Here's to 2009!

In the last month of 2008, Andrew and I suffered the loss of both of our grandmothers - neither of which ever got to meet our son. Ironically, Asa James was named after both our grandmothers' families. We are so sure that Asa James came to us so that we could feel comforted by the passing of our Nana and Granny. Their legacy and love lives on through Asa. In life, death is certain. And now we know, in death, life is resurrected.

Here's to 2009 - the first full year of Asa's life, his first step, his first word, his first kiss, and many more firsts. We know Nana and Granny will not miss a thing as they would here on earth. They will now get to watch it all.

Nana, we'll miss you!

Once again, the Zbeeb family mourns the loss of an incredible woman. Yesterday morning, Andrew's grandmother, 'Nana', passed away. She was such a vibrant soul and had a passion for living. Andrew remembers her saying, "no matter how old I am, living is still sweet." Nana was also 'Big Nana' to Asa and she simply loved her great grandchild. In his short 9+ weeks on this earth, she sent him many gifts and well wishes. We are happy to have passed on her husband's family name 'Asa' to our son - we know that brought her great joy.

Nana, we'll miss you dearly. For the obituary, click here.

Alex's Baby Shower

Alex's shower yesterday was a success - she is now ready to bathe her baby at least 3 times a day! :-) Alex got a lot of towels, shampoo, and lotion (even a travel tub) - but more importantly, we all had a lot of fun! For more pics of the shower, click here.

Christmas Day with the Clarkson's

What a big day for us - Asa's first Christmas. We started out with Aunt Margaret's famous Christmas brunch (this year hosted at Ann's house), then we went on to Nana's for presents and good cheer. Tomorrow night - it's back to Nana's house for Christmas dinner (one day late, but not a dollar short - we can't wait!).

Christmas Eve with the Zbeeb's (well, the Jones')

When we got married, Andrew and I started a tradition of spending Christmas Eve with his family and then Christmas Day with mine. We had a great lunch at Murphy's and then Asa got spoiled with gifts for his first Christmas... he got his first DRUM set - can't you see his excitement?!

Asa loves hanging out with Auntie Alex and Uncle Reese.

Waiting for Santa

On Asa's first Christmas Eve, he waits patiently for Santa!

Then, he gets a little impatient...

And he starts trying to see if Santa is coming down the chimney...

Finally, he decides Santa only comes to see SLEEPING babies.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
(and thanks to Ya-Ya for our Christmas Eve outfit!)

BIG BOY Update

Today, Asa turns 8-weeks-old and yesterday was his 2-month check-up at the pediatrician. He is now 1 ounce shy of being a whopping 12 pounds and he has also grown 3 and 3/4 inches since birth (putting him at 23 3/4 in.)!

Unfortunately, he had to endure his first round of vaccinations. It was very traumatic (for both Asa and his Mom)! But today, he is a big boy and gets his first turn in the swing that the Drury's gave to him. He seems to LOVE it and the memory of those horrible shots from yesterday are long gone!

The Reason for the Season

Asa made his acting debut today at Providence Christian Academy. Asa was invited to be the baby Jesus this year and his Mom stood in as Mary. We had a great time - thanks to Sloane and Payton for having us at their Christmas Chapel. We were certainly reminded how good God has been to us.



After two Christmas shows, this baby Jesus was done. A cat nap back stage was in order.

Granny, I'll miss you!

It is with a heavy heart that I post this. Yesterday, my Grandmother, Hazel Dickerson ("Granny") passed away. I loved my Granny very much and this news has broken my heart. She wanted so badly to meet Asa and I just knew I was going to get up to Lexington sometime in the Spring to see her. Now, I know, she can see him clearly and loves it when he smiles.

I will miss my grandmother dearly. She had the most remarkable spirit and everyone around her fell in love with her. I am so glad to know that my son carries on her father's name, James. I will think of her often as I watch him grow up - and I will know she is watching, too.

The following are the details on the arrangements for the services.

The viewing will be held on Sunday, 12/14, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at:
Milward - Southland
391 Southland Drive
Lexington, KY 40503

The funeral will be held on Monday, 12/15, at 11:30 a.m. at:
Milward - Southland
391 Southland Drive
Lexington, KY 40503

Followed by the burial at:
Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery
2089 Versailles Rd
Lexington, KY 40504

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of the Bluegrass or Immanuel Baptist Church (3100 Tates Creek Road, Lexington, KY 40502).

Click here to see the obituary.

Still counting down 'til the first family Christmas

Asa put on his Christmas pj's from Nana -
hoping Santa would come early.

Extended family

After a couple weeks with Ya-Ya, we all went to Andrea's new place in Atlanta for a nice dinner before she was off to Boston. Asa met his 'cousins by marriage' (Stephanie's gorgeous girls) and flirted the night away. Can't wait for Ya-Ya to come back in January, when Asa will meet his first cousin, baby Jones!

Christmas Countdown begins...

Santa came early to our house this year... Asa got to sit on his lap! Just kidding - it's Jiddo, if you couldn't tell. The official countdown to Christmas has begun!