Originally Posted by KelliV (Post 1368306)

Jess you read my mind. Babies are cute, they're even more cute when not being rushed to the hospital for injuries sustained while trying to be cuter.

Originally Posted by Jon Stratis (Post 1367189)

Not alumni exactly... but so far two mentors from our team have had kids while on the team! With the first, she was very pregnant during competition (the kid was due right around champs), and we got a ton of "who's the pregnant girl on your team?" questions... very awkward. The second had the baby right before our first competition this year, and brought it to meet the team at our second competition this past weekend. Again, questions of "Who's the girl with the newborn on your team?"... very awkward. But I guess that's what you get when you have two female mentors who both look young enough to be team members!

Originally Posted by BrittaJeanetta (Post 1368377)

I have to say I agree with this. I was 6 months pregnant at the Wisconsin Regional. As we were receiving our Team Spirit Award I overhead one of the judges saying well I sure hope she isn't a student. While everyone who I told this story said, "Well that means you look really young!" I found it quite offensive. Its one thing to wonder, its a completely different thing to make a comment that could be overherd by the person. Yes I understand I look young and that is great! But can you imagine how someone would feel if they were a high schooler and pregnant and they overheard someone saying something like that about them.

I have to say I'm pretty excited to have a FIRST baby. While I won't be super involved this coming year, my husband and I will definately be going to the events and bringing our little one with us. I look forward to another 18 years of FIRST involvement.

Originally Posted by Brandon Ha (Post 1368052)

And as a great MC at certain times of events.:D

Originally Posted by Jim Zondag (Post 1368913)

All of my children have grown up on robots.
My second son was born during the 2003 CMP.
This is the only FRC event I have missed in 17 years.

All 3 of my kids have played active roles as "mini-mascots" for the Killer Bees.
My oldest son is now 12. In a few years, he will be old enough for FRC.

Originally Posted by Dan Richardson (Post 1369070)

I <3 Cute Babies. We need the Cute Baby College Fund for STEM Babies. Or maybe just a "Babies react to robots" video by the Fine Brothers...

/edit link didn't work so I will have to add the photo later...

Originally Posted by Jim Zondag (Post 1368913)

All of my children have grown up on robots.
My second son was born during the 2003 CMP.
This is the only FRC event I have missed in 17 years.

All 3 of my kids have played active roles as "mini-mascots" for the Killer Bees.
My oldest son is now 12. In a few years, he will be old enough for FRC.

Originally Posted by Chadfrom308 (Post 1373348)

That is probably the cutest/coolest picture ever.

C++ and physics books? Too good!:) :D

Originally Posted by esquared (Post 1367185)

Unfortunately FIRST wasn't an option in my high school back in the days of yore, but I'm pretty sure Kim has more than enough FIRST experience for both of us :p

Here are the facts about our fully autonomous mini-bot:

While we overran the build season by more than a few weeks, all our I/O is up and functioning and we're making great progress on control of our manipulators and drivetrain. Still need to improve on feedback to the drivers, and there is a pesky software bug that causes pretty bad control system crashes toward the end of the day. While OPR is low, DPR is through the roof due to routinely tripping the opposing robot's cuteness breakers.

While a rookie team in years, there is serious dedication already behind this robot. Out of the 7 weeks since ship day, the robot has been at 4 regionals or districts already, and still has 2 more to go! How many rookies have you met that are attending 6 weeks of competitions? The team has also asked the judges not to be considered for the Rookie All Star award at each competition, as the team is really a RINO (Rookie In Name Only) and felt that other teams deserve the chance to compete for RAS at Champs this year. GP is alive and well in the next generation of FIRSTers!

During alliance selections, this robot is a solid 2nd round pick that will compliment any offensive pair! Keep an eye out for this team during the New England Pine Tree District and NE District Championships this year and let's bring home a banner!

On the downside, after every few matches we let the "magic smoke" out. Believe me, a toasted Victor is both faster to replace AND smells better :rolleyes:

PS Thanks to Brett Brimhall from FIRST Team 20 The Rocketeers for this awesome photo!

Originally Posted by Chadfrom308 (Post 1373348)

That is probably the cutest/coolest picture ever.

C++ and physics books? Too good!:) :D