Watching Beanie Grow

Not a resolution

2009-01-01T08:39:00.003-05:00

Just an opportunity to express my appreciation for everything that happened in 2008. And I do mean everything. To be human is to feel the entire range of emotions...and boy did last year run the gamut. I certainly don't feel short-changed in the life lessons category. But would I trade it for the dormancy of a life void of anything other than happiness? Not a chance.

Any parent knows just how much power their childs holds over their range of emotions. In the blink of an eye moving from a helpless creature, full of admiration, to a thoughtless little heart breaker. Yep...parenting a preschooler is kind of like being back in your most immature high school relationship capable of delivering the highest highs and the lowest lows.

The holidays have been amazing. A time to rest, relflect and be thankful. I feel mended...and I'm not sure I even knew I was broken. I guess that's what happens when life lives you instead of the other way around.

Here's to 2009...whatever it may bring.

Balance

2008-09-10T21:25:00.004-04:00

Whomever coined the term "work-life balance" must have seen the world through different eyes. A quick check of Webster's returns the following definition: balance - stability produced by even distribution of weight on each side of the vertical axis. Now, this gives the impression that both "work" and "life" are given equal weighting that allows neither one to overpower the other. Not exactly the way things work for most of us 30-somethings in the professional world.

Interestingly, a second look at the Webster's listing produces the following: balance - a means of judging or deciding. Much more appropriate, I think.

For me, it's not so much about work-life balance as it is about making choices. And in making those choices somehow finding an equilibrium. The very use of the term "choice" indicates that one thing take precedence over the other, therefore creating an imbalance between the two. I've come to learn that as long as I make choices I can live with beyond today, the balance resides not in the amount of time that I'm spending on either one, but rather in my heart.

Great Expectations

2008-08-27T14:53:00.004-04:00

This weekend (and not for the first time) it occurred to me just how hard life must be for a toddler. Not only are they trying to to figure out the world, but they also have to deal with constant direction and helpful "suggestions" from just about every adult who comes in contact with them. A simple task...take walking down the street for instance...becomes a car fully orchestrated sequence of events during which the toddler is told how fast to walk ("hurry it up, please"); when to stop and start ("Look both ways before you cross. All clear? Okay, let's go); even what they can and cannot touch ("no! the garbage can is dirty!"). You get my drift.

Now, take that simple task and multiply it by a thousand and you've got last weekend for us. We traveled to Chicago for the much anticipated (and well worth the wait) wedding of hubby's step-sister and her fantastic finance -two of the kindest, most endearing people I know. We were lucky enough to be invited to all of the fun activities that typically surround an out-of-town wedding. It was basically one celebratory event after another from the moment our plane landed -from the bridal luncheon, to the rehearsal dinner, brunch and the reception. Great for adults...not so much fun for the little man. Add on top of that, five days in a city hotel room and you're asking for trouble.

Needless to say, by day number two, with not a nap in sight and no chance at keeping a regular schedule, we were already seeing signs of a meltdown. After a particularly difficult afternoon of trying to get the bean to "rest" for a while, it occur rs to me that my relationship with my beloved son rivals that of a tormented high school romance. A constant roller coaster of emotions that can only be described as exhausting. And I'm the adult in the relationship! I can't begin to imagine what it must feel like on his end.

So, a gentle reminder all the parents out there (and this goes for my many friends who are still basking in the glow of their newborns' smiles and can't possibly imagine their precious angels doing anything wrong)...not every action needs a reaction and sometimes silence is a great form of encouragement.

The pace of life

2008-07-23T09:05:00.002-04:00

Ever heard the phrase "herding cats?" For cat owners out there it probably conjures up a pretty strong visual. I know I giggle when I picture the many times I've tried to "herd" Hudson or Maggie around the house. It's like they have reverse radar!

Guess what...same goes for toddlers.

I'm known for being a fairly fast-paced individual. Some might call it Type A. I prefer to think of it as productive. Maybe it's nervous energy...who knows. Needless to say, having a baby made me really evaluate my patience level. In some ways it causes you to slam on the brakes. On the other hand, you learn to multi-task like never before.

It's amazing to me how I can spend every single waking minute of the day doing "stuff." Ryan, on the other hand, can spend five minutes studying a crack in the sidewalk. Nevermind climbing the stairs or getting dressed in the morning. Despite having read many times that as a parent I should foster my child's imagination by letting him 'discover' life at his own pace, I still find myself telling Ryan we need to, "hurry it up, buddy" with such a level of frequency that I wonder if I'm setting him up to have the same inability to enjoy the slower pace of life that I suffer from.

These days we're struggling a bit with listening (or, rather, not listening), but deep down I know I won't be entirely upset if my 'hurry ups' go unanswered. The little man has plenty of years ahead where things will move at lightning speed.

Homecoming

2008-07-17T21:20:00.005-04:00

Those of you who know me know I travel...a lot. Unfortuantely it also happens to come in waves. Sometimes I'll go an entire blissful month of interrupted days and nights with my two favorite men just to be hit with three trips in as many weeks. Such is the cycle I'm in now.

As Ryan has gotten older life on the road has actually gotten a bit easier. Now, I can talk to him, ask him about his day, and most importantly, tell him when I'm coming home. Of course it also helps that I've heard from a million people (doctors included) that children really have no concept of time at this age. And if that weren't enough, he also has an amazing daddy who keeps him happy and healthy while I'm gone. So, while I am painfully aware of every day that passes without him, I know that he is really none the wiser.

Of course, the best part about leaving (as thought there really are any) is coming home. This, too, has gotten better with time. Now, I'm greeted at the door with excitement and quickly whisked into the house only to be regaled with all of the new and amazing things that have happened in my absence. Sure, the stories are sometimes a bit tough to follow, but you just can't beat the unfiltered, sometimes brutally honest, storytelling of a toddler.

Now, don't get me wrong...there's also the flip side. Take this past week's homecoming for instance. When I arrived our little man was next door playing with his buddy so I came in to drop my stuff before heading out to say hello. While inside, I heard our nanny tell Ryan there was a "surprise" waiting for him inside. Well, you can imagine the excitement as Ryan was surely expecting a new "car" or something equally as thrilling. So, in he came with a curious look on his face. After glancing around the room a few times without so much as a nod in my direction he turned to me with a deadpan look and said, "where's my surprise?" I could only laugh at his little crestfallen face as he tried to register my explanation that I was, in fact, the surprise.

Sure, I could have taken offense, but who can blame him? Mommy's no comparison to a new toy!

Snuggle

2008-07-08T20:29:00.003-04:00

Seems like a fairly innocent word, right? Now try it repeated incessantly and in a slightly manic tone. Congratulations...you've just gotten a glimpse into bedtime at the Jenest house.

When Ryan was a baby we were adamant that he learn to "self-soothe." We had read and heard enough horror stories about preschoolers invading the marital bed, thus squashing any chance of romance between two already exhausted parents. Besides, selfishly or not, we enjoy our sleep and prefer not getting kicked/poked/smacked, etc. in the middle of the night. At least not anymore than we already do to one another. So, we diligently followed the rules to establishing a good sleep pattern for our little man. Sure it took some willpower to not "snuggle" our bean to sleep every night, but we knew it would pay off in the long run. At least, we hoped.

Fast forward a couple of years, insert a big boy bed and a (not so scary) thunderstorm several weeks ago and suddenly we have a recipe for disaster. Gone are the days of shutting off the light, listening to a few songs on the ipod and kissing our little man goodnight. Instead, we have to "snuggle" or, in my case, squeeze my adult size bottom into a child size rocking chair in the corner of his room and work on my computer by electric candle light. Sad, huh? But a last resort after a few missed deadlines while hubby was traveling overseas.

Unfortunately, this stop gap activity has quickly turned into a nightly ritual. Each night, without fail, when the last story is read and the light goes out, my darling son looks at me with wide eyes and asks, "Will you snuggle?" Which is quickly followed up with, "Or do your work in the little rocking chair?" Ahhhh...just the words every mother longs to hear.

When I think some of the seemingly unbearable, and at the same time, highly entertaining, phases we've been through in the past couple of years (anyone remember the pterodactyl?) I know it's only a matter of time before we move on from this one. If not, I guess we can always upgrade to a California King :-)

A new leaf

2008-07-07T21:38:00.006-04:00

Vacation seems to have this profound effect on me. The first day or two always feels a bit awkward. Like I'm not quite sure what to do with myself when not tethered to my computer. It's a strange combination of irrational fear that someone at work may discover that I am, in fact, dispensable, mixed with the sensation that I may actually be experiencing life as it should be...without the constant ping of emails and ring of cell phones.

This vacation was no different. In fact, the clarity of past week has caused me to be so bold as to NOT be working at 9:30 at night, but rather to be doing something I truly enjoy...recording the sweet memories of the past few days here...lest I forget this feeling and revert back to my old ways!

Thus, begins a new chapter in my somewhat irratic blogging life. This time, I know better than to make any promises, but I'm happy to be back on the wagon...for the time being, at least. And since our little man now has the vocabulary of a five year-old, it seems a bit silly to write from his perspective. Trust me, he leaves nothing to the imagination! Instead, I hope to simply to capture a few snapshots of our life as a family of three. So, check back often; and as one great friend did recently (thanks Ang), feel free to give me a kick if you see me slipping back into old habits.

A charmed life

2007-10-23T12:34:00.000-04:00

I know I talk a lot about what a lucky boy I am, but really, you have no idea! Even when things don't turn out as planned, which is par for the course in a toodler's life, there are still so many things to be thankful for. Like this past weekend. Mommy and Daddy had been planning for weeks to celebrate my birthday with a big party. All my friends were invited, and Grandma Vera flew in from Texas, plus Meme and Pop were coming too.

Boy were they surprised when I came down with a stomach bug the very day before the party! But everyone took it in stride (including yours truly) and we ended up having a little family celebration instead. We even sang happy birthday (twice!) and I got to blow out a candle on the yummy cupcakes that mommy made. All of this, plus a ton of fun presents made for a pretty great day.

But it gets even better. This Saturday, I get to do it all again with my friends! We're having everyone over for a Halloween dress up party and I'm going to be a cowboy. My friend Garrett sent me his costume (and the best birthday gift ever, but more on that later) and it comes with chaps and a vest with a real sherrif's badge, plus a cowboy hat and boots! The boots are a little big, but that just helps with my cowboy strut.

Check back for pictures of the big day...

meme house

2007-07-12T21:20:00.000-04:00

I’m fresh off a weekend at meme and pop’s house and boy do I have a lot to share! Mommy had been talking all week about going to meme and pop’s and I was starting to wonder if it was ever going to happen. Then finally, on Friday, we set out for our weekend in the country.

After sitting in the car for almost three hours I was raring to go when we got there. Luckily meme was ready for me when we walked in the door. All the fun toys I usually play with were waiting…plus a few of new ones! So I got to burn off some steam while the adults toasted the official start of the weekend. I even got to “clink” with them, which I love to do.

Soon we were off to dinner and my favorite…pizza! Then we walked around and listened to music on the streets and went into the shops. It was fun, but I was pretty tuckered out by then. I’m a bit of a night-owl, but with all that excitement I was looking forward to snuggling up with giraffe and getting a few winks.

The next morning, much to mommy and daddy’s chagrin, I woke up bright and early. We had a jam packed day and I didn’t want to miss a thing. Mommy and Pop took me for a walk in the morning, but all I wasn’t so into it. From the minute we walked out the door all I wanted was to go back to meme’s house and play. I mean really, who wants to be strapped into a stroller when there are so many fun toys to play with…plus meme’s undivided attention! Can you blame me?

In the afternoon we all went to my friend Kaylin’s birthday party. I had the best time –pushing her baby “goller” and helping open presents. There was even a wading pool. But the best part was the food! I got to eat pizza, and cake, and some of mommy’s burger. And then Mr. Joe gave me a hot dog right off the grill. It was so yummy! But I guess mommy though I’d had enough ‘cause she swooped it up before I had a chance to finish. Oh well, at least I got a couple of bites.

Now you know why I love visiting meme and pop so much! I can’t wait for our next trip.

Happy July!

2007-07-04T20:32:00.000-04:00

This is a big week for celebrations given my half-and-half heritage. First, it was Canada Day on July 1st and then today, we celebrated Independence Day. There have been fireworks practically every night for the past week, but the excitement doesn't usually start until way past my bedtime so I haven't actually seen any. Mommy's not sure I'd liked them anyway so I don't feel like I'm missing too much. Besides, with all the fun I had today who needs fireworks?!

Mommy and daddy's friends Mora and Simon came to visit from the big city. I always look forward to their visits because they're super nice and pay lots of attention to me! Before we went to pick them up from the train, mommy and I went for a walk to the park. We met some new friends -some big people and a little girl just my age! It was great. Then, we went to pick up Mora and Simon and headed for the beach. If you've been paying any attention you know just

how much I love the beach. Even on a day like today when it was pretty cloudy. The weather did little to dampen our spirits...we still had a blast. I just love puttering around the sane, picking up sea shells and wading in the water.

Eventually, we had to leave the beach to get home for my nap. While I got some shut-eye, the adults enjoyed a bbq with burgers, roasted corn and all the yummy summertime food that comes with the holiday. I was sorry to miss out, but I tend to do okay in the food department.

When I woke up I was happy to see that Mora and Simon were still there which meant more time to play! We were going to walk them back to the train, but the rain came so mommy took them in the car instead.

What a great day. Hope you had a "Happy July" too!

I love summer!

2007-06-27T21:49:00.001-04:00

The past two weekends have been filled with more adventure than a little boy can ask for. Last weekend, I went to my second baseball game. Funny -it was exactly one year after I went to my first baseball game. You see, it’s becoming a bit of a tradition for me and daddy and pop to go see the Phillies on Father’s Day. That is, if you can call two years in a row a tradition. Whatever the case, I hope we do it for lots of years to come because it’s so much fun! Mommy and meme came too, but they mostly ate and talked and ate some more. Not like me…I got to see the Phanatic, and get my picture taken, and play in the fun zone! It was quite the day.

This past weekend, mommy and daddy took me to the Bronx Zoo. A couple of days before, mommy started telling me all about the zoo and the animals I would see, so I could barely contain my excitement when the big day finally arrived. At first I wasn’t sure what to do…I saw a couple of sea lions swimming around and some monkeys, but they were behind glass. But then, we went to the children’s zoo where I got to pet all sorts of animals, like goats, and sheep, and lamas! Okay, so I had a big of an issue before we went in because the animal man wouldn’t let me take my snack so mommy and daddy tried to tell me we could finish later. BIG mistake! Anyone who knows me knows that I’m pretty serious about my food. We got about ten feet in before mommy finally smartened up and took me back outside so I could finish. Disaster diverted.

Then, on Sunday after church, we went to the beach, which is one of my favorite things to do. Daddy bought me these cool trucks for the sand and I have a pail and shovel and a sifter for seashells. In fact, I have an entire plastic tub filled with stuff just for the beach. This time, we went at low tide which was really cool because there were all sorts of little rivers and puddles to play in. I’m not exactly a fan of the cold ocean water so the little pools were perfect for me. And there were lots of other kids there so I was entertained the entire time! Not even lunch could tear me away from playing. See earlier comment about food to understand how big a deal that is!

Two perfect weekends in a row -how can anyone not love summer?

Memorial Day

2007-05-31T12:38:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was the absolute best! I don't even know where to begin. Mommy took Friday off so she could spend time with me and Daddy, which meant that we had four uninterrupted days of pure fun. Meme and Pop came from their house in the country to spend time with me. I just love when they come to town because we get to do all my favorite things. We went to the park, and out to lunch, and played at the beach. But my most favorite thing was when Pop played his "titar" for me! I love listening to him play, but I get even more excited when he lets me pluck the strings! I think I'm a natural. I must get it from Daddy.

Now that it's summer, I think we'll be spending a lot more time at the beach. We've already gone twice...and that's two more times than last year! The first outing I was a little confused by the whole sand thing. It felt scratchy on my feet and it was really hard to walk. But I think I'm getting the hang of it. I can't wait to go back!

Whew!

2007-05-21T12:33:00.000-04:00

Okay...we're officially turning over a new leaf. At least, if I have anything to say about it. Life is happening way too fast to let months go by without letting you know all the exciting new things I've learned. And mom promises to help me capture the fun as it's happening...or at least within the same season :)

I can't think of a better way to get back in the groove then by telling you of the fun I've had with my grandparent's over the past few weeks. I'm SO luck to have five grandparents who love me and who come to visit as much as possible. First, it was papa Ed and nana Vicki for a couple of days at the beginning of the month. They got to spend a "day in the life of" which was really fun for me, but probably a little exhausting for them. We played outside and went to the park, which is my most favorite thing to do!

The next weekend Grandma Vera came to visit! We had so much fun playing with TT (that's Teresa for the adults) and we had a picnic in the park with mommy and daddy. I spent a lot of time exploring a little bridge that ran over a pond. I just loved looking at the water and the fishies. Maybe a little too much since I had a bit of a tough time pulling myself away when we had to leave. But who can blame me? Would you want to leave the great outdoors for a stuffy car and a nap?

At least I got to go back outside the next day when we went into the big city to meet meme and pop for Mother's Day. I was such a good boy during brunch at the big people's restaurant. We went to the playground first so I could burn off some energy after sitting in the car for an hour. I had so much fun playing on the slide and even climbing the stairs by myself!

These days, I'm talking up a storm. Mostly using single words with a couple of two-three word phrases thrown in. Of course, the conversations I have with my toys and stuffed animals are MUCH more advanced! Now, if I could only get mommy and daddy to speak their language. But at least they understand the important stuff, like "hold tight," which gets me a big hug every time.

Christmas Part Two

2007-03-15T09:36:00.000-04:00

For those of you (like miss angie) who have been anxiously awaiting my return, mommy promises to give me more access to the computer so I can update everyone on life’s adventures. Starting with…you guessed it…Christmas part two! Now, it may seem silly to be talking about Christmas in March, but I just have to fill you in ‘cause it was SO much fun.

We started the holiday on an island in North Carolina. It was quite the trip. Not only did I get to fly in a plane (which I’m getting pretty good at, by the way) but I also got to ride on a boat. Papa Ed came with Aunt Amy and Uncle Paul to pick us up at the airport This was the first time I met my aunt and uncle ‘cause they live somewhere across the pond. It was great finally see them in person and we had a ton of fun together. So much, in fact, that they followed me all the way up to Connecticut after we left the island to spend some time at my house!

But I’m getting ahead of myself. Being by the beach during Christmas sure was fun. Every day we went out to see the ocean and pick up sea shells. We even went to the playground! The island is big but you can’t take your car so we zoomed around on electric carts. At first I thought it was a “wa-don” like my red one at home but it was a lot faster.

I had my own room at Papa Ed and Nana Vicki’s house, which was great for me, but even better for mommy and daddy. And there were Christmas decorations everywhere. We each had our own stocking and there was a Christmas tree and a fireplace!

On Christmas Eve we went to church with all the island folk. I was a little restless (you know, waiting for Santa and all that), so mommy spent most of the service entertaining me, but it was still nice to listen to the music and see all the other kids.

The next morning I woke up to tons of presents and lots of yummy food. Papa Ed made a fire in the fireplace which was really cool. And that night daddy cooked a big dinner for everyone. Aunt Amy and Uncle Paul brought crackers from England, but not the kind you eat. These ones were filled with candy! I wasn’t so sure at first ‘cause they made a loud noise but I was brave.

So much more happened on our trip but I still have Christmas part three to cover so I’ll end for now. Be back soon!

ps - mommy is having trouble uploading pictures but she hopes to share some soon

No Excuses

2007-03-01T20:58:00.000-05:00

I figured it would be in poor taste to throw the little man under the bus for not keeping you up to date on his latest musings, so I thought I'd interject and shed some light on the past few months. Actually, it can be summed up quite quickly in describing this very day -good intentions, not so good outcome.

At the moment, I'm sitting in the restaurant of an airport hotel in Toronto, Canada. Nice to visit my homeland, but I'm quickly reminded of many childhood winter days spent waiting for the school bus all the while doing my best imitation of a human snowman.

We got hit with a doozy of a snowstorm this afternoon, which rendered all flights cancelled. I was suppose to be flying home tonight to steal a few precious moments with the bean before heading to Atlanta on a 6 AM flight tomorrow. Last night, when I learned of the impending storm, I changed my flight to bypass NYC and deposit me directly in Atlanta, but to no avail. Now, here I sit...no beanie, no meeting...nothing but a mediocre bed on a smoking floor at the Park Plaza. BUT, it could be worse. I could be sleeping in the airport!

Of course it's not all bad. Ryan continues to amaze us on a daily basis. His vocabulary is growing at a rapid pace and we're constantly being introduced to new words. Some a little easier to understand than others, but all equally fun to decode.

That's all you'll hear from me for awhile. Forgive the backlogging in advance, but we'll need to step back a few weeks to give you a full sense of what's transpired. Hopefully you'll find it as interesting as us!

Christmas Part I

2007-01-03T15:25:00.000-05:00

The past couple of weeks have brought so much excitement it's hard to know where to begin! You'll have to bear with me since I don't want to leave out any details and since I'm such a busy boy these days it might take awhile to get through it all.

For the past few months mom has been talking about how much she loves this time of year. At first I wasn't really sure what all the fuss was about, but boy do I get it now! The past month has been jam packed with fun -getting to visit with ALL my grandparents and meet my aunt Amy and uncle Paul for the first time. And I got to take a plane ride and my first boat trip -wow. But I'm getting ahead of myself already. First things first...

On December 15th meme and pop came to CT for Christmas part I. On Saturday night mommy and daddy went to the big city to see the ballet. It sounded like fun, but I was just as happy to go out to dinner with meme and pop. We went to their favorite restaurant in Greenwich where I'm a big hit with the wait staff. We had all sorts of yummy food and pop let me play with his cell phone, which is a new favorite toy of mine. Then, on Sunday, I got to experience all the joys of Christmas -just a little bit early. Apparently I've done this before, but I was really little and slept through most of the excitement. If only I'd known!

We started the day by going to church. I got to play in the nursery with miss Jackie who takes care of me sometimes when mommy and daddy go out. As usual, I had a ton of fun and the hour flew by. Before I knew it, it was time to head home where we all settled in for a relaxing day of eating, opening presents and more eating. I got some really cool toys and my very own phone. I even got new toy bins to keep everything in. And I loved ripping into the wrapping paper to uncover each new surprise. But that wasn't all...we also got to cheer the Eagles to a victory! I was pop's good luck charm wearing my official jersey. Nevermind the hat...that was mom's idea of a cruel joke.

If you ask me, that weekend was as much fun as a boy could hope for...but lucky me, there was still more to come! Next up was Bald Head Island, NC with papa Ed and nana Vicki and my first ever chance to meet my aunt and uncle from across the pond. Follow that up with a visit from grandma vera and you can understand why it's more than a little boy can tell in one sitting. More later!

Chatterbox

2006-12-13T11:53:00.000-05:00

These days I'm talking up a storm. It started with a few words here and there...you know -ball, book, bottle, etc. Now, I try to imitate just about every word I hear. I'm not so good with the big words yet. Sometimes when I'm concentrating real hard I just move my mouth without making the sounds. Mommy and daddy seem to get a big kick out of this, but to me it's just practicing.

I also like to have lengthy conversations with my teddy's and my rubber ducky. I tell them about my day and all the fun things I've done -like going to the park and seeing my friends in music class. They don't get out much so I have to tell them about all the exciting things that happen in the outside world.

One of my all-time favorite words is "star." You wouldn't believe all the places I see stars...there's one in almost every book, and on some of my toys -I even have one hanging above my closet. And last week, a new rug for my room arrived from Papa Ed and Nana Vicki. It was full of stars! Needless to say, when daddy put me to bed that night he could heard me over the monitor talking all about the stars. What a fun way to end the day.

my song

2006-11-17T09:23:00.000-05:00

Music has always been a big part of my life. Granted...I've only been around for a little over a year, but mom and dad were developing my music appreciation long before I was born. Guess that's why I love it so much. Every morning, daddy turns on the stereo and all day long I get to listen to songs. Everything from folk, to classical, to sesame street! I love to dance to the fast songs...shaking my little behind and bouncing up and down. Mom and dad seem to get a kick out of it, but what's even funnier is when they start dancing with me.

With dad's enormous CD collection I can pretty much listen to anything I want, but there's one song that's special. I heard it for the first time at my birthday party and what's even better is that I got to hear it live! You see, my pop is a musician and he wrote a song just for me. How luck am I?! It's quite a catchy tune and it always cheers me up. A couple of weeks ago when I was getting my molars I was pretty miserable, but mommy and daddy put on my song and right away I felt better.

So, whether I'm in the mood to groove or need a little pick me up, I'll always have my song to remind me of pop -and that's more than any kid could hope for.

More birthday fun

2006-10-30T21:42:00.000-05:00

Boy, oh boy -where to begin? The past two weeks have been filled with more birthday fun than a little man can handle! Last weekend, was the big party at our house. There were so many people, and presents, and cake, and did I mention presents?

The day started with a huge surprise. Mommy was upstairs getting me into my birthday outfit and the doorbell rang. Daddy went to answer it and he found Uncle Scott, Auntie Christine and Olivia standing on the front porch. They drove all the way from Washington to see us! There were so many fun people at the party. Meme and Pop brought their best friends Mr. Clive and Mrs. Jill all the way from Vancouver and there were lots of mommy and daddy's friends and even some little people just like me. My new friend Alice is exactly one month younger than me and Sean is even littler. And then there's Ethan...someday I'll grow up to be a big boy just like him!

My party had a fire truck theme and there were all sorts of neat decorations. The best thing by far were the red and yellow and black balloons. I could hardly take my eyes off them! Mommy baked a cake and then decorated it to look like a firetruck. It was a little overwhelming when they lit the candles and everyone sang happy birthday, but after a few minutes of alone time I was back in the swing of things and discovering all my new toys.

There's so much more to tell...it's just too much to cover in one day. Check back soon for the rest of the story.

Happy Birthday to me!

2006-10-20T09:44:00.000-04:00

One year ago today, I set eyes on this world for the first time. I don’t remember much about that day, but mom says it forever changed her so it must have been a pretty big event. We were living in a place called Florida at the time; mom and dad didn’t care for it much –too hot and too far away from everyone. But I know they were happy I was born there because the people at the hospital were so nice and they had lots of great friends around to help them get ready for me.

I guess at first I was a little reluctant to join the outside world. And really, do you blame me? Why would I give up the warmth and coziness of mommy’s tummy for the harsh elements of a hospital room? Anyway, after three long days of waiting, I decided it was time to meet my parents. And after ten months and one day, they sure were ready to meet me!

If only I’d know what was awaiting me! People were SO happy to meet me...it was a full out party. Not only did I get to meet mom and dad and all the nice nurses and doctors, I also got to see my meme and pop and papa Ed and nana Vicki. And the best part about it? They loved me from the moment I was born. How lucky am I?

The past year has been a big one for me. I guess when I was born I couldn’t do all the things I can today, like walk and talk and play with my toys. I still let mom and dad help me with things (it makes them feel like they’re contributing :-), but I’m becoming more independent with each passing day. Just wait until I start walking…the possibilities will be endless!

Tomorrow, we’re going to celebrate my birthday. What’s even better is that it’s also meme’s birthday so we get to have two parties in one! Mom is baking me a fire truck cake and we’re going to have lots of people at the house. I can’t wait! Last weekend, I had a practice party with my cousin Tyler and it was so much fun. I got a cupcake with a candle and I even knew how to blow it out. Mom thought I was a little genius, but turns out that Teresa (my nanny) has been practicing with me for weeks. Isn’t she clever?! Anyway, I’ll be sure to post lots of pictures so you can share in the fun!

London Bridge

2006-10-06T17:56:00.000-04:00

What a whirlwind my life has been lately! It's hard to keep track of all the comings and goings. And from what mom and dad say, there's still more excitement to come. Last weekend, meme and pop came to visit, but this time it was without mommy and daddy. They were in a far away city called London visiting my aunt Amy and uncle Paul...oh, and I think mom was working too. As usual, I was a good boy and hardly put up a fuss when they left. Now, this is not to be mistaken for me not missing them, 'cause I do, but meme and pop are SO much fun! We played all day long, and they took me for walks, and pop played his guitar...it was the best!

Of course, I was a great host as well...keeping them entertained with lots of new tricks. I'm getting very good at walking and can do it holding onto only one hand. I also like to use my car as a push-toy, although mommy thinks it's too dangerous because of the hard wood floors. I'm not so good at putting on the brakes so sometimes it gets a bit ahead of me and I end up on my knees. But I'm a trouper. I barely ever cry when I fall, which happens more than mom would like these days! But I'm learning my boundaries and I'm very good at obeying. It only takes one "no" for me to know mom and dad mean business. Okay, sometimes more than one, but I'm a curious boy!

I can't wait for my next adventure. This weekend, we're going to Greenfield to visit nana Vicki and papa Ed and my great-grandparents and the weekend after that is my birthday! I've never had a birthday before but it sounds like a blast. A whole day to celebrate me! We're going to have lots of people and food and cake and something called presents...I can't wait!

Mushy Man

2006-09-15T09:32:00.000-04:00

Earlier this week my mom had to go on a business trip. I know she hates leaving me because she gets all sappy before she goes. I don't really mind since I love hugs and kisses, but truth be told, I look forward to my alone time with daddy. We always do fun things together, like going into the big city and eating lunch at fancy restaurants. This time, mom was gone during the week though, so we only had the nighttime to play.

Mommy came home on Tuesday night but it was really late and I was already sleeping. The next morning she went to work later than usual so she could wake me up. That was a nice treat, but I think she was a little disappointed by my reaction. You see, I was kind of surprised to see her, plus I had just woken up, so it took me a few minutes to get my wits about me. Since mommy seemed a little sad thatI wasn't more excited I made sure to give her plenty of love when she got home from work that night. I give real good hugs and kisses. Sure, they're a little sloppy, mostly 'cause I keep my mouth wide open, but watching people's reaction is half the fun!

Clap hands

2006-09-04T21:18:00.000-04:00

Just got back from visiting meme and pop in the country and I had a blast! I just love entertaining the adults and boy did I keep them on their toes this weekend. Not only was I cruising around and even standing on my own (okay, only for a couple of seconds, but it still counts!), but I also learned to clap my hands. What a fun trick!

For months mom and dad (mostly mom) have been trying to "help" me clap my hands together, but I'm not a huge fan of people grabbing my arms -never have been. I usually pull them back and get kind of annoyed...if only I had known what I was missing! Clapping is so much fun. I'm still not sure exactly what activity warrants clapping, but it doesn't really matter. I'm happy clapping to music, or with mom and dad, or just to amuse myself. I've come to realize that clapping makes any occasion more fun!

A note from mom...

2006-08-25T12:59:00.000-04:00

You probably won't read many mommy postings on this blog, but I have, for as long as I can remember, used writing as an emotional outlet...a way of rationalizing my thoughts. And today is one of those days.

Every once in awhile the stars align and I am actually home late enough in the morning to wake Ryan and get him ready for the day. This "responsibility" (otherwise known as the absolute best job in the world) typically falls to Craig since I leave for work so early. This makes me wonder if Ryan thinks I only exist during the evening hours, but such is the plight of the working mom.

I have, however, noticed that there's one downside to being the last one out the door in the morning. It means that you actually have to go through the heartache of saying goodbye to the little man. Definitely not fun. I am comforted knowing that he's in good hands during the day, but that doesn't make leaving any easier...especially now that he's more aware of his surroundings.

We're lucky that he's a pretty easy going guy. Other than looking a little forelorn he really takes our leaving in stride. We've never experienced a tantrum or even a tear, a bittersweet actualization in itself.

There is, of course, a silver lining to this story. Each night, when I return home, I'm greeted with a smile that immediately melts away the tensions of the day reminds me that I am loved in a way that only a mommy can be.

Picky Eater

2006-08-22T17:52:00.000-04:00

When I first started eating solids I was so excited. Of course mom waited the obligatory six months before introducing me to anything that didn't come from a bottle. Needless to say, I was more than ready to dive into that bowl of oatmeal when it finally came my way. Sure, I made a couple of choice faces...especially when mom would sneak in a new food, but eventually I came to like just about anything. Well, except the pasta dinner from Earth's Best, but can you blame me? Who eats purred pasta from jar?!

Over the past few months I've continued to expand my palate to the point of almost being done with baby food. Most evenings I get to eat the same things as mom and dad, which is pretty cool. There's only one problem...somewhere along the way old standards, like sweet potatoes and carrots, have been replaced by foods that are downright offensive (think broccoli and mushrooms). I went from eating veggies that tasted like dessert to ones that taste as bad as they smell...and don't get me started on the texture!

Since I can't talk yet, I've devised a way to express my disapproval for these new foods that's hard to ignore. First, I manage to stomach a few bites to show that I'm really trying. Then, with a quick flick of the wrist, I send everything to the floor. That usually signals the end of the meal, but that's okay because another one is almost always right around the corner.

Lions and tigers and bears...oh my!

2006-08-16T21:36:00.000-04:00

Okay, maybe not lions, but definitely tigers and bears. Last weekend, mom and dad took me to the zoo in Bridgeport They were feeling kind of bad since they left me with a sitter on Saturday night so they decided to make Sunday a day just for me! Little did they know that I actually had a good time with Miss Jackie. She took me for a walk and we played with my toys, then I had dinner and went to bed...all-in-all, not a bad night. Of course, it was nice having mom and dad all to myself the next day.

One thing you have to understand about this zoo is that it doesn't have some of the big animals that you find in other zoos. Mostly, I got to see things like lamas and monkeys, but I didn't care, they were still really neat. At first, I didn't really know what I was looking at because the animals were kind of far away and I was stuck in my stroller. But then mom took me for a close up look at the prairie dogs. They let you climb up this tube thing that puts you right in the middle of the action!

Later, we saw some bison in a field. They were moving pretty slow but that was ok 'cause it made them easier to see. I even pointed them out to mommy. I'm really good at pointing these days...at everything from animals, to fans, to cars. It's a good thing mommy and daddy have me around, otherwise they might miss seeing some pretty cool things.

Vitals

2006-08-11T21:39:00.000-04:00

Monday was my 9-month check up. Apparently I'm not suppose to be a fan of the doctor but I don't know what all the fuss is about. I get to spend time with mom on a work day (and this time with dad too!), plus the waiting room has an aquarium! I love to watch the little fishes swimming around, although I don't think they appreciate me banging on the glass.

According to the doctor, I'm right on track. He even told mom to ignore the "big boy" comments since I'm not exactly off the charts. I weighed in at 20 lbs 12 ozs, which is the 75th percentile for my age. I think my parents were expecting me to weigh more since they were all worried about my old car seat being too small. But my height is a different story. The nurse measured me at 29.5 inches, but the doctor said I'd look like a piece of spaghetti if that were the case. We never did get the right number. I guess we'll have to wait until next time.

The end of the visit is always the worst because that's when the lady with the shots comes in. The past couple of times have been pretty bad since I've had to get anywhere between 2-4 shots per visit, but this one was much better 'cause I only had one. It was so quick I didn't even have a chance to cry. I gave a good show by crumpling up my face and sticking out my lip in protest, but I figured I'd spare mom the heartache of shedding actual tears. Besides, I'm a tough guy these days!

Rub-a-dub

2006-08-07T21:22:00.000-04:00

From the look of this picture you'd think I wasn't a fan of the bath, but the truth is I've always loved the water. When I was really little, my mom and dad would give me a bath at night to help me sleep.

I've come a long way since then. Now, it's less about relaxing and more about play time! I have all sorts of fun toys, like my sesame street island and elmo submarine. There's nothing I liked more than soaking in a bubbly tub and then being wrapped up in a big cozy towel. And my daddy gives the best baby massage with yummy smelling lotion. It's perfect way to end the day.

p.s. - I've since graduated from the infant tub. Mom and dad thought my bum was too precious to put in the big people's tub, but they realized it was time when the old tub got so cramped that I couldn't straighten my legs anymore.

Little Big Man

2006-07-31T21:31:00.000-04:00

For as long as I can remember people have called me little man. My meme and pop even bought me a sweatshirt with that nickname on the front. I'm not sure how the whole thing got started because I was pretty big when I was born. Apparently I skipped right over the newborn stage. What's even funnier is that every time mom and I run into new people in the grocery store or on the street they use words like "solid" and "bruiser" to describe me. That's okay though, because no matter how big I get, I know there will always be a little man inside.

My new favorite snack

2006-07-27T10:37:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, while on vacation in Canada, my Auntie Christine introduced me to a new kind of snack...Goldfish! Before, I was only allowed to have these puff things that were pretty bland and tasteless because Mommy was afraid that I would choke on anything that didn't dissolve on contact with my mouth. She's getting better, but now she's worried that she's feeding me too much junk. Lucky for me, Goldfish come in whole grain! All the cheesy goodness of the regular kind with the added bonus of making mom feel like she's giving me something nutritious. Boy, those Goldfish people are smart.

Anyway, when I first tried Goldfish I didn't really know how to chew, but last night I finally figured out how to mash up the little fishies using my four new teeth. It felt really weird so I was making all sorts of faces, which mom and dad apparently found hilarious because they were laughing the whole time. I'm glad they find me so amusing. Oh well, I'm happy to provide the entertainment as long as they keep the Goldfish coming!

Welcome to my world

2006-07-24T21:18:00.000-04:00

Hi! Thanks for visiting. My mom and dad created this blog so I can tell you about all the fun things I've been doing. I'm changing so fast they can barely keep up with me. In the past two weeks alone, I've learned to crawl and wave bye bye. I've kind of been doing both for awhile but it takes adults awhile to catch on. And boy was daddy surprised when he came into my room this morning to find me standing in my crib! I just love keeping them on their toes.

Yesterday was my Baptism at St. Luke's Parish. I was such a good boy. Mommy and daddy were worried because lately I've been practicing my bird calls (I do a mean Pterodactyl!) but I barely made a peep. Except when we went to the front but that's only 'cause there was a little boy in the first pew who was talking to me. I love getting attention from the big kids so I couldn't help but talk back. Reverend Anderson performed my baptism. That was special because he also married my mom and dad.

After the service we had a big party. Daddy cooked all sorts of yummy food and I LOVE to eat. I tried tortellini and asparagus and some cucumber and then I had peaches for dessert. Boy was I stuffed. In the afternoon I opened presents! I got so many nice things...clothes and toys and a really cool airplane piggy bank. I'm lucky to have so many friends and family who love me.