Hokie- Devil Parents

It's our big adventure! The Garners have moved to the Big Island of Hawaii and are loving life in paradise.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

What Up, Santa?

It's me, your homeboy Aubrey. Like my red velvet Christmas suit? Awwww yeah!

Friday, December 4, 2009

Goin' Out With My Boots On


Still a bit too small for real cowboy boots, we have the next best thing! Someone looks awfully sassy in his red cowboy boot socks and onesie. Look out ladies!


And for your consideration, I submit this picture of Justin, circa early 1980's. Check out that footwear! Like father, like son!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

My Two Guys


I couldn't resist posting this one ...aren't they handsome?

Milestones




Yesterday I got the best early Christmas gift a new mom could ask for... Aubrey's first real smile! In the past week, he has become so much more interactive! He seems to notice everything now, and loves his "farmyard" playmat! (Especially the jingly pig!) He is making cooing sounds, squeals when he is happy and breaks out into a huge grin when he is excited. If you smile at him, he smiles back! It's awesome to see him changing from week to week... I guess I didn't expect it would happen so early, but time is flying. Stay tuned for new developments!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

I'll take that big one over there...

Shopping for Aubrey's first Christmas Tree

Biz Baby v. Claus


Business Baby dictates to his secretary Didi...
"Tell that Mr. Claus he better have all of my stuff here by Christmas or we'll take this thing to court and hash it out in front of a judge. There's a reason I never sign those stupid 3rd party mediation agreements; with this cute face judges and juries see it my way!"

Friday, November 27, 2009

Since everyone is out of town...


I thought I would share my favorite Aubrey picture so far.....


I can't wait for everyone to get home (I have had way too much sleep this week!)

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Cheeseburger in Paradise

I think most of you have heard about Aubrey's issues with breastfeeding by now. He is what we would call a "lazy eater." Meaning, he likes to graze... eat a little, fall asleep, come back for more, and start the whole process all over again. In addition, he prefers the baby bird method- I'll open my mouth and you pour it in. This doesn't work too fell for breastfeeding, or for his mom's schedule!

Well friends, we have reached a new all-time low. Now that he is bigger, he is also gaining some length in those little legs of his. (We are hoping he will become a swimmer like Michael Phelps, win countless gold medals, and share the millions with Mom and Dad... but that's another post.) Anyway, the last two times I have fed him in the glider, while he peacefully chowed down I realized that he had also propped his legs up on the arm of the chair. Seriously. Legs crossed at the ankles. Propped up. There might as well be a flashing neon sign across my chest that says "Margaritaville."

Two things come to mind. One, I wanted a little Zen Libra baby and apparently I got it! He may be destined to work in a beach shack one day selling umbrellas to tourists. And two, the meaning of his name, "Elfin King," seems to be very appropriate when it comes to eating! Now peel me a grape! .... Or, bring me a cheeseburger!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Say Cheese!


We all look back embarrassingly at the naked, bath time photos of our childhood.
Parents pull them out of the drawer at holidays and family get-togethers.
Luckily for us, our parents didn't have computers.


Sorry, buddy.... this is why Al Gore invented the Internet.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

I guess Aubrey James wasn't that original after all!


For all of those die-hard Burt Reynolds fans out there, or maybe just die-hard NASCAR fans, you knew something our son's parents didn't: Aubrey James was the race car driving nemesis of Stroker Ace (Burt Reynolds' character in the 1983 movie of the same name). The film also starred: Loni Anderson, Jim Nabors, and Ned Beatty (Aubrey James was played by Parker Stevenson). This film was also Dale Earnhardt's second appearance in a major motion picture after 1979's Daytona 500.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Baby's First Trip to the Liquor Store!

We're starting him early.

Kidding! Don't be alarmed, I don't need a conservatorship intervention a la Britney Spears. We are preparing to attend the 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Test Run this Saturday at Luke and Heather's! This is a new tradition among our friends here, where we all prepare our favorite Thanksgiving dish to share with everyone, or try out that new recipe as a "test run" for the upcoming holiday. In our case, I thought I would be adventurous and bring a chocolate rum cake! (Because nothing says "I'm thankful" like a healthy dose of chocolate and The Captain!)

So this week, Aubrey and I will be heading to stock up on our supplies at the corner mart, in my trucker hat and tube top. Actually, I probably wouldn't get a second look in South Carolina. Let's party, ya'll!

Baby's First Trip To The Liquor Store... think they make a Christmas ornament for that?

Monday, November 16, 2009

Wardrobe Malfunctions

Move over Janet Jackson, there is a new kid in town! In the span of about 3 hours this morning, the little guy has already gone through 2 outfits due to wardrobe malfunction, in his case the "garden hose effect." His timing is impeccable, right as the new diaper is going on. His aim is also pretty good... he makes sure to spray the wall, the dresser, his own face. This is my rude awakening to life with boys!

I find myself reflecting on how quickly life changes when you have a baby during this moment, which occurs almost daily- Aubrey is laying in a puddle of pee on the changing table, screaming because he is covered in it, the dog is barking because the baby is screaming because he is covered in it, I'm crying because I'm also covered in it and now have to change the diaper and outfit AGAIN (no small task when you're dealing with tiny, frantic hands and feet and all those ridiculous snaps!) *Sigh*

So now, I'm off to my next favorite "new mom" chore, laundry! Who wants to play The Stain Game?! Pee? Poop? Milk? Spit Up? Anyone?! Bueller?

Sunday, November 15, 2009



Business baby says: "you lookin at me?"

Saturday Football


Aubrey and I enjoyed a nice day on the couch watching college football, while Meredith got her hair cut. He is taking after his dad.
Congratulations to the wife's Hokies for taking care of business against Maryland yesterday.
My Sun Devils, however, continued their quick slide into the cellar of the Pac10. Even with the Pac 10's number 1 rated defense and a 3rd year coach with credentials, mediocrity seems the goal in Tempe. I am happy, however, for our rivals from Tucson and their team's resurgence under Stoops (although tough loss to Cal yesterday). The Territorial Cup game at Thanksgiving should be a good one this year. Also, props to the Stanford Cardinal for showing how overrated USC is this year.


Thursday, November 12, 2009

We're blogging




Decided to start a blog so the grandparents could keep up with the new grandson...