maintain the peace, we won't say which grandparents...

:-)

Hollywood Comes to Durham

2009-04-27T05:43:00.000-07:00

A movie is currently being filmed in downtown Durham. Here's a great article in today's N&O.

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1502481.html

Last weekend, when we were on the Art Walk, we were stopped by some true blue groupies scouting for Colin Firth. As out of towners, they wanted to know where movie stars might hang out on an afternoon in Durham. We came up blank....but this article shows that Mr. Darcy has been around town and checking out our awesome food scene.

Durham....Find Your Cool.

Fun Run (Walk) & Spinners

2009-04-25T14:04:00.001-07:00

Today we participated in a friend's church's fundraiser 5K. We walked. It was a lovely time and a great cause.

Merritt practiced sticking out her tongue some more (currently her favorite activity).

Afterwards, we stopped at Austin's (Doug's cousin) restaurant in N. Raleigh. This is a funny picture of Miss M.

Shameless advertising:

Another video or two for the grandparents

2009-04-20T18:53:00.000-07:00

Durham Art Walk

2009-04-19T13:56:00.000-07:00

The three of us went looking for art this weekend.

Looking at art is exhausting!

Our Cutest Little Tax Break

2009-04-15T16:41:00.001-07:00

PS - We have no Easter pictures, because 2009 will forever be known to us as the year we "survived Easter." It was a stuffy nose-coughing-runny nose-high fever-vomiting-no sleeping-no eating-two pediatrician visits- kind of virus. But, yes, we ALL survived.

A Visit with Granddaddy and GrandMo Betts

2009-04-06T15:08:00.001-07:00

I had a great visit with my Augusta grandparents this weekend!
We went to Duke Gardens, and I loved the redbuds in bloom.

We relaxed on the lawn and watched the Duke students play (they had a lot of time on their hands since they aren't watching basketball anymore).

The gardens were gorgeous!!

I watched UNC play in the Final Four with Granddaddy, that is, until he fell asleep about four minutes into the game.

We all went to church together, and I wore the new dress from GrandMo (she's got great taste!).

Check out my legs!

We can't wait to see Granddaddy (aka Grandpo) and GrandMo again!

The Name

2009-04-02T09:35:00.000-07:00

Our nephew's name is Blake Betts Tartikoff - how wonderful! Everyone is doing great!

Happy Birthday!!

2009-04-01T05:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to our newest nephew, born this morning to Anne & JT! Name TBD....

Much love to the Tartikoffs!

A Few Things Happened This Week

2009-03-27T19:29:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Boat* came to visit!!

He is teaching me all about the Florida Gators, but for some reason, I'm not seeing them anywhere in the tournament.

We celebrated GrandVicky's birthday!

She loved her new cookware!

I got quality time with Mom when she came home from work:

And I learned how to sleep without being swaddled!! A major victory!

*My cousins Javier and Sara will have to explain the origins of this name to me someday.

Merritt's Facebook Status

2009-03-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

Merritt is:
* 17 lbs 7 oz (>97%)
* 25.25 inches long (80%)
* 90th percentile for head size
* learning to sleep without swaddling
* drooling but not necessarily teething
* always wearing a bib
* moderately interested in Buddy the cat and Molly the dog
* very interested in her star that lights up and plays music
* growing out of her 6 month clothes
* grabbing at small items with two hands
* looking with interest at books
* laughing at funny noises, especially those made by her dad
* enjoying spending lots of time with her GrandVicky
* putting up with Mom's kisses

Glamour Shot

2009-03-21T17:56:00.001-07:00

Like Father Like Daughter

2009-03-21T17:53:00.001-07:00

Go Heels (plus a thank you)

2009-03-21T17:35:00.001-07:00

Dear Cora Marie Kirk,

Thank you for sending me your UNC cheerleader outfit. I had to change into it during the game against LSU today because the Heels needed extra encouragement. It worked because Ty Lawson immediately got back in the game and helped the Heels crush LSU! My dad is teaching me that I can affect the game if I FOCUS! And wear a cute outfit. Thanks for thinking of me!

Love, Merritt

Last Day

2009-03-18T08:24:00.001-07:00

Today is my last day of maternity leave. Merritt starts school later this month, and my mom will take care of her until then. Many mixed emotions going on here.

Here's a few shots from the past few days. My college friend, Betty, came to visit this past weekend. It was a rainy, cold weekend but we made the best of it - we made some things on the Cricut for Betty's daughter, Addy, went to the spa for facials, and had dinner at the Melting Pot with our friend Michelle. We can't wait to visit the Youngs in Virginia - so glad they are back on the East Coast!

Oh My!

2009-03-11T08:14:00.000-07:00

According to our home scale, Merritt weighs 17.5 lbs!

Homecomings, Birthdays and Visitors

2009-03-08T14:13:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Doug's return from a business trip with a dinner and an interesting centerpiece:

Then we brought a birthday cake to share with our Bible study group. Everyone was kind and avoided pointing out that my cake looked like a giant chocolate Krispy Kreme.

My college friend, Michelle, and her daughter, Allie, came to visit on Saturday morning:

Our friend, Lydia, from Atlanta, dropped by in the afternoon to visit:

Then we had a Cajun birthday celebration for Doug at Papa Mojo's Roadhouse (Jerry and Stuart are pictured below):

Doug and Scott after a few Abitas:

The whole group (with requisite Mardi Gras beads):

Remembrance

2009-03-06T08:04:00.002-08:00

Mom/Martha, we miss you and love you. We know you are dancing with joy in heaven.

for Doug

2009-03-04T17:08:00.000-08:00

We love you and miss you!! Can't wait to see you tomorrow!!

A Few Days with GranVicky

2009-03-03T08:39:00.000-08:00

Playing on the carpet:

Merritt's First Dress! (Thanks Grandmo!)

A Hot Flash (notice the bare feet)

One of the cards Mom and I created with my Cricut:

Our Favorite Video

2009-03-02T03:47:00.000-08:00

A Few Things Happened This Week

2009-02-26T14:18:00.000-08:00

I played on a fun quilt made by GranVicky's friend Eleanor:

Paige, whose parents were in my parents' birthing class, came over for dinner! Paige was born just a couple weeks before me!

I sat in my little green chair.

And GranVicky came for a visit!!!!!!

Also, I visited downtown Raleigh and met some of my mom's friends from college and work, but she forgot to get any pictures! We also walked to the Parkwood library and met a lady who thought my name was Linda, because she kept saying "Que linda! Que linda!" :-)

I Like to Pray (or, I Can't Figure Out How to Untangle My Hands)

2009-02-22T14:17:00.002-08:00

Another Video for the Grandparents

2009-02-21T04:52:00.000-08:00

Merritt thinks we communicate by gargling:

Playmat Discovery

2009-02-20T07:25:00.000-08:00

Merritt is really learning to love her Baby Einstein playmat!

And so are some other members of our family:

Sorry for the belated post. There are two reasons for this - Doug and I have both been sick for over a week. In fact, Doug went to bed Saturday afternoon, and pretty much didn't get up until Thursday morning. We are thankful that Merritt has not gotten sick at all. Also, this is what Doug got me for Valentine's Day -http://www.provocraft.com/products/detail.php?cl=cricut&scl=expression&cat=&item=29-0300. This is the first thing we've ever bought after watching an Infomercial. Yes, I'm a little embarrassed about it, but I love it!

McKethans and Valentines

2009-02-14T19:12:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed a quick visit by our Alexandria-based friends, Sarah and Aaron McKethan, and their daughters, Addie (not quite 3) and Nora (brand new). They were heading to Fayetteville to visit family, and stopped to spend the night with us. Even thought it was a short visit, we LOVED getting to see them and meet Nora for the first time.

Aaron and Addie:

Baby Nora:

Doug and I have both been battling nasty colds this week, and Doug took a turn for the worse this evening. After an extremely yummy Valentine's dinner from Foster's, we tried to watch a movie. About 30 minutes into it, Doug announced he had to go to bed - it was only 7:30. Poor guy - he is truly feeling terrible. But, since he's not here to defend himself, I have to tell a story on him.

I gave Doug a Valentine's card that said "Enamo(red)" on the front. Doug said, "Enamo Red. What's 'Enamo'?" He's very cute when he's not feeling well. :-)

Chubby Tummy Time

2009-02-13T05:43:00.000-08:00

Here's a few photos from playtime on the floor yesterday. PS - Can anyone tell me why blogger rotates my pictures when I upload them, and how to fix it?

Cheering for the Heels!

2009-02-12T07:24:00.001-08:00

Watching the Heels beat Duke with my dad:

I can dribble too!

And stick my tongue out like Michael Jordan!

Basketball is fun!

Visit with GranJerry and Stuarty

2009-02-10T06:32:00.001-08:00

We stopped by Jerry and Stuart Huffman's house on Sunday afternoon for a quick visit. Stuart recently had surgery so we hadn't seen them in a while. He seems to be recovering very well and we can't wait until they're back in full swing! Merritt enjoyed visiting with her Durham grandparents and showed off her new talking and blowing bubble skills:

Look Who's Talking

2009-02-10T06:30:00.000-08:00

Here's a video for the grandparents (pretty boring for anyone else!):

Photos from this week

2009-02-05T14:16:00.000-08:00

Here's a quick update from this week. Merritt is now grabbing at toys, and even appeared to remove her pacifier from her mouth and throw it down! She's been on an anti-long nap kick, but today, was down for 3 hours (yay!). I was able to visit my friend, Mary Elizabeth, on Tuesday morning for a play group. We had five kids there, all 4 or younger. Our friends, Cynthia and Mark, brought us a wonderful dinner last night. We enjoyed playing with their son James. They have graciously agreed to watch Merritt for us on Saturday afternoon so we can go to a UNC basketball game. Our first outting since the baby was born! Yesterday, I went to the mall with my friend Cathy. We "discovered" the Nordstrom's ladies lounge - the perfect spot for feeding our babies. Soon, we had a crowd of other moms and a good discussion going about infants, nursing and baby accoutrements. Amazing how parenting can be such a good conversation starter! Big props to Nordstroms for providing this luxury. Here are some pictures of the kiddo from this week:

Marathon Man

2009-02-02T06:42:00.000-08:00

Doug's brother, Dan, lives and works in Bangkok. He's an awesome runner, and recently ran the Khon Kaen marathon. We are so proud of him! Here's his account of how the race went:

Greetings,Well, the end of January came and went and with it the Khon Kaen marathon. I left Bangkok at 6am in a dense thick fog on Saturday, Jan. 24th. Drove the 6 hours to Khon Kaen. The marathon was last Sunday (Jan. 25th), starting at 4:30 am. A beautiful cool morning. The starting line was on the campus of Khon Kaen University in the province and capital city of Khon Kaen. Located in the northeast region of Thailand. This was an international marathon, supported by IAAF, the official organization for marathons (as well as other athletic events). The Kenyans, and Ethiopians, and Russians, and Americans, and Thais, and Japanese, and well a lot of countries were represented. The course meandered through the streets of Khon Kaen. Crowds of people were lining the streets cheering us on the entire time. I had a great run. I was able to hit a 4:29 min/kilometer pace in the first half of the marathon and pegged it for the rest of the time. Finishing witha 4:29 average pace. I came in 13th in the age group out of 48 runners and 64th overall, out of 549. Not bad, I think. My time (if you have not done the math yet) was 3 hours 8 minutes 41 seconds. I beat my previous best time (this past Nov. in the BKK marathon) of 3 hrs 22 min 29 sec. Crushed it really. This time is also good enough to qualify for the Boston marathon. Unfortunately, Boston is already sold out for the April 2009 marathon. Great run. ---dan

Weekend with Don!

2009-02-01T16:32:00.001-08:00

We had a great visit with Doug's brother, Don, this weekend. Don is from Atlanta, and arrived on Friday night. On Saturday the boys went to an extreme go-cart place in a nearby town and had a blast racing each other. Of course, they had lots of questions afterwards. Like, why does the place provide fire-retardant caps, and not complete bodysuits? Also, if Doug wore a medium sized helmet, and Don wore large, who on earth is wearing the XXL they offered? And, is anyone else slightly nervous about having to straddle the gas tank on the go-carts? Again, they questioned the choice of fire-retardant caps.

We went out to the Q-Shack for dinner and took a quick walk around the American Tobacco Campus. It was a chilly night! Today we went to the early service at church, then to Foster's for brunch. The weather today was very sunny and in the 60s', so we also took a walk around the neighborhood. We were all sad to see Don leave this evening. Merritt, Buddy and Molly all enjoyed the extra attention he gave them.

We also wanted to send a shout-out to our nephew, Blaine. Happy Birthday Blaine! Today is his THIRD birthday! We can't believe how quickly he's growing up. It seems like just yesterday that he was born:

Why I Love Southwest

2009-01-30T10:50:00.000-08:00

A few people asked me how the flights to and from Ft. Lauderdale went. I was quite nervous about juggling the stroller, baby, carry-on and security, but it all went well. I did my best to travel light - only carrying on a diaper bag (highly recommend the Diaper Dude - very well designed). For the most part, everyone was very helpful to me, and I was so thankful. The security folks in RDU helped me fold up my stroller and put it through the X-ray machine. They had to scan the baby formula* and I'm dying to know how they did this without opening the bottle. I felt like I could breathe quite a bit easier once I got through this part.

While I was waiting for them to announce our flight, I ran into a partner from my old law firm and his wife. It was great to catch up with them, and they were both very helpful to me when we lined up to get on our flight. A Southwest employee helped me down the ramp and even folded up my stroller for me. The flight wasn't full so they told me I could bring Merritt's carseat onto the plane. Here's where it got fun:

The flight attendant who was greeting everyone offered to hold Merritt while I installed the car seat. This was great, and she had fun holding her while saying hello to all the passengers, who were probably surprised at this. When I finished installing the seat, I looked up to see the pilot of the plane now holding the baby with a big grin on his face. I heard a lot of people oohing and aahing at the baby (she had on her cutest pink sleeper and was especially happy that morning). It was so great (especially since I'd been so nervous about all of this!). The pilot said the baby wanted to be up front with them. I said "Well, her grandfather is a pilot, so maybe it runs in the family." He really didn't seem to want to hand her back, but eventually he did and I got her situated in her seat. She slept during takeoff and for most of the flight. The flight attendant came by a few times and gave us a certificate to commemorate Merritt's first flight. I fed Merritt while we landed so her ears would clear. Andrea and Sara picked us up at baggage claim in Ft. Lauderdale (where they told me the hilarious Poptart story).

The flight back was less eventful, but peaceful, since Merritt slept the entire flight home, and even for another hour after we got home. She had no idea she'd just flown to an entirely different state while she napped! Our flight back was like a private jet since there were only about 20 people aboard - not only did I have the entire row to myself, but every row around me was empty (other passengers gave us very wide berth).

I'm so glad we went to FL to visit my sister and her family - it was so worth it! We had a wonderful time!

Today we are getting ready for Doug's brother, Don, to arrive for the weekend from Atlanta. Can't wait!

*I bought pre-mixed Enfamil in ready-to-use bottles, which is the same brand we give Merritt in powdered form. I learned that it isn't exactly the same though. She had quite the stomach troubles for the rest of the day. Ugh - learned my lesson there!

Panelo visit

2009-01-28T10:34:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos of our time this week visiting my sister, Andrea, and her two kids, Sara (age 6) and Javier (age 9), in Lake Worth, FL:

Merritt gets to meet Quick Toes, aka "Pig" aka "Piggy" aka "Mr. Toupee".

Lego Mania!

On a walk around the neighborhood:
Playing with the Pig:
On Palm Beach this morning:
Fun with cousin Sara:

Interesting Things You See On Baggage Conveyor Belts

2009-01-26T12:30:00.000-08:00

My sister Andrea and her daughter Sara picked us up at the Ft. Lauderdale airport baggage claim this morning. While we were talking, Sara said "Mommy, remember that funny story?" Andrea turned to me and explained that one time they were picking up their luggage at baggage claim, and saw a lone Poptart riding the conveyor belt. While I was chuckling at this mental image, she said "And then we realized it was our Poptart."

If you think of this story a few hours from now, and it still makes you laugh outloud, you really share my sense of humor.

Cooking Show

2009-01-25T12:31:00.000-08:00

Merritt and I enjoy watching the Food Network during the week, and this weekend, our favorite local chef hosted a show at our house! Don't worry, I didn't leave the baby on the counter for very long!

PS - My favorite new toy is a Brother P-Touch labeler. I've been busy labeling everything and Doug is worried if he sits still too long, he's going to have one stuck to his forehead.

A Girl and Her Dog

2009-01-23T15:52:00.000-08:00

Stats and Shots

2009-01-22T17:40:00.000-08:00

Today was Merritt's two month checkup. In honor of basketball season, here are the stats:

Weight: 13 lbs, 3oz (94%tile)
Length: 24.25" (96%tile)
Hat Size: 16" (90%tile)

She also got three shots. Very sad. She spent the rest of the day like this:

This Many Days Until the Weekend!

2009-01-21T15:25:00.000-08:00

Or maybe she's a George Bush fan?

Snow Day!

2009-01-20T09:40:00.001-08:00

MLK Day Means Extra Time with Dad!

2009-01-20T09:30:00.000-08:00

Patsakhams Bring Dinner

2009-01-18T14:59:00.000-08:00

Chot and Katie came over on Saturday night and brought us a delicious chicken and couscous dinner, with salad, and a yummy chocolote/coconut cake! Afterwards, Katie gamely rocked our 14 pounder to sleep.

Today we went to church and since it was such a cold, gray day, we took a long nap and hung around the house. Tonight we meet up with a friend of mine from middle school (I just discovered she was in the area) and her husband at our favorite restaurant, Bocci.

Staying Warm

2009-01-17T07:07:00.000-08:00

We needed to get out of the house last night, even if it was the coldest night of the year (below freezing). So, we bundled up the baby in her warmest outfit (Thanks Margie!) and headed to Five Guys and Barnes & Noble. Doug carried Merritt in her Baby Bjorn and she conked out pretty quickly.

A Visitor!

2009-01-17T07:01:00.000-08:00

Anna came over to visit on Friday afternoon - what a nice surprise!

An Important Message About Your Health

2009-01-15T18:54:00.000-08:00

Today I took Merritt to Starbucks where we met up with a friend of mine. By the way, this is how I envisioned maternity leave - I'd get together with friends every other day or so for fun chats over lattes, or I'd read a book, sipping an americano, while holding my quietly sleeping babe. Needless to say, other than today's outing, this has not been my reality.

In any event, while I failed to photodocument Merritt's first Starbucks visit, I did manage to pick up a funny story. (Parentheticals will indicate what was actually going on in my head during this interaction.) After I ordered my coffee, the zealously friendly barista asked me if the baby needed to order any milk. I politely declined. (Dude, what are you thinking? You don't give cows milk to little babies!) Then he proceeded to caution me against ever giving my child coffee before the age of 16 because, apparently, it can cause liver damage. This health lecture went on for quite some time, as if I'd protested his warnings, or perhaps asked for further clarification. I just stood there quietly nodding my head and smiling agreeably. (Did I drink coffee before I was 16? Oh yeah, my parents let me have those International Foods coffee mixes. Yumm, Swiss Mocha...does that actually count as coffee? Probably not, but anyway, mental note made about coffee and kids not mixing. Will I have liver problems now? Don't think about that. However, I will be a responsible parent, just like this guy says, even if he's the same guy who just offered milk to my 8 week old.)

Merritt slept through her entire first Starbucks experience. Guess she could've used a mochachino.

Excuse Me While I Work on Something

2009-01-15T18:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Girl

2009-01-14T08:55:00.001-08:00

Look, I'm Sitting in a Chair!

2009-01-14T08:44:00.001-08:00

Christmas 2008

2009-01-13T13:18:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos from our somewhat courageous Christmas roadtrip to St. Petersburg, FL and Augusta, GA. We spent many, many hours on the road, and learned a lot about traveling with a newborn. Like, don't change a baby while she's sitting on your lap.

It was all worth it - we had beautiful weather in FL, and enjoyed being with my parents, sister Andrea, her husband Martin and their two kids, Javier and Sara. We even got to visit my grandfather, who is in his nineties, and my Aunt Judy in Orlando. Then, we drove to Augusta, and spent a week chilling out with Doug's dad, Gene and his wife, Margie. Margie's son Sean was there, as well as their friend, Ji-Hoon. Doug's brother, Donald, drove in from Atlanta, and came back after a few days to visit some more.

Here is just a sampling of photos from the trip.

This is Merritt's first trip to the beach. My sister Andrea loved holding her!

Santa made a special visit to mom and dad's house.

We opened presents outside on Christmas morning. Christmas in Florida can be awesome.

At Gene and Margie's house in Augusta, GA. That's not just my hair... there's a little dog behind my head - Margie's yorkie, named Claiborne.

Grandmo (Margie) with Merritt.

The backstory

2009-01-13T07:18:00.000-08:00

We just had our first child, Merritt Victoria, born November 20th, 2008. We are getting used to being parents, learning to communicate with each other better and becoming an even better team. Most of our friends already have one or more children, so we're trying to gain wisdom from their years of experience. It is definitely a new world, and we are enjoying every moment. The photos above (in opposite time order) are from October/November.

My first post!

2009-01-13T06:57:00.000-08:00

I've been a fan of blogs for awhile now, and just decided it was time we needed a blog. Not that our lives weren't interesting before, there's just extra motivation now to get news and photos out to our parents and extended family. And I definitely need to "eat crow" since for years I've said I wouldn't start a blog just because I now have children...and here I am...setting up a blog on a cold, overcast day in January while the baby naps. Maybe I just need a creative outlet while I'm on maternity leave. We'll see if I can keep it up.

In any event, welcome to our blog! I hope I can live up to the name of the blog, and only write and show what's interesting. (Note that the name isn't meant to imply that we are the best of the Betts, just wanted to write about the Best of what's going on with us.) So, I promise not to write about poopy diapers or spitup, unless of course it's a really good story*. Also, I'm just figuring out this blog thing, so bear with me.

Tune in for more!

* Like the time the baby's diaper exploded all over her and me, and she even had a tiny poop handprint on her face. Hah hah yeah.