Micah's Chronicles

Micah prayer

2011-02-12T08:03:00.000-08:00

It started with a trip to Walmart, as many of my stories do. Micah and I were going to get some flowers to put on Kathy’s grave for Valentine’s Day. If you have ever had a chance to go with Micah to the store, you know that everyone around him hears what he is looking for. So here I am walking through Walmart with an almost three year old how is talking in his loader than normal voice saying, “Hey Daddy, I want yellow and pink flowers for Mom’s grave.” Two notes here, 1. If you want to get people to look at you in Walmart, this is the way, 2. Walmart doesn’t sell any combinations of pink and yellow flowers. So after a little debate we went with pink, purple, and white.

On the way to the grave we talked about Kathy and Micah said she could be my Valentine too. Ok, sorry I forgot to put the warning in the beginning of this post. It is probably because it has been soooo long since my last. So, if you need to stop here and get tissues, or just end it, I understand. For those brave (or sadistic) people who continue, just remember; I warned you!

So we get to the grave and Micah does his usual checking everyone’s numbers (birth and death dates) and we go over who is where. So before we leave I tell him that if he wants to talk to his mommy he can do it here.

So he looks up into the sky and says “Hey Mommy, whatcha doin’? You blowing bubbles?” I get him ready to leave and put him in his car seat and go to shut the door and he starts yelling No, Daddy, No.” I ask him what is the matter and he tells me he has one more thing to tell Mommy. So I leave the door open and he yells out the car “Oh, hey Mommy, Daddy misses you. Ok, bye bye.”

On the way back home we talk about how he can talk to Mommy whenever he wants, just like you can talk to God whenever you want. Then my almost three year old son says one of the most spiritual things I have ever heard. He says “Hey God, whatcha you what me to do before I go to heaven? Ok, bye bye.” I think that prayer is the most powerful I have ever heard.

So as Valentines approaches, just remember that you can’t really love someone unless you love God first. Treasure you loved ones because you are treasured by God. Happy Valentine’s Day.

2010-06-22T06:58:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of Micah's recent performances. Enjoy

Joy to the World

2009-12-22T18:43:00.000-08:00

Here is my Christmas gift to you all. I figured I could get each one of you a new car or a trip to Fiji, but you all could get that from anyone. So I chose the thing of the most value to me that I can share with you all, Micah. No, I am not farming him out to everyone that reads his post (though some of you would jump at the chance), I am showing you all some of his cutest pictures of the last year. Enjoy!

And remember to spend this season focusing on how much you love your family and how much God loves you. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Happy Birthday Kathy

2009-11-12T14:56:00.000-08:00

Today would have been Kathy’s 28^th birthday. I know what you are thinking, “Grab the tissues. Nathan’s trying to make us cry again.” That is not my plan this time. This is a celebratory post. This post is so that we can always remember the incredible and loving woman Kathy was.

She was really amazing. Her heart was much larger then it probably should have been, especially for me. It was like the Dr. Seuss move about the Grinch, the part where his heart is so big it breaks the box. Some of you remember; the rest of you will have to watch it again to know what I am talking about. She may have fused and complained a little to me, but she always did whatever she could for everyone. She loved her job too. Not because of the work, but because she was able to give people something incredible, children. I was always so proud of watching her work. She worked for every family as if it was her own child she was trying to get home.

I also was so proud of her when she talked about Micah. She loved that little mess way before he ever made his appearance. We would talk for hours discussing how we were going to raise him up to be a great man. I know she is proud of the way he is growing up.

For someone who knew she could ask anything from her husband and get it, she never took advantage of theat. She was level headed, organized, and sensible. Thankfully she was able to keep me in balance. She really was an amazing person.

So today, or whenever you read this, don’t feel sorry for me. Feel sorry for anyone that never had a chance to meet her. Feel sorry for those people who never find someone as wonderful as Kathy Herrod Robison. Don’t feel sorry for me, because I was able to spend the best part of my life with someone who made me a better person.

Kathy, I love you and miss you. Micah and I are doing fine, and we will see you up there someday. Keep watching over us.

Here are the pics, (captions by Micah)

2009-10-19T18:55:00.000-07:00

Daddy won't let me play with his flowers.

Someone left a mess. I should clean it up.

Lets dump them again.

I can't do the slips in these pants.

If I kick this will it roll down the stairs? More importantly, can Daddy get to me before I do?

I can stay awake for the partyzzzzz

My son is so cute!

2009-10-18T03:30:00.000-07:00

This weekend two of my friends got married and they thought a wedding full of kids would be a great idea. (Man I wish there was a sarcastic font.) One of those lucky kids was our very own Micah. He was one of the two ring bearers and this is the story of "The Bearer of the Rings: The Two Toddlers (obvious J.R.R. Tolkien reference).
The events started Friday night with rehearsal. Micah was wonderful. Every time we practiced, he ran down the isle straight to the groom. Lets call him Tim. Tim would pick Micah up and give him a big hug. Then Micah would get down and walk to me and I would go sit him down. I was a groomsmen, so he didn't have to walk far. It was the cutest thing I have ever seen in a wedding ever. The other ring bearer was not as happy about his roll to play in this wedding.
Well, the big day came and we had pictures from 12 to 1:30. Little side note, Micah's nap time usually starts somewhere between 12 and 1:30. So we are taking pictures and he does fine. We practice running down the isle a couple of more times. My mistake was doing these practices back to back, you will see why in a second.
So 2:00 hits, Micah is a little cranky at this time but not bad, and the wedding is about to start. I walk down the isle with the bride's (lets call her Heather) youngest sister and take my place at the front. Then they open the doors for the ring bearers. Everyone is standing so I can't see Micah but I can hear the Ohhs and Ahhs from the crowd. Micah comes up to the front with the other little boy, gives Tim the pillow and turns around to do it again (just like we practised Dad). By this time the flower girls are dropping leaves. It was a Fall theme. Micah, acting on instinct decides to help these little girl pick up their mess. He started picking up the leaves and tried to put them back in the basket. Luckily his grandma was there to whisk him away. I know that Tim and Heather will probably find the rest of the ceremony the main event, but for me, my son's attempt to help clean up was the highlight of the day. Now if we can just transfer that home it will be great. Maybe I should have him clean up in a tux at home.
I know what a lot of you are thinking. "Where are the picture?"
You will just have to tune in to our next issue of Micah's Chronicle. It will be a picture packed installment.
Until then, let people know that you cherish them and that they have meaning in your life. They need to know!

Unhappy Anniversary (warning: sad post ahead)

2009-07-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the 6th anniversary of my marriage to Kathy. For some reason this year is worse than last. Maybe I was still numb last year, who knows. I am blessed to have friends and family that have helped make theweek a little better. I don't know what I would have done if God didn't give me such great people to surround me at times like these.
Those of you who never got to meet Kathy, I am sorry you missed out. She was really one of a kind. She had the sweetest, kindest heart I have ever seen. But on the fill side she had a temper like no one else. She really did love people, especially her family. She was a hard worker too. If she was working on something it was going to get done, period. It may take her until all hours of the night to do it, but it got done. It also had to be done her way, otherwise it might not be done right. The day before she died she was at her office until 8 pm. She didn't want to leave her coworkers with to much work to do during her pregnancy leave. She was in charge of our house too. Bills, insurance, schedules, all hers. I would get a list of chores to do on my off days and she knew that I would do them. I was glad to do them. ( I know this is just a bunch of rambling thoughts, so I understand if you stopped reading a long time ago. I just have to get it down.)I loved the way she would do anything for anyone without complaining ( to them). I miss her wanting to talk at 11pm while I tried to sleep or her need to be held so she could fall asleep. She really did love me and I still love her. That is one thing I miss the most, showing her how much I loved her. I did my best to make her feel like a princess. She knew whatever she wanted she got, most of the time. Every holiday I always got her two cards, one she could open around others and one that was a more private type of card. (Those of you who don't understand that last statement, just ask your parents to explain it to you later.) Valentine's day and our anniversary were my two favorite holidays because it gave me an excuses to go overboard on stuff for Kathy. Now those two days are the hardest to deal with. I hope that those of you who are still reading this very have to feel this way. I know that God has me going through this for a reason, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't still hurt. I heard a song the other day that had three words that summed it up for me. "Broken but singing".
So those of you who are still reading, get a Kleenex, wipe your eye, and go love. Love with all you are. Love until you know without a shadow of a doubt that the people you love know how much. Life sometimes gives you second chances, but sometimes it doesn't. Don't waste them on the things that are meaningless. Only three things last forever, Faith, Hope, and Love. Go give someone something that will last forever!

More Micah Pics

2009-07-05T17:33:00.000-07:00

I know how you all like pictures so here you go.

Micah taking a swim in his pool

Checking a stuffed dog for a pulse

Petting a goat at the Nashville Zoo

Jumping with cousin outside

Asleep in Uncle Jason's lap

The Promised Picture Post

2009-06-11T19:27:00.000-07:00

Here are the promised pictures. Enjoy!

First we have Nathan Daniel's birthday party. The theme, which was a great one, was a dig party. There was a sand box and a place in the yards to plant flowers. It was dirty and fun. The cake was good too.

Micah likes to help Great Granddaddy with his walker. Sometimes he doesn't even need Great Granddaddy to be using it to be helpful.

Some of the many morning faces of Micah.

If you can translate I would love to know what he is saying. I am sorry it is sideways, I really am very limited in my computer knowledge.

And as always remember to love with all you have, becuase really it is all we have.

Three things last forever - faith, hope, and love-and the greatest of these is love.

New Post but no new pics

2009-05-10T17:34:00.000-07:00

Micah's 13th month of life has been exhausting to say the least. He is fully mobile now; walking, almost running, and dancing. He is also very verbal. I have no clue what he is saying most of the time but I think he is telling jokes. I just hope they are appropriate.
He had his first school program last Thursday night. He sat in a double stroller with one of his many female classmates (not girlfriend because he can't date until he is 16!!!). He smiled and made faces at all the people in the audience but when he got around to the place I was sitting he turned around and ignored me. Me, his own father, the bringer of bottles, the washer of clothes, the wiper of his dirty bottom. I am not too bitter. I could understand if it happened only once but both times he passed me he gave his old man the cold shoulder. Shame, Shame.
He has gotten a little clingy :), which makes me happy. This has been a long couple months for me. Between Valentines Day, Micah's Birthday, and Mother's Day I feel like I haven't had a lot of sleep. Maybe things will start to calm down now. If you get a chance pray for Micah and myself. And remember to treasure your loved ones. I Promise next post will have pictures.

Happy 1st Birthday

2009-04-04T20:25:00.000-07:00

A lot has happen since our last encounter. Main thing is that my baby boy is now 1 year old. How crazy is that. It seems like only yesterday I was having to be buzzed into the NICU to see this orangy wrinkly little person. No I have a boy that crawls, sing, talks, and laughs all the time. I am so blessed to hae my little baby bear.
We also went on vacation 2 weeks ago. We shared a cabin with the Carlton’s and the Brown’s. Micah and Nathan had so much fun playing together and watching the construction trucks go back and forth. But I know you all really want to see pictures of Micah, so I will wrap up and get to the good stuff.
Those of you know our story know that 4/04/08 was not just Micah’s birthday. Tomorrow will be the official day to remember Kathy. This way Micah’s birthday will just be Micah’s birthday and not a sad day.
So tomorrow if you get a chance remember my lovely wife and the effect she had on the world. And as always treat your loved ones like you one have them for a day, because you never know when it really will be.

Here are the pictures.

Go Speed Racer, Go

2009-02-26T18:06:00.001-08:00

Micah loves this riding fire engine.

A big post!

2009-02-26T18:06:00.000-08:00

Here it is. The post you have all been waiting for. A huge bunch of pictures and videos that will make your day.

This first video is of Nathan Daniel dancing in the jumper.

Here is a better example of Micah and Nathan's relationship

Here is Ava being a big girl and feeding Micah.

He loves to drive his Semi.

And the dump truck.

And the shopping cart.

Why sleep when you can chew?

Such a cheeser!

Look at the concentration on this boy's face.

He is becoming such a fun little boy.

And finally, Micah's first haircut.

So, as you can see we have been rather busy. Micah has been very energetic. Except when he was sick little stomach bug but he got better. I hope you all enjoyed the pictures and videos. Share them with your friends, family, enemy, coworkers, strangers, anyone in need of a smile.

And remember the greatest thing is love.

I'm such a bad blogger

2009-02-10T15:54:00.000-08:00

By the title you should know that I am aware of my blogging neglect. I apologize to all you hard core Micah followers for this long awaited post.
Micah is doing great. He has six teeth right under the skin. This sometimes makes him a bit of bear. He is almost walking. He walks behind a little shopping and ride little trucks all around. I will try to get a short video or two on the blog soon. Other than that he is growing, eating and being cute. That is about all going on here. I hope you are all doing good. Have a great Valentine's Day and spoil your loved ones.

So this is Christmas...

2008-12-24T18:31:00.000-08:00

It is Christmas Eve so I thought I would drop you all a line. I don't quite know how I feel. (Disclaimer: People under 18 should not read the next part) I am excited because I get to be Santa for the first time! (Hopefully everyone already is a part of that big secret. If not, you're over 18 and you are way too sheltered and gullable.) The Robison clan has a tradition of having a banana, an apple, and an orange in the stocking. They are in there to remind us to be thankful for everything we have. I almost blew this by forgetting to go to the store. Luckily my sister in law was nice enough to pick up the fruit for me.

The flip side of this excitement is the fact that all the Christmas festivities remind me of the excitement of last Christmas as Kathy and I planned this one. The anticipation of buying gifts for our son, the scheduling of whose family we see when, and thinking of gift ideas--not just for Micah but for a new mother and father. All of these things are gone along with the person I loved Christmas shopping for the most.

I would spend months looking for the perfect gift for Kathy. Every year Kathy would tell me not to spend more then $50 on her, but by then I was well over that and still looking for more. Last year was the first time Kathy ever surprised me with a Christmas present. I had been hinting at wanting a electric toothbrush. When I opened my stocking I found my usual two pack of toothbrushes (manual not electric) so I figured either she really could not catch a hint or she thought electric toothbrushes were just lazy. As we exchanged gifts I got pretty much what I thought (I only gave her a few ideas so I was sure to get them) but then there was another package. I knew it was something special because Kathy got out the camera. It was my electric toothbrush. Kathy was beaming! She had planned out the whole charade. I do miss that smile. I even miss the angry and pouty faces too.

I don't plan on leaving you on such a cheer-sucking, happy-draining thought so I am adding a bunch of pictures as a Christmas present to Micah's loyal following. I hope you enjoy.

The wrapping is better then the present inside.

I love ChristmasA pair of teeth in exchange for a pair of pantsI am a very busy boy Dinner with the Whitley Clan Uncle's favorite feet I'm seeing stars
Teamwork
I really love Christmas
My Christmas outfit Duckies everywhereMicah just cracks himself up

Finally I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas. Even though I feel my life is pretty unfair right now, I am still Joyful knowing that God loved me enough to send His son to live a hard human life and eventually die for my sins. How can I not be thankful? May you remember that toys break, clothes fade, money gets spent, but love never fails. Give love!!!

Funniest thing ever!!!

2008-12-11T19:50:00.000-08:00

You all have to go to Mark and Janet's blog. I laughed so hard. If you don't know how to get to it there is a link on my blog. If this don't make you at least smile, there is no hope for you and you are dead inside. Make sure you turn the volume down at work or invite your boss in to watch it with you. Enjoy

Long Week

2008-11-13T16:07:00.000-08:00

Hey folks. I know some of you are shocked to see a post this soon after the last one. Don't get used to it.
It has been a high and low week here at the Robison house. Micah has started this no leg forward wiggling movement thing ( I would call it crawling but it doesn't look like crawling to me). Also his first tooth popped out. That little bugger is sharp! His snot fountain has eased up and he seems to be sleeping better. So all is good on the Micah front. He is fat and happy.
Yesterday was Kathy's 27th birthday. I took the day off of work. I was afraid I would cause to many 9 and 10 year old students to cry. That night some family and friends gather and we brought out "the box". "The box" is a 1 foot by 1 1/2 foot by 2 foot wooden box that I keep important memories of Kathy. It has old report cards, wedding pictures, and jewelry. It also contains all the sappy notes and cards I have given Kathy through the years. I am a hopeless romantic with extra time and creativity. Some of my friends got a real kick out of those. I am afraid that a few of my friends may get in trouble for not doing the same for their wives. (Sorry Tim and Andrew)
It has been almost 7 1/2 months since Kathy passed away. She would have liked the birthday party we had for her. Although a few of the pictures I passed around would have gotten me in trouble. (Kathy went through a big glasses phase, I mean almost her whole face was cover by glasses)
I am going to leave you know with this. Look at the person you love and remember why yo love them. I am going to go a step further and have you tell them why. It is always good to hear why someone loves you. I love you all because you take the time to listen to my life. Love, Laugh, Learn, Live

Halloween Special

2008-11-04T16:51:00.000-08:00

I promised a Halloween special. I never said it would come out on Halloween.

Micah's first Halloween was pretty uneventful. We started out going to Pop's house. We stayed for about 15 minutes and then we headed to Great-granddaddy's house. There was a quick stop at Sonic for a route 44 peach tea and a order of tots. At great-granddaddy's Micah and Nathan showed off.

I forgot to let you know about costumes. Micah was a Jack o lantern and Nathan was a farmer. Back to the story.

Micah grabbed hold of Great granddadd's walker and started dancing (shaking his booty and moving his head) to country music. Kathy would be so proud.

After great granddaddy's we went to Mark's mom and dad (grandma and grandad Carlton). Micah did not make it, he was sound asleep when we got there. We left him in the car ( I was out there too). That was about it. Not really exciting.

Since then Micah has had a nose like Niagra Falls. I know some of you readers are snot sensitive so you may want to to skip the rest of this paragraph. Micah would wake up during the middle of the night in a pool of his own snot. I promise I did everything I could to avoid this. I would use the suction bulb every hour or so, which Micah hates. Those of you who wonder if Micah ever screams... try using the nose sucker. Last night Janet found the most amazing invention in Toys R Us. A nose vacuum!!! It sucks the snot out and stores it in this little cup. It is so gross. I love it. It really works good if I do it while Micah is drinking his bottle.

Ok enough snot talk. You other readers can come back now. P.S. Snot can be a hair gel in a pinch.

Other than that life is pretty routine. Micah is being dedicated at church on Sunday. (All are welcome to come. It will be at Harvest View Church (harvestviewchurch.org). I am doing it this Sunday because Next Wednesday is Kathy's 27th birthday. I alway pride myself on getting Kathy great (sometimes too expensive) gifts for her birthday. So I was thinking what could I do for her since she is already in paradise. The only thing I had to give that would make her happy is the last thing she gave me. So I am bringing Micah to church to dedicate him to God, that God's will for his Life be above all others. I don't know if you have ever been to a baby dedication but usually the congregation also dedicates to helping the child grow toward God. A lot of you already do this by praying for him and me. Thanks. I will try my best to raise Micah to be a strong Christian leader who fully relies on God.

Well, another long post. You would have thought I would have learned my lesson last time. I will try to improve. As always Love, Love, and if you still have extra time, love some more. There are people out there who don't get enough love as it is. Find them and love them too.

What's going on

2008-10-21T19:03:00.000-07:00

I know, I know! If I am going to have a blog that people actually check, I need to update it more often. To those loyal Micah fans out there, I apologize. The only excuse I can give you is life keeps me busy. Between Micah, school, eating, and sleeping there is very little time left over. Usually the sleeping part gets the shaft. Since my last blog Micah has been growing bigger and I have been growing older. Micah is now 6 1/2 months old and 18.1 pounds. I am 30 years old and bigger than I should be. My doctor's exact words were "You don't have the hands of a big guy". I can't tell if that means I weigh to much or if I have girly hands. Either way not a flattering comment.
Micah is now sitting up by himself, eating vegetables, and almost crawling. Soon he will be driving and shaving. Hopefully not at the same time. He is doing good at Wee School, but I think it has something to do with the fact that he is the only boy in his class. All of you who have little girls I apologize in advance (especially parents of Ava, Ava, Maddy, Taylor, Anden, Kaelyn, Kinsleigh).
He is a born ladies' man. He even showed off for the NICU nurses the last time we visited them. (A little side note: those nurses are awesome! and the NICU doctors are too! I think they are the best nurses and doctors anywhere.)
I just realized...If I wrote more often then it would be shorter.
Now let me tell you about my wonderful friends and family. I am extremely blessed to be surrounded by people who not only take care of Micah but also take care of me. My life group at church is a huge support. I look forward to every Wednesday when I can see them. They allow me to grieve and they grieve with me. They also see through my "everything is alright" mask.
The rest of my church family is amazing too. There was a group of guys that cut my grass for me every week ( even when gas got really high). How awesome is that? My in-laws are a God send. With my father and mother living in another town and busy with work and school, my in-laws have been a huge, huge, huge help. (Another side note: I want to brag on my mom. She has recently started back to school to be a nurse. She may look young but I promise you she did not have me when she was 10. She is really doing good too, especially to be working full time and going to school full time.) But I digress (that is a fancy way of saying that I can't stay on topic to save my life). Back to my in-laws. My sister in law Janet has offered to do my laundry for me. Where was she the five years that Kathy and I had our dirty laundry war? And my mother in law keeps Micah during the day. She even comes to my house to get him at 6am so I can shower and get ready for school. No, you cannot have her. She is mine and I don't plan on sharing (except with Nathan Daniel).
This is probably long enough. If you did get all the way down to the bottom of this, congratulations, but you should probably get back to work. I am talking to my dad and Heather, because I know they read this at work. Shame, shame.
As always love, laugh, learn, Live.

P.S. I came up with an interesting phrase the other day and I thought you all might like it. I wouldn't be the person I am today if I wasn't the idiot I used to be. Think about that and I will talk to you again in a month or two, just kidding. I am already planning a Halloween special. :)

P.S.S Check out Mark and Janet's blog for some cute pics of Micah and Nathan

Green Beans. . .

2008-10-12T19:28:00.000-07:00

Micah is now a big boy and can eat baby food. He started on green beans, but he isn't a big fan.

Rolly Poly Micah

2008-09-22T16:22:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. I hope that the last post didn't scary to many of you off. I want to apologize to you who wee expecting a happy picture of Micah and got blasted with that. I will try next time to warn you guys a day or two ahead of time.

Now for the Micah update. My child is model in a rolly poly kind of way. He has mastered the back to stomach roll and his stomach to back roll, though awkward and funny, is effective. To roll from his stomach to his back he has to get his butt as high as he can. Then he lets the momentum of it falling to one side pull the rest of his body over.

I have had to install the crib bumpers to keep him from wedging his arms and legs between the crib bars and the wall. He definitely rolls around in the bed like his mother did. It is almost like "Where's Waldo" looking in the baby monitor at night. I think he know where the blind spots are in the camera because he goes straight for them.

He also has a Bumbo now. For those of you not in the know, a Bumbo is a baby seat that helps them sit up. The only problems Micah has with his Bumbo is that his thunder thighs barely fit in the seat and that he thinks if he leans far enough over he can get out.

I am attaching a picture of him in his Bumbo watching my dog Barrett. There is just something between a boy and his dog. Luckily in this case it is the back door. I expect Micah to be riding Barrett in the next few years. Or Barrett dragging Micah around the yard. I will let you know which comes first.

I hope this installment of As Micah's World Turns has been a much more enjoyable experience for you all. And as always, I leave you with this. If you really lived everyday like it was your last, then when it was your last you would have really lived. Love , Laugh, Learn, Live

Beware: Another serious blog

2008-09-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

Be warned this blog can be very emotional and may cause tears!

This blog spawns from a song I heard on the radio. Usually if a song start talking about passing away or leaving or anything along those lines I change it quick. But Wednesday night was different. Mercy Me's Homesick came on and I made myself listen to it. By the end of the song tears were streaming down my face and my chest physically hurt. If you get a chance to listen to it do so but not in a moving car.
For the past month or so work has enabled me to put the sad thoughts in the back of my mind. The only problem with this is that they reappear as dreams. There have been very few nights that I did not dream that Kathy was still around and awoke to the shocking discovery that I was wrong. Waking up once or twice a night to that horrific realization can really mess with your head.
Anyway back to the song. There is a part that kind of asks when does the singer get the chance to go to heaven too. I want to start off by letting you all know that I have no plans, or have I ever had plans of ending my own life. This is more of a "Hey God you can take me know, I ready and willing" kind of thing. Every once in a while I will lie in bed and almost wish that the next breathe was my last and the next thing I saw was God with Kathy by his side. But then I am reminded that I have a son who I love that needs me here. The shattered piece of my heart move in two direction.
For those of you who don't know my brother just got married to a great girl. I think she is a great fit for the family. But that did not make the wedding any less painful. I did alright for most of it. The only time I almost lost it is during the wedding there was a slide show of baby pictures and one of my sister in laws pictures reminded me of one of Kathy's. This coupled with the fact that Kathy was not there for this hit me hard.
My heart has become a little cold at times. When I am around couples, I find myself wondering which one of them has to pick up the pieces of their life when the other one dies. (I did warn you this was a tough blog, it is even tougher to write then it is to read.) I try not to see people that way, but my rose colored glasses got stepped on and all I have for the moment is the dark welding goggles.
I am write you all this, not so you will sorry for me, not so you have a reason to pity me, but because most of you reading this know and love me and Micah. So when you ask me how I am doing and I tell you "I'm doing well" know that I have to say that just to take the next breathe. I know that Micah needs me, and that God has a plan for both of us, but it sure would be nice not to hurt for a little while.
If you get nothing out of this but this then that is fine. Your prayers get me out of bed in the morning, get me in the shower, drive me to work, give me the power to teach the wonderful 19 students I havein my class, get me home, and give me the strength to love Micah enough for two parents. Please do not stop! I am not alright. I am standing only by Gods power. I love you all and promise the next post will be the regular warm and fuzzy with happy pictures of my beautiful son.
As always tell people you love them, never assume that they really know how much.

Long time, No Blog

2008-08-26T18:51:00.001-07:00

As I sit here on my floor, manually swinging Micah to sleep because the batteries are dead and I am to lazy to change them now, I finally force myself to make time to blog. Sure there are dirty bottle to wash, dirt clothes to to put in the washing machine, toys all over the house and school stuff I could be working on, but Micah's fans deserve better. He is currently dictating what I should put in the blog. I think there were a few jokes he wanted to add but I can't tell if they are appropriate or not so they will have to wait til later.

It has been a tough few weeks. Work is actually going really well. I have 19 students and they all seem to want to be at school. At school I stay pretty focused on my students and their needs. Every once in a while someone asks how I am doing and it take a lot not to really tell them. But anyway, I do have it pretty good. My wonderful mother-in-law comes at 6 in the morning to take care of Micah while I get ready for school. On Monday, Wednesday, Friday she takes him to her house and watches him. On Tuesday, Thursday she takes him to Wee School were he gets spilled by the great staff there. After I get done with school I go pick Micah up at his Grandmas and Grandpas or they bring him to my house. This partially depends on if my father-in-law has seen him that day or not. I think he has become a little addicted to his grandson.

Micah and I have the evenings together. This usually includes story time and feeding (and recently watching the Olympics). For someone with probably the two most un-atheletic parents, he sure is fascinated with sports. He can watch more of a baseball game than I can.

He has started eating cereal (rice and formula mush). It does not go as quickly as a bottle and there is a whole lot more clean-up. I have a few pictures of him in the high chair that I will put at the end. That way you have to read all of this stuff first before you get to the good part.

His sleeping through the night thing is a fond memory. He wakes up a few time between 2:30am and 5:30. The plan was that my mother-in-law would get here at 6am and would feed him when he woke up but for the last week or so, she walks in and I am finishing up the feeding.

I think that catches you upon everything except for cousin Nathan but you can check the Carlton site. Here is the part you have been waiting for the pics. And as always show your loved ones why you call them your loved ones.

Back to the salt mines

2008-08-11T18:50:00.000-07:00

I always envisioned heading out the door to go to work and my son looking at me longingly, wanting nothing more then me to skip work and spend the day with him. So much for that vision. As I leave for work I turn around to see my son smiling back at me, almost mocking me. Like he is making fun of me for having to go to work. I think he really knows what is going on, he knows that daddy going to work means being spoiled at grandma's and grandpa's house. I do miss him during the day but when the students come in I go into teacher mode and focus on them. I really does help me get through the day.
No pictures today just a little entry about my day. See you later, same bat time, same bat channel. And as always love the one your with.

Food all over

2008-08-08T19:37:00.000-07:00

Micah went to his 4 month visit and hhe weighs 15lbs 15 ozs and is 26 inches long. I missed it because I was at school but he came and visited ( with grandma's help) when he was finished. He has started eating rice cereal. This feeding by spoon is just way to slow for him. Here are some pictures and a video of his 3rd experience eating off a spoon. Enjoy.

Eat Duck and like it and My first computer

2008-08-03T17:18:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I go back to work. I am kind of looking forward to being back, but I am going to miss spending the day with my boy. To help some of you get through this week which is going to be a long one, I though I would add a few new things to the blog.

The first is a picture of Micah's new toy. It is a baby laptop. As soon as the laptop was in his lap he started pushing buttons and moving the mouse (which actually looks like a cheese nibbling, squeaking, scurrying mouse).

The video was taken last night when my dad was playing with Micah. The quacking noises are my dad ( Micah is gifted but not that gifted) and Micah was loving it.) Enjoy and have a great week.

P.S. Humans thrive on positive physical contact. Go out and give people hugs. See if you can hug 10 different people before the next posting. Think of it as a contest and let me know when you get your ten.

Peekaboo

2008-07-27T18:31:00.000-07:00

More fun times with Micah. His legs and feet are more flexible than his arms, so he enjoys games with his feet. In these videos Micah and his dad are playing peekaboo and tickle-monster with Micah's feet. He sure is a lot of fun! Enjoy the videos. Also, make sure you notice the last of the video. He was totally absorbed in his daddy until he saw the camera--then he was totally absorbed in the camera (which is when we cut off the tape).

Micah's cousin Nathan Daniel may be coming home very soon! Stay up to date with his homecoming on our blog. (Link to the left)

Aunt Janet

Splish Splash

2008-07-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

This is just a quick note to let everyone know that Micah and I are doing fine. Micah swam ( I use this word very loosely) for the first time yesterday. We went to my dad's house to see him for a little while and while we were there we played in the pool. Micah really likes the water and as long as he wasn't leaning back he was fine. A few times he tipped his mouth in the water and came up coughing ( I just lost father of the year from some of you I know) but he was fine and just smiled and spat bubbles out. My plan is to get him comfortable in the water. His mommy never did like the water and the only times she had her head underwater I got in trouble when she surfaced.
In other news Micah's cousin Nathan is getting ready to come home. If everything works out he will be here next week. If some paperwork doesn't make it in time it will be another 2 weeks. Either way we are all getting really excited to have him home. For further info on the Nathan story please refer to Mark and Janet's blog. And leave them an encouraging reply. It is tough enough having your child in another country add to that the continued delays and you get two unhappy parents. As always tell someone how much they mean to you and then prove it.

This one not about Micah

2008-07-19T12:07:00.001-07:00

For you Micah fans this entry is not about him. Today is Kathy and my 5th wedding anniversary and I am going to take up a little of Micah's blog to talk about Kathy.
I first met Kathy the second semester of her senior year in high school. I was almost a senior in college so there was a bit of an age gap. She joined the college group I was part of. Really she joined the group her sister was part of. We became friends as she graduated high school and started college. We later both chose to go on a mission trip to Zambia, Africa. Since the group we were going with was in Nashville we had to go there once a week to prepare. Those of you who know me well know that a trip to Nashville by myself usually leads in me being lost and late. So Kathy and I rode together. She drove because she knew better then to let me. This gave us a lot of time to talk. During the mission trip we talked more especially on the plane ride back. We started talking about the kind of people we should date. She was interested in one of my friends and I was up in the air about dating at that time.
Later on I had to move back home to Tullahoma to do my student teaching for my education degree. During this time Kathy and I became IM buddies. We would IM back and forth almost every night while I was gone. When I returned to the 'boro we kept our friendship going until one night I was asking her who I should date. I finally asked if it should be her. She just smiled. It took me a few more days to ask her out. To a lot of people objects (mainly Mark and Janet) we started dating. We dated for 11 months before I asked her to marry me. I asked over a pan of my homemade lasagna (which must be pretty good because she said yes).
We got married on July 19th 2003 and it has been a great marriage the whole time.
I miss her a lot. When we married the pastor said that we would become one, I believe we did and now I am missing my other half. If you are blessed enough to still have your other half beside you don't take it for granted. Spend every day making that person fall more in love with you then he or she already is and treat them like the king or queen they really are. I know many of you miss Kathy too but I know she is happy and is proud of her son and the man he will become. God bless all of you with a chance to make someone else feel special.

Two great nights

2008-07-16T12:09:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have kids, or take care of kids over night this will sound great; for those of you who have not had the pleasure of waking every few hours to change, feed, burp, and put back to sleep a child this next announcement will seem trivial. Micah has slept from 10pm to 6am for the last two nights. And I have slept from 10pm to 6pm too. Oh the possibilities! I might be able to function like a normal human during the day. I may even be able to go back to work and not sleep in front of the students. Those of you who are thinking I am going a little overboard in my happiness over a few nights of sleep need to find a friend that has a newborn and volunteer a night. Once again thank you for reading the rambles of a father who now gets a full nights sleep : )

Micah and the Tickle Monster

2008-07-08T20:19:00.000-07:00

Micah has several tickle spots where he loves to be tickeled. And of course we're happy to help! When you hit a good tickle spot he grunts and tenses up until you stop, and then he smiles, squeals, and laughs. We didn't catch the best laughs on video, but this comes close. Enjoy!

Happy 4th

2008-07-04T19:04:00.000-07:00

It seems a lot of people are celebrating Micah's 3rd month. I know he is really special but the firework displays are spoiling him a little to much guys. I mean really, how am I going to top that for his 1st birthday?

Actually Micah is completely oblivious to the war zone outside. It sounds like concussion grenades and automatic rifle fire right outside the door. My yellow lab, Barrett, on the other hand is not a happy camper. He is an outside dog but during the 4th wishes he was inside. He actually slept most of the day because people were shooting off fireworks until midnight last night.

Micah has had a pretty jam packed couple of days. Wednesday Micah and I went to lunch with an old friend (old for me not Micah) as she was on her way to pick up her husband from the airport. He seems to have charmed her just like everyone else he meets. Thursday my dad came for lunch. I left Micah with my dad to go pick up some Krystal's and when I got back my dad was on the floor with Micah over his head.

Late last night my brother Ethan came in and played with Micah this morning. Today Micah, Janet, Mark, and I went to Grandma Linda and Grandpa John's house. Micah's great grandpa and great grandma can over too. We had a fish fry. I ate way to much and that was before I had two helpings of dessert. I am hurting right now. Micah however had his normal bottle and fell asleep in the swing. I really do have a great little boy.

Before I close I want to thank anyone that has served in the military, any branch, any job. I also want to thank anyone who cares for someone that is serving. I love America, and I am soblessed to be raising my son in this country.

Happy 4th of July everyone

Just checking in

2008-07-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

Just though I would check in with all you Micah fans out there. It has been pretty esily going. We are just hanging out and cleaning house (Micah isn't elping a whole lot with the clean). He is sleeping 4 - 6 hours at a time at night. He has also started sucking on his hands and trying to sit up. He is getting big fast. Maybe next time I will have something more exciting to say but for now a routine is good. Have a great 4th and stay safe.

Naked Guy Time

2008-06-21T20:19:00.000-07:00

Got your attention?

Actually, it's naked time . . . and then guy time. Two separate events.

Micah is really loving bath time now. He gets a little suprised at first, but then starts to get comfortable and will splash and smile and have a good time.

Micah also likes to spend time with "the guys". (AKA daddy and uncle Mark). Especially watching Guitar Hero.

Growing up fast

2008-06-19T21:37:00.000-07:00

Little Micah is growing up so fast. He changes every day. One of his favorite things to do is to study, smile, and laugh at the faces of the people he loves. Here are some pictures Nathan took today.

Just getting bigger

2008-06-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

Micah and I have just been hanging out. He is sleeping about 5 to 6 hour during the night and it seems like he is trying to sit up on his own. Other then that we don't have a lot of news. I have been trying to keep myself busy and out of trouble. There have been a few projects around the house that I have finally gotten to. I know a pretty boring entry but I felt boring was better than nothing at all. I will try to get a few new pictures up soon. I know that is what you all really like anyway and I don't blame you, he is a cutie. Have a great day and God bless you all for all your prayers.

Great News

2008-06-11T14:17:00.000-07:00

I just got the news. Micah does not, I repeat, does not have Elhers Danlos Syndrome Type 4. This means that he can do everything a little boy should be able to do, jumping, climbing, falling, wrestling, and playing rough. Praise God

New Pictures

2008-06-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

The long awaited new pictures of Micah. He is smiling and playing all the time.

Just 2 months

2008-06-04T13:27:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that my little man is already 2 months old. He has gotten to the point were he smiles and laughs as a reaction. He is still a pretty laid back boy. He has started sucking on his hands more and has a lot of arm and leg strength for a little fella. Not much is going on with us. We still wake up around 2 and 5. After 5 he is out of bed. Sometimes I can get him to sleep in my bed after 5 but most of the time he just talks, and laughs , and dances. He is eating 6 oz during the day feedings and 4 oz at night. We go to the doctor for shots next Wednesday so I will let you know how that turns out. Have a great day and thank you again for showing so much interest in my boy. I know he is loved.

Memorial Day Pictures

2008-06-01T19:33:00.000-07:00

To see pictures from our trip to Mississippi and Jackson, TN last weekend. . . go to Uncle Mark and Aunt Janet's blog at www.markjanetcarlton.blogspot.com. (Or see the link on the left side of this page)

Enjoy :)

A long time since my last post

2008-05-29T15:59:00.000-07:00

It seems like forever since my last post. A lot has happened since then, I hope I can remember all that has gone on.
First Micah's Aunt was diagnosed with Ehler's Danlos Syndrome Type 4. Those of you just now jumping into Micah's story, my wife Kathy died during childbirth because of a thoracic aortic dissection because of a genetic disorder called Ehler's Danlos Syndrome Type 4 (EDS4). So last Tuesday Micah got tested. This involved getting blood. If any of you have never gotten the "joy" of having a baby give blood, don't look forward to it. Having to restrain your child while someone drains blood is a tear jerking, ear splitting, heart tearing experience.
We also took our first out of state trip. We visited some friends in Pratts, Mississippi over Memorial Day Weekend. On the way back up we stopped off at my best friend's place in Jackson, Tennessee. Micah is a good little traveler. He also made a little friend in Mississippi named Anden. She is about 20 months old and cute as a button.
I will blog more later have a great day and remember tell your loved ones how much they mean to you.

Weekend Pictures

2008-05-11T14:37:00.000-07:00

Already a Big FanGrandma Linda on Mother's Day

Great-Granddaddy and Micah

The Three Johns

Uncle Mark and Micah hanging out

Going out

two questions and a laugh

2008-05-10T19:18:00.000-07:00

Micah and I went to Tullahoma and back today. I discovered that Micah really doesn't like to listen to Brian's sermons on tape and that I can reach a pacifier almost anyplace in the car. During the few minutes of silence in the car ride I spent some time in prayer (I keep my eyes open for safety). Two questions were given to me.
The first question comes from something I have been thinking about for awhile. What would you fight for?
Most of us would fight for family, friends, and freedom. I know that I will do anything in my power to protect Micah. I don't think a momma bear would be more ferocious. Now put that in perspective of having a heavenly father that created everything. Don't you think he would fight and do anything for us? I know he is for me.
This leads me to the next question. What would it take for you to stop following God?
Kathy's death shattered me. A healthy, young woman with a newborn baby and a loving husband--suddenly removed from the family she created. The woman I love and had planned to spend the rest of my life with taken from me on a day we had looked forward to since we first discussed it. Would this be enough for me to turn from God? The same God who could cure any illness, heal any disease, even bring people back to life...but chose not to. I don't know what is going on in your life, but few of you reading this could have a better excuse to be mad at God than I do, but the crazy thing is I am not. If anything, I love God more. God did not take Kathy from me to punish me, or to be mean. God's master plan required her to leave at that time. I don't know why and I may never know, but I do know that God's plan is the best plan. If one person grows closer to God because of Kathy's death then I will continue to follow God. So I ask you again, What would it take for you to stop following God? It better be a good reason.
I don't want to leave you on such a serious note because I want you to return to this blog. So I will tell you something fun. Micah has started to laugh, but I use "laugh" loosely. He opens his mouth and inhales making a high pitched squeal. He kind of curls the edges of his mouth during this noise. He also has started a grunting noise that I interpret as him telling me off, probably because I don't feed him quickly enough.
I hope you found this blog worth the large amount of time it took to read. Remember to always tell the people you love how much you love them.
Nathan

One Month Old!!

2008-05-04T14:22:00.000-07:00

Micah is one month old today!! So, of course, Uncle Mark & Aunt Janet took some pictures. :)

Micah loves his daddy. And Nathan loves his son.

At first we thought bath time was an unhappy time for Micah because he was hungry. But now we're pretty sure he just doesn't like the water/bath concept AT ALL. Period!

So far, so good. Micah still seems to be a very good-natured little boy (except during a bath or when he's hungry).

Is that the sound of a lion roaring? Or of a sleepy boy yawning? You decide.

Three Whole Weeks!!!

2008-04-25T21:44:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? Micah is three weeks old! Just like Nathan said, Micah is growing and changing every day. I thought you might like some new pictures from this weekend.

My big boy

2008-04-25T16:10:00.000-07:00

Every morning I look into the bassinet and see a little larger version of the baby I put in the night before. His head seems bigger. His feet wider, hands larger, forehead longer. There are outfits that are starting to get to small for him.
He has also started picking favorite holders. Some people he just lays there and stares at while others get spit up on. He really has a funny personality.

Grace period ending

2008-04-23T18:58:00.000-07:00

Micah has started to take over. His first step is Dad's sleep deprivation. With a feeding every 3 hours and a second diaper change in between feeding, sleep comes in 45 minute blocks. He seems to have increased in size every day. It looks like he won't fit in the bassinet much longer. Other then sleep we are doing OK. It has been a rough week for me just trying to cope without Kathy. Please continue your prayers for Micah and I.

Free advise

2008-04-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

For all of you soon to be dads out there here is some free advise. When you go to those baby classes, pay attention! You never know when that information will be your responsibility.
Micah and I have spent the last 7 nights together and I am still sane. He has already set up a schedule for me (he is so much like his mom) and he eats at 2:30, 5:30, and 8:30 every morning. So I get to pretend I am sleeping in between these times. I used to be such a sound sleeper but now every grunt, hiccup, burp, or chirp and I am wide awake.
Micah went to the doctor yesterday and is up to 8 lbs 8 ozs. For those of you keeping track that is 10 ozs in 13 days. So he is excelling at the three jobs he has; eating, sleeping, and pooping.
The realization of Kathy's passing is starting to set in. If you are reading this then I have a favor to ask of you. Go find your loved ones and tell them that you love them. Do this every day! You don't truly understand how important someone is until they are gone. Next to God, time with loved ones is the most important thing, always remember that .
Nathan

WubbaNub

2008-04-17T20:02:00.000-07:00

Notice the light blue horse with a green passy attached to it. Micah is gripping it in his right hand. That is the "WubbaNub", and Micah loves to hold it like this. As long as he has the wubanub in his hand and his other passy in mouth, he is a happy little guy. . . And we think it is pretty cute.
Aunt Janet

A few of Micah's biggest fans. . .

2008-04-16T18:36:00.000-07:00

Daddy

Grandma Linda

Granddaddy John

Grandma Robin
Grandpa Randy

Uncle Mark

Aunt Janet

Great-Granddaddy Herrod (Micah's Mommy's Granddaddy)

Great-Grandma Jan

Four generations of Robisons

(Great-Grandpa Skip, Grandpa Randy, Daddy, Micah)

The first ten days

2008-04-14T18:52:00.000-07:00

It is hard to imagine that John Micah Robison (Micah) is already ten days old. It has been a rough ten days.
Day one started off with the birth of Micah and the passing away of his mother and my wife Kathy. She held on to life long enough to have the emergency c-section. She left knowing that I would take care of this wonderful gift.
The next six days were filled with visits to the NICU and funeral arrangements. Micah was blessed to have been born into such a big group of family and friends. From the moment of his birth through this entire ordeal people have done everything in their power to help Micah and myself. He is going to need as much help as possible with a dad like me.
We are now on our 3 day at home. Feeding, changing, burping, and sleeping our way through the day. Kathy's sister and brother in law have been here all the way, making sure Micah and I are OK. A lot of family and friends have come by to check up too.
Micah has started to show a little of his personality. He is a laid back baby, never really fussy, unless it is past feeding time and his daddy isn't quick enough. He likes to get out of being wrapped up in a blanket and is interested in what is going on around him. He is the cutest baby I have seen but I am probably a little biased.

The proud father of Micah (Nathan Robison)