The active.com pages are not very intuitive :-(  so, here are the instuctions for registering for the Buddy Walk:

1. go to this page
   http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?CHECKSSO=1&RESET=0&EVENT_ID=1461637
2. click on Register now
3. on the next page
   1. Choose join an existing team, 
   2. Check the box that you agree to the waiver 
   3. Check the box that you are over 13
   4. Click continue
4. On the next page:
   1.  select Sydney’s Saints from the list of teams
   2. enter your information (name, address etc)
   3. click continue
5. On the next page:
   1. if you are registering more than one person (family etc.)
      1. click “register someone else”
      2. this will take you back to step one (join an existing team etc etc)
   2. once you have registered all your walkers
      1. enter your payment information
      2. click continue
6. That’s it.  if you have any questions email Randall (randall@randallh.com)

If you want more information about what will happen at the event, entertainment etc… go here: http://www.dsact.com/DSACTbuddywalk.html

We are getting ready for our first Buddy Walk.  We have been amazed and truly blessed by the outpouring from our friends, family and co-workers.  I am continually in awe of the human spirit as I see how generous people are.  Not only with funds, but some of the sweet emails that we have received.  What a gift that a little girl only 10 weeks old can generate such love.  Check out the Buddy Walk, and Thank you to everyone!  If you are reading this, you are one of Sydney’s Saints!  http://www.active.com/donate/buddywalk2007/sydneyh

Jen

Well, Sydney just had her two month appointment this week.  She is now a whopping 12 lbs and is at 75% in height and weight on the regular chart.  The doctor didn’t have the Downs chart handy, which is smaller, so I am not sure where she falls on that chart.  She had four shots and needless to say was NOT happy about it.  Poor thing, I have never heard her cry so loudly.  It was over quickly and Anthony was there to help soothe her with “It’s okay baby Sydney, Buddy is here”.  What a sweet boy!  Afterwards we headed to the mall where it was nice and cool.  Our air conditioner had gone out over the weekend and wouldn’t be fixed until the next day.  While we were at the mall, one of the kid’s photography places grabbed us for a impromptu free portrait of the kids.  Despite a 2 month old with sore thighs from shots and a tired 3 year ols in need of a nap, the free portrait came out great.  It will be posted soon.

Sunday was a joyous day.  Sydney was surrounded by friends and our church family as we welcomed her into the community of Christ.  She has a plethora of godparents; Robert and Nancy Wren, Arthur and Kathy Callaway, Deborah and Bernie Davies, and Kim and Todd Sterling.  With 8 godparents, someone should be on duty at all times.  She is well looked after.  In addition to the many godparents that stood up to help her in her spiritual journey through life, our dearest friends were there as well; Rhonda Fariss, The Peeples family including Bill, Carol, Ryan, Alex, Emma and Carol’s mom, and the Wallace family including Curt, Lori, Liam and Daniel.  What a true blessing to know that we are surrounded by such love.  

Unfortunately due to pure logistics, none of our family could be there, however they were there in spirit.  My grandma gave Sydney her beatiful hand-crocheted gown with matching bonnet and booties.  She was gorgeous!!!  My mother made her an adorable slip to wear underneath and gave Sydney her first little cross necklace.  It is just precious!  The pictures will be posted soon. 

Thank you all for coming and/or sharing your love and prayers on this wonderful day.   During the service, Sydney let out a good holler right as she was getting the water on her head.  She relaxed shortly afterwards in time for Father Bruce to parade her up the aisle to introduce her to her new church family.  One of the most touching moments was the offeratory song #554 in the Hymnal (see words below) which brought tears to Randall and my eyes.  It is a beautiful song that just touched our heart.  The song was written in 1848 by a Shaker Elder and it is truly a sweet song that just seemed to “fit”.

‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free,
’tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
and when we find ourselves in the place just right,
’twill be in the valley of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gained
to bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed,
to turn, turn, will be our delight
till by turning, turning we come round right.

 Proud mama

The UT Football season has officially started today.  Is it coincidence that she had her first smile today as well?!?  Little Miss Sydney slept through her first UT football game this evening, apparently she was not impressed with the spread.  Although she slept, she was still adorable sporting her cute Longhorn onesie.  The pictures will be posted soon.