Brock on the Move

Hello from Brock and the Harbisons! We have had a very busy June and we are not even half way through the month. After spending Memorial Day in Denver with our relatives the Jackson's (attending Adam Jackson's HS Graduation). While in Denver we also got to meet some cool friends we met on-line - Carmen, Judah and Jaemen Morales. Jaemen also has Ds and is 5 months older than Brock. It was great to meet them in person!

We were on the road again the first weekend in June. Brock's first trip to Carthage, MO, where Brock's paternal great grandparents were raised and many still live. Brock got to meet several of his relatives for the first time including his great-great Aunt Rosie. While in town we attended Josh Carter's wedding and stayed with cousin Ashley.

So after a few car trips - mom, dad, and Brock mostly hung around home this weekend. Which was great - Brock got to work on his latest moves which include pushing up to hands and knees and rocking, rolling, rolling and more rolling, and self-feeding. Brock enjoys all sorts of foods, and of course ice-cream.

This week we will all be traveling again. Brock will be spending the weekend with Grandma Linda and Papa Damon while mom and dad head to Omaha for Aunt Heather's birthday.

P.S. Grandma Jeanne and Grandpa Tom are in Hawaii on a cruise. We hope they are having a great time!

Gator Wrestling

Wrestling must be in the genes - as many of you know Jay was a wrestler (and has the ears to prove it!) and Brock is already showing his interest in the sport. The other day I walked in his room and he had his alligator by the tail - there was a lot of rolling, and unfortunately it appears the alligator pinned Brock (so for now his record is 0-1).

Brock had a wonderful Dedication ceremony at church and afterward our families got together at the Harbison's to celebrate both Brock's Dedication and Mother's Day. Next week we are off to Denver for cousin Adam Jackson's High School Graduation. Congratulations Adam!!!!

Busy Brock

Hello everyone - hope life is treating all of you well. There have been so many things going on in the life of little harbi since our last post, so where should we begin??? First off - Brock got tubes this week, and was a champ through the whole procedure. Daddy kept him entertained prior to going under the anesthesia (no needles - so that was great) - he was groggy waking up - but recovered beautifully and even let mom take him shopping that afternoon.

Brock continues to favor rolling as his preferred method of moving - he can roll from one end of the room to the other (espeically to get Moesha or Cosmo the cats). We are also working on hands and knees as directed by our therapist Julie - however as she tells us - do you like doing push ups? Well Brock doesn't either - but we will keep at it. Brock also enjoys pulling himself up if he has something to grasp - so mom and dad have learned that certain toys can't be left with Brock alone, or someone will end up hurt - and it's usually not the toy!

Brock is now 9 1/2 months and continues to grow and enjoy new foods - last night he had refried beans and rice and veges at his favorite Mexican restaurant Monterey's. He also enjoyed some fried ice cream.

This past month has brought a lot of fun times with family - celebrating Grandma Linda and Papa Damon's 40th wedding anniversary, enjoying time with Grandma Jeanne and Grandpa Tom as Grandma Jeanne recovers from knee surgery. We have also enjoyed Uncle Ross' grilling and time with Laura. This weekend we get to see Aunt Heather and Aunt Joanna and many friends and family as we have a get together at the Freiermuths and also celebrate mother's day.

Brock will also be dedicated on Sunday at the Adel First Christian Church! We are excited to celebrate this special event and mother's day with family.

Spring is Here!

Brock is really enjoying his first spring. Last week's weather even gave us a taste of summer. Brock has had some really busy days over the past week. He has spent time with Grandma Jeanne, Grandpa Tom, Papa Damon, Grandma Linda, Aunt Heather & Uncle Ross. He also got to see the Gallentine's, Aunt Jean and Uncle Roger, Aunt Marilyn, Karen and Jim Wright, Joanie, and many others.

Last week Grandma Jeanne had knee surgery, and she's doing great. Brock visited her at the hospital, and today she's on her way home. With Grandma in the hospital, Aunt Heather came to town, and Brock got to spend some fun time with her!

Last Friday Brock and mom traveled to Harcourt, IA where Brock participated in his first Easter Egg Hunt (ok - so maybe he was more of an observer this year)! Brock enjoyed getting his picture taken a million times by mom, with Easter bunnies and in his new Easter duds. He also got to help celebrate Grandma Linda and Papa Damon's 40th wedding anniversary on Sunday morning April 16th with a surprise brunch brought over by the Gallentines!!!! We are having a family party next week, and Brock is looking forward to seeing even more family and friends.

Brock was very happy to have the return of his daddy this weekend. Dad had been on a golf trip to the Ozarks in Missouri with friends. Mom called it his mental health break from the job search!!! Anyway - he had a great time, but was glad to be back home.

Easter was great - we had a very good meal at the Karen & Jim Wright (our holiday family), and Joanie. Aunt Heather, Uncle Ross and Granpa Tom all were there, and we then visited Grandma Jeanne at the hospital. She was happy to see us, and even happier to see some real food that we snuck in!

Finally - we may have some good news to report on the Harbison job hunt soon - so keep your fingers crossed!

Finally A New Post!!!!

Hi everyone, sorry that it is has been so long since we've posted. We have been busy traveling, playing, visiting family and just having fun.

Brock is now weighing in at a whopping 16 1/2 pounds and is 26 and a 1/4 inches (remember he was 5'4 and 18 inches when we left the hospital). He is also eating three meals a day including real green beans and carrots and also likes bananas. Brock has a lot of new activities he enjoys and is working on hand and knees crawling position. In fact Brock has so many excersises that he's considering making his own work out video.

Over the past few weeks we've been to Fort Dodge to see family, have had visits from Grandma Linda, Pappa Damon, Grandpa Tom and Grandma Jeanne, and today Aunt Heather is visiting. Needless to say, Brock has been absent from daycare quite a bit!

Here are a few new photos. Including one of Brock with his Aunt Marilyn.

Kansas City Pictures

It's Hard Work Being Such a Little Guy!

Well it has been awhile since our last post, due to Mom's work, Brock keeping his mom and dad busy, and life in general! As you can see in the photo Brock is working himself pretty hard!

Brock continues to thrive and grow. He is sitting on his own really well and loves standing while holding on to something. He has also begun to notice the cats, and Moesha is very pleased with that. She even lets Brock pet her (or in some cases grab her hair)!

Two weeks ago Brock had his furthest car trip yet, when he and mom traveled to Kansas City to see Sandy Gallentine. Grandma Linda, Aunt Jean, Lewanne and Karen (all the way from Oklahoma City) made the trip. Brock was a super shopper and all-around great traveler!

Above are a few new pics.

The Hunk

Well Brock the Hunk made a full recovery from Rotavirus making his way back to daycare last week. Brock continues to provide his mom and dad, and all he sees with lots of smiles and love. He is sitting on his own for over a minute at a time and is enjoying all sorts of toys. He especially likes toys that play music. Brock has also been perfecting his ski-jumping pose, (ask Jay if you wonder what it is!). Brock wants all of you to mark your calendars for Saturday, September 23, 2006 for the Buddy Walk which will be held at 10:00 a.m. at Valley High School Stadium. More details to come!

What's New With Brock

Well Mom and Dad have been home from Florida about two weeks so life is nearly back to normal. Brock continues to learn new things all the time - the latest is making fish lips. His fish lips were a big hit with his Aunt Heather and his Aunt Joanna! Brock has also continued to work on sitting up by himself - which he's doing great. This week Brock has experienced something new that is not so fun though - he has rotavirus. Which means he's not feeling well from his rooty to his tooty! Anyway - we are keeping him well hydrated and he's been getting lots of cuddling from his daddy. We will probably have a quarantined weekend - so take care all and Happy Birthday to Uncle Ross!

A Week Without Mom and Dad

Well Brock is experiencing his first week without mom and dad! Mom had a work conference in Key West, Florida and dad went with. So Brock has been staying with Grandma Jeanne and Grandpa Tom since Tuesday 1/31 and will then stay with Grandma Linda and Papa Damon beginning on Friday the 3rd. Mom and Dad have checked in many times and it sounds like Brock is doing fantastic - while mom and dad are missing him greatly! Here are a couple of photos taken a week ago. We love you Brock, and are so grateful that you have such wonderful grandparents who also love you so much!

Brock Hanging out at Home

Here is Brock hanging out in his rocking chair. This is a rocker that my parents gave me when I was little.The booty shot - cute from the back......and the front!!!!!


Brock has had a very good week Jan 15 - 20, he saw his Dr. yesterday and weighed in at over 14 pounds!!! He is also working on sitting on his own - getting stronger each day. Last weekend Brock got to spend time with his Uncle Ross and Ross' friend Laura while mom, dad, Aunt Heather, and Sandy went to Joanna's going away party. Brock also got to go out dinner on 1/13 to Joe's Crab Shack - he can't wait to go back when he's a bit older so that he can dance with the waitresses.

Brock's Many Activities

Brock is working on sitting by himself - showing a bit of independence already!


Here is Brock in his Baby Einstein Activity Center - a very intense mind and body work out. What he's really thinking is "How do I get this thing in my mouth?" as that is where everthing seems to go these days!


Well it is about half way through January and Brock is already keeping all of his New Year's resolutions - growing bigger (into about 6 month clothes now)!; getting a tooth - we're working on it! Dad's on Tylenol patrol and Brock lets us know when he needs it...; and working out - Brock is putting all of his Christmas excercise equipment to good work, are any of you!!!!

Great Grandma Jemima Jermeland Johnson January 25, 1912 - January 3, 2006

Brock's maternal Great Grandma Jemima Johnson passed away on January 3, 2006. Brock got to meet his Great Grandma a few times, and on each occassion she remarked about what a cute boy he was and what a strong grip he has!

We are glad that we have some special photos of Brock with his Great Grandma Jemima, a wonderful caring person. She was a talented seamstress and a wonderful cook, and she enjoyed laughing, spending time with family, and shopping (like her daughters and granddaughters do)!

A poem for Grandma - author unknown - "Legacy of Love".

A wife, a mother, a grandma and great grandma too, This is the legacy we have from you.
You taught us love and kissed us good night, You gave us strength, you gave us might.
A stronger person would be hard to find, And in your heart, you were always kind.
You loved us all in one way or another, Not just as a wife not just as a mother.
For all of us you gave your best, Now the time has come for you to rest.
So go in peace, you've earned your sleep, Your love in our hearts, we'll eternally keep.

Brock and Grandpa Tom playing with his new flying bug book from the Okie's and the Scot. Grandma Linda and Great Aunt Jeanie


Brock chilling with his snowmen friends.


Brock had a great first Christmas spent with family and friends. He got to spend time with the Harbison's (Grandpa Tom, Grandma Jeanne, Aunt Heather, Uncle Ross and Vonz and Merle) at our house on the Friday before Christmas. We then made a trip to Harcourt for Christmas with Grandma Linda, Papa Damon and Aunt Marilyn. The Douglas' and Cormack's also came to celebrate. Brock also made a special trip to the Gowrie Care Center where he got se spend some time with his Great Grandmother Jemima and friend Lucille Peterson.


We then came back to Des Moines and spent the week having fun with Grandma Jeanne, Grandpa Tom, Aunt Heather, Uncle Ross, the Jackson's from Denver (Aunt Jane, Uncle Russ, cousins Adam and Ben), Aunt Sue from Oklahoma and cousins Aaron, Addie and their significant others Katy (thanks for the fruitcake from Scotland!) and Michael from Switzerland and California respectively. Brock had a great time and loved all the attention and wonderful gifts he received.

Now that everyone has gone home Jay and I think Brock is probably experiencing socializing withdrawal!

Anyone in Need of a Secretary?????

Brock may only be 5 months, but he's already looking for work (we've tried to explain child labor laws to him, but he insists that he have his own money to buy more toys!!!).He types no words, doesn't anwer the phone, needs assistance with eating and diapers, and requires long naps. If you are interested in hiring him contact his dad or mom.

All kidding aside, Brock is enjoying his Bumbo and his Early Access team provided him with the desk for therapy.

Here Comes Santa Claus, Here Comes Santa Claus..

Well only being 4 1/2 months old (5 by Christmas!) Brock hasn't quite gotten into the whole Santa thing yet...but we're making sure that he dresses the part anyway!

Above are a couple of pictures of Brock in his Christmas attire. The first is of Brock in his Christmas romper from his Aunt Michelle, Uncle Gary, and cousin Indy and in the second one he is wearing his Christmas robe and slippers from Grandma Linda and Papa Damon.

Hope the Holiday Season is treating all of you well, whether you've been naughty or nice!!!

Brock's fun weekend with Dad

Brock had a good weekend (mostly hanging out with his Dad). On Friday night it was mom's Christmas Party and aunt Sandy Gallentine came to babysit - all the way from Kansas City!!! Mom and Dad had a good time out, and on Saturday Brock spent the day with Dad watching movies and sports. On Sunday Mom had another Christmas party, so Brock got to watch football with Dad and then had got to see Lucy and Liam Buckley.

Brock is gearing up for his first Christmas - although he seems more excited by the ceiling fan then the Christmas tree! But that's ok -

The first photo is Brock in his bumbo - a seat to help infants learn how to sit upright. Pretty cool!

Up With Down Family Support Group Christmas Party

These our pictures of our friends Ian Kastner and Zach Sabus. I call Ian's picture Cookie Monster as I captured him on film while he was enjoying a treat.- Ian is all boy and was enjoying eating, wrestling, and playing. The second photo is of our new friend Zach Sabus -he's checking out the presents at the Kastner's. Zach celebrates his 5th birthday on December 6th.




















Brock getting attention from Carol Peterson at the Up With Down party.

On Sunday Brock and I attended the Up With Down Christmas party in Des Moines (Jay was home with the flu - he even missed out on most of his deer hunting trip, but was there long enough to shoot a 3pt 1/2 antler deer - anyone want sausage????).

With over 80 people in attendance the Christmas party was quite an event! Brock was the youngest person in attendance with Ds, but we met three other babies born this year. We also had the chance to meet Mia Peterson who now lives in Des Moines. Mia is 32 and is the Chair of the National Down Syndrome Society's Self-Advocate Advisory Board and works for Iowa Protection & Advocacy. While I learned just a bit about Mia at the meeting, I've read a lot about her on-line by googling her name and Ds. It is awesome to know that such a fantastic role model like Mia lives in our neighborhood!
We are looking forward to the next Up with Down event.

Busy busy busy- over the weekend we also got together with our neighbors Michael & Nadine Kastner, their boys Joe & Ian (6), and Andrea, Kevin and Zach Sabus. Nadine & Michael live down the street from Jay and I, and their son Ian also has Ds. They were the first family to reach out to us when Brock was born. Andrea and Kevin's son Zach (5) also has Ds. It was fun to get together - Ian and Zach enjoyed wrestling with Jay, while Brock just had to watch (soon Brock soon!)

Brock and Harvey

Brock's friend Harvey stopped by to see him on 11/27. Harvey's mom and dad are Letitia and Hugo Kenemer (Jen went to high school with both, and lived with them in college). Moose (another high school friend and college room mate) and his lovely wife Diane also stopped by. Brock and Harvey had fun hanging out. Ironically they have similar fashion styles - or maybe that's their mother's???

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from the Harbison's
Wow, who's the brunette???

Brock celebrated his first Thanksgiving by traveling to Harcourt to Grandma Linda's and Papa Damon's on Thanksgiving Eve, and spending the day at Grandma Jeanne's and Grandpa Tom's. Fun was had at both locations. In Harcourt Brock got to see Aunt Karen from Oklahoma (Ken and Chris too)! At the Harbison's Brock got to hang out with Uncle Ross, Aunt Heather, the Wrights, Joannie and Joanna.

In other news.....Brock's pediatrician gave him the go-ahead to eat veges, yum squash :), and rice cereal!