Phone Photo.

This was taken this morning on Kristin's cell phone, palm pilot, digital camera, internet thingie. Kristin wanted a momento for work today, to keep her going. We are getting too high tech - and speaking of high tech, we are getting HD set up on Wednesday for our new 37" LCD flat screen TV.

Hello Doll!

This photo was taken last night - Maureen's first outing in her Society Suit that her aunt Chrissy bought her for Christmas. For some reason this reminds me of the fun girl from Raleigh on the Andy Griffith Show - not the one who had a thing for Barney (or Bernie) but the one who sounded like she smoked since she was three years old (Mrs. Stafford from Owl Creek, for those in the know!) Anyway, we had dinner last night with my family; Grandpa Joe, Uncle Joe, Uncle John, Cousin Claire and Aunt Erin. Aunt Mickey was sick and couldn't join us (get well soon!)

We've been experiencing bedtime problems this week. Apparently Mo is not satisfied with Daddy getting her to sleep. This becomes a problem when Mommy is at a late meeting at work. I guess this too shall pass.

It's the weekend and we are looking forward to some quality family time. I hope you have a great weekend too. Maybe the next entry will be a bit more exciting.

This past weekend.

Here are some recent photos from last weekend. More to come.

To the right, Mojo's party dress. Below, fun in the Baby Bjorn.

Sunday Evening.

One of Maureen's favorite soothing spots is in front of the Magic Mirror in the dining room. She seems to settle down and smile when she sees her reflection, and our reflection holding her. I guess it's a pretty wild concept to comprehend.

I'm currently getting aggravated with the San Diego Chargers right now. It's the fourth quarter with four minutes left in the game and the Patriots just tied the ball game with a two point conversion after a lame touchdown. I just made it to 2nd place in my Any Given Sunday football poll, and a win by the Chargers would give me two teams left in the AFC. We need a big play.

Kristin is working quite a bit now with real estate and the scouts- can you tell?

Perfection!

I will try to get more photos soon - we've just been busy after the holidays. Maureen is in her second week of Parents Day Out (PDO) and apparently is on the honor roll. She gets daily report cards and one day she was called "Perfect" and another day we were told that she could teach the other children how to behave. Yesterday we were told that she was the only child who did not cry all day. Way to go Mo!
I believe Maureen has one word down as her first word: "Hi". This is something we say repeatedly to her and now she responds; though she may really be saying "Huh" or maybe "Ahoy". Wouldn't that be great? A pirate baby! I have heard her say something like "Arrgh" before. We'll know for sure when she says "Avast ye Matey!" or "Batten down the hatches."

Daddy's taking us to the zoo...

Yesterday was daddy day - my dad came over and the two of us bundled up Mojo and took her to the zoo. As we were driving, I noticed the slightest spitting of rain and considered coming back, but we drove on and by the time we parked, it had stopped raining. We are currently stroller-less right as the cheap plastic part holding the front left wheel broke. I think I can probably fix it, being the handi-capable person I am, with a trip to the hardware store, but it will probably take me 6 weeks to drive the half mile to our local shop. Instead, we brought the Babybjorn and I looked like one of those sensitive, New Age dads (or a balding kangaroo.) I think the Bjorn was a hit with Mo because she can look out and see much better, now that she is big enough to face out. She was able to focus on some of the animals and I think the Merecats and the monkeys held her attention the longest (Monkeys are funny!) It was rather blusterous, so we came prepared with Mo's new hat and mittens her Aunt Chrissy gave her for Christmas. Grandpa Joe was very helpful, stopping every 50 steps to re-adjust her hat, pull her pant legs down to cover any exposed areas or to pick up a dropped mitten. We made it to the gorillas and back without incident. The only time we heard anything like a whimper was when we stopped too long to look at the elephants. All in all, it was a successful outing and we look forward to many more zoo visits in the future!

3-months old.

Maureen turned three months old yesterday. I had some time on my hands yesterday afternoon, so I decided to read the first two months of this blog and it amazed me to see so many changes over such a short period of time. It was not long ago that we were trying to figure out what her name should be, or how to install a car seat. Here's her most up-to-date photo, taken last night at dinner-time. Her latest thing is chewing on her hands and making loud, sucking noises. She is still trying to roll over, but has not made it to her stomach yet.

I will be spending a lot of time with her this weekend - Kristin will be busy with real estate the next couple of days. Feel free to stop by for a visit!

School Daze.

From Kristin: Our big girl went off to school today.
She was so excited for the day she hardly slept a wink. Probably just couldn't sleep due to the thrill of watching UofL win their first BCS Bowl. Or maybe she was trying to prove mom and dad wrong for bragging that she had slept through the night for three plus weeks. ;) Just when it was time to get ready for school she finally was able to sleep.
We got ready to go and mom (me) even cried a bit on the short trip to school. When we arrived, she entered the room with big smiles. She was ready to wow the day care teachers so they would fall in love with her right quick. One of the kind women who work in the infant room had bought a new (used) sling chair over the holiday break just for Maureen's arrival. I think they were surprised to see her as big as she is- I heard her say as I passed by a bit later- "she might not even fit in the new chair." They start the day with an hour of all the kids on the floor- this is right up Mo's alley. The teacher said she really enjoyed watching the other kids- all of who are older than Maureen.

From Tim: I couldn't help going to visit Mo during my lunch break. I expected (or wanted to see) an upset little girl who desperately needed her mom and dad, but as I walked into the baby bull pen, she was playing with one of the teachers and was all smiles. As I approached, she gave me a smile of recognition, as to say, "Oh, I know you. How ya doing?"
I sat with her for 20 minutes, and though I believe she appreciated it, she seemed perfectly alright without me. I know the separation thing doesn't kick in until they get older, so I guess it's good we are starting her early so it will become part of her routine.
When it was time for me to go, she gave me another little smile, telling me, "It's ok Dad, I'll be fine here." I went back to work with mixed emotions and couldn't wait to get home in the evening to be with Mo and Kristin.

New Years Eve.

Here are some photo's of New Year's Eve. We attended a Brunch at Patty and Maggie's parent's house in the early afternoon, and then to Drew and Katies to ring in the new year. We failed to take any pictures in the evening, so if anyone can send me photos of that party, I will post them on the blog.

Maureen fell asleep at Katie and Drew's party around 11pm, but was able to wake up and get our attention before midnight. I was able to give both of my girls a kiss to welcome the new year.

Resolutions: to be a fantastic father. To be a reliable family member and friend. To be an honest and hard-working employee. To not let minor obstacles seem like huge problems. To enjoy life!

Happy New Year to all my friends and family!