Thursday, May 29, 2008

Parents-in-training

Recently we have noticed some rather odd behaviour that is worth mentioning. While sitting reading on the couch I realized that my legs were jiggling up and down of their own accord and while perusing books at the library I realized I was swaying back and forth. This movement excess seems to have spread to Daniel as well. He moves his hands back and forth absentmindedly beside him, he sways, and both of us seem to speak with a slight singsong in our voices. Coincidence? I think not!

The culprit? James. (the same James that is currently causing me to type this post with only my left hand, more on the lopsided parent later) He has apparently trained us so well in how to sooth him that we now do it automatically, whether we are holding him or not. It reminds me of the stories of sailors getting off their boats after a long ocean voyage and not being able to walk straight. In our case we have been rocking the baby and have to ... wait a second I need to sooth the baby.....

Where was I? I think you get the point. (Incidentally, it is now my right hand doing the typing.)

I would also like to say that I have been learning what it is like to be one handed and unable to get up. It's terribly annoying to sit down to nurse and have your book, or your glass of water, or the pillow for your arm just one inch out of reach. I'm proud to say that I have improved my ability to pick things up with my toes as a result (not the water glass obviously!). It's amazing what you can do when you really put your mind to it.

An upper-back ache is also on the list of our ailments. We found out why yesterday. We went to the pediatrician for James' checkup. He is now 13lbs 12oz and 24'' long. No wonder my back hurts!

Seriously, we are very happy he is so healthy and we feel very blessed, even if we are exhibiting some very odd parent related behaviours.

(Wow, it's amazing how many typos one makes by typing one-handed!)

Saturday, May 24, 2008

My favorite pics this week

I'm so glad when Daddy comes home! Glad as I can be...


I'm ready for my hug.


I can still see you, Mom!

Friday, May 23, 2008

Orange Julius Making

This is to remind all of you to check your blender.

Check that it is in good repair, that the cup is clean and attached correctly, and the blades not bent... but also check that it is NOT ON.

Yes, yes, you would think that you would want it to be ON to, you know, blend, but that is only if you have the lid firmly in place too. A crucial step in the blender-checking process.

So next time you plug your blender in to make, say, a delicious orange julius, make sure the buttons aren't pushed in or the switch flipped, or at least check that the lid is already on.

You will avoid receiving a new pomade for you hair, a lovely fruity facial, and a sticky finish to your counter, floor, and cabinet. All organic and perfectly edible. Not to mention the jumpstart your heart will receive from receiving all of these within a few seconds.

How do I know all this? Let's just say that I know a recipient of said organic spa treatment and home improvement...

Thursday, May 22, 2008

A short story from 1989

I was told that I had to post something so that the "R.I.P Nasty Breakfast" post won't be the first thing you see when you load the page. I for one think the post is a literary masterpiece. Alright, I can't say that with a straight face.

So, in an attempt to post something more engaging, here is a short story I found recently that exemplifies my former literary talents (with some original syntax and spelling):

"Timmy"

by Daniel, age 10

"I'm Dr. Sy N. Tist." He said, "I am going to make this gerbil talk." as he gave Rachel a green liquid to drink. Dr. Sy N. Tist left the room to get a drink.

"Yuk.", complained Rachel. "Sy is doing nothing of the kind, blank, zip, nothing." "I can already talk!"

"I think so too." said a mysterious voice.

"What?"

"I think s..."

"No, where?"

"In the microscope"

"Who?"

"Timmy."

"Oh, there you are.""In case you are wondering, I'm a microscopic bug, a mite." said Timmy.

"Gee glad to see yah." Rachel responded.

Timmy began, "How may I help you?"

"I want to get out of the house." Rachel mumbled.

"Humm, I'll be back here tomorrow."

Timmy went out in the woods and found a little spot, no danger as it seemed to be... The next morning Timmy asked how much she could hold.

"About a pound."

"Can you lift the microscope?"

"yes."

"O.K., wait! Whew, count to three then lift, I'll go over here on the bookshelves, ready 1-2-3 go."

Mr. Tist had opened the window earlier for a draft in the laboratory; they escaped there and
went to the place Timmy had chosen.

Rachel looked through the microscope when an old owl swooped down and just missed Rachel. Timmy said "go over in that hollow stump, hurry!" I'll go up and distract him. Timmy floated up into her eye but she just blinked a little bit (it didn't work.) The owl was going to the neighbor’s yard. (A far off place to them.) Rachel ran as fast as she could, she dashed and jumped.

"Get off me."

"What?"

"Get off m..."

"No, why?"

"I was just trying to scare you off from my babies."

Alyce introduced the babies, "This is Larry, Currly, and Mo." I heard that these are human names, they're going to be trained to hunt with humans. Oh, I'm so proud of you three!

"Rachel."

"yah."

"We are still too close to the house, we'll have to move again. The three set off and Alyce explained her life.

One day somebody threw away old box, Alyce scavenged it quickly. "This will make a good house."

If you ever see a box with a owl with three babies, a gerbil, and a microscope in it, you know who they are.

And for those who are interested, I got a check + on the assignment.

Monday, May 19, 2008

R.I.P. Nasty Breakfast

Marshmallow Cardboard Puffs
2007-2008

I just finished off the last bowl (except for the sawdust). It has been a long fight, but in the end, I didn't back down. Sure, we had our ups and downs, my old (as in tasting) friend. Your friends, Chocolate and Peanut Butter, will miss you a great deal. It seems like it was ages ago when I had my first bowl, though it tasted like you had been around for ages even then. But if there is one thing you have taught me, it is that not all cereals are created equal. No one should suffer the same culinary fate every morning (except maybe at scout camp). Variety is beautiful. If it weren't for you, my dear Cardboard Marshmallow friend, I would never have appreciated the taste and pleasure of my cereal. I hope to never take cereals for granted again.

Marshmallow Cardboard Puffs are dead.
Long live Marshmallow Cardboard Puffs.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Strike a Pose

We think that this picture should be labeled 'Twinkle Toes'. James looks like he could be doing a soft shoe routine on the stage and is only missing his top hat and cane. 'Putting on the Ritz with Pooh', it's sure to be a hit so watch your local baby broadway billboard.

It's a bird.. it's a plane... no it's SUPERBABY! Or flying GatorBoy, take your pick. He certainly looks determined. I wouldn't want to get in his way... he might gum you to death.


On guard!... or is it Avant Guard? I've got you now! There's no escaping.... your dastardly plans have been foiled again. You're all fenced in and there's no where to go.



In other news:

We had a movie night (The ever popular 'Lilo and Stitch') and James really enjoyed it, for a few minutes anyway.



Thursday, May 15, 2008

Overalls





Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Welcome to the family!

My niece, Grace Crystal Kirby, was born last night at 11:19pm. She weighed 8lbs 8.6oz and was 20'' long. What a miracle and what a relief to have her here safely.


Congratulations, Sarah! Welcome to the family, Grace! We've waited so long to meet you!


You are so lucky to have your mama, Grace. She is the best. Be nice to her and sleep once in awhile okay? And tell your cousin, James, to do the same for his mom.:)


Isn't your family beautiful? Well.... you fit right in.

Love, Aunt Charity

Sunday, May 11, 2008

James decides to smile



Saturday, May 10, 2008

Our First Campout


Mother's Day & Anniversary Flowers


James slept through getting the tent and gear set up.


Daniel got ingredients together for our camping treat.




S'mores.


Then we watched some TV from the comfort of our very comfortable campsite.


Thursday, May 8, 2008

Male Bonding

Daniel and James have been spending some quality time together watching television on Daniel's HD TV.


They also got to some horse play. Daniel was the horse, of course. James wasn't too sure about his new vantage point on Daniel's shoulders but I'm sure that as he gets older it will become a favorite activity.



Daniel made a very manly meal of homemade potato chips, hash browns, sausage, biscuits, and gravy. It was horribly tasty and terribly fattening. I was just happy not to be cooking. I told James that he needs to learn to cook too because his wife will really appreciate it, I know I sure do. (We do eat healthily most of the time.)



Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Birthdays and a Thank you

It has been birthday season.

Happy Birthday to Steve! (April 29th)

Happy Birthday to David! (May 1)

Happy Birthday to Nathanael! (May 2)

Happy Birthday to Daniel! (May 3)

James, Grandparents Howell, and I got Daniel a HD TV which he and James just adore. Nothing says 'I love you' like unnecessary electronics in this family.

I hope that you all had very good birthdays. It is amazing how old some of you are getting! I hope this new year brings you joy and wisdom. Although the rest of you didn't get unnecessary electronics, know that I love you too! :)


I also wanted to say Thank You to the OCR&D group at ConvaTec for the lovely flowers. Thank you! They are lovely and smell wonderful.


Friday, May 2, 2008

Worth a Thousand Words...