For Your Viewing Pleasure and because good oral hygiene is essential.

The Three Amigos enjoying their new tent.

He played in this brown paper sack for about an hour!

Why do all kids seem to love playing in laundry baskets??

Claire-bear fell asleep playing in her excer-saucer, but never let go of the tag.

The Three B's in March- Baths, Books, and Bowling

March passed us by in a blur. The kids started taking their baths together, boy is that a timesaver. Claire-bear throws the biggest tantrum when you take her out of the tub. She would sit and splash until she turned into a prune if we'd let her.

March also brought us books and more books. Claire quite literally developed a taste for them and we have had to really watch what she gets her hands on. She can gobble down a sheet of paper quicker than you can imagine! She loves books though and will sit transfixed listening to a story being read. She will sit with a basket of books and just sort through them. Future librarian like Aunt Kris and Aunt Lindsey I suppose? Jack discovered There is an alligator under my bed and we read this about 5 or 6 times a day, minimum.

We also had the chance to go bowling for the birthday of one of Jack's little girlfriends. Duckpin bowling with miniature lanes, balls, and pins. He was TOTALLY into it for about 2 frames. Then something shining in the distance (the arcade) caught his eye and we were off to drop a fortune on games! A great time though and we will definitely take him back when he is older. The girls at the party are all 2 years older and have sharper attention spans, so they really had some fun!

Bringing you up to speed for February

When we last left our super heroes, they were debating about buying a van. Well... that was until they test drove the Dodge Grandcaravan Limited Edition. They debated no longer. Yes that's right, the Limited Edition (so, maybe only 1 million were made!). Check it out!

The day after we got it we were BURIED in snow, again. Due to the snow, our Valentines Date at Mackey arena was postponed until the 15th. We headed north in the new cruiser for the game. Geez, next time remind me to take along some extra Boilermakers, because I was surrounded by Hoosiers! We had a great time and we both agreed, our best Valentine's Day gift to ourselves yet!

It's a marshmallow world in the winter

It's a marshmallow world in the winter when the snow comes to cover the ground. It's the time for play, it's a whip cream day. I wait for it the whole year round.~ says one of my favorite winter songs. I like the version put on by Bing Crosby and Ella Fitzgerald. Ella is my favorite. In fact, one of the names I had selected for a girl was Ella Fitzgerald Rochford. Jeremy opted to veto that one although I am not sure why- doesn't it just roll off your tongue?

Enjoy our whip cream day! HR

Let me off this thing!!!

This ride is too fast. Claire is 7 months old!!! HUH??? How did that happen. Where did the time go? Nonetheless, she is now saying Mama (ok, an occasional Dada too!) and threatening to crawl away. The time is flying by, aided greatly by the demands of career and family. It is a constant struggle for balance between the two.

Papa Chip has been doing fabulous!! Jeremy had mentioned to him that it had been months since he had seen him walk. Chip threw back the covers and the two went for a walk around the facility. He is moving quite well with the help of his walker. He has been working so hard. I believe that if anyone can bounce back from this it will be him. He can reside at this facility until mid-April (according to Medicare), but I honestly think he will be ready sooner! He did suffer a bit of the stomach flu this week, but doesn't seem worse for the wear. We are planning on taking him for his first outing since this all began back in November. We are going out for a steak dinner this weekend as long as he isn't too down from his stomach bug. I will be sure to take some pictures of him, I haven't had the nerve while he has been in the hospital.

Jack is going to be getting assessed in the next few weeks for possible developmental delay in speech and speech comprehension. Don't get me wrong, often he knows EXACTLY what you are saying and chooses to ignore you with an audible groan accented by an eye roll. But at other times he seems to just not get it. He was delayed in crawling and there has been some correlation between delayed crawling and learning disabilities. BUT as science continues to show:correltation does not mean causation. We figure it doesn't hurt to get him checked out so that we can make sure he is getting the best start that he can. On that note, we are beginning to check out different pre-Ks. So many things to consider: pre-k then K, then elementary and junior high, high school. Somehow I need to mellow and realize I am choosing a pre-k, not his high school and thereby influencing his college placement!!!

Go Colts!!

Worst Blogger in the World

The votes have been counted...... (drumroll)....... and I am the worst blogger in the world. Sorry, this doesn't pay the bills and we have been busy living life. A career that involves sitting in front of a computer all day and sometimes part of the night does not leave you chomping at the bit to sit back down again.

We have been busy, busy since Christmas, join the club right?. Jeremy's mom is back in FL for the month of January, so team Rochford is a man down. Jeremy has spent more time over at RHI (Rehabilitation Hospital of Indianapolis) making things slightly more hectic around the house. But, I know many of you ask after Papa Chip and I am happy to report he is working hard at rehab and is improving everyday!! He is actually being transferred on Saturday to a facility just up the street to continue his care and physical therapy. This will be awesome because it is about 25 miles closer to us and he can leave to come over for dinner or just hang out for the weekend. Medicare says he has to be back by midnight if he leaves- How much fun are we going to have enforcing a curfew!! He is walking more and more and gaining a bit of weight and regaining strength. Today he walked 250 ft with the use of his walker. Next step will be to leave there for our house and continue his physical therapy during the day. Then we will see where things go- he will either sun himself by a pool in FL or sun himself by a pool in Indiana for the summer. We will be sure to keep you all posted. But the Rochfords have officially left Kouts for good.

The kids are doing great! Claire had her 6 month check up yesterday and weighs in at 16 lbs 10 oz and is 28" long. She is a sweet, sweet girl- make note that I said that! One day we will be arguing about make-up and skirts that are too short. My mom had it easy and didn't even know it!!

Jack, Jack, Jack....where do I start? What an adventure!! He is a funny little man and seems to be developing a taste for music that does not include my vocal stylings. He actually Shh's me and covers my mouth and Says "Mommy, no sing.". Kid doesn't know a good thing, I tell ya!

Jack is teaching Claire to have an appreciation for the arts (Disney!). They are two peas in a pod!! Jack cracked his head open last Tuesday at daycare when he got overly excited about waffles. No lie, I saw it with my own eyes, it is not a cover story. On our way to see a man about some stitches he lost it because we were not taking Claire-bear along. He screamed "NOOOOO, Sissy!!! Sissy!!!!! Get Sissy!!!!" I explained she was going to stay and play. So then he needed to hug and kiss her good bye!! Awww, they are sweet together, for now. I know what comes later. I have brothers, so do not feel the need to educate me on the ways of siblings. Oh, no stitches by the way, just a fancy band-aid he promptly ripped off.



Hope all is well with all of you and that Santa brought you everything you ever wanted!! Next time you hear from me, I will probably be driving a minivan. Don't try to talk me out of it. My Jetta is no longer far-fig-nugen. It is cramped and my entire trunk is consumed with a stroller! Take care.

A Rochford Family Christmas

This year Christmas came a little early with the Rochford side of the family. Davey, Jenna, and the girls came to town to visit with Chip in the hospital and enjoy an early holiday with us. I was sick the week leading up to Christmas and had not gotten all of the things done that I needed to. By need, I actually mean need. I am not talking about vacuuming the basement or tidying up in the minibarn. I mean buy milk and bread, etc.. So we kept it low key. Christmas Eve morning was spent with Davey, Jenna, the girls, Nona Debi (J's mommy), and us exchanging gifts over breakfast. It was really great to see everyone to kick off the holiday.

Just before noon they all headed to Tennessee for the remainder of the holiday, Davey and Jenna got the girls home and finished their last minute tasks before their own family celebrations and Deb to her Mom's (Grandma Esther) before catching her flight to FL out of Nashville the day after Christmas. Jeremy and I hit Midnight Mass with little Claire Bear and left Jack snoozing at home with Nana B (my mom). We got home and Santa had not yet visited. I don't think Santa was finished up until about 2:30 am. Poor fella had a hard night of work at our place because the kids made out like bandits!!

Highlights included a train table for Jack, a baby doll crib (complete with Baby) for Claire, and a kitchen for them both.

Funnier moments included Jack dressing in the Superman outfit we got him for the ENTIRE day. As well as the shock and wonder at the first glimpse he took through his View finder at his Thomas the train slides, yes they still make view finders!! Who knew??!!? Claire was adorable. Jack made her a penguin at build-a-bear and as soon as it was presented to her she grabbed and hugged it before trying to eat it.

My family came over for Christmas morning and we had a grand old time. Claire surprised Jeremy and I by sleeping in, so when my family arrived, they woke us out of a dead sleep. I don't quite function staright out of bed, so we got off to a bit of a slow start. My Dad, straight through the door, "Do you have coffee made?". My reply,"Who am I? Don't you know me at all?" The coffee is made before the diapers are changed, OK? That is how I roll. We had a great time and look forward to next year when Claire will be more willing to participate.

o

What we are most thankful for this year

The Smith family is nothing if not predictable. Each Thanksgiving we would belly up to the table, say grace, and then while passing the yams and deviled eggs, take turns sharing what we were most thankful for, this year's list follows:

• For two beautiful children, when many have none.


• For food to eat, when others are hungry.


• For family (even if we are all dysfunctional), when others are alone.


• For friends that will share their family and home with you for the holiday.


• For a happy marriage to my best friend.


• For Rachel's Chocolate Chip Cookies in times of crisis (she made a batch just for Jeremy and brought them by before he left town again, Thanks Rach!)


• For another birthday, when many did not get to see one.


• For a job where I am fortunate to work for and with friends that have become a part of my family.


• For Lynn's speedy recovery.


• For my brother Riley's continued friendship and for bringing Missy into our family.

I could go on and on. This holiday season and every other day, please try to remember the words of Mother Teresa which are relevant everyday:

On the last day, Jesus will say to those on His right hand, "Come, enter the Kingdom. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was sick and you visited me." Then Jesus will turn to those on His left hand and say, "Depart from me because I was hungry and you did not feed me, I was thirsty and you did not give me to drink, I was sick and you did not visit me." These will ask Him, "When did we see You hungry, or thirsty or sick and did not come to Your help?" And Jesus will answer them, "Whatever you neglected to do unto one of the least of these, you neglected to do unto Me!" ~Given at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington DC Thur, 3 Feb 94.

Please remember to put the needs of others before your own this holiday season. Give to a charity and teach your children to give as well.

A Day of Thanksgiving

I have always looked more at Thanksgiving as just that, a day set aside to give thanks for what I have and have never focused too much on the historical inaccuracies behind the holiday. Don't get me started, Pilgrims and Indians, not all pumpkin pie and yams.

This year has been no different. We have had alot going on the last couple of weeks. Papa Chip (Jeremy's dad) had a nasty fall and several more that followed. He is still in the hospital with weeks of rehabilitation ahead of him. This is MS related not age related, so no broken hip or anything. We appreciate all the prayers and good vibes sent his way.

The kids and I joined my family here in Indy for an early breakfast before my brother Riley and his wife Missy hit the road for a Turkey day trot to North Carolina. We had originally planned to fly to San Diego for the holiday to see Jeremy's sister Sandy, brother John, and nephew Holden. We have opted to make a Happy St. Patrick's Day trip or something similar instead; they are Irish, so it works. After b-fast the kids and I attempted to take a happy little Christmas picture of the two of them together, but no such luck. Jack was not interested in sitting still and happily posing with Claire. But I got some cute pictures of the two of them apart.

We spent the day at home vegging out and watching Finding Nemo and playing Ring-O-Round the Rosie. We accepted an invitation from my friend Lindsey and her family for the holiday and headed up to Fishers in the afternoon. It was SUCH a wonderful dinner, prepared entirely by Josh, with his mother as the assistant chef. Delicious. We discovered the "ham ball" it is a meatball type thing made entirely of ham and various other pork products baked in a sweet glaze. Yummo. The kids had a great time and Claire impressed everyone with her happy nature. She may look EXACTLY like me (only prettier), but she has her Daddy's temperament.

Perhaps it was all the turkey in the air, but Claire Bear nodded off in Lindsey's arms and slept soundly, so mommy got to enjoy her coffee and pumpkin cheesecake in peace (except when Jack came begging like a baby bird for a bite). Jack and Zoe were adamant about sitting next to each other for the feast. Jack likes his older women! The two are both in the throes of potty training and Zoe raised an eyebrow at Jack's "approach" to the potty. He faces the potty rather than away like she does. I left that for her Mommy and Daddy to explain! The two of them are doing excellent with #1, but BOTH are sneaky and go off and hide to do the dos. Zoe notifies those who are olfactory challenged by starting off with "Don't be mad". Jack just denies, denies, denies- "No, I no stinky" when everyone within the zip code can beg to differ.

Jack ate mostly ham ball and not much else as part of his continuing experiment: How little can a two year old consume while still maintaining a high energy level. Thank you to the Russell Family for sharing their holiday with us! Jeremy made it home before the kids bedtime for a much needed cuddle with each of them. They have missed Daddy while he as been away.

In the interest of brevity, I give you October:

When you last left the Rochfords, we were surviving off microwaveable meals and eating off paper plates. Rather than leave our public in suspense, we wanted to share the good news..... (drumroll).....The Great Rochford Kitchen Remodel of 2006 has since been completed. The BIG stuff by that I mean $$$$, has been completed. Now for the fine tuning (new light fixtures, back splash, etc. etc.). Things have been busy, busy. We took a bonsai trip to Myrtle Beach for a weekend, we liked it, but for the money I gotta go with the Cape. Jack was not excited about the ocean this time. In fact in this picture he is actually screaming at the top of his lungs "NO LIKE IT!!!"

Claire-bear, however, was happy as a clam.

And did meet her (frog) Prince on our trip. He has not left her side since. My favorite part of the trip was the drive. It was BEE-U-TI-FUL!!!!! Check it out!!!!

This beautiful fall foliage was just outside Gatlinburg, I would have probably pushed to just stop there and call it a day and do some hiking, but I had secretly arranged for Jeremy's Mom, known as Nona to the kids, to join us in Myrtle Beach as a surprise to J and to give her a chance to meet little Claire Bear.

This was the view from our hotel in TN our first night. It was pitch black and pouring rain when we stopped. At about 6am, sissy and I snuck out of the room for a little complimentary breakfast and I had to pick my jaw up off the floor; I mean LOOK AT THE VIEW.

This next one was at a rest stop! A rest stop, People!

We had a good time and needed the vacation although short lived.

This is Claire, Nona, J and little J on our hotel balcony.

I will share photos of the new-fangled kitchen when she is ALL done. Not a moment sooner. She is quite a beauty though.

Chaos is the word of the day...


With our kitchen in shambles all around us we are finding ways to adapt. Either we sit on the floor in the dining room at Jack's table (our dining table is covered by our dishes that no longer have a home) or we go out to eat. I now have a better appreciation for what it means to have counters, a sink, and even an underperforming dishwasher.

We never lack for entertainment with Jack around.

Claire is a dollbaby and is known as the more mellow of the two, if you can't already tell by her more than wild expression she always displays for pictures.


















The kids are both doing great and so is Tika. Claire will hate me for this one....

But I am hardly at my best either.