Comments

• February 15, 2008, Melissa writes: This is so cute!!!
• February 15, 2008, Betty-Ann Crabb writes: What a cutie! I love seeing the pictures.
• February 15, 2008, Deb writes: Well, that's about the cutest Valentine I've seen! I'm sure that picture and the I LOVE YOU heart made your day!

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I don't want to sound like an grumpy, old man bemoaning constant changes, but I'm nothing like the woman who wrote what I'm posting today!

We Must Stop These Changing Times ... Immediately!

Have you noticed that stairs are getting steeper? Groceries are heavier? And, everything is farther away? Yesterday I walked to the corner and I was dumbfounded to discover how long our street had become!

Also I have noticed the ground is harder, trails are longer, and the nights have become a lot colder than they used to be!

And, you know, people are less considerate now, especially the young ones. They speak in whispers all the time! If you ask them to speak up, they just keep repeating themselves, endlessly mouthing the same silent message until they're red in the face! What do they think I am, a lip reader?!

I also think they are much younger than I was at the same age. On the other hand, people my own age are so much older than I am. I ran into an old friend the other day, and she has aged so much that she didn't even recognize me! I got to thinking about the poor dear while I was combing my hair this morning, and in doing so, I glanced at my own reflection. Well, really now, even mirrors are not made the way they used to be!

Another thing, everyone drives so fast these days! You're risking life and limb if you happen to pull onto the freeway in front of them. All I can say is, their brakes must wear out awfully fast, the way I see them screech and swerve in my rear view mirror.

Clothing manufacturers are less civilized these days. Why else would they suddenly start labeling a size 10 or 12 dress as 18 or 20? Do they think no one notices that these things no longer fit around the waist, hips, and thighs?

The people who make bathroom scales are pulling the same prank, but in reverse. Do they think I actually *believe* the number I see on that dial?! HA! I would never let myself weigh that much! Just who do these people think they're fooling?

I'd like to call up someone in authority to report what's going on - but the telephone company is in on the conspiracy too: they've printed the phone books in such small type that no one could ever find a number in here!

All I can do is pass along this warning: We are under attack! Unless something drastic happens, pretty soon everyone will have to suffer these awful indignities.

One good thing, though - I'm getting stronger! I can now carry $50 worth of groceries in one hand. Used to have make several trips to get them from the car to the kitchen!

WE MUST GET THIS CONSPIRACY STOPPED!

P.S. By the way, if you're reading this online and are having trouble with the smaller fonts web designers are using nowadays, you can increase the size of the font easily with the scroll wheel on your mouse. Just hold down the Ctrl key and turn the scroll wheel. This works with Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Opera browsers.

Our daughter Megan took some cute pictures of our grandson Drew yesterday in the leaves. He looks so happy in this picture, right before what Megan has called his "meltdown." He has been a little crabby for several days, but yesterday afternoon he just cried and cried inconsolably. Megan did some checking and discovered that he's cutting two bottom front teeth - his first. Poor little guy. Anyway, here he is when he used to be a happy child...

Last weekend the Detroit Zoo had what was called Boo at the Zoo for parents with small children. Meg and Jim dressed Drew up like a little sweet pea and took him to the zoo. Here's a picture of our little "Sweet Pea."

Month two of the wellness program is past. I've met my goals both months. If I lose two more pounds, I'll be into the category for my height. If I can't shed those two pounds, I may buy elevator shoes instead.

It's hard to believe how fast this semester is flying by! Three weeks from today is Thanksgiving Day. My wife and I will be here at home alone with a Cornish game hen or something, since our two local kids will be out of town for Thanksgiving.

quotation...

"God is a Person who has everything you really need and who joys in pouring it out on you every day." - Dr. Dan Olinger

=^..^= =^..^=
Rob

"Children are allergic to clean clothes." - Dr. Gary Guthrie

Comments

• November 2, 2007, Carrie writes: Hilarious! But maybe won't be in another few years. . .
• November 2, 2007, Barb writes: I'm with you, leave the time alone. It worked just fine before Daylight Savings Time began!! This is a pet peeve for me, so now I have done my rant for today:)
• November 2, 2007, Rachel Feehan writes: What cute pictures! Your grandson is a handsome little man:).
• November 3, 2007, Ellen writes: My vote is just get the elevator shoes! It's a lot less work. ;o)
• November 5, 2007, Kathie writes: Something for your daughter to consider ~ I noticed that Drew has "allergy shiners" under his eyes. Since Drew was a preemie and preemies have a higher rate of allergies, maybe his meltdown was due to the leaves? I know those leaves would've been enough to set off my babies. Anyhow, he sure is a cutie! So thankful he is as healthy as he is.

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Bear with me, folks - I'm trying to see what all the new e-mail notification system can do. From last night's blog post, it appears that the new system (the system that no one is automatically signed up for, even if they were receiving the e-mail notifications before) delivers not just a message saying that I've posted to the blog, but the actual, entire blog post. Some won't like that it's in html, but that's the only option - I guess since it's web based. What's nice is that subscribers can click on the title of the blog post to read the post online. Someone also wrote to say that the size of the font was quite small. I think I found the place to tweak that in FeedBurner, and I'll see if it worked when I get the e-mail version of this.

Since the real blog post for today didn't contain a picture, I'm posting this short entry to see how it comes through. I can't think of pictures I enjoy posting more than those of our grandson Drew, who, BTW, will be here one week from right now. Yippee!

BTW, for those who get the e-mails and click on the title to read the post online instead, you can always get back to the main page of the blog by clicking on the "Home" tab right under the picture at the top - kind of like clicking one's ruby slippers, I guess. Wherever you are on the blog, you can get back to the main page by clicking on the Home tab.

I will probably update this post once I see how things come through. No notification e-mail will be sent to say that I've edited, as happens with some online blog-readers.

=^..^= =^..^=
Rob

One who lacks courage to start has already finished.

Comments

• September 20, 2007, Pat Fetterolf writes: What a precious little boy. I love the hat, too. I'm excited for you that he's coming soon.
• September 20, 2007, Sandrew writes: Drew is adorable. I can't wait to meet him. Oh. You mean about the new system. It'll be fine. Thanks for trying this. Actually, I liked Drew's red sweater and hat MUCH better because YOU (i.e., Rob, the IVMAN) had knitted them for him yourself. Of course, you didn't advertise that in your blog when you showed him wearing them in his photo. However, I'm telling the ivman-world about it now! Heh, heh. Yes, indeed. Rob the ivman is an excellent knitter--at least for his grandson. Rob adds: Thanks, Sandy! Actually, the brown camo hat is from the same source.
• September 20, 2007, Glenna writes: Not many kids can boast that their grandpa knits their winter outerwear! I think Eddie Bauer wants to hire you. That little Drew is so adorable!!!
• September 20, 2007, David McGuire writes: New technology — ain't it wonderful! And by the way, have you ever had a student include in a paper the following memorable phrase? "Please bare with me." My comment was, "I'd rather not." Hang in there my friend. You can think about all of this new technology while on your daily journey of 10,000 steps.
• September 20, 2007, Ruth L. writes: Great job on the knitting!
• September 21, 2007, Sandrew writes: Ha! No wonder I liked the camo hat too. It's just not as striking as the red ensemble, and after all, it hadn't been in my living room getting its final touches before being driven up to be hand-delivered to its newborn owner. More photos, please!
• September 28, 2007, Kellie McAllister writes: Oh my goodness!!! The brown hat picture is one of the cutest baby pictures I have EVER seen! I want to pick Drew up off the page! His little eyes and faint smile are what get me!

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All three of our kids chose to become teachers also. Here are some updates on them:

Megan was a little sad that after 7 years of beginning the school year as a first grade teacher, it's happening without her this year. But that sadness passed fairly quickly with the joy of her own little classroom at home with Drew. Here are a few of his latest pictures...

Bathtime is generally a happy time for Drew...

Drew loves the Bumbo. Even though he cannot sit up yet on his own, with the Bumbo, he can. (Some days I need one of those myself!) Becka was talking to Megan on the phone the first time Meg put Drew in his Bumbo and got to hear Drew laugh out loud!

Drew also loves this Johnny-Jump-Up. We got to watch him jump in it one evening recently via webcam over the Internet. Cool stuff! In the picture below, you can tell from his little smirk that he thinks it's all pretty great!

Nora teaches toddlers at a local pre-school and *loves* it! Below is a picture of Nora and some of her kids with the new classroom baby bunny, Dakota.

Mark is teaching fourth grade this year after several years of teaching fifth grade. He seems to have a lively, fun group this year. He hasn't supplied us with any pictures lately.

Well, that's the latest about this family of teachers.

A friend and I were talking recently about how sayings or proverbs are part of what makes up the general knowledge of one's own culture. There are some sayings that, after hearing the first few words, just about anyone familiar with them can easily finish.

A first grade teacher collected well known proverbs, gave each child in the class the first half of a proverb, and asked the children to come up with the rest. Here are some of the best of the wrong endings the children came up with for these common sayings:

Better safe than ... punch a 5th grader.

Strike while the ... bug is close.

It's always darkest just before ... daylight savings time.
It's always darkest just before ... I open my eyes.

Never underestimate the power of ... termites.

You can lead a horse to water but ... how?

The grass is always greener... when you remember to water it.

Don't bite the hand that ... looks dirty.

No news is ... impossible.

A bird in the hand is ... a real mess.

Better to light one candle than ... to waste electricity.
Better to light one candle than ... to light an explosive.

You can't teach an old dog new ... math.

If you lie down with dogs, you ... will stink in the morning.

When in Rome, do... Roman numerals in math.
When in Rome, do... bulls run around town?

Too many cooks... so little meals.

A fool and his money are... my best friends.

Look before you... run into a pole.

The pen is mightier than the ... pigs.

An idle mind is ... the best way to relax.

Where there is smoke, there's ... pollution.

A penny saved is ... not much.
A penny saved is ... nothing in the real world.

Don't put off till tomorrow what...you put on to go to bed.

Two is company, three's ... The Musketeers.

None are so blind as ... Helen Keller.

Children should be seen and not ... spanked or grounded.

If at first you don't succeed ... get new batteries.

The squeaking wheel gets ... annoying.

We have nothing to fear but ... homework.
We have nothing to fear but ... our principal.

To err is human. To ... eat a muskrat is not.

I think, therefore ... I get a headache.

If you can't stand the heat ... get out of the oven.
If you can't stand the heat ... don't start the fireplace.
If you can't stand the heat ... go swimming.

Don't count your chickens ... it takes too long.
Don't count your chickens ... eat them.

You get out of something what you ... see pictured on the box.

When the blind lead the blind ... get out of the way.

Early to bed and early to rise ... is first in the bathroom.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with ... a blister.

A miss is as good as a ... Mr.

There is no fool like ... Aunt Edie.

Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and ... someone yells, "Shut up!"
Laugh and the whole world laughs with you; cry and ... you have to blow your nose.

quotation...

"What do you treasure? That's what you'll worry about." - Dr. Jim Deuink

=^..^= =^..^=
Rob

Good is often the enemy of the best.

Comments

• August 27, 2007, B.J. writes: The pictures are great! He is so cute. I love the list. Kids come up with the funniest things! The thing that really got me, though, is the last little comment "the enemy of great is good". That is SO true! It is often those small quips at the bottom that affect me the most out of your whole blog. I am thankful for this last one. It's something my hubbie and I are dealing with a lot right now! Thanks for the reminder! It's going up on my fridge!
• September 2, 2007, Elaine Carr writes: Such sweet pictures of little Drew in his special seats.

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WARNING - Almost anything that one could poke fun at is probably found in this list. Laugh at the things you find amusing, and skip over the rest, knowing that others may be skipping over what you've just laughed at! I have even left in some that make fun of things dear to me!

The World's Thinnest Books...

An Airhead's Advice on Logical Thinking

A Guide to Arab Democracies

A Guide to Aboriginal Etiquette

A Journey Through the Mind of a Squid

America's Most Popular Lawyers

A Millennium of German Humor

Anagrams of the Word "A"

Beauty Secrets, by Janet Reno

Bedouin Olympic Swimmers

Behave Yourself, by David Letterman

Blind Dates That Worked Out

Bob Dole: A Collection of Motivational Speeches

Burger King Items That Start with "Mc"

Career Opportunities for History Majors

Cooking Gourmet Dishes with Tofu

Countries Where Socialism Is Successful

Detroit, A Travel Guide

Easy Unix

Ethiopian Tips on World Dominance

Everything Men Know About Women

Everything Women Know About Men

Famous Italian War Heroes

Favorite Foreign Emigration Destinations of the French

French Military Victories

Good Norwegian Jokes

Household Uses for Plutonium

How I Served My Country, by Jane Fonda

How to Be a Successful Politician, by Jesse Jackson

How to Sustain a Musical Career, by Art Garfunkel

How We Helped After Katrina, by Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton

Italian War Heroes

Jewish Sports Legends

Law & Order, by Mayor Marion Barry, Washington D.C.

Marcel Marceau's Greatest Speeches

Mike Tyson's Guide to Dating Etiquette

My Book of Morals, by Bill Clinton, foreword by Jesse Jackson

My Favorite Barbers, by Yassir Arafat

My Plan to Find the Real Killer, by O. J. Simpson

My Tips on Personal Hygiene, by Osama Bin Laden

National Directory of Irish AA Members

Olympic Athletes Who Think Sports Are Really Stupid

Spotted Owl Recipes, by the EPA

One-Legged Folk Dances

On Human Rights, by Fidel Castro

Proper Pronunciation and Elocution, by George W. Bush and Arnold Schwarzenegger

Proud Parents of Rock Musicians

Public Political Activities During Franco's Government in Spain

Scottish World Cup Successes

Staple Your Way to Success

Successful Applications of Artificial Intelligence

Sylvester Stallone's Dramatic Acting Tips

The Amish Phone Book

The Best Recipes from England

The Engineer's Guide to Fashion

The Genius of Barry Manilow

The Road to Lasting Economic Success, by Boris Yeltsin

Things I Can't Afford, by Bill Gates

Things I Like about Road Construction, by Rob "ivman" Loach

Things We Know To Be True, by Bill Clinton, Al Gore, and John Kerry

Things I Love About Bill, by Hillary Clinton

Things We Love About the USA, by Jane Fonda and Cindy Sheehan. Illustrated by Michael Moore

Things I Would Not Do for Money, by Dennis Rodman

Things That Look Like an Apple, Taste Like an Apple, But Are Not an Apple

Things You Could Buy at the World Artichoke Festival

Vice Presidents with Really Good Ideas

Ways I Have Avoided Scandal, by Bill Clinton

Ways I Effectively Modulate My Vocal Tone, by Hillary Clinton

Why People Are More Important Than Animals, by Greenpeace

For those interested in an update after our accident...

After getting our car back late in the morning yesterday (Friday the 13th), Becka and I drove back home to Greenville, arriving at about 12:20 this morning.

We really appreciated the cheerfulness and the help of the guys in the body shop at Dorian Ford in Clinton Twp, MI, as they repaired all the damage done under our car by the concrete in the road. My main contact person there was Allen Vukmirovich, the body shop foreman - a really nice guy who worked hard in our behalf. Thanks, Allen! (His picture is below.)

We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Megan, Jim, and Drew, and we miss them already. But, as always, it is nice to be back home. We were surprised when we figured it up that we have been able to spend three whole weeks this summer with Megan and her family!

Our 700-mile "test drive" of our repaired car went well, except for a couple of traffic jams that added a total of an hour to our trip. (A tip for anyone considering a drive south on I-75 through Lexington, KY - plan some delay into your trip. Because of road destruction, three lanes are narrowed to two lanes between mile markers 111 and 109, right about where I 64 goes off to the east. The 5-mile traffic back up began at mile marker 116.) Fortunately we had just stopped for gas and dinner a couple of miles before that.

We spent so much time simply enjoying our grandson Drew, that we suddenly realized that we had taken hardly any pictures! We snapped off some desperate, last-minute pictures before leaving. Here are several:

Drew is almost as long as this section of the Pack 'n Play now!

We tried to get some smiles out of him as we said goodbye outside ... finally with success!

We miss that little smile very much already!

quotation...

"We make choices, but God is in control the whole time." - Dr. Bob Payne

=^..^= =^..^=
Rob

If a book about failures doesn't sell, is it a success?

Comments

• July 14, 2007, David McGuire writes: As usual, great pictures of your grandson. Say, if you would like some of my grandson, I could supply them as well! How about this for a title: The Intellectual Achievements of College Freshmen
• July 15, 2007, David writes: Here's one from the UNIX admins among us: A Better Mousetrap: The definitive guide to writing a stable and secure Operating System, by Bill Gates
• July 16, 2007, B.J. writes: Some of these had me laughing out loud here at work! The Amish phonebook one is funny, but, you would be surprised to know just how thick their directory is. Of course, that is mostly filled with addresses. They do have quite a few phones in the community, however, and continually growing. Especially with cellphones now! It's surprising how many of them have cell phones hidden away in their pockets. Easy to hide, so no one "knows" about it.
• July 18, 2007, Rebecca writes: Hunting safety tips, by Dick Cheney

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As a final installment for Father's Day, here's an article by Dave Barry I found in my files. I chuckled and LOL often while reading this one - it's so exaggeratedly true!

Miracle of Birth: That Dads Survive
by Dave Barry
Sunday, January 23, 2000

So my wife and I are preparing for childbirth. When I say "my wife and I," I of course mean "my wife." She will be the most directly involved. On behalf of all men, I just want to take a moment here to get down on my knees and thank whoever invented our current biological system, under which the woman's job is to have the baby somehow go from the inside of her body to the outside of her body, in clear violation of every known law of physics, and the man's job is to stand around looking supportive and upbeat and periodically no matter what is actually happening to the woman, say, in an upbeat and perky voice, "You're doing great!"

My wife thinks the only fair system would be, every time the woman had a contraction, she got to hit her husband on the body part of her choice with a ball-peen hammer. Of course she is kidding. But only because her contractions have not yet started.

We've been going to Childbirth Classes, which involve sitting in a classroom filled with expectant couples and a mounting sense of dread. The teacher usually starts with a scientific discussion of childbirth, in which she shows us various models and diagrams to give us an idea of what will be happening when the Big Moment arrives. In my opinion, the most informative way to do this would be to hold up a bowling ball and a drinking straw, and say: "Basically, this has to go through this. Ha Ha!"

But our teacher keeps fairly technical. After a while, we're starting to feel confident about this childbirth thing. We're thinking, "OK, all that has to happen is the cervix has to dilate to 10 centimeters! How hard can that be? I wonder what a cervix is? Also, centimeter."

So we're pondering these abstract questions and maybe thinking about what we're going to have for dinner, when suddenly, with no warning, the teacher turns out the lights and shows a horror movie. Oh, it starts out innocently enough: There is a nice couple consisting of a woman who is pregnant and a man who is supportive-looking and generally has a beard. They seem happy, but you just know she's going to go into labor. You want to stop her. It's exactly like those scary movies where the heroine goes down into the basement, and you want to shout, "Don't go down into the basement!", except in the childbirth class you want to shout, "Don't go into labor!"

But she always does go into labor. It seems to last a lot longer than necessary. Hours turn into days, and still she is in labor. Outside her window, the seasons change. Her doctor grows old and gray and eventually is replaced by a new doctor, and still this poor woman is in labor. Her husband keeps telling her that she's doing great, but you can tell from her expression that he's very lucky she doesn't have a ball-peen hammer. Eventually she becomes so deranged that she apparently does not even notice that there is a cameraperson shooting extreme close-up footage of...OK, let's just say that it is not her most flattering angle.

When the woman gets approximately to her 15th year of labor, she begins making noises that you rarely hear outside of nature documentaries and her husband edges back a little bit in case she gets her hand on a scalpel. The movie now becomes very explicit, causing the entire childbirth class to go into a mass cringe, all of us hunched up and involuntarily protecting as many of our body parts as possible. I use this time to practice my squinting, which is the most important thing the husband learns in childbirth class. I use a special Lamaze squinting technique that enables me to prevent virually all rays of light from penetrating my eyeballs.

When the woman in the movie makes a noise identical to what you would hear if a live yak went through a garlic press, I unsquint my eyes just enough to see it happen, the Blessed Event, the timeless miracle that makes the whole thing worthwhile: An alien bursting out of the woman's chest cavity. No seriously, what happens is that the woman has a baby, via a process that makes what happened in "Alien" look like a episode of "Teletubbies." Then our childbirth-class teacher turns the light on, and the pregnant women all turn to face their husbands, and they all have the same facial expression, which says: "this is not fair." We husbands respond supportively and pat their arms in a reassuring manner because we're sure that they're going to do great!

quotation...

"The task of Christian parents is to transmit their heritage to the next generation." - Dr. Jim Deuink

=^..^= =^..^=
Grandpa Rob

People who say they sleep like a baby obviously don't have one.

Comments

• June 12, 2007, Rhonda writes: Your grandson is the cutest thing, and this blog is the most hilarious. I literally laughed out loud so boisterously that I spit all over my keyboard! How I remember that childbirth class and the inevitable movie--hilarious! :)
• June 13, 2007, Deb writes: I remember this Dave Barry article from years ago, and my husband and I laugh like crazy each time we've read it!! It is hilarious! Thanks for sharing it. Drew is adorable!
• June 13, 2007, John Lacy writes: As a medical student who got to deliver 19 babies, I didn't think it was all that bad, at least from my side. ;-)
• June 13, 2007, Dave & Becky writes: Okay, the yak line is my favorite. Not that I ever sounded like that, mind you!
• June 20, 2007, Carrie writes: Thanks for the abdominal muscle exercises--I love this!

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Earlier I posted a picture of a trial run on the carseat when Drew was still in the NICU. Below is a picture of him when he was in the carseat to go home...

Drew meets the family terrier, Pudge...

Here's a picture of Drew in one of his preemie outfits, eyes wide open...

Last fall we redid the beds by our front porch, pulling up 10 big, ugly Boxwood globes and putting in more colorful and varied bushes and plants. Here's a shot of some of the plants "waking up" this spring...

Here's a close up of several of the Sapphire Beauty Dutch irises in the picture above...

Back at you soon...

Rob

Comments

• April 4, 2007, Mom writes: Thanks for the pictures of Drew and family. I really enjoy seeing them. They are beautiful and I thank God for them. Also, enjoyed the pretty flowers :) Love, Mom (Grandma) Rob adds: Hi Mom! I'm so glad you're able to check the blog and even post a comment! You're amazing! Love, Rob
• April 4, 2007, davidmcguire writes: It's absolutely amazing how a new grandchild can impact the blogosphere. Apparently, it can even turn a great-grandma into a blogger! Don't tell me that senior citizens can't use the Internet. Rob's mom is living proof that they can.
• April 8, 2007, Nana writes: I know just how thrilled you are to have this beautiful grandson. I think he's smiling in one of the pics and that was the favorite one for Rose--she loved seeing them. All the best to you and Becka and Megan and Jim and Drew and all the family. Rob adds: Thanks, Nana! For David who commented about my mom's posting a comment to my blog - this comment is from my wife's 80-something aunt who is the one who first encouraged me to get email. At that time I told her I thought I would have no use for it. She said she thought I'd really enjoy it ... so I got email. And the rest, as they say, is "histoire!" So, thanks for that too, Nana! 8-)
• April 9, 2007, BJ writes: Love your spring flowers! We have about two feet of snow...!! Your grandson is so cute, and looks like he is already developing a personality!

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Aunt Nora and Drew...

With eyes wide open...

Presenting the Hawkins family...

I'll post the next iv late this evening.

=^..^= =^..^=
Rob

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I'll post more news once Nora and I get to the other end of I-75 and recuperate. If traffic and all the factors cooperate, we hope to arrive at about 4 a.m. I have no pictures to add at this time - the camera's up there with Grandma. But I promise to post more pix once I'm up there.

We cannot adequately thank everyone for their prayers, encouragement, and thoughtfulness!

This grandpa's heart is so full!

=^..^= =^..^=
Rob

He who laughs, lasts.

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I normally don't just take time off like this during a semester, but I'm so pleased that things have worked out so that I am able to with our current situation. I found something in my files that seemed like an appropriate thing to post at this time. Some of the excuses in the list are not just lame, but also downright bizarre!

Excuses for not going to work...

I can't come in to work today because I'll be stalking my previous boss, who fired me for not showing up for work. OK?

I have a rare case of 48-hour projectile leprosy, but I know we have that deadline to meet, so....

I am stuck in the blood pressure machine down here at the Food Giant.

Yes, I seem to have contracted some attention-deficit disorder and, hey, how about them Braves, huh? So, I won't be able to, yes, could I help you? No, no, I'll be sticking with Sprint, but ... now why did I call you?

I just found out that I was switched at birth. Legally, I shouldn't come to work knowing my employee records may now contain false information.

The psychiatrist said it was an excellent session. He even gave me this jaw restraint so I won't bite things when I'm startled.

The dog ate my car keys. We're going to hitchhike to the vet.

I can't come to work today because the EPA has determined that my house is completely surrounded by wetlands and I have to arrange for helicopter transportation.

I am converting my calendar from Julian to Gregorian.

I am extremely sensitive to a rise in the interest rates.

I refuse to travel to my job until there is a commuter tax. I insist on paying my fair share.

I've used up all my sick days, so I'm calling in dead!

I set half the clocks in my house ahead an hour and the other half back an hour Saturday and spent 18 hours in some kind of space-time continuum loop, reliving Sunday (right up until the explosion). I was able to exit the loop only by reversing the polarity of the power source in the house while simultaneously rapping my dog on the snout with a rolled up Times. Accordingly, I will be in late, or early.

I lost my American Express card and I can't leave home without it.

personal updates...

Thanks for the many comments to the blog and the personal emails. We appreciate so much the kind expressions of love and concern. What a great bunch of family and friends we have been blessed with!

Many thanks to those who prayed for me as I drove back to Greenville yesterday. Before leaving Detroit, I just *had* to stop by the hospital to see Megan and Drew one last time. Leaving the hospital to begin my trip home was one of the hardest things to do - I just wanted to stay there! I haven't cried like that in quite a while! After that low spot in life, my trip back was actually phenomenal! The weather was perfect for driving and admiring the beautiful scenery. I stopped after about an hour and half to have a cup of coffee with my mom and my sister near where they each live in Ohio. It was nice to be able to see them, though it was for far too short a time, and to share some pictures and stories with them. All three of us are now grandparents! Yet another bond!

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to some of my favorite CD's as I drove along, singing along in praise to the Lord. It was a wonderful time with my Father. It's not often that one can have that much quiet time to spend with Him. When I arrived at home, I was exhausted physically and emotionally, but my spirit was refreshed.

It was very nice to have our cell phone along and to be able to call and hear from some family and friends as I rolled along. I must confess that I amused myself by mentally setting up some really bizarre situations. I thought to myself that I ought to turn on my blinker and roll along for miles and miles with it blinking. And one time when I stopped for gas, I thought about leaving the little door over the gas cap open when I took off, just to let the other motorists know there was a little old grandpa in my car. But then, there was something about doing those things on purpose that would have kinda taken the fun out of it!

Megan is doing a lot better and will probably be able to go home tomorrow (Tuesday). Drew is doing well and seems to be stable. Megan and Jim hope that he will move soon into the "phase two" room. Their visits there would not be as restricted as they are in his current NICU room. Both yesterday and today, there was a period of a couple of hours where they and the other parents could not go see their preemies because of an emergency situation with another baby in the room.

quotation...

"Every temptation depends on misrepresenting the truth." - Dr. Drew Conley

=^..^= =^..^=
Rob

Some dream of success, while others wake up and work hard for it.

Comments

• March 12, 2007, Dr. K writes: Glad to have you home my friend. We have been praying for you and thankful for the good news. A word of advice for your return trip, Grandpa ...don't forget your Geritol!
• March 13, 2007, Zina writes: We are rejoicing with you! Praying also for your trip and all the future trips you will be making...no doubt much more often now! Tell Becka hello! In Him, Zina
• March 13, 2007, Bet writes: Glad to hear you've made it back safe and sound, Rob. Sounds like you've received a bundle of blessings over the last few days, including the new little bundle of a grandson! Congratulations. Still praying for you and your family.
• March 13, 2007, Anna Faye writes: Talk about "instant vacations!" I can believe it was all too short. It's amazing how even just watching newborns sleep can be so fascinating - truly. I'm sure that despite the exhaustion you'll be raring to dash up there again. We'll be checking your cell phone to see if you've been calling real estate agents in Michigan! Praying for you all and little ivdrew-m-o-u-s-e.

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Friday, March 9, our phone rang at 1:50 a.m. It was our son-in-law Jim calling to let us know that they were at the hospital and that our grandson would probably be born soon. This came as quite a shock to us because the due date was not until April 22, six and a half weeks later. Jim said that Megan had been diagnosed with severe preeclampsia - her blood pressure was quite high and it was affecting her liver especially. Since she and the baby were both in grave danger, they did an emergency C-section. Jim called to let us know that Andrew James (they're calling him Drew) had been born at 3:40 a.m., and Mom and baby were both doing well and recovering. At birth Drew weighed 3 lbs. 15 oz., was 17 inches long, and had some dark hair.

Becka and I decided during those sleepless, prayerful hours during the rest of that night that we would drive up to Detroit this weekend to see everyone, going part way Friday and the rest of the way up on Saturday morning. Then I would drive back alone on Sunday, she would spend the week up here, and that I would come back next weekend. When my dear friend Bruce Byers heard our plan, he insisted on covering my afternoon classes so that we could get on the road 4 hours earlier. This enabled us to drive all the way on Friday, arriving at a little after midnight, utterly exhausted but happy to be at this end of the trip. Bruce's kindness gives me the whole day here today before starting the trip home tomorrow. What a blessing this has been!

We went to the hospital to see everyone first thing this morning. Megan is still in pretty rough shape and has quite a bit of recovery ahead of her. It's good that Becka can be here all week with her. Our little grandson Drew is so beautiful and such a gift from the Lord! My eyes are welling up with tears as I type this. When I think how close we came to losing them both, it's just overwhelming. I can't begin to describe everything in my heart and mind as I hugged Megan and as I held my precious grandson this morning for the first time! All I can say is "God is so good!"

I'm putting two pictures below from this morning - one of Jim and Drew and one of me holding Drew. We'll go back later this afternoon, and I'll add pictures as I can.

Presenting baby Drew...

Megan and Drew...

Jim and Drew...

Grandma Loach and Drew...

Grandpa Loach and Drew...

Look how little his hands are!

More as this exciting new chapter in our lives unfolds! You'll have to bear with me - I'm a first-time grandfather! Much yet to learn and experience....

=^..^= =^..^=
Rob

"Let your life be a chronicle of the activity of God." - Dr. Drew Conley

Comments

• March 10, 2007, Deb writes: Congratulations!
• March 10, 2007, Linda writes: There is nothing like the wonderful feeling of being a grandparent. We are expecting grandchild #2 in September. Congratulations to all of you!
• March 10, 2007, Susan writes: Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!! Just wanted you to know how much I appreciate your IV's! Thanks so much for all you do to put a smile on so many peoples faces. Your grandson is just perfect! Oh, this is such a wonderful time in your life. Just watch how much he will "spoil you"!! From a very proud grandmother, Susan
• March 10, 2007, David McGuire writes: When your wife gives birth to a new child, it's a wonderful experience, but when one of your children (or their spouse) gives birth, it's a whole new ball game. Nancy and I have shed tears of joy when we have seen our new grandchildren, so it's a natural and normal reaction. We thank the Lord that He preserved the lives of your daughter Megan and grandson Drew. By the way, you and Becka will learn how to be grandparents very rapidly; there's a very short learning curve. Our prayers are with you.
• March 10, 2007, Carrie writes: Oh oh oh!!! He's so sweet! I melt into a small puddle at almost any baby, but the grandson of my French teacher?! Let's just say I hope they visit down here sometime so I can see him for real. Thanks for sharing! Megan will be in my prayers.
• March 10, 2007, Dan & Betty Lacey writes: How exciting! We are thrilled at the goodness of God in the lives of those you love. Praise the Lord for the safe delivery of little Drew, and welcome to the Grandparents' club! Betty
• March 10, 2007, Ted Taylor writes: The Lord is good-all the time! Psalm 118:1 Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
• March 10, 2007, Ellen H writes: Congratulations! We just had our 3rd bundle of joy in Dec. Our first child came 3 weeks early and weighed 4 lbs 12 oz. So glad that you were able to go up for a quick visit. My in-laws say that being a grandparent is almost better than a parent--much less responsibility but lots of fun! :o)
• March 10, 2007, Sherry D. writes: M. Loach, I am so so so happy for you. He looks adorable. I'm praising the Lord that your daughter is fine, as well. What a blessing. You and Mama Loach are going to be wonderful grandparents. I can picture your beaming, tear-streaked faces as you first see him. What a wonderful, joyous blessing for you all. Sincerest congratulations!
• March 10, 2007, Sharon Letasz Jones writes: Rob (May I call you that...even though you were my high school teacher??), Congratulations on your new grandson!!!! What a joy and a blessing! We will keep your daughter and Drew in our prayers. Please continue to update us on your "Blague."
• March 10, 2007, Scott writes: Congrats to the new parents and new grandparents! Drew looks "cute as a bug." Megan and Jim, life will never be the same . . but it will be better;0) We will pray for continued recovery and good health for both mom and baby. Take care of the fam, Jim. Love, Uncle Scott & Aunt Cathy
• March 10, 2007, Patty Anglea writes: Congratulations to all! What a wonderful testimony of God's grace! Oh, and keep posting the pictures - there's no such thing as too many cute baby pictures - no matter how many children or grandchildren you have!
• March 10, 2007, Megan Dooley Fuller writes: I will be praying for Megan and Drew. Shannon keeps me posted on the news, and I am thrilled to be introduced to this website. The pictures are beautiful, and I will be praying for Professor Loach's return trip Sunday. Ps - my children are learning French now. Thank you for lighting a fire in me!
• March 10, 2007, Sarah Barker writes: Oh my, what a sweetie. Please let Megan know I will be praying for her. Eight months ago we had Jonas 6 weeks early. Having your baby wisked away to the NICU is not easy, and it is even more difficult leaving the hospital and going home without him. Praise the Lord we have a very healthy baby boy who has never been sick. God is good! Sarah Barker
• March 10, 2007, Kristalyn Lovegrove writes: Mr. Loach, I am excited for you, your wife , and Megan. Tell Megan congratulations for me. I will be praying for her. I can't imagine having to recover from major surgery and being a first time mom. God bless. from california, Kristalyn
• March 11, 2007, Dave & Becky writes: Congratulations!!
• March 11, 2007, Mary Jo Hostetler writes: Congratulations!!! Beautiful baby and family pictures.
• March 11, 2007, huhta writes: Congratulations! I will be praying for all of you during this time. It's a comfort to know that our Lord cares for this little one more than anyone else! Ps. 62:1 ~Heather
• March 11, 2007, Eileen writes: Félicitations! Je loue l'Éternel pour sa miséricorde envers toi et ta famille! Je suis si heureuse pour toi et Mme Loach. Je continue à prier pour Megan et Drew, et toute la famille. en bon québecois... " Enjoy "! et que Dieu vous bénisse, vous-autres. :)
• March 11, 2007, Creig and Karen writes: Congratulations. I thought we had you beat by a couple weeks. Sounds like Megan had a good and wise physician. Praise the Great Physician. He truly is the Creator and Sustainer of Life.
• March 12, 2007, Jean (tuxedomama) writes: I am also adding my best wishes and my prayers to your growing family. All is wonderful with God leading the way. I look forward to visiting your site to watch Drew and his parents grow together as they learn from one another.
• March 12, 2007, Laura writes: Oh, Mr. Loach! He is beautiful! We are so happy for all of you. Congratulations! All I could think of when I saw Megan as a woman was "God is faithful!" May HE bless your generations! Laura in Greensboro
• March 12, 2007, Sunny writes: Beautiful baby boy. Congratulations! I have received your IV's for close to a year now, and look forward to them immensly. Today's brought tears to my eyes. My family will include yours in our listing of thank you's when we pray tonight.
• March 12, 2007, Debbie Wothe writes: Congratulations! Praise the Lord for the safety of both mother and son. What a blessing for you and your family. So happy for you.
• March 12, 2007, Sara Bennett Griggers writes: Oh Mr. Loach! How absolutely wonderful that little Mr. Drew is here safe and sound. I delivered our firstborn 2 weeks early because my kidneys and liver were also beginning to shutdown as a result of preeclempsia. Scary stuff. But God is so good. Many, many congratulations to the entire Loach gang. I know Drew is going to be well taken care of not just by Jim and Megan, but by Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Nora, and Uncle Mark! This is such a fun and exciting time for you all. Enjoy!
• March 13, 2007, Mary Ries writes: Rob - I haven't caught you at home, but know you are very tired this week. Just wanted to say congratulations on the new arrival. I have and will continue to keep Megan, Jim and Drew in my prayers, and you and Nora for safe travels this week. Hope all continues to go well!
• March 13, 2007, Lara writes: Congratulations! Drew is going to have a lot of fun with Grandpa. (So are you already preparing to teach him to speak French? ;) ) Grandpa adds: Since I won't see him frequently enough to bring him along much in French, I'll have to leave that to Megan.... 8-)
• March 13, 2007, Lois Overstreet Ferrell writes: It makes me feel so old when I see Megan with a little one! I remember being at BJU years ago and she was so young then - my, how time flies!!!! God is good, that's for sure. I also had our last one via a battle of preeclemsia. Both Leslie and I almost died. I was told that Leslie wouldn't live to be 6 months old, but through prayer and God's healing hand Leslie will turn 11 on March 24th. We'll be praying for all of you - ENJOY!!!!!!!!
• March 13, 2007, James and Suzanne Hood writes: Congratulations, Grandpa and Grandma Loach! Thanks for sharing information and pictures. He's adorable (both in English and in French :>) ). We will be praying for Jim, Megan and Andrew, as well as for you. We've heard that being grandparents is a wonderful blessing, and we'll be praying that the Lord will use your wisdom to add in the development of Drew's life.
• March 14, 2007, Tim & Marsha Weeks writes: Rob & Becca, What a joy for you folks. We have only been grandparents now, let's see, oh around 18 months. Our Benjamin is now talking and walking. The newness still hasn't worn off, nor should it. Have fun, because, before you know it they grow up FAST!!! May the Lord give you all His peace in the midst of all the unknowns.
• March 17, 2007, Jeff Hollon writes: Herr, Just a quick note of congratulations! Also, just in case you might need anything and happen to be with the DMC branch of Detroit Hospitals, my wife, Wendy, works at Children's in Detroit. Let us know if we can assist in any way whatsoever! Jeff Rob adds... Danke, Jeff! We'll definitely remember that! 8-)

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