baby becker

see how we've been growing!

2011-12-15T13:06:00.003-06:00

We are half way through a healthy pregnancy with Baby number 3, who Rex calls Fossil. Rex is 4 and Lennon will be 2 in January.

We are wishing all our family and friends a very blessed holiday filled with the love, stillness and peace this season brings.

December

2011-12-15T13:04:00.002-06:00

12-4-11

Dear Santa,

I want to open one of my presents from Nana and Pop Pop. Is that o.k. Santa?

Hey Santa Claus, I wanted a cape and a jedi knight that belongs with a jet.

I'll see you soon,
Rex

November

2011-12-15T13:01:00.000-06:00

Nana and Pop Pop came for Thanksgiving. "Pop Pop, huggie!," Lennon.

October

2011-12-15T12:59:00.000-06:00

September

2011-12-15T12:57:00.000-06:00

(That's my sister's sippy cup, not mine. I'm 4 now!)

in july we...

2011-08-10T21:33:00.003-05:00

-harvested carrots from our garden

-celebrated the 4th with the annual neighborhood parade, lemonade and making blueberry turnovers for the pool party across the street, stayed up late watching the fireworks down the block and being dissed by Rex while he hung out with the big boys (ouch!)

-lived in an artist's studio in cambridge, mass for two weeks (i fell asleep looking at that nudie portrait each night, ahh sweet dreams). Thank you SO MUCH, Louisa and Jamie! Kiva and Rayna, we miss you!

-enjoyed our family at martha's vineyard

-had a family talent show

-and had our pictures taken with Big Papi

It was a busy month, emotional. Greg's mother was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. We were fortunate to be with family during this difficult time. Family flew to Boston from Nashville and Malaysia to be together, to help, to cry, to hug, to laugh. We are a great family. I feel lucky to be a Becker.

we had a party...

2011-06-13T22:55:00.000-05:00

A DIE, CICADA, DIE! PARTY!

Our good friend Heather blogged about it here.

Steph made cicada cupcakes:

we had a photo booth:

and celebrated the death of the cicadas by being outside with our friends.

jamberry

2011-06-13T22:22:00.002-05:00

Threeberry, fourberry, hayberry, strawberry.
Finger and pawberry, my berry, your berry.
Strawberry ponies, strawberry lambs,
Dancing in meadows of strawberry jam.

From Jamberry, by Bruce Degen
(I've only read it a MILLION times.)

grayton beach

2011-06-13T22:15:00.000-05:00

...With our friends, the Virostko-Ornes family.

uncle stefan visits

2011-06-13T22:09:00.002-05:00

Stefan visited,

and here are some of his pix:

visit from nana and uncle mike

2011-06-13T22:02:00.000-05:00

happy easter!

2011-04-24T14:43:00.002-05:00

We look with uncertainty beyond the old choices for clear-cut answers to a softer, more permeable aliveness which is every moment at the brink of death;
For something new is being born in us if we but let it.
We stand at a new doorway, awaiting that which comes:
Daring to be human creatures.
Vulnerable to the beauty of existence.
Learning to love.
-Anne Hillman

rub a dub dub...

2011-04-24T14:37:00.000-05:00

... four babes in a tub...

rex sewing

2011-04-24T14:31:00.000-05:00

baby steps

2011-04-24T14:28:00.000-05:00

our house on t.v.

2011-04-24T14:23:00.001-05:00

A commercial for Eckrich Meats's cold cuts was filmed in our kitchen, but the house was completely taken over by camera crew, set design, catering and a truck with 3 people who constructed sandwiches for the commercial. Sandwich sculptors?

lunch date

2011-03-31T16:13:00.000-05:00

Lennon and Rex dined with baby Summer. Oh, those cutie pies!

is it just me or are my kids brilliant?

2011-03-18T20:44:00.003-05:00

After breakfast one morning, Rex announced he could write the letter X, and then the letter M. In the same breath, Lennon pulled herself up to the easel and began coloring with chalk for the first time. Who are these children?

grammy and grandpa visit

2011-03-18T20:35:00.001-05:00

We had a great visit with Grammy and Grandpa. Complete with dancing and chocolate cake!

February shots

2011-03-18T20:27:00.002-05:00

Rex was so proud of putting his pants on all by himself. Of course I didn't tell him they were put on backwards.

lennon turns one

2011-01-12T21:45:00.003-06:00

A beautiful birthday... for a beautiful girl.

go to the movies!

2011-01-08T14:16:00.005-06:00

These pictures are of us at the premiere of Country Strong back in November.

Greg has a song in the newly released movie, Country Strong, starring Gwyneth Paltrow. The song is called Words I Couldn't Say, sung by actress Leighton Meester.

Go see the movie, then buy the soundtrack. Rex and Lennon need a contribution to the college fund!

simple christmas

2011-01-08T14:04:00.004-06:00

Gingerbread men, a visit with Santa, even a phone call from Santa on Christmas Eve! We had a simple, lovely Christmas, complete with snow.

cute shots

2010-12-27T22:25:00.001-06:00

Rex nursing! Lennon eating (finally) and a proud Pop Pop.

our october

2010-12-27T22:21:00.002-06:00

rex is 3?!?!

2010-09-23T14:23:00.003-05:00

Rex's favorite present? The stroller! I win! Greg laughed at me when I brought this home (for 75 cents, ahem). Sewed some baby clothes, put on a baseball cap (P&D, from your car! Forgot to mention this act of thievery.) and voila! Baby baseball player who still does not have a name. I've gone through all the Red Sox players and Rex turns down every name. Still, the stroller is the favorite present, not the baby. Rex immediately took baby out, put his cars in and took them for a walk.

birthday cake

2010-09-23T14:18:00.004-05:00

Me, "What kind of cake do you want for your birthday?"

Rex, "White, with strawberries, raspberries and blueberries."

Yum.

lennon is eight months

2010-09-19T23:52:00.003-05:00

No teeth, won't eat solids (I'm a full-time dairy maid), but she's super cute.

he loves to fly

2010-09-19T23:46:00.002-05:00

special wedding

2010-09-19T23:25:00.002-05:00

Stefan Becker and Andrea Gavin Becker were MARRIED on September 5, 2010. I love, love, love my newest, official Sister-In-Love.

little ring bearer

2010-09-19T23:18:00.002-05:00

This is the bow tie I made for Rex which he wore to the rehersal for Stefan and Andrea's wedding. The pattern is from Crab Apple Attic.

sweet photos

2010-09-19T15:40:00.003-05:00

These gorgeous pictures of our chidren were taken by a wonderful friend of ours, also Rex's God-Mother, Jamina.

curtains

2010-09-19T15:35:00.002-05:00

I've told a few people I would post my sewing projects on here so they can see what I am up to at midnight after the kids and Greg are asleep. These are my kitchen curtains, love this fabric!

july: martha's vineyard

2010-08-04T00:07:00.001-05:00

Favorite moments of our Becker family trip: Introducing Lennon to the family, seeing Rex delight in having his cousins, aunts and uncles around, family dinners on the patio, one on one conversations, quick trips to the beach...

family talent show

2010-08-03T23:53:00.002-05:00

Lennon performed "Hair Tricks" in the talent show. All talents were admired and appreciated. Ethan's cookies were devoured in record timing!

4th of july weekend

2010-07-05T17:25:00.003-05:00

HAPPY 4TH!

painting

2010-07-05T17:22:00.001-05:00

purple polka dot kimono

2010-07-05T17:15:00.003-05:00

This was made by our good friend Jenny Bartoy at stumbles and stiches. Thanks, Jenny!

picnic

2010-07-05T16:45:00.005-05:00

chihuly

2010-07-05T16:40:00.002-05:00

We went to Cheekwood botanical gardens to see the Chihuly exhibit. Rex was very impressed by the glass sculptures integrated into the gardens.

rex shaves with grandpa

2010-06-28T07:54:00.001-05:00

lennon is five months old

2010-06-28T07:51:00.003-05:00

Aunt Chrissy, thanks for the great dress!

rex and lennon

2010-06-28T07:45:00.003-05:00

may few by!

2010-06-02T22:27:00.002-05:00

bro and sis

2010-04-23T09:15:00.003-05:00

What Rex thinks about Lennon:

"She's so tiny."
"Touch her feet."
"I want to cuddle with Wennon."
"Can I hug her?"
"I wuv Wennon."

new scooter

2010-04-23T09:12:00.001-05:00

lennon is three months

2010-04-23T09:01:00.002-05:00

Sweet baby feet and her first hair bow.

first (play) date

2010-04-23T08:59:00.001-05:00

Lennon had her first play date with friend, Rome Xavier.

visit with grammy and grandpa

2010-04-08T13:46:00.002-05:00

The beach, Red Sox and ice cream... a great time.

baseball!

2010-03-27T20:45:00.001-05:00

lennon at two months

2010-03-27T20:33:00.001-05:00

our little family

2010-02-27T12:29:00.001-06:00

lennon is one month old

2010-02-12T20:12:00.001-06:00

Already?

making valentine's cards

2010-02-12T20:09:00.002-06:00

Rex uses scissors for the first time.

thanks grammy!

2010-02-12T20:08:00.001-06:00

two weeks with lennon

2010-01-26T18:52:00.001-06:00

Lennon is a delight, Rex is huge! and we miss Nana very much.

and baby makes four

2010-01-13T19:42:00.004-06:00

Greg and Rex visit the hospital. Rex says, "Baby drinks milk, Baby likes pacifier, Baby cries." He's more curious than interested and too busy to sit with Lennon in his lap. Okay with Steph as he's had a cough and snot running down his face.

lennon christina becker

2010-01-13T11:17:00.002-06:00

Lennon is here! She's a sweet little girl and we love her so much!

Born January 12, 2010 at 1:05 a.m.
6 lb. 12 oz., 20 inches long

Condensed Birth Story

Lennon decided to come on our moving day to the new house and after Stephanie had only 2 hours of sleep. Friends and family members helped with the move, playing with Rex and getting the house set up while labor progressed. At about 8 at night, active labor began and our Doula, Jolynn Lewis came to the house. At 12:25 we left for the hospital, Greg speeding and running red lights all the way. Only 20 minutes after getting to our room, Lennon was born at 1:05 a.m. She is beautiful, healthy and completely sweet.

christmas day

2010-01-04T15:14:00.003-06:00

We had a visit from Grammy and Grandpa for Christmas. Santa brought the drums!

christmas fun

2010-01-04T15:11:00.002-06:00

Making a gingerbread house, wearing wigs and posing with an elf were a part of our Chistmas fun.

christmas is coming!

2009-12-06T13:32:00.003-06:00

Rex had a blast setting up the tree yesterday. We got one easy enough for the movers to handle when we are able to move into our new/old house. Greg played carols on the piano while Steph trimmed the tree and Rex ran around the room yelling, "Christmas tree, YES!" Rex also visited Santa, same one 3 years in a row... could he be the true Santa?

nesting

2009-12-06T13:21:00.002-06:00

How in the world does one nest when the house you'll be living in when the expected baby arrives isn't done yet? It's driving me crazy! This is how I'm doing it: Making lots of lists of things I'd like to do to the house (one day), covering my dining room chairs and making a table cloth in sewing class, and roasting blue hubbard squash the size of my head to make pies and muffins (none of which I freeze for after the baby has arrived like I should be storing in a deep freeze that will be in said house). I eat the treats right away and think of more things to add to my list nesting wishes.

big boy rex

2009-12-06T13:00:00.004-06:00

I've always meant to take a picture of Rex sleeping in his crib, he's so quiet and peaceful. This is one of the last times Rex slept in his crib as he has now decided to sleep in his "big-boy-bed." We are relieved he decided on his own to upgrade sleeping quarters and we won't be having to take his crib away when it's time for the new little one to have the crib. Also, pictures of Rex with his beloved baseball, "flying" in the kitchen and him drumming after church. Greg is proud to say, "He's a natural."

old new house

2009-11-08T08:09:00.003-06:00

The renovation of our 1906 Victorian is moving into the last phase, finishing work! The exterior primer is going on the house, the trim, tile, stairs and flooring, carpeting and interior paint. We hope to be moved in before Christmas, three weeks before the littlest Becker will be joining us! Eddie, our painter, has agreed to prime the baby's room and wait for a call from us in the hospital to know what color to paint the room.

Prehaps the one thing we are most excited about is the flooring. Via our trim guy, Kyle, via our stair guy, Gabe, we were introduced to Leatherwood Inc. They reclaim wood from old factories, warehouses, the bottom of the Cumberland River, etc. and use the wood for flooring in historic homes, residential homes, park benches and even models of log cabins for museums. Greg went out to Leatherwood to see the red heart pine that will match the existing floors in the original part of the home. The new floors and stair treds and risers will come from a cotton mill outside of Memphis, TN and an old school house in Pulaski, KY. Not one tree will be cut down for the beautiful old floors in our home, all for the bargain price of $3.85 a square foot! (One flooring store in Nashville wanted to charge $9 a square foot for reclaimed heart pine.)

Everyone, please keep your fingers crossed that all will be done in timely fashion so we can settle in before Baby Becker arrives!

halloween

2009-11-08T07:48:00.004-06:00

Rex went trick-or-treating for the first time this year. He was very tired and only went to one house. Our sweet neighbor Betty, being the good grandmother she is, had animal crackers for the little ones. Imagine how happy Steph was not to deny Rex of his booty on Halloween night, animal crackers! Oh, Rex was a lion and roared mightily.

happy birthday!

2009-09-28T13:58:00.002-05:00

Rex and Mom celebrated their birthday together on September 20th! Rex is 2!

tomatoes

2009-09-16T11:57:00.002-05:00

home renovation

2009-09-16T11:51:00.003-05:00

We are renovating our old Victorian that has been rented out for a few years. The addition goes over the footprint of the first floor, it's pretty major. Rex loves going over to the house and getting into the forklift, playing with his tape measure and chatting it up with Charles, our contractor. We are expected to move in December, a month before new Baby Becker arrives.

the littlest becker

2009-08-19T23:18:00.002-05:00

Rex is a big brother! The littlest Becker will be joining us in January. This picture was taken at 17 and a half weeks; we are now at the 20 week mark.

rex goes to preschool!

2009-08-19T22:44:00.002-05:00

Rex enjoyed the first day of preschool at A New Leaf. Stephanie got to stay all day as the Helping Parent, assisting the children and teachers, and Rex enjoyed his first job as Helping Child. He got to stay close to Mom all day, and he wandered off to play when he felt comfortable. He loved his first day and is looking forward to exploring more.

summer shots

2009-08-19T22:32:00.002-05:00

Our summer has gone by so quickly. It is only August and we have plenty of hot days ahead of us, but our summer trips and family visits have passed and we are transitioning back into a schedule and planning fall activities. We have spent lots of time in the pool, a must in Nashville! Gone blueberry picking, and eaten our share of sweet watermelon and southern peaches. And what summer wouldn't be complete without running through the sprinkler while watering the cherry tomatoes?

little drummer boy

2009-08-19T22:26:00.002-05:00

Rex loves all things boy: balls (especially baseball!), trucks and cars, trains, etc... but what he's really into is drumming.

cousin dylan visits

2009-08-19T22:02:00.002-05:00

Rex's cousin, Dylan, came to visit us in Nashville. Lots of quality time was spent together.

july: virginia beach

2009-08-19T21:56:00.003-05:00

Our second family visit was to Virginia Beach to spend some time with Nana and Pop Pop, along with aunts, uncles and cousins. Rex had a blast.

july: martha's vineyard

2009-08-19T21:41:00.005-05:00

July was filled with family! Rex enjoyed a week with the Becker's in Martha's Vineyard with his Grammy, Grandpa, aunts, uncles and cousins... a packed house on the beach!

sweden in june

2009-06-24T21:16:00.002-05:00

We were informed that Sweden in June was a beautiful time to visit. Unfortunately, when we were there, the weather was unseasonably cold and wet for the time of year. Rex had a great time celebrating Sweden's National Day, visiting Pippi Longstocking with friends Suzanne and Patrik and their children, Elliot and Tom. We went to Stockholm's best parks (they are all the best and have throngs of children playing at them), museums and play spaces. He also spent time with his Swedish girlfriend, Elsa, a shared Italian meal being the most romantic evening followed by bubble blowing so the parents could get a bit more conversation in, thanks Mathias and Gabriella! We also had a lovely time with friends Linda and Anders.
Rex's Godmother, Jamina, came along for the fun and to give mom and dad some DATE NIGHTS IN STOCKHOLM! Who says romance is over once you have kids? Thanks, Mina!

may

2009-06-24T12:45:00.002-05:00

Here are some shots from a trip to Burgess Falls where we hiked, threw rocks, played in a waterfall, ate strawberries and Rex passed out on the ride home.

april

2009-06-24T12:36:00.002-05:00

In April we visited our family in Boston and watched some of the Boston Marathon.

water

2009-03-10T14:41:00.001-05:00

Our boy needed a little watering to help him grow.

rex eats an apple

2009-03-10T14:05:00.004-05:00

the smokies

2009-03-10T14:01:00.001-05:00

february

2009-03-10T13:45:00.003-05:00

February came and went as it always does: quickly. During his 17th month, Rex learned to blow into recorders, harmonicas and whistles to make music. He dissected a rose that came from Stephanie's Valentine's Day bouquet, thew his snack onto the floor and ate it off the floor like Huckleberry and Daisy do, and he learned to carry Mom's purse (much to Greg's dismay).

a visit to virginia

2009-01-19T09:08:00.005-06:00

Greg went to Sweeden for a week so Stephanie and Rex went to Virginia to visit family. Rex loved being with his Nana and Pop Pop and Uncle Mike, and loved seeing his aunt, uncle and cousins. Rex enjoyed the Childrens' Museum, especially the trains and his first taste of a chocolate milk shake. We visited Stephanie's friend growing up, Amber, and her daughter, Piper, and new guy Parker (he was napping at picture time). It was a great week. Stephanie even got to sleep in and take a nap!

fun in the morning

2009-01-19T09:04:00.002-06:00

There's still two months until spring training, but Rex wastes no time in getting dressed for the occasion.

teeny, tiny cup

2009-01-19T09:00:00.001-06:00

Rex drinks from his little toddler cup; just his size.

new years day

2009-01-12T14:14:00.003-06:00

In our pajamas, we welcomed 2009 with our friends, our little early birds and waffles. Oh, and mimosas and coffee (strong, strong coffee).

merry christmas!

2008-12-26T21:13:00.004-06:00

"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time."
L. Wilder

santa delivers

2008-12-26T20:47:00.005-06:00

Christmas Eve was celebrated with a children's church service and a dinner out for Chinese food. (Who else is open for dinner on Christmas Eve?) Christmas Day was sweet and quiet as Rex did not receive one electronic, plastic toy! Ahhhhh, so much to be thankful for! Family sent lovely gifts of books, clothing, wooden blocks and puzzles. Santa brought more fun gifts: wooden stacking toys, blocks, cars, mop and dust pan, musical instruments and art supplies including a double sided easel! Rex's favorite gift is his Learning Tower, he can stand on a platform that allows him to work at the kitchen counter alongside of Mom and Dad.

decorating for christmas

2008-12-26T20:37:00.003-06:00

Dad climbed on the roof to hang lights while Rex did all the dirty work.

rex visits santa

2008-12-26T20:30:00.003-06:00

thanksgiving

2008-12-26T20:26:00.002-06:00

Rex was Captain of the Thanksgiving Cooking Crew.

rex "reads" to himself

2008-12-26T20:16:00.005-06:00

Rex has been read to since before he was born, through infancy and now as a toddler he goes up to his bookshelf in his room or his box of books in the kitchen and pulls out a book to flip through.

first trip to the zoo

2008-12-26T20:11:00.001-06:00

wrapping up 2008

2008-12-26T19:59:00.006-06:00

This blog has not been updated since October!?!? Rex has been keeping his Mom and Dad very busy and now that the craziness of Christmas preparation is over, there is time to relax and update everyone on the happenings of Rex Harrison Becker. We are all thankful for our friends and family who are far away from Nashville, this blog is for you all to see what we are up to and to see how Rex grows.

rex baracked the vote

2008-10-21T08:15:00.003-05:00

Please get out to the voting booth to support your candidate of choice!

my first hair cut

2008-10-15T10:41:00.002-05:00

visit from grammy and grandpa

2008-10-15T10:37:00.006-05:00

I love my Grammy and Grandpa!

rex unpacks the groceries

2008-10-10T21:45:00.003-05:00

race for the white house runs through nashville

2008-10-10T20:47:00.008-05:00

This past Tuesday, Nashville welcomed McCain and Obama to their
second debate. Rex was super excited, along with everyone else. Our first stop was at Bongo Java to get a coffee where the barista told us the Secret Service gave all employees a background check a few weeks prior to the debate. On the way onto Belmont Campus we saw impersonators of G.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Sarah Palin (applying lots of lipstick). Chris Matthews from MSNBC was interviewing live and giving autographs during commercial
breaks. We chatted with our most excellent mayor, Mayor Karl Dean and once on campus saw friends, supporters for McCain/Palin and about 95% of the crowd were Obama supporters. It was an electric energy, good fun among both supporters and even a few shouting, "they're the same!" We almost did not go due to the rain but we're glad we did and not one drop fell from the sky!

rex goes to paris!

2008-10-10T19:58:00.006-05:00

Paris, TN that is... We went for a quiet weekend of hiking and when we arrived at Paris Landing State Park we were welcomed by the Boss Hoss Motorcycle Convention. Lots of loud bikes. We went into downtown Paris and found the Democratic Headquarters for Henry County and got a Obama/Biden sign for our front lawn and found The Ten Commandments! We did get a good hike in away from the bikes when we went to Land Between the Lakes National Park. We also got a taste of living on a farm in the early 1800's. Rex loved the farm animals and dressing up in costumes.