On Memorial Day

On a day when the nation stops to remember the cost of freedom...I remember an old friend and the sacrifice he made for our country. 

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Frederick News-Post on January 29, 2007:

'A fine young man' News of Robert Seidel's death hit hard for those who knew him well, while words of praise came easily for a person so widely respected Published on May 20, 2006 By Geoffrey D. Brown News-Post Staff EMMITSBURG -- "My words can't describe him," said Catoctin High School football coach Doug Williams. Robert Seidel III, class of 2000, had it all. "He could do anything in the future. If he was still alive, Lord knows what he would have been able to do," Mr. Williams said. "He sounds like he's make believe, but I'm telling you, he's that kind of guy." U.S. Army 1st Lt. Robert Seidel III was killed Thursday in Iraq when a Humvee he was in hit an improvised explosive device. The family learned of his death that day. The U.S. Department of Defense had not released any further information about Lt. Seidel's death Friday; a spokesman at Fort Drum, N.Y., said he could not provide details. Lt. Seidel was a rifle platoon leader with the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, N.Y. Lt. Seidel was one of two 2000 Catoctin High School graduates, close friends, to be selected for the nation's elite armed forces academies. Lt. Seidel graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 2004, and Ensign Ryan Rippeon graduated the same year from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. Ensign Rippeon's mother, Victoria Rippeon of Lewistown, said that in middle school, Lt. Seidel and her son won writing contests from the Thurmont American Legion, both with essays about patriotism and the flag. She and her husband and Lt. Seidel's family worked concession stands for four years while the boys played football. Once they reached college, the boys regularly got together for the Army-Navy football game. "It's just a devastating loss," Ms. Rippeon said. "He was just an outstanding person. I hope through all this, through such a loss, that some good will come out of our sons and daughters being over there. I really hope they're making a difference, because they're everything to us." She said she e-mailed Ensign Rippeon, whom she believes is on a destroyer, but she hasn't heard and doesn't know if her son knows about his friend's death. "I think at this point all we have to say is that we think it's a sad thing. We're going to miss him a lot," said Lt. Seidel's grandfather, Robert Seidel Sr. of Emmitsburg, as he struggled to speak. Lt. Seidel's parents, Robert Seidel Jr. and Sandy Seidel, live in Gettysburg. Gov. Thomas Johnson High School principal Marlene A. Tarr, who had been Lt. Seidel's principal at Catoctin, remembered someone who did everything right. "He was an outstanding kid. Good student, great athlete, great sense of humor, great family. He was a fine young man," she said. Ms. Rippeon, who teaches art at Thurmont Elementary School, said Lt. Seidel was extremely intelligent and that he attracted people naturally with his wit and charm. Lt. Seidel played four years of football at Catoctin High and was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Mr. Williams said. He would play any position, willing to sacrifice personal glory for the good of the team. His sense of humor also set him apart, Mr. Williams said. "He was the funniest daggone kid. He had a dry sense of humor," Mr. Williams said. "He'd say something, and it'd take you five minutes to get it. He'd bring a smile to your face." Mary DeMarco always kidded Lt. Seidel's uncle, Richard Seidel, on his regular early morning stop at Market Bagel and Deli in Frederick. "We always teased him to bring in his nephew, because he was so good looking," Ms. DeMarco, the deli's manager, said Friday. "We said when he comes home you have to bring him in here." As a favor to her loyal customer, she'd hung the young soldier's picture on the wall. Richard Seidel didn't go to the deli Friday. He was with his family at his father's home in Emmitsburg, waiting for his brother and sister-in-law, who had just received a visit from a military officer about their son. Catoctin High math teacher Carol Forman taught Lt. Seidel honors geometry and calculus. She didn't know about her former student's death until she walked into school; the news was a shock. "He always liked to make you laugh," she said. Kelly Ann Hinchcliffe of Durham, N.C., who graduated from Catoctin High the same year as Lt. Seidel, said when she learned of her classmate's death, the first thing she remembered was his great sense of humor. "I cried when I read his story. I feel so sorry for his family," she said. "When I saw his name, I immediately remembered him and could picture his face." Lt. Seidel last spoke with his mother and father on Mother's Day.

Beach trip 2012

We took our first trip to the beach as a family of three.  Needless to say- it was a very different experience than previous trips. The days of sitting on the beach all day, or spending 14 hours fishing are long gone (for a while). But- I'm looking forward to all the new memories we'll make as a family.

We headed out of town Friday afternoon. Wyatt was in desperate need of a nap and was SO fussy while Daddy and I were trying to pack up the car. We hit the road and he almost instantly fell asleep. But- for some reason- Wyatt doesn't sleep for long intervals in the car and was awake after about 45 minutes. And angry. We stopped to fill up both gas tanks (Baby and car) and hit the road again. After 20 minutes of crying he finally went back to sleep for a few minutes. He was pretty happy so we decided to grab groceries for the week and a quick bite to eat at our favorite seafood place: Snoopy's. We've determined long car rides are not Wyatt's forte.

I enjoyed going just the three of us.. it was easier to keep Wyatt in somewhat of a routine. His long nap in the afternoon is so key to his happy disposition. If he skips it or it's cut short = ANGRY baby for the rest of the day/evening.  We are so thankful for such a generous church family that make trips like this possible. But- after a few days- I was getting a little bored ...as was Byron. It was GREAT being on vacation but beach/pool time is more fun with a friend to chat with and fishing is more fun with a buddy to share stories with. But- for our first trip together as a family- this was perfect. We didn't pack too much baby stuff- since Wyatt is very entertained just being outdoors. Turns out we couldve packed even less because he loved playing "under" the furniture instead of with his toys.  

Saturday morning we finally got to the beach around 10:30. We were slow this first day and Byron ended up heading down before me- he was so eager to start fishing. I had to get on him a little to help me set up the canopy tent. He was so distracted by the fishing to be done. We came to a compromise where Daddy hung out with us in the morning- helped us to the beach etc. and went fishing in the afternoon evening. It worked out beautifully. Each day we got faster and faster at getting ready for the beach and usually got there around 8:30. We'd head up to the condo around 11:30 in time for lunch and before the prime heat of the day. 

Wyatt played in the sand and at about a pound of it the first day. he liked sitting in the tide water, eating sand and playing with the still water. He did not like the waves. I think they were just too surprising for him, a little cold and loud. He LOVED the pool however, and spent the afternoon jumping and splashing with Mommy while Daddy went off to fish. We also discovered a new favorite toy. He loves to swing. We spent an hour each day just swinging. When his head started to bob- I knew it was time to pack up, dunk him in the tub, and head to bed for a nice long nap. Naps after a long day on the beach and a fresh shower is one of my favorite things. I hope it will be for Wyatt too! 

Sunday was my first Mother's day. Byron kept asking what I wanted for it all week. Breakfast in bed? Shopping along? But honestly- I just wanted time with both my  boys. Yes Wyatt is a lot of work, but he's also the biggest blessing.  Byron stayed with us all day on the beach and took us to lunch at another favorite spot. We stopped off to catch some bait together. (well wyatt and I watched while Byron entertained us with his casting). I gave him the "blessing" to  head out and fish that evening since he'd been so wonderful to me all day.

Byron didn't have much luck the first two days, but started catching different things as the week went on. We had a fish fry the last night there with the fresh catches of the week. We cooked up the rest once we got home on Saturday with a bunch of friends and neighbors.

This kid doesn't miss too many meals...check out those rolls.

And now...back to work, routines and getting ready for summer school. Sigh. 

Mommy is so funny

Wyatt had his four month well visit today. Shots were last week. We go to the University Clinic to get his shots because they are free there. But- we like our pediatrician and the service at the office- so we pay out of network. It's worth it. And the more people I talk to (other resident wives, previous residents with kiddos, residents in other departments), we all feel better about taking our kids out of network and paying the hefty fees. I could write an entire post about the injustice of the insurance provider for those poor residents but I won't. This post is for Wyatt:)

 4 month Stats:

weight: 17 lbs 5 oz- 95%
Height: 26 "- 60%
head: ? I can't remember and I forgot to get a print out of his stats. But it was 56% is all I remember.

So there- his head isn't as big as it seems! He still doesn't have much hair but Byron keeps telling him not to get used to it. He is his father's son after all! But maybe he got my genes? He did get my chinese eyes- much to my delight!

He is a smiley baby and Dr. Benbow commented on how smiley he was for his age. As proof of how happy he is.....

He is now into "Peek a Boo" and loves to be right in everyone's face. He also loves to have the clothes  thrown on him. I lay him on the bed and toss warm clothes on him. He wiggles till he uncovers his face and laughs when he sees us looking at him. So cute. One of my favorite things he does now- is pat my face when I rock him before bed. He holds up his hand and looks right at me- with passy in his mouth and coos a little. I love it. He falls asleep sometimes with his hand resting on my face. Byron thinks its gross "No telling where that hand has been" he says. But I don't care. I love it and I hope to remember that sweetness forever.

We are headed to the beach this week for our first "Family trip". I told Byron he can't just go off and leave me for 15 hours at time:) The man loves to fish- what can I say? Pop Yocum and Loli bought Wyatt a little cabana so hopefully Wyatt won't roast out on the beach. Even so- Just like Byron's all day fishing adventures are a (temperary) thing of the past, so are my days of sitting on the beach with a book for 15 hours. I just don't think a 4 month old can handle that much sun- cabana or no. It's ok. He's worth it.

Fun on the porch

Family Trip Part 2

Charlie finally came home on Wednesday to join in the grandbaby fun. Wyatt just ate up all the attention. He spent the majority of the rest of the week outdoors with Momma or Poppa B, riding in the mule, going for walks, or hanging out by the lake. The weather was simply beautiful! In fact- he spent so much time outdoors- he developed a little runny nose likely from allergies. Byron got to spend a lot of time in the woods hunting turkey. It's amazing how he bounds out of bed at 5:30 when it's time to get his spot staked out- but when it's time for work- his alarm goes off about 20 times before he actually gets up! Momma and Poppa B kept Wyatt for a whole afternoon for us while Byron and I went out to lunch and a movie. It felt so great to get out and do something together. Kinda made us feel young again. And it's such an amazing feeling to not worry at all that your kid is in capable hands. I mean- who can top the love of a grandparent? We saw the Hunger games. I liked it- but as always...the book is better. But honestly- who cares what we saw? It was just nice to get out. We had a little party for Byron's birthday on Saturday with a bunch of our friends. Dr. Kuhn and Ms. Sue stopped by to meet Wyatt as well.

By Saturday night- Wyatt was about through with our little family trip. He was awake every 1.5 hrs SCREAMING. It was a rough night for both of us. He hadn't napped and was just plain old TIRED- but just couldn't sooth himself back to sleep. So- by the end of that night- I was ready to go home too. It was good that I had Byron with me on the plane because it was a real wrestling match with Wyatt. He was just so out of synch. The first night back- he did infinitely better in his crib. It took about 3 nights to get fully back to normal- but he started napping better the very first day home. His runny nose didn't help matters- it made it very difficult for him to eat (he couldn't breath while eating). But I'm happy to say - he's back to sleeping (mostly) through the night. I started a new thing with him - where I "dream feed" him one more time before I go to bed around 11PM. Then- he can make it till 7 or 8 AM. I'm liking this new strategy! Thanks Katie for the advice!

Its called a "Family Trip" Part 1

I've come to a new conclusion. Vacations are a thing of the past for the next big chunk of time. From now on- said "vacations" will now be called "family trips". Vacations do not exist with infants. Not for the Mommy anyway. We traveled to North Carolina for a vacation at my in laws. It was WONDERFUL! I am so blessed to have such amazing in-laws. Lesa is the ultimate host and is had everything set up for us. Baby beds, diapers stations, toys, you name it. We always love going home. This time, the traveling part was easier since Byron was with me. Wyatt did excellent on the plane ride out. Both he and Daddy slept pretty much the whole time. It was so nice to have an extra set of hands. It is unbelievable the amount of stuffyou have to haul around with an infant. I dread the day when we have to travel to a non - grandparent house. Yikes. We arrived on Saturday and our friends from San ANtonio met us at the Branches. We spent the day unpacking, visiting, and getting the kids settled in. Johnny and Genevieve came out for a few days with us (you all know we can't go on vacation alone!), along with their son Grey. Grey and Wyatt are almost exactly 3 months apart in age, and they live right behind us. They are sure to be best buddies when they're a little older!

Sunday was church of course- and it was wonderful to be back with our Southfork family. Wyatt did amazing with all the attention. Sometimes- he melts down with too much chaos. We ate a quiet lunch back at home and stayed up late playing dominos and catching up. Wyatt got to meet his Aunt Courtney and Aunt Leslie and "cousin" Cavi for the first time too! He especially loved all the attention and musical soundtrack for all his activities! I'm not sure cousin Cavi was as excited to meet Wyatt.

Aunt Courtney was home for a few days too which was a real treat. She is so good with Wyatt and we loved talking about future plans and post college opportunities with her. It brought back memories of the uncertainty post college- when the world is your oyster. Though the opportunities are endless- it is hard to determine which path is the 'right one'. We took a trip into Old Salem with Johnny and Genevieve and took them to a favorite haunt: Little Richards BBQ for lunch. I simply love the laid back, small town, friendly and personal demeanor of the place. Perfect strangers wanted to see our babies and know all about them. It made me miss being in a smaller town. San Antonio is wonderful and we are happy here- but both Byron and I grew up in much smaller towns. I look forward to the day when we can at least move out of the city! Tuesday evening, a few friends and their families came over for some fishing and dinner. We had a little "Rain Party" out on the porch with spaghetti. The kids hunted for pine cones while the parents spent the night laughing out loud at the hilarious happenings of having kids. From strategies for avoiding nasty diapers to nursing on a plane and from pump accessories to messy eaters- we spent the night laughing at our own plight.I'm sure the stories will only get better with time and more kids. It felt so good to laugh so hard.