Thanksgiving 2010

So much to give thanks for this year and so much to look forward to in the year to come. I am most thankful for a loving and supportive family. Kristin is a saint and has the patience and faith in me that I need to keep moving forward. The kids are growing to be so sweet and considerate and a hoot to be around. And we are fortunate that we get additional support from both sides of our extended family when we need it. We get face time with both sides of the family tomorrow - I'm looking forward to a day of good food, football, and quality time with loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

Hangin at Bellarmine on a warm November morning

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That's my boy!

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Mid-October 2010

Hello there blog. We're on the backside of October and we are full-tilt with activity. It's hard to believe we are already in the fourth quarter of 2010. Halloween is next week with Thanksgiving and Christmas on its heels. Where did the year go? Despite some goals that have not quite been achieved professionally (though I'm slowly moving out of limbo in that respect with at least some activity) I feel good about my family. Yes, we have some setbacks and difficulties, but I see a lot of love being generated and I can see great qualities being cultivated in our kids.

Maureen has become very concerned about the feelings of others. She can tell when Kristin or I have had bad days and she keys in with obviously supportive tactics to try and make us feel better. Though she has a few squabbles with Rowan, I can tell that they are best friends right now and they enjoy playing together - they are quite good at it. Maureen watches out for Rowan and stands up for him on the playground at their preschool. Still into princesses, dresses and girly things, she is delicate as a flower. She's very smart, will spend hours with books and demonstrates the diplomacy of an attorney. She has been toying with logic in her quest to get what she wants (sometimes very convincing) and is gaining a wit about her with funny and insightful, offhand comments. She does compete for our attention with Rowan, and we try hard to spread our attention evenly - it's not always easy. She does have the propensity to cry at a moment's notice about the simplest of things but we are working through that (I hope). Maureen has a social nature, loves to be around people, but doesn't particularly like being in the immediate spotlight. She is a ringleader with her circle of friends but she does not demand attention; it seems to gravitate to her. I think that's because she tends to be a tad older and therefore wiser (?) than her cohorts. I was observing her last weekend, trying to communicate with some six-year-old girls and I could tell she was studying them, and trying to assimilate. She was flipping her hair in front of them and striking poses that, in her mind, was what six-year-olds did. She was trying to introduce conversation that she thought would be interesting to them and though she did not quite make it to their level conversationally, she did get their attention. What a hoot.

I notice the most change going on with Rowan right now. He is becoming more and more independent and is trying to assert his independence; sometimes pleasantly, sometimes not so much. He picks up on cues from his big sister, will take an immediate stand. But, he hasn't lost his sweet nature. He has a lot of energy, still likes physical activity and has a really healthy hug in him. He has become doubly conversant in the past few months and share's his sister's quick wit and reasoning skills. I love it when he answers "Yes" to a question - he has a distinct and deliberate way in saying it. He still says his trademark "I don't know either", but not as much as he used to - he seems to form more opinions these days. He is a funny little guy and is always looking for a joke, a funny word association or pun to get his sister giggling - and they love to laugh together. Rowan doesn't seem to be interested too much in friends at school right now, but I know he has a little friend Eliza that he will play with and apparently cracks up on a regular basis. Potty training is an on-again-off again process right now; it seems it is taking him a little longer than his sister to accept the practice, but I hear that is par for the course with two-year-old boys.

I knew having kids would be hard work, but the joy we get in return is well worth it. We keep plugging along, hoping we are doing what's best for them, teaching them what we believe is right, and allowing them to learn from their actions. It's all good!

Pumpkin patch - 2

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Pumpkin patch - 10/17/10 - 1

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I can't believe it's four years!!!!

Today is Maureen's fourth birthday - a full president's term. Can you believe it? Words cannot describe how much I love that little rag-a-muffin, and how proud I am to be her daddy.

Mulan

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Bath time

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End of Summer 2010

It's been a long, hot summer and I am so looking forward to the fall. I failed to do my annual post about the fair - it wouldn't be summer without at least a comment about it. We went and we had a great time. My only regret is that we didn't get a photo of the winning bale of hay, but I have a feeling it looked similar to last year's bale. We managed to meet up with Kristin's Cousin and family for a quick (and expensive) bite at the Mike Linnig's tent.

The kids are gearing up for preschool - they officially start on Tuesday after Labor Day. I think a little more routine in their life will be good for everyone, especially Kristin. The kids are moving upstairs to the daytime school and have a whole new group of teachers and a whole new way of doing things. There will be a few familiar faces, but I think a change in venue and a new group of friends will be a good change for the kiddos.
This is Labor Day weekend, and the Cardinals take on the Cats with their new coach at the helm. We are cautiously curious to see how well they fair - no big expectations about winning but it would be nice.
Looking back over the last few months, we did a lot of fun things. We got to see Mickey Mouse, we spent some time in the North Carolina (Sweet Caroline) Mountains, we went to a beautiful wedding in Noblesville, we spent quality time with family and friends. We are now looking forward to some cooler weather and the fun that fall brings.

Prima Ballerina

Here's a photo of our beautiful little ballerina. Mojo started ballet class this past Tuesday with Poppy, her long-time BFF. The class is put on by the local ballet company and they are apparently all business. They must wear their hair in a bun - Kristin had to consult Poppy's mom on how to properly do this! They also told Mojo and Poppy that they are not allowed to chit-chat. I think she's as cute as a button!

Last week was family vacation time in the North Carolina mountains. We were situated in Rosman NC, just a few miles away from where Nicole Kidman and Jude Law struggled to reconnect in the movie Cold Mountain. We left early on Wednesday morning for a five day jaunt that included hiking, a natural rock water slide, a birthday celebration, picnicking, sampling of the area's finest brews and viewing (and not viewing) some of the area's famed waterfalls.

Rowan was not so into hiking until he learned that throwing rocks into the creek is good, clean fun. He enjoyed having such sports enthusiasts as Uncle Pat and Cousins Alex and Gus around to throw ball, bat a balloon around and run laps on the deck with.

Maureen was quite taken with the idea of sleeping with Cousins Abbey and Gus, away from Mom and Dad. She didn't quite make it the first night, but was successful the second, though Aunt Kathy experienced the joys of the early morning water run. Maureen was also the instigator of getting everyone off their feet to dance to the vacation theme song, Sweet Caroline. Every time a new person arrived to the cabin, we had to welcome them with a little song and dance.

When driving home yesterday, we posed our customary question to the kids, "What was your favorite part of the vacation?" Rowan said his was having chicken nuggets, french fries and apples at McDonald's just an hour ago at the Dollywood exit. Maureen agreed. Just think of the money we could have saved!

But seriously, it was a great vacation with the in-laws and we have the pictures that will help us remember the trip for years to come.

North Carolina Waterfall

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North Carolina Vacation - Cabin View

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Another Rowan and Mama Pic

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The Ro-Boy with his Mama

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Tough day

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Trying

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Fun on the Fourth

Once again the holiday was too short. We did manage to throw some family fun in over the three-day weekend, which included a rib cook-off (which I won, hands down), and having some guests over to our backyard oasis. The son of the neighbors who live behind us discovered fireworks and was not shy about using them in the early hours - so we had to contend with that. Another drawback was that Kristin was feeling under the weather and we had to cancel at least one social function, but the sum of all the parts equaled a good time.
Although I alluded to the fact that we were going to paint our upstairs hallway, we didn't. We'll get to it another day.

Summer in full swing

I can't believe it's almost July 4. Everybody is doing well. Kristin and the kids have been trying to fill their days with fun activities: the library on Wednesdays, sporadic play dates, periodic trips to the Zoo or the Museum. Last week we celebrated Rowan's second birthday - can you believe it? Of course he got a lot of sports oriented gifts, plus a few Mickey Mouse presents (Hot Dog) to commemorate our family trip last month. We had both families over for Chicken Tetrazzini dinner and the kids tried their hand at breaking the homemade pinata. Rowan got a really cool water table that we keep on our newly remodeled back yard deck. It's supposed to be a duel sand/water table, but the water only approach seems best for us, and the kids love it.

No big plans for the 4th this year - we are trying to keep track of our expenses right now. We do have high hopes of tackling the painting of the upstairs hallway - a chore I've put off since moving into this house. I think we can knock it out though. We shall see.

Here are some current photos.

Racing Uncle Joby

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Larosa Loop 2

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Larosa Loop 1

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I don't either

Whenever you ask Rowan a question his stock answer is "I don't either", meaning "I don't know either." Very noncommittal on his part. I can't believe Buddy-boy turns two at the end of this month!

Disney 2010

Our family vacation is now over - very sad indeed. We took the kids on their first plane ride down to the Princess Mecca, Walt Disney World, this past week for an extended Memorial Day week - Wednesday through Sunday. The plane ride was memorable for sure. Maureen looked very cute with her carry-on, a pink princess backpack. Rowan was a squirmy ball of energy. We did not buy a seat for him because he just qualified by one month as an "infant" or under two years old. He sat on our laps for the two-hour trek both ways. On the way down, we hoped he would fall asleep to make the trip easier, and he did...just as we were landing in Orlando.

We stayed within the Disney complex, at the Port Orleans French Quarter. Our lives were made much easier as our room was situated in the building closest to the main lobby, the counter service restaurant and very close to the swimming pool. The resort was made to look as much like New Orleans French Quarter as possible, with the wrought iron adornments, a lazy horse drawn carriage encircling the grounds and a Mardi Gras theme in the restaurant. The pool was large and accommodating. We only used the pool one time, on Wednesday evening after our arrival.

We visited three of the parks at Disney: Magic Kingdom on Thursday; Epcot on Friday; and the Animal Kingdom on Saturday. The Magic Kingdom was by far the most crowded of the three parks. We did a lot in Fantasy Land - the Dumbo ride, Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan, the Carousel and Small World. We stood in lines a big part of the week in order for Maureen to get her picture with a character and get their autograph. She really got into the autographs, and was proud of the Minnie Mouse notebook we bought special for her at the park. She was dutiful in finding a fresh page for each signing, and for having her pen at the ready. We had Lunch at the Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom where Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eyore made their rounds to each table. Maureen was in Heaven - Rowan didn't care for the costumed creatures and cried in fear through most of the lunch.

The next morning, we had a breakfast appointment with Princesses at Epcot in the Norway section. The reservations were for 8:30am - a half hour before the park officially opened, so we had the opportunity to be one of the select few to see the park fresh and uncluttered by tourists. They really did a great job with the breakfast and we were able to see Belle, Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel and Aurora. Maureen was somewhere floating above Heaven - Rowan could care less. We pushed the kids a bit too much and stayed at Epcot a little later than we had originally planned. By the time our dinner came around at the Aquarium restaurant, we were beat like red-haired stepchildren.

The next day we had a great visit to the Animal Kingdom where we saw a spectacular stage show with a Lion King theme, complete with wild costumes, acrobats, singing and dancing. Rowan's highlight of that day was the safari - he enjoyed the animals and wanted to see more. We decided to take it easy on the kids and we cut the visit short and headed back to the room for a little R&R before heading out to our final themed meal at the Grand Floridian Hotel with the cast of Cinderella.

The one thing I can say about Disney is that they do a good job making young kids feel special, from Mickey Mouse to the person in charge of emptying the trash cans. The characters seem to be trained in the art of saying or doing the right thing. An example is when Maureen told Snow White that they have the same hair style, Snow White correctly responded "Why yes, we could be sisters!" Maureen beamed.

All in all, it was a wonderful family vacation. Though the kids were too young to enjoy many of the attractions offered, and Kristin and I were unable to leave the kids unattended to ride some of the more adventurous rides, there were plenty of activities and attractions to keep us busy the whole time. And we were happy to be in bed by 9pm each night. We managed to keep Memorial Day available for the post-vacation rest at home, but I find myself ill-prepared and a tad sad about going back to work today (more so than usual.) We're already thinking about where we can travel next!

Goofy

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More sports

Smooth Moves

Dancing at the Farmer's Market

Pop-a-shot

Our little athlete

Rowan is obsessed with sports. He has always been into balls since he was born - I think ball was one of the first words, if not THE first word, he's ever uttered. Within a week's time, he's gotten the hang of catching - and as of this past Sunday he is now drop kicking balls. He picked that up just by watching his 8-year-old cousin Gus.
If he sees a basketball goal anywhere within eyesight that's all he can think of. At a birthday party at Laser Tag this past Saturday, we had to pump about $10 into the pop-a-shot machine just so he could stand up on the platform and throw the balls over the plexiglass shield. He didn't come close to the hoop, but he didn't mind. As long as he could toss the basketballs. When it was another person's turn at the game, Rowan would wait patiently, for about three seconds until he started saying "My turn!" over and over again.
I have never seen such narrow-scoped dedication to sports in a 22 1/2 month old. And he seems really good at throwing, catching, and now drop kicking. It blows my mind.
I just need to figure out how to keep that fire burning in him; I was not the most athletic person, nor the most driven. He's still young - we'll see where it goes, but for right now - he is totally a sports guy.

Images from Easter 2010

At the zoo with Cousin Claire

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Hell on wheels

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Deja vu

Look at this photo, then click here - What a difference three years makes!
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Current peepee status

Nothing to report on the Potty Front. Rowan hasn't shown any interest since the first two times. We've laid off for a bit, though we have a bag of mini M&Ms with his name on it.

Other news: we are looking into doing a mini-Disney trip in late-spring/early summer. It may be really fun with the potential to be a pain in the ass. We just need to plan it out and not over do it. We know what our limitations are. It's all about the Princesses this year and we need to stay focused on that. I can't get over how pricey it is, but from all accounts, I hear it's worth it.

I've probably been to Disney World and surrounding parks about five or so times, counting early childhood and college spring break. I'm sure we're in for a totally different experience than what I've already been exposed to. We have a few months to fully plan -- but we want to take it easy and relax a bit.

I've already received great tips from friends on Facebook - there are some professional Disney'ers out there. There's almost a science to it, though we realize we are still going to pay through the nose. We just need to go for it, and make it a magical experience for everyone (especially Mo and Ro!)

How do you spell Rowan?

Houston, we have peepee

At 20 months plus change Rowan urinated in the potty today for the first time. He was properly awarded for his efforts (praise and a Sweetart)
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Future's so bright...

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Is it for show, or for blow?

We manage to sit down for dinner every night, though my boss would probably prefer that I stay at work a few more hours in the evening. I think it's an important time for us to sit together and talk about our days. Maureen is beginning to share with us and is able to tell at least one story about what happened at school. We manage to draw something out of Rowan through a series of questions, though we are never quite sure he is feeding us the facts.
One of my favorite parts of dinner is when I ask who needs a napkin. Everyone answers yes. I hand out the napkins, but hold Rowan's as the last. When I finally give one to Rowan, he holds it to his nose, makes a blowing sound with his mouth and then hands it back to me saying "Thank you." Then he waits for all of us to laugh. He knows he's funny.
We'll try to get this on video, though he usually clams up when we bring out the camera.

Ready or not, here we come.

We've been in a really fun habit as of late - playing hide and go seek after dinner with the kids. Both Maureen and Rowan get really excited, and Kristin and I are willing participants. Because of my cheating, we've restricted the hiding places to just the first floor. I think the fun thing for the kids is being found, not necessarily being successful hiders. Rowan will hide for a while, and then seek the seeker out if too much time has past. They both like to be seekers too, because of the counting involved. I like to make Kristin laugh with creative hiding places, like the time I had Maureen on my shoulders, standing in the middle of the our office/den, with only a blanket draped over us. It's fun to hear everyone giggle, and it's a great activity to have after I've been at work all day long.

Say cheese

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Fun with Mama's specs

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