It's Like Riding a Bike... Hope so!

Daniel, Lauren, & Savannah are moving to Sweet Home Alabama! Wow! You heard right... they will arrive on December 18 and stay with us until they get their feet on the ground, learn to speak "Alabama", and learn to love SEC sports. Given that Daniel is a PAC-10 fan, it may take quite a while.

It will be wonderful to see the three of them! We haven't seen them in person since July - when Savvy was born. I can't wait to hold the little bundle of joy again. Based on Skype sightings, I know she's changed quite a bit since we last met.

Needless to say, it's been years since we've lived with a baby. I'm "older and wiser" now, so I'm sure I will be able to discern every need and understand every cry..... right! Baby accessories

have changed so much since Tami & I raised kids over 20 years ago. Back then they didn't have "Boy diapers" and "Girl diapers". We just had Huggies & Pampers... period. I remember: "Don't put lotion on your hands before you put the diaper on! - the tape won't stick!" The new diaper technology has probably solved that problem by now though...

Having a baby in our home is going to be a major change for me.... Am I ready for a 5 month old in our house?! Hope so! Maybe it's like riding a bike.... you never lose the parental instinct, once you've been through it. Hope so! What about waking up in the middle of the night to a crying baby? Will I really be able to help, or should I just roll over and pretend I'm asleep? You think Savvy will recognize us from the Skype sessions? Hope so!

We'll have to Baby-Proof our house. She's not crawling yet, but I suspect it may be soon.... after all, I can discern these things, you know... When we babysit Savvy while Lauren & Daniel are out, will we be able to handle it? It's been 20+ years, you know.... What if we can't get her to stop crying? What if she gets sick? What if we run out of diapers!? Do I sound a bit nervous? You bet!

Here's my strategy.... Take a step back! Let the others take the lead. Leave the room at just the "right" moment. Get a "call" on my cell phone at just the "right" time. Listen & learn from the sidelines. Get my stride back by observing others. Take things one-step-at-a-time. I don't want to let on that I am virtually clueless when it comes to babies. So, I'll simply take a step back. After a while, I'll make my move and step in like a pro! Confident! Sure-handed! Ready to handle even the worst Huggies blowout she can deliver! Bring it on, Savvy!

No matter how long they decide to stay with us, we will treasure every moment! I am honored that they feel comfortable enough to return home to the US and want to spend time with us. No doubt adjustments will have to be made by all parties involved, but I'm up for it! Lauren, Daniel, & Savannah can stay with us as long as they want - no strings attached... Only one request: If Savvy needs tending to in the middle of the night, see if her Granddaddy is available to help.... I can still change a mean diaper.... you KNOW so! Can't wait to see you Savvy... I love you...