New arrival: Samuel Milton Marsden

[richard]

I've been dropping hints that this summer will be busy and full of change.
Well the first has happened. Our son, Samuel Milton Marsden was born on 1st July. 6lb 4oz.
Both Samuel and Marcy are doing well. (one reason I was keeping quiet was that this was considered high risk on account of age and a previous loss)

The second thing is that we'll be moving to Wichita Falls in August - Marcy is taking up a new job of Science, Engineering & Math at Midwestern State University.
Wichita Falls has zero model railroad clubs but it does have a museum. I have some thoughts on correcting that. It is also on the old Fort Worth & Denver main line. This is now a busy BNSF route, so no doubt Samuel will grow up liking the BNSF "pumpkins" and/or Santa Fe (the equivalent of GWR in my book - pretty locos that attract lots of people)

[richard]

And we have a second new arrival: "Whitby's Welcome".

Since Christmas, I've been trying my hand at homebrew, and naming the results after our dog (Whitby) - "Whitby Collier", "Whitby's Cry Havoc" and "Whitby's Lawn Digger". "Whitby's Welcome" is my first modified recipe - an English ESB style beer but I've bumped the alcohol a little and substituted East Kent Goldings for both the bittering and aroma hops.
As with Samuel, it is currently a little immature but set to improve with age.

Having a black dog means the label doesn't photograph well, so I've also included the original photo. We were concerned about some jealousy issues, but last night she felt very displaced (probably not helped by 4th July fireworks). Today she is more open to the idea of a new member of the family.

[Autocar Publicity]

Congratulations...

I hope everything continues to go well, on all fronts.

[strang steel]

Yes, congratulations. He looks a nice peaceful soul in those photos, but I hope he is not giving you too many sleepless nights.

[richard]

Only one night at home so far, and that was relatively okay - unlike the night before in the hospital!

He is sleeping quite a bit during the day, and he currently seems to believe photographs require closed eyes or a grumpy face...
He does have nice eyes and is capable of multiple expressions, honest!

[Multiprinter]

Congratulations!

[teaky]

Congratulations Richard.

[giner]

Congratulations, Pops! All the best to all of you.

[Dave]

Congratulations.

[52D]

Theres life in the old dog yet and I don't mean the black one lol

[Mercator II]

Congrats from one new Dad to another (all be it my boy is now 11 month old)

Having my son is the greatest, cheerish every moment, grab the sleep when you can, remember when you had time for modelling or the spare finances to do it!!

I am looking forward to sharing all our great hobby has with him, dragging him to as many shows as I can & as much 12":1' as the misses will let me (NVR over August BH to see Tornado & 2 model shows in September)

But most importantly, enjoy been a family

[richard]

Thanks everyone!

Mercator: Yes it will become a 2+hr drive to any shows for us (at least the big regional one at Oklahoma City is now closer), but we do have the small museum and the BNSF (ex FW&D) mainline coming through plus a shortline. No operating steam - which is a bit of a rarity in the US.

We do have some wooden toys stored away, including the IKEA knock-off of Brio, which could be a good start. and no doubt we'll follow the US tradition of a Lionel train around the Christmas tree. It might be a junky Christmas 4-4-0, but over the years we could always add some stuff he'd recognise like a BNSF pumpkin.
For a bit older, my N gauge test track could easily become a layout - just lower the legs. The track is Kato so we could easily re-configure it and then add some scenery. I also have some ideas about T-track, but that is more in the "trying to get a local club started" department.

[R. pike]

Well done there! Enjoy every moment. My twins are 18 months old now, one boy one girl. I'm not sure which one likes trains the most. With only one seat on my pushbike there has been several small riots here today as i've grabbed the nearest one to go and see the freights. Luckily we've had a goodly number today so i've been able to spread the wealth.

Richard.. (Dad Of 9 and Mrs P has that look in her eye)...

[manna]

G'day Gents

Congratulations to both of you.

manna

[S.A.C. Martin]

Congrats Richard!