Many years ago, while we were still on Aruba, Dad raised bees.  I was the helper.  We had 14 hives, including one Africanized hive (aka Killer Bees).  Once we left Aruba, bees seemed to have become a thing of the passed.  That was until my brother-in-law brought home a box he rescued from the Memphis post office.  That got Dad back into the hobby and rekindled my interest.  Once my coworker decided he wanted to get into beekeeping, I committed, too.  To make a long story short, today I installed my two hives of bees in the very back of my backyard.  Beekeeping is not only extremely fascinating, it has it’s physical rewards, as well.  Not only will I eventually get an abundant supply of honey, I will also be able to gather pollen to help with my allergies.  I’m really excited about the learning, though.  Bees are incredible creatures.  I’ll tell more over the next few months.  The best part about today is NO STINGS!!!

We’ve made it though one whole week with baby Aaron. Or rather, he has made it through one week with us!  Our close friend (and favorite photographer!), Heather Wamble, spent some quality time with us on Friday and took some really great pictures of our family.  I hope you enjoy!!

We survived the first night at home.  He sleeps well on my chest but not too well at night in his crib.  We think he might have his days and nights mixed up a little.  He sleeps really well during the day!  Aunt Angela finally got him good and riled up when she gave him a sponge bath.  At least now he smells like a little baby!

Day two is almost gone, it’s been a busy day.  We turned in the paperwork for the birth certificate . . . so his name is officially Aaron Anderson Roeder.  A lot of people have stopped in, and many others have called or emailed or left comments on Facebook.  Big sister Adriana is as excited as can be.  Last night she ran around the church building showing off the pictures of her new brother, just as if she got a new puppy!  Even today, she can’t seem to stop saying “Awww” and “He’s so cute!”  She’s going to be a great big sister.  She’s been holding him for the last 20 minutes and is by no means ready to hand him back to Mommy.

Speaking of Mommy, she’s tired.  She’s done phenomenally well through it all.  I just hope she is not overdoing it all.  Ana and Daddy are about go home so that Mommy can have a good night’s rest.  Aaron is going to the nursery for the night, and Mommy gets to be alone for a little while.  We’re all looking forward to the rest.

Thanks for all you prayers and well-wishes.  We are truly blessed to have so many friends and family members who care.!

He’s finally back from the nursery.  He had his bath and got his first shots.  Now he’s in bed with momma, and she’s much happier.

By law I have until the 19th to make a final decision, but tentatively his name is Aaron Anderson Roeder.  He was born this morning at 11:30.  He weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz. and measured 19 1/2 inches, exactly the same as Adriana when she was born!  He and Momma are doing very well.  He’s taking his first bath and Momma is recovering from the good drugs . . . I mean the epidural.  Adriana is still extremely excited, and Daddy is tired . . .  What’s new?

Well, the baby dropped last Friday, and the true contractions have begun. So, it’s only a matter of time before Big “A” makes his grand entrance. The name requests continue. Some think we should name him Alvin after the mischievous chipmunk. One silly old man still thinks we should name him Arthur . . . Sorry, Dad. I’ve narrowed it down to two choices, Avery Anderson or Aaron Anderson. I think I’m going to wait until I see him to make it final. Either way, his initials will be AAR. Hey, that almost sounds like a pirate grunt!!

More to come . . .

With a baby boy on the way, due in less than 3 months, it has become my task to come up with a suitable name.  I have a few ground rules to go by, but otherwise the field is wide open.

Ground Rules:

1. The first name must begin with an “A” to follow the Fiddler tradition.
2. The middle name will be either “Anderson” or a form of “Daihn”.
3. The shortened version (nickname) cannot be “Andy” or “Drew” for personal reasons.
4. Our cat’s name was A.C. (for Autumn’s Cat); therefore, my great-grandfather’s name, Aurthur Charles (“A.C.”) Roeder is not acceptable.
5. Finally, my wife has reserved veto power over my choice.

I’ve looked around and have a couple of names on my list.  The list is neither exhaustive nor conclusive, so let me know what you think.