True story: I am a terrible aunt. Yeah. Maddox and Emme's birthdays are one month before and one month after Nico's, respectively. And I havent gotten them birthday gifts. Isnt that terrible? I dont know what to get them. Really. Know that delimma? What do you get the kid who has everything? That is these two kids. I like craft and art supplies... but dont know if that is a crappy birthday gift. I got Maddox one of those big crayola sets (because I always wanted one). But I am worried its kinda lame. I dont know. I gues I am just nervous.
Not much else to report. Except that apparently my face is breaking out. Again. BARF.
Dave and I are taking Nico to Atlanta this weekend. We want to take him to the aquarium. I think it will be fun. We are leaving Sunday afternoon and getting back on Monday. So that will be fun. I also finished a looming craft project last weekend (appliquing onesies for a co-worker/friend). So I see some progress on my soft green shawl being made in the car. I am actually contemplating leaving my computer at home. GASP.
Here is a video I took of Nico on Monday when we got home from school. We have this new thing where I make him run up the hill a couple of our driveway a couple of times.
Am I the only one that he looks like Forrest Gump without the leg braces? With his khakki pants and plaid shirt? Isnt that weird?
Also, here is video of his drum jam session with Daddy.
Some background: When we had watched all the dump truck, recycling truck, digger and garbage trucks on the internet- Nico was bored. So we turned ot other forms of entertaininment, which apparently included drummers. Steet drummers, japanese drummers, etc. So that is his thing these days. My kid is turning into a band nerd. Before my very eyes. No joke. I guess I am going to have to start putting him in the garbage can, for practice. What the F? Here is the thing: band nerds convince themselves that they arent nerds... they are the epitome of cool... in fact, they work hard to live down the nerd rep by partying harder than anyone else in school. Seriously- in high school, its one of the only regular coed events that you can do. Hours spent on band trips with LOTS of members of the opposite sex. So they are also the ones having all the sex. At least this is how it was when I was in highschool. So I have that to look forward to. SUCK.
Well, I guess if Nico is going to be in the band, there are worse instruments that he could play... like the clarinet. At least when I was in high school, if there were cool kids in band, they were on the drum line. The rest were nerds (sorry Dave).
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Really adorable...
One of my favorite things that Nico is doing now is using "that" and "those" in front of things and people. For example, he will ask, "Where is that puppy?" (referring to his big puppy) or "Where is that orangutan?" (referring to his stuffed orangutan). This morning I was getting ready for work when I heard him ask, "Where is that Mama?"
The first day back at school was good. Nico was awesome, apparently, although he has this thing with bugs... he wigs out when bugs are around him. Those big beetly roach things that sometimes sneak inside, bees, gnats, misquitos. He does not handle them well. At all. Nico's new teacher Sue (we call her Sue-Sue) said that she was stunned by how talkative he is... talking in whole sentences, trying to describe things that had happened to him over break. Not just just little sentences like, "Nico dont want it." But more like, "I want to leave this shirt off. I dont want it on!" Yeah... and he is still a Bossy McBoss.
Last night was REALLY awesome. Nico and I went to the gym after work and he got to go in the kids room, which he seems to really like. When we got home I had already made dinner, so we were just waiting for it to heat in the oven. He and Dave had a jam session on "the drums" a series of buckets, trash cans and such. It was really cute. Hope to post some pics and videos of it later.
All for now. BTW, today is a great day. I am listening to a live version of the Counting Crows' "August and Everything After". The original is one of my favorite albums of ALL time. The live version is cool.
The first day back at school was good. Nico was awesome, apparently, although he has this thing with bugs... he wigs out when bugs are around him. Those big beetly roach things that sometimes sneak inside, bees, gnats, misquitos. He does not handle them well. At all. Nico's new teacher Sue (we call her Sue-Sue) said that she was stunned by how talkative he is... talking in whole sentences, trying to describe things that had happened to him over break. Not just just little sentences like, "Nico dont want it." But more like, "I want to leave this shirt off. I dont want it on!" Yeah... and he is still a Bossy McBoss.
Last night was REALLY awesome. Nico and I went to the gym after work and he got to go in the kids room, which he seems to really like. When we got home I had already made dinner, so we were just waiting for it to heat in the oven. He and Dave had a jam session on "the drums" a series of buckets, trash cans and such. It was really cute. Hope to post some pics and videos of it later.
All for now. BTW, today is a great day. I am listening to a live version of the Counting Crows' "August and Everything After". The original is one of my favorite albums of ALL time. The live version is cool.
Monday, August 29, 2011
The Return of MegaBeast!!
Ahhh the weekend.
Nothing really excitiing to report, not like NiCody who hiked Grey's Peak in Colorado. Dave and Nico got back into town on Saturday. While I was officially at the house all by myself Thursday night, Friday night and Saturday, I COULD.NOT.DO.ANYTHING towards the IRB application(s) I need to finish and revise, the article that I need to get out the door or the 7 applications I need to get out the door by October 1. Seriously, I dont know what my problem was. Except, that maybe I was tired and physically/mentally/emotionally depleted from the run up to ASAs. I have been working every weekend and several nights a week on applications and writing, etc since Memorial Day Weekend.
Not only did I manage to watch an entire season of Mad Men, but I also made blueberry muffins. From scratch. Yeah, they were pretty delicious. I also thought I was going to start a new binder/calendar/planner organization system. Seen here. See, part of the problem is, that I dont really like my current planner... I feel like its on the verge of spilling all of its contents all over the floor. So I started setting up a binder of sorts, like in the link. but I dont really like it so far. The pages are kind of annoying. In any case, I found a link to Erin Condgren, who has a line of planners that might be more up my alley. So I ordered one. I am pretty excited about it.
I also did some grocery shopping. And napping.
I tackled the Great Move out of my office yesterday. Consequently, my back is kinda sore today. In the end, it ended up being pretty annoying. I left campus with 8 boxes of stuff- articles, books, binders, random crap I had in my desk, dishes, food. 6 boxes of stuff if you only count that stuff that will hopefully go on the shelf of the place that hires me and gives me a desk. Or... 6 boxes of stuff that would start a massive bonfire for my "F- Academia" Party. But Dave seems to be supportive of me doing the academic job market again next year (in the event I dont get hired this year anywhere livable). Of course I am not too keen on this- simply because it means I have to keep trying to get published when I am not guranteed a job. Which I wouldnt care about it, except that no matter how I slice it, there are only 24 hours in a day. And as much as I try, I cant do 36 hours of work in 24 hours (especially since sleep is a requirement for me not being a cranky B----!)
Today is Nico's first day of school after the three week break. I am half expecting his school to call me to come get him on account of him being a Mega Beast. Oh yes.
Case in point:
Nothing really excitiing to report, not like NiCody who hiked Grey's Peak in Colorado. Dave and Nico got back into town on Saturday. While I was officially at the house all by myself Thursday night, Friday night and Saturday, I COULD.NOT.DO.ANYTHING towards the IRB application(s) I need to finish and revise, the article that I need to get out the door or the 7 applications I need to get out the door by October 1. Seriously, I dont know what my problem was. Except, that maybe I was tired and physically/mentally/emotionally depleted from the run up to ASAs. I have been working every weekend and several nights a week on applications and writing, etc since Memorial Day Weekend.
Not only did I manage to watch an entire season of Mad Men, but I also made blueberry muffins. From scratch. Yeah, they were pretty delicious. I also thought I was going to start a new binder/calendar/planner organization system. Seen here. See, part of the problem is, that I dont really like my current planner... I feel like its on the verge of spilling all of its contents all over the floor. So I started setting up a binder of sorts, like in the link. but I dont really like it so far. The pages are kind of annoying. In any case, I found a link to Erin Condgren, who has a line of planners that might be more up my alley. So I ordered one. I am pretty excited about it.
I also did some grocery shopping. And napping.
I tackled the Great Move out of my office yesterday. Consequently, my back is kinda sore today. In the end, it ended up being pretty annoying. I left campus with 8 boxes of stuff- articles, books, binders, random crap I had in my desk, dishes, food. 6 boxes of stuff if you only count that stuff that will hopefully go on the shelf of the place that hires me and gives me a desk. Or... 6 boxes of stuff that would start a massive bonfire for my "F- Academia" Party. But Dave seems to be supportive of me doing the academic job market again next year (in the event I dont get hired this year anywhere livable). Of course I am not too keen on this- simply because it means I have to keep trying to get published when I am not guranteed a job. Which I wouldnt care about it, except that no matter how I slice it, there are only 24 hours in a day. And as much as I try, I cant do 36 hours of work in 24 hours (especially since sleep is a requirement for me not being a cranky B----!)
Today is Nico's first day of school after the three week break. I am half expecting his school to call me to come get him on account of him being a Mega Beast. Oh yes.
Case in point:
Why is he sitting on a step on the front step? Because he has gotten so obstinate and independent lately, that telling him no to some things are a surefire way to end up with a MELTDOWN. Seriously. At the point this picture was taken, he had already had two meltdowns (and had only been a wake for about 30 minutes). He isnt quite at the age yet where I can reason with him... so when he picked up the step to walk out the door for a picture, I could have said, "You don't need this step". But I figured, who cares? He went to sit on it and fell and ended up falling down the step. I am trying to let him learn, but it sure can be a beat down. Independence is for the birds.
I cut his hair last night and he looks super cute today wearing orange high tops. All for now. Hope you all have a fun week.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Long time, no see.
So, I have been out of pocket lately. Actually, not really. I hate that phrase. I have been out of touch, not out of pocket. While I have yet to fully express my annoyance at the term "out of pocket" to describe unreachable on this blog, it has been done, to which I add, "Ditto."
The past couple of weeks was the run up for the conference I went to last week. I was pushing hard to get a paper done and get prepared. I am still not done with the paper, which is okay,I guess, since I have some time this weekend. Oh, wait. No I dont, becausse I am being evicted from my office on campus. Yes. This day has come. The office space in the population center that I share with Ursula is now needed for a PhD student. Because apparently, all the other spaces are filled. So despite the fact that I have continued to work (my ass off) with IE for the past 8 months (since graduating), I was asked to get my shit out of the office. BY MONDAY. Seriously. 8 years of books, files, texts, computer stuff, etc. Out of the office by Monday.
The thing about it is, that I wouldnt have minded having to move... like, I get it. Someone needs the space. Ok. But four days notice? Really? I am not really surprised, I guess. Of course, the new pop center director was all apologetic, like, "I dont want you to feel as if you're being abandoned." But the damage is done. I get to take precious time out of the no extra time I have now to move all my stuff when it all could have been done MONTHS ago. So, in addition to edits to my DOH data application, finishing the AHCA application, pulling together materials for 9 job applications that are due by October 1, working 40 hours a week, being a parent, oh and trying to publish two papers, I get spend this weekend moving my shit out of that office to my house, where I dont have room to store any of it. Awesome. I'm so happy!!
The one thing that is kind of a drag is that without the office, I wont probably go to campus much anymore. Which is a shame, because I love being able to go there and have food, access to a power source, tables and stuff to work. I could leave stuff there and that was okay. I sincerely doubt I will spend much time on campus working anymore now. Its not worth the effort to go to the library- so I guess my only options are Bada Bean, which I dont think is open all day or the dirty hippies at All Saints. I would say Blackdog Cafe, but it seems like they turn their wireless off on the weekend. So that has been a big let down. IE has asked around about space on the sociology floor, but I can only guess that doesnt look promising.
The conference I went to last week? It was okay... ups and downs. I was flying pretty high until I had a conversation with a guy from Cornell (the brother of a friend), who managed to turn our informal little chat into a "come to jesus" meeting about how I suck at life and should probably have thrown myself off my balcony since I am basically unemployable without a publication in the American Sociological Review (the lead journal in sociology). I got some good insight into jobs that I am interested in... like University of Delaware and Carleton College.
I went to dinner with my old college roommate Erica. She seems to be doing well. She lives just outside of Vegas in a pretty awesome home. She has two little girls who are absolutely precious. The older of the two proves the idiom, "The apple doesnt fall too far from the tree." As for Vegas- I dont think I need to ever go back. Maybe I am jaded because my experience was mostly waiting to do stuff- waiting in line to check in, waiting for a cab, waiting to cross the street, etc. And the entire city smells like smoke. While I dont mind the smell of smoke if I am the one smoking, I really hate it when I am not. REALLY.
I did have a couple of amazing meals- one with Erica at the Yardhouse- which is a brew pub. We had their mac and cheese, which was off the hook. I was extraordinarily tired, so much so I couldnt finish it. I also had salmon at Mesa on Monday afternoon, which was delicious (Mesa is a resturant at Cesars). I had Mexican Chocolate Pudding, which was so rich that I had to take leftovers. Yeah... I know. Do you know how rich that is? That is like Michael Jordan not being able to hit a free throw. I also had dinner with AD on Saturday night after our session at Margaritaville. Dinner was okay...I wasnt terribly hungry so I was deterred from what I really wanted (Nachos, which apparently could feed the entire nation of Somalia).
In all, it was a decent trip. I got to catch up on my sleep and came to the realization that I dont want the University of Nevada @ Las Vegas job. At all. :)
Dave's parents stayed while I was gone. I think Nico got a kick out of having someone to play with or talk to ALL THE TIME. Consequently, he is quite the chatty cathy lately. He now routinely counts up to 14 or 16 and knows his ABCs (although sometimes he skips h-i-j). Since Nico is still out of school for today and tomorrow, Dave is on his way to Miami. Nico is going to hang out with the grandparents while Dave works. It was a total bummer to put them in the car this morning. Although Nico that it was funny that his Big Puppy was wearing his sunglasses. I have Nico's New Puppy (that my mom brought for him) with me today to remind me of Nico.
The past couple of weeks was the run up for the conference I went to last week. I was pushing hard to get a paper done and get prepared. I am still not done with the paper, which is okay,I guess, since I have some time this weekend. Oh, wait. No I dont, becausse I am being evicted from my office on campus. Yes. This day has come. The office space in the population center that I share with Ursula is now needed for a PhD student. Because apparently, all the other spaces are filled. So despite the fact that I have continued to work (my ass off) with IE for the past 8 months (since graduating), I was asked to get my shit out of the office. BY MONDAY. Seriously. 8 years of books, files, texts, computer stuff, etc. Out of the office by Monday.
The thing about it is, that I wouldnt have minded having to move... like, I get it. Someone needs the space. Ok. But four days notice? Really? I am not really surprised, I guess. Of course, the new pop center director was all apologetic, like, "I dont want you to feel as if you're being abandoned." But the damage is done. I get to take precious time out of the no extra time I have now to move all my stuff when it all could have been done MONTHS ago. So, in addition to edits to my DOH data application, finishing the AHCA application, pulling together materials for 9 job applications that are due by October 1, working 40 hours a week, being a parent, oh and trying to publish two papers, I get spend this weekend moving my shit out of that office to my house, where I dont have room to store any of it. Awesome. I'm so happy!!
The one thing that is kind of a drag is that without the office, I wont probably go to campus much anymore. Which is a shame, because I love being able to go there and have food, access to a power source, tables and stuff to work. I could leave stuff there and that was okay. I sincerely doubt I will spend much time on campus working anymore now. Its not worth the effort to go to the library- so I guess my only options are Bada Bean, which I dont think is open all day or the dirty hippies at All Saints. I would say Blackdog Cafe, but it seems like they turn their wireless off on the weekend. So that has been a big let down. IE has asked around about space on the sociology floor, but I can only guess that doesnt look promising.
The conference I went to last week? It was okay... ups and downs. I was flying pretty high until I had a conversation with a guy from Cornell (the brother of a friend), who managed to turn our informal little chat into a "come to jesus" meeting about how I suck at life and should probably have thrown myself off my balcony since I am basically unemployable without a publication in the American Sociological Review (the lead journal in sociology). I got some good insight into jobs that I am interested in... like University of Delaware and Carleton College.
I went to dinner with my old college roommate Erica. She seems to be doing well. She lives just outside of Vegas in a pretty awesome home. She has two little girls who are absolutely precious. The older of the two proves the idiom, "The apple doesnt fall too far from the tree." As for Vegas- I dont think I need to ever go back. Maybe I am jaded because my experience was mostly waiting to do stuff- waiting in line to check in, waiting for a cab, waiting to cross the street, etc. And the entire city smells like smoke. While I dont mind the smell of smoke if I am the one smoking, I really hate it when I am not. REALLY.
I did have a couple of amazing meals- one with Erica at the Yardhouse- which is a brew pub. We had their mac and cheese, which was off the hook. I was extraordinarily tired, so much so I couldnt finish it. I also had salmon at Mesa on Monday afternoon, which was delicious (Mesa is a resturant at Cesars). I had Mexican Chocolate Pudding, which was so rich that I had to take leftovers. Yeah... I know. Do you know how rich that is? That is like Michael Jordan not being able to hit a free throw. I also had dinner with AD on Saturday night after our session at Margaritaville. Dinner was okay...I wasnt terribly hungry so I was deterred from what I really wanted (Nachos, which apparently could feed the entire nation of Somalia).
In all, it was a decent trip. I got to catch up on my sleep and came to the realization that I dont want the University of Nevada @ Las Vegas job. At all. :)
Dave's parents stayed while I was gone. I think Nico got a kick out of having someone to play with or talk to ALL THE TIME. Consequently, he is quite the chatty cathy lately. He now routinely counts up to 14 or 16 and knows his ABCs (although sometimes he skips h-i-j). Since Nico is still out of school for today and tomorrow, Dave is on his way to Miami. Nico is going to hang out with the grandparents while Dave works. It was a total bummer to put them in the car this morning. Although Nico that it was funny that his Big Puppy was wearing his sunglasses. I have Nico's New Puppy (that my mom brought for him) with me today to remind me of Nico.
They'll be home on Saturday. Until then, I am catching up on some stuff that needs to be done. And cleaning out my stupid office. :( In unrelated news, I have started to watch the series "Mad Men." LOVE IT. LOVE IT. LOVE IT. I am already in the second season and I am intrigued with some of the characters. I have also decided that in my next life, I am going to dress like Joan. For real:
Per usual for the great series, there is a lot of good character development. And not just the main character (Don Draper). There is a sniveling weasel named Pete Campbell who you just have to hate. Seriously, if I saw the guy playing him on the street, I would probably punch him in the face before remembering, oh, he's just a character.
Since the boys wont be here for the rest of this week, I think I am going to start Deadwood as well... but there is only a couple of seasons of that. My mom keeps getting on me because I haven't gotten on the Deadwood train yet :)
Monday, August 15, 2011
Twinkle little star...
We had a really great, fun weekend around here. As promised, Nico singing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."
Granny You left on Saturday morning and Geema and Geepa (Royse) came up yesterday. The house is clean. Good times, you know it. :) I was supposed to get out of my boot today, but my doctor had to reschedule my appointment for Thursday. I thought about taking myself out of the boot and going into the ankle brace and explaining, "Its okay, I am a doctor." But I am pretty sure if I fell down Dave would laugh at me. And call me a jackass.
I put Nico's bike together on Saturday while watching Ferris Bueller's Day Off. For some reason, Ferris reminds me of my brother. A lot.
Here is a picture of Nico on his sweet bike:
I went clothes/shoes shopping on Sunday. When I go to ASA later this week, I am set up for 7 (potentially 10) interviews with faculty at schools I am applying to. So my usual mode of operation for conferences (of taking one nice-ish outfit and a bunch of work clothes) isnt going to exacly cut it, since my work clothes are kinda crappy. I bought 4 pairs of shoes. 4 pairs of shoes. There is a payless close to my neighborhood and I went it, just to see if they had anything in my size (they dont usually). One thing led to another and I ended up with three pairs of ballet flats and one pair of boatish shoes. Yay. Very excited about that.
Granny You left on Saturday morning and Geema and Geepa (Royse) came up yesterday. The house is clean. Good times, you know it. :) I was supposed to get out of my boot today, but my doctor had to reschedule my appointment for Thursday. I thought about taking myself out of the boot and going into the ankle brace and explaining, "Its okay, I am a doctor." But I am pretty sure if I fell down Dave would laugh at me. And call me a jackass.
I put Nico's bike together on Saturday while watching Ferris Bueller's Day Off. For some reason, Ferris reminds me of my brother. A lot.
Here is a picture of Nico on his sweet bike:
I went clothes/shoes shopping on Sunday. When I go to ASA later this week, I am set up for 7 (potentially 10) interviews with faculty at schools I am applying to. So my usual mode of operation for conferences (of taking one nice-ish outfit and a bunch of work clothes) isnt going to exacly cut it, since my work clothes are kinda crappy. I bought 4 pairs of shoes. 4 pairs of shoes. There is a payless close to my neighborhood and I went it, just to see if they had anything in my size (they dont usually). One thing led to another and I ended up with three pairs of ballet flats and one pair of boatish shoes. Yay. Very excited about that.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
I'm cookin, I'm cookin, I'm really really shookin....
Not much going on around here. Nico's tricycle bike came last night, but I didnt have the time to put it together. That will be a fun little project for today when I get home. Mom and I are working on a laptop sleeve from some of the green and blue swirly paisley that I made Nico's curtains out of. Very excited about that.
I have also been cooking a bunch this week. We had baked chicken on Monday, Pork Pot pie on Tuesday, Spaghetti last night. Tonight we will have baked ziti. Maybe some chicken pasta bake on Friday. Speaking of which, does anyone have any good ideas for freezer meals? I am thinking of stocking the freezer full of casseroles and such for when the high school soccer season starts, which is just around the corner.
The cap for the pool came on Tuesday, which is real exiciting. I cant wait to get the pool set up this weekend. Nico is going to have a blast!! Yay!!
Wanna see a picture of no-nap time Nico who made an apperance on Tuesday?
Seriously though, don't you just want to bite him? Last night I got a video of him singing Twinkle Twinkle little star. Its seriously the most adorable thing ever. I hope to upload it to youtube tonight. Melts your heart.
I have also been cooking a bunch this week. We had baked chicken on Monday, Pork Pot pie on Tuesday, Spaghetti last night. Tonight we will have baked ziti. Maybe some chicken pasta bake on Friday. Speaking of which, does anyone have any good ideas for freezer meals? I am thinking of stocking the freezer full of casseroles and such for when the high school soccer season starts, which is just around the corner.
The cap for the pool came on Tuesday, which is real exiciting. I cant wait to get the pool set up this weekend. Nico is going to have a blast!! Yay!!
Wanna see a picture of no-nap time Nico who made an apperance on Tuesday?
Seriously though, don't you just want to bite him? Last night I got a video of him singing Twinkle Twinkle little star. Its seriously the most adorable thing ever. I hope to upload it to youtube tonight. Melts your heart.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Cupcakes in the morning.
Today is Nico's birthday!! Yay!!
We started a new tradition of having cake in the morning. Cake in the morning! Cake in the morning.
Rather than making a big cake that would basically lead me to eating the whole cake, I decided to make jumbo cupcakes for Nico's brithday. So last night I baked them and and we frosted one for Nico to eat this morning. it was pretty great. Really fun!
In other news, Granny You is in town. She brought Nico a little stuffed puppy dog, who he has named "Doggy".
One of the only things at work that I have actual deadlines for is due later this week, so I am cutting this break a bit early to get on with it.
More later this week (hopefully).
We started a new tradition of having cake in the morning. Cake in the morning! Cake in the morning.
Rather than making a big cake that would basically lead me to eating the whole cake, I decided to make jumbo cupcakes for Nico's brithday. So last night I baked them and and we frosted one for Nico to eat this morning. it was pretty great. Really fun!
In other news, Granny You is in town. She brought Nico a little stuffed puppy dog, who he has named "Doggy".
One of the only things at work that I have actual deadlines for is due later this week, so I am cutting this break a bit early to get on with it.
More later this week (hopefully).
A letter to Nico (which he wont appreciate until he gets older).
Dear Nico,
On the day that you turn 2, I pause to reflect on the years since you were born. While you have been with us for only two years, I feel that we have lived a lifetime in those two years. I find myself staring after you in amazement sometimes, as you go running by or as you climb onto a kitchen chair to help me with dishes. It seems hardly real, that you got here only two years ago.
You're growing up to be a sweet boy. You love your Mama and Daddy and your dogs (Drake and Gordon and Big Puppy and Doggy). You love to help- with the dishes, with sweeping, with putting clothes away. You're a good boy!
Almost every day your dad and I are amazed with something you've said or something you've done. Watching you grow from a juicy red cheeked, red haired new born to the blond and fairskinned toddler you are now has been a blast. I fall in love with you a little more every day.
We love you a lot.
Love,
Mama and Daddy.
On the day that you turn 2, I pause to reflect on the years since you were born. While you have been with us for only two years, I feel that we have lived a lifetime in those two years. I find myself staring after you in amazement sometimes, as you go running by or as you climb onto a kitchen chair to help me with dishes. It seems hardly real, that you got here only two years ago.
You're growing up to be a sweet boy. You love your Mama and Daddy and your dogs (Drake and Gordon and Big Puppy and Doggy). You love to help- with the dishes, with sweeping, with putting clothes away. You're a good boy!
Almost every day your dad and I are amazed with something you've said or something you've done. Watching you grow from a juicy red cheeked, red haired new born to the blond and fairskinned toddler you are now has been a blast. I fall in love with you a little more every day.
We love you a lot.
Love,
Mama and Daddy.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Home Alone
One of the best things about being a parent is teaching your kid to do stupid stuff. In fact, I cannot wait until the the christmas when Maddox is 7 and Emme and Nico are 5. I am going to teach them to do this for Granny You.
Until that great and wonderous day, I will just have to amuse myself with gems like this:
Speaking of kids out of control... guess who showed his tail yesterday when we were leaving the YMCA pool? I will give you one clue: his name rhymes with Rico. Yeah... full on, unadulturated, MELTDOWN. Ever try to hoist yourself out of a pool with a bad ankle because they took the stairs down while keeping your almost two year old boy from getting back into the pool? Yeah, it was as much of a beatdown as you think it was.
Its really hard to get him to understand that its time to leave. And that that doesnt mean we can never go back... it just means that we have to go home. He was not a happy camper. But he had a good time swimming up to that point.
Until that great and wonderous day, I will just have to amuse myself with gems like this:
Speaking of kids out of control... guess who showed his tail yesterday when we were leaving the YMCA pool? I will give you one clue: his name rhymes with Rico. Yeah... full on, unadulturated, MELTDOWN. Ever try to hoist yourself out of a pool with a bad ankle because they took the stairs down while keeping your almost two year old boy from getting back into the pool? Yeah, it was as much of a beatdown as you think it was.
Its really hard to get him to understand that its time to leave. And that that doesnt mean we can never go back... it just means that we have to go home. He was not a happy camper. But he had a good time swimming up to that point.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Cuteis Maximus
Nico has three things he is doing lately that are hilarious. One is when he is eating and you tell him to chew up his food really good. He then will wave at you while chewing it up. It's weird, I dont really know what he is doing. You can see it here:
Another thing is when we are walking anywhere and we're holding hands. Because the boy can lollygag like no other, I sometimes tell him, "We gotta go fast, Nico. Very fast!" His response is to lift his shoulders up and duck his head and walk fast. Its so freaking adorable!!
The final thing that he is doing that is pretty great is whenever we're in the car and I tell him to "keep his eyes open", which means he should be on the lookout for diggers and police cars and trucks and whatnot. His response is closing his eyes. And he does it very deliberately- its so cute, because he is smiling, like he knows exactly what he is doing!! It's pretty funny!!
All for now!
Another thing is when we are walking anywhere and we're holding hands. Because the boy can lollygag like no other, I sometimes tell him, "We gotta go fast, Nico. Very fast!" His response is to lift his shoulders up and duck his head and walk fast. Its so freaking adorable!!
The final thing that he is doing that is pretty great is whenever we're in the car and I tell him to "keep his eyes open", which means he should be on the lookout for diggers and police cars and trucks and whatnot. His response is closing his eyes. And he does it very deliberately- its so cute, because he is smiling, like he knows exactly what he is doing!! It's pretty funny!!
All for now!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Busy
Things are going here. We had a really good weekend at the house. We spent most of Saturday cooking and cleaning. The thing is, that if we would just keep the house clean, it wouldnt be such a beat down whenever we want to have people over.
Margot, Mike and Zoe Claire came over for dinner Saturday night, which was awesome. We had this crazy good spinach dip (whose main ingredient is crack... like the addictive kind). Plus we had blackberry mojitos (that were kinda weak). We also had chicken curry and a lemon meringue pie. Unfortunately, it didnt occur to me until about 5 minutes ago that I should have taken a picture of this feast. Oh well... sad face.
Fun was had by all, except for Nico who started to show his tail at the end. Speaking of which, the boy is ridiculously smart. Seriously, he is starting to understand where things are... so like we went to the post office the other day, he knew where we were. We also had to drive by Bagelheads to get to the YMCA to workout and he said, "Bagels!" It was pretty great. He's getting more and more elaborate when he plays, so now when he gets in the cabinet (goes to work) and opens the door (comes home), he says he's home. I ask if he made lots of money and he says yes. To buy jelly beans, diapers, clothes and books with. Its pretty cool.
Sunday we went to breakfast at Golden Corral. We dove by a pig statue in front of the little shops by Lake Ella. Where in he became obsessed with getting out of the car and going to hug the pig. And sit on it. So after lunch, he and Dave went to do that while I went to campus. I came home a few hours later for leftover pie and beer (its a delicious combination) and we had a nap. We had planned to go swimming at the Y again, but we woke up too late. Isnt that a terrible problem to have? Missing swimming because we napped too late?
I even got a few minutes on Saturday night and Sunday to start a shaw. Yeah, I got some of that ridiculously soft yarn from Joanns and have started a shaw for myself on the long loom (also teaching myself how to use the loom). Now I just need some place nice to wear it.
Overall things are going well. Looking forward to my trip to ASAs in Vegas. I have made contact with a lot of people and set up several informal interviews. Although, I dont know anyone who found the interviewing/chatting experience at ASA to lead to a job... so it makes me nervous because there are places that I would LOVE to offer me a job (Carleton College, University of Delaware). I am hoping that chatting with such individuals wont exclude me from the process. Which is the opposite of what is supposed to happen. Although, I am posed to spend a long time in August talking about myself, which I am not a fan of doing. Which is probably why I feel that I am so bad about networking. Booooo!!
Oh well. That is all for now. I am off!!
Margot, Mike and Zoe Claire came over for dinner Saturday night, which was awesome. We had this crazy good spinach dip (whose main ingredient is crack... like the addictive kind). Plus we had blackberry mojitos (that were kinda weak). We also had chicken curry and a lemon meringue pie. Unfortunately, it didnt occur to me until about 5 minutes ago that I should have taken a picture of this feast. Oh well... sad face.
Fun was had by all, except for Nico who started to show his tail at the end. Speaking of which, the boy is ridiculously smart. Seriously, he is starting to understand where things are... so like we went to the post office the other day, he knew where we were. We also had to drive by Bagelheads to get to the YMCA to workout and he said, "Bagels!" It was pretty great. He's getting more and more elaborate when he plays, so now when he gets in the cabinet (goes to work) and opens the door (comes home), he says he's home. I ask if he made lots of money and he says yes. To buy jelly beans, diapers, clothes and books with. Its pretty cool.
Sunday we went to breakfast at Golden Corral. We dove by a pig statue in front of the little shops by Lake Ella. Where in he became obsessed with getting out of the car and going to hug the pig. And sit on it. So after lunch, he and Dave went to do that while I went to campus. I came home a few hours later for leftover pie and beer (its a delicious combination) and we had a nap. We had planned to go swimming at the Y again, but we woke up too late. Isnt that a terrible problem to have? Missing swimming because we napped too late?
I even got a few minutes on Saturday night and Sunday to start a shaw. Yeah, I got some of that ridiculously soft yarn from Joanns and have started a shaw for myself on the long loom (also teaching myself how to use the loom). Now I just need some place nice to wear it.
Overall things are going well. Looking forward to my trip to ASAs in Vegas. I have made contact with a lot of people and set up several informal interviews. Although, I dont know anyone who found the interviewing/chatting experience at ASA to lead to a job... so it makes me nervous because there are places that I would LOVE to offer me a job (Carleton College, University of Delaware). I am hoping that chatting with such individuals wont exclude me from the process. Which is the opposite of what is supposed to happen. Although, I am posed to spend a long time in August talking about myself, which I am not a fan of doing. Which is probably why I feel that I am so bad about networking. Booooo!!
Oh well. That is all for now. I am off!!
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