Hi everyone! It is hard to believe that Turkey Day is just around the corner. We have been busy (as usual) since Halloween. For one Jay started a new job with a company called Gardener & White - with Annear Benefits based in West Des Moines. He began on November 1st.

Brock and I got to meet up with some families that we've met because of Down syndrome. We had a get together in Cedar Falls, Iowa with nine other families. It was a lot of fun - check out the montage at right under our links. While we were in Cedar Falls Jay was hunting with Grandpa Tom and friends. It should be noted that while Dad got one pheasant - so did mom - check out the picture above. Yes, while driving to Cedar Falls Jen hit a pheasant when three flew out across the highway. Jen had a friend and her two kids riding with her and Brock, and they were on their way to meet their new friends when the incident occurred. Laurie was pretty sure Jen got one of the birds. Well, by the time we found the Chuck E. Cheese meet up location, we had forgotten about the pheasant incident, but Jen did phone Jay to say that she'd gotten a pheasant! Later that night Jen shared the story with some of the families at the get together (mind you this was after traveling around Cedar Falls to get some snacks for the get together as well as parking right outside of the front doors of the Holiday Inn Hotel in Cedar Falls for the night. The next morning our at the group breakfast in the hotel, one of the husbands asked Jen if she had checked her car after she hit the bird? "No, I guess I didn't, why?" "Because you have a pheasant sticking out of your car grill!" YUCK!!!! - It's true there was a pheasant in my grill!!!!

On a better note - Brock had his first request to appear in an ad and therefore had his first professional photo shoot as a "model". Jen's hairdresser (also Brock's) asked if she could use Brock for promotional purposes, Of course! So when we get the head shots back we'll share them before sending them off to Hollywood - tee hee!

Love Jen Jay and Brock

HOWDY PARTNERS

Brock was a little cowboy for Halloween, although he didn't get too much use out of his outfit. The weather in Iowa went from 70 to 40's Beggar night in Des Moines. So Brock only visited our neighbors. I got a few photos of him at the daycare party - he wasn't to thrilled with sitting still.

Brock has been working really hard and has been working on standing independently. I'm posting a little movie to show off his moves.

Also in breaking Harbison news - Jay has a new job!!!! He is now an employee of Gardener & White. His new office in is Urbandale, Iowa and he started today (11/1/06). He's off to train in Indianapolis. We are all so excited for this opportunity.

Pumpkins, Buddies, and Fun

Brock participated in his first Buddy Walk on September 23 in Des Moines. Brock had over 30 people sign up on his behalf with many of them joining him and mom & dad for the day. A video showing the walk and other activities as well as attendees can be found under the links section so check it out! A special thank you to Aunt Heather who drove over from Omah, Karen who came from Oklahoma City, and Sandy who drove up from Kansas City to be at Brock's first Buddy Walk.

Time has flown by since the BW, we have been busy with family fun - including a trip the pumpkin patch, a trip to Omaha to see Aunt Heather and Joanna, and many fun trips to see Grandma and Grandpa Harbison.

Here are some photos of Brock enjoying the fall weather.

Fall Fun

Brock attended his second ISU/IA tailgate - that's right he's two for two! While he's a split fan - he ended up wearing hawkeye attire for the big game (as it was in Iowa City this year).

He had a great time tailgating in the RV parking lot and made lot's of girlfriends.

This coming weekend (Sat Sept 23) is the Buddy Walk for our local support group Up With Down. We have about 30 people signed up on our team - so check in for pictures soon.

Brock Enjoying the End of Summer

Hi everyone, it has been awhile since our last post, we have been busy! Brock's first birthday is already a month ago, and he has been learning lot's of new things during that time. At the top of his list of accomplishments is learning to walk with a walker toy! I will be posting the video under our links section.

Brock's communication skills are also increasing. He is jabbering a ton, and last night Jay thought he heard Brock say Pittsburgh! Of course Jay is a Broncos fan, so there might be problems here (hee hee). He is also waving bye bye and hello, and likes to say up! In short, he is doing fantastic!

Just this week Brock moved up to the mobile infant room at school, so he is once again the "baby" of the room, but most of the kids are ones he started with in the infant room - so he has many friends who have welcomed him.

We have been volunteering for the upcoming Up With Down Buddy Walk, to be held Saturday, September 23, in Des Moines. If you are interested in walking go to www.upwithdown.com and select Buddy Walk from the menu and register! Money raised goes to support the National Down Syndrome Society, Up With Down Family Support Group, and efforts to educate people about Ds, provide research, and advocate!

Thanks for checking in on us and Little Harbi!

Happy First Birthday Brock Davis Harbison

Wow - what an awesome year! Brock Davis Harbison joined the world on July 28th, 2005. From day one he has had Jay and me wrapped around his little finger. We are so proud of him and all that he's accomplished his first year!

Brock has brought us endless joy and love and we are so looking forward to our family's future!

Thanks to all of you who have been a part of Brock's first year.

Happy 4th of July

Brock enjoyed his first fourth of July by enjoying everything Americana - he went to the Des Moines Pops Concert at the State Capitol with Granda Jeanne, Grandpa Tom, and mom and dad; he enjoyed spending time with Aunt Heather and Uncle Ross at Grandma and Grandpa Harbison's; and he then spent a night in Harcourt with Grandma Linda and Papa Damon where he got to go to his first parade - the annual Gowrie 4th of July parade. He loved the flag that he got at the parade.

Brock is doing great - he has learned to go from belly to sitting up and also pulls himself up. Which means the crib matress is being lowered. He is also enjoying his first 2 teeth (bottom front) and chomping up a storm - somtimes on mom and dad!

We are really excited for the month of July as Brock turns one on July 28th! Dad also has a birthday July 24.

Take care!

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.