Adventures of Baby Robinson

VIDEOS!!!!

2011-10-11T12:52:00.002-04:00

Greetings All,

Enjoy some videos of the kiddies (mainly Kailey)...

-Mommy Robinson

1 Year Later ...and BABY makes 4!! (Still in Boston)

2011-07-21T12:32:00.008-04:00

It has been one year and some months since our last posting... and we have been busy!

I will not do a full update today, however I am attempting to revive the Baby Robinson blog, so updates will come soon. This post is just to say, "Hey, we are still here, and will be blogging again soon." Oh, and to share some family pictures.

A SHORT up-date:

ALL:

* Welcomed a new baby -- Leandrew Elijah Robinson on June 13, 2011

6lbs, 14 oz, born at 10:59am

Kailey:

* Goes to school 4 days a week

* Speaks in sentences

* Loves the park

* Is 22months, will be 2 in Sept. 2011

* Loves her lil brother

Leandrew:

* Travels frequently for work

* Loves taking Kailey on Saturday morning walks

* Enjoys work and is thriving

* Is now a dad of two

Kacy:

* Survived the snow, and navigating a stroller in the snow

* Went back to work and then was laid-off

* Is the mother of a toddler and a newborn

Drew:

* Sleeps

* Poops

* Eats

* Smiles (in his sleep)

* is 5.5weeks old

Til Next Time!

-Kacy

Thanks to everyone who urged me to start the blog again!
(continue to comment, it makes me feel like closer to you)

1st Month in Massachusetts

2010-06-06T13:19:00.001-04:00

Greetings All,

I hope you all are doing well. We have completed 1 month in the Bay State and we are adjusting well, but we miss, miss, miss the Bay Area. Kailey is now 9 months old and is developing new skills and talents everyday. The day after last month's post she began to crawl... quite military combat like, but a crawl none the less. And now, she is pulling to a stand all the time and wanting to stand up all day. Not only is she standing but she is now CRUISING... the first steps to walking (literally). She cruises along the couch, her crib, the ottoman, and just about anything else sturdy enough to support her. Sheryl noticed another feat of Kailey's during her and Uche's visit: Kailey is attempting to stand w/o support - she pushes herself up from a crawl position, with her legs straight and butt up in the air... after a few seconds of wiggling on her hands, she falls (gently) to the floor. Needless to say everyday with Kailey is an adventure, I feel truly blessed to be her mom and and so thankful that I have had the opportunity to stay home with her and love on her as I have -- ain't God good!

Leandrew and I are doing well and adjusting to out life outside the Bay Area. Leandrew is enjoying work and adjusting the different hours and the "all the time-ness" of the work. Kailey and I are adjusting to this too. Every now and then Kailey and I will take a ride on the T (subway) to surprise daddy with an afternoon visit. Kailey causes much pause in the office as folks often ask Leandrew "is this yours?"... which is funny to me, because it makes Kailey sound like a puppy, but I get what they are saying, so we give them a pass (hehee).

oh yeah, Kailey went to her first (MLB) baseball game -- At the new YANKEE STADIUM, wild, right?!?! She's such an explorer. And thanks to her family in NY (Ced, Brent, Dom, Steph), she had royal accommodations. Kailey also received money on the NY subway from a lady... random acts of kindness, I guess.

Other facts about Kailey @ 9months, she:

- eats 3 solid meals a day (and nurses in between)

- loves to swing at the park

- splashes water uncontrollably when taking a bath

- eats baby puff snacks

- sleeps through the night, in her own bed, in her own room (from about 9p-5:30a)

- enjoys cinnamon in her oatmeal

- likes to drink water from a water bottle

- still tries to play with our cell phones

What else, what else... I know there's more, but, I try to keep the narrative short so, i'll wrap it up and get to some pics and video.

PICTURES OF KAILEY

KAILEY DOING THE MONSTER AFTER DINNER

Much Love,

Mommy Robinson

...feel free to comment :-)

Video

2010-05-05T17:57:00.000-04:00

Try this video....

So, we moved...

2010-05-05T01:02:00.007-04:00

Greetings Family,

We MOVED back to New England! That's right, we are back on the east coast. Kailey is doing well and getting bigger all the time. She is 8 months old today and acting every bit of it. As many of you know, Kailey got a hold of my phone and damaged it beyond repair, so I am recollecting all my contacts -- aarggh. But, ya know, such is life with a sweet lil baby. I know you are asking, what does an 8month old do... well here's a short list (specific to Kailey of course).

Kailey can:

scoot backwards

pass an object from one hand to the other

understand object permanence

say repetitive sounds "babababa, dadada, mamamama" -- which we interpret to mean mommy and daddy, of course

sleep through the night (if and when she so chooses)

sit up unsupported

eat solid (pureed foods) -- she like sweet potatoes, squash, carrots... she must be a root lover like her mama!

laugh OUT LOUD loudly

wave

throw a tantrum (arch her back and throw her head back)

kinda give a kiss

pull herself to a stand in a crib/pack n play

... i'll stop here bc I said it'd be short list.

Here is a video from yesterday of Kailey reading enjoy...

Much love & promises of more posts.

-Mama Robinson

Just Pictures!

2010-04-13T02:38:00.003-04:00

More Pictures and lil Update

2010-02-05T02:10:00.004-05:00

Kailey is 5mos! It has been a while and I accept full responsibility for not posting. I would like to promise more frequent posts but given how active she is -- that's not something I can deliver for certain. BUT, I will try. Anyway - things in Kailey land are grand. Here's a quick (I mean QUICK) update.

She:
laughs
smiles all the time
grabs for things
pulls my hair
started eating rice cereal this week (Organic brown rice)
still wakes up all night
weighs 14lbs, 6oz
got her ears pierced
owns two pairs of Nikes
rolls over
is starting the teething process

We:
love her
sleep less
laugh uncontrollably when she laughs
take pictures all the time
speak in "Kailey talk"
love her
adore her
thank God for her.

HERE's some pictures... Enjoy (and please comment).

Much Love,
The Parents

Hanging at home on her gym!

Kailey's first Christmas! Good Morning family

Tummy time!

Getting her read on!

5 Weeks and Counting - PICTURES

2009-10-15T17:23:00.005-04:00

5 Weeks and Counting!!! Kailey will be 6 weeks this Saturday -- she's getting so big.

Greetings All,
All is well with our little baby girl. She is growing well and consuming all our energy and love. Here are some pictures of our lil sweet pea. We'll follow-up soon with a more narrative description of our life and the adventures of Baby Robinson.
Enjoy!

Much Love,
Momma and Poppa Robinson

Introducing Kailey

2009-09-13T23:51:00.008-04:00

Hi All,

It's been a while and you've guessed it! Baby Kailey Amaris Robinson is HERE. In fact she is 3 weeks old and full of beauty, surprises, sleepless days and nights, love and blessings. Here's a quick update on lil Miss Kailey.

Born -- Saturday, September 05, 2009 at 7:12am Weight -- 6lbs & 14oz Length / Height -- 20in

Why Kailey? Why Amaris?
Kailey is a fusion of her parent's names (Kacy & Leandrew), but more importantly Kailey means "crowned with Laurel." A crown of laurel is a sign of victory. And Amaris means "as promised by God." So, our little one's name means "victory as promised by God." We were careful in choosing her name, because the meaning was very important to us, and after seeing her and being with her we knew that God ordained her to be victorious only -- which is why her name is Kailey Amaris.

Labor
Whew! What an experience. I knew before going into labor that this would be a never before felt sensation, but I had no idea it would feel like it felt. While it was painful, I kept telling myself that this was purposeful pain and that I was laboring for the birth of my daughter. In many ways labor is a perspectives thing. It seems like we have been so scared by the pains of labor that people often don't talk about the beauty of the experience, so I will. I must start by saying that YES IT DOES HURT and YES it is difficult and complex, but at the same time is is DOABLE, BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING, and life changing -- and can be done without all the medical interventions and yes even without the epidural.
Laboring for Kailey was wonderfully intense. I thought Thursday (Sept. 03) her due date, I was in labor but it only kinda started. I had contractions starting at around 5am on Thursday and then the fizzled out by noon, so Leandrew and I walked downtown Oakland for hours trying to "walk the baby out."I guess it worked, because on Friday I did go into labor. We labored at home for as long as possible -- I labored in the bed, in the bathtub (with candles), on the floor, and in Leandrew's arms. [Leandrew was the perfect labor support partner -- truly we did it together] Our parents made it to our house by the late evening and assisted us in the process (all while encouraging us to "GO TO THE HOSPITAL" -- even as we resisted). Finally, we reached the point when we decided to head to the hospital and have our baby. After laboring for more hours at the hospital it was time for delivery -- time to push. After about 10-15minutes of pushing Kailey Amaris Robinson made her appearance on Saturday morning!

Hemolytic Jaundice Condition
After moving to the postpartum area we were given the news that Kailey had to stay in the hospital in the "well baby nursery" for a few days because she had a condition caused by our blood's incompatiblity creating a high bilirubin count in her body or jaundice. Kailey was treated with aggressive phototheraphy for 4 days after her birth. During this time we stayed strong and I tried not to breakdown. She was away from us most of the day -- we were with her every 3 hours for 30 minutes for feeding. This was hard because we had become so accustomed to being together and we wanted her with us, not with the nurses under hot, bright lights; even though we knew it was for her health. On Wednesday (Sept. 09) we were finally given the green light to take her home -- Kailey was progressing nicely and the doctors believed this trend would continue, and continue it did.

Home with Kailey
Being home with Kailey is amazing. She is a pure ball of joy -- even at 1am, and again at 3am and again at 5am and again... and again. Kailey is the queen of funny faces and has the most precious little lips. She has plowed through many packages of diapers and we are washing blankets, onesies, towels and booties all the time. Being home with Kailey is special. However, we are excited to get out of the house and do something! Sooner than later we will be walking the lake and touring the city. Until then small trips are all the joy for us.

WE LOVE HER!

We love her so much and so does all her family. Everyone is super excited about her arrival and I can't send enough pictures to my aunts in Los Angeles. She has yet to meet all her Bay Area family, sooner than later this will happen. And then she'll be jet-setting to LA to meet more family. Kailey has so much love.

THANK YOU
We are so blessed to have amazing people in our lives -- and Kailey is just as blessed. Thank you all for all your prayers, gifts, love and support that you have shared with us during this time, we appreicate you and your love.

Until the next time -- Be Well,
Mommy & Daddy Robinson

More pictures to come soon!

FULL Term!

2009-08-14T22:43:00.003-04:00

Hey Family,

We are officially full term. Which means (according to babycenter.com) if the baby arrives now, her lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though our due date is still three weeks away. Our lil baby about weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel. We are very excited to meet her in person and not just talk to her in utero, although this has been fun because she responds.

Life for us is moving quite swiftly. We are nearing the completion stages for her room (eeek, better hurry only 3 week [maybe] to go), and have completed most of our baby prep classes. In some ways, babies do come with an instruction manual, but it's just really general & vague instructions; like this is a car, instead of this is a Lexus, this model and so on. But having the general guidelines, makes it fun to imagine how she will look and react to all the things in the world. And as she experiences the world new, so too will we. We will be completely new people when she arrives, we will be PARENTS! And not, just any parents, but the parents to a gift which God has so graciously bestowed in our care, parents to OUR baby. I pray we will do the delicate and complex work of God's hands well.

PICTURES FROM THE BABY SHOWERS

So, what has been happening in the last month? Outside of my growing belly and Leandrew's growing excitement...
We have:
... had baby showers and received so much love and support from our friends and families that we were amazed. I often marvel at how sweet folks are and how they love us and our little baby.
... taken classes (newborn care, breastfeeding, & childbirth prep).
... spent money (these lil suckers ain't cheap).
... gone back and forth about her names (first & middle... we know the last).
... tried numerous sleep positions to try to get comfortable -- sitting up is the latest.
... created a laboring playlist (gotta get the jams right for the contractions)
... created a birthplan
... researched just about eveything concerning this child

And just another quick note -- Family is never to be underestimated in their love for you, and this was shown so clearly through both baby showers. I cannot even express in words my deep and dear appreciation for the work and love that went forth at the showers, truly I was showered and overcome with emotion at the close of the day. So, to all my family THANK YOU!

I guess that is it for now, but I am sure after I post this i'll think of something else. Anyway -- sending much love from our family to yours.

Be Well.

Remember US!

2009-07-12T19:34:00.004-04:00

TWO WHOLE MONTHS of life has passed and tremendous growth has occurred.

I guess we should apologize for the delay in getting a new blog out -- so sorry, our bad. A short recap is order and then to some updates.

-- We are no longer living in Cambridge / Boston, Massachusetts -- and occasionally I think we miss it, especially all the long walks through the city.
-- We are back in California and enjoying every minute of it. The Bay Area weather has been very pleasant and not too warm, so the belly & I aren't as uncomfortable as many people speculated a summer pregnancy would be.
-- I graduated!! YAY. And Harvard's graduation was all we expected such a university's graduation would be. The graduation was full of pomp and circumstance, ceremonial gestures, witty and intellectually robust speeches, sleepy family members, and elated graduates.

-- We were technically without our own home for a one month. Big thanks to all the friends and family who opened their homes to this expecting family. We moved back to our home (1511 Jefferson! Friday July 03).
-- I am 8 months (32weeks) pregnant -- Baby girl Robinson is due Sept. 03, 2009, let's she if she wants to come early or late. Any guesses? To make matter more interesting she is due one week after my fellowship is scheduled to be completed, so prayerfully she holds on.
-- Baby Robinson weighs about 3.75 pounds -- yet some how Mommy Robinson has gained nearly 25pounds.
-- Baby Robinson's first cousin Alexis is extremely excited about her cousin. She is ready for sock duty -- Lexi always says she gonna put the baby's socks on.
-- Leandrew was kicked in the face by the baby (hehehe) -- she moves a lot.
-- We are back at Covenant Worship Center -- THANK GOD -- where today during service Pastor Woods referred to us (Myself, Renee and Tiana [all pregnant]) as the pregnant triplet mommas.

-- People are always surprised that I am in my third trimester. When I first started working at the school district (Vallejo City Unified) people looked at me sideways when I said I was 7 months, so I started just saying "oh the end of 6 months." And this older lady told me "you look like a bee, stung you in your belly." I got a kick outta that.
-- Baby Shower in LA this weekend -- I am super excited. I can't wait; I get to see my family and LA friends (July 18, 2009 @ Kandice's house)!
-- Daddy and Belly Pictures on their way soon.
-- HAPPY 26th BIRTHDAY KANDICE :-)

Okay enough for now -- plus it's time to make dinner -- hungry baby needs food.

Much Love,
KDR (the mommy)

SHE moves!!!!

2009-05-07T11:56:00.006-04:00

Greetings ALL,

I am in the crunch of finals so forgive the brevity of this post and the length of time between posts. After graduation you shall have more frequent updates.

Anyway - -I am writing now as I am supposed to be multi-tasking between a final (accountability design) paper and a final take-home (finance) test... gotta love procrastination.

#1 - YEP, she's a girl. We found out about 4weeks ago.
#2 - MOVEMENT - and lots of it... as of today I can see the movement by looking down at my belly. It looks as if my stomach has the hiccups (this visible movement is why I was compelled to update the blog)
#3 - People still stare at my belly, then offer me their seats on the bus.
#4 - The students in my program (SLP - School Leadership) surprised me with a pre-class 5minute baby shower (sweet, huh?), complete with handwritten messages and the works, plus they bought the baby her first Harvard sweatshirt -- now we gotta get her a CAL sweatshirt (can't leave out UCB)
#5 - She weighs about 1 pound (yet I have gained much more than that) and is about 11inches from head to toes...
#6 - Pictures from Easter
#7 - Gotta get back to work! Love y'all.

Even preggars get the fly stilettos sometimes! ;-)

-Kacy -- MommyRobinson

Baby Robinson Meets a Great Woman

2009-04-17T22:16:00.002-04:00

Today our little baby met Angela Burt-Murray, the editor and chief of Essence Magazine. Her husband invited us to hear her speak at a Middle School for low-income girls in Boston. The speech was great and really inspired our baby to be the best she can be. Angela talked about her coverage of the Obamas and the lessons they've taught her.

This really made me think about the wonderful time our baby is being born into. A time of unforeseen possibility for black folks and unprecedented change. It's kind of like the world is hitting the reset button. Although this change is painful (with the recession and all) it gives us all an opportunity to redefine our destiny and leap after our dreams. I'm glad our little one will have the chance to call her shot and reach for the stars. Can't wait for her to realize the great times in which she was born!

How Good GOD is!

2009-04-01T14:25:00.004-04:00

Hey All,

Long time since Mommy Robi posted, eh'? Been a bit busy creating life (haha). Leandrew has been on me to post again, along with a few others -- here goes! Lots and lots of changes and more and more blessings over the past few weeks. The title for this post is always true, but about 3 weeks ago, IT really hit me. It = the blessing of a child. I was overwhelmed to tears the other day (in the shower -- the perfect place to cry) reflecting on the awesome blessing of life. I felt so special that we have the gift to create and carry life for God -- amazing right? The changes of my body is a visual reminder about this gift - so needless to say each shower is both a time to thank God and explore my newest scientific observation -- my own body.

I am 17 weeks and 5 days -- the last few days of the fourth month of my pregnancy. In a few weeks, I will be half way through the pregnancy. School has about 6-7 weeks left and Cambridge, Massachusetts has about 10 weeks left of the lovely Robinsons -- time is moving quickly. Then we'll be going, going, back, back to Cali, Cali!

So, what else is happening in our world --- ummm...
1. Last night Leandrew "April Fooled" his mother and Lal into thinking we were having twins.
2. I want to hear all the wonderful birth and newborn stories! I love adorable moments and watching families
3. When I'm not eating as healthy as I should, I am reminded that "even hood-rats have babies" (thanks Nancy H.) then I don't feel so bad-- but, rest assured I'm not eating fast food, hot chips and soda!
4. No longer am I craving hamburgers, but now I want Titos Tacos, and I love green apples, grapes, basically any fruit.
5. Over Spring Break Lee and I did some Boston tourist stuff -- Cheers, Boston Commons, etc.
6. I'm am now showing to the average observer -- people stare at my stomach and wonder (Is she pregnant? Or is her stomach just really big and round?)
7. Classes seem longer now (uh oh)
8. People do ask and want to touch my belly
9. Still waiting to feel the baby move -- they (babycenter.com) say most women in the first pregnancy feel movement between 18-22 weeks -- I'll be sure to post as soon as I feel movement
10. Leandrew reads to the baby and greets the baby every morning.

Specifics on the baby:
The baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — the lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. The baby weighs 5 ounces now, and is around 5 inches long from head to butt. He / She can move their joints, and their sweat glands are starting to develop.

Love y'all and keep commenting! More belly pictures to come soon.

Be Well,
KDR

Kacy Has Been DRINKING?

2009-03-21T21:45:00.005-04:00

Hi Family,

Today, we went to a wonderful and quaint Puerto Rican restaurant named Izzy's about 5 blocks from our house in Cambridge. The baby apparently was craving oxtails - which Kacy attempted to devour with rice, beans and plantain. On a serious note, I walked away to pay for our meal and when I returned I noticed Kacy was knocking back a brew! I know right? I wanted to call "the people" too - but quickly learned it was a ginger beer and was NO part alcohol. Thank God!

Now that I have your attention, I'll tell you about our day. The baby, Kacy and myself walked about 1.2 miles to a mall where we met about Ragamuffin stuff. While at the mall (Borders Bookstore specifically) the baby craved a chai latte, a donut, green apples and string cheese. That little guy or gal can sure eat.

Eventually, we came home, chilled out (I slept and Kacy and baby Rob decided to write e-mails to colleagues) then we went to Izzy's the Puerto Rican spot I was telling you about above. Now, to give you an idea of how much Kacy is eating take a look at the below photo. She finished all of this food herself? Crazy huh? It's like she's eating for 8.

All and all our Saturday was good. I felt like we all had some good time to bond and hang out. I love my little growing family and can't wait for Little Man or Little Woman to talk back to me!

Shout out to Cousin Kathy for arranging the dinner at Izzy!

Baby Got Front!

2009-03-18T22:15:00.005-04:00

Hey Baby Robinson Lovers!

As many of you know, I, Leandrew/Soon to be Father, was in California for the past week and a half. You may think I abandoned Kacy, but that is not the case-y (get it). While I was gone however a few things happened. First Kacy lost her phone, then she got stuck in the elevator and upon my return I noticed she had a huge bump on her belly (look for yourself). Wow, it is clear that a child is really growing inside of her.

Upon my return we got right to business! Today, we went shopping for healthy and delicious FOOD at Trader Joe's, thanks to Belinda's gift cards and Target for maternity clothes. This is proving to be truly an adventure for Daddy Robinson too. I have to make sure Kacy isn't sleeping too long on her stomach and I have to be patient and understanding when it comes to food, because she can only eat what she feels like eating. Regardless of all the extra responsibilities I am totally game and am excited to go through this fun journey.

As of tomorrow, I think we will be 16 weeks pregnant. Stay tuned

For all you haters that said I wasn't pregnant too - eat your hearts out. Proof!

Re-Cap of the Last 12 Weeks!

2009-02-22T19:11:00.004-05:00

This post will be just a quick summary, answering many questions most people ask. I won't pontificate on this blog -- but will later, so get ready :-) .

So... We "found out" on Christmas Eve (thanks Walgreen and First Response), and told our immediate families on Christmas Day. Both our mom's were enveloped with tears -- it was adorable to watch (and catch on camera!).

We OFFICIALLY confirmed our pregnancy on Wednesday, February 4, 2009 -- making me (Kacy and baby and Lee) 9 weeks and 6 days. On this day we began calling and spreading the glorious news. It was great to hear all my aunts exclaim "Oh my God, forreal Kacy..." over and over again. The funniest reaction was Alexis', our 5 year old niece, upon seeing the first ultrasound -- she said "YES... My first African-American cousin!"

Many folks have asked about cravings, and "yes" I've had my share.
Here's a short list:
Hamburgers, not turkeyburgers -- real deal meat (unlike me, right?)
Watermelon (in January and February on the East Coast = really hard to find)
Citrus Fruits
Spaghetti (preferably w/o meat)
Cabbage
Tom Yum Soup (Thai)
Lo Mein Noodles (Chinese)
Pickles

Leandrew's cravings: Ice cream and milkshakes

Morning Sickness???? Try all-day sickness. But I've had it better than some, so not too many complaints here.

Emotions? -- YES!!! I starting crying after my finance class in front of the professor's assistant becuase I didn't understand a concept. I think I scared the guy half to death, he had no clue what to do with the barrage of emotions I threw his way. I was covered in embarrassment.

Other odd things you may be wondering or I think you should know:

I feel sick when preparing food, so Leandrew is our primary cook. He is doing a wonderful job at accommodating my food whims, cravings, and aversions.
As of week 9 my pants started feeling tight when I sat down, but i'm still not showing to the average passerby.
Boy or Girl? Lee thought the baby was a boy, until his friend Wendy told him with absolute certainity that it was girl. She "knew" becuase her son (16mos) was attracted to me. I have no real preference -- I can get down with sugar & spice and everything nice, or worms, trucks and blue clothing.
Janel, Leandrew's sister thinks the baby looks like her (from the 12 week ultrasound)
My friend Kathy bought the baby a book [My People], before she even knew I was pregnant, and my friend Rhiannon dreamed I was pregnant the night our pregnancy was confirmed -- eerie right?!?!
Names? Not quite sure -- we have a few we like, but nothing concretized. Once we see more of the baby's personality we'll start to really consider, but we are up for suggestions (no promises though).
According to our 12 week ultrasound, the baby seems to have Leandrew's "spunk / wildness / love of fun and adventure"

Cool. So that just about sums up our introductory blog. If there are answers that you didn't receive please ask a question in the comment section - we'll try our hardest to include an answer in the proceeding entries.

Till Next Time,
Kacy (with a little help from Leandrew)

Welcome to our blog

2009-02-15T17:45:00.000-05:00

Hi Family and Friends,

We want to welcome you to "Adventures of Baby Robinson!" On our blog you will be updated on the life of our budding baby and get an up-close look at our journey in becoming new parents.

Stay tuned for pictures, journal entries and funny stories. This blog is interactive, so please be an active participant and comment.