Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
A poem by Maureen
Did I ever tell you how smart my little girl is? I recited this little rhyme three times, and noticed she was really listening to me. Then she recited it with me two times. Then she had it. This video was shot soon after. Mind you, it's no Preamble to the Constitution, but it just blows me away how quick she is.
Oh, and here's another cute photo of Rowan. We are gearing up for his first birthday party this Friday (actual birtday is the 25th). My, how time flies!!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
First steps in taking steps
Caught on film yesterday, June 11. Exactly two weeks before his first birthday. He may beat the one year walking deadline yet. Though there's no penalty for missing the deadline.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Four years
Kristin and I celebrated our fourth anniversary last Thursday. We were supposed to go out to dinner, but due to a sick Mojo, we celebrated at home. Part of the festivities was popping in the video my sister Chrissy shot at our wedding. We haven't seen in at least a year - maybe more. The thing that struck me throughout the video was how much change has happened since 2005. We made several comments about guests who are no longer with us now, but looked perfectly healthy back then. We also made several comments to Maureen about which of her friends or cousins were either "still in their mommy's belly" or not yet born. Some of our good coupled friends are now singled. It's a different day for sure.
But, this was the start of it all for us. The start of building what we have today - two wonderfully unique children, a nice house in a great neighborhood, a love that is still going strong. Some bumpy patches along the way, but nothing that can't be easily worked through.
Four years doesn't sound like a long time, especially as I make through my forty-first year - but it really makes you think when you look around to see the product our love, hard work and dedication.
But, this was the start of it all for us. The start of building what we have today - two wonderfully unique children, a nice house in a great neighborhood, a love that is still going strong. Some bumpy patches along the way, but nothing that can't be easily worked through.
Four years doesn't sound like a long time, especially as I make through my forty-first year - but it really makes you think when you look around to see the product our love, hard work and dedication.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
May Day
Yet another nice family weekend. Mojo's friend Poppy came over Friday night with her parents, who are always equipped with good wine. We ordered and enjoyed take-out from Cafe Lou Lou's while the girls played, and watched TV, and argued over the same toy that Mojo hasn't touched in months. Saturday brought an exciting Preakness that we watched at the Board's home, and we had Ethiopian food afterward. I think the food brought mixed reviews from the Ethiopian first-timers at best.
Sunday afternoon was spent at the Huber Family Restaurant with my family; family style country food with all the "fixins". The kids got to play in the elaborate, farm-themed playground afterwards (see photos below). Prior to going to Huber's, Mojo spent part of the morning at Cousin Claire's house, and her Aunt Mickey and Uncle John drover her out to the restaurant; where she had her own personal viewing of Mulan. Driving in the car will never be the same for her again.
Kid Report:
Rowan - is pulling himself up to standing position (with support). Everything is "ball" - and he says it at least 150 times a day. When upset, give him a ball and he will be satisfied. He also started eating Cheerios yesterday, and can't seem to get enough. Though he falls asleep (unwillingly) in his own bed, he manages to make it into ours by midnight, and wakes up at 3am, and then again at 5am. We need to break him of this soon.
Maureen - never ceases to amaze me. Her vocabulary is excellent - she devours books. She continues to test her boundaries with us and is very outspoken. She can be sweet one moment, and thoroughly rotten the next; but always cute as a button. We've noticed she is trying to do more and more on her own, independently, instead of relying on us. She can still whine with the best of them.
I know early on in this blog I had problems understanding how I could love a second child as much as the first. Now I know. It's the person you love, not the number.
Our weeks continue to be crazy, but there is some respite on the horizon with Memorial Day being a week away.
Sunday afternoon was spent at the Huber Family Restaurant with my family; family style country food with all the "fixins". The kids got to play in the elaborate, farm-themed playground afterwards (see photos below). Prior to going to Huber's, Mojo spent part of the morning at Cousin Claire's house, and her Aunt Mickey and Uncle John drover her out to the restaurant; where she had her own personal viewing of Mulan. Driving in the car will never be the same for her again.
Kid Report:
Rowan - is pulling himself up to standing position (with support). Everything is "ball" - and he says it at least 150 times a day. When upset, give him a ball and he will be satisfied. He also started eating Cheerios yesterday, and can't seem to get enough. Though he falls asleep (unwillingly) in his own bed, he manages to make it into ours by midnight, and wakes up at 3am, and then again at 5am. We need to break him of this soon.
Maureen - never ceases to amaze me. Her vocabulary is excellent - she devours books. She continues to test her boundaries with us and is very outspoken. She can be sweet one moment, and thoroughly rotten the next; but always cute as a button. We've noticed she is trying to do more and more on her own, independently, instead of relying on us. She can still whine with the best of them.
I know early on in this blog I had problems understanding how I could love a second child as much as the first. Now I know. It's the person you love, not the number.
Our weeks continue to be crazy, but there is some respite on the horizon with Memorial Day being a week away.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Monday, May 04, 2009
Princess Maureen
Maureen is a very determined little girl. She already has a fashion sense, and if it isn't pretty and girly, she wants no part of it. She will argue with you on anything, and will pitch a fit if she doesn't get what she wants. On the flip-side of the coin she can be a loving Daddy's Little Girl a good portion of the time - just don't cross her!
Sent on the Now Network� from my Sprint® BlackBerry
Sent on the Now Network� from my Sprint® BlackBerry
Slowing of Blogs
I think blogs are on the way out. I've noticed not only the slowing of my own, but of others that I follow as well. I also see waves of commitment to Facebook. It seems the new adopters of Facebook are on it all the time, and after about three months, their activity starts to wain. I've tried Twitter, but I find it a little creepy - just any old person could start following your comments. I just got a notice that a user named Katieblows is following my comments. Why? I am not posting anything newsworthy. I wind up blocking anyone who I don't know, thus defeating the purpose of Twitter. I'm sure Kristin doesn't want Katieblows keep up with whatever I have to say.
Well, back to our family. This weekend was the Derby, and we had a lot going on. Our tradition of going to the Oaks on the Friday before Derby resumed after taking last year off - Kristin was huge with Rowan back then. Thanks go out to Karen and Paul for watching our kids for a very long and involved day. Kristin made only two bets the whole day, the winning exacta for Oaks, and picking the winning Derby horse to show for the next day. Our Oaks evening ended with a very nice Sushi dinner with friends. I believe the kids enjoyed being with the grandparents, but I think they also were ready to spend all of Derby day with their parents. We went to a couple kid-friendly parties, and more or less took it easy all day long.
Our Thursday night (prior to Oaks) was also "fun-filled", having spent a few hours in the emergency room with Rowan. I had the kids that evening, and Rowan managed to get what I believe was an Extra Strength Tylenol in his mouth. By the time I saw it, he had managed to suck the coating off, making the pill unidentifiable. Poison control instructed me to take him to the ER, so I had to call our good friend Rachel to come sit for Maureen before I could take him down. He was fine. They took a blood sample and observed him for a few hours and let us go. We are at the point with Rowan where we need to keep an eye on him every moment. He is now crawling, and orally fixated. Everything goes into his mouth. I'm getting too old for this!
It's been a crazy couple of weeks, with colliding work schedules, and this week promises more of the same. Kristin's real estate is ramping up, though I believe the Girl Scout gig is going to slow down a bit. We have a pretty full calendar this month, and a beach trip to look forward to in June. I hope to have a lot to write about in the weeks to come, and will try to keep writing. For now, Peace be with you all.
Well, back to our family. This weekend was the Derby, and we had a lot going on. Our tradition of going to the Oaks on the Friday before Derby resumed after taking last year off - Kristin was huge with Rowan back then. Thanks go out to Karen and Paul for watching our kids for a very long and involved day. Kristin made only two bets the whole day, the winning exacta for Oaks, and picking the winning Derby horse to show for the next day. Our Oaks evening ended with a very nice Sushi dinner with friends. I believe the kids enjoyed being with the grandparents, but I think they also were ready to spend all of Derby day with their parents. We went to a couple kid-friendly parties, and more or less took it easy all day long.
Our Thursday night (prior to Oaks) was also "fun-filled", having spent a few hours in the emergency room with Rowan. I had the kids that evening, and Rowan managed to get what I believe was an Extra Strength Tylenol in his mouth. By the time I saw it, he had managed to suck the coating off, making the pill unidentifiable. Poison control instructed me to take him to the ER, so I had to call our good friend Rachel to come sit for Maureen before I could take him down. He was fine. They took a blood sample and observed him for a few hours and let us go. We are at the point with Rowan where we need to keep an eye on him every moment. He is now crawling, and orally fixated. Everything goes into his mouth. I'm getting too old for this!
It's been a crazy couple of weeks, with colliding work schedules, and this week promises more of the same. Kristin's real estate is ramping up, though I believe the Girl Scout gig is going to slow down a bit. We have a pretty full calendar this month, and a beach trip to look forward to in June. I hope to have a lot to write about in the weeks to come, and will try to keep writing. For now, Peace be with you all.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Rowan's growing up
Today was the first day Rowan ever said "Mama" to my knowledge. One more word to add to his vocabulary, which also includes: Dada (the person, not the 1920's art movement), Hi, and Ball (his favorite word). He can now point his little finger and show you where there is a ball, or where is Mama. Truly amazing to me.
Sent on the Now Network� from my Sprint® BlackBerry
Sent on the Now Network� from my Sprint® BlackBerry
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Derby week
Derby week has begun. The dogwoods and azaleas are in bloom. Today's high is in the 80's. Excitement is in the air. Right now the kids are asleep and I'm able to sit back and relax. The windows are open and the ceiling fans are going. It is really nice right now.
My birthday was wonderful and low key. Maureen made a "My Daddy and Me" book and it was one of the best presents I ever received. Today Rowan and I went to the Farmer's Market - bought some pork spare ribs, bison burger, salad greens and spinach. Then the whole family went to the Cherokee Triangle art fair. Tonight we have the in-laws babysitting and Kristin and I get to have dinner with some friends at El Mundo (try it if you haven't - fish tacos are outstanding). Basically, things are good.
My birthday was wonderful and low key. Maureen made a "My Daddy and Me" book and it was one of the best presents I ever received. Today Rowan and I went to the Farmer's Market - bought some pork spare ribs, bison burger, salad greens and spinach. Then the whole family went to the Cherokee Triangle art fair. Tonight we have the in-laws babysitting and Kristin and I get to have dinner with some friends at El Mundo (try it if you haven't - fish tacos are outstanding). Basically, things are good.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Lately
Hi everyone. What's going on? Anyone still out there? Well, we've had a busy spring so far. My work is ramping up, Kristin's work is slammed, and we are playing pass-off with the kids around 6pm each night. The last few weeks have been particularly difficult. But we are managing quite well and the kids are fantastic as usual.
Maureen is still going through a princess/Disney faze - wearing the dresses, asking to be told stories about Cinderella, Aurora or Snow White, naming off dwarfs. We watched Aladdin for the second time (that I know of) last night. I have a bad habit of using the TV as a babysitter as I try to cope with both kids in the evening. I need to get more creative and organized.
Rowan is progressing nicely. I feel bad that I am not writing as much now that he's here - not as much as when we had Maureen. Believe me, it is not a preference thing. It's my fault for getting immersed in other social media (Facebook in particular) that has taken me away from the Blog. I think the whole Wal-E thing coming true - soon we'll have our own wheelchairs with TV screens and we'll turn into big balls of mindless blubber.
Anyway, Rowan is really a funny little kid. He likes to laugh, and he is very active. He goes nuts for a ball. I hope he will develop to enjoy sports (more so than his dad). He still is not actually crawling, but he is rolling everywhere and gets to where he wants to be, in a hurry. I think we'll have to be more careful watching him than we were with Maureen. She was more interested in staying put, and looking at books.
Rowan still winds up in our bed by morning time. We just need to hunker down and get that resolved, but we are so tired at the point where he is inconsolable that we cave every time.
As you can see in the pictures below, Easter provided great photo ops. Everyone had a good time. I finished my vow of no sodas or desserts with a vengeance.
I have to go now - leave me a comment if you are still out there. I think I may have lost my audience.
Maureen is still going through a princess/Disney faze - wearing the dresses, asking to be told stories about Cinderella, Aurora or Snow White, naming off dwarfs. We watched Aladdin for the second time (that I know of) last night. I have a bad habit of using the TV as a babysitter as I try to cope with both kids in the evening. I need to get more creative and organized.
Rowan is progressing nicely. I feel bad that I am not writing as much now that he's here - not as much as when we had Maureen. Believe me, it is not a preference thing. It's my fault for getting immersed in other social media (Facebook in particular) that has taken me away from the Blog. I think the whole Wal-E thing coming true - soon we'll have our own wheelchairs with TV screens and we'll turn into big balls of mindless blubber.
Anyway, Rowan is really a funny little kid. He likes to laugh, and he is very active. He goes nuts for a ball. I hope he will develop to enjoy sports (more so than his dad). He still is not actually crawling, but he is rolling everywhere and gets to where he wants to be, in a hurry. I think we'll have to be more careful watching him than we were with Maureen. She was more interested in staying put, and looking at books.
Rowan still winds up in our bed by morning time. We just need to hunker down and get that resolved, but we are so tired at the point where he is inconsolable that we cave every time.
As you can see in the pictures below, Easter provided great photo ops. Everyone had a good time. I finished my vow of no sodas or desserts with a vengeance.
I have to go now - leave me a comment if you are still out there. I think I may have lost my audience.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Friday, April 03, 2009
Spring Break 2009 - part 5
The rest of the spring break (for me, the kids and Kristin were off all of this week), consisted of the rest of the day Sunday, and my Monday off work. We came home from Cincinnati Sunday morning in time to get Mojo dressed (see photo below - Maureen with the purse) and ready for her big show at the Brown Theater - Sesame Street Live. Dedicated readers of the AOOSFB may remember this was the second time that Mojo has seen Sesame Street Live - see this post. She was invited by her BFF Poppy and parents. This was the first time we let Maureen go somewhere without us, except for instances where she was with other family members. This was a big deal. She got all dolled up - Mom made sure she had a fresh pair of panties with her should an accident occur (that's what's inside her purse in the photo.) While Mojo was at the show, Kristin and I packed up the Ro-Boy and made a much needed trip to the Sprint store for new phones. We both came back with new Blackberries and the ability to surf the web and text. You can imagine what we've been doing all week (omg, lol?)
We made it home in time to watch our Cardinals lose to Michigan State (Boo) and this is where it gets fuzzy. I'm not sure what we did the rest of the night. Boy, my mind is really going. I'm sure we had fun that night - we probably got some much needed rest (wow!)
Anyway, on Monday, we made a trip down to our Science Center downtown. We basically stayed in the kid's play area for a few hours where Maureen got to play in a Bus, equipped with multicultural baby dolls, in a play ambulance, on a slide, and in a water area where she got soaked (of course.) That's why we have back-ups with us at all times. There was a matted area where Rowan could play too. He was in a particularly good mood and had some fun playing with the baby toys. When we had enough of the place (and when I say we, I mean me and Kristin - Mo could have stayed there all day) we headed out to the Cracker Barrel for a Spring Break feast. At home, I got to do one chore that has been looming over me for the past three years - taking out a picket fence in the back yard that made no sense being up in the first place, and then a trip to the grocery. This is the conclusion of the Spring Break 2009 saga. Tuesday was back to work with a vengeance - bitter reality striking me right between the eyes. Though our spring break was not as elaborate as a trip to Seattle (I hope you guys are having fun!!) or to Destin, it was nice to have quality time with the whole family without the stresses that come with everyday life. I guess that's why we put up with all the BS that we go through, so we can try to make time to enjoy each other every chance we get.
We made it home in time to watch our Cardinals lose to Michigan State (Boo) and this is where it gets fuzzy. I'm not sure what we did the rest of the night. Boy, my mind is really going. I'm sure we had fun that night - we probably got some much needed rest (wow!)
Anyway, on Monday, we made a trip down to our Science Center downtown. We basically stayed in the kid's play area for a few hours where Maureen got to play in a Bus, equipped with multicultural baby dolls, in a play ambulance, on a slide, and in a water area where she got soaked (of course.) That's why we have back-ups with us at all times. There was a matted area where Rowan could play too. He was in a particularly good mood and had some fun playing with the baby toys. When we had enough of the place (and when I say we, I mean me and Kristin - Mo could have stayed there all day) we headed out to the Cracker Barrel for a Spring Break feast. At home, I got to do one chore that has been looming over me for the past three years - taking out a picket fence in the back yard that made no sense being up in the first place, and then a trip to the grocery. This is the conclusion of the Spring Break 2009 saga. Tuesday was back to work with a vengeance - bitter reality striking me right between the eyes. Though our spring break was not as elaborate as a trip to Seattle (I hope you guys are having fun!!) or to Destin, it was nice to have quality time with the whole family without the stresses that come with everyday life. I guess that's why we put up with all the BS that we go through, so we can try to make time to enjoy each other every chance we get.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Spring Break 2009 - part 4
So, we just left the aquarium - the rest of the trip may not be exciting to you, but it was very restful and enjoyable for the family. We checked into the Downtown Cincinnati Hyatt and once we got into the room, all crashed in front of the TV. Yes, we could have done that at home, but it was extra special doing it out of town. We were on the 17th floor, and had a city-side view of all the tall buildings around us. Of course we watched two back-to-back Disney movies on the Disney Channel: Hercules and Aladdin. Maureen was a veggie!
Kristin did manage to steal away for some last minute shopping at the Downtown Macy's, we ordered some LaRosa's pizza, and just enjoyed being lazy.
The next morning, we got up and made our way down to the pool. This was Rowan's first time to spend so much time in a swimming pool and I think he cautiously enjoyed himself. Mo had a ball. Besides checking out and hitting McDonald's on the way out, that completes our trip to Cincinnati (and Newport). Yes, a simple get-away, but a much needed respite from home.
More on our extended weekend in part 5 (if you are really interested).
Kristin did manage to steal away for some last minute shopping at the Downtown Macy's, we ordered some LaRosa's pizza, and just enjoyed being lazy.
The next morning, we got up and made our way down to the pool. This was Rowan's first time to spend so much time in a swimming pool and I think he cautiously enjoyed himself. Mo had a ball. Besides checking out and hitting McDonald's on the way out, that completes our trip to Cincinnati (and Newport). Yes, a simple get-away, but a much needed respite from home.
More on our extended weekend in part 5 (if you are really interested).
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Spring Break 2009 - part 3
So where was I? Oh, we had just had a marvelous time at the Hofbrauhaus in Newport, everyone ate something, mom and dad had one bier, and we were off to the aquarium. We should have ordered another bier! As we approached the aquarium, we saw a long, long line. OK, no problem. I could stand in line with Rowan, and Maureen and Kristin can keep themselves occupied by watching a juggling street performer, or the musicians nearby, or window shop at the many nearby stores. No problem.
The line took nearly twenty minutes and we were ok with that. Then we paid $53 total to get in. Well, alright, I guess fish are cool. Then we walked in.
I don't know if you've ever been to this aquarium, I know there are others designed just like it. It's designed to move people from point A to point B, with very little chance to linger, back track, or filter into other areas. We were packed in like sardines; and it was hot; and we had heavy jackets; with no place to put the jackets except for our already overstuffed backpack; and we had two little kids, one in particular who is on the move. I don't like fish that much.
I tried to go to this aquarium back when it opened and had a similar experience of being over-crowded. Mark my words, I will never go back. It is not worth it. And you shouldn't go either. We did manage to see some sharks and penguins and other fish. Sigh. But, for me this was the lowest point of our trip. More about it in Spring Break - part 4.
The line took nearly twenty minutes and we were ok with that. Then we paid $53 total to get in. Well, alright, I guess fish are cool. Then we walked in.
I don't know if you've ever been to this aquarium, I know there are others designed just like it. It's designed to move people from point A to point B, with very little chance to linger, back track, or filter into other areas. We were packed in like sardines; and it was hot; and we had heavy jackets; with no place to put the jackets except for our already overstuffed backpack; and we had two little kids, one in particular who is on the move. I don't like fish that much.
I tried to go to this aquarium back when it opened and had a similar experience of being over-crowded. Mark my words, I will never go back. It is not worth it. And you shouldn't go either. We did manage to see some sharks and penguins and other fish. Sigh. But, for me this was the lowest point of our trip. More about it in Spring Break - part 4.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Spring Break 2009 - part 2
I decided to take Monday off, and we would celebrate at least the start of the kids' spring break together. Friday was dedicated to the Cardinal's wonderful victory over Arizona, and a bit of a bon voyage party for the inlaws before they set off for Seattle. We ordered in Cafe Lou Lou's (who delivers to the highlands, by the way) and had ourselves a nice little buffet feast. The next morning we knew we were going to Cincinnati, and that we were going to go to the Aquarium in Newport, but we had no reservations or a gameplan beyond that. Thanks to a little research and Captian Kirk, we landed a hotel room at the Downtown Hyatt for fifty bucks - we took a chance with the "name your own rate" option on Priceline.com. They took the $50 so fast I was left wondering if they would have taken $40. Oh well, $50 is still a good deal (although our room was near the ice machine and elevators and without a view of the river, neither of those features seemed to bug us.)
So, after what seemed like an hour and a half of scrambling to get ready, we were on the road. I had the (bright?) idea of downloading some Disney songs on the ipod for Maureen - Bibbity-Bobbity-Boo, The Wishing Well Song (Snow White), Some Day My Prince Will Come, Hi Ho, Hi Ho (It's Off to Work We Go), etc., of which we had to listen to the whole way to Newport (and back.) Not a big sacrifice since Maureen is going through a whining-to-get-what-she-wants stage. It was a relaxing trip up, especially since Rowan slept the whole way.
After a few mis-turns in route for some fast food, we decided we would instead go to the Hofbrauhaus across the street from the Aquarium. This was the best decision we made the whole trip. This is the German restaurant that is set up like the one in Germany - long tables with benches, a German polka band playing, beers a flowing. The kids were mesmerized, and we enjoyed the family-friendly atmosphere. I'd say this was the best part of the trip.
I have to get ready for work now. This entry to be continued in Spring Break 2009 - part 3
So, after what seemed like an hour and a half of scrambling to get ready, we were on the road. I had the (bright?) idea of downloading some Disney songs on the ipod for Maureen - Bibbity-Bobbity-Boo, The Wishing Well Song (Snow White), Some Day My Prince Will Come, Hi Ho, Hi Ho (It's Off to Work We Go), etc., of which we had to listen to the whole way to Newport (and back.) Not a big sacrifice since Maureen is going through a whining-to-get-what-she-wants stage. It was a relaxing trip up, especially since Rowan slept the whole way.
After a few mis-turns in route for some fast food, we decided we would instead go to the Hofbrauhaus across the street from the Aquarium. This was the best decision we made the whole trip. This is the German restaurant that is set up like the one in Germany - long tables with benches, a German polka band playing, beers a flowing. The kids were mesmerized, and we enjoyed the family-friendly atmosphere. I'd say this was the best part of the trip.
I have to get ready for work now. This entry to be continued in Spring Break 2009 - part 3
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