Hanging Out

Jimmy is starting to get more aware of his surroundings and was feeling left out at meal time, so we finally put his high chair together. He's all smiles now!

Texas-Style Birthday

Katie is 3-years-old! She has been sneaking Jake's cowboy hat out of his room, so we thought it was time she got her own. She also bravely threw away all of her passy's on her birthday! She is definitely growing up...

Clowning Around

Jacob, Audrey and Katie attended the birthday party of our neighbor recently and dressed up like clowns. They fit right in!

Hangin' Out With Jimmy

Jimmy and I had a little man-to-man time the other day, so I took some pictures. He was in a pretty good mood.

"Here Daddy, you need to hold the camera like this..."

"Hold on, I need to stretch..."

Say cheese!

The Marlins Finish Second

It was a great year for Jake's baseball team. They finished third in the regular season standings out of 14 teams to make the playoffs. They then made it all the way to the championship game, where they fell to the undefeated Cubs 6-5. He had a good head coach and great teammates. All-in-all, it was a wonderful first exposure to the sport for him.

Jimmy At Home

Jimmy is adjusting to life at home quite well. His sleep habits still need a little tweeking, although he and I did get about a five hour nap last night in the recliner while mom got some much-needed rest. I caught him looking around the room this afternoon while lounging in his bouncy seat. He seems content with things, and even puts up with his brother and sisters, to an extent!

Visiting Jimmy

Jake, Audrey and Katie couldn't wait to meet their new little brother.

All of them wanted to hold him. Katie kept referring to him as "my baby" (typical 2-year-old!).

It was neat to see them all so interested in him, especially Katie, who we were worried wouldn't take well to the idea of no longer being the center of attention. She would have held Jimmy the entire time she was at the hospital, although there's no telling what she would have done to him if we ever turned our backs!

If the first visit is telling in any way, Jimmy will be "broken in" very quickly at home (is that a fist, Katie?). The tornado that tore through that hospital room was quite a hair-raising sight.

Jimmy Has Arrived!

I'd like to introduce you to the newest member of the Berns family. He is James Edward Berns, born at 3:44pm on April 24th.

Despite being two weeks premature, Jimmy weighed in at a whopping 10 lb. 7 oz. The fireplug is also 20 inches long.

Because Jimmy and Laura had low platelets and high blood pressure, Laura WASN'T allowed to have an epidural. Except for a short time while she was speaking in tongues, Laura did a superb job with the birth. I think the experience may prove in the long run to be a natural birth control.

Jake's First Baseball Game

The Marlins are in first place after beating the Rangers in their season opener 7-4. Jake was 1-for-2 with a double and a run scored while playing left center. The Marlins have an exceptional infield that turned a double play in the game! Remember, these are 7 and 8 year-olds. So far, so good.

Audrey Is Six!

Audrey is a whopping six years old now! She had her birthday party this year at Texas East Gymnastics, where she takes a gymnastics class. Here are a few pictures from the big event:

Audrey blowing out her candles.

Audrey with her brother and sister.

Audrey on the trampoline.

Jake and Katie on the trampoline.

A New Season!

Jacob is playing basketball once again. He has a great coach this year and is learning a lot.
Click here to see Jacob's basket.

Expecting Again!

Laura never ceases to amaze me. Her body is currently creating another member of the family. Jake, Audrey and Katie will have a new brother or sister on or around May 10th. I am the only person in the family to know if it's a girl or boy. Lucky me!

Two More Goals For Audrey

When she puts her mind to it, Audrey is dangerous on the soccer field. They play in three minute shifts. On her fourth shift, she scored back-to-back goals. Click here to see Audrey's goals.

Audrey's School Picture

Here is Audrey's Kindergarden class picture:

Jake In Action

I took these pictures with my telephoto lens without a tripod, plus I cropped them, so they are a little blurry. Even so, I think they turned out pretty well.

Jake scored a goal on this shot!

Splitting the defense...

Looking for a crease...

This one reminds me of PaPa...

Jake scored two goals today, although we only got one of them on tape. Click here for Jake's goal.

She Scores!

After a couple of close calls in game 1, Audrey finally found the back of the net in game 2. Not once, not twice, but THREE times! Once she scored the first one, the only thing stopping her was the game clock! Click here to see Audrey's Goals.

First Day of School!

It's a little late, but here are the pictures from everyone's first day of school. Jake started 2nd Grade, Audrey started Kindergarden and Katie moved up to a big girl classroom.

My Visit With Evander Holyfield

Kendrick and I got to interview Evander Holyfield after his training session. He was very cordial, intelligent and entertaining. I believe him when he says he's going to be the champ again. He's healthy and hungry.

Here is a link to the story of me sparring with Holyfield.

Soccer Season Is Here!

Jake and Audrey started their soccer season today. Jake is playing for the second straight year. Audrey is playing for the first time. Jacob scored his very first goal in a game today! You can watch the video by clicking on Jacob's Goal.

Katie's Birthday

Katie is now 2 years old!

She had her very own brownie cake, which she decided to "taste test".

Presents!

ballerina

Our ferry princess.