tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59998045650743229172024-02-08T00:53:57.086-05:00It's The Great Fobian Baby Blog, Charlie Brown!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-4881183938074407162012-09-24T18:56:00.000-04:002012-09-24T18:56:39.995-04:00The One Where We Have to Recap May 2011-September 2012<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, here's
what you missed Fobian Family fans (at least the ones who aren't on Facebook!)...<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In late spring
of 2011, we found out we were pregnant with #2! Carmella Louise Fobian was born
February 25th, 2012 after throwing the brakes on any and all activities that
were to take place from November to her birth by trying to come three months
early. After a lengthy hospital stay by Mom, and continued bed rest until
delivery, she was delivered, a happy, healthy, full-term baby girl!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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summary of some of our fun activities. You will notice that Ollie magically goes from baby to little boy in the time a Ferrari goes from 0-60. Last July we hit Sesame Place with the
Johnsons in PA.</span></span></span></div>
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we got to go to Florida with Aunt Jade, G-Ma, and Papa and we hit Disney and
Universal for Harry Potter!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just as we
were getting ready to board a plane to Seattle for Thanksgiving and the birth
of our lovely niece Cora Jane, I was sent to the hospital after my routine
check-up. Do not pass go, do not collect 200 dollars. After 1 1/2 months of
scary baby growing bed-rest where they went from we have to take her out
tonight to, oh wait, maybe the cultures aren't showing anything, I was sent
home to spend the remainder of bed rest just before Christmas. Luckily my
parents were still in town planning to travel back to Seattle with us and they
were a bedrock of support during the time Rob was basically having to experience
life as a single parent (on the upside, we now know he could do it if he had
to!). Christmas was lots of loving relatives and friends crammed into our condo
since I couldn't go anywhere! And it was still wonderful, but very, very
different.</span></span></span></div>
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Carmella arrived, we eventually let my Mom go home, and I went back to work in
May (luckily no one had forgotten who I was).</span></span></span></div>
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hit Dutch Wonderland with the Johnsons and Ollie had a fabulous time on the
rides! He is definitely a thrill seeker like his Dad, even trying the adult log
flume with me after barely making the height requirement!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In September we went to Philly to see G-Ma and Papa and did the Adventure Aquarium, Please
Touch Museum, and the Zoo. Then in the second week of September Ollie started
preschool!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His vocabulary
has skyrocketed and he's such a fun little boy. His best friend is Dumbo the
Elephant. He is adept at iPad use, loves buses and cars and trucks and
airplanes, loved watching the Olympics ("Ollie does that? Maybe
someday!"), likes to show Carmella the ropes, and loves to dance to his
"jams". He doesn't take more than one try to learn most things and
loves everyone. He regularly asks to go see pretty much everyone he knows, as
soon as he gets up in the morning. He describes things with multiple adjectives
at a time--"wonderful, beautiful, spectacular, fantastic!". Carmella
is showing all signs of becoming just as sociable a little person, with big
grins and laughs around her drooly new teeth--and of course, her favorite
entertainment is her big brother Ollie!</span></span></span></div>
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will do a better job of keeping up the blog from now on so the entries don't
have to be quite as condensed. But at least we are back on the grid!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-83825079772964388472011-06-22T19:47:00.011-04:002011-06-25T20:17:10.955-04:00Ollie's Summer So Far...<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcImtofGK6xezqKF5vibgPJdLlsgGvlJvXiRxhMHx5CMuZAksn0T9crnDEbzNH0ooAf3y1mJL7FYg2SbZPhktVq7J7zLB9advaxwvtO_obr4NoIlNrn1fFtRw-uFQofb5r7HOWz55udKy/s1600/DSCN3834.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622315324872858290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcImtofGK6xezqKF5vibgPJdLlsgGvlJvXiRxhMHx5CMuZAksn0T9crnDEbzNH0ooAf3y1mJL7FYg2SbZPhktVq7J7zLB9advaxwvtO_obr4NoIlNrn1fFtRw-uFQofb5r7HOWz55udKy/s320/DSCN3834.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCUwUrEgmWXOe8wjY8_rFew8IpVXJ3gouvqDEDulg8A8_etIQyuc7M4wd2MY-gEQlpzmyUm1DwJtL-6JCSMQtl22f81sX1G30QDtFq05q7KP9UlIOx1xJoaYXYcaukj7YqJiwEWZ0G7ytE/s1600/DSCN3865.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; 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width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621201181452700722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFGskqUY_nIG0lePvtN67lSpYTDD3uND0TYRa3DbWcxYS0fLJnHJ_FoaC9OuMflZRzyd6I9-tvTrLHz6e6T6wEPA4sWGnG43XCFOrH-LUWeeCEdec-UXHG0uTHxA1OZ636YSMvCYHC_gX/s320/DSCN3780.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BO18uOc-51wh_5p_cfuzSsdlbciVJAGg6pmiBWH7cG8nD6ALBCYoL7olwEwsMydsg2wnXOovzyV66otrzcx77EYCtip_LVK13ApdPxReZL1jfIOJW5VV2X_UgXQOEUyezelUdInXXazp/s1600/DSCN3748.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621201174433348402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BO18uOc-51wh_5p_cfuzSsdlbciVJAGg6pmiBWH7cG8nD6ALBCYoL7olwEwsMydsg2wnXOovzyV66otrzcx77EYCtip_LVK13ApdPxReZL1jfIOJW5VV2X_UgXQOEUyezelUdInXXazp/s320/DSCN3748.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFC2sG8z-dd5W2kO25MowjrqXznZVzEsLbP6VkVzneLViRktQAqZ8oeNU5MzlQeYn7-oU-x-63GiMdKmXecn_5t56a5Jj4QZ2bCl8tkFmRji8XnebQcqPhQqJt7_NuKo2zWyMH0imn7t0V/s1600/DSCN3745.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621201169034615986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFC2sG8z-dd5W2kO25MowjrqXznZVzEsLbP6VkVzneLViRktQAqZ8oeNU5MzlQeYn7-oU-x-63GiMdKmXecn_5t56a5Jj4QZ2bCl8tkFmRji8XnebQcqPhQqJt7_NuKo2zWyMH0imn7t0V/s320/DSCN3745.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Ollie here, reporting on my summer so far. It's been full of thrills and spills, including trips to the beach, the fair, picnics, and a few less than pleasant experiences like car sickness, banging my head on every hard surface I can find, and nursemaid's elbow (thankfully NOT a broken ulna). I have also discovered hilarious things like dancing while Daddy plays Guitar Hero and zerberting any place on Mommy that I can reach (she says I can't include pictures of this for some reason...go figure). </div><div> </div><div>I have lots of trips this summer, so I thought I should get some of my latest pictures up before they become too much for Mommy to help me with!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06847731124454091593noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-47371358960793978882011-04-14T19:52:00.003-04:002011-04-14T20:08:04.512-04:00Ollie's Spring Doings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMPmkBu8M54UIUJ4JEjYVq5EpDushcbym5asNkFRvdu7mBxDz0xjhU-3PWGVZ6HjxOicTXLimYic1NelYQNAYCP0XMPx_dFj2v7m6xEvj5majDY5uWkjRKkqSxEf9Kbi1Ks5sepGoEDyJ/s1600/DSCN3672.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595594441126282450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMPmkBu8M54UIUJ4JEjYVq5EpDushcbym5asNkFRvdu7mBxDz0xjhU-3PWGVZ6HjxOicTXLimYic1NelYQNAYCP0XMPx_dFj2v7m6xEvj5majDY5uWkjRKkqSxEf9Kbi1Ks5sepGoEDyJ/s320/DSCN3672.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXEQmbx0z5a9YdiGDpxaR4GdBUUYijNRN2zlXDLniR1s65cGsGxVRzo0xW4RI_UpNSwxGniUta01EuPRWkfiS4wDF8LgistiHt_qdCmkWs0kaikIFKkl79-3DneOgXCHGm2lbaljdakFX/s1600/DSCN3668.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595594438278634978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXEQmbx0z5a9YdiGDpxaR4GdBUUYijNRN2zlXDLniR1s65cGsGxVRzo0xW4RI_UpNSwxGniUta01EuPRWkfiS4wDF8LgistiHt_qdCmkWs0kaikIFKkl79-3DneOgXCHGm2lbaljdakFX/s320/DSCN3668.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtBbJ5jSjbQS_dccxBglZ661aQnqllPLcdcc3NfgE36T3KU2JLBqbExySPTUr0qGpzeYm0zcXFi7AZFGIYCLmG8WMfMHSyobpMkJjPZGJjzOUMDyxXwO-KGQTtqRkUQxyCCHS-4RFC1VI/s1600/DSCN3670.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595594431976646722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtBbJ5jSjbQS_dccxBglZ661aQnqllPLcdcc3NfgE36T3KU2JLBqbExySPTUr0qGpzeYm0zcXFi7AZFGIYCLmG8WMfMHSyobpMkJjPZGJjzOUMDyxXwO-KGQTtqRkUQxyCCHS-4RFC1VI/s320/DSCN3670.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaJVLai62FWzz_iCa8i95afDqbP1WEUYgS_iy6nfIxdxKEOHGwZe1_6TW8m1co8YChOn8fGznpeHR4q45tdtkG6GBmxjpYB1gMntdaExZK_slKzjs9M6KN5r81sGXt9Fmh_3eV5zNyXWz/s1600/DSCN3710.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595594426736383138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaJVLai62FWzz_iCa8i95afDqbP1WEUYgS_iy6nfIxdxKEOHGwZe1_6TW8m1co8YChOn8fGznpeHR4q45tdtkG6GBmxjpYB1gMntdaExZK_slKzjs9M6KN5r81sGXt9Fmh_3eV5zNyXWz/s320/DSCN3710.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyA982eZ4KE3fia2vtmGWCaeaZzyuu2Tvi3w4D-f-jkHQhTfqJ-WipzjLOFwNgv1k5z7_JtDLE0gqvoCYuLMI1PEYbVtqR6YAOMKIS-dknB9ApufRCq7yu6HlFrdym0G0psPGBwW3nVq3l/s1600/DSC01831.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595594424807864146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyA982eZ4KE3fia2vtmGWCaeaZzyuu2Tvi3w4D-f-jkHQhTfqJ-WipzjLOFwNgv1k5z7_JtDLE0gqvoCYuLMI1PEYbVtqR6YAOMKIS-dknB9ApufRCq7yu6HlFrdym0G0psPGBwW3nVq3l/s320/DSC01831.JPG" /></a> <br /><div>I went to swim class and Mom took pictures of me and Dad in the pool! While normally I love my pool time, for reasons I don't care to remember, I wasn't too happy this time. Luckily, Mom caught some "in between my frowny faces" pictures. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Then I took Mom and Dad to the National Crime Victims Rights Week events, but I'm so fast now they only managed one non-blurry picture of me, so I've thrown in a fun candid of me teaching Dad how to be the Purple-faced monster baby for good measure.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06847731124454091593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-23725001438502994702011-03-15T18:15:00.008-04:002011-03-16T17:49:03.257-04:00Ollie's self-report<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5axb7ePuTBYjhcYsybqFsIw5Ay4w3w1rnrsEXrc0T-p8t1OQtVX3JOAyEh9SYt2LFZJ1huPqzZ25Sm1RcYheTCL_SqnqfF5z2w4Noi6lmBq4LQZDY0kdA4lD2FeBd-WZueCLXnaEhCKsZ/s1600/DSCN3632.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584442742711264178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5axb7ePuTBYjhcYsybqFsIw5Ay4w3w1rnrsEXrc0T-p8t1OQtVX3JOAyEh9SYt2LFZJ1huPqzZ25Sm1RcYheTCL_SqnqfF5z2w4Noi6lmBq4LQZDY0kdA4lD2FeBd-WZueCLXnaEhCKsZ/s320/DSCN3632.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIvpEvAAMTdRUh1qwJpxQl7hra9weBno3kc0C0eHApNCd7ecL2LNLgwG_VN2iAx-C2KCfMw4gGrsPWM_XpVlyIwIKDYk2osOF43FY-oAa_XQL-Is4cRTFtfeZ_Vef2bT6537yesTX9KVm/s1600/DSC01819.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584438867987584818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyIvpEvAAMTdRUh1qwJpxQl7hra9weBno3kc0C0eHApNCd7ecL2LNLgwG_VN2iAx-C2KCfMw4gGrsPWM_XpVlyIwIKDYk2osOF43FY-oAa_XQL-Is4cRTFtfeZ_Vef2bT6537yesTX9KVm/s320/DSC01819.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxDfDfDyrqHGVAC8WykgMo2eBXoUBZpl0exPtg71lDbI2UTyIQx5Hr_MVbdJ4qwex6J-SjMuabM30e-5vLzenyEHn7PXYm64im4oDw0QAeUhLfacODjIozoJMoZRilw5SKrObO40_OraY/s1600/DSCN3655.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584438865540491010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifxDfDfDyrqHGVAC8WykgMo2eBXoUBZpl0exPtg71lDbI2UTyIQx5Hr_MVbdJ4qwex6J-SjMuabM30e-5vLzenyEHn7PXYm64im4oDw0QAeUhLfacODjIozoJMoZRilw5SKrObO40_OraY/s320/DSCN3655.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOI9yoMacq4ib6wO_Y0SOMMDTIFFg1XMb0KuZ7Uxov51l-kuFreKhn2h-0T-JMKJEp-gqjsUItOFRyKcLNwQqatwhrn3L6FsyJ7QJT7s4hslhksSAWiVowiPPcdeUOR55llsJY-aNaFzT/s1600/DSC01816.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584438862201452946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOI9yoMacq4ib6wO_Y0SOMMDTIFFg1XMb0KuZ7Uxov51l-kuFreKhn2h-0T-JMKJEp-gqjsUItOFRyKcLNwQqatwhrn3L6FsyJ7QJT7s4hslhksSAWiVowiPPcdeUOR55llsJY-aNaFzT/s320/DSC01816.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-vlMRSG4GgswtPeWF9ELMH7kX3UPTfAsqUYoQzTymgWdObUxg_adBuErjrK_zNOmEpnxxXHuTqU-shuTg9z_q5YSz87ev_GBmTmoosF3ZmdRrmA16L8shuznhb2U8jRVxh9-DuSAlPE7/s1600/DSC01824.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584438858458680690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-vlMRSG4GgswtPeWF9ELMH7kX3UPTfAsqUYoQzTymgWdObUxg_adBuErjrK_zNOmEpnxxXHuTqU-shuTg9z_q5YSz87ev_GBmTmoosF3ZmdRrmA16L8shuznhb2U8jRVxh9-DuSAlPE7/s320/DSC01824.JPG" /></a><br />Here's a list of things I am doing. I must tell you these things because my Mommy cannot get herself together to blog about them and she may forget, because let's face it, I get more awesome and fun every day.<br />• I like to spin around. It is a really good time and you should try it. I usually fall down or crash into something afterward, but it is worth it.<br />• I like to try to walk backwards (see above about falling and crashing).<br />• I am trying to run. I tilt my little body forward and let it carry me faster and faster until oops, I'm on my face.<br />• Shoes are hard to walk in, but I'm improving. By the way, did I mention I learned to walk? This was mainly because I wanted to reach Aunt Jade more quickly.<br />• I like to run up and hug you and then run away so I can run up and hug you again, unless you are Daddy, and then I know you will try to capture me and I cleverly skirt around you.<br />• I am good at having my teeth brushed, however I look like a hillbilly anyway because I am taking iron supplements that turn my teeth black.<br />• I am very good at using a straw to drink out of cups.<br />• I can palm a cereal bowl, which freaks Mommy right out because it means my hands are getting so big.<br />• If I want someone to laugh at me I make my winkie or monkey faces.<br />• I like to hug other kids and/or use them to stand up.<br />• I like to slam doors even if I am stuck on the other side and can't open them back up.<br />• I am getting very good at listening when someone reads me a story.<br />• If you ask me where my nose is, I will show you my chin, or sometimes my tongue.<br />• I like to dip my face in water. I am indiscriminate about the water's source.<br />• I am almost 23 lbs and over 30 inches long.<br />• I have learned how to cover my own eyes for peekaboo and can wave (as featured at the end of Mommy's long and random video, to which there is a link below-Mommy says something about viewers ignoring the laundry that needs to be folded and the toys everywhere, but whatever).<br />• I had an ear infection that lasted through 3 rounds of antibiotics, but then I said enough's enough, and it went away.<br />• I had Mommy and Daddy rearrange my room. Okay, really Daddy did it, but Mommy planned it, and I provided supervision and ambiance.<br />• I discovered I am quite jealous if Mommy holds other babies, unless I can be down on the floor running around. But if I have to sit somewhere like a highchair and Mommy is going to hold a baby, it better be me (even if the babies are mad cute like my new friends Anni and Drew)!<br />Love,<br />Ollie<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDKnQYf4YP8Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06847731124454091593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-23144085245612471182011-02-09T20:11:00.005-05:002011-02-09T20:49:42.325-05:00The One That Has to Cover an Entire Quarter<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HUUVftWZlxYxcd035eptyodsFQM-TxE6WErPfwYieBrKtVhhur7qPIdRkI4_GtTw4-CFUv0362qFlJChZk1yUD0alPvkJrE3XRn_v4NvNr1exbOvzW1Le4bftBgsfDK837NZQ0VZUr9T/s1600/Zoo%252C+winter%252C+haircut+004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571870804133721154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HUUVftWZlxYxcd035eptyodsFQM-TxE6WErPfwYieBrKtVhhur7qPIdRkI4_GtTw4-CFUv0362qFlJChZk1yUD0alPvkJrE3XRn_v4NvNr1exbOvzW1Le4bftBgsfDK837NZQ0VZUr9T/s320/Zoo%252C+winter%252C+haircut+004.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9I2CAQ9zZuikMYKwmztNd9hQXyHSmIzLDpmNxpMcTEGzo1fQ7iULYPfyK3H4uKcMRKtc0Gl1caN2NKCwYM8oVRIStVggf6nHO-GfqZKWvxwHgRlJY7SxIsANkfraGnLvzGOAx6FogOty/s1600/Zoo%252C+winter%252C+haircut+001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571870796611655058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9I2CAQ9zZuikMYKwmztNd9hQXyHSmIzLDpmNxpMcTEGzo1fQ7iULYPfyK3H4uKcMRKtc0Gl1caN2NKCwYM8oVRIStVggf6nHO-GfqZKWvxwHgRlJY7SxIsANkfraGnLvzGOAx6FogOty/s320/Zoo%252C+winter%252C+haircut+001.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUMsp6JJVLR6De4lAKrZb1hDS1S0JvaBul5nZy27NL9coRZOCgID5XCHdTaFB7QTIbYgV_QP-jtbRNSasr5ms0864SC0mhNTqHUnB4pxNBSZa45-5XnUP4s5SVqu42DFwG_uAwuVFp3DU/s1600/DSCN3596.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571866771859264018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUMsp6JJVLR6De4lAKrZb1hDS1S0JvaBul5nZy27NL9coRZOCgID5XCHdTaFB7QTIbYgV_QP-jtbRNSasr5ms0864SC0mhNTqHUnB4pxNBSZa45-5XnUP4s5SVqu42DFwG_uAwuVFp3DU/s320/DSCN3596.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzPZWd8FdkxxtIU_McOO60ynK0W5l98oMVZi88br2gcxnRfIBsJPZTuNvr8Khgu0NksVBOkNl-1LMhaqCqe1tEiMoS3bkYZjFIZPOJleECGrdNgIBQFAcF0Jj22JOclhNmvl-B1l2f-z3/s1600/DSCN3586.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571866763191463986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzPZWd8FdkxxtIU_McOO60ynK0W5l98oMVZi88br2gcxnRfIBsJPZTuNvr8Khgu0NksVBOkNl-1LMhaqCqe1tEiMoS3bkYZjFIZPOJleECGrdNgIBQFAcF0Jj22JOclhNmvl-B1l2f-z3/s320/DSCN3586.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2J583Ovheluf0vL5GtZdggnhVhLhpYSd9B295_Gnof5kCgY47pwx7zz50BOF2_FjLbICmyrKoE3Ak0eJIqkpHKKNqneAITQ7WVpVDxfL9mf4Qh3oNkyvVprbSOu8t-aGq45tBFFL4cCH/s1600/DSCN3535.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571866755492158882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV2J583Ovheluf0vL5GtZdggnhVhLhpYSd9B295_Gnof5kCgY47pwx7zz50BOF2_FjLbICmyrKoE3Ak0eJIqkpHKKNqneAITQ7WVpVDxfL9mf4Qh3oNkyvVprbSOu8t-aGq45tBFFL4cCH/s320/DSCN3535.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58V9EsjjayLIOpd7ykqI3kI9unKlivtUs7rVZlHCvx-ZELwntO_UpEHlfMQwWP_2aWVUh2GD1Y5wXJcy9qnklfhndf9NxYSawTf8FZynzSQZyt7AfCU8wXAvOTEbj70MMmitMJ6ufXCKQ/s1600/DSCN3486.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571866754106616242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58V9EsjjayLIOpd7ykqI3kI9unKlivtUs7rVZlHCvx-ZELwntO_UpEHlfMQwWP_2aWVUh2GD1Y5wXJcy9qnklfhndf9NxYSawTf8FZynzSQZyt7AfCU8wXAvOTEbj70MMmitMJ6ufXCKQ/s320/DSCN3486.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3zVNV1IoSpt2548D3UFqpxy6cc9tmgydkbz6J3OO9KMN2iV2Qi59RiBpmmiuYpHmd4LaPtdmpMJEX9RFdM3eX_IN-A0T6200j7cNLahRDiSGQFE1IOKWbWf8utNsXmTuftrrLa1Ag_X-/s1600/DSCN3472.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571866748771211474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3zVNV1IoSpt2548D3UFqpxy6cc9tmgydkbz6J3OO9KMN2iV2Qi59RiBpmmiuYpHmd4LaPtdmpMJEX9RFdM3eX_IN-A0T6200j7cNLahRDiSGQFE1IOKWbWf8utNsXmTuftrrLa1Ag_X-/s320/DSCN3472.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwQnw6XUkIJiCdIegmeg-yXFI_lSb6DxgBB1777bDG-Jpa2adnC7GjtCAxAB52Bmwe7CNVvXXNjNkxUFl9xi4qIwFiwlcOwx9u7czI5Bkhwo7PgMOhKwk67HIHA0KD_7OExi7eg2q8eOa/s1600/DSCN3442.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571865218937469266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwQnw6XUkIJiCdIegmeg-yXFI_lSb6DxgBB1777bDG-Jpa2adnC7GjtCAxAB52Bmwe7CNVvXXNjNkxUFl9xi4qIwFiwlcOwx9u7czI5Bkhwo7PgMOhKwk67HIHA0KD_7OExi7eg2q8eOa/s320/DSCN3442.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbf4AdXXsbbpr4KAXauN8uycCtFqqSOBffNy3tl3hpv1I5EO86XBpS-RBQTkTWEgy5wQ8Hg6DyVMAofQlvJexySTr4EhfIarC4C_wk7rpH_5aPi04u8QcXSyN8McwkqPqlCcwh0mPzL5m/s1600/DSCN3441.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571865216443241394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbf4AdXXsbbpr4KAXauN8uycCtFqqSOBffNy3tl3hpv1I5EO86XBpS-RBQTkTWEgy5wQ8Hg6DyVMAofQlvJexySTr4EhfIarC4C_wk7rpH_5aPi04u8QcXSyN8McwkqPqlCcwh0mPzL5m/s320/DSCN3441.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LiOJGOh61vAz6SS3qB0v7hUIAyFF1sqOMxA_z0wfjTmtQD5gZ9XGk_7IG3WjgnHFBfrWSx7ihv_PMZyL2FUobrBVk0b8oP1lYMN-gzmRg52ZXJoVfF5xixOcFbWQoBaNiH6-bvZ-DRDw/s1600/DSCN3383.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571865210493969458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LiOJGOh61vAz6SS3qB0v7hUIAyFF1sqOMxA_z0wfjTmtQD5gZ9XGk_7IG3WjgnHFBfrWSx7ihv_PMZyL2FUobrBVk0b8oP1lYMN-gzmRg52ZXJoVfF5xixOcFbWQoBaNiH6-bvZ-DRDw/s320/DSCN3383.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2QK6_rGzToJhw6oEueBHBswhl9LaO1Mh7BGH_5a9WJALRlKvOChT7QnJTtLdsVjrcrvHkURpsOqoPlMSUDiDMnvg8Xyt519OjsfY2AyxNBcqWRwhB6eJjjckRUA0LC9wAEQKLvLj-wiE/s1600/DSCN3349.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571865206273420674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2QK6_rGzToJhw6oEueBHBswhl9LaO1Mh7BGH_5a9WJALRlKvOChT7QnJTtLdsVjrcrvHkURpsOqoPlMSUDiDMnvg8Xyt519OjsfY2AyxNBcqWRwhB6eJjjckRUA0LC9wAEQKLvLj-wiE/s320/DSCN3349.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKb1gur5SiFSuh1RvP-eOEp_R96-17s7vNH_4faMTuz-loEGli7Vhd7elaxm5sMwSzkq6-mepwbiN5mnNxi3T8MTnQI4dSw1MtEWTT-P85q8y9c4ijDcSJI3g7ZjX_2IE7vxfz0FG9qpcU/s1600/DSCN3239.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571865203618259922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKb1gur5SiFSuh1RvP-eOEp_R96-17s7vNH_4faMTuz-loEGli7Vhd7elaxm5sMwSzkq6-mepwbiN5mnNxi3T8MTnQI4dSw1MtEWTT-P85q8y9c4ijDcSJI3g7ZjX_2IE7vxfz0FG9qpcU/s320/DSCN3239.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Mommy has been extremely lax and has apparently confused the scheduling of her grantees' progress reports with my blog schedule. Therefore this will be an almost entirely picture post covering my playdates, my mad cruising skills, my Christmas activities, my visit to see the Johnsons in PA, and my fun time in the playroom at Beth Panza's birthday party! </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I am doing lots of classes: swimming, music, and play & learn. I also survived a double ear infection and a haircut by Mommy!</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Mommy promises to update the blog in a timely fashion after my 15-month check-up on Monday!</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>And as a grand finale, below is a brief video where I take my Dinosaur for a walk. Until I decide not to...</div><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxxXHk_lKeKfB0hZAkpaRT5DJkSkUA9SaMObzBnr6NTYuHknD9XVTKUkqHTgdW0DXvmQW1MEMGG-6gvtgUfIA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06847731124454091593noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-36925465895448699572010-12-03T15:24:00.008-05:002010-12-03T16:10:05.832-05:00A November to RememberAlas, you know you are remiss when you have to title your blog about an entire month, but November was packed full for Ollie! Here are some highlights:<br /><br />He ventured down to Chapel Hill, North Carolina to help his Papa and GMa empty some important things out of the house after a renter left a big mess and quite a smell! His help scored him some excellent toys, though, and a nice visit with many good family friends!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JI7SBmSkXaBTGPCpAO1_BdR8jBMhzZiQp7liHyohKG3EJne-6kE7jcqXVkFA7Hv31XOiXNEKgzLMv7TEDNvnvt2klYAJMeoei3Vt3ewggWCSXLa30HfwRBr9-4uLl3KLhl9Dy69prQnQ/s1600/EandO.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546557973633400802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JI7SBmSkXaBTGPCpAO1_BdR8jBMhzZiQp7liHyohKG3EJne-6kE7jcqXVkFA7Hv31XOiXNEKgzLMv7TEDNvnvt2klYAJMeoei3Vt3ewggWCSXLa30HfwRBr9-4uLl3KLhl9Dy69prQnQ/s320/EandO.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumZFSzxR0roprpNP5N9l4YHJRLqX_hY13X_zX-DMBvCiBK0_zT2jK35F_qiXfog8EQB-tLBZf_Ibcb6lTPO_D6Ky1Yskp0F54bHUqarEfhU2854OSyWhFaPvBDaH9b_FRKANJ4BfF9_h-/s1600/UncleRickAndO.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546557969210480050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumZFSzxR0roprpNP5N9l4YHJRLqX_hY13X_zX-DMBvCiBK0_zT2jK35F_qiXfog8EQB-tLBZf_Ibcb6lTPO_D6Ky1Yskp0F54bHUqarEfhU2854OSyWhFaPvBDaH9b_FRKANJ4BfF9_h-/s320/UncleRickAndO.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6V0lydMI8MHbNBooHwDQ8ftICKekxi_40MjN-5tMxO5LoZgNuGFxMAk0N418Io3V9RtUp7hkROzwKpaICEWO7OtwD6aM8mmpUL5j6L3EHcRz8Z5nwxGaQLIoIoW9zOJ-0h-gakUhpHJGm/s1600/DSCN2950.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546557971005928770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6V0lydMI8MHbNBooHwDQ8ftICKekxi_40MjN-5tMxO5LoZgNuGFxMAk0N418Io3V9RtUp7hkROzwKpaICEWO7OtwD6aM8mmpUL5j6L3EHcRz8Z5nwxGaQLIoIoW9zOJ-0h-gakUhpHJGm/s320/DSCN2950.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ifttFA4ulUjdX3NQKRqA0FLr0sycaItmdN3_JMnqIKChCptuSdRpUZh7RVNPpIGCQYDn8XDLg0o6rJOoMG1GH1DcCIG3KsJ56O3TV4Jo7bV6yI0b9EWU0Zne0C_un50zoucG7dlnp6Nt/s1600/DSCN2931.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546557965099330482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ifttFA4ulUjdX3NQKRqA0FLr0sycaItmdN3_JMnqIKChCptuSdRpUZh7RVNPpIGCQYDn8XDLg0o6rJOoMG1GH1DcCIG3KsJ56O3TV4Jo7bV6yI0b9EWU0Zne0C_un50zoucG7dlnp6Nt/s320/DSCN2931.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><div>He also managed to fit in turning 1 yr old! We are still in shock. He wasn't too keen on cake since I didn't serve it in pureed form, but he did make an attempt at mushing it around his tray before getting annoyed that it was sticking to him. :) Many of his favorite people were able to come celebrate with us! And of course in true D'Addario fashion he celebrated an entire birthday week, including a trip to the Gaylord to see the dancing fountains, tree lighting, and get snowed on, which he last did when he was no bigger than a mitten...but don't worry, this time he wore Papa's hat for protection!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Tx_qU__zLHZtLWW0SMS7Pk2Nof-d4zYm_UJMNR7tsIAtyizuNtAEvoj0FNUFTRZdrlD8f0yemazwJ63eO1jcPOaZFVFXiPTU7ZRHclGcbwBdVuY7t706UtMfJACaT21yVuB-WFhl-KnX/s1600/Grammy+Ann+on+Ollie%2527s+bday.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546565241842993938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Tx_qU__zLHZtLWW0SMS7Pk2Nof-d4zYm_UJMNR7tsIAtyizuNtAEvoj0FNUFTRZdrlD8f0yemazwJ63eO1jcPOaZFVFXiPTU7ZRHclGcbwBdVuY7t706UtMfJACaT21yVuB-WFhl-KnX/s320/Grammy+Ann+on+Ollie%2527s+bday.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OQJ6Im_jqWWsO1kW1X0cjblZEzHX9-JFMbBX00tbH_wD5QKVNITkgirmGa5t9P-oCa7X1JQr-VABPA8JU-K6UpQbDvUP4XyxPzy5gEhcuhf3jrEYfv72KGM1VTTuTN16DTLouULSqjt8/s1600/DSCN0349.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546560041064003794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OQJ6Im_jqWWsO1kW1X0cjblZEzHX9-JFMbBX00tbH_wD5QKVNITkgirmGa5t9P-oCa7X1JQr-VABPA8JU-K6UpQbDvUP4XyxPzy5gEhcuhf3jrEYfv72KGM1VTTuTN16DTLouULSqjt8/s320/DSCN0349.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLYETNUESQlWYXfr_H4QSV3yxOBda63-ICSmGIrYqsNCanFqMaqrHmGc8AxuOABHMRjVBlYr97zYqjEo2DxE1XH3QPV86jeSQ9s0O8A1YTfXUwNjggLImeRwi-d09mDPwShLuNxwsksmd/s1600/BDay.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546560037942229922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLYETNUESQlWYXfr_H4QSV3yxOBda63-ICSmGIrYqsNCanFqMaqrHmGc8AxuOABHMRjVBlYr97zYqjEo2DxE1XH3QPV86jeSQ9s0O8A1YTfXUwNjggLImeRwi-d09mDPwShLuNxwsksmd/s320/BDay.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1byw2ErZKYVCi42n6IOHkoDV0s5lsQuIlA2sZX0Kb6vdhXHWtBEwnZ6ZKm4367t7xzOaIOrrevzYhy9EWivrN9Jqb3NDUgU1wvYt0xKAVZn2Wmhyy35IRT_FwRrxjEe1GSnWSAV7B-9N/s1600/Ollie+in+Papa%2527s+hat.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546565237590923810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1byw2ErZKYVCi42n6IOHkoDV0s5lsQuIlA2sZX0Kb6vdhXHWtBEwnZ6ZKm4367t7xzOaIOrrevzYhy9EWivrN9Jqb3NDUgU1wvYt0xKAVZn2Wmhyy35IRT_FwRrxjEe1GSnWSAV7B-9N/s320/Ollie+in+Papa%2527s+hat.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Sadly one of the things Ollie got for his birthday was a cold, so we missed the last swim class where we would have gotten to take pictures. Somehow boogery/fevery baby and cold pool with other babies didn't sound like a winning combination. Hopefully we won't miss picture day for the next go 'round of classes! Luckily we got to spend our boogery days with family in Buffalo for Thanksgiving where it snowed a few inches to get us ready for Christmas! Much fun was had by letting 21 lb Ollie ride around in the box previously occupado by our 21lb turkey. Ollie got to see a few Santas which was a lot of fun. Normally we'd have gotten great photos since Ollie is such a social little bug who loves everyone, but most of his photos have that feverish glassy-eyed dazed look that can only come from spending nights sleeping upright in a recliner with your baby-boogied covered Momma and her GMa reinforcements!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9KwCU_Ffw7jSwOBXdigW6gDNDoOzUCiqfHexIEq2hyLVSUmTWah2s934dFWkO9Enr3SxYT7YqGGncWzNomKd6gwDqQdlRKYmbV08GNRKhZI4gTKVyNmD8P87gPYGx0D7hJz8Um1C1FwX/s1600/DSCN3129.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546561936853819618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9KwCU_Ffw7jSwOBXdigW6gDNDoOzUCiqfHexIEq2hyLVSUmTWah2s934dFWkO9Enr3SxYT7YqGGncWzNomKd6gwDqQdlRKYmbV08GNRKhZI4gTKVyNmD8P87gPYGx0D7hJz8Um1C1FwX/s320/DSCN3129.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVA2ZPxLLjLpGCVRVefiG_czP5Rx_RndL4-6xD2eRZ6eAtAeNEuuVJiZ15eRQgjamK3pi7Sp-b0r7XEUe2c_AcyJzRzQP2sETeFMm8v3ByMWUHPHk2CjN3ivff94UBqTJZl9nMv-dcNN5/s1600/DSCN3130.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546561930727878498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVA2ZPxLLjLpGCVRVefiG_czP5Rx_RndL4-6xD2eRZ6eAtAeNEuuVJiZ15eRQgjamK3pi7Sp-b0r7XEUe2c_AcyJzRzQP2sETeFMm8v3ByMWUHPHk2CjN3ivff94UBqTJZl9nMv-dcNN5/s320/DSCN3130.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWZIDXDQBOxMAwEiiP9tZvXKUuWcoFCbug7eA2eCbU8z3QE66NRFA1jOqUdbNdkcGTXt81hjX07dcOYtcHeZL56HfQaDCQ60H-YFGthDahfWiwqlbemCXskbpT6JBmLeS80gGwUD-DWKw/s1600/DSCN3185.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546561924228516082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWZIDXDQBOxMAwEiiP9tZvXKUuWcoFCbug7eA2eCbU8z3QE66NRFA1jOqUdbNdkcGTXt81hjX07dcOYtcHeZL56HfQaDCQ60H-YFGthDahfWiwqlbemCXskbpT6JBmLeS80gGwUD-DWKw/s320/DSCN3185.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1S_WDCsu6Hn0QzneIqFThR4kKq1DaqAVMTQ4z9lORM3VSPG21qvh8QVr-LH3z11eyGEuoJXgftwvNdPSRyqkrrSBXanQeWDdJRgmX4_I8NPOdRu7q6p1O8mjsQZb-Hd6F8WA-NMwB6CK3/s1600/DSCN3209.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546561920416679330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1S_WDCsu6Hn0QzneIqFThR4kKq1DaqAVMTQ4z9lORM3VSPG21qvh8QVr-LH3z11eyGEuoJXgftwvNdPSRyqkrrSBXanQeWDdJRgmX4_I8NPOdRu7q6p1O8mjsQZb-Hd6F8WA-NMwB6CK3/s320/DSCN3209.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dbVzTeG9myh5jWUAhwrn0IASV8CDuXiOoOKM-fae9eDcE70eFgqDkuTyRAR9pJZ3l5F1zfDBCNvojL8vLEA9kl6k9GG_0tDcD_PhEOjiC3a-bms-T5H-jOVI0vaY5FqBkQh84HiSREA2/s1600/Ollie+with+Pappa+and+Gramma.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546561912114955858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dbVzTeG9myh5jWUAhwrn0IASV8CDuXiOoOKM-fae9eDcE70eFgqDkuTyRAR9pJZ3l5F1zfDBCNvojL8vLEA9kl6k9GG_0tDcD_PhEOjiC3a-bms-T5H-jOVI0vaY5FqBkQh84HiSREA2/s320/Ollie+with+Pappa+and+Gramma.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Fortunately his cold is much better and he's ready for December festivities to begin! We will keep you posted! But let's be honest, we're not sure when, so Happy Happy Joy Joy to everyone in advance!! :D</div></div></div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaJY4rZTDTxi8YTeG-5n0vSUea-g-5uQKAotpx2DruUeD-m-OmD7kRz0-GQoNspHBNKHcqmN4AOhgNdQTVNvtaPKmEr_XMwBhPX33Jy5wLNiaBU8ETjJZrhNftOmJ7NPGy71cOWw-IIqN/s1600/DSCN3172.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546563215503632562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaJY4rZTDTxi8YTeG-5n0vSUea-g-5uQKAotpx2DruUeD-m-OmD7kRz0-GQoNspHBNKHcqmN4AOhgNdQTVNvtaPKmEr_XMwBhPX33Jy5wLNiaBU8ETjJZrhNftOmJ7NPGy71cOWw-IIqN/s320/DSCN3172.JPG" /></a>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06847731124454091593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-91049110075006387312010-10-30T21:34:00.005-04:002010-10-30T22:21:52.948-04:00H-OLLIE-WEEN<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyR6hcbfqg4-lSUbO2pcJHhhEIp88a9r_WID5i2oxvImwrEwpccPtghHMpXj31SJr7Vus_cq8mmwN1J7M7SWHQP1JSDXp7n_2c16j0lTeaia8IWccyeuwsOZT-78y33eQy-utSKILuf286/s1600/DSCN2889.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534026960208107234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyR6hcbfqg4-lSUbO2pcJHhhEIp88a9r_WID5i2oxvImwrEwpccPtghHMpXj31SJr7Vus_cq8mmwN1J7M7SWHQP1JSDXp7n_2c16j0lTeaia8IWccyeuwsOZT-78y33eQy-utSKILuf286/s320/DSCN2889.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFOPugda3XnCGNu2dKW28A2f83vewJOaWtOgtH7oSv1iofuipMtl1agOM44plqtXFh-MULsin0aaeZbLtqQd7KIKtvuCha8HM-e3aVeJLfPB9xR8ek5efWeHJtzN1DWdPnE9t5HiurpQB/s1600/DSCN2890.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534026958357715026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFOPugda3XnCGNu2dKW28A2f83vewJOaWtOgtH7oSv1iofuipMtl1agOM44plqtXFh-MULsin0aaeZbLtqQd7KIKtvuCha8HM-e3aVeJLfPB9xR8ek5efWeHJtzN1DWdPnE9t5HiurpQB/s320/DSCN2890.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-EaAUyQDLHheDJ_M6FoIWsSUy9GrhTTU-tLItKgzpioC5t6NnUfYWg9BAvRp_UMpDQfoMG2XvSRSXPbHvQu5Ish0zriKuMr8dUqIs2zG0Kf1RWT4cZk58whqYPd_-AJ5fpi_oEeGMZDa/s1600/DSCN2891.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534026952508873250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-EaAUyQDLHheDJ_M6FoIWsSUy9GrhTTU-tLItKgzpioC5t6NnUfYWg9BAvRp_UMpDQfoMG2XvSRSXPbHvQu5Ish0zriKuMr8dUqIs2zG0Kf1RWT4cZk58whqYPd_-AJ5fpi_oEeGMZDa/s320/DSCN2891.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujQHny9NyBhpQCwsAbj_ha-xMt4x48aU0gFQ7hByyKok0AbfqogjS15lP7wu6FpVKt7ebnbPFegwSN178Rdw_F66W9wtrHDdfLjSgJBn5ResoV1fuCkzAxB5Z86Ct1lRgKyLff8PeOaFS/s1600/DSCN2895.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534026942963904658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujQHny9NyBhpQCwsAbj_ha-xMt4x48aU0gFQ7hByyKok0AbfqogjS15lP7wu6FpVKt7ebnbPFegwSN178Rdw_F66W9wtrHDdfLjSgJBn5ResoV1fuCkzAxB5Z86Ct1lRgKyLff8PeOaFS/s320/DSCN2895.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5atT8oWLcETxLaebGPlmZLCEAWmJvSLmjg9U-FczT-TrVgOH17KrEUopYyXBVInQz3KioJsTwOZVA9NSzyWpO8JlVVmrKICGasqXLIlLqAah31xDeFQfCN_SrGlCmnDKPIyO4RuZHeeT/s1600/DSCN2896.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534026936268589330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5atT8oWLcETxLaebGPlmZLCEAWmJvSLmjg9U-FczT-TrVgOH17KrEUopYyXBVInQz3KioJsTwOZVA9NSzyWpO8JlVVmrKICGasqXLIlLqAah31xDeFQfCN_SrGlCmnDKPIyO4RuZHeeT/s320/DSCN2896.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2F4qTzKTJAv9aXsMJ4UU_5Sgga_OGc5DQOeIi_s3274xlaCTR_xO_1Kkd8Td1b4deAZpKTUXvF-zPM-q2gqHSxj78EsJOcmvD_JWalY-6xMjJLRXfFf8d1QZIPD2pLKNNgFSU7VNxRTXL/s1600/DSCN2898.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534022945319013090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2F4qTzKTJAv9aXsMJ4UU_5Sgga_OGc5DQOeIi_s3274xlaCTR_xO_1Kkd8Td1b4deAZpKTUXvF-zPM-q2gqHSxj78EsJOcmvD_JWalY-6xMjJLRXfFf8d1QZIPD2pLKNNgFSU7VNxRTXL/s320/DSCN2898.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYGjaLmbUAEH0TiWAcbULefkqH2-U2jHp14PWhgw0C8LiL0oD0FNk1uamX-TvVolEDWMhPgOTv8DyTfjzD8izEBS09-MgMjJgsuDAZAfyb2tWOBWobRjaJ4R7qGWVy3-rrbwIsjDAm8li/s1600/DSCN2899.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534022933248944722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYGjaLmbUAEH0TiWAcbULefkqH2-U2jHp14PWhgw0C8LiL0oD0FNk1uamX-TvVolEDWMhPgOTv8DyTfjzD8izEBS09-MgMjJgsuDAZAfyb2tWOBWobRjaJ4R7qGWVy3-rrbwIsjDAm8li/s320/DSCN2899.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNhLJrIFyT3BXNkZSv1l97NVYs5LONXzk2LFj0B2uuHqfU5qUYTAXsbr6RZklrFKyqfnR8SKd9SGWLXdyvdRiEZYmiHJhRddzrd1jy-mhZZ9mJeJ0fPLNsKqIGOTFwteY4yyCy6YNkUrI/s1600/DSCN2900.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534022930796621698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNhLJrIFyT3BXNkZSv1l97NVYs5LONXzk2LFj0B2uuHqfU5qUYTAXsbr6RZklrFKyqfnR8SKd9SGWLXdyvdRiEZYmiHJhRddzrd1jy-mhZZ9mJeJ0fPLNsKqIGOTFwteY4yyCy6YNkUrI/s320/DSCN2900.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOgMMQmNAvs-Dmnhi0aopK5mpYu7VEaL7_LWaG8YlYiEwDyT_pxggrSLELtI3pIwJYwdbsTV5m6-pRjhQeiQHMWA5qOoODjuwkMr9DqDCOZ4EPB1ypRuFkZCoJ98lKByfRtE8vmcGUx8y/s1600/DSCN2908.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534022925016986738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOgMMQmNAvs-Dmnhi0aopK5mpYu7VEaL7_LWaG8YlYiEwDyT_pxggrSLELtI3pIwJYwdbsTV5m6-pRjhQeiQHMWA5qOoODjuwkMr9DqDCOZ4EPB1ypRuFkZCoJ98lKByfRtE8vmcGUx8y/s320/DSCN2908.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_3efGOfW1yQ6sJzxLcv-FCvaEDTEroPJds4c0HnAzaveewiFsR7XSEqw2BNFFNQsQqt6q4SEMJgK4QMnJ8326gQq-xwZkrg_9FrxplP9wUvTB6h7cX4PLCh9zNCBhbkcSurtl3jcWOoP/s1600/DSCN2910.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534022918677832466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_3efGOfW1yQ6sJzxLcv-FCvaEDTEroPJds4c0HnAzaveewiFsR7XSEqw2BNFFNQsQqt6q4SEMJgK4QMnJ8326gQq-xwZkrg_9FrxplP9wUvTB6h7cX4PLCh9zNCBhbkcSurtl3jcWOoP/s320/DSCN2910.JPG" /></a><br />I had such a busy H-OLLIE-WEEN! There aren't many things going on tomorrow, I guess since it's Sunday, so we decided to have all our fun today and chill tomorrow. After my swim class I went to pick out my first carving pumpkin. Then I braved the crowds still hanging out from today's rallies on the Mall downtown to head to my first Halloween party where I played with an awesome glow bracelet, watched Ichabod Crane, let Daddy help me carve my pumpkin, and then headed through the streets on my haunted jack-o-lantern-glo-bracelet stroller (waving at all the restaurant patrons that came to the windows to see me go by). You can check out my whole day in these pictures Mommy and Daddy took! </div></div></div></div></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06847731124454091593noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-14025569969568234922010-10-24T18:22:00.019-04:002010-10-24T19:16:36.396-04:00Ollie discovers AutumnHello everyone! It's me, Ollie! I have had so much fun doing new things in the past month I don't know where to begin! First, I have started swim class, which I LOOOOOVE. However, they don't let Mom and Dad take any pictures of me until the last class, so you'll just have to wait. Here is a picture of me right AFTER swim class, though.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CpfUrqp7o2fexoVIMbYvQFXF2ITm98FcDxndWLdnzGUSVDAtHujQ-e_Jvc-37N3GM7BjBT8rYC-f6ctF2UN2uI8ZmpRXvYWL1YsJ-JKgBMOj18ZWgRGkBcrNA46PV2H9ggGz6tERhBb9/s1600/DSC01753.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531751679298452290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CpfUrqp7o2fexoVIMbYvQFXF2ITm98FcDxndWLdnzGUSVDAtHujQ-e_Jvc-37N3GM7BjBT8rYC-f6ctF2UN2uI8ZmpRXvYWL1YsJ-JKgBMOj18ZWgRGkBcrNA46PV2H9ggGz6tERhBb9/s320/DSC01753.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This is me scooting across the floor. I don't quite lift my belly yet, but I really get around fast by army crawling and rolling. Mom and Dad have put up a large playyard in the middle of the condo in the hopes that I will not get into anything dangerous, but I like to spend my time seeing what I can reach beyond the bars.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhY_sqhTXFIaULDGqCGl99V1H7pGTzZuwQt_x9Wga0TqvnEpXixCv8La3Y_OZT_3gM8EzcIYi7y2VjIb1XPZ3vJPmhGTxevKaOrlT4OwHgMIBvwKelCt3K-x3LwvvEs6VLq91NCtWnE4VM/s1600/DSC01767.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531743440756725330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhY_sqhTXFIaULDGqCGl99V1H7pGTzZuwQt_x9Wga0TqvnEpXixCv8La3Y_OZT_3gM8EzcIYi7y2VjIb1XPZ3vJPmhGTxevKaOrlT4OwHgMIBvwKelCt3K-x3LwvvEs6VLq91NCtWnE4VM/s320/DSC01767.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I continue to be an excellent eater, but I don't really like swallowing those lumpy foods yet. I prefer foods that allow me to pamper my skin with a nice facial.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIC3z_3fvUu24ylty2WACx4HYs1HB14d50NLKqtj-jc8b-rBvHeBaMmKWyvtNusBqzrYsFOBNHNrM8JCmqR8Y0Uh5KsdGSIZtQSTlju8dGLisVOeqYy1FpuZKCPQFkgeuTvhFQ66mPmbht/s1600/DSC01755.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531742047562847938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIC3z_3fvUu24ylty2WACx4HYs1HB14d50NLKqtj-jc8b-rBvHeBaMmKWyvtNusBqzrYsFOBNHNrM8JCmqR8Y0Uh5KsdGSIZtQSTlju8dGLisVOeqYy1FpuZKCPQFkgeuTvhFQ66mPmbht/s320/DSC01755.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Mom insists I follow these "treatments" with a bath, which luckily I love, so really I have no problem with that.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTHp4czGr3aCQ3Qgyg6jFKMzBgvOdvtKERg1Ra2aElksCjL8bWHkaTD3HZsWjjyxgC2EaYlXKQrLrOM4jVBBqFVZtW4us-mkYNQ2WpF4Tr-H6u8Tin6JaeRnYxMXgVOcm4bMyGgiY4x0k/s1600/DSC01759.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531742860791924242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTHp4czGr3aCQ3Qgyg6jFKMzBgvOdvtKERg1Ra2aElksCjL8bWHkaTD3HZsWjjyxgC2EaYlXKQrLrOM4jVBBqFVZtW4us-mkYNQ2WpF4Tr-H6u8Tin6JaeRnYxMXgVOcm4bMyGgiY4x0k/s320/DSC01759.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I went to a picnic for my mom's work, which was AWESOME! I spent the entire time rolling around this giant blanket with Mom and Auntie Olivia. I even got my own nametag.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBGLkwsw5NhMeCIOYxQg8YuEv7oJ9Kau_HmWq3-wYkeU_T8ksWccwTc0-Bdv8BVGDhHr_BIvmHlPUTv2QyZjhauNYHf377HXHy_dCvPaFhO7cUeVPsNv74rFdDZqmwtpdi3QTzuUH05To/s1600/DSCN2765.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531745039725979618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBGLkwsw5NhMeCIOYxQg8YuEv7oJ9Kau_HmWq3-wYkeU_T8ksWccwTc0-Bdv8BVGDhHr_BIvmHlPUTv2QyZjhauNYHf377HXHy_dCvPaFhO7cUeVPsNv74rFdDZqmwtpdi3QTzuUH05To/s320/DSCN2765.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I also got to spend a great weekend with Dad's family for his cousin's wedding in Ashburn, VA. Mom got Dad a hotel room so we could visit all weekend with the family in from Michigan and Texas. My great-grammy Dorothy couldn't come on this trip, but we were thinking of her the whole time. While in my hotel room I had to keep up on all my executive business, so Mom let me borrow her cell phone. Dad wouldn't let me have the computer, though. I think he's worried I'll mess with his football pics or start trading online like that crazy baby on tv.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyb85NhBDfpSX_WTxqBII7_MwAGQVjCss3R1jE4Lsqw6xMlQUc03zlvEeEJnsQjV5IMFNLpwiD0b3pO5XkSk9l-rL680JL9eNj1y_n-kqORs4Db5dbUjX94DpxEA0r2bAeDFr4qwhXanZE/s1600/DSCN2799.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531744067281746274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyb85NhBDfpSX_WTxqBII7_MwAGQVjCss3R1jE4Lsqw6xMlQUc03zlvEeEJnsQjV5IMFNLpwiD0b3pO5XkSk9l-rL680JL9eNj1y_n-kqORs4Db5dbUjX94DpxEA0r2bAeDFr4qwhXanZE/s320/DSCN2799.JPG" /></a><br /><br />In the middle of all these events I found the time to grow two more teeth! I know. I'm amazing. Dad got a pretty good shot of them while I was guffawing during lunch the other day.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafS9KamkIMczZLU2pifzxbHQXOFvFzy-pe6FNQokN_h9fvLlEC2KaQr0TqOfUs-BFwVeYuZ_ydEZMekRUGSLdUlxe84uHbAHIew116bZeL5nD5Jw7EkMrz-J-rnUArin_1yIoy2XdQvmp/s1600/DSCN2846.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531750598451824850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafS9KamkIMczZLU2pifzxbHQXOFvFzy-pe6FNQokN_h9fvLlEC2KaQr0TqOfUs-BFwVeYuZ_ydEZMekRUGSLdUlxe84uHbAHIew116bZeL5nD5Jw7EkMrz-J-rnUArin_1yIoy2XdQvmp/s320/DSCN2846.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I have also managed to grow another couple of inches, which meant Dad had to start this weekend by putting in my big boy carseat. I LOVE it! I sit so much higher that I can see everything out the back window! It is fascinating.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfAit4_G0KnH5H5y2a6-OciT9blMWEMYm5UbuPC30k5saphOyhjOfNIK8fXEMhPqZGmdrlltlor6piT9_4xC9SDlhjxNwjFeeN1Bukl5NZd2XDeDoVCJ1Ub9ZSBQ9zF5bZZgbY4KqdXgI/s1600/DSCN2862.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531749980159357474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfAit4_G0KnH5H5y2a6-OciT9blMWEMYm5UbuPC30k5saphOyhjOfNIK8fXEMhPqZGmdrlltlor6piT9_4xC9SDlhjxNwjFeeN1Bukl5NZd2XDeDoVCJ1Ub9ZSBQ9zF5bZZgbY4KqdXgI/s320/DSCN2862.JPG" /></a><br /><br />This afternoon I got to wear my monkey costume to watch the Halloween parade in Del Ray. For some reason they scheduled it right during my afternoon nap. Hopefully Halloween will prove more exciting, but I hear they scheduled that action mostly around my bedtime.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5iuzxvRVSz6_XkEAolUJxwsMx1UKybXQPxVXLJVr_VTE0kGm3jgKfht1usXRSCO5CTt0gIvFhlPwLd2k0uVfbOjdr3xbgx5y1EBc0sS_ANERzV-19hIPNBKb6sUshyphenhyphenkzx_kxp2Bah8Vq/s1600/DSCN2870.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5531745474844297746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5iuzxvRVSz6_XkEAolUJxwsMx1UKybXQPxVXLJVr_VTE0kGm3jgKfht1usXRSCO5CTt0gIvFhlPwLd2k0uVfbOjdr3xbgx5y1EBc0sS_ANERzV-19hIPNBKb6sUshyphenhyphenkzx_kxp2Bah8Vq/s320/DSCN2870.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Next time I'll tell you all about my Halloween, and knowing how lax my parents are about how often I can get on here, probably my first birthday party, too! Can you believe I'm going to be 1 in less than a month? Holy cow. I sure have been having fun so far! :DJasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06847731124454091593noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-28200108949863224582010-09-01T16:26:00.019-04:002010-09-02T13:08:02.609-04:00The One About Summer 2010<strong><strong>MUSICAL GUEST</strong></strong>: Metallica performing “Master of Puppets<br /><br />So, here’s what I’ve determined is hard…blogging. Now, I don’t think it’s as hard as raising a child (even one as full of awesomeness as the mighty, mighty Oliver) nor is it as “easy” as clearing “Hell’s Ravine” off the appropriately numbered 13th tee at the West Seattle Golf Course (the hole measures 165 yards and with the Puget Sound breeze in your face it plays a firm 185 yards) ”<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7furYk5GBolOGN-QlRP3il6jRdvmSZMCDHNwn_U0I69CbMPVhlj0ysAFGgKbaK6FMPVvbwqGhPJQVpITlKchyPF9u4dbO2Wpa9Q-I7gjG8DWGcGALNRdf5Xlw70harpPYAAPmjYUNyOI/s1600/GolfCourseFire.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7furYk5GBolOGN-QlRP3il6jRdvmSZMCDHNwn_U0I69CbMPVhlj0ysAFGgKbaK6FMPVvbwqGhPJQVpITlKchyPF9u4dbO2Wpa9Q-I7gjG8DWGcGALNRdf5Xlw70harpPYAAPmjYUNyOI/s320/GolfCourseFire.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512353240920976354" /></a>but blogging? That’s a hard thing. It gives me a deep rooted respect for anyone that works against a daily writing deadline. And then there’s the quality control…oh sure, anyone with a heartbeat and a laptop these days can blog but the trick is writing frequently enough to hold your audience whilst also providing quality content. Most blogs do one or the other…here’s two family-centric blogs that in my view, get it done in both areas. www.foolery.typepad.com and www.soupisnotafingerfood.com Heck, these two Moms are so talented they conduct an annual Blogfest! It’s like Woodstock without the acid or the hippies.<br /><br />And that finds us, the 51st State, closing in on the end of summer 2010. I like to think that Oliver is 9 months old now because we are past the 17th of the month, but then I’m reminded that according to the Mayan Calendar one has to make a few allowances for the fact that not all the months are the same length so you don’t just draw a line each month on the 17th and just call that a month. For me, this is approximately 7 months now that I have been a stay at home Dad and it has been unquestionably the most rewarding 7 months of my life.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qH5RQKiYD8XumhyphenhyphenAWIiuAfGpwL8vKQW8oxXbpVXQ2Ae-Zhvf1ZbGlcbX9oXchJeWzMed9QJSmy0__8s8OlcHMUD3WmeNhc99_zJoU8oOC9jZkNjA6MatDUfbcfpKRJTqzK1qxjRGj4M/s1600/DSCN2624.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qH5RQKiYD8XumhyphenhyphenAWIiuAfGpwL8vKQW8oxXbpVXQ2Ae-Zhvf1ZbGlcbX9oXchJeWzMed9QJSmy0__8s8OlcHMUD3WmeNhc99_zJoU8oOC9jZkNjA6MatDUfbcfpKRJTqzK1qxjRGj4M/s320/DSCN2624.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512353235146066914" /></a>I think the most significant changes to my life have been my perspective of the time of day from the time the sun comes up until about 12 noon. Evidently, this is called “morning”? (I’ve been battling chronic late sleeping most of my life…) The reason this is worth mentioning is because since Oliver has entered our lives I have come to respect the morning as Oliver’s best time of the day, which in turn, is beginning to become MY best time of the day. When we first brought Oliver home, we really didn’t even need the baby monitor to let us know he was up. For starters, he slept in our room and further, our home is such a quiet place that the mere coo of a newborn brought us (and by “us” I mean Jasmine) to immediate red alert status as they used to say on the original Star Trek television show. Admittedly, I was a little more Montgomery Scott to Jasmine’s James Tiberius Kirk but hey…if photon torpedoes need firing? Trust me...the tubes’ll be loaded. (Sidebar: Oliver’s name was *almost* Anakin Tiberius but I had to tell Jasmine no because it was a little too nerdy…)<br /><br />So, we’ve definitely evolved a bit in our running of the proverbial “U.S.S. Enterprise” masquerading as our home. Ollie sleeps in his crib in his room while we eye and ear the baby monitor. And through the months, we’ve become very adept in the morning of determining when he is just waking up and content to entertain himself with his faux aquarium, when he needs to be hauled out for some nursing and when he needs a diaper change, a Marlboro and a shot of Jameson.<br /><br />The way Oliver has made mornings special in our house is that even with a full night’s sleep and the promise of a day at say…Disney World, it takes me a shower and breakfast before I can even consider what the day holds. With Oliver in the fold? Erm yeah…I can get 4 hours of sleep, hear him on the monitor at 6-ish (and by “hear” I mean Jasmine pokes me and says “the baby is awake”), climb out of bed, throw open the door to his room with a flourish and stare down in the pale, morning light and never fail to be amazed at the wonder of our son…smiling back at me with a look that says, “Yeesh! You look like crap, Dad…let’s have a fun day together!” And with that, the two of us are off on another day full of adventure together. (Jasmine’s usually been up for an hour and nursed him if it’s a workday…if it’s not a workday, after nursing Oliver and I start the day together anyway so Momma can catch up on her sleep a bit.)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPttyPe1dpwCR7JVHAaNMB5k2sCiknQU3thpjBQyLFjx6sztyvfW2g8LJRW4PP0pYkvzAxWT8HwTrVemG3GS0TIX1AloNOuApmSvkkwslN3AhNCQWijdB_WXklAYtXzkhU4T7Dmt-iL0/s1600/DSCN2528.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPttyPe1dpwCR7JVHAaNMB5k2sCiknQU3thpjBQyLFjx6sztyvfW2g8LJRW4PP0pYkvzAxWT8HwTrVemG3GS0TIX1AloNOuApmSvkkwslN3AhNCQWijdB_WXklAYtXzkhU4T7Dmt-iL0/s320/DSCN2528.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512353220687757602" /></a>I know every parent says this about their child or children and we’re no different but…he is simply the most remarkable and pleasant child I’ve ever known. How long this will last is, of course anybody’s guess (especially given who his Father is…) but it’s clear that he loves learning about the world around him and interacting with smiles and laughs at all the interesting things and people that he meets.<br /><br />In our family, since both Jasmine and I were little, summertime has always meant travel. And this summer was no exception…except of course there’s now a car seat and baby gear to pack and a little less Led Zeppelin and a little more Raffi on the car stereo. First up on our itinerary was Buffalo, NY for the 4th of July weekend. This was our first long drive with our new Honda Pilot whom we affectionately call Tink. Jasmine’s sister was also along for the drive, having wisely spent some quality “nephew time” with us in the 51st State BEFORE having to timeshare Oliver over the holiday weekend. We love having people stay with us too as an extra pair of hands is always welcomed with a child in the mix now.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzTRGBTYf32cCegfiVhVXZ9Ge-ply3QfskV1-YfQLFAD-Klwx-qvOzAjCmmQ2EYZaV_EE99vvvOrBJDe4EURzJxY6cBpA44FnehfvmzCOp5Hq6NccTMSTxrMiY9d6R5Zyek7rKcBduCo/s1600/52.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzTRGBTYf32cCegfiVhVXZ9Ge-ply3QfskV1-YfQLFAD-Klwx-qvOzAjCmmQ2EYZaV_EE99vvvOrBJDe4EURzJxY6cBpA44FnehfvmzCOp5Hq6NccTMSTxrMiY9d6R5Zyek7rKcBduCo/s320/52.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512353207213816338" /></a>In addition to celebrating Oliver’s first 4th of July, we were also invited to attend Jasmine’s cousin’s wedding. There’s an expression in Western New York…they have 3 seasons there. Winter, 4th of July and construction…so, after what has been an incredibly harsh year of weather in the 51st State, it was refreshing to travel to a place in the heat of summer that didn’t entail schvitzing like an Airedale just to go out and get the newspaper at 7am. The wedding was a wonderful occasion with lots of family and friends present and of course, Oliver was the toast of the evening as he met many of his cousins, second cousins, and Great Aunts and Great Uncles for the first time. Additionally, on this trip Jasmine’s Grandfather celebrated his 90th Birthday. Papa Delicious as he has come to be called by the current generation enjoyed a leisurely summer, soiree complete with a chocolate-raspberry birthday cake, which his son, my father-in-law reminded us is properly called “blicky-cake”. Finally, no summer trip to Buffalo is complete (since I have recently taken up golf again) without a round at Bob-O-Link Golf Club. The 1st Annual Greater Buffalo Open was a huge success with Aunt Carol, Uncle John, my father in-law, “Uncle” Jake, Uncle John and his friend Skip thrashing that beloved par 54 course. I don’t recall who won, but those 2 oil cans of Foster’s Lager deserve an honorable mention. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Burke Lake Golf Course and Bob-O-Link Golf Club…that’s it, that’s the list. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-t2CNb-6GTSiyrr-duyHBR8q0ujtQUaLz60zpcj6JScEsIhXZXJooAJDv_ZYZwzkci-EFezcNL1Lm5ejii95h20v0L8-fi6UmzijlcbAxnk2-rvJ7P0V56IlUq-X3d7GYwbFIcXoIo-8/s1600/33.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-t2CNb-6GTSiyrr-duyHBR8q0ujtQUaLz60zpcj6JScEsIhXZXJooAJDv_ZYZwzkci-EFezcNL1Lm5ejii95h20v0L8-fi6UmzijlcbAxnk2-rvJ7P0V56IlUq-X3d7GYwbFIcXoIo-8/s320/33.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512353203269414770" /></a>Meanwhile, Oliver discovered that the proper way to while away a summer afternoon in Western New York is to lie on his back on the front lawn of his Great Grandmother’s house and look, listen and smell all of the wonderful summer delights.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DFx3EcV_zu6wmz90ORDhm3qPCFomn8jRAWQNgjzEfmmk3UJruknlBb8ZYk8PIrCFRL9FU2WFPAIygLN9Hpi3hHTOdajdIAoke4e6TmA6x19ACjsmzlKjt1376CDMlWXihbc6NGRSFLw/s1600/76.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DFx3EcV_zu6wmz90ORDhm3qPCFomn8jRAWQNgjzEfmmk3UJruknlBb8ZYk8PIrCFRL9FU2WFPAIygLN9Hpi3hHTOdajdIAoke4e6TmA6x19ACjsmzlKjt1376CDMlWXihbc6NGRSFLw/s320/76.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512352124058664434" /></a><br /><br />Upon returning to the 51st State for several weeks of local revelry, we found ourselves on an airplane bound for the Pacific Northwest. Jasmine’s brother invited us to his wedding and we looked forward to another respite from the heat. This was also Oliver’s first opportunity to fly the not so friendly skies. And so, after swallowing a great deal of nerves and trepidation…reviewing with my mother-in-law all of the necessary infrastructure (to include but not be limited to a gently used, lime-green B.O.B. stroller for off-road use purchased on EBay!) we boldly climbed onboard Alaska Airlines (our fav carrier) Flight #1 bound from DCA to SEA.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWlTkRX9u42mvtgqYLYb-vViy-_NSgd4sfWgtdBFmFZlKb4AjZQbkvRjE7_KEE9YFtZ-9kKPC2PT9zYk_mSrjHPa_5epBJ8HWr2Ru3O2LD0ikDn5Cu60bM9gV9K37fng_zEU1TNRge38/s1600/DSCN2440.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWlTkRX9u42mvtgqYLYb-vViy-_NSgd4sfWgtdBFmFZlKb4AjZQbkvRjE7_KEE9YFtZ-9kKPC2PT9zYk_mSrjHPa_5epBJ8HWr2Ru3O2LD0ikDn5Cu60bM9gV9K37fng_zEU1TNRge38/s320/DSCN2440.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512352122480530818" /></a><br /><br />So, apparently, there is a third Wright Brother? Only, he was caught in some strange space-time-family continuum and has the initials O.F.F. To put it simply, Oliver enjoyed his flight! He caught 2 naps and even found a comfortable way to sit on his Mom’s lap and enjoy some baby food and continue his nursing regimen. All things considered, I was just pleased he didn’t pull a Steven Slater, grab 2 bottles of milk and jump down the emergency slide, ya’ know? The wedding was held at Wellspring Spa located near the Nisqually entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park. As my sister in law’s boyfriend put it, we all went “glamping”. Wellspring has existed for over 25 years and has grown exponentially in those years while still retaining all of its intimate privacy and soul-cleansing quiet tranquility. The log cabins are all expertly crafted and each one is unique in its accommodations. We stayed in “Tamarack” cabin with my in-laws. “Tamarack” features a queen bed in the master bedroom where we slept and a loft with 2 double beds where my in-laws slept. Glancing at the guest books, I read repeatedly of a hammock there at “Tamarack” located in the loft. So, one afternoon, when everyone was out, I climbed into the loft, found the hammock, strung it up and immersed myself in the literary world of Frank Herbert’s “Dune”.<br /><br />Wellspring Spa also offers picnic, banquet and event facilities. We enjoyed a rehearsal dinner BBQ with my father-in-law and my brother-in-law’s father-in-law manning the grills and all the guests enjoyed a lovely evening in the wilderness of Washington. The following afternoon was the wedding featuring intimate vows written by the happy couple. The weather was simply perfect and we again enjoyed another fine meal at the hands of the Dads of salmon or steak…or as was my plate, salmon AND steak. The culinary highlight of the weekend was chocolate cake from a local bakery the likes of which I haven’t tasted since my Mom last baked a cake from scratch. The week concluded with trips to the Seattle Aquarium, the Seattle Zoo, lunch at The Edgewater Inn (where The Beatles famously fished out their guestroom window)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10mAMZ65UeVytyCeSQ5b-fnoQqpshcAdZBXEU39va14-PxPgBj0ihdTca6HoYeuGlXkanAVuPlT_oeigg23sCE0ubMirMqKMD_tBW7HfMDF9sXxD5pg1PZiaAo1sLJysPtb2iCCtc2EA/s1600/BeatlesFishingAtEdgewater.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 277px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10mAMZ65UeVytyCeSQ5b-fnoQqpshcAdZBXEU39va14-PxPgBj0ihdTca6HoYeuGlXkanAVuPlT_oeigg23sCE0ubMirMqKMD_tBW7HfMDF9sXxD5pg1PZiaAo1sLJysPtb2iCCtc2EA/s320/BeatlesFishingAtEdgewater.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512352118413575714" /></a>, the Butterfly House and musical fountain at Seattle Center, and a ride on the Bremerton ferry<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnWhcU00sfRZmjAtwj0tkBZhQKfKn8ZN4P9yQn6imYGd3ObXg29j9kFmEPfTrXBAnJANrTWAOgygMz8HEcFlFkKTk51w7YsIDoTB2ORH0LQcFUJeAat7qRwSvTKOYvae6Nf7Hq6P43W4/s1600/DSCN2565.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnWhcU00sfRZmjAtwj0tkBZhQKfKn8ZN4P9yQn6imYGd3ObXg29j9kFmEPfTrXBAnJANrTWAOgygMz8HEcFlFkKTk51w7YsIDoTB2ORH0LQcFUJeAat7qRwSvTKOYvae6Nf7Hq6P43W4/s320/DSCN2565.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512352113057824274" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHxzNhGYcSLPfs-s49HHQ1u2gsS7NfoW8JlsmW11zAMQ30ko7NyKV3Y9na3ZSDsMrVj2iGIMPs_YBFPie1xhVmNRipoxGvrm7mkzIQ3ZAmB5v8cefNZM4RWezL0oacxWkuzLhwi27Kxs/s1600/DSCN2572.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizHxzNhGYcSLPfs-s49HHQ1u2gsS7NfoW8JlsmW11zAMQ30ko7NyKV3Y9na3ZSDsMrVj2iGIMPs_YBFPie1xhVmNRipoxGvrm7mkzIQ3ZAmB5v8cefNZM4RWezL0oacxWkuzLhwi27Kxs/s320/DSCN2572.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512352104582216530" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjh5ItnhAKtQQYvbCjmyaUMNkNQtbs4fsXY7g1E00UGviXvjhJ-CWkwq7oUdakWVXTXrmiRClO4uh4H_78P2SM800kwGYWr6QU-kTo7IzUMKmimV9rC03AiN_o6YY00SnBPO9ldf8t0UQ/s1600/DSCN2585.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjh5ItnhAKtQQYvbCjmyaUMNkNQtbs4fsXY7g1E00UGviXvjhJ-CWkwq7oUdakWVXTXrmiRClO4uh4H_78P2SM800kwGYWr6QU-kTo7IzUMKmimV9rC03AiN_o6YY00SnBPO9ldf8t0UQ/s320/DSCN2585.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512351308347018690" /></a>to yet another fountain (I think Ollie’s going to be a plumber…). As mentioned at the top of our show, I also enjoyed not 1 but 2 rounds at the West Seattle Golf Course. This humbling, championship par 72 course was where Fred Couples honed his game.<br /><br />Returning home once again, we have been continuing to search out as many day trips as Oliver can handle anytime we have a break in the weather. As we found out on our trip to VA Beach earlier this year, Oliver loves the water so we take him to our swimming pool as often as possible.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONyVyPHwAqpZ_AxqbnBL6UkL5hJYCl-zI_jG5Mg2hpWwyJCWCpOkRxiZgdtWUzKTYlIoHVYsrtzkVLFKhB2XmNO1K6Be6hOSe6aGqXt5ydI9sp5Np1L6Rt-3Slw0y9qBZcAWYi5ZQ1YQ/s1600/DSCN2192.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONyVyPHwAqpZ_AxqbnBL6UkL5hJYCl-zI_jG5Mg2hpWwyJCWCpOkRxiZgdtWUzKTYlIoHVYsrtzkVLFKhB2XmNO1K6Be6hOSe6aGqXt5ydI9sp5Np1L6Rt-3Slw0y9qBZcAWYi5ZQ1YQ/s320/DSCN2192.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512351301670215554" /></a><br /> Last week found us at Burke Lake Park where I spent many summer days during my youth. So, it was with great nostalgia that we pulled into the parking lot by the marina and loaded Oliver into his new Chicco brand infant/toddler backback. (Red, of course, to match his stroller of the same make…) I had taken Oliver on some short walks in the backpack around our neighborhood first to make sure everything was adjusted properly and to see how comfortable he was as well as a trip with his Great Aunts to the Arlington County Fair, too! So, with full confidence, the three of us headed out onto the trail. We didn’t get far when Jasmine heard the park’s mini-train’s whistle and suggested we check it out.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFUL5_THGgue26k3GXJ2L_8vupVyGNRfBjB6f_O9hvivgwhCVZDJl1kxRkAAnLXjhGAxN4Bq1Y8-I7xyHgqTwDBMEMoY8wfh7xte_SK7tdPrnzjZukJaTpbVjs-TezWjTv9BBvi5b1YY/s1600/DSCN2634.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguFUL5_THGgue26k3GXJ2L_8vupVyGNRfBjB6f_O9hvivgwhCVZDJl1kxRkAAnLXjhGAxN4Bq1Y8-I7xyHgqTwDBMEMoY8wfh7xte_SK7tdPrnzjZukJaTpbVjs-TezWjTv9BBvi5b1YY/s320/DSCN2634.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512351286374469634" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd75IpM3SDchBDNmOPWbzct0GlyR70kSQNxn5LCyQ6vftz5s8QtBZNrNv14bfvaZ59HVeOr_MQ3gjpvlqiqmTcBqJc8IZYSP0IgWjjSZGbDYSVQLGfrqT1pIF2t1w0ZlG725w6W9linkE/s1600/DSCN2650.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd75IpM3SDchBDNmOPWbzct0GlyR70kSQNxn5LCyQ6vftz5s8QtBZNrNv14bfvaZ59HVeOr_MQ3gjpvlqiqmTcBqJc8IZYSP0IgWjjSZGbDYSVQLGfrqT1pIF2t1w0ZlG725w6W9linkE/s320/DSCN2650.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512351285820159778" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikScYjWLrT0BH24hzj-wf5dLyNDUYxH7r_Ry6heFa84rMjUPnLL99wLQ-7ho1ZUJGR9T_ROYOtSfKAs6hDKiTLA58Cv9jkX_zzNsWrBRCRftu3jSN-MqN22liSStzOt29RMmjKqjbvHB8/s1600/DSCN2674.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikScYjWLrT0BH24hzj-wf5dLyNDUYxH7r_Ry6heFa84rMjUPnLL99wLQ-7ho1ZUJGR9T_ROYOtSfKAs6hDKiTLA58Cv9jkX_zzNsWrBRCRftu3jSN-MqN22liSStzOt29RMmjKqjbvHB8/s320/DSCN2674.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512351270472274354" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2WVXV39immIjYZyNEgHpjovaJOdEWy1OHf2Kd8Ra4EF6JjtZ-ugo6nzegZd45nW5_95SeUg4_7URI_OkCtcqcGbuOmZjDMUHbEodmhQOZXR_ZksxeW9JGTVU04vVRU7UzJuyHPMOp72o/s1600/DSCN2673.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2WVXV39immIjYZyNEgHpjovaJOdEWy1OHf2Kd8Ra4EF6JjtZ-ugo6nzegZd45nW5_95SeUg4_7URI_OkCtcqcGbuOmZjDMUHbEodmhQOZXR_ZksxeW9JGTVU04vVRU7UzJuyHPMOp72o/s320/DSCN2673.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512363131304993314" /></a>Burke Lake Park is in and of itself a powerful touchstone of my childhood. But, the train is really something else all together. The ride is only a few minutes long but it features a tunnel, a wooden trestle bridge, elevation changes through the woods and an acceleration run through a meadow. (Editor's note: Due to data space limitations here on blogger.com, a short video of Oliver on his first Burke Lake Park Train ride has instead been uploaded to Facebook.) The last time I had ridden the train was maybe 15 years ago and it had fallen into a bit of neglect. I was very pleased to see that appropriate funding had recently been approved as it was now restored to the glory of my 5 year-old. Oliver really loved his first train ride. He sat on his Momma’s lap, with the wind in his hair and his eyes wide through all of the twists, turns and hills. We were a little disappointed to learn that the snack bar is a cash only operation, but we served Ollie his lunch there in the picnic area and talked about returning to maybe play mini-golf and take a whirl on the carousel, too. The trail around the Lake is 4.3 miles and I’m looking forward to conquering it together with Ollie on my back as we explore nature and hopefully, take more pictures, too!<br /><br /><br />All in all, no doubt... an action-packed summer for sure and the first of many more to come. In closing, Oliver had his 9 month pediatric appointment and we are pleased to report he is now 20lbs. and 28 inches. He is in the 50th percentile on his weight, height and head size. After a few obligatory vaccinations, he was on his way once again into the bright, big world. Adventure…it’s OUT THERE! Tune in next time as you’ll read all about Oliver’s participation in the Chinqua Babies infant swim program at nearby Chinquapin Rec Center. From all of us here at the 51st State…I’m the Governor…good night.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-15483941662500150252010-06-28T19:13:00.006-04:002010-06-28T19:35:35.139-04:00Sheesh<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBy1L090IyPn6VeJTlZw0OHiZBTdkW-11CsxHuxpl_KZcBGZQis5BYTGh9YoakAEaJzmqL9yGBn7W8jteysbM74VGHNNvERUszTtjgddXHd5UpXSm2yo_we5cT4e0mSOVOILcSWHFWvn-A/s1600/Family+portrait+Sears.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487971789545484178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBy1L090IyPn6VeJTlZw0OHiZBTdkW-11CsxHuxpl_KZcBGZQis5BYTGh9YoakAEaJzmqL9yGBn7W8jteysbM74VGHNNvERUszTtjgddXHd5UpXSm2yo_we5cT4e0mSOVOILcSWHFWvn-A/s320/Family+portrait+Sears.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSg-4_qldSFpUyrX0lcuCsmwYwRoe0X5k04U50sJH7nLdcojhRaJeXb3nWa54PD9ut66wH7AYtOKOOYDC-qBtjlcxf1jtMP5w8oQJdwmPZ3OUc0ji49VLL_t23S44IKLy6nX3VOTZy9AV/s1600/DSCN1772.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487971786580286338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSg-4_qldSFpUyrX0lcuCsmwYwRoe0X5k04U50sJH7nLdcojhRaJeXb3nWa54PD9ut66wH7AYtOKOOYDC-qBtjlcxf1jtMP5w8oQJdwmPZ3OUc0ji49VLL_t23S44IKLy6nX3VOTZy9AV/s320/DSCN1772.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvWhbZb918V7NV4aDB8yatLrM6asvSlSejVn-REaikMX869IpjKiVBTtDkMbBFSEoKgStC7s7Pa1l4q3eEOmY7aYEabnvev0KkFQPMXeVbHg_QhPr391eDLZ2uV_N-O3K5vOD25GlvDhB/s1600/DSCN1937.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487971777793356594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvWhbZb918V7NV4aDB8yatLrM6asvSlSejVn-REaikMX869IpjKiVBTtDkMbBFSEoKgStC7s7Pa1l4q3eEOmY7aYEabnvev0KkFQPMXeVbHg_QhPr391eDLZ2uV_N-O3K5vOD25GlvDhB/s320/DSCN1937.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgzFqabNJZCFbXKu8YD2HVaRn-DAikKMUe5L7hrBwvlXDOQa50IDMk2QtJ4V7ieidX-QruQTv1C7b-bLjpWLSuZ7Cey8FXp5HBAjOIgcLIINbocH5FPmlluj5X3mE83gIkjPgV0MyJ9qk/s1600/DSCN1921.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487970094701944738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgzFqabNJZCFbXKu8YD2HVaRn-DAikKMUe5L7hrBwvlXDOQa50IDMk2QtJ4V7ieidX-QruQTv1C7b-bLjpWLSuZ7Cey8FXp5HBAjOIgcLIINbocH5FPmlluj5X3mE83gIkjPgV0MyJ9qk/s320/DSCN1921.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlZBVEiqOTYd4JXle4FGG2103Ovr4jJ3Pna291Xoy51rN0H9nnHTtOBSEnpF4Ho9CpCeiE51qKNVQiSfvdiQhJR6hjwzBlfsUaUFwCqQJLG_b0dhU3M8S7PkY4yyton3ODz8nKbXcKXJV/s1600/DSCN1908.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487970091435064530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlZBVEiqOTYd4JXle4FGG2103Ovr4jJ3Pna291Xoy51rN0H9nnHTtOBSEnpF4Ho9CpCeiE51qKNVQiSfvdiQhJR6hjwzBlfsUaUFwCqQJLG_b0dhU3M8S7PkY4yyton3ODz8nKbXcKXJV/s320/DSCN1908.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4eKZ4g_RhIj5ZTj7r6nbvCbNYZu4v7P4Z-yyBTuGiWvLtM0875lDVcfOCUxEDsAyebmHcIzlnVuRwlqRsKGNKqK5aA9DzAblO2SLicQ8ALdrYzNFK623AoxWOOcoLVp9LRc-b4gymMLb/s1600/DSCN1805.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487970080756284050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4eKZ4g_RhIj5ZTj7r6nbvCbNYZu4v7P4Z-yyBTuGiWvLtM0875lDVcfOCUxEDsAyebmHcIzlnVuRwlqRsKGNKqK5aA9DzAblO2SLicQ8ALdrYzNFK623AoxWOOcoLVp9LRc-b4gymMLb/s320/DSCN1805.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPMOj8goMQR64kAtzhvCr7_IQeqs31MP06Y_y3Rw31e9dRgUcOGqP0cror42QknLBXEnhJ56F4PTnsB1awWjxpM-zBfRd93Mng41IILdj-j6_G2zyln-fn92QlUo1714eWZEedM6l1CK4/s1600/DSCN2057.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487970076080821474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPMOj8goMQR64kAtzhvCr7_IQeqs31MP06Y_y3Rw31e9dRgUcOGqP0cror42QknLBXEnhJ56F4PTnsB1awWjxpM-zBfRd93Mng41IILdj-j6_G2zyln-fn92QlUo1714eWZEedM6l1CK4/s320/DSCN2057.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00nZdampEo4etfNtOtR9jJcnbdtxh0j_PTDMdZPjNNDDfnCzs05JOJ-JYm7A5tXf3Uud7GIwGR4HrJhBnDSnlLza42UnlrQPoAIqBNWlo9aeAptCDPpfKbgikCTM3QFkNaONPlERTdCpm/s1600/DSCN2129.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487970065521126642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00nZdampEo4etfNtOtR9jJcnbdtxh0j_PTDMdZPjNNDDfnCzs05JOJ-JYm7A5tXf3Uud7GIwGR4HrJhBnDSnlLza42UnlrQPoAIqBNWlo9aeAptCDPpfKbgikCTM3QFkNaONPlERTdCpm/s320/DSCN2129.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I'm not doing so well at this blogging thing as we've had many many event in the last few months that we haven't managed to put pictures up except on Facebook. Even those are falling behind! Ollie is keeping us plenty busy and has had his first trip to the beach for our 10th anniversary, Mother's day, Father's day, and even his first 90 degree yard sale. :) At 7 months he's almost 20 lbs and just over 27 inches tall. His biggest recent milestones have been starting solids and cutting his two lower front teeth, but I haven't been able to take a very good picture of those teefs yet. Here are some pictures of his adventures!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06847731124454091593noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-89087686606463650622010-04-17T21:32:00.006-04:002010-04-17T21:51:40.898-04:00My recent expotitions~by Ollie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYrQqMmPHoMJEj3qjDmATIqMdizRxz7N4RuHV2-82E6QNSwS0Uk4U4YFE4vb1QNchrYZXGYsEKe-4V_vybFU63VuvXTHJ1y96fYa2O-hDGZsq-K-yt8EeOVpwekzDtL1tR0t9IaPRANeJ/s1600/DSCN1424.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461287819700196050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYrQqMmPHoMJEj3qjDmATIqMdizRxz7N4RuHV2-82E6QNSwS0Uk4U4YFE4vb1QNchrYZXGYsEKe-4V_vybFU63VuvXTHJ1y96fYa2O-hDGZsq-K-yt8EeOVpwekzDtL1tR0t9IaPRANeJ/s320/DSCN1424.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0pCTEIHgn5-r86GBasMd94-LL-PxR6c2gkHHXVwCnceI69EpmcQJs04LiAJvln_8EHCEi7gfk6WyWhNPgo67yY1rPy2nMnSbBIILr-8n8IzrxU3DasuQ999AAc2g0YFJCg93V87g_oF1/s1600/DSCN1423.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461287815547150130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0pCTEIHgn5-r86GBasMd94-LL-PxR6c2gkHHXVwCnceI69EpmcQJs04LiAJvln_8EHCEi7gfk6WyWhNPgo67yY1rPy2nMnSbBIILr-8n8IzrxU3DasuQ999AAc2g0YFJCg93V87g_oF1/s320/DSCN1423.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrpAjaPXIbcFBSPgow76TWAqhWCQLGJkp7jn_5Zusdx7vxttDt8ss5qU7bKiemoluEUGXyyLd75SlBpejZgjwBp2Fr-Eob3VLztHZ29DtKLp99o5ORju-3MrtTjNE8qToEaNOtpUKzWR0/s1600/DSCN1422.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461287810503898866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrpAjaPXIbcFBSPgow76TWAqhWCQLGJkp7jn_5Zusdx7vxttDt8ss5qU7bKiemoluEUGXyyLd75SlBpejZgjwBp2Fr-Eob3VLztHZ29DtKLp99o5ORju-3MrtTjNE8qToEaNOtpUKzWR0/s320/DSCN1422.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSfruns9AoC_032B1zsyJUEW1cRE7PLQqibfFjf22HYPeQiiKl6XK_sPnyVcsuAT5PKLvVgNsbBzWlp0AOaPFkwwu6q5z-lOwcqWUBo8d6iaF57rEVyGRj8TiMu7eHEFjvVVGKdhcpTl0/s1600/DSCN1418.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; 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MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461286628902528994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_IQu6_kuq0oiYvO6DbsUT5Xc5UOS6oB8mEev4mCbdEZXG1fRxyOAcOiqvGg0M0JOxRCqZmzntxFzT8hdTKMICW3EhYiN6Nkqm4RYqwbyDmi-TEQjzw4iBdGYnCCHWcuJ0hjN1apQOBZv/s320/DSCN1521.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-yI4XmjIV4ungMCjcG9blA5cOvz37c872oYEnq0CbW5zv1EeM0jJQ_neBwHisLvcx-GUKxrkS9qhx6hJ943-0zxQbCu7_Dyaorh9ihRNgAoFXdnwuG1UDRm6TNTf9VZ3a6r1QBsn6pnc/s1600/DSCN1480.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461286618011396578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-yI4XmjIV4ungMCjcG9blA5cOvz37c872oYEnq0CbW5zv1EeM0jJQ_neBwHisLvcx-GUKxrkS9qhx6hJ943-0zxQbCu7_Dyaorh9ihRNgAoFXdnwuG1UDRm6TNTf9VZ3a6r1QBsn6pnc/s320/DSCN1480.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQK-YMPoaoMlpaZAPeQzFS8jUt7tlgDSXuQVGHZ1C38ZH2uKIabAgAjNBxyLrap_ybkQH7a608oaCiNVgvlFhoO_UozDVVx6yrqUPU4If18dcZBi9UsAsjpl2n5sv4ETgMcxE9TZ_O1pWI/s1600/DSCN1494.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461286615817509538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQK-YMPoaoMlpaZAPeQzFS8jUt7tlgDSXuQVGHZ1C38ZH2uKIabAgAjNBxyLrap_ybkQH7a608oaCiNVgvlFhoO_UozDVVx6yrqUPU4If18dcZBi9UsAsjpl2n5sv4ETgMcxE9TZ_O1pWI/s320/DSCN1494.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I have really been getting around this week and I thought I would post pictures of some of my adventures! First I got to meet my Mommy's good friend from high school's daughter's roommate's cousin...oh wait, no, stop at daughter. Her name is Norah and once I woke up I liked her a lot. We had breakfast together then hung out in the parking lot for some photos with our goofy parents.<br /><br /></div><div>Then I went to my first NCVRW (National Crime Victims' Rights Week) prelude events with Mommy, and Daddy, and all my adoring fans, also known as Mommy's colleagues. They were pretty tickled I was there and I've been dubbed the "littlest victim advocate". </div><div><br /> </div><div>Today we were going to have a yard sale, but it was only 60 degrees, so Mommy and Daddy decided to postpone and then took me to the sunny, but windy and chilly, Reston Zoo. It is about as big as my bulding's back yard in the main part of the zoo, BUT they have a SAFARI! I got to ride in a wagon pulled by a tractor to see all kinds of big animals so here are some of my favorite photos from my ride. None are close to the animals, since Daddy shot those photos separately so those big beasties wouldn't mistake me for Ollie flavored feeding nuggets.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I am a busy little guy now that the weather is nice so I will keep you all updated on my adventures!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06847731124454091593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-27645828318231158292010-04-06T20:12:00.012-04:002010-04-06T20:51:47.058-04:00The One Where Ollie Discovers Grass...and His Feet<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-I9Hq3CJ-1WHAe6FRi8nnUF0ovB2K4Y68Phieg1SQ5WiHm901FVybSWgYsyBDIEZ8fupua9Wgmvvh57yl3LoyGfWl3UuV4IY-ZE-paebe3IhQGlIQKq30EhQ4Es5JgsOziKLUM_tTmuWC/s1600/DSCN1411.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; 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MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457186994863247170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwOEufmSPC1w-2BWItevLI6h9uzTSXxFAkEPF3qaggVWyiV10NRt_mdwHv6ys2RK6hAk5gb1LxHUfmMDy306iPO1kUv09uy_xH4y0HVjUUA8v5Hevggs2HeDcZ-APGKWa9ndSzw1GE_pTO/s320/DSCN1392.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXMxTWmmi2lpr7HGnuKDW58jLLKevnnProkI-Gkis3aobpGaq_C3YkzsNBKnXFKl55NGh2qa0hLsw0c3Kr0n4wyEqO4wwiJIhsI0uECSQXykxK7uROkb0_8eaPw77ZKc1cuJeqGVeAtE7/s1600/DSCN1384.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457185726302799090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXMxTWmmi2lpr7HGnuKDW58jLLKevnnProkI-Gkis3aobpGaq_C3YkzsNBKnXFKl55NGh2qa0hLsw0c3Kr0n4wyEqO4wwiJIhsI0uECSQXykxK7uROkb0_8eaPw77ZKc1cuJeqGVeAtE7/s320/DSCN1384.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi049C6twmNjbWjatfGI86USh2AxckQQ87eWnG4-BgVhehBDGJBcw0sWvkTS-HyefsynGSOUE3_etCICzx8sLulL0BqXeOHAR8XEEzjN1HRW3gLOJr3WIYzvH2w9mEDJ-M3qztfZLtR_ZMM/s1600/DSCN1382.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; 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MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457185707202868194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0Osxvvl12NA4CnIiaaVkugGhPu_79eBrADBxaZVaHlLVtR4gjMAqmqvJTiJrBxO8Zu_KwjzHonG8eHBXhh_094B2MXzBHdWjFx3Ni4pBLhiidxCp7h6hGOgrSvKAdENQWQvZji26NJXx/s320/DSCN1377.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCu6H3ywLvCrKeGPawJx7KOxkGQg4bPTqnMUePbVC_reLCktNwSFX1uQ6GOlR4f03p9ldIrVuRnfqIt1a1zIXQFcW3jBB7zmNZH1VdmTr1Z3f7LiyO1CKSCvVUbvN1VRLwsfuMl6Krcz7N/s1600/DSCN1374.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457185698034145106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCu6H3ywLvCrKeGPawJx7KOxkGQg4bPTqnMUePbVC_reLCktNwSFX1uQ6GOlR4f03p9ldIrVuRnfqIt1a1zIXQFcW3jBB7zmNZH1VdmTr1Z3f7LiyO1CKSCvVUbvN1VRLwsfuMl6Krcz7N/s320/DSCN1374.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Time for another session of run-on sentences and pictures in backwards order...also known as a post by Jasmine.<br /><br /><div>So Easter Sunday was quiet for us. Ollie got an Easter basket from the Easter Bunny full of all the candy Mommy...um, I mean Ollie...likes. We try to go for a walk in the stroller every day, so we decided that Easter would be a good day to walk down to the park and introduce Ollie to grass. As a November baby he hasn't been able to get up close and touch much of the outside world until recent weeks when the Washington weather decided to go straight from blizzard to heatwave. He was pretty skeptical about the whole thing. He enjoyed his stroller ride, and was curious about what was in Mommy's hand, liked stomping it a bit with his feet, but would have no part of actually sitting in the prickley stuff! He preferred instead to observe it closely from the safety and relatively unprickley comfort of Mommy and Daddy's laps.<br /></div><div>Cut to two days later, after our walk tonight. We were sitting cooling down before bedtime (it was 90 today) and Ollie decided to go cannibal since he hadn't been fed dinner yet and, according to Mommy's two month lack of a respectable haircut, going native was clearly the best avenue. Ollie is very drooly now and loooves to gum things. He can get his whole fist in his mouth and has kind of figured out one thumb at a time on occasion, but this evening discovered something even better. After an appetizer of Mommy's finger he realized "Hey, look these feet! I can put them in my mouth! Woo-hoo! Delicious. Won't I be surprised when these teeth finally come in and I give them a good chomp." Hopefully he won't start with Mommy again when that happens. :D</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06847731124454091593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-77896990144459964992010-03-22T12:31:00.002-04:002010-03-22T12:42:32.102-04:00Ollie's 4 month check-up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMscxc7p-Yrmh0En9ntxrVQ-uN0Pr58-QIj255daj20xsxrEn8jvYpMRtTfhkG1r-oq-fNXrBtIj9aA6wzSWWXjxjLnYKhPgJ7t0eyZ4XNgS7a0n4yb60xbHjN9z-JfwJvmJV-oJpchIR/s1600-h/Ollie+in+February+033.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451499491231626338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMscxc7p-Yrmh0En9ntxrVQ-uN0Pr58-QIj255daj20xsxrEn8jvYpMRtTfhkG1r-oq-fNXrBtIj9aA6wzSWWXjxjLnYKhPgJ7t0eyZ4XNgS7a0n4yb60xbHjN9z-JfwJvmJV-oJpchIR/s320/Ollie+in+February+033.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Ollie's 4 month check-up shows his development progressing on a nice arc. He's in the 70th percentile for height, weight, and head size. Height is 25 1/2 inches, head size is 16 3/4, and weight 15 lbs and 13oz. He has rolled over a total of 5 times but isn't terribly interested in tummy time so hasn't rolled over since the day he discovered he could do it. He has good head control and good social skills, despite his parents. :D </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We are loving the weather turning nicer, although it's thunderstorming today, because we've gotten to go out on many expotitions in the stroller. Even riding in the car is nicer now that he's bigger and can look around! And since he's past two months we don't have to be so careful about where we go. It's so much fun to watch him discover things like "Hey, I have ears!" and "I can squawk louder than an air raid siren, listen!" We are now THAT family when we go to BJs because Ollie likes to squawk in the big space and all the other babies, say "Hey! That looks fun! I want to do that too!" Luckily at 4 months, most people seem to think it's a very cute thing for him to shout and squeal. We sure do. :D</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>More posts are sure to follow as Ollie starts in on his jam packed schedule for this spring and summer!</div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06847731124454091593noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-55318978553788175732010-02-13T20:12:00.008-05:002010-02-13T20:38:17.739-05:00The One About Oliver's Momma Having to Go Back to Work<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqCFprxbiV_dIJENzCTWf7gBAAOhRjoWywbGDMWcnmOQSBSqNGIUdTmhuLA9yoiB5eM39Qb63T0X4kAQgstkhAW3r_rzuL2YmJiZiatyerdzKa6uioc0rl-mskCL1AQOgOEN-sgVvdwCl/s1600-h/Oliver+in+his+big+boy+outfit.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 241px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437904629559794786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqCFprxbiV_dIJENzCTWf7gBAAOhRjoWywbGDMWcnmOQSBSqNGIUdTmhuLA9yoiB5eM39Qb63T0X4kAQgstkhAW3r_rzuL2YmJiZiatyerdzKa6uioc0rl-mskCL1AQOgOEN-sgVvdwCl/s320/Oliver+in+his+big+boy+outfit.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt567xJjg8UDTsNJJUt3UbKT9s5vjDrChNVxd-0ynPBJy0NGRz73tJpCx6ALyLrIGukWluMHzwo_9kCIpaOI3QthLjesYaenRtkYfM9ogSSmhJXAt0RSFfBLcOffdYmJ9gjwtvQoitZD9l/s1600-h/Oliver+He-Man!.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 241px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437904632508794786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt567xJjg8UDTsNJJUt3UbKT9s5vjDrChNVxd-0ynPBJy0NGRz73tJpCx6ALyLrIGukWluMHzwo_9kCIpaOI3QthLjesYaenRtkYfM9ogSSmhJXAt0RSFfBLcOffdYmJ9gjwtvQoitZD9l/s320/Oliver+He-Man!.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sqOUtmD_f1T7MKfWplvKu_hqjNNgsLJBKwOWIOKy_ignY0TH6q-kWHdVFrnbsceZWihhVOazJ6XxbysZQ4aHFDiYomb9hikltT33VP8kUMLbRX-RHVMuVKHdbXwOJxTz4JUJfhrIkZV7/s1600-h/Oliver+Elvis.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 241px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437904627122588802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7sqOUtmD_f1T7MKfWplvKu_hqjNNgsLJBKwOWIOKy_ignY0TH6q-kWHdVFrnbsceZWihhVOazJ6XxbysZQ4aHFDiYomb9hikltT33VP8kUMLbRX-RHVMuVKHdbXwOJxTz4JUJfhrIkZV7/s320/Oliver+Elvis.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4W-75zVqcU1Oxzz0QdAeJ2Wr3pGh9cZyRfVJFTY0YiQbU3Y7Ln0uG3b1xNK40pXrDnCp7Rpoyt_yxupjh1ameDmeNZrUyuEX8s9sypxss0ndJtOcoClWXwX1k0mBcvIzTGzDkiyCdMAB/s1600-h/Oliver+in+January+031.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437903899038808498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4W-75zVqcU1Oxzz0QdAeJ2Wr3pGh9cZyRfVJFTY0YiQbU3Y7Ln0uG3b1xNK40pXrDnCp7Rpoyt_yxupjh1ameDmeNZrUyuEX8s9sypxss0ndJtOcoClWXwX1k0mBcvIzTGzDkiyCdMAB/s320/Oliver+in+January+031.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygU8fohPAfxu3PklKwjNT0RDLCPzS3ZzrC8HTvxiQOQJbm-Sy4bg8XUCPNr9M2mzTIu8Ercdd2nUXJdfzGecuN4WTeMzWIKUqJIKrwow23dUgznN1Ijp4YNN66gf2zsZaZMm0snwdzgs_/s1600-h/Oliver+in+January+026.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437903893504772226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygU8fohPAfxu3PklKwjNT0RDLCPzS3ZzrC8HTvxiQOQJbm-Sy4bg8XUCPNr9M2mzTIu8Ercdd2nUXJdfzGecuN4WTeMzWIKUqJIKrwow23dUgznN1Ijp4YNN66gf2zsZaZMm0snwdzgs_/s320/Oliver+in+January+026.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1j4AXbKDtfJ72uWpUugbuaG8JK2owywBX4H_dBfMUo7s6FJNup9SAkcshv4-KV653AX_bxH2GWUbTG4_1qnRn0FnhZxGiN3kZGmM2O95qKGAKsnMqMYqN-3jOF97GnXIYnljTNQwi_XDW/s1600-h/Oliver+in+January+023.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437903889665756274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1j4AXbKDtfJ72uWpUugbuaG8JK2owywBX4H_dBfMUo7s6FJNup9SAkcshv4-KV653AX_bxH2GWUbTG4_1qnRn0FnhZxGiN3kZGmM2O95qKGAKsnMqMYqN-3jOF97GnXIYnljTNQwi_XDW/s320/Oliver+in+January+023.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HwOAqU8lV42m7FeyS1kHG5Y-W8a9qAJJINR9BFgM8Otl03lVGKSd8c0czWVi5mu-3JNdWt45eNZa4utHc3GE5TB8RcpVU-1FxOw8jKfU6ZIfc-TAc_ItVuvnSbBZzVoOdR2vUwkGw4x-/s1600-h/Oliver+in+January+011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437903885329722210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HwOAqU8lV42m7FeyS1kHG5Y-W8a9qAJJINR9BFgM8Otl03lVGKSd8c0czWVi5mu-3JNdWt45eNZa4utHc3GE5TB8RcpVU-1FxOw8jKfU6ZIfc-TAc_ItVuvnSbBZzVoOdR2vUwkGw4x-/s320/Oliver+in+January+011.JPG" /></a>So, three months have flown by and our little peanut is more like a peanut sized linebacker now at just over 14 lbs and just over 24 inches! He has learned to smile and hold his head up. He has developed a little giggle but is not quite belly laughing yet, although it's apparent already that he has a great sense of humor. He can sit up with help. He stares at everything wide eyed and you can see all the connections his active little brain is making as he takes it all in for processing. Our egos grow everyday as we walk into the room and his little face breaks into a big grin. He is the joy of our every waking moment and a lot of the sleeping ones as well. Unfortunately, I have to return to work next week and have two more days to focus just on Oliver which makes me very sad. But, since we like being able to pay the mortgage and eating, I am going. Rob is ready to engage full stay-at-home Daddy mode and after a rough start and experimenting with a few different bottle brands (bless you Tommee Tippee!) Oliver is getting used to alternating between nursing and the bottle he'll use with Daddy during the day. Above are some photos from the last few weeks. I can't believe how much Oliver has grown and hope I don't miss too much being away from him during the day. Is it too much to hope for that the big milestones will happen on my days off? Wish us luck!</div></div></div></div></div></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06847731124454091593noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-75052219317371833212009-12-23T12:36:00.014-05:002009-12-23T15:32:08.084-05:00The One About Oliver's Weeks 3 and 4 and a Gaylord Hotel Christmas<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yZ5p1_lGElDG8r-ibezS1rb80GaCr9HykLlpQ-UnheZrBWGc6F0plQj2K6hQD8Z-XVYH4LYWfJlVw_OTrs-Oo9VzAXOKv0k3FnupFXftOHtH9gSjxDix4XCuDkPtcbhkCLssrfttt40/s1600-h/ChristmasTree2009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418500839727130898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yZ5p1_lGElDG8r-ibezS1rb80GaCr9HykLlpQ-UnheZrBWGc6F0plQj2K6hQD8Z-XVYH4LYWfJlVw_OTrs-Oo9VzAXOKv0k3FnupFXftOHtH9gSjxDix4XCuDkPtcbhkCLssrfttt40/s320/ChristmasTree2009.JPG" /></a> Oliver's first Christmas tree! (Notice the Christmas bicycle and Christmas grill in the background...soooooo attractive...)</div><br /><br /><div align="justify"><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6-czpHHHOY7PLR-nPm9MIvTVJrJtKfTq_DtFdVLKDiNj9iPczNS5ufM51p8ThcBfmRgkXf_ZS4B6gBi5Xz6fTlcsgvFsGYfN59-MBPQr7A8mlCMFjFy0og7ZjLE7agcUt7l0B1-vXxE/s1600-h/DSCN0223.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418500837746018674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6-czpHHHOY7PLR-nPm9MIvTVJrJtKfTq_DtFdVLKDiNj9iPczNS5ufM51p8ThcBfmRgkXf_ZS4B6gBi5Xz6fTlcsgvFsGYfN59-MBPQr7A8mlCMFjFy0og7ZjLE7agcUt7l0B1-vXxE/s320/DSCN0223.JPG" /></a> Oliver and "Aunt" Candice, Jasmine's good friend from A.U. and matron of honor at our wedding! Oh...she's also Lili's Mom and of course, Travis' wife too! :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzFeCFdDkt8Tv4wRu8ze4d1aG_trNEUDDAOKotfpHxvaT4dff8q-Lpg09MVaGQtoiKBmEF4My3Vba-mOp3jLNXNmBNSArj31BUNvsG3qI0wa_guDtxYy6-sYOpDX-aaLn1eLEMuhlsgE/s1600-h/DSCN0227.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418500571565452466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzFeCFdDkt8Tv4wRu8ze4d1aG_trNEUDDAOKotfpHxvaT4dff8q-Lpg09MVaGQtoiKBmEF4My3Vba-mOp3jLNXNmBNSArj31BUNvsG3qI0wa_guDtxYy6-sYOpDX-aaLn1eLEMuhlsgE/s320/DSCN0227.JPG" /></a> Oliver in his "THIRD PLACE"...with Grammy Lou!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoubyv8D_cAKYrocrv6qJgMYy_2_HQdvEGS6BFw6lDUxpqKwIQUnWFml5AOdmpWuDwggzyH2tbVWpQ_kqTOczW-odGFA4TrO44mFgb0Vld0AyZ7LAzkRXEUAlXZ9KSU23MeQqFpTPF_Tg/s1600-h/DSCN0318.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418500566700419810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoubyv8D_cAKYrocrv6qJgMYy_2_HQdvEGS6BFw6lDUxpqKwIQUnWFml5AOdmpWuDwggzyH2tbVWpQ_kqTOczW-odGFA4TrO44mFgb0Vld0AyZ7LAzkRXEUAlXZ9KSU23MeQqFpTPF_Tg/s320/DSCN0318.JPG" /></a> OliVER with OliVIA, Jasmine's good friend from work.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsM3uKCQswcmxCVzulwkfEXsDq_32JjFqud8V3nq5xgfjr0tqh1bONgkdwL90xIke-qmavvb_zoiUfGLz8RDVQjzTlbS5dsVvbP4rf4jaZ0-KEqcykuImUyICr5KR16JjnfSuEGya1TY/s1600-h/DSCN0331.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418500556568095538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWsM3uKCQswcmxCVzulwkfEXsDq_32JjFqud8V3nq5xgfjr0tqh1bONgkdwL90xIke-qmavvb_zoiUfGLz8RDVQjzTlbS5dsVvbP4rf4jaZ0-KEqcykuImUyICr5KR16JjnfSuEGya1TY/s320/DSCN0331.JPG" /></a> I really like black and white photography. Especially when shooting closeups. By removing the color, I think the viewer sees details they might have missed otherwise. He is so calm here, and so peaceful!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWawahzK2Vp0ep7uu1zkxM65Y6-DgV4NVgPn_RpzZ48Ih11jaD-kPnxzLKX5QnEpZjFMA-aR7dTr0Ks2OT1n7qR4qyrC5Sh4pl2_K75wrJCueWgTfYGH_ZPiLimPMoCITTvE73ywU0ZM/s1600-h/DSCN0330.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418500551094202418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWawahzK2Vp0ep7uu1zkxM65Y6-DgV4NVgPn_RpzZ48Ih11jaD-kPnxzLKX5QnEpZjFMA-aR7dTr0Ks2OT1n7qR4qyrC5Sh4pl2_K75wrJCueWgTfYGH_ZPiLimPMoCITTvE73ywU0ZM/s320/DSCN0330.JPG" /></a> Even better with the eyes open, huh? LOL!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLq8zYXeZzZnI4_UMgGOxX2FuZSv64_4MNdK6h2b-FXd7ZG4k4et4AF90roJHIr1YQJQnaQtOD7i6v7I4Ge9ZfaS9-uOxLEqAcQH9-qJqZ9MUfaD8MYAoMlG4ZN7m3L8fpc7YQ9eJqK1Y/s1600-h/OliversFirstSnow120509.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418500544362535266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLq8zYXeZzZnI4_UMgGOxX2FuZSv64_4MNdK6h2b-FXd7ZG4k4et4AF90roJHIr1YQJQnaQtOD7i6v7I4Ge9ZfaS9-uOxLEqAcQH9-qJqZ9MUfaD8MYAoMlG4ZN7m3L8fpc7YQ9eJqK1Y/s320/OliversFirstSnow120509.JPG" /></a> Olivers' first snowstorm, however this was BEFORE the big Washington, DC storm on 12/19/09 which has been named "The Shopper Stopper".<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKh5bXpom08bFYT0odTYQIu7ryUsJfx_kGXWF1dC3VFtHcy30c187LUfrX99xQVoMwOoHqbctLjxwLhQfZimvhKqa8Y_9cvtWZBHUYbVJvSiwuRxc5CHzZ-ix9unI4-SWTkinNze3_vok/s1600-h/OliversFirstSnow120509+(7).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418499540260869970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKh5bXpom08bFYT0odTYQIu7ryUsJfx_kGXWF1dC3VFtHcy30c187LUfrX99xQVoMwOoHqbctLjxwLhQfZimvhKqa8Y_9cvtWZBHUYbVJvSiwuRxc5CHzZ-ix9unI4-SWTkinNze3_vok/s320/OliversFirstSnow120509+(7).JPG" /></a> Same storm later that night, with an experimental camera setting. Personally, I like the results!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6psqtCffIp2o4U9cMyk21Z8xnKXy1mfkTbfa0ouE8EWeFlC9EQ1IedHeDBtyCUtB5kNKJBrcYjIKcOm1k6q3FjZpe8fzMfk06-L7ouqO_ehoo8jLoZwIPbl_P8v4FY0iEby7klLs2fo/s1600-h/DSC01462.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418499534542428626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK6psqtCffIp2o4U9cMyk21Z8xnKXy1mfkTbfa0ouE8EWeFlC9EQ1IedHeDBtyCUtB5kNKJBrcYjIKcOm1k6q3FjZpe8fzMfk06-L7ouqO_ehoo8jLoZwIPbl_P8v4FY0iEby7klLs2fo/s320/DSC01462.JPG" /></a> So, with all of the hard work I've been putting in learning about the new camera...light and so forth...along comes Jasmine, mother extraordinaire who snapped this self-portrait with her Sony point and shoot! I'm going to take SOME credit for gifting the camera...lol...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Xp23Re7FAWruTXEDNF8ti3yy3N-dAgbZ2UMqUTmmvi3ziLxAM-IX5aIP4Vpl9vIPoA1-cpCLqljDbKQlfjFxdZJs5IS0iel12VG1GXO3RFYXIt7y5sJ2vlbHoMgizaHsim11yOszNBM/s1600-h/DSC01463.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418499532331170802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Xp23Re7FAWruTXEDNF8ti3yy3N-dAgbZ2UMqUTmmvi3ziLxAM-IX5aIP4Vpl9vIPoA1-cpCLqljDbKQlfjFxdZJs5IS0iel12VG1GXO3RFYXIt7y5sJ2vlbHoMgizaHsim11yOszNBM/s320/DSC01463.JPG" /></a> Bath Time! :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jVCDV30B7Svbs9_CzxnbQXAXf7DpnvPMyuACM4EjkJU4Bk_sAb7brzrB_B2cCe9Qdl2uwZYiR10CXcGpW-p6cE2YzbcrvVr8U4KUfWcH_oIsK8WobZ4fmY9x6ap3tGIm-cCDEeVxQlk/s1600-h/DSC01464.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418499524613425842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jVCDV30B7Svbs9_CzxnbQXAXf7DpnvPMyuACM4EjkJU4Bk_sAb7brzrB_B2cCe9Qdl2uwZYiR10CXcGpW-p6cE2YzbcrvVr8U4KUfWcH_oIsK8WobZ4fmY9x6ap3tGIm-cCDEeVxQlk/s320/DSC01464.JPG" /></a> Sleeping like a rock star in the Morrow family chaise!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgUfX6fqBCUVa6Yoq8uGQZ1HGEOF2Y-OPrnk2f1tBcQclayir78_9TgzlySC3YCWxsfeQM6t3Zu60Ae3pz0RxC3qwIfGK7s1KXn_jQVmxdqYHyBlx7cnWKh3f1aRfUbJr6-DYUvE_WLA/s1600-h/DSCN0363.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418499520060752178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkgUfX6fqBCUVa6Yoq8uGQZ1HGEOF2Y-OPrnk2f1tBcQclayir78_9TgzlySC3YCWxsfeQM6t3Zu60Ae3pz0RxC3qwIfGK7s1KXn_jQVmxdqYHyBlx7cnWKh3f1aRfUbJr6-DYUvE_WLA/s320/DSCN0363.JPG" /></a> LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Ah, working on the operatic skills...Ok, not really...just yawning...SHOCKER, I know...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpPYPIenGXnRx05w8AeCoe1BSrNTrWGSXrR7mIFv57uXNXuuzCT7RRkQBT902fboYuv-N3QTyAdE_paLi7p9r81ebFGMhgVKHhESO5LwJIV8UF0u60BpZMEzB7xR-V_972iWL69P9X4U/s1600-h/DSCN0364.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418498535790479042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpPYPIenGXnRx05w8AeCoe1BSrNTrWGSXrR7mIFv57uXNXuuzCT7RRkQBT902fboYuv-N3QTyAdE_paLi7p9r81ebFGMhgVKHhESO5LwJIV8UF0u60BpZMEzB7xR-V_972iWL69P9X4U/s320/DSCN0364.JPG" /></a> Sleeping in the light of the sunshine, while Mom and Dad bask in the light of the SONSHINE! :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CChJWQ9D0AZQDuZ0mMsxxj0xvvNdkKHqoMejsiY_B3Vp9HovSZOCHV9n8RbZJElNy2fFRxetAGeI77LQVzaB_Cmf76dLRTMKcBQ7cxKY90-kVHnQawdBMZeLMz2ZOD6EoYPNAD6_BP0/s1600-h/DSCN0366.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418498529645757362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CChJWQ9D0AZQDuZ0mMsxxj0xvvNdkKHqoMejsiY_B3Vp9HovSZOCHV9n8RbZJElNy2fFRxetAGeI77LQVzaB_Cmf76dLRTMKcBQ7cxKY90-kVHnQawdBMZeLMz2ZOD6EoYPNAD6_BP0/s320/DSCN0366.JPG" /></a> Sir Calm-A-Lot!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHX5RtnTZ6BnewD03Qc1qKX8qJfOcIrSBmDk8eve4FMhClyDRHps0CzE1MC6g4zd0GI1FKuh27KiOAI50_0K90gqOCN-6CR2liEO0kYhidR4SxilxAeGZgiareJ59WhAOw6-xt7KdxQ7k/s1600-h/DSCN0367.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418498523453504386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHX5RtnTZ6BnewD03Qc1qKX8qJfOcIrSBmDk8eve4FMhClyDRHps0CzE1MC6g4zd0GI1FKuh27KiOAI50_0K90gqOCN-6CR2liEO0kYhidR4SxilxAeGZgiareJ59WhAOw6-xt7KdxQ7k/s320/DSCN0367.JPG" /></a>Riding on Grammy Lou!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWp6KJPKMzcrmpWN-vKxCMZYMVN1yB6AhXzjkQZ1wDJO9bwjr5uAvsrZlDNqaObrzL0mMg5s2ZQymMqy_T7swg_GU2UCAsUnUCm9hufY2ugbYb2Sw7NYhJWKuQBiW5uR3j3LhzdTvJ8yk/s1600-h/DSCN0369.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418498518387681938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWp6KJPKMzcrmpWN-vKxCMZYMVN1yB6AhXzjkQZ1wDJO9bwjr5uAvsrZlDNqaObrzL0mMg5s2ZQymMqy_T7swg_GU2UCAsUnUCm9hufY2ugbYb2Sw7NYhJWKuQBiW5uR3j3LhzdTvJ8yk/s320/DSCN0369.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5kk84tRVoHRidvQjZv0OMp0OK0pbcCmxSd5Ml5L-vBx7XU5S3GPNwLrJBXsc1F4X46f2xXWOL43xscPaOzFRgNpKMVRsvqz-2PNeXfG6eVf9o93j_39FBGvKwNq6YwUNgLzPlo2L0-A/s1600-h/DSCN0486.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418498512002068994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5kk84tRVoHRidvQjZv0OMp0OK0pbcCmxSd5Ml5L-vBx7XU5S3GPNwLrJBXsc1F4X46f2xXWOL43xscPaOzFRgNpKMVRsvqz-2PNeXfG6eVf9o93j_39FBGvKwNq6YwUNgLzPlo2L0-A/s320/DSCN0486.JPG" /></a> This is my new "look"...I'm calling it BLUE STEEL!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWwUSPg3YUJQpNRdajSKcJKqZf_-tPyKRFjFefEgokPquFvUTT23_ssTSZ2z5Gp3CBAN1BRR2TBOJ2qbIW-Ft5wtQ-KL0yX-TeqMoF0zjaEkB_In7iinoRm90dO15DE0x8d6WO_mbLxI/s1600-h/DSCN0487.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418493854548406818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtWwUSPg3YUJQpNRdajSKcJKqZf_-tPyKRFjFefEgokPquFvUTT23_ssTSZ2z5Gp3CBAN1BRR2TBOJ2qbIW-Ft5wtQ-KL0yX-TeqMoF0zjaEkB_In7iinoRm90dO15DE0x8d6WO_mbLxI/s320/DSCN0487.JPG" /></a> But it's exhausting to do that...so now I'm tired...AGAIN!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDQxRN6-on4FH94SWebl0_R_LIvdupZqkgsuyjEXVPh2icSDym477qKYYb8k8p4syhC6Gh1XOKk-T2C4ogWloHm22RNs8kxuJ9iLMUTv-E4Krcy7rcBVCz9T13c9vZUGi58wncFsc0NI/s1600-h/DSCN0536.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418493847880737970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDQxRN6-on4FH94SWebl0_R_LIvdupZqkgsuyjEXVPh2icSDym477qKYYb8k8p4syhC6Gh1XOKk-T2C4ogWloHm22RNs8kxuJ9iLMUTv-E4Krcy7rcBVCz9T13c9vZUGi58wncFsc0NI/s320/DSCN0536.JPG" /></a> Ok, I'm all ready to be on the set of "That 70's Show"! What? Cancelled? Unbelievable! HELLO WISCONSIN!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2khL3V5nJEyLh92rActzz3FK-2JmT8IgvkAUT8wtb4cSAOXfAtYewc74BefLwui9LJUS4OmFq5oHE0nxgjU_jOK1K0d1B9A10Kprope4RyY1BOziG0uMRi863Kua63u35843F5TUJSqc/s1600-h/DSCN0537.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418493838885199842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2khL3V5nJEyLh92rActzz3FK-2JmT8IgvkAUT8wtb4cSAOXfAtYewc74BefLwui9LJUS4OmFq5oHE0nxgjU_jOK1K0d1B9A10Kprope4RyY1BOziG0uMRi863Kua63u35843F5TUJSqc/s320/DSCN0537.JPG" /></a>Oliver with Grammy Anne! Oh! The WONDERMENT of it all!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rZ7q5l6fcBL93yu4LNa-xgt65OOwcjzGjAktY-XIwhBE5qc2H7zJww8s9P7i8cnfBPTKXhyphenhyphenaKjca316GPEw1Df2hHr2ezCCQtM67QvMThENvrEjnlGcLKhDcpNpOy9H6XF-8CRPZx3A/s1600-h/DSCN0543.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418493834213011266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3rZ7q5l6fcBL93yu4LNa-xgt65OOwcjzGjAktY-XIwhBE5qc2H7zJww8s9P7i8cnfBPTKXhyphenhyphenaKjca316GPEw1Df2hHr2ezCCQtM67QvMThENvrEjnlGcLKhDcpNpOy9H6XF-8CRPZx3A/s320/DSCN0543.JPG" /></a> This quilt...This quilt was a gift...A gift! From the Queen...the Queen of AMERICA!<br /></div><div>Thank you, "Aunt" Alex (another good friend of Jasmine's from A.U.) this is a special and important quilt to me!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SwC0e__IMKEouMBFOmwVAi2ufk2HW34xBuwtjG2qEhfROFc0j17DawxNUbgUGcBaABPYmJ82jQ-ADH6ncEw6XTqJVOZY8Ah3vGmXk63t8T7kwkdJ-dnwUkZwEfvin-pQtc0laan04RI/s1600-h/KimAndOliverJazzCam+(4).JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418493830870613650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SwC0e__IMKEouMBFOmwVAi2ufk2HW34xBuwtjG2qEhfROFc0j17DawxNUbgUGcBaABPYmJ82jQ-ADH6ncEw6XTqJVOZY8Ah3vGmXk63t8T7kwkdJ-dnwUkZwEfvin-pQtc0laan04RI/s320/KimAndOliverJazzCam+(4).JPG" /></a> Oliver with "Aunt" Kim! (Card carrying member of Jasmine's A.U. Crew!)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UlsD7ZVuubAHLVLdEqeb3GL8Jiw7iQWWR1p4tUGkxW9f5jKONxgYKuBCzletWuBtVGcMa4Z_SPYGT1xVwjCDwoDz84S30S6ZzeH8Ji-5D3CsNj3J95beEIMYxcvxTjJ3qmjYApyIuq4/s1600-h/DSCN0379.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418529953189848690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UlsD7ZVuubAHLVLdEqeb3GL8Jiw7iQWWR1p4tUGkxW9f5jKONxgYKuBCzletWuBtVGcMa4Z_SPYGT1xVwjCDwoDz84S30S6ZzeH8Ji-5D3CsNj3J95beEIMYxcvxTjJ3qmjYApyIuq4/s320/DSCN0379.JPG" /></a><br />This was the first time Oliver went for a ride in his stroller. The Gaylord Hotel at the National Harbor in Ft. Washington, MD is at the foot of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge connecting the 51st State (Northern Virginia) with Maryland. They provide a free Christmas show to locals and guests alike so we went and made an afternoon of it.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VXX4x9oM_ugHmG9_waS5lzyOQgU4QUDWDeL3uBHrJhcX1MJEZEGN6PieGS1o39kupMhek0ePL7ibDS1-IEo1eu7P-BLhY1Ktlr4-TRCpEirfKWIP65dkPkOMfx2FuDz9cnMq8HYEexY/s1600-h/DSCN0389.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418492398109284850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VXX4x9oM_ugHmG9_waS5lzyOQgU4QUDWDeL3uBHrJhcX1MJEZEGN6PieGS1o39kupMhek0ePL7ibDS1-IEo1eu7P-BLhY1Ktlr4-TRCpEirfKWIP65dkPkOMfx2FuDz9cnMq8HYEexY/s320/DSCN0389.JPG" /></a> This is a sculpture called "The Awakening" which was previously in DC at the end of Haines Point. This is Rob's favorite sculpture and he has vowed when he becomes "governor" of the 51st State and declared eminent domain on 5510 Kings Park Drive so that it can be restored to its 1970s "grandeur" and serve as his "Governor's Mansion" that he's also going to purchase this sculpture to remind the citizens of the 51st State of their "awakening" enabling them to break free from the "political tyranny" of Richmond, our current and not so future capital! ;)<br /></div><div>For those of you on Facebook? It's well documented that Rob has an extremely vivid imagination...<br /></div><div>For those of you not on Facebook? Well...now you know too! ;)<br /></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoH2X2qV7rJRaDWxnBj6t-L36eoAKFfYuBPM80JDjfK4S4gNicBZUpJFVIP2buS8jNmCLXC3k5gKT83Ej_uhyyTfr44cOJpM8_gLm3ncGQnh148oJES8xJNqBXrCqUCnSkVrhuOzg_5A/s1600-h/DSCN0394.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 206px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418492391971113090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoH2X2qV7rJRaDWxnBj6t-L36eoAKFfYuBPM80JDjfK4S4gNicBZUpJFVIP2buS8jNmCLXC3k5gKT83Ej_uhyyTfr44cOJpM8_gLm3ncGQnh148oJES8xJNqBXrCqUCnSkVrhuOzg_5A/s320/DSCN0394.JPG" /></a>This is the Christmas tree down at the waterfront. Note the tree topping star which bears an incredible likeness to Cal-El's conveyance which brought him here from his home planet, Krypton. (For those of you who have not yet received your "Rob Decoder Rings", feel free to google Cal-El and/or the planet Krypton...)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPZbLiZ9rOeB7Rcp613Jpd4V9Wb8mHILpL5QeC724n8_iSrDIACGhWimGQYVBegCovgVQRz2X9_1g-S8rAUXHqSl2gMy15vxf4bZgsa3yBZgvDnUwOcs3qrcXUUCG-hVdep1rIMJq48Y/s1600-h/DSCN0403.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418492388984126818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPZbLiZ9rOeB7Rcp613Jpd4V9Wb8mHILpL5QeC724n8_iSrDIACGhWimGQYVBegCovgVQRz2X9_1g-S8rAUXHqSl2gMy15vxf4bZgsa3yBZgvDnUwOcs3qrcXUUCG-hVdep1rIMJq48Y/s320/DSCN0403.JPG" /></a> The latest edition to the storefronts at National Harbor...Yes, Earth there is now a PEEPS! store in the DC area! (They also sell Hot Tamales and Mike & Ike's...) This is a photo of the manager's company car...I think they likely call it a "PEEP-mobile"...;)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cbOnN0aNBLVvsZe7Mak4mwuiOysU5V_ISHVBB0BEJN1fDsb_wyeVrCNW35np0sx1zFlhy4Poh4Wln4EepS2_lYT5frmAPRDpBMVEgWTBZNgbuaYACoMJB8bN13A9degiIAkCzZG_nK4/s1600-h/DSCN0419.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418492383415777026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4cbOnN0aNBLVvsZe7Mak4mwuiOysU5V_ISHVBB0BEJN1fDsb_wyeVrCNW35np0sx1zFlhy4Poh4Wln4EepS2_lYT5frmAPRDpBMVEgWTBZNgbuaYACoMJB8bN13A9degiIAkCzZG_nK4/s320/DSCN0419.JPG" /></a> The newly renovated Woodrow Wilson Bridge with the George Washington Masonic Temple in the background. Rumor has it there is an animatronic statue of George Washington inside!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7OodtvMdI2nzc_FKARbeRbLoMKATW1qF5Ay8uhXQern_8FDyvTK_kXUgGgDIFmLP5Csu4X2NMDdNY66eZ5z2LnbZOayBj163gGkGC5V6adnui7Ez4_7-R1i0CRrs2iyeUaHjvporKUg/s1600-h/DSCN0432.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418492376169516962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7OodtvMdI2nzc_FKARbeRbLoMKATW1qF5Ay8uhXQern_8FDyvTK_kXUgGgDIFmLP5Csu4X2NMDdNY66eZ5z2LnbZOayBj163gGkGC5V6adnui7Ez4_7-R1i0CRrs2iyeUaHjvporKUg/s320/DSCN0432.JPG" /></a> Sunset over the 51st State. Either that...or my recently declassified photos from my time on the Manhatten Project at Los Alamos accidentally found their way into the blog photo "can"...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fIaYlREXYlOHHEXTYGf6buSB1WbUXM1wjw_7DjcbEIImUL7FK0JxbMq1fhOv-k2r8T76bcoJnXfH8YL_LbBXcwLNo5eVmBGEaugcesZJ87V-wpCSmjqwHRRbzNE3fOsxTM6oJFA0W-s/s1600-h/DSCN0433.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418527257073704930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fIaYlREXYlOHHEXTYGf6buSB1WbUXM1wjw_7DjcbEIImUL7FK0JxbMq1fhOv-k2r8T76bcoJnXfH8YL_LbBXcwLNo5eVmBGEaugcesZJ87V-wpCSmjqwHRRbzNE3fOsxTM6oJFA0W-s/s320/DSCN0433.JPG" /></a><br />This is the interior lobby of the Gaylord Hotel. And ignoring the decorations for a moment...Hello, Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, Ritz-Carlton, Omni-Shoreham and the Mandarin-Oriental? This...this is a REAL hotel lobby! Notice how there are 20 MORE chairs than there are butts to fill them...<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95Dwo2ofeXcT4wRk4N6xv9Zy-DTRKrUWsFS61Ac-hi34phf1UrHHgc8NkXr1Z2vyMv4PpyF3rARKiyDqQeLDvMWGcq9fLPKtRu8XtnI9-fbomvYcuuvUpXIpasK6I9BEgwQgFW-b89Hc/s1600-h/DSCN0440.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418491672809056674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh95Dwo2ofeXcT4wRk4N6xv9Zy-DTRKrUWsFS61Ac-hi34phf1UrHHgc8NkXr1Z2vyMv4PpyF3rARKiyDqQeLDvMWGcq9fLPKtRu8XtnI9-fbomvYcuuvUpXIpasK6I9BEgwQgFW-b89Hc/s320/DSCN0440.JPG" /></a> The atrium of the Gaylord Hotel.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpDRdXNQAzf_boeHm62_aZURhFHfiAZYYkLAKP6MKeDFb22HAoihDamsXJWYbFJQ798XC429AVfmDbbsI8OFVGSJ5SkAGcVkPIyLGjbxvKc8KavBjEjYQy1vTZAb41b9DbYyJrahhyphenhyphenZs/s1600-h/DSCN0446.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418491662557289042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpDRdXNQAzf_boeHm62_aZURhFHfiAZYYkLAKP6MKeDFb22HAoihDamsXJWYbFJQ798XC429AVfmDbbsI8OFVGSJ5SkAGcVkPIyLGjbxvKc8KavBjEjYQy1vTZAb41b9DbYyJrahhyphenhyphenZs/s320/DSCN0446.JPG" /></a>Jasmine caught in the act of reviewing a play on the sidelines of an NFL game...ok, not really just a feeding in the lobby of the hotel...either way? Rob saw the whole thing and Oliver clearly had BOTH FEET in bounds! :)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKXCXet_XR42Cb4I0ox-dZ7GUgHg6EGSOZ1YOEDvHzA37Ed9ILjxWDjs_n5T2xoYmxFxBtSY-YiqRCnY45g3BUMmPqiqQnxG8iW1BZbfZv0p8miLIE_6s1f4k9JlVybqyJSOkGUgSDnA/s1600-h/DSCN0451.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418491659125570226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKXCXet_XR42Cb4I0ox-dZ7GUgHg6EGSOZ1YOEDvHzA37Ed9ILjxWDjs_n5T2xoYmxFxBtSY-YiqRCnY45g3BUMmPqiqQnxG8iW1BZbfZv0p8miLIE_6s1f4k9JlVybqyJSOkGUgSDnA/s320/DSCN0451.JPG" /></a> Anytime I see a fountain with colored lights and the spray is set to music, I am reminded of summers as a child, riding with my Aunt Janet in her awesome VW Westie Bus to see the fountain shows at Grand Haven, MI!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0xF1fQrJXPbtm34Qewl53JPNKs_rdRwrBjAqGOWQ5-Fy6i2l8aAhteYgx4339n6mRTokIOU2nbSTvpCGp6b7R4zDUA1pHwbNgVtFCv3EGlDutvD7pRjzPZkSEQH6FbAvQNKAIWG_AaE/s1600-h/DSCN0453.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418491653973249266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0xF1fQrJXPbtm34Qewl53JPNKs_rdRwrBjAqGOWQ5-Fy6i2l8aAhteYgx4339n6mRTokIOU2nbSTvpCGp6b7R4zDUA1pHwbNgVtFCv3EGlDutvD7pRjzPZkSEQH6FbAvQNKAIWG_AaE/s320/DSCN0453.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjwopBA5JbE5ZpDW41z_drcQJEl4LFbGhX7zLhZKA6N-NGeoAqu_7PN8SKh1VKTTszfiykpbknT4lYG5YiRvg-eOSvuk_GUFz_PlRYvSrtBI7OmYOd40FiutIioLJygX6O3aJn9MczMg/s1600-h/DSCN0457.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418490626631922370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjwopBA5JbE5ZpDW41z_drcQJEl4LFbGhX7zLhZKA6N-NGeoAqu_7PN8SKh1VKTTszfiykpbknT4lYG5YiRvg-eOSvuk_GUFz_PlRYvSrtBI7OmYOd40FiutIioLJygX6O3aJn9MczMg/s320/DSCN0457.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8REXGMw5vzM3LZ8gUuYAvTGF-B6-eh3PaVzA9p5jNN39crc3qdvTkpWREPZN48rNpmihuUWdL4oxn8D2hWFXHtlG_BIvmHzJhPmQy3LljiYsuV4-Tv54ddaYEYzeyMz5FG-RALgavMnY/s1600-h/DSCN0461.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418490617783585490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8REXGMw5vzM3LZ8gUuYAvTGF-B6-eh3PaVzA9p5jNN39crc3qdvTkpWREPZN48rNpmihuUWdL4oxn8D2hWFXHtlG_BIvmHzJhPmQy3LljiYsuV4-Tv54ddaYEYzeyMz5FG-RALgavMnY/s320/DSCN0461.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiSPBuslvccQAOX_Ub3KnKn8g14gpnkiXln5zC79_yi319i0pmcGimuf3RsnJjovlPyneVbzZ2UQF2NQlxzz8ojsRXT8uAc6QvJIW4Dqz38ixz0yoboQkN541CyhCBihMMhqB7NapaVw/s1600-h/DSCN0474.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418490616420799538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiSPBuslvccQAOX_Ub3KnKn8g14gpnkiXln5zC79_yi319i0pmcGimuf3RsnJjovlPyneVbzZ2UQF2NQlxzz8ojsRXT8uAc6QvJIW4Dqz38ixz0yoboQkN541CyhCBihMMhqB7NapaVw/s320/DSCN0474.JPG" /></a>Oliver, Grammy Lou and Jasmine watching the Christmas show at the Gaylord Hotel.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvtTAzzTQlOeED0X6LdDEwWdDlSklcIGf8qlJPNe6GJC4ts3gUaUfkxMKdraDD9zbK1k4RdBBCcWUrH8GA2NTPIkf7_Drf8RVZNbtpcd0ezWYdWjTfZNVGnb-HH4yGrVnjFy-ZbJ7MX4/s1600-h/DSCN0475.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418490608144854274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvtTAzzTQlOeED0X6LdDEwWdDlSklcIGf8qlJPNe6GJC4ts3gUaUfkxMKdraDD9zbK1k4RdBBCcWUrH8GA2NTPIkf7_Drf8RVZNbtpcd0ezWYdWjTfZNVGnb-HH4yGrVnjFy-ZbJ7MX4/s320/DSCN0475.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILo2Oy7hTA341dFizhRG7HdaLbktqZWzLEfczmZM_uGo7e8LkG5GzB2qzCs-Nb0xMV6a3z7IfGYYAk247L98YFAxLNGmeJLrgiRGIrykfjiiJuqDs4fdoKZFCvO_5qnBScbLg-1ZhozE/s1600-h/DSCN0478.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418490600644916066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILo2Oy7hTA341dFizhRG7HdaLbktqZWzLEfczmZM_uGo7e8LkG5GzB2qzCs-Nb0xMV6a3z7IfGYYAk247L98YFAxLNGmeJLrgiRGIrykfjiiJuqDs4fdoKZFCvO_5qnBScbLg-1ZhozE/s320/DSCN0478.JPG" /></a> Christmas tree made of light strings outside the Gaylord Hotel.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-29486040564885394942009-12-01T18:12:00.012-05:002009-12-01T18:43:52.314-05:00The One About Oliver's Week 2<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoBrO58C2E0Pfb8RyIGd0btD63ywRz5WgptRUKueC2j8tlBRs17Z9GdDnZcdoiOd0d7YWnxeitESrMKCcjHOZUcRMi6GrkRJUqHKdsRYxo3GglA3N5c2j9vqsOdSOdcPAy8Kgt-J7mOM/s1600/RobsBedInHospital.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410412743519993394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIoBrO58C2E0Pfb8RyIGd0btD63ywRz5WgptRUKueC2j8tlBRs17Z9GdDnZcdoiOd0d7YWnxeitESrMKCcjHOZUcRMi6GrkRJUqHKdsRYxo3GglA3N5c2j9vqsOdSOdcPAy8Kgt-J7mOM/s320/RobsBedInHospital.JPG" /></a>Rob's Bed and Chair at the Hospital...quite comfy actually! :)<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigElT_Bn3KR83ryKrHHZG9KehtUqvRfduhtxtXNNGidjAo5fGvI6VhkNqHPPHEZ_EF1ifB4JNEfmQHBmC8YRL5tJqLUwFBxpDkAka0rRdEJNw6_hwoNrzDxC-4jrNHS-O0qEZ3f2fna1U/s1600/RobAndOliverSleeping.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410412735341725074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigElT_Bn3KR83ryKrHHZG9KehtUqvRfduhtxtXNNGidjAo5fGvI6VhkNqHPPHEZ_EF1ifB4JNEfmQHBmC8YRL5tJqLUwFBxpDkAka0rRdEJNw6_hwoNrzDxC-4jrNHS-O0qEZ3f2fna1U/s320/RobAndOliverSleeping.JPG" /></a> Rob and Oliver sleeping in the nursery chair. One of Rob's favorite pics with his son!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecwyc1ncbgvx14_5aoPmAtEbUzGDeCcA4lkzzdWhwrWoa2E6BhqEoS_7QTekv3cdwdzC-NceoLfh-txANlDX0Wwjw4zjauehOYDA8EH1zgrCi6cs-l-2_1eYWcSlol4QOL4T0-64N2ZI/s1600/PapaAndOliver2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410412729254340098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecwyc1ncbgvx14_5aoPmAtEbUzGDeCcA4lkzzdWhwrWoa2E6BhqEoS_7QTekv3cdwdzC-NceoLfh-txANlDX0Wwjw4zjauehOYDA8EH1zgrCi6cs-l-2_1eYWcSlol4QOL4T0-64N2ZI/s320/PapaAndOliver2.JPG" /></a> Papa (Jasmine's Dad) meeting his first grandchild for the first time. But then, you could tell that from the picture...;)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJT6QCsYWhDj3u_h2F2DPLnnIUUjB7bp2r7kRGz-5lMZDv1JqlfzqkRTyDKa4ZiYoMgUEG-7Rw7vAm6A05S9AnaGPiR-ZYo4xp_SHurK5j9ApwNj_fzIQvRvXYlndzCjvLfY-uDDWVocE/s1600/OliverSleeping.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410412726454439522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJT6QCsYWhDj3u_h2F2DPLnnIUUjB7bp2r7kRGz-5lMZDv1JqlfzqkRTyDKa4ZiYoMgUEG-7Rw7vAm6A05S9AnaGPiR-ZYo4xp_SHurK5j9ApwNj_fzIQvRvXYlndzCjvLfY-uDDWVocE/s320/OliverSleeping.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwvzFs01Zv2Uy8LJcJ59t7QWUo1UPWbACb1v1-hAAMj9Fj-DSvkokOt9ef3DNqD9jC39UvXG8Fji-f8zw0Lk4eJQEICt-94SuWaQTNCAp1TJ5NrnestoLuAlBMdJhyphenhyphenvARV3KjEFtQt4s/s1600/OliverPoohSuit2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410412715543484626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwvzFs01Zv2Uy8LJcJ59t7QWUo1UPWbACb1v1-hAAMj9Fj-DSvkokOt9ef3DNqD9jC39UvXG8Fji-f8zw0Lk4eJQEICt-94SuWaQTNCAp1TJ5NrnestoLuAlBMdJhyphenhyphenvARV3KjEFtQt4s/s320/OliverPoohSuit2.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwETd7CJJO7B4akm-nUp5rqhHQ9MhW6Cbznm9ZlGEWPxKboPod_AAjxzmNPnz189Gg4weGOFj89AIbMLvnI-FVatht5kRbJWLIHgYe4rz2ZjcwXV_-jJ5aKkjyIy8J97Iyi8R4PUxgd9M/s1600/OliverHeadShot2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410412245475477010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwETd7CJJO7B4akm-nUp5rqhHQ9MhW6Cbznm9ZlGEWPxKboPod_AAjxzmNPnz189Gg4weGOFj89AIbMLvnI-FVatht5kRbJWLIHgYe4rz2ZjcwXV_-jJ5aKkjyIy8J97Iyi8R4PUxgd9M/s320/OliverHeadShot2.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4J64KNQ7hjjj6yqiMCcm0RMxVojbUKOoIQowunMnUNy9ykHjSybY7xcvC6STF7QcvESxgFAukxrigSoa0oJR9XfdOphgl-wDPWq7snMH3nDhCD5ABywycVs7lgBjFjeqLGs3rqvTxQJc/s1600/OliverHeadShot.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410412239540512402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4J64KNQ7hjjj6yqiMCcm0RMxVojbUKOoIQowunMnUNy9ykHjSybY7xcvC6STF7QcvESxgFAukxrigSoa0oJR9XfdOphgl-wDPWq7snMH3nDhCD5ABywycVs7lgBjFjeqLGs3rqvTxQJc/s320/OliverHeadShot.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIK6MeMufa2OVfSNSBwG-TzjGeD19DzTcMl7iHDUGfaD4KAZML1N0faxy2gLfVEhyphenhyphenJ356JStbDU2W9wdyy49PBTwW1GpNBxt4EnsZyUKOGjc4Zkwc1tJTpZNl0N-X-cbuT972g6Wj6rA/s1600/OliverHasLanded.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410412231985214338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIK6MeMufa2OVfSNSBwG-TzjGeD19DzTcMl7iHDUGfaD4KAZML1N0faxy2gLfVEhyphenhyphenJ356JStbDU2W9wdyy49PBTwW1GpNBxt4EnsZyUKOGjc4Zkwc1tJTpZNl0N-X-cbuT972g6Wj6rA/s320/OliverHasLanded.JPG" /></a><br />The family has landed! The family has landed! Let the overflowing love ensue!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldzoqgZ4vV75mAyer2GFOZfqEehtP-cWXQTsab_BMMLVKuzNZxjgW6kiHFhD43vuXsIs-OLwUy_gTEECHH59hfxCAhSFLcjc3xd_o3-BZhwbxU-t57ahEp2b1mtG_SqR-z93FoT-B9Kc/s1600/OliverAndJasmineMirror2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410412229667689490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldzoqgZ4vV75mAyer2GFOZfqEehtP-cWXQTsab_BMMLVKuzNZxjgW6kiHFhD43vuXsIs-OLwUy_gTEECHH59hfxCAhSFLcjc3xd_o3-BZhwbxU-t57ahEp2b1mtG_SqR-z93FoT-B9Kc/s320/OliverAndJasmineMirror2.JPG" /></a> Jasmine and Oliver...self-portrait! Well done, cara mia! :)<br /><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3TlTHse1D6laQepOQCcOg4WfWqSCMfQ-xauNsDiQ7XBg02bn49tYCtoRO3zfFMBQlrZ-_qLxvH0ifBpDjMwJjbMy_aLM9qSApDD9YUHCnIrx4lB-9RNKuhGy65PxR9j5lzfEJ1AvWAk/s1600/OliverAndCrazyFran2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410411758532094418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3TlTHse1D6laQepOQCcOg4WfWqSCMfQ-xauNsDiQ7XBg02bn49tYCtoRO3zfFMBQlrZ-_qLxvH0ifBpDjMwJjbMy_aLM9qSApDD9YUHCnIrx4lB-9RNKuhGy65PxR9j5lzfEJ1AvWAk/s320/OliverAndCrazyFran2.JPG" /></a>Papa with Oliver after too much coffee...;)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pnt65DpatQJKGsunw37UTRS1PCe1jrh9bxwL7ZVAIMmzQtEIan58GkaE1KNDydqLmmEWDLbol4HRo3l4r5Uzb9lAO0elSRH5Zr-VfcL7VFWI7tf2c-ovwcIPd5dEhq3L_aJpQv47Ltc/s1600/LouJadeFranAndOliver.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410411757204585026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pnt65DpatQJKGsunw37UTRS1PCe1jrh9bxwL7ZVAIMmzQtEIan58GkaE1KNDydqLmmEWDLbol4HRo3l4r5Uzb9lAO0elSRH5Zr-VfcL7VFWI7tf2c-ovwcIPd5dEhq3L_aJpQv47Ltc/s320/LouJadeFranAndOliver.JPG" /></a>Grammy Lou, Aunt Jade, and Papa Fran with Oliver.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeiXVToQirsK4A3CQUglMQFeZd0F1z9m1jUAzWVyhydk_b61gC8Pop7taIql4aKNFSaaZ79nIbIr3w07Vv7PHDCuM9gsZWDTCdgOZTNrzP1bU9ubuEs1VW9TysvTP8cNwr9wFpm1BOfg/s1600/JasmineOliverGoingHome.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410411749398770978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeiXVToQirsK4A3CQUglMQFeZd0F1z9m1jUAzWVyhydk_b61gC8Pop7taIql4aKNFSaaZ79nIbIr3w07Vv7PHDCuM9gsZWDTCdgOZTNrzP1bU9ubuEs1VW9TysvTP8cNwr9wFpm1BOfg/s320/JasmineOliverGoingHome.JPG" /></a>Jasmine and Oliver unloading from the car upon first arrival home...sorry, these are obviously NOT in order! :)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEN5jvFplWdmIM4vvF793dPVlObzwbiGABdgtHKi_5-ki-WngFN-YYxIrIn03FbU5kOK-fObWuExw76uBAI5BUnteWaQt9HeKmV_9hg8eoQZm6-HaI4uznasVbqjSRIvOvRdZTiFj09w/s1600/JasmineOliver.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410411745844097778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEN5jvFplWdmIM4vvF793dPVlObzwbiGABdgtHKi_5-ki-WngFN-YYxIrIn03FbU5kOK-fObWuExw76uBAI5BUnteWaQt9HeKmV_9hg8eoQZm6-HaI4uznasVbqjSRIvOvRdZTiFj09w/s320/JasmineOliver.JPG" /></a><br />Jasmine and Oliver. I don't know how Grammy Lou captured this light, but this is Rob's favorite pic of Mother and Child. :)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyoX8Y2OYbCJAgQVeSZjFZJUiK0qQATsJK6v_al_E8bJ30VQMhQ1Me4pl16Kjy0u0IvabGMUOMaBpnI1ypgv-tUR9bamv_LCNooopwILboyfMed6ai-jI8W3ALZvZDfgUdNkf1StVVpE/s1600/HospitalSunrise.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410411737786854434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyoX8Y2OYbCJAgQVeSZjFZJUiK0qQATsJK6v_al_E8bJ30VQMhQ1Me4pl16Kjy0u0IvabGMUOMaBpnI1ypgv-tUR9bamv_LCNooopwILboyfMed6ai-jI8W3ALZvZDfgUdNkf1StVVpE/s320/HospitalSunrise.JPG" /></a> Oliver was born at 1:51pm EST. This is a picture out of his room of his VERY FIRST sunrise.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKs5sdgqiRNuYRHEX22flPZ9ZeZ0vHVPVz4HB8Qcc5udHa6PqI3qkeFP9ft5eV7IsadFT-Rbi_JYvXCnnYOR__44mnz9t5noXtlizO26OSPBpOxfmGupp7bsWD8x_Jv9d0np-RrqUcREE/s1600/FirstTimeCarSeat.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410411404255497170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKs5sdgqiRNuYRHEX22flPZ9ZeZ0vHVPVz4HB8Qcc5udHa6PqI3qkeFP9ft5eV7IsadFT-Rbi_JYvXCnnYOR__44mnz9t5noXtlizO26OSPBpOxfmGupp7bsWD8x_Jv9d0np-RrqUcREE/s320/FirstTimeCarSeat.JPG" /></a> First time in the car seat. He is his Father's Son and he is his Father's Father's Son. Oliver loves the car! :)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNiRFips4SkRvNB2Igrz5lmdZWMXlF3ZNjN2PqGi3B5EEne1elk8Exssqm0JxCI_xyGJ8W6Gci__dsz8DRMP7-r2hqrrualZWfM2cmqQxADIYMR2azI5A12QYyoR8fiongWbGt5LMz9U/s1600/Coolie2009Xmas.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410411400201866770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNiRFips4SkRvNB2Igrz5lmdZWMXlF3ZNjN2PqGi3B5EEne1elk8Exssqm0JxCI_xyGJ8W6Gci__dsz8DRMP7-r2hqrrualZWfM2cmqQxADIYMR2azI5A12QYyoR8fiongWbGt5LMz9U/s320/Coolie2009Xmas.JPG" /></a>This was a director's cut of his birth announcement. But now through the miracle of technology? You get to see it anyway! And keep an eye on your mailboxes for the real one! :)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_JCi85ELATnaw2WQqTFJXQUin0BEXVvwRrVCVi2kXapLSsJYnw7Sz1nFeuaw4kzV0HSwHBZr43GRXxdE1dkYOgG1ScPsiyyv04PspcXBOFgOR6g3blA-jlGfG1OFt6d5O_xc0mEw7CA/s1600/082.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410411391938763570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL_JCi85ELATnaw2WQqTFJXQUin0BEXVvwRrVCVi2kXapLSsJYnw7Sz1nFeuaw4kzV0HSwHBZr43GRXxdE1dkYOgG1ScPsiyyv04PspcXBOFgOR6g3blA-jlGfG1OFt6d5O_xc0mEw7CA/s320/082.JPG" /></a>Father and Son...sacked out...AGAIN!?!?!?!?<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7XTN1dIIBRF1NuffTQCWi0zxntavb9yZ6neyAFo88U8sVpDHCtzHpYnixCCFELyyisFbf3sVPWzIhBW8ebmsrGWmRochsE4I7aLEmtAZED-iFe0-zRzxRfzNAeYgvN_fDBQ7OIDALYY/s1600/079.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410411387004619650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7XTN1dIIBRF1NuffTQCWi0zxntavb9yZ6neyAFo88U8sVpDHCtzHpYnixCCFELyyisFbf3sVPWzIhBW8ebmsrGWmRochsE4I7aLEmtAZED-iFe0-zRzxRfzNAeYgvN_fDBQ7OIDALYY/s320/079.JPG" /></a> This is one week's worth of the Diaper Genie...it seemed appropriate to celebrate...;)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdb36AjpkMlZUr4mrNLcV3NHvQNZkSz92KCp0RXyVqwAhVb4CR8Uztxv9EBUAcmcEnJUFkMqgFtUN_b6bzLI3AVfuJGZ4y6o-32NsKC6cz9PjWEF7DPBVKlIzCNPTD_4d3SOC95KJ0r9U/s1600/075.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410411376672563682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdb36AjpkMlZUr4mrNLcV3NHvQNZkSz92KCp0RXyVqwAhVb4CR8Uztxv9EBUAcmcEnJUFkMqgFtUN_b6bzLI3AVfuJGZ4y6o-32NsKC6cz9PjWEF7DPBVKlIzCNPTD_4d3SOC95KJ0r9U/s320/075.JPG" /></a><br />Oliver in his Pack and Play...currently serving as his crib in our bedroom. I think the anti-roll device looks like booster packs...not that he needs them...did you see the Diaper Genie picture above?<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfNFR0VCPPe3ZvOJy-x5HUK4aN62o_49aTp7n7lEc7xqeKKMX6hns8XnVbuEmK8jXiwa6vn-075Mz8r7A-mdpwXTXXiBGqmvbLjsF20f8fmVIE2xrkr6vHkycR9hajcrLageRKe3eqG8/s1600/069.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410410930315869938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfNFR0VCPPe3ZvOJy-x5HUK4aN62o_49aTp7n7lEc7xqeKKMX6hns8XnVbuEmK8jXiwa6vn-075Mz8r7A-mdpwXTXXiBGqmvbLjsF20f8fmVIE2xrkr6vHkycR9hajcrLageRKe3eqG8/s320/069.JPG" /></a> Sleeping again...this time on Aunt Jade's lap! :)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitNFP3fzgR5gTJPhHLb986dBZHZERixZOhuXWFbJ1KUgxqkTqIiRYLE7GG-JrU9bdPVbRuvOCt3kPVIFU2fBW9NlSGpkf1brfw8blm7s_ByNGtLJuTima8pQ8EF3XCqw79iGXppRthFs/s1600/067.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410410928283012642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitNFP3fzgR5gTJPhHLb986dBZHZERixZOhuXWFbJ1KUgxqkTqIiRYLE7GG-JrU9bdPVbRuvOCt3kPVIFU2fBW9NlSGpkf1brfw8blm7s_ByNGtLJuTima8pQ8EF3XCqw79iGXppRthFs/s320/067.JPG" /></a>"Lammie" was a gift from Aunt Jade. He has become a critical part of Oliver's feeding time. Rumor has it an even larger one is coming via the North Pole. And oddly enough, one of the toys from my childhood that my Father recently restored to me was a fox hand puppet. The puppet's name? Foxy...go figure...<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpDtuXZyTTahL8yy4pZviSyeBTXmrKCWTx4rrQrk-yP89-UhDvLAtq2lL5KzQV3f5OzDlK4N5h6xAOsIygtkE2SGdgMzw8RZPk5-uWdYqhnZffKlyn1R1rDmFss0lfJ3ORh2P-Jw19m8/s1600/066.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410410919822098402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlpDtuXZyTTahL8yy4pZviSyeBTXmrKCWTx4rrQrk-yP89-UhDvLAtq2lL5KzQV3f5OzDlK4N5h6xAOsIygtkE2SGdgMzw8RZPk5-uWdYqhnZffKlyn1R1rDmFss0lfJ3ORh2P-Jw19m8/s320/066.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VLvL0qVlk67dx3sfdWlxwtOUHBEIujUtFqvMcY8c_0JwEc27QOnBmPtV3Jeb90XNiUWAyGgqr6J9cBx_jYURBOCwmSKYGl2Nr_ofnYvE9wQ8DZQNi-5p4PoqGx66lKgYHugKrty_kJQ/s1600/062.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410410904324823106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VLvL0qVlk67dx3sfdWlxwtOUHBEIujUtFqvMcY8c_0JwEc27QOnBmPtV3Jeb90XNiUWAyGgqr6J9cBx_jYURBOCwmSKYGl2Nr_ofnYvE9wQ8DZQNi-5p4PoqGx66lKgYHugKrty_kJQ/s320/062.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBmOF29ixz6Ak8H1CKv3KKMCcByRo3VraXfumy6M8XYMLMuuqLqw4NVPil3u1T61RwvlIsM5_WtfcNOCWxkfNEZhD9TUs_kcCpJL6SH__PBh-CPCANBgSQ0CcAxq2ZFmrB0V29BqcSB4/s1600/061.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410410363226566882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBmOF29ixz6Ak8H1CKv3KKMCcByRo3VraXfumy6M8XYMLMuuqLqw4NVPil3u1T61RwvlIsM5_WtfcNOCWxkfNEZhD9TUs_kcCpJL6SH__PBh-CPCANBgSQ0CcAxq2ZFmrB0V29BqcSB4/s320/061.JPG" /></a>His eyes are lightening...hopefully not too much more. I like the deep darkness of them. When he was born? He had no whites! Very intense!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zv_aZMH80PXihaBFFK1NpsiQnkDcaUGtMWNzNutOt_A7vinBrwGZ4XqBHc8atVL_QcukewzaRBh0gLwdP4eQB9dHQ_GciaAMpPD7Z3UOG-cmQd4W_Ra3-seqj0YGA4aKXGp4NjImq74/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410410357731472082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zv_aZMH80PXihaBFFK1NpsiQnkDcaUGtMWNzNutOt_A7vinBrwGZ4XqBHc8atVL_QcukewzaRBh0gLwdP4eQB9dHQ_GciaAMpPD7Z3UOG-cmQd4W_Ra3-seqj0YGA4aKXGp4NjImq74/s320/011.JPG" /></a> This may be his first smile that I captured...and no GAS jokes...please! ;)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHwFQvlZ9JR7PgVrYMmIQTCTZ64pQodQypIfwkxmcF-QnViS4naqVf9knSNms5hA_DM4Oq_6KP0uc182UUUipRMt59-AlIxrtuJQhrH7F9sXPdRA_hSp90vOTea09knsKPNKzxtYrUjE/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410410355504314194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHwFQvlZ9JR7PgVrYMmIQTCTZ64pQodQypIfwkxmcF-QnViS4naqVf9knSNms5hA_DM4Oq_6KP0uc182UUUipRMt59-AlIxrtuJQhrH7F9sXPdRA_hSp90vOTea09knsKPNKzxtYrUjE/s320/004.JPG" /></a>First bath at home!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIwAs83L6T-PH0YntG6RKpGH8S5tw7J26Sn50nT6Gcq7prmpj3lMUnXQMSiVRe6GmZhqyDo7ujHVUJZByJuTsG80Ql-xbl8wmLIMFTuERGEsIimhkesZpJs5dAkAGk8walWlXDLOepDk/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410410347452194722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIwAs83L6T-PH0YntG6RKpGH8S5tw7J26Sn50nT6Gcq7prmpj3lMUnXQMSiVRe6GmZhqyDo7ujHVUJZByJuTsG80Ql-xbl8wmLIMFTuERGEsIimhkesZpJs5dAkAGk8walWlXDLOepDk/s320/003.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5N-eQIUtNhSv_eYt-OIYu_D7dqbUiuGp70GWbGlpOqVWxIW6qfQ-b890uUdvM-Vsfs_6cjCMkFOO3dEbs1sc_cc5J1hARTfIYGy9Zjgjqzga0RPsAv00zTvzG-4RaiKOZbf_jCrzhtB0/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410410338997575090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5N-eQIUtNhSv_eYt-OIYu_D7dqbUiuGp70GWbGlpOqVWxIW6qfQ-b890uUdvM-Vsfs_6cjCMkFOO3dEbs1sc_cc5J1hARTfIYGy9Zjgjqzga0RPsAv00zTvzG-4RaiKOZbf_jCrzhtB0/s320/001.JPG" /></a> <div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-81860834783427441352009-11-19T17:07:00.010-05:002009-11-23T10:02:18.171-05:00The One About the Man Named Tony and the Boy Named Oliver<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOzUi0z0k-tPrt3m4wjVrg3ztEljTQnXTQy1DmjH0i3xhDTLiECvN7NiL74kUHXge6dXR8psIHoFNMWHdl36VN3NAezn0yEoEiyNYsOlEc-fSdV3sohxalm7ssHi-hn3m-SFxpHrGMlI/s1600/Tony2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 287px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405942025822472898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOzUi0z0k-tPrt3m4wjVrg3ztEljTQnXTQy1DmjH0i3xhDTLiECvN7NiL74kUHXge6dXR8psIHoFNMWHdl36VN3NAezn0yEoEiyNYsOlEc-fSdV3sohxalm7ssHi-hn3m-SFxpHrGMlI/s320/Tony2.jpg" /></a> Thanks for the picture of Tony, Missy! :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPHjb_3Wjz-92YStCeIJ4hF53Z4sGphG8BMe-QAKZLVBUsg9YulhJQAkUf7lXbZQYj_ITOj2R0uknRg8O7Qas8MtGplSR2bHovhIbatT2GghJqvW5Q-Yg6IriqjiQooBE4avs84hXbUY/s1600/DaddysLap.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405941905637008338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPHjb_3Wjz-92YStCeIJ4hF53Z4sGphG8BMe-QAKZLVBUsg9YulhJQAkUf7lXbZQYj_ITOj2R0uknRg8O7Qas8MtGplSR2bHovhIbatT2GghJqvW5Q-Yg6IriqjiQooBE4avs84hXbUY/s320/DaddysLap.JPG" /></a><br />I think many of you have heard me say this since Oliver was conceived, but it bears repeating now more than ever…..In the 12 years we’ve known each other, Jasmine and I have gotten to know some very special children. And we’ve formed some very special relationships and very special bonds with those same very special children. Some we are directly related to and others we’re “related” to (quotations intended…) But I would be lying if I said she and I didn’t often lie awake in our bed late at night after spending time with our special kids over these 12 years, with only the moonlight streaming in (if at all…) and didn’t feel a small amount of sadness and emptiness with no children of our own. Mind you, Oliver doesn’t justify us as people, or justify our marriage…Jasmine and I built our love brick by brick and while we always left room in our lives for children of our own, I began to have doubts that the stork would ever come. So we were in this place where we wanted a child so badly and yet were content in the love we had made and were continuing to create on our own.<br /><br />Jasmine was very fortunate to have two siblings, one of which (her sister) was born 10 years after her. This age difference enabled Jasmine to have a nearly maternal relationship with Jade. And Jasmine embraced her role in Jade’s development which in turn gave Jasmine lots of positive feedback about her potential parenting skills.<br /><br />I have found it’s not fashionable for men to discuss this publicly (or perhaps I’m not engaging the right men on this…) but, despite having a strong sibling rivalry with my lone sibling (my younger brother Michael with a 6 year age difference) I too, have wanted children since I was very young myself. Of course, I was also the one who came downstairs shortly after my brother was brought home and asked my father while pulling on my coat in the living room one random morning, “Is this the day?”<br /><br />“Is this WHAT day?”, my father asked in return.<br /><br />“The day we take him back?”, I asked with unintended irreverent politeness.<br /><br />The other thing I am reminded of upon Oliver’s arrival Tuesday afternoon is my feelings regarding hospitals. It is a well known trait amongst professional athletes and especially common amongst professional racecar drivers to fear, loathe and otherwise avoid hospitals and doctor’s offices. These places represent the fragility of human life to those aforementioned groups so by “burying that negative sentiment down deep and turning it into something else”, the athlete and driver deny its existence, thereby denying to themselves that anything will ever “happen to them”. In turn this thinking increases the focus on performance and leads to more positive results. Or at least that’s what these men and women tell themselves to sleep at night…<br /><br />Of course, the closest I ever got to a professional sports career were a few seasons in Hockey North America and a few well-placed, double-clutched downshifts in my parents’ 1984 Ford Tempo back on the hard right turn on Burke Road in nearby Burke, VA where I grew up. You know the turn I mean…Turn onto Burke Road from Rolling Road (near Interstate Van Lines) heading south west. Wind up fourth gear as you pass first the VRE station on the right, then Heritage Square on your left. As you pass the intersection at Burke Road and Liberty Court, shift to neutral, blip the accelerator and then grab second on the gear box and enter the hard right, banked for your pleasure. Take an early exit, and up through the gearbox again. Rinse. Repeat. You can thank me later. No charge, of course. In summary, until Oliver came, I certainly had the athletes’ and drivers’ fear of doctors and hospitals.<br /><br />In the early 90’s, when I was still waiting for the hospitality industry to “hit me” over the proverbial head and meanwhile trying to live above the living wage I met a man who would change my life forever. His name was Anthony Grzesiak, but I was lucky enough to call him “Maverick” or simply, Tony. And yeah, he was “Maverick” long before Tom Cruise or the McCain/Palin ticket was, faithful readers. You see, “Maverick” was the name Tony used when he talked on this gadget called a CB Radio. But my days on the CB on the Mean Streets of Northern Virginia are for another post, if at all…<br /><br />In addition to forgetting more about high-end electronics and most importantly their…ahem…cough, cough “acquisition”, as well as the opposite sex, decent restaurants at the best prices and his beloved Oldsmobile Cutlass automobiles than I’ll ever hope to know, Tony taught me, and everyone else who knew him, about life and most importantly…how to look into the very face of death and say, “Not today, sir.”<br /><br />Tony was born with Type I diabetes. In the mid 60s, a lifespan of 20 years was considered generous for those born with then-called “Childhood Diabetes”. Well, Tony looked at that number and said, “Oh yeah?” and then promptly and personally tacked 10 more years on it. And he did it with a grace and style all his own.<br /><br />It’s important to me to juxtapose Tony’s life with Oliver’s because one ended in the same kind of place where the other’s began…a hospital. And for me, with rare exceptions, Tony’s battle with diabetes made me think hospitals were really just places people went to be systematically ignored and die. Tony was on several organ donor receivership lists, and was literally minutes away from being prepped for transplants when complications from his diabetes caused his transplants to be cancelled, and the organs given to someone else. In point of fact, I recall three times personally when I was with him when his hospital issued pager went off, signifying it was “time”. And I have no doubt there were many more times, too. And I hope not too many more because no one should or could stand that many near misses at extending their life. So, Oliver’s arrival, in addition to making me feel like I have fulfilled a dream I’ve waited my whole life for has made ME open MY eyes and see the wonderment of our hospitals, the world’s hospitals. I love you Tony, like the big brother I never had. And I know you were there with us Tuesday, man…to see this thing through.<br /><br />The final weeks of our pregnancy sure were exciting. Oliver’s due date, pretty much from conception, was November 14th. This date was set first by our fertility clinic and later by our OB/GYN practice. And we certainly availed ourselves of all the information, you know? 20% of first time Moms deliver early…Babies arrive early, late…and so forth. But, we had our minds squarely focused on the 14th while trying to remain flexible about the final days.<br /><br />We had 3 appointments leading up to the 40th week. At each, the lead doctor at our practice noted there was no cervical dilation, nor effacement. On the second of these three visits, the doctor said, “If you were my daughter, this is what I would tell you…your next appointment is Monday the 16th. On your return for that appointment, if there is still no dilation or effacement, then we will either schedule an induction or a C-section. But, Bosco is not dropping into the pelvis. If he’s in this position Monday, which we classify as -2, I can’t induce you because there’s no baby down far enough for your uterus to contract and push against.”<br /><br />So when we left that second appointment, I said to Jasmine, “Ok, so when we go back Monday and there’s no progress…he’ll schedule one of those procedures for like what? Thursday or Friday?”<br /><br />And Jasmine said, “Yeah, that’s probably right…”<br /><br />So we go in on Monday morning, and after seeing there was no change to Bosco, the doctor consulted with his calendar and said to us, “Well, if you were my daughter I’d tell you…How about a C-Section tomorrow at 2PM?” And I looked at Jasmine, and she looked at me and then the doctor and said, “We’ll be there.”<br /><br />We didn’t talk much on the drive home. I think it was because we were both so stunned that the next day, Tuesday, November 17th would be the day. His day! Our day! :)<br /><br />Conveniently, our building had significant electrical work scheduled for Tuesday, so with the C-section also scheduled for that day we think that worked out well. The power would have to be off in the building from 9AM – 4PM, we live on the 5th floor and elevators need electricity, right? They asked us to get to the hospital at 12pm so, we made the decision to stay the night with Jasmine’s Aunts. In addition to avoiding the power outage in the building, this also had the benefit of going against any late morning straggling workers as we would be heading away from the city to get to the hospital.<br /><br />Unfortunately, one of the unintended consequences of the H1N1 virus was the fact that all hospital tours were cancelled. The child birthing class right before ours was the last class permitted to tour the hospital. So, we had some dry runs to the hospital to orient ourselves about parking and entering but other than their website (which is very good) we didn’t really know what to expect upon getting inside the hospital.<br /><br />So Tuesday came, and we woke up in the morning. After getting dressed, I had my final meal as a childless man…a bowl of mini shredded wheat and lots of water! And oh, what a clear, beautiful morning! We’ve been fortunate here in the 51st State with some very pleasant and unseasonably warm weather recently and we were so lucky to have that continue for our family’s special day…Oliver’s day!<br /><br />After a short and uneventful ride to the hospital, we pulled up and I dropped Jasmine off. They offered complimentary valet parking, but you know? I’ve got a nice set of “custom exhaust bearings” and “chrome billeted wiper blade intakes” on the Saturn so, I wasn’t real keen on letting them park it…<br /><br />We got up to Labor and Delivery and started filling out some of our additional paperwork. We had pre-registered, but it’s a hospital…paperwork is the fuel that they run on. Once that was completed they lead us back to our recovery room where we would prepare and later return after the C-Section. Jasmine got into her surgery gown and they took all her statistics and vitals. And then it was time…It was time for Jasmine to deliver our baby and time for Rob to “cowboy up” and do what he could to help the family.<br /><br />I had a lot of mixed feelings about being in the O.R. given my psychosomatic disorder about medical procedures. I certainly WANTED to be in there…and my family NEEDED me to be in there…but as recently as the night before I found myself saying to Jasmine, “I don’t think I can go in there…I’m worried if I pass out that I will become the focus in there, when the focus needs to be on you and our son.” Jasmine didn’t really know what to say, and I can’t say I blame her for that.<br /><br />But then, as I said, it was time. They needed to take Jasmine into the O.R. about 15 minutes before me in order to get the spinal block in place, which would numb her for the procedure from the chest down. After they wheeled her out, I was alone with my thoughts…to use YET ANOTHER sports analogy it was the moment before THE MOMENT as the Gatorade ad reminds us. After a few minutes, I heard the door open and I looked up and Nurse Michelle was handing me a set of scrubs. And then it all just disappeared…my world got so small at that moment and all there was, was the scrubs and my will to do what I needed to do for my wife and our son.<br /><br />I pulled on the scrubs and began hearing the song “Sirius” by The Alan Parsons Project over and over in my head. I am NOT a fan of the Chicago Bulls but, this is the song that is played over the P.A. at the United Center when they take the floor. And even if you don’t know the Bulls, I’m sure you’ve heard it somewhere else…<br /><br />So, after The Alan Parsons Project and I got our groove on, Nurse Michelle led me back to the O.R. Now, if you’ve never been in an O.R. you should know that it’s a bit of a disorienting experience. And this is only me talking. I can’t imagine what it must be like from the actual patient’s perspective! Jasmine’s body was oriented North-South and the door to the O.R. was Northwest. They brought me in and had me immediately sit in a chair next to her right shoulder. The light in the O.R. (again, for those of you who have never seen it…) is like the light of a thousand suns and yet it’s not uncomfortably bright and there’s no real glare. There are just no shadows and the light just bounces off everything.<br /><br />As I sat down, the awesomeness of the moment bore right down through the top of my head and out my feet. I had a surgical mask on, so no one (especially Jasmine) could see my stupid lips quivering. I put my hand on her outstretched right arm, choked back the force of my typhoon of tears and looked at her and said, “Here we go…” A few moments later, I heard Dr. Mark Siegel our doctor that day say to Jasmine, “Did you feel that?”<br /><br />“Uh, no…”, she stammered through her shivering, a normal reaction to the spinal block because your body is fooled a bit into thinking you are numb from cold, so it starts the shivering reflex to counteract this.<br /><br />“Good”, said Dr. Siegel. “I just pinched you. If you could feel that, then we would have to make some adjustments to the anesthesia before going any further.” I’m sure I’ll never be able to confirm this, but I will always feel like that conversation was as much for MY benefit, as it was for Jasmine’s. Because when a person is preparing to cut on your wife, no matter how skilled or experienced they may be, it’s reassuring to know the anesthesia is working at a level it’s supposed to be.<br /><br />A few moments later I heard Dr. Siegel say simply, “Incision…” and I knew the procedure itself had begun. They have a sterile screen up which when combined with my seated position prevented me from seeing ANYTHING but I still felt the need to stare at the ground in order to focus, rubbing Jasmine’s forearm the whole time.<br /><br />Then I heard the nurse gasp (in a GOOD way…) and say, “OH MY GOSH! HE HAS A BEAUUUUUUUUUUUTIFUL FULL HEAD OF LIGHT BROWN HAIR!” And at that moment, I looked up and I will always be glad I did because it was just at that moment they were pulling him free. I could just see the top of his head over the top of the drape and of course Oliver was spluttering and winding up his crier. I could tell by Dr. Siegel’s body language that he was making his final grip on our boy and getting ready to fully haul him out. And in the time it takes to smile, I saw our boy…the mighty, mighty Bosco held up in that brilliant light and become our son…for real and for true…as he became the mighty, mighty Oliver Francis right before my eyes.<br /><br />And with the deftness of McMahon to Peyton on “Sweetness/Power Sweep/Right” or Theismann to Riggins on “44 Blast” or Kelly to Thomas on “K-Gun/Counter Trey/Weak Side” it was Dr. Siegel to Nurse Michelle on “Ollie’s Trolley/Trap/Strong Side”. Nurse Michelle took Oliver and stepped to Jasmine’s opposite side from me, held him up and I took his VERY FIRST PHOTO which we posted here on the blog yesterday. And then they took him over to what they call a “Giraffe Warmer” to keep him comfortable, clean him up and get the last of the fluid out of his lungs. C-Section babies, because they don’t go through all of the squeezing through the birth canal, come into the world a little lethargic at first with lots more fluid internally.<br /><br />After weighing him and getting his finger and footprints they wrapped him up and the next thing I knew….It was Nurse Michelle to Daddy on “Hardy and Laurel/Double Wishbone/Fullback Lead” and there he was! Right in my hands! A bundled burrito of our very own but neither Chipotle, Qdoba nor Mighty Taco got NOTHIN’ on Oliver Francis! I held him close so Jasmine could see him, too and then waited patiently as the team worked to close her up. After a few minutes, I could smell the cauterization and I would like to confirm to the best man at our wedding and our great friend, Mr. Travis Johnson (also an incredible Father himself…) that yes, it IS a good smell! It’s not a great smell, but it is a GOOD SMELL! Thanks again, T-John! :)<br /><br />After a few more minutes, they finished closing and apparently Dr. Siegel gave Jasmine a “potato-fist-dap”? But, I missed that…He came around and shook my hand and I thanked him and then I finally gave our boy up to Jasmine and she was wheeled back to our recovery room and I followed.<br /><br />It wasn’t long afterward that we got back to the room that Oliver took his first meal and he has been eating and making dirty diapers like a champ. And yes, sports fans…the meconium is in play. Repeat…the meconium is in play. Jasmine spent an additional hour in recovery, but finally we moved up one floor and have been in the same room ever since.<br /><br />And now, while we are again in that same pale moonlight of the darkness of night, just before my eyelids close, I see a blue flash. And when I turn around and look to the door of our room, I get to see Tony right here with us in the hospital, leaning against the door frame, arms crossed with a smile so bright, like that of a thousand O.R.s…just like he always has been. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-45967050731936422512009-11-17T21:13:00.027-05:002009-11-17T21:46:27.578-05:00The One About Oliver Francis<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGj8yqW9K6ZPeDRn87hsHzd7I_paCSAC0UE3a9q0qnbBgA0Yt8bqg1Eehs79SjbCV6lbrYzMbmWLPjBHM3m0H8QE_k1c61QFVd4A6P6c75W3uzpa7RR8A-p1aCAnJf7jZ1D5Pw2cKP2s/s1600/JazzandLou1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405267659998584738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGj8yqW9K6ZPeDRn87hsHzd7I_paCSAC0UE3a9q0qnbBgA0Yt8bqg1Eehs79SjbCV6lbrYzMbmWLPjBHM3m0H8QE_k1c61QFVd4A6P6c75W3uzpa7RR8A-p1aCAnJf7jZ1D5Pw2cKP2s/s320/JazzandLou1.JPG" /></a> We have so much to say...But the pictures do a really good job. Enjoy them. :)<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OmdkedXRjtfBbyrbGsfqZE3sxKow6airznWWo2Kp32EtGy99Ubgl6lakSU9DTsAYOj484ko4CsPZQU-DmYARtspLty9RnjrHVFRF5BNdXT3ZJ6YjCi1qo55LWJXuJecuNifRJ8zDOAE/s1600/JazzandLou2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405267569670249010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OmdkedXRjtfBbyrbGsfqZE3sxKow6airznWWo2Kp32EtGy99Ubgl6lakSU9DTsAYOj484ko4CsPZQU-DmYARtspLty9RnjrHVFRF5BNdXT3ZJ6YjCi1qo55LWJXuJecuNifRJ8zDOAE/s320/JazzandLou2.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQkMrg5xNDyKwhREgCQ60NbwaWNXknL-BJYCTOQSSmbk6iCg_TJbz2c-HEamxeY9NY-m4SlZfTYJTQXpFuzCsHFJgGw_zLgcOrAGyHlt8HpMrUgH3miRuRLvjYl594rolh1gF2mH1DBk/s1600/JazzCar.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405267451467999746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQkMrg5xNDyKwhREgCQ60NbwaWNXknL-BJYCTOQSSmbk6iCg_TJbz2c-HEamxeY9NY-m4SlZfTYJTQXpFuzCsHFJgGw_zLgcOrAGyHlt8HpMrUgH3miRuRLvjYl594rolh1gF2mH1DBk/s320/JazzCar.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBSXFtRLvs40KTUrb-a8oMhI1ROgcBHQj1Kv7qJTFaAOgXaTlGA5Gl1ZgwMKiqV5dLPin7o8v6NmX4T8nUpkykHcT16qG7zuqvUhLf_uKdkc5h8tNMHDGnZKL5OwOQXeGKmb5WU2PBqU/s1600/RecoveryRoom.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405267346265401970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBSXFtRLvs40KTUrb-a8oMhI1ROgcBHQj1Kv7qJTFaAOgXaTlGA5Gl1ZgwMKiqV5dLPin7o8v6NmX4T8nUpkykHcT16qG7zuqvUhLf_uKdkc5h8tNMHDGnZKL5OwOQXeGKmb5WU2PBqU/s320/RecoveryRoom.JPG" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgtXcbKPK-7MbbTE6_3kyOLskLPgSN0T7o5xai1nD0oP9vkgW2yBL-vk1jqVVGlCx_8fwPru7UNSn512SJm-0OdhkUVFDEJEx8Fj6rIojAlhdh13796roIEdecmBKKeuNOL3i9QQhGpg/s1600/RobSuitingUp.JPG"></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUv7hdlQDY8IYNbNkP1SIYdlCR-KZOgkY6bSfW0jpeW4kBM1XGopyUDLbSr_hNBmPTjclAbdeIueE2mT6plmpjEdJIicmj6Jku5Bxc7DHCdaWTZjCMg1zxQEJTO4_6qpzVX8Mpcgc8kH4/s1600/JazzMomentsBeforeGoingIn.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; 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MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405265460311231858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfG8mt241aFA6Q6FZaXu9aN8WOZ8eqVhWVuuwBmPQbBR7mNtdY5PzaSP1L4cKMcwICIiiKLNDmfT0RB3zGr60GITQWL4CswdKUhuT1DtkqmqRp53czSfuLcPkqhjRMUUs9E8OK7YNMcH0/s320/RobandOliver2.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6EvQ5dIP4WJS-F2RWLrJRp3F1ThXP9uMWJfIpkdcPLIC4HgY6wHA64FdmIngRLJpzBrYgjxdlm5zz5Sh1W2-9R8B9DPKpYPukqKnBRR2eGBDRP01YUDyxZcTjxBXUBph7D2ZUD-ZD9o/s1600/Oliver3.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405265361390922962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6EvQ5dIP4WJS-F2RWLrJRp3F1ThXP9uMWJfIpkdcPLIC4HgY6wHA64FdmIngRLJpzBrYgjxdlm5zz5Sh1W2-9R8B9DPKpYPukqKnBRR2eGBDRP01YUDyxZcTjxBXUBph7D2ZUD-ZD9o/s320/Oliver3.JPG" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1EorxTuBmDvYw8S-wdCvua5wx3UeXeQahHYSDlKhvG7HtHSou86Q8cQ1nqwGaRAQ6Zap4ih43yv0UGdrrrLi_O9JR8Qm9N6DXp0dlH0CDwKEjqfJHaOO4s5xO1fvpIIM9mOkcuqbXcM/s1600/MomAndOliver.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405265242284636146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1EorxTuBmDvYw8S-wdCvua5wx3UeXeQahHYSDlKhvG7HtHSou86Q8cQ1nqwGaRAQ6Zap4ih43yv0UGdrrrLi_O9JR8Qm9N6DXp0dlH0CDwKEjqfJHaOO4s5xO1fvpIIM9mOkcuqbXcM/s320/MomAndOliver.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHsAO2e48kiIHK2fWkgovX6iyqfW4l7Bt4qnGzliJAE61vf26Gj4W9O8HyMTer3Sb0QYcQlsV3afYQsvTI7dLGeGVE5h7yvfoHW6D_clfuhuny8Ggn6-iCxqGfAT2VkcFT2NQdgM5U_U/s1600/JazzandOliver.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405265145234717330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHsAO2e48kiIHK2fWkgovX6iyqfW4l7Bt4qnGzliJAE61vf26Gj4W9O8HyMTer3Sb0QYcQlsV3afYQsvTI7dLGeGVE5h7yvfoHW6D_clfuhuny8Ggn6-iCxqGfAT2VkcFT2NQdgM5U_U/s320/JazzandOliver.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9N2F0p7l-NgILprtnRfGvW3-hDnSg1VBj22W3HRNdAaWVP0rTb7G61k7xBubrrwro0wJ5a4VxStYDieKm09WI0IBmmZ3yLcMfLOeMeX7pjPvUvfn3fwZDdR2OfKLJhdlXyemszEzVfIM/s1600/JazzAndOliver2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405264974005129586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9N2F0p7l-NgILprtnRfGvW3-hDnSg1VBj22W3HRNdAaWVP0rTb7G61k7xBubrrwro0wJ5a4VxStYDieKm09WI0IBmmZ3yLcMfLOeMeX7pjPvUvfn3fwZDdR2OfKLJhdlXyemszEzVfIM/s320/JazzAndOliver2.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoubIg3tsxT0uzDFgqPuTCfgeBLI7wegAgf6VZX5PugwZnk2jGDZUptuisWcvgXnj9awaHYjMJ3c0q0iU8SM-PFR5e0CIBdmXdSUr1X7nNE3Ck-yKKkVMDSUT8tD2FeilrOANLGLNQ-A/s1600/TheFamily1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405262710209394514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoubIg3tsxT0uzDFgqPuTCfgeBLI7wegAgf6VZX5PugwZnk2jGDZUptuisWcvgXnj9awaHYjMJ3c0q0iU8SM-PFR5e0CIBdmXdSUr1X7nNE3Ck-yKKkVMDSUT8tD2FeilrOANLGLNQ-A/s320/TheFamily1.JPG" /></a> Two of a kind...and we just "rivered" a fullhouse! (It's a poker term AND a Garth Brooks song...you can look it up!)</div><div align="center"><div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9ferIL8fgkTDpZyVkcOrAVzoQn1R-ZzjI35mSdCbYc-SOfgF4XK5SsKoB7ORa4OTA6N-Rq8CyEpBA-ILMhFUtadVyShTnZDri5HVxulwr1M-OlojRfkcUCLQ4CimKt1JITDJCy83YmA/s1600/TheFamily2.JPG"></a>The Fobian Family<br /><div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-77890932292812220832009-10-29T18:05:00.009-04:002009-10-29T18:26:48.466-04:00The quick catch-up post<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnV89_ohfNMp2FlpU1KnPHP8OqQu1d3uaZkEOoLYkKgxbKbnXRi27YNl_1CjiQsHt2vvfCvdFjN0XZxlr4_iiTven875BApiGY3YFE1b_-3qoJPIPJmR-ADHVBXMPAyCvPjdm1nfxD7zd/s1600-h/Pit+stop+area.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398151613263254354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnV89_ohfNMp2FlpU1KnPHP8OqQu1d3uaZkEOoLYkKgxbKbnXRi27YNl_1CjiQsHt2vvfCvdFjN0XZxlr4_iiTven875BApiGY3YFE1b_-3qoJPIPJmR-ADHVBXMPAyCvPjdm1nfxD7zd/s320/Pit+stop+area.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxjJO_zTIqwa4Zgf0mWN9Ja-1RrzvGqYNk7XeBUA0KABIwDFyUiedastRzEITmWgBII4uHfvFvA8lFIouoOxbU2iuyFiio91udFt1J3WpRD4hH8q-2wlqX4KeTY2DX4Qk8sNy6lYanpZp/s1600-h/Bosco's+floor.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398151535187971122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzxjJO_zTIqwa4Zgf0mWN9Ja-1RrzvGqYNk7XeBUA0KABIwDFyUiedastRzEITmWgBII4uHfvFvA8lFIouoOxbU2iuyFiio91udFt1J3WpRD4hH8q-2wlqX4KeTY2DX4Qk8sNy6lYanpZp/s320/Bosco's+floor.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEf7MHCfj2r9ievb5zM1bTEmyn-ZosXoToxUcguzCrHysMEMnzpokBoVMooQSQp3vN-F8PL-qAuXf7BM2a-s_inH8rbiJhYDrlvnmCRIUKBSlLXd7Yt8Q4CnLwadLI6xVK2-X5ia012hu9/s1600-h/Eating,+Reading,+and+Rocking+Area.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398151448880655394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEf7MHCfj2r9ievb5zM1bTEmyn-ZosXoToxUcguzCrHysMEMnzpokBoVMooQSQp3vN-F8PL-qAuXf7BM2a-s_inH8rbiJhYDrlvnmCRIUKBSlLXd7Yt8Q4CnLwadLI6xVK2-X5ia012hu9/s320/Eating,+Reading,+and+Rocking+Area.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfafxlQvRhisp1OVUeQ_9glxPo_rINtoWBnePxSMjnCwm1U8UJyB_N0eUFIHaZNv5DezEjkBJXTRmNkdz02csDYq1SY-YV2rlDNgqAzxpC_c9VGWQWafp-FQvapEK5j4S_c6Lco5BQ8iM/s1600-h/Crib+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398151355218421042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfafxlQvRhisp1OVUeQ_9glxPo_rINtoWBnePxSMjnCwm1U8UJyB_N0eUFIHaZNv5DezEjkBJXTRmNkdz02csDYq1SY-YV2rlDNgqAzxpC_c9VGWQWafp-FQvapEK5j4S_c6Lco5BQ8iM/s320/Crib+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpQux75eU16u5xAwBR_oHIE13jr4Agbs286F7FbVouSarLqzsSdNv89XFIzsGyZkO0lPLwsNP8w6_8si8N_bTwahIxJcb6Vt6G1mB_j0KLIfX3ZDHWYYJmi8fwdf98gn38cZULHhpy5pD/s1600-h/Crib.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398151259548159746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpQux75eU16u5xAwBR_oHIE13jr4Agbs286F7FbVouSarLqzsSdNv89XFIzsGyZkO0lPLwsNP8w6_8si8N_bTwahIxJcb6Vt6G1mB_j0KLIfX3ZDHWYYJmi8fwdf98gn38cZULHhpy5pD/s320/Crib.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWo6K9jecEPMddECtk6lnHO_SnHY2IC1_jiDg0QpbQUyPofq7OKdxyB5pwGtBfbOm7MEtA6bkyjtSPoUgJYji08_K6TX8kSnIgG7qwmSzmcKnMzMinPU09o8HBMFPvbrynl6MG66InPML1/s1600-h/Sara's+wedding.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398151102903046034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWo6K9jecEPMddECtk6lnHO_SnHY2IC1_jiDg0QpbQUyPofq7OKdxyB5pwGtBfbOm7MEtA6bkyjtSPoUgJYji08_K6TX8kSnIgG7qwmSzmcKnMzMinPU09o8HBMFPvbrynl6MG66InPML1/s320/Sara's+wedding.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Rob has been working diligently to ready the condo for Bosco's arrival (and also sort of discovered Facebook), so you haven't heard from us in a while! We are in the middle of week 38 with an OB appt. scheduled for tomorrow. Bosco is still measuring a week ahead, but weekwise we have about 2 1/2 to go if he decides to punctually arrive on his due date. But we are considered term now, so will go whenever we go.</div><div></div><br /><div>We've had a busy couple of months with two showers held by my coworkers, friends, and family. Both were wonderfully fun occasions! We'll have to post pictures when we get those loaded. We also made it to the wedding of my lovely cousin in Buffalo over Labor Day weekend, which was our last big pre-Bosco bit of travel and is featured in the photo above.<br /></div><div>Bosco, I, and Rob also all got both the seasonal and H1N1 flu shots so we're hoping those are effective when he arrives! They weren't great experiences for Rob, so Bosco is already appreciating to what lengths Rob will go to be a good dad.<br /></div><div>I am appreciating the conscientiousness of my office as I've been allowed to telecommute this entire week after they called to warn me on Monday that many of my coworkers are ill and they didn't want me to risk coming back into the office. It's so nice to work in a place where people actually care about one another's welfare! I have one more 1/2 day to go tomorrow and then I will officially be on leave to prepare for Bosco!<br /></div><div>Mom (also known as the cavalry) arrives on Saturday night and then it will just be time for the waiting game!</div></div></div></div></div></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06847731124454091593noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-81554924138886876742009-09-28T23:26:00.006-04:002009-09-30T12:00:10.974-04:00The Last All-American GirlWe interrupt this blog to bring you this special tribute. Our irregularly scheduled blog will return later this week to bring you 7 weeks’ worth of Baby Bosco updates…..<br /><br />You never think the call is THE call. You see that number come up on the phone and you briefly wonder before answering if it’s THE call. But when it’s THE call you always just answer as if it’s not THE call…..<br /><br />She loved all creatures great and small, but especially dogs and horses. Over the last few years, we have considered getting a dog and she was a priceless font of information on breed specifics. (Don’t worry concerned readers; the dog subject is currently off the table given events of the last 7 months…)<br /><br />I always liked that she NEVER, EVER spoke in absolutes about dog breeds. She ALWAYS saw the good in ALL dogs…and all PEOPLE, too. Subliminally, she taught me owners don’t pick the dog. If I mentioned a dog breed that she had some concerns about, she’d still find something positive to say about the breed or seamlessly transition to another breed’s positive traits. Because THAT’S what dog lovers do…<br /><br />For example, recently, I had become partial to the Finnish Spitz.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqtMGNfomZdIk1VBb0otUqQdB2LPKF3cojbMcGrjQ89gzrOgagbGW1KDeaFCyiKF-7OUoYza1IL_tXiPAqBTxiWR56FU5WBwcmlV2G65sp77zmgdCMYNqmDA9k5m8PJhCxC9NBjibC6Y/s1600-h/Finnish_Spitz.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 234px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387289294450293298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqtMGNfomZdIk1VBb0otUqQdB2LPKF3cojbMcGrjQ89gzrOgagbGW1KDeaFCyiKF-7OUoYza1IL_tXiPAqBTxiWR56FU5WBwcmlV2G65sp77zmgdCMYNqmDA9k5m8PJhCxC9NBjibC6Y/s320/Finnish_Spitz.jpg" /></a><br /><br />When I mentioned this to her, she sat back in her chair and thought for a moment and then looked at me earnestly and said, “You know…when I worked at the groomers and a dog was brought in for service with a curly tail…to me that meant ‘time for a coffee break!’…ya’ know?”<br /><br />And then she followed that up with, “They (curly-tailed dogs) are by no means bad dogs and I don’t mean to imply you shouldn’t consider one, but curly-tailed dogs are just inconsistently unpredictable. I’d see the SAME curly-tailed dog come in and be serviced by the SAME groomer and have a completely different experience each time. On the first visit, the dog was a sweetheart, but on the second it might be a nightmare…”<br /><br />And on the conversation went. I had stopped glancing at the clock after an hour…<br /><br />Finally, I threw up my hands in confusion and said, “Well…what about Sue?!?!?!” (her and John’s border collie)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rLYuEyuaXwIRbGVPLjFGN_Ui40QDx8BLLTgjKH9zitb2FtQmqpWNsXaFe6euDdNk_ZquyNS4q5S84LuT__99lzp39GdjWuNRu6w52z_N15ZFkAYrH9ERv9PdvMDRlB_6bRg8xkzS_JA/s1600-h/Border_Collie.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 231px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387289991114791906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rLYuEyuaXwIRbGVPLjFGN_Ui40QDx8BLLTgjKH9zitb2FtQmqpWNsXaFe6euDdNk_ZquyNS4q5S84LuT__99lzp39GdjWuNRu6w52z_N15ZFkAYrH9ERv9PdvMDRlB_6bRg8xkzS_JA/s320/Border_Collie.jpg" /></a><br /><br />“Oh no!”, she laughed nervously, “you really DON’T want a border collie!” And I knew right then that what she was REALLY saying was that selecting and owning a dog is very serious business. It was fun and rewarding, but it is serious business. Just because I might like Sue as a dog, doesn’t qualify border collies on the whole as a breed. And, perhaps more importantly an entire breed does not speak too, too much about a single dog. Sure, there are traits and trends but you have to evaluate each dog in and of its own merits.<br /><br />Hearing her laugh echoing in the kitchen at first Henning and more recently Silent Meadow, while I was standing in the bitter cold of the driveway on another wintry Buffalo night, was a sound of the holidays that I will truly miss. Her smile lit up every room and her hugs told me I was home, even if I didn’t live there.<br /><br />I haven’t checked the results on Wall Street today, but I have no doubt there are many top people at Mars, Inc. scratching their heads working late at their offices tonight trying to comprehend why their stock price likely fell sharply today and cross referencing that fall to Peanut M&M’s sales in the Western New York region. If there was a bag up for grabs at the annual holiday gift exchange, then she made sure to make her move.<br /><br />Whenever I saw her eating them, I’d tease her with a wink and say, “You’re just picking out the sour ones, right? So, no one else ‘stumbles’ into them?”<br /><br />“Yup!”, she’d always respond with a look of a kid with their hand in the cookie jar even though she had earned those Peanut M&M’s fair and square! She liked the holidays. It meant great food and drink, better friends and family and of course, the best conversations.<br /><br />She worked hard in the kitchen on Bills’ game days to insure all members of the couch brigade would be properly fueled, only to see her efforts consumed in minutes by those stout enough to make the silent and scenic drive out to the living room in Colden.<br /><br />The last time I saw her she was “scolding” John in the driveway at Henning for playing the Emerson, Lake and Palmer albums (which I had recently sent John) too loud in the car on the ride over that day. John and I were “scolding” her right back with mock incredulity saying, “It’s Emerson, Lake and Palmer! How ELSE do you listen to it?!?!?!” She rolled her eyes and we all laughed, even her.<br /><br />Her name was Deb and she was Jasmine’s Aunt and we all loved her very, very much. She is someone Bosco would have loved to meet. She had sparkling eyes and blonde hair and was cool like Janice the guitarist of The Electric Mayhem. She loved all creatures great and small, but especially dogs and horses. She was the last all-american girl. We miss her and we will always remember her. Please take care of her, J.T.<br /><br />NEIL YOUNG – “LONG MAY YOU RUN”<br />We’ve been through some things together<br />With trunks of memories still to come<br />We found things to do in stormy weather<br />Long may you run<br /><br />Long may you run<br />Long may you run<br />Although these changes have come<br />With your chrome heart shining in the sun<br />Long may you run<br /><br />Well, it was back in Black River in 1962<br />When I last saw you alive<br />But we missed that shift on the long decline<br />Long may you run<br /><br />Long may you run<br />Long may you run<br />Although these changes have come<br />With your chrome heart shining in the sun<br />Long may you run<br /><br />Maybe the Beach Boys have got you now<br />With those waves singing “Caroline”<br />Rollin’ down that empty ocean road<br />Gettin’ to the surf on time<br /><br />Long may you run<br />Long may you run<br />Although these changes have come<br />With your chrome heart shining in the sun<br />Long may you runUnknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-43006087515419666852009-08-08T01:24:00.013-04:002009-08-08T09:25:16.585-04:00The One With A VideoWell, after much work inside the new audio/video wing here at the "51st State Studios", I am pleased to announce the temporary transformation of our blog into a VLOG! Please enjoy the attached homemade movie of our very own…the one, the only…the MIGHTY BOSCO!<br /><br /><br /><br />I would also like to extend a very warm welcome to our three newest followers “francis d’addario”, “kate”, and “jessica defeyter”! Please keep safe and, since we've been reading lots of Geisel lately, eat your green eggs and ham!<br /><br /><br /><br />And now, without further delay...Be sure to turn your speakers on and enjoy the film titled, "Il Pozzo Termine Di Bosco"!<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwUf2Y075s3BXG2QxY3LflfeLs4CKHeVtset-Lkwp9imZQr5nCrDDo0H8dC6QPw7xD8XNWRiyoc7hJAMXtBYQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-81427648993482042942009-07-31T19:58:00.007-04:002009-07-31T20:36:30.459-04:00The One About the Baby<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-RqoYR1dmZsUkrl9IqyQ6hqjUP1EikZCzBenjcCVEvj5_IpNqkL9TrNgN-9DE2HuJbWYp0vU8FOWeW9RWN8caUejOHl3a2r8I4T2gQd9tF3V_RkUmHN9P1waqhjcdg8AO2wQ3IVXaQ18/s1600-h/00000004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 278px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364786922115923682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-RqoYR1dmZsUkrl9IqyQ6hqjUP1EikZCzBenjcCVEvj5_IpNqkL9TrNgN-9DE2HuJbWYp0vU8FOWeW9RWN8caUejOHl3a2r8I4T2gQd9tF3V_RkUmHN9P1waqhjcdg8AO2wQ3IVXaQ18/s320/00000004.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gB1MHo_kzUIEVV0osfKhbs6-wesh-TRhjLAbFxyCsfwd9AKnOL0DwUXr_7-eeSq8mZEUB3spzC1Yw-I-dqfFI8mvcx3SRmU-bsD47itabZqpzmJnS6hV6Lipc6bbKGB9AGMPILyHtZc_/s1600-h/00000003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 287px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364786913815747074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gB1MHo_kzUIEVV0osfKhbs6-wesh-TRhjLAbFxyCsfwd9AKnOL0DwUXr_7-eeSq8mZEUB3spzC1Yw-I-dqfFI8mvcx3SRmU-bsD47itabZqpzmJnS6hV6Lipc6bbKGB9AGMPILyHtZc_/s320/00000003.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvizvNPlI_Mfp0f6nV1_Y-2wib6FJU9tDTcPBKXi8UP_uYU8MPZzT5bxhKQ8sCji3S7meLY37OJBayHcl6GuhpvFDcz4Z0VaRtShOHrIo564iCzA71O0lnKwAl_iZs0eMq9PJrr1IAn4E/s1600-h/00000002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 252px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364786914582157602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvizvNPlI_Mfp0f6nV1_Y-2wib6FJU9tDTcPBKXi8UP_uYU8MPZzT5bxhKQ8sCji3S7meLY37OJBayHcl6GuhpvFDcz4Z0VaRtShOHrIo564iCzA71O0lnKwAl_iZs0eMq9PJrr1IAn4E/s320/00000002.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZUc_YHd_Tt2-sHWyMX7XI2PJOPYSYv3Lr5vf3qWNLlUQ3ocMCtISD2iRCE5eAF1XsvYVxQGCsXkb-KSZtaMYBSITd6ddu63BhfJIZAywaSQNQ9y7q369DgSQrwPNuzUerO9veHIpkuHT/s1600-h/00000001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 276px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364786910742259586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZUc_YHd_Tt2-sHWyMX7XI2PJOPYSYv3Lr5vf3qWNLlUQ3ocMCtISD2iRCE5eAF1XsvYVxQGCsXkb-KSZtaMYBSITd6ddu63BhfJIZAywaSQNQ9y7q369DgSQrwPNuzUerO9veHIpkuHT/s320/00000001.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUy71ZjdGAHYDom4KmyOeda1B4Fe5rrc_S0rM0OgKaYZpc59pT98zhyphenhyphen7GWIMWXXIkkOUT6nnX0FThw9Yl-trG1-p28nQxit9MdHcZHZHpIZpf-b-4GgWABoqZQiz1gvYeSjSm2-btvV2-6/s1600-h/079.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364783134168182098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUy71ZjdGAHYDom4KmyOeda1B4Fe5rrc_S0rM0OgKaYZpc59pT98zhyphenhyphen7GWIMWXXIkkOUT6nnX0FThw9Yl-trG1-p28nQxit9MdHcZHZHpIZpf-b-4GgWABoqZQiz1gvYeSjSm2-btvV2-6/s320/079.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVyl5zB_iM7A137ZM8OCvztV6v9BZOubA974qYETH3fkUnWZWfB8hIxqx1P47XWUCIQm7CuoRg20VJo_BzkP8kSyNayMNXnr4AByjFzLC1kEuf0UFCbEkKrBXZoUnDFvm5Q_RW4Id8xhW/s1600-h/008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364779133380474578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVyl5zB_iM7A137ZM8OCvztV6v9BZOubA974qYETH3fkUnWZWfB8hIxqx1P47XWUCIQm7CuoRg20VJo_BzkP8kSyNayMNXnr4AByjFzLC1kEuf0UFCbEkKrBXZoUnDFvm5Q_RW4Id8xhW/s320/008.JPG" /></a>Brace yourselves. This whole post is going to be about…Bosco.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>As you may have suspected upon reading the title, this post is being authored by me, Jasmine. As Rob has taken up both golfing and a video project (which he hopes to feature on the next blog) this week, it is left to me to fill you in about Bosco’s doings. While I love my husband’s posts, I don’t think our computer has the capacity to allow him to enter one that includes four weeks of his version of information by the time he completes his other current project.<br /></div><br /><div>The bottom picture, for those less discerning readers is Bosco at his first Billy Joel concert, where Elton John also happened to be. For two guys in their later years we were impressed at the amount of hearing loss the concert caused. It was a great time and we had a nice close parking spot. Rob can also walk you to any of the first aid stations at Nationals Stadium with a blindfold on should you need one. It was also the first event where I experienced the phenomenon of Bosco’s apparently hugely misleading size. Rob and I will go to events, conferences, stores, etc. and at least one person will say something like “we don’t want you to get too excited!” Or, “you’d better sit down so you don’t tax yourself.” Or, “you look like you’re ready to go!” Every time I tell said person my due date is actually not till November, they look at me as if I’ve made a dreadful mistake by not knowing it’s actually imminent, like tomorrow.<br /></div><br /><div>Last Friday’s week 24 appointment to double-check Bosco’s face went swimmingly and everything appears to be fine. Bosco did give the sonographist fits since all she needed to see was the face and he kept it alternately buried in the placenta or filled with the fist he was ardently sucking. She joked that he must think the closer he puts his face to the placenta the more food he will get, whereupon Rob naturally mentioned that that is how we know he is our baby. Side note: this is ironic as Rob is out as I type procuring Chipotle for dinner. It was especially fun to see his little jaw working up and down as he learns how to suck. Nevertheless, I apologize that the new ultrasound pictures I have posted mostly feature great shots of my outstanding placenta rather than Bosco, but we did our best.<br /></div><br /><div>Our trip to the OB the previous Monday also indicated that his size is good, his heart rate (149) is well within normal range, my weight gain is on track, etc. According to the ultrasound Bosco was weighing in last week at 1lb 10oz, which means that right now he is probably almost two pounds a week later. As we are in the 6th month it is his job to double in weight from the beginning of the month to the end. Rest assured I am doing my part.</div><br /><div>As evidenced in picture number 1, where his leg is raised all the way to his chin in preparation to punt mommy's bladder, Bosco continues to practice for the Men’s Olympic Gymnastics team, a spot on the DC United, and field goal kicker for whichever NFL team is still in the running in 20 years. We’ve heard from many quarters that this means he’s going to be a bundle of energy to keep up with ex-utero and we should start marathon training now. It may also be his subtle way of working off all the spicy food mommy loves to eat. I of course maintain that it’s Bosco who wants to eat. I am merely an innocent by-eater.</div><br /><div>The nursery continues to come together with all the actual furniture now present and accounted for except the nursing chair and the carpet. Rob is becoming a master of construction. We also put up semi-sheer white drapes in an attempt to not cook the baby the first time we put him down for a nap on a sunny day. We even have some clothes donated by friends and coworkers to go in Bosco’s drawers already. People’s generosity is overwhelming and so appreciated! And Candice, my pregnancy stylist, is single handedly keeping me from attending business meetings as a naked beach ball.</div><br /><div>Therefore, I now have to share Candice’s favorite story of the week, entitled “How to Be Pregnant In the Federal Government.” First they inform you that they are going to have to let security know that you are pregnant. Shortly after that you get an email informing you that as a prego, you’ve been added to the list of persons with disabilities, to make sure someone comes to fetch you on the eighth floor and hoists you out of the building in an emergency. When you’ve reached about the end of the second trimester, your office administrator will send you a template of an emergency birth plan to fill out. This is to protect you from security calling an ambulance that might service a hospital in Timbuktu—rather than the one you’d like to go to that has the added benefit of allowing your doctor in—in the event that you go into labor at the office. After you fill out the hospital and doctor information and let them know you’d like to be driven in your car, to your hospital, by your friend (I’ve reassured Olivia that rather than relying on a woman in labor for directions to the hospital, we’ve preprogrammed the hospital into the car’s GPS system) instead of providing an emergency training forum for the security personnel, you are asked to disclose where you have stored “the bag.” Let it be known this is Candice’s favorite part. While you get to select what is in “the bag,” the highly recommended items are two large towels, two large garbage bags, and water. I think this is the same bag cleaners for the mob carry in their trunk in case of an emergency call. Even more entertaining than imagining what all these items could be used for—such as protecting important gov’t property or your car upholstery should your water break, is imagining what gigantic furor at the office caused these bag ingredients to be the only suggested items on the list. My favorite image of potential use is layering the bag and towel on the passenger seat of my car so that at every stop light I slide forward off my well protected seat onto the floor of the car hanging by my seatbelt. In any case, I am now prepared for major office cleanup and/or accidentally going into labor while I’m downtown.</div><br /><div>Bosco’s next adventure will be on August 14th, in exactly two weeks, to do a Glucose tolerance test. This involves eating no carbs or sugars for the morning (we can have proteins—like a hard-boiled egg—and water). We then proceed to the dr.’s office and have our blood drawn as a baseline measurement. After the initial blood test we drink what has been described to me as orange kool-aid syrup that no one has bothered to add water to, and then take a second blood test an hour later to establish my response to the sugar rush. Apparently we are lucky in that there is a 3 hour version of this test, which I won’t have to take unless the 1 hour test isn’t satisfactory. I can’t imagine the cartwheels our normally very active baby that gets excited if I send down nothing but water will do after this introduction of a bottle of pure sugar. Then I imagine we will crash and need the rest of the afternoon to nap it off. Luckily we have scheduled this test for day off. J As usual we will keep you posted on the results.</div><br /><div>Finally, a special “yippee!!” to Jodie as I close this week out, as she has approximately one week to go before introducing us all to a beautiful baby girl. We can’t wait to meet her!<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Jasminehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06847731124454091593noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-55514096552562291082009-07-13T13:35:00.005-04:002009-07-13T14:06:58.454-04:00The One You Won't Finish<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAAoIEPidrCqxQm_tw5BuAJ7uNABvMvV5Gc7A9O1k4bBQHIk8_fhyK6dbh71kp3rdeCgGSx_N0CJP8pYuRiaxhGwJ_w3zvXZPUtFMxycxqYF1lAN7jH-fUik_lfYTuHA51whBctIiCDo/s1600-h/BUFPostCard.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 211px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358002170336716962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjAAoIEPidrCqxQm_tw5BuAJ7uNABvMvV5Gc7A9O1k4bBQHIk8_fhyK6dbh71kp3rdeCgGSx_N0CJP8pYuRiaxhGwJ_w3zvXZPUtFMxycxqYF1lAN7jH-fUik_lfYTuHA51whBctIiCDo/s320/BUFPostCard.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUe7EJ7_KYc01zrOKz4HYAIME0LYz1rcg2o9y3gMUDUaSelSxqKamhQR53xyXp2fR6g-EXhxFqGTgPRN7o-kgNemlzYTq-IkkW88s0I11AD308Nh8eYSUNQXHTh63FHeMTDL4ofsxIR8c/s1600-h/RobAtOlympicRestaurantnearBUFAirportJuly2009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 282px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358001885235673490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUe7EJ7_KYc01zrOKz4HYAIME0LYz1rcg2o9y3gMUDUaSelSxqKamhQR53xyXp2fR6g-EXhxFqGTgPRN7o-kgNemlzYTq-IkkW88s0I11AD308Nh8eYSUNQXHTh63FHeMTDL4ofsxIR8c/s320/RobAtOlympicRestaurantnearBUFAirportJuly2009.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KPa9vwFbWOx7WxZjxntaZuz8KFJ10X9Pl72zTLD-iREFkux4Yf_pKIrus6soqaNCRoyBPoN7q0KdxN76hSYCaKP9y3qZ3eSo1FSFRZo4GICd-CkCcmsU-gMlPyFoJ51gOdG_Uu-C47Y/s1600-h/Bosco+ready+for+Maid+of+the+mist.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358001087762000610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KPa9vwFbWOx7WxZjxntaZuz8KFJ10X9Pl72zTLD-iREFkux4Yf_pKIrus6soqaNCRoyBPoN7q0KdxN76hSYCaKP9y3qZ3eSo1FSFRZo4GICd-CkCcmsU-gMlPyFoJ51gOdG_Uu-C47Y/s320/Bosco+ready+for+Maid+of+the+mist.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBw4vxp-5FOj7aSHroBn41bVFYKYZx2m7ilQTAeX3ownmW6n0nnBH2DKHhn1R2wrnDILGyt6LgnG4MzcJWGBxFawvv7jxFv3bKARJuBoWvQMFp0xQy8vp77LDcDsfgRSIjE1OJ8BKMfuI/s1600-h/Bosco+at+Niagara+Falls+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358001083239060402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBw4vxp-5FOj7aSHroBn41bVFYKYZx2m7ilQTAeX3ownmW6n0nnBH2DKHhn1R2wrnDILGyt6LgnG4MzcJWGBxFawvv7jxFv3bKARJuBoWvQMFp0xQy8vp77LDcDsfgRSIjE1OJ8BKMfuI/s320/Bosco+at+Niagara+Falls+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>...and now! Live! 60 feet in the air! Overlooking the most POWERFUL city north of the Confederacy, “It’s the Grrrrrrrrrrreat Fobian Baby Blog, Charlie Brown!” with your host and future Dad, Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrob!<br /><br /></div><div><br />Thank you as always Jack for that very enthusiastic opening. And may I take this opportunity to welcome you back to the blog. Ladies and gentlemen, the ebullient, enigmatic and elegant emissary of the blog, our announcer…the legendary, MR…..JACK BARRY! Welcome back, Jack!</div><div><br /></div><div><br />Uh, thank you sir…I think you superseded your own introduction…</div><div><br /></div><div><br />How was your vacation, Jack?<br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>Wonderful, sir…I visited the desert oasis of Las Vegas, Nevada, stayed at the Trop and just relaxed.</div><div><br /></div><div><br />Well, I certainly hope the jokers were indeed wild…</div><div><br /><br /></div><div>Yes…and thank you for THAT painful memory.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, it’s been an exciting two weeks and we have much to share. I’d like to begin tonight by dedicating tonight’s post to Calvin Crosson and his family. My apologies to our Yankee readers for my opening remarks however, Jasmine and I have been conducting our “every-three-years-or-so” family tradition of watching the great 80’s Civil War miniseries “North and South” and “North and South Book II” (on VHS no less!) When Jazz and I first met and I visited my future in-laws who were then residing BELOW the Mason-Dixon line, we went down to the local video store (remember those?!?!) and rented “North and South”. I’m not sure what prompted us to do so, but it was a nice way to spend that first weekend in the family fold. With apologies to the literary proficiencies of author John Jakes (who created the North and South trilogy), I can’t vouch for the series’ historical accuracy, but there can be no denying the entertainment value of watching the saga of the families Main and Hazard which features a stunning “Who’s Who” of 80’s television and movie stars. Whether you are a Civil War enthusiast or not, I would encourage everyone to watch it once…better still, read the books. And do NOT, under ANY circumstances, view “North and South Book III”! I won’t give away the spoilers, but it is so incredibly bad, it nearly ruins the previous 18 hours that comprise the first two books. I would also like to add for the parents out there, that perhaps my sensibilities are being ratcheted towards over-protectiveness but, despite being shown on network primetime over 20 years ago, both series are VERY R-rated, so censor accordingly, if not entirely to “little eyes” and or “little ears”.</div><div><br /><br /></div><div>Having spent most of my life in Northern Virginia, I grew up with the Civil War. My childhood home featured a three foot high by fifty foot long earth mound that divided our backyard nearly in two. And many of our direct neighbors also had these earth mounds, so that you could see rows of them as you looked down the street through the backyards. It didn’t take a historian to figure it out, but when our neighborhood was being built, the developers brought one in to determine that these earth mounds were in fact used as defenses to protect the Orange and Alexandria railroad, which ran about a half mile from our house. Who knew almost 110 years later that a soldier’s hard work would be used by children for…I’m so ashamed…jumps for our BMX bikes! And, in a strange twist, the “51st State Studios” where we now call home, is also about a half mile from a different section of the former O&A Railroad. Geographically, a little more Alexandria than Orange...In summary, when you spend time in Northern Virginia you cannot help but feel the essence of the Civil War all around you. And to think our good friends at Disney almost plowed up Bull Run errr…MANASSAS Battlefields nearly 20 years ago for a new theme park! But, you didn’t come here for a history lesson, did you? Before we get to the latest on Bosco, here’s some genuine entertainment a.k.a. “The Evian Roller Skating Babies Commercial”. Bosco was going to be in this commercial himself, but he missed the age cutoff…</div></div><div><div></div><div><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQcVllWpwGs">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQcVllWpwGs</a></div><div><br />Many thanks to Jasmine’s office for the incredible summer picnic two weeks ago! We had a wonderful time in beautiful weather at the park near Pentagon City. There was a permanent shelter which the office rented and I don’t know what the final attendance was, but I’d say about 100 people by my count. And you just haven’t lived until you’ve been to a picnic conducted by employees of the Federal Government. I didn’t know you could sign for a juice box or a yo-yo “in triplicate”! Is there a tax implication here? I also found it incredibly ironic that Jasmine has been there nearly six years but it wasn’t until after this year’s election that a picnic was held. Bosco enjoyed hamburgers, hotdogs and all the trimmings! And a special thank you to Kim, Jordan, Madeline and Olivia for keeping us company.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I never went to the old Eastern Market (pre-fire) but I was pleased to see the recovery efforts were completed and it has re-opened. I nearly lost my dinner recently when I overheard the following on our local NBC broadcast coverage of the re-opening:<br />Reporter: Eastern Market is better now that it was. Are you happy it burned down?<br />Eastern Market spokesperson: Um, no, we’re not happy it burned down but it did turn out nicely.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We also enjoyed, although were quickly overwhelmed by, all of the Michael Jackson video tributes. Although Thriller was undeniably his best album, I have decided that “Dirty Diana” is his best song. This might be because until last weekend, I thought the name of the song was “Dirty Gigandor”. MJ was never much for pronunciation, especially during live performances. I was also unaware that the song was written about a groupie and that it was on his set list the year he was scheduled to perform at the annual “Prince’s Trust Concert” in England. This charity event brings together all the world’s biggest entertainers. It seems the year in question, the Princess of Wales was in attendance, so Michael pulled the song out of respect. This stunned Lady Diana who said later she was disappointed not to hear it because it was one of her favorite songs.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We also discovered yet another benefit to Bosco’s pending arrival. After years of complaining that no one EVER uses them…yep, we have now been cleared to use that most suburban of delights…EXPECTANT MOTHER PARKING! WOO HOO!</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>In other baby news, although Bosco’s last sonogram went very well, as evidenced by the still jaw dropping photos, we have been asked to come back for another sonogram in about two weeks. In a strange twist, last week we watched In The Womb a documentary film by National Geographic that follows the nine month gestational period. (Thanks for the recommendation, Grammy Anne!) One of the things mentioned in the sonogram portion of the film was that sonograms have become very helpful to doctors in identifying early developmental concerns. No sooner had we finished the film and driven the car out of the garage did Jasmine receive a call from Ultrasound Associates. They were calling to say they needed Bosco to come back in two weeks for a follow up exam. They stressed that there was nothing to be concerned about however they were calling to say they did not get a satisfactory shot of Boscos’ nose and lips. If you’ll recall from our last post, Bosco established a relationship to us both in his reluctant cooperation during the sonogram. So, they want to have Bosco come back to see if they can get a better picture to ensure everything is indeed developing as it should. By the way, Jasmine is unaware of this, but I received a notice last week that footage of Bosco’s sonogram has been posted on YouTube! This should prove once and for all that Bosco is indeed our child. Or at least, MY child…sorry, honey…</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCVB_mRIHPg">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCVB_mRIHPg</a> </div><div><br />Bosco also enjoyed a wonderful birthday celebration for our former neighbor and friend, Andrew, who was celebrating yet another 18th birthday. Andrew’s guests enjoyed sublimely smoked salmon, an equally delightful homemade bean salad, fresh corn on the cob with a locally baked chocolate cheesecake for dessert. Not to be outdone, Andrew’s gourmand fiancée, Julie provided the piece de resistance with her own homemade (say it with me…) chocolate, PEANUT BUTTER cheesecake replete with miniature peanut butter cups. Were there any Hobbits in attendance they surely would have declared it SECOND dessert! And EVERYONE’S waistlines grew THREE sizes that day!<br /></div><div>This brings us to 4th of July weekend, which marked Bosco’s first flight and visit to our extended family in Buffalo, NY. (And you thought we took off from the blog last week to “re-crimp our tinfoil hats”!) We flew up Thursday night out of our favorite services/amenities, least favorite geographically located airport, BWI…errr, Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport. After 30 years of driving to and from that airport, I (which is to say, Jasmine…) has finally determined that the quickest route is in fact to go around the Beltway, rather than go through the city and out the Balto-Wash Parkway. We arrived in plenty of time and after a brief wait, we boarded the plane and were off to the great- not-white-this-time-of-year Western New York. The best part about flying to Buffalo from Washington, especially out of BWI, is to watch what I like to call “The (insert airline name here) 500”. Flight time, you see, is just shy of 60 minutes and about 40 if departing from Justice Marshall’s aforementioned airstrip. With one exception, I can only remember ONE TIME in the last 11 years where the flight crew did not serve everyone at least one drink. It’s such a short flight that they almost have to start serving everyone during takeoff.</div><div><br />The other comedic moment is always the captain greeting us over the intercom with something like, “And good evening, this is your captain speaking….it’s a lovely night for flying, we’re so glad you chose to fly with us….we’re cruising at an altitude of…what? Oh…Ladies and gentlemen, we’re now at the gate…”</div><div><br />I used to think airports were places where you went before you plummeted into the ground but since meeting Jasmine I have learned they are really special places for families. Unless of course there’s no there to meet you..thankfully this has NEVER happened to me…oh wait…<br />So, we gathered our things and after a few surreptitious text messages, we were once again reunited with Jasmine’s Pater and Mater Familias at the baggage carousel, which is made of super-rust-resistant steel lest it become oxidized by the tears of many, many happy parents upon sighting their children. Papa Fran quickly acquired our conveyance and we were on our way to the suburb of Orchard Park.</div><div><br />Orchard Park was really supposed to be just the home of the Buffalo football Bills, but they were nice enough to also let people like Jasmine’s late Grandpa John build their homes and live there, too. I’ve always enjoyed the loose zoning that encompasses parts of Orchard Park. It reminds me a lot of Green Bay, Wisconsin. There are many unique, free-standing businesses many of which are either parts of residences or are former residences. This is de-rigueur in parts of Orchard Park, but for a kid from the mean streets of Springfield, VA it is a wonderment of laissez-faire urban planning.</div><div> </div><div>In short, Buffalo gets a bad rap. Yes, President McKinley was assassinated at the Pan-American Expo there in 1901. Yes, it has only two seasons, winter and the 4th of July. Yes, the roads are in a constant state of being torn up by Mother Nature and the state. But, as Princess Amidala said to Obi-Wan Kenobi of Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars, “There is still good in him.” So too there is and always has been goodness in Buffalo.</div><div> </div><div>Power generated from the Niagara River is sent to all four corners of the globe as well as three other planets. The spicy hot chicken wing (only called a Buffalo Wing OUTSIDE of the area…) Mighty Taco. Ted’s Red Hots. Wegman’s (ok, technically Rochester, NY). Sahlen’s Hot Dogs. Loganberry Soda. Taffy’s and Connor’s (ice cream stands/grills). The Aud and now HSBC Arena. George Schuster, 1908 New York to Paris Auto Race winner and Jasmine’s ancestor. Rich Stadium. Vernor’s Ginger Ale (ok, technically Detroit, MI) Chinese restaurants in Fort Erie, Ontario (ok, technically Fort Erie, Ontario) Pierce-Arrow automobiles. The Albright-Knox Art Gallery. M&T Bank (you’re welcome, Claire). The New Era Cap Company. Capelli’s Pizza. Roast Beef on Kummel Weck Rolls. The windshield wiper. Rosewell Park Cancer Institute. The Anchor Bar. Anderson’s Frozen Custard. Duff’s Bar. Sponge candy. Great Gramma Jeanne’s Peanut Clusters and Hungarian Coffee Cake (you can’t eat just twelve!) Tim Horton’s Donut Shop. Barbill’s. Flying Bison Beer. General Mills and Gold Medal Flour. Robert Redford swung “Wonderboy” and broke the lights at War Memorial Stadium and ate lunch at the Parkside Candy Company. Sorrento Cheeses. The Buffalo Philharmonic and Kleinhans Music Hall. Rick James. More Frank Lloyd Wright buildings than any other city except Chicago. The shores of Lake Erie. Grain elevators were invented in Buffalo. Murray Brothers’ Nursery. Chippewa Street. Thursdays at the Square. They play professional hockey OUTSIDE in Buffalo. Wolf Blitzer. Lawrence Block. Dale Brown. F. Scott Fitzgerald. Tim Russert. Ani DiFranco. The Goo Goo Dolls. Brian McKnight. Billy Sheehan. Spyro Gyra. Christine Baranski. Sorrell Booke. Don Criqui. Buffalo Bob Smith. James Whitmore. Shirley Chisholm. Grover Cleveland. Millard Fillmore. Jack Kemp. Jack Brownschidle. Randy Burridge. Jim Burt. Orel Hershiser. Ron Jaworski. Todd Krygier. Christian Laettner. Bob Lanier. Lex Luger. Dan Majkowski. Mike Mamula. Todd Marchant. Phil McConkey. Joe Mesi. Greg Oden. Brooks Orpick. Warren Spahn. And last but not least…Niagara Falls! Tonight, make it Buffalo, because everything else is just a city!</div><div> </div><div>Speaking of Niagara Falls, we are also pleased to bring you photographic evidence (thanks to “jmd”!) of Bosco’s trip to Niagara Falls to include a jaunt on the world famous “Maid of the Mist” which has to be dried off of you to be believed. This was my fifth voyage on the Maid and it seems to me they have figured out a way each time to get just a little closer, stay just a little longer and get more water into the boat. But, it was a hot summer day so, it felt very refreshing. I have also had the misfortune of taking the LAST trip on the Maid’s sailing calendar which is roughly a week before Halloween! Cold redefined. I tripped on a polar bear warming himself near the boat’s engine. The ride is free. The ponchos? US $14.50 a piece (Thanks Grammy Lou!) Kids under 5 ride free, so word to the Bosco…You get five rides, make ‘em count, boy-o!<br />In addition to it being Bosco’s first trip to Buffalo, this was also Jasmine’s brother’s fiancée, Lauren’s first trip to Buffalo and like many of us who have joined the family, I think she has a budding affinity for the region. Of course, she hasn’t been there yet during “Not-The-Summer”. Justus also nearly introduced Lauren to the great American-Canadian border crossing tradition known as the “full body search”. Apparently, our neighbors to the North have this new thing called “secured borders” now where they do more than wave at you as you pass on through. In Justus’ defense, he was driving on a current State of Washington driver’s license, in Great Uncle Rich’s (Grammy Lou’s brother) car which had New York plates. But after a few “Yes, sirs.”, “No, sirs.” and a quick search of the trunk, we were all on our way. I never did hear about that return trip, Uncle Justus…</div><div><br />Speaking of return trips to the United States…I would like to formally apologize to Papa Fran, Grammy Lou, Aunt Jade and Jasmine. We left the “Maid of the Mist” and headed straight for the Buffalo-Niagara Airport back in the good old U.S. of A. There are several crossings back from Canada into the U.S. in that part of the world and it’s always a bit of a crapshoot knowing which will be the quickest. We selected the Rainbow Bridge and crossed our fingers.</div><div> </div><div>Upon reaching the Rainbow Bridge we found ourselves behind a beautiful, and rare, pearl blue Jaguar XJ12 Vanden Plas with an Ontario license plate that read “90 Katze”. For you non-Teutons, that means “cat”. The car bore two couples in their 60s?; one Teutonic couple, the other Canadian. Just after we passed through the tollbooth, the German couple decided to take advantage of one of the unique features of the Rainbow Bridge, albeit in a very unique way. The Rainbow Bridge includes a section which can be walked. Typically, one seeking to cross the bridge in a pedestrian fashion has to enter the walking span BEFORE the tollbooths, you know…At the DOOR, where all the SIGNS POINT YOU TOWARDS! Oh, but not this lady and her husband. Oh no, they waited until they saw traffic backing up and then got out, which allowed several cars to angrily roar around us and them and move ahead in line. Witnesses say that Grammy Lou was also questioning their actions, but I couldn’t hear her what with all the blood roaring in my ears. And then, it happened…the couple stopped to speak with the other couple in the car and hand some items through the window...for yes, a THIRD time thus allowing more cars to once again bypass us and them. Now, I’m not saying they were holding us up, but I did see Bosco’s wedding procession scoot through that gap, too. And that’s when the OTHER thing happened…the bad thing. The thing where I forgot I was in a car…stopped in traffic…in public…with my in-laws…in a foreign land…</div><div> </div><div>Gently, I leaned out the window and bellowed, “WE’RE TRYING TO GET TO THE AIRPORT!” I’m certain they had NO IDEA what I said but they could tell I was not in my happy place and traffic was quickly crawling once again. After the blood withdrew from my in-laws’ faces, my OWN mortification set in. Wow! Did I really just do that? Papa Fran just looked at me over the tops of his glasses. Oh no! The look! He didn’t say anything. He didn’t have to. I knew how disappointed he was in what I had done. I, too, didn’t say anything. I was just too embarrassed. So, now all I can do is say I’m sorry and that I’m glad it happened before Bosco was ex-utero.<br />As a closing remark, how could people with such refined taste in automobiles act so aloof while crossing an international border on a busy holiday weekend? And heck, without my crassness we may have missed that pre-fight meal of Mighty Taco and Anderson’s Custard.</div><div> </div><div>Speaking of Mighty Taco, one of their delicacies is an El Nino burrito which contains an ironic, one-half pound of ground beef. I saw a young boy who had ordered one and couldn’t even get his hands around it. An el nino trying to eat an el nino!</div><div><br />Notice to Great Gramma Jeanne…The company “Just Born” is bringing a Peeps Marshmallow Retail Store to the Washington, DC area! This is their first ever store and it will be located just 100 feet from Seward Johnson’s magnificent statue “The Awakening” which was recently and thankfully relocated from Hains Point in DC to the new National Harbor in Maryland at the foot of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Hot Tamales and Mike and Ike’s will also be sold there. No opening date yet.</div><div><br />Papa Fran and Grammy Lou also hosted yet ANOTHER fantastic family gathering at Great Uncle Rich’s house. I was privileged to finally meet Fran and Lou’s long time friends Pat and Karen who drove up special just for the holiday. Sahlen’s Hot Dogs, provolone cheese burgers, and Italian sausage links were the order of the day along with a beautiful cake heralding Justus and Lauren’s engagement, Papa Delicious’ birthday (Fran’s father) and of course, the mighty, mighty Bosco’s pending arrival. Tonight make it Great Uncle Rich’s, because everything else is just a party. Bosco received a wonderful gift from Great Uncle Bob (Grammy Lou’s brother) and Great Aunt Norma. A music box styled like a carousel featuring characters from Mother Goose. It plays the Brahm’s Lullaby! Lauren could be seen creating a virtual family tree in her head, frantically trying to get her synapses to put mnemonic devices in place to help her remember everyone’s names. “Relax,” I told her, “meeting new people you didn’t even know were in the family is part of the fun at these parties!”</div><div><br />At the appointed hour, the group broke into two groups with one group headed to the Village of Orchard Park for the annual fireworks.</div><div><br />Uncle Justus had plans for the other group that stayed behind. Another great tradition of DRIVING up to Buffalo is an occasional stop at Phantom Fireworks in Pennsylvania. And if you can present out of state identification, you too can buy all manner of celebratory explosives guaranteed to shred your wallet in just ONE trip. We once drove from their store in Warfordsburg, PA all the way to Buffalo with a load of rockets between Aunt Jade and Uncle Justus in the back seat. Hey, c’mon…they were in a highly flammable cardboard box. We were keeping safe! Next time, maybe we’ll stop at their store outside of Erie, PA instead…who knew it was closer? Besides people with a map, I mean…</div><div><br />Uncle Justus located some of the aforementioned rockets in Great Uncle Rich’s garage and proceeded to follow John Adams’ advice regarding a proper 2nd of July celebration. Now, I’m not saying that “Howlin’ Wolf” rockets are loud, but man did it HURT watching Bosco get startled and reach up through the umbilical cord and poke Jasmine in the eyes. Uncle Justus? Toronto called…they want their hearing back. Apparently, the trick to not having the neighbors telephone the local constabulary is to 1) launch on the 4th of July not New Year’s Day, 2) launch BEFORE 3AM not after, 3) launch FIVE rockets, not FIVE hundred, and 4) launch when there is no wind so that the burning ash, brimstone, fireballs and other explosive detritus only lands on Great Uncle Rich’s roof. The group that left for the village fireworks show returned and then we watched the REAL fireworks from Daytona International Speedway during the NASCAR Coke Zero 400 while playing billiards and working the slot machine. We all watched in horror as the strongly disliked Kyle “I Haven’t Won A Championship But My Big Brother Has” Busch first crashed violently into the wall on the final lap and was then horribly rear-ended by Kasey Kahne. For those that remember, it was eerily reminiscent of the crash that took Dale Earnhardt from us. Tony Stewart took home the victory, and to his credit showed an appropriate amount of concern for Busch who was unhurt.</div><div><br />I also managed to tick off another milestone on the expectant father checklist. I had my first dream involving Bosco. The dream involved Bosco as an adult, maybe early 20s, floating in the air in a huge room. The room’s walls were the colors of 1960s mood rings and changed slowly from dark blue to light blue to light green to dark green and back to dark blue. Bosco was arguing with an identified woman who appeared on a giant flat screen in the middle of the room. When the argument ended, the screen went dark and started flipping on several axis. Then my eyes were drawn to the rear of the room. The rear wall split vertically in two and the halves slid open to reveal the darkness of outer space with its blanket of stars. All that could be seen out the doors of the room were the curvature of the moon which curved down from the top of the room and filled a third of the view and behind it, the full sphere of the earth off in the distance. If you have an interpretation, please post.</div><div><br />And now, for this week’s edition of “The Rundown”…all the things that are fit for me to print, which have nothing to do with Bosco and you will likely not read.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Washington Natinals (misspelling intentional…look it up) are third in road attendance in Major League Baseball behind the Cubs and Yankees. Which really begs the question…why?<br /></div><div>Speaking of the Cubs, they have a promotion where they let people run around the bases. Our Natinals have been letting people do that since their INCEPTION…they’re called THE OTHER TEAM.</div><div><br />Did you catch the Gnats’ Austin Kearns sliding….into the middle of the BASEPATH last week? Hey Austin, it’s NINETY feet from first to second, not forty-five! I’m not saying our hometown nine is bad, but the inside of my hockey skates called…they want their stink back!</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfhz4iTu-QA">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfhz4iTu-QA</a></div><div><br />The word from Cooperstown’s veterans committee is that they are seeking to get Roger Maris into the Baseball Hall of Fame as a form of protest that his 61 homers in 1961 was the last great, HONEST season from a genu-wine Major League slugger. Critics point out that 11 of his 61 homers that season were against expansion clubs, and 8 of those 11 came against…yep, my Washington Senators (or is that Sentors? Centaurs, maybe?) Call me confused, but I actually thought Maris was ALREADY in the Hall. OPINION: Best Baseball film ever, “61*” all due respect Bernie Malamud…</div><div> </div><div>Veteran open WHEEL racing announcer Paul Page is now the voice of open MOUTH racing as he calls all of the esophageal exploits of the IFOCE.</div><div> </div><div>This week’s sign the apocalypse is upon us…Centre Court at Wimbledon now features a retractable roof. Seriously? I know they have had their share of rainouts but what’s next? Wimbledon, where after 132 years, NOTHING is a tradition.</div><div> </div><div>Speaking of tennis…Chris Evert spoke out negatively this week on all of the excessive on-court grunting heard from the majority of today’s players on the WTA. What’s all the fuss? Steffi Graf was one of the hardest hitters ever and worked in silence.</div><div> </div><div>Sheryl Crow’s ‘roided-up ex-boyfriend, may be out of contention in the 96th running of the Tour de France. The “Cyclist-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named” fell from second place today to a dismal third. In a sport where you don’t race on the final day, merely parade down the Champs, this means he is effectively done. “Politics of the Peloton” indeed! And to think before the race started last week, he ran smack saying that he was just there as a “support rider” for his team. Sure, pal…the Nixon administration called, they want their prevarication back.</div><div><br />Wake Forest golfer Cheyenne Woods was given a sponsor’s exemption to play in the Wegman’s LPGA tournament at Locust Hill Country Club in Pittsford, NY, however she missed the cut. Uncle Tiger was too busy stalking the blue course at Congressional Country Club here in nearby Bethesda, MD enroute to winning his own tournament, the AT&T Invitational. How exactly are those invitations worded? “In case the cleat marks from me stomping on your game repeatedly this season have healed, do come and let me thrash you at my tournament.”</div><div><br />A moment of silence this week for self-made pitchman and popular cultural phenomenon, Billy Mays who forgot more about selling than I’ll ever learn, veteran character actor Karl Malden from whom we learned never to leave home without the American Express card and that you can always find easy-access parking on the streets of San Francisco whenever you want, and NFL quarterback and NCAA sensation Steve McNair who came within one yard of a Super Bowl title.</div><div> </div><div>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, the original draft was 15 pages. I can’t wait to see where it ends up. But don’t worry, I keep all of the drafts. Maybe someday, we’ll have “Director’s Cut” editions. You know, once blogspot.com updates to terra-drives. Jasmine is pulling on her green eye shade, reaching for a HUGE red Sharpie pen and giving me a throat slashing gesture, which I think is an Italian’s way of saying there’s not enough color to the spaghetti sauce. Tune in next week, where you can read all about the Billy Joel/Elton John “Face to Face” Concert and by popular demand, we will be premiering a new editing format which will help to better organize our posts into things you WANT to read about and things you don’t want to read! Until then, I’ll keep attempting to wear out our computer’s keyboard and y’all keep attempting to rein me in. Please do keep safe and eat your green Peeps!</div><div> </div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-5762097507312619192009-06-26T09:49:00.009-04:002009-06-29T10:48:10.392-04:00The One You Don't Want To Read If You Don't Want To Know Bosco's Sex!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSShWF8DGJAuueFKCEBDJ6HVgSdhzxHOCtVvjyrPbizGJHD8n4M83Jjkw8vdFjFW9pRqyvXbo8xxZz90vayT8toL7F7vcMxhBk0T6xVFTrglLK0Nje7uXWs0FCn7PL9ycQ3Kw1O-HzpX8/s1600-h/06230920weeks.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352760136749565442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSShWF8DGJAuueFKCEBDJ6HVgSdhzxHOCtVvjyrPbizGJHD8n4M83Jjkw8vdFjFW9pRqyvXbo8xxZz90vayT8toL7F7vcMxhBk0T6xVFTrglLK0Nje7uXWs0FCn7PL9ycQ3Kw1O-HzpX8/s320/06230920weeks.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjic9Iw-7fcn4pv4kGF2elzjDSAKSSeUTx0u2B6YyqkbvUuqsZAkoQEgaUqB23CZh5B8X1H-lV7WrdwQoT-HGFk9CKVCBZGYymQ9SGI9X-IDQEymPxLSSkY0sWOrhxm9HVFMX-7jtSpDuA/s1600-h/FullLengthProfile.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 222px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352760129935467506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjic9Iw-7fcn4pv4kGF2elzjDSAKSSeUTx0u2B6YyqkbvUuqsZAkoQEgaUqB23CZh5B8X1H-lV7WrdwQoT-HGFk9CKVCBZGYymQ9SGI9X-IDQEymPxLSSkY0sWOrhxm9HVFMX-7jtSpDuA/s320/FullLengthProfile.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibL_GTm7XwvBRTqe17uNyG0xRIH4NPn9LNZAOYtWCUJKruNb3yqCh0rPpacJepa0bjU_skwhN1e-u_FnUNMhr63cHF3oz_RGA17tNZJeIQDcsHplnkwYJBF7VKKRdhwOEo4rza-hmWVAA/s1600-h/FacialProfile.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 237px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352760127646394674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibL_GTm7XwvBRTqe17uNyG0xRIH4NPn9LNZAOYtWCUJKruNb3yqCh0rPpacJepa0bjU_skwhN1e-u_FnUNMhr63cHF3oz_RGA17tNZJeIQDcsHplnkwYJBF7VKKRdhwOEo4rza-hmWVAA/s320/FacialProfile.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9smzgqc4oARc30OMrmUeKaCxYHfmQ98hgdek0TWTtTcEOshQH8Pw54G7x7aCFbljT3bPqhM2rSPo0rpa98qe1VLjiwMeRdahMteSGmvnitJsdgbhUuFrfStdMKlKqLG0fk9qCzjB3Eg/s1600-h/FacialFront2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 236px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352760119245397698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9smzgqc4oARc30OMrmUeKaCxYHfmQ98hgdek0TWTtTcEOshQH8Pw54G7x7aCFbljT3bPqhM2rSPo0rpa98qe1VLjiwMeRdahMteSGmvnitJsdgbhUuFrfStdMKlKqLG0fk9qCzjB3Eg/s320/FacialFront2.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aC8pQu1zEi9TbMiHZm8kSNENvvLNVMhcRwjzvjQg4QdE_-fsLp5bFqCl271tdOt5mAK4jfALQMM_bpLQ1BXRCLqaewvO2fWKduqEK5SkOC3fzOCvvaxmT1peNuCSu7bJOPY4VNZBcSk/s1600-h/FacialFront.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352760117737404898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aC8pQu1zEi9TbMiHZm8kSNENvvLNVMhcRwjzvjQg4QdE_-fsLp5bFqCl271tdOt5mAK4jfALQMM_bpLQ1BXRCLqaewvO2fWKduqEK5SkOC3fzOCvvaxmT1peNuCSu7bJOPY4VNZBcSk/s320/FacialFront.JPG" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Good evening and welcome to another exciting post of “It’s the Great Fobian Baby Blog, Charlie Brown!”. We’ve given our studio announcer, Mr. Jack Barry, the week off and out of respect to the late, great Ed McMahon, opted for a soft opening tonight instead. So, no guitar chords, no cymbal crashes, no faded rainbow-hued curtains, and of course, no mock-practice golf swings. It’s just me your host and future Dad-to-be, Rob with my amazing wife, Jasmine and of course, the legend we call Bosco, coming to you very much live, high in the air, from the set of the “51st State Studios”. As always, we’ve got a great post for you tonight…TV’s greatest private investigator (NEVER P.I., except in the opening credits!) Tom Selleck is here, we’ll have a review of this week’s OB visit, a Father’s Day wrap-up, in case you missed it in tonight’s title we have the announcement of Bosco’s sex and much, much more. A very special welcome to our three newest followers: “Brian”, “jack.blevins” and “Tony”. Unfortunately, if you’re expecting any swag, we blew it all out last week, but once again, welcome! As always, thank you to ALL of our followers and anonymous readers for letting us come into your computers each week. Don’t go away…we’ll be right back!</div><br /><div>Tonight’s post is brought to you by: Westinghouse, The Home Depot, Ultrasound Associates, Physicians for Women, Children’s Medical Associates, Geritol, YouTube.com, Eastman-Kodak, National Geographic, Nabisco Oreo Cookies, Alfa Romeo Automobiles, International Auto Parts in Charlottesville, VA, Rita’s Water Ice and Custard, Silver Diner Restaurants, Castrol Motor Oil, Graco Pack ‘n Play, Babee-Tenda Cribs, Sports Illustrated, Bubba Burgers, Disney’s “Tarzan”, Budweiser Select and finally, Boog Powell’s BBQ Restaurant at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Disclaimer: And by “brought to you by” we mean that we did not receive ANY compensation for mentioning these products and or companies. This is merely a feeble comedic attempt to whet your reading appetite for what is to come.</div><br /><div>We begin with a moment of silence tonight for the aforementioned Mr. Ed McMahon as well as actress Farrah Fawcett, entertainer Michael Jackson, Mr. John Houghtaling, and those killed in the Metro derailment on June 22nd in Washington, DC.</div><br /><div>.</div><br /><div>You already know the story of Ed McMahon, however I wanted to be sure and acknowledge his service during World War II as a fighter pilot with the United States Marine Corps. He was also a test pilot and flight instructor. In 1952, he was sent to Korea to fly OE-1 Bird Dogs (as seen in the film “Bat-21”) on air tactical control and artillery spotting missions. After the war, he remained in the Marine Reserves and retired with the rank of Colonel in 1966 and later commissioned as a Brigadier General in the California Air National Guard.</div><br /><div>Although she was not permitted to grace my bedroom wall, Farrah Fawcett did so in over one-million others, if the sales figures are correct. The last few months of her life were very inspirational and showed a side of a public figure that we seldom see. She appeared weak, and yet was never stronger. And she was married to my childhood hero, the Six-Million-Dollar-Man…</div><br /><div>You also know the story of Michael Jackson…let’s not forget following the illness and death of Ryan White, Jackson spoke out publicly to raise awareness of AIDS and HIV at a time when it was very controversial to do so. He did impactful charity work with his unlikely best friend, Hollywood legend, Elizabeth Taylor and even asked the Clinton Administration during their Inaugural Gala for increased financial support for AIDS and HIV charities and research. That moonwalk thing was pretty sick, too…I still can’t do it.</div><br /><div>You don’t know the story of John Houghtaling, but I’m sure many of you “felt” the impact of his inventions on multiple occasions. In 1958, Mr. Houghtaling invented a machine that would change the hospitality business forever. From the time he invented it, until the mid-70’s you could drop $0.25 in a bedside box and as Mr. Houghtaling himself coined (lol!), “It quickly takes you into the land of tingling, relaxation and ease.” To be accurate, Mr. Houghtaling didn’t invent the vibrating bed, merely perfected it by personally testing out 300 motors in his bed at home so that the motor didn’t shake the whole bed, but merely created a gentle, vibrating sensation through the bed frame and springs. Those of you in the loss-prevention industry might be interested to know that malfeasance killed the vibrating bed as coins were often pilfered from the bedside boxes before they could be collected by the proprietors. In 1976, this lead Mr. Houghtaling to patent a device that would read a magnetic strip on a card negating the need for coins. The strip reader was ahead of its time, and his son said in his obituary this week that he never made any money from it. As with Ed McMahon, I would be re-miss if I didn’t also mention Mr. Houghtaling’s military service. Perhaps his most remarkable achievement in life was having flown 20 missions as a gunner in a B-17 bomber during World War II. Yet another of our “Greatest Generation” who gave so much and shall give no more…</div><br /><div>Bosco had another exciting week! This is now week 20, so we are at the halfway mark. Jasmine and I just can’t believe how time is flying by. In some ways, it still seems like yesterday when we were filled with anxiety at our IUI visit to the Muasher Clinic. And yet in other ways, given how much we’ve done and has happened to and for us, week 1 seems so long ago, too! We began week 20 with a visit to the inimitable offices of Physicians for Women and the world-class Bosco care of Dr. Salgado. After a short drive and a short elevator ride we were once again checking in at the doctor’s office when I noticed…THE SIGN. Upon reading it, my first thought was, “I hope Jasmine doesn’t see THE SIGN!”…which of course, she did. THE SIGN said, “If you park in the shopping center next door, you will be towed!”</div><br /><div>Quickly, Jasmine turned to me and suggested we move D’Artagnan since he was left in the aforementioned tow-away zone. It was a few moments before our appointment, so I had to quickly formulate how to avoid going down to move D’Artagnan while also convincing Jasmine that he wouldn’t be towed. “Yeah…I’ll just buy a slurpee or something from one of the stores in the shopping center when we go back down…we’re good.” Then THE VOICE came from behind the receptionist’s desk.</div><br /><div>"If you park in the shopping center next door, you will be towed”, the receptionist politely said, as if I HADN’T read the sign.</div><br /><div></div><div>"Really? I can’t just buy a slurpee or something on the way down?”, I said amusing myself and not the receptionist, and most definitely not Jasmine.</div><br /><div>"If you park in the shopping center next door, you will be towed.” she repeated, as if I didn’t understand English…</div><br /><div>I was thoroughly entertained, but Jasmine stated firmly, “Rob, dude-buddy, can you please be a husband and move the car?”</div><br /><div>"Sure..see you in a bit.” And I made for the elevator. Fortunately, the shopping center is literally right next door to the doctor’s office, but I couldn’t use the driveway 20 feet from where we parked because it was being blocked by a delivery truck, so I had to go out onto Seminary Road, work the square of lights around the I-395 interchange and come in the backside of the doctor’s office. I quickly found a spot in the garage and made my way to the lobby. When I got to the lobby, I noticed lots of people waiting for the elevator and the up button was being repeatedly pressed, but not lighting. I wasn’t sure if this meant the light was simply not lighting or if the button was broken so, the elevator wouldn’t know to stop there. I mean, we had just ridden it up 15 minutes ago; it couldn’t have JUST broken, could it? Not wanting to wait around and find out and possibly miss Bosco’s appointment, I ran for the stairs taking them two at a time like Barry Allen and then like Clinton Portis, I stared at my thighs in horror as I watched my breakaway speed leach from my body in real time, at about the second landing.</div><br /><div></div><div>Did I mention the doctor’s office is on the…ELEVENTH FLOOR!?!?!? And there were TWO flights of stairs per floor?!?!?</div><br /><div>I muscled on and arrived at the 11th floor in mere “hours” before brutally crashing into the door and learning that for “security reasons” the 11th floor door is to remain locked at ALL times. If anyone who works in the building security industry can explain why a stairwell door would be locked from the inside when the building itself is open, I’m all ears. Retreating back to the 10th floor, I waited a few moments for the elevator and quickly arrived at the 11th floor.<br />You know that sound that old cars make in the winter when they are warming up and if you touch the accelerator pedal the least little bit they sound like they are going to explode? Yeah, I didn’t sound quite as good as that. I think the receptionist thought I was the one having the baby. Apparently, there’s this thing called “cardio-vascular exercise” that has just started sweeping the nation. I gotta’ get on that train! After Jasmine wiped the concern off her face, we went in to see Dr. Salgado.</div><br /><div>And we are pleased to report that Bosco got good marks, yet again! The baby’s pulse was a strong 148 bpm and has a nice John Bonham kick-bass thump to it and is no longer a swish-swish. We set our next appointment for the end of July, but not before Dr. Salgado gave us a written order for a 20 week ultrasound sonogram, just on the other side of the I-395 interchange at The Monticello apartment building office suites.</div><br /><div>So, on Wednesday of this week we visited Ultrasound Associates and after a 45 minute delay, we were seen by a very talented sonographist who was equal parts Keith Emerson and German Kriegsmarine U-Boot sonar specialist. She took all of the images that you see here. And there can be NO QUESTION Bosco is our child. In order to get pictures of all of Bosco’s systems, the sonographist needed lots of different angels. Things were going very smoothly until it was time to see Bosco’s heart. This is a tricky angle because the sensor has to “shoot through” the side of the baby in order to see all four chambers of the heart. Bosco it seems had turned, (Jasmine believes in indignation after the privates were photographed…) uncooperatively placing the spine between the heart and the sensor and the sonographist wasn’t satisfied with the shot she was getting. So, she asked us if we wanted to wait for a few moments in the lobby or come back another time. We elected to wait and after a few minutes, we “took the submarine down and raised the periscope” and looked again. This time, she got what she felt were good views of Bosco’s heart. We also listened to Bosco’s heart again as we had done earlier in the week and it was running at an equally strong 146 bpm.</div><br /><div>Science is an incredible thing for those of you who might be new around here. The quality of the images is simply stunning; unfortunately the scanned prints here really don’t do the video images justice. We saw Disney’s “Tarzan” again over the weekend, which contained the song lyric, “For one so small, you seem so strong.” (which we also coincidentally heard while in the waiting room at Ultrasound Associates!) And this expresses my thoughts perfectly. It was life-changing to see Bosco in Jasmine’s womb being very active and moving around right before my eyes! In summary, I think it’s eugenics at its finest what with Jasmine’s immense brain and my immense skull, the two I think will make for very good companions in Bosco. We hope you enjoy viewing these pictures as much as we had seeing them taken.</div><br /><div>Bumper sticker seen on a rusty, pick-up seen on the way home: “If you can’t feed them, don’t breed them!” Should I mention the truck had West Virginia license plates?</div><br /><div></div><div>Although we didn’t have as much control in the timing of Bosco’s conception as other families have with their children, I was pleased that we conceived Bosco while Jasmine and I could each celebrate a Mother’s Day and Father’s Day respectively with Bosco in-utero. It’s been hard seeing 9 of these holidays go by since we’ve been married. While we’re fortunate that we can celebrate our own fathers’ and mothers’ holidays, we began to wonder if we’d ever celebrate our own parenthood.</div><br /><div>I’m very big on “firsts”. Needless to say, this Father’s Day was an exceptionally good Father’s Day. In part because it was the first and in part because I have someone like Jasmine to help me celebrate and make it a special day. As has become the custom in our family whenever someone has a day to celebrate, the day started with presents in bed. I received a very nice Italian-designed, navy-blue polo (my favorite color), a onesie for Bosco which is white with red pinstripes that reads “Daddy’s Team” and finally an early-reader Golden Book which shows and tells about lots of different fathers and the fun things they do with their kids. I have taken to reading to Bosco nightly and I’m sure this will become one of our regular favorites. Next, it was off to breakfast at another favorite, our local Silver Diner in Springfield. I had old school pancakes, salsiccia, scrambled eggs and an iced tea. After returning home, I called my brother and we shared mutual Father’s Day greetings. I then set about moving Jasmine’s dresser, which was my Grandmother’s, as well as finally hanging the accompanying mirror. All of this is to make room for a Graco Pack ‘n Play which will serve as a place for Bosco to sleep in the first few weeks. (Bosco’s Babee-Tenda crib is too large to move in and out of the nursery.) Jasmine also spoke with her parents. We gave Papa Fran an autographed Boog Powell baseball bat and he was calling to say it was a great surprise and that he hoped in the dark of night it would not get mistaken for a tool to assist with the homeland defense. I later spoke with my in-laws directly and they again re-iterated what a treasure they had received.</div><br /><div>Additionally, I also honored the tradition of Father’s Day with a phone call to my own father. For his gift, I made him a lamp out of a Castrol oil container. This is not just any Castrol oil container, mind you. For those of you familiar with, “The Great Fobian Father and Son Alfa-Romeo Adventure of 2007” you might recall we had to top off the car’s oil upon learning the owner could not be bothered to secure the oil cap. This Castrol oil container’s contents likely made, or kept, the trip a reality. The lamp is also festooned with an after-market Alfa-Romeo hood badge as well as a plaque reading, “If it’s not giving you trouble, it’s not an Alfa!”</div><br /><div>For those of you NOT familiar with “The Great Fobian Father and Son Alfa-Romeo Adventure of 2007”, I hope you’ll be able to read the novelization soon wherever you buy books and who knows? Maybe even see the story played out on the big screen wherever you see movies. In the meantime, just ask me or my father at the next cocktail party you see us at for the original and genuine story.</div><br /><div>In tribute to the notorious unreliability of Alfa-Romeos and the heat and humidity of an August sun in the Old Dominion State, the lamp arrived to my father needing…sigh…more work. The oil container which forms the stem of the lamp had become unglued from the base in shipping so, he is looking at ways to refasten the two pieces together. Polyethylene, which is what the container is made of, is VERY hard to adhere to anything. He has assured me, if he can’t glue it with another adhesive, he’ll install two L-Brackets on the back side of the lamp instead. Needless to say, we here at the “51st State Studios” are anxiously awaiting word and are expecting a “State of the Lamp Address” forthwith. If it is not posted directly on the blog, we’ll pass it along second-hand.</div><br /><div>Later in the afternoon of that first Father’s Day Sunday, my Mom called and I was able to invite her to custard. What’s custard, you ask? It is to ice cream as Jaguars are to Alfa-Romeos. Rita’s Water Ice and Custard out of Trevose, Pennsylvania has expanded into the Washington, DC market and there is now a stand at the Landmark Plaza at I-395 and Duke Street/Little River Turnpike. I am also hearing from the “Dairy Godmother Mafia” that THEIR custard is the prize of our area. Now, I’m not saying that we’re approaching the “Kopp’s-Gilles Wars of Milwaukee” but competition is always a good thing. And as I’m sure my father would say, “Well, it all depends on what part of town you’re from…” as to where the best custard is and as I’m sure my Grandfather would say, “There is no custard war in Milwaukee. Gilles is the best, my boy…” I’ll save judgment until we can actually get down to The Dairy Godmother. Heck, maybe we’ll let Bosco make the final decision…</div><br /><div>Father’s Day finally drew to a close with some of my favorite things. Fresh, cold beer, fresh, grilled Bubba Burgers and fresh, fast NASCAR road racing from Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California. Let’s give it up for 5:00PM EST green flags! Congrats to Casey Kahne for his first career NASCAR road racing win. Don’t miss the “Loud Pedal Circus” this week as they’re headed to the New Hampshire International Speedway, or simply “Loudoun”. New Hampshire’s motto is, “Live Free or Die!” and I have it on the best authority from my New England network that they take that motto VERY seriously there.</div><br /><div>Ok, it’s time for “The Rundown” which will be a review and comment on current events and sports not previously covered. The hate mail errrrr…I mean, “constructive criticism mail” came regarding last week’s post so, I’m going to try and keep “The Rundown” separate from the Bosco news. As you can see, THIS week I did a SUPERB job of that….And to a certain member of the Nevada State Bar Association, I was reminded by my Aunt this week in an unrelated reference that upon writing one of his compositions, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was called to the court in Vienna and told his masterpiece had “too many notes”. To which, Mozart replied that the composition would stand as it contained not one note too many, nor one too few.<br />And now, this week’s Rundown…My condolences to Brian Collins late of KXXV television in Waco, TX whose contract was not renewed this week. Brian’s first telecast when he was but a 19 year old college freshman filling in became an overnight Internet sensation and was later dubbed in academic communications circles as “The Collins Incident”. In case you missed it, here’s the link:</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGnUnadHiZk">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGnUnadHiZk</a><br /><br />It's very important that you should know that it was also the teleprompter operator’s first night on the job AND Brian’s notes were NOT in the proper order, which explains his performance. I read an article recently where he said he is still proud of the fact that while it was a disaster, he did not give up and saw it through. And really? Is there a better catch phrase than, “BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE!”? I know I’ll be using it on Bosco’s diaper changes!</div><br /><div>Congratulations to my childhood hero, Steve Yzerman for his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame this week. He won three Stanley Cups as a player with the Detroit Red Wings, was the youngest ever participant in an NHL All-Star Game as a rookie at age 18, was the youngest NHL captain ever in 1986 at age 21 and served as captain for 20 seasons (the longest captaincy streak by any player when he retired in 2006), he is the sixth leading scorer in NHL history and finally, my two favorite Yzerman stats: he played his whole career with one team AND he wore #19 in honor of Paul Henderson.</div><br /><div>Begrudging congratulations also to Brett Hull for his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame this week. “The Golden Brett” joins his father, “The Golden Jet” Bobby Hull as the first father and son to make it into the Hockey Hall of Fame. I say begrudgingly because (say it with me Western New York), “It was STILL no goal, Brett!”</div><br /><div>We’ll miss former Red Wing and Soviet sensation, Sergei Federov playing for the Washington Capitals again next season. After two years in Washington, the Capitals announced he is off to his native Russia to play in the Elite League and close out what is also a Hall of Fame career.</div><br /><div>Props to Red Wings defenseman and hockey legend, Chris Chelios who wants to play another season, but it likely won’t be in Detroit. Chris’ birthday? January 25th…1962!</div><br /><div>From the “Legal File” from our home offices in Henderson, Nevada…So, rapper Chris Brown gets probation for beating up his girlfriend, singer Rihanna? Mike Vick gets 23 months for his crimes? But Lee Crider gets 3 years for stealing Sheryl Crow’s, roided-up ex-boyfriend’s bicycle valued at $10,000?</div><br /><div>Condolences to people who have enjoyed Kodachrome slide film for 74 years. Kodak announced this week that they are discontinuing Kodachrome and expect supplies to last until early fall. What? They didn’t consult with my father who is no doubt single handedly liquidating the remaining film stocks personally? Dwayne’s Photo in Parsons, KS is the only photo finishing shop in the land that can still process Kodachrome and has said they will continue to do so through 2010. No word yet from Paul Simon if a new song on the death of the iconic slide film is in the works. Kodak has also announced they will host an online gallery of the best user submitted Kodachrome pics, here’s your link:</div><br /><div><a href="http://homepage.1000words.kodak.com/default.asp?item=2388083&CID=go&idhbx=kodachrometribute">http://homepage.1000words.kodak.com/default.asp?item=2388083&CID=go&idhbx=kodachrometribute</a></div><br /><div>Does anyone find it odd that Kodak claims consumer preference for digital photography killed Kodachrome and yet, they are “hosting” an “online gallery” of Kodachrome pics? It’s just not the same without Dad cursing over the slide projector from the back of the darkened dining room…sorry, Dad.</div><br /><div>The most famous Kodachrome images are of Ms. Sharbat Gula, an Afghan girl first photographed in 1986 by Steve McCurry with National Geographic and then again in 2002. You know the photos, now you get to know, as Paul Harvey might say, “…the REST of the story…”. Here’s your link:</div><br /><div><a href="http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2002/04/afghan-girl/index-text">http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2002/04/afghan-girl/index-text</a></div><br /><div>I read in Sports Illustrated recently where epic (thanks, Jim Rome!) New England Patriots quarterback, Tom Brady wants to play another 10 years and maybe beyond his 41st birthday. Too bad this would make him the second oldest active player behind Brett Favre. Seriously, Brett…Geritol called…they want their PILLS back!</div><br /><div>Nice to see epic (thanks, again Jim Rome!) shortstop, Ozzie Smith still getting it done…we saw him shagging grounders in an in-studio segment where he was teaching right hand throwing viewers to take groundballs from their left instep. Who knew? I mean besides Hall of Fame, Gold Glove shortstops? By taking it at your left instep your hips are already turned TOWARD the direction of your throw AND you get the blocking benefit of your foot should the ball get through your glove. Are you listening Buckner?!?!?!?! Sorry, Tony P….By the way, Ozzie Smith’s birthday? December 26th…1954!</div><br /><div>Before we go, here’s a special message from actor Tom Selleck on the importance of fathers involving themselves in their daughters lives with special thanks to Clan Rosewall for the link:</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A2Ap3DyvLg">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A2Ap3DyvLg</a></div><br /><div>And finally, a sign that the apocalypse is upon us…Strawberry Oreos? Seriously?!?!? Oreos are cookies that are comprised of two chocolate cookies with vanilla cream in the middle. THAT’S IT! THAT’S THE LIST! Senator Strawberry? I served with Oreo. I know Oreo. Oreo is a friend of mine. Senator Strawberry, you’re no Oreo! Of course, Strawberry would probably respond, “That was really uncalled for, Rob.” To which I would have to fire back, “You’re the one making the comparison, Senator Strawberry!”</div><br /><div>Well, boys and girls, we’ve reached the end of tonight’s post. I mean, assuming you “drank from the firehose” and got this far, of course! (Thanks, Tony P!) From all of us here at the “51st State Studios”, good night and remember…Please keep safe and eat your green vegetables! As a programming note, the studio will unfortunately be “dark” next week so that we may crimp additional tinfoil onto our hats. Thanks for stopping by; we’re glad you’re here. If you enjoyed yourself, tell all your friends and send them OUR link. If you didn’t enjoy yourself, tell Jasmine. We…are…OUT OF HERE!</div><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>(Jasmine from the other room…) Did you remember to tell them it’s a boy?</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5999804565074322917.post-90275321845234177932009-06-18T10:25:00.002-04:002009-06-18T10:33:47.206-04:00The Hardest Post<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQyLGGRDxslhdHI6VPj34vR5vlqOo9WOsDLzRNKvyEfgtByXXGPA_9EVNvex4AXivdGbs6GSMTIVmUw2ELRpKtc0IEIz21fL1ld7W_lpYxLAg5x8h6IIKKME6-jvhIXEoUt_d91mm2u0/s1600-h/Nursery306122009.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348674123740832802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQyLGGRDxslhdHI6VPj34vR5vlqOo9WOsDLzRNKvyEfgtByXXGPA_9EVNvex4AXivdGbs6GSMTIVmUw2ELRpKtc0IEIz21fL1ld7W_lpYxLAg5x8h6IIKKME6-jvhIXEoUt_d91mm2u0/s320/Nursery306122009.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYH1-Rh9i3iRhikstrYTPh2NyeqVe6VrU1mN1miWy2-c2XyTFgMb0r6DfobwyNNdyTiI_ryZfLXqcfUW8amykMgi9L1GRYU3UpSAJ53pGX0AeD1DeQ-8y7w_M0oexuDSOkoFB9oihA8k/s1600-h/Nursery106122009.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348674116372883954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYH1-Rh9i3iRhikstrYTPh2NyeqVe6VrU1mN1miWy2-c2XyTFgMb0r6DfobwyNNdyTiI_ryZfLXqcfUW8amykMgi9L1GRYU3UpSAJ53pGX0AeD1DeQ-8y7w_M0oexuDSOkoFB9oihA8k/s320/Nursery106122009.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIhnbNjIFeOFzh2SHytl7vVhufeDRgsQqn62qnCW1WDnWwHYCkRL_QfIN53MHUPjrsHjmgcMvoKoXC-A-X22LHrri4PqPGcugKvnNoiVTcoeQoeuzBJsx5_2_XI4OtSH9PUWNC4K_bBo/s1600-h/Nuresery206122009.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348674112539021794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIhnbNjIFeOFzh2SHytl7vVhufeDRgsQqn62qnCW1WDnWwHYCkRL_QfIN53MHUPjrsHjmgcMvoKoXC-A-X22LHrri4PqPGcugKvnNoiVTcoeQoeuzBJsx5_2_XI4OtSH9PUWNC4K_bBo/s320/Nuresery206122009.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHoCOupu27lLWDlIyCPgQ5O0_3to1qVVFoJeVMCXYERsAy0dDpAydUGmX4xKHbdPdc8v6sJjpet8NGSyNuEHETA22Q-c06sdrfHUarIbkAJf2imk3VN4dwGu9CvtqalTH_8Zj0MSZIeQ/s1600-h/Belly06162009.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348674104483225618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHoCOupu27lLWDlIyCPgQ5O0_3to1qVVFoJeVMCXYERsAy0dDpAydUGmX4xKHbdPdc8v6sJjpet8NGSyNuEHETA22Q-c06sdrfHUarIbkAJf2imk3VN4dwGu9CvtqalTH_8Zj0MSZIeQ/s320/Belly06162009.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> And now! Live from the “51st State Studios” in Alexandria, Virginia…It’s the grrrrrrrrrrrrreat Fobian family baby blog, Charlie Brown! With your host and future Dad…let’s give it up for Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrob!</div><div><br /> (faded, patched rainbow hued polyester curtains part…)</div><div><br /> Good evening to you one and all and welcome, welcome to another fine edition of our blog. How about that great introduction from our new studio announcer, game show great Jack Barry, eh? Jack’s under an open ended contract, with lots of vacation clauses, so I would expect we’ll have some guest announcers from time to time. As always, we have another top shelf post for you! Despite rumors to the contrary from last week’s post we actually DO have Pearl Jam for you this week (sort of…) as well as Apple Martin’s favorite band, Coldplay (also sort of…). Please stick around and as a recommendation from the home offices in Dulles, Virginia, one of our followers had great success reading our blog with the TV show “Deadliest Catch” on in the background. So fire up your barbie, find some shrimp and we’ll be rrrrrrrrrrrright back!</div><div><br /> (cymbals crash, electric guitar chords blast, Rob tries to hit an imaginary golf ball on the tee with an imaginary club…and looks like a rusty gate…curtains close)</div><div><br /> Much respect to the late great Johnny Carson for letting me horribly steal his golf swing and curtains. Conan’s good, Jay was better but the ONLY person who should ever host “The Tonight Show” is Johnny Carson. I have many fond memories of watching Johnny when I was but a lad. It’s still hard to believe he hasn’t done “The Tonight Show” in over 17 years. But the world, she keeps a-spinnin’…</div><div><br /> Our blog’s content hopper has just filed for its own zipcode so climb up on my virtual knee and let’s get right to it…A bit of explanation about today’s title is in order. When I was a freshman in college, I enjoyed participating in the university’s communications program, specifically the radio station. We used to keep Saturday nights from midnight to 2AM open on the program schedule. If we had someone available to take the shift, great… if not, we pulled the pin, and threw “The Big Red Switch” and turned the station over to an autopilot easy listening station, which I’m certain had more listeners than our own campus-made programming.</div><div><br /> From time-to-time we would get random students in the station office with the gleeful yet dreaded, “I’d like to do my own radio show…” usually followed by the sounds of their own uncontrollable giggling. It was as if they had been sitting in their dorm room with the drapes pulled and the lights off doing intros for songs on the local FM stations before summoning up the courage to come in and profess their life-long radio dreams.</div><div><br /> From there they would meet with either the program director or his assistant and they would ask them a few questions to gauge the feasibility of putting the potential broadcast grenade into our service. Without fail, the discussion would typically end with the infamous, “Well, let’s see…slots on the station are REALLY tight right now, but we do have an opening this Saturday from midnight to 2AM. Are you interested?” The person would either: say yes (and then freeze for a second when they realized they just pressed the detonator on their social life), or they would say no (because they saw the imaginary detonator for themselves).</div><div><br /> Nearly all the new talent would come in for their first show and do REALLY well. Then, virtually 99% of the new talent would come in before their SECOND show and say something like, “I had a GREAT time doing a show last week, but I can’t really come up with enough material for another show…” The program director would usually respond with, “Radio is a tough business and it’s definitely not for everyone. Are you sure you don’t want to come back and just introduce and spin records, and read our PSA’s? I can give you a song playlist and have your vinyl pulled when you get here…” (Note: This was the late 80’s. The use of the word playlist here means a WRITTEN list of songs and the numeric sorting code of the record so you could pull them from the shelves as you played each one. No iPods in those days boys and girls!)</div><div><br /> “No thank you, I just wanted to come by and tell you I wasn’t coming back this week…”</div><div><br /> “That’s too bad…really”, the program director would say, “I had to fight real hard to get you that spot. Is there someone else on your hall maybe that’s interested?” And the cycle would repeat itself. The point is, everyone has one GREAT radio show or one GREAT blog post, the challenge is coming back and duplicating your efforts. Of course, I have conveniently pre-empted this with my brash “content- hopper-zipcode” remark, so we’ll see I guess. As a reminder, your comments are ALWAYS welcome. It is after all, YOUR blog…I’m just living in it…</div><div><br /> In reading over last week’s blog in preparation for this week, I realized that an egregious (thanks for the word, Jazz…) error took place. I forgot to mention the in-utero name for the baby! When Jasmine was in-utero she went by “Bosco” and we have elected to use this name, too. For those of you that were unaware of this, we (which is to say, I…) sincerely apologize. When Jasmine was Bosco she even had her own transport. Some of you may remember my in-laws’ “Bosco Bus”. For the uninitiated, Bosco Bus was a VW Westie Pop-Top Bus. Best of all, it was painted gastro-intestinal errrr…chocolate brown with matching scotch-plaid interior. The Germans have never been much for attractive vehicles, just well engineered ones. Those VW buses also weren’t much for performance. In fact, they wouldn’t pass ANYTHING--except the gas station, of course. I’m pretty sure the VW bus actually MADE gasoline as it burned it. That’s why they don’t make them anymore…Not to mention, there was never a better interview vehicle, right Papa Fran?</div><div><br /> Some additional history on Bosco (thanks Dad!)…There was a John Bosco of Italy who is a saint of the Catholic Church and possible Alfa Romeo owner and/or driver (more on that next week...). He is also known as Don Bosco. He founded the Salesian Order of Teaching Priests. There was a Don Bosco High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 1945 – 1972, when it merged with another high school. The 50’s brought us a chocolate drink mix called Bosco (like Hershey’s or Nestle’s) which sponsored several children’s shows. Also, you may remember the character B.A. Baracus from the A-Team, and you guessed it, the B stands for Bosco, really. It wasn’t until we decided on Bosco as a temporary name that I found this out myself. I always thought B.A. meant “Bad A**”. B.A. was played by Mr. T whose real name is Laurence Tureaud, fools! If I missed any Bosco trivia, please as always, send it to our comments section…</div><div><br /> But I digress! The first of many no doubt…moving on…</div><div><br /> I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and give much respect to our first round of 9 official followers. Thank you “AGrammy”, “jmd”, “andrew.martin”, “ice doctor”, “Chandria Slaughter”, “GLouise”, “Olivia Schramm”, “Chrissy”, and “Broccoli”! You are now all officially “THE NINE”. I know there are many of you also reading the blog regularly that in some cases share living space and or computers with “THE NINE”. And also there are many of you out there reading anonymously. Thank you all very much for letting us come into your computers each week.</div><div><br /> Also, special recognition to our weekly prize winners “jmd”, “Tony P.” and “AGrammy”. Congratulations to “jmd” for posting the first comment! “jmd” has won an ALL expenses paid trip to newly re-discovered “Joe’s Place Pizza and Pasta” at their previously hidden franchise located in Vienna, Virginia. If you can find a better pizza and pasta buffet for less than $7.95 in the DC area, Mama mia, BUY IT and let us know! And by ALL expenses paid trip we mean inclusive of local ground transportation, lodging and of course, Joe’s!</div><div><br /> Congratulations also go out to “Tony P.” for having the subjectively BEST comment post of the week! “Tony P.” wins a six pack of Natti light beer, or whatever domestically brewed beer is cheaper, his choice. Natti light…if you’re drinking beer, you’re not drinking Natti light! And yes, my “Bill Simmons Online Publishing Degree” shingle hangs proudly, right below my rec-league ice hockey trophy. As I said last week, what I lack in quality I more than make up for in quantity.</div><div><br /> And a final congratulations to “AGrammy” who has won a golden movie ticket to the cinema of her choice in honor of becoming our first follower!</div><div><br /> Well, this week was another really action packed week. It started with me locking all of my keys in our basement storage area at 11PM, then realizing in horror that we only had one key to the storage area. I actually did consider for a moment calling our building’s emergency line, but then thought the better of it and waited until morning when I could get a spare from the management office. This also meant I had to wake my sleeping pregnant wife by calling her on the cell phone to let her know she had to buzz me up when I reached the vestibule intercom. She of course wanted to know why I was calling home in the middle of the night on my cell phone when that is where I was supposed to be in the first place. You haven’t had insomnia until you’ve locked your keys in an inaccessible area overnight, I’ll tell you that! And yes, I’ve had multiple copies made since this incident.</div><div><br /> I’m also beginning to wonder if everything one needs to learn about parenting can be learned at Harris Teeter…I saw a toddler giving his Mother the hand-sign for the word “more” because he was hungry. Stupidly, I said, “WOW! Your deaf toddler can sign really well!” After I picked myself up off the cold linoleum floor, she said, “Actually…children can learn to sign very quickly in their development…” Who knew? I mean besides informed people…</div><div><br /> In yet another sign that a baby is upon us…Our beloved 2003 Saturn Vue “D’Artagnan” now has a broken CD player. Jasmine says it will ONLY play Disney CDs. I’ve looked it up, but there are no service bulletins on this. I guess even D’Artagnan knows he’ll be hauling a baby around soon. Sorry Papa Fran but rest assured, I received a notice from Saturn this week about ceiling mounted automatic noise-cancelling ear plugs. Jasmine finds this paragraph suspicious since when I picked her up from a conference today, the Disney CDs were still playing without her in the car.</div><div><br /> BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL NEWS DIGRESSION WARNING! Speaking of Saturn, it was announced this week that Captain of Industry and auto racing impresario Roger Penske will buy Saturn from General Motors. The deal will be closed in the third quarter. Penske has stated that he only wants his company to handle dealership relations and distribution and NOT manufacturing. He is currently seeking a manufacturing partner. The early money is on Tata Motors of Mumbai, India. Tata stole…I mean “acquired” my beloved Jaguar also recently and is currently the nineteenth largest automobile manufacturer. Speaking of money…In my view, Saturn stock is a definite buy right now (or upon divestiture from GM). Penske is one of the most underrated moguls in the world. Everything he touches turns into a success. Just ask Rick Mears…but don’t take my word for it, DO YOUR HOMEWORK!</div><div><br /> In the home improvement department, our manse took a great step forward this week towards accommodating our first baby. Wait a TIC!…I am finally receiving an in-utero transmission from an old soup can and some bailing wire which I rigged up for Bosco. “THANK YOU GREAT AUNT MARY K AND GREAT AUNT LEANNE FOR HELPING TO PAINT MY NURSERY THIS WEEK!” We have some pictures here, but since I can’t take good photos, the color really doesn’t come through very well. Apparently, you need balanced light to take a good picture…again, who knew? Besides good-photo-taker-read-his-camera-manual-guy, I mean…<br />Several years ago I took Jasmine to the beach for her birthday and the hotel we stayed in was painted sage with white trim. The calming effect of this color was extremely powerful to me. Of course, it may have been the 24 hour room service, ocean view and club-floor access, but I’m not sure…I always thought I’d like to have a room that color and now I do. Or Bosco does at least. Jasmine is still waiting for the 24 hour room service and ocean view.</div><div><br /> Since Jasmine suffers from asthma, we looked into VOC free paints which would have no “out gas emissions”. We settled on a brand called Freshaire. As LeAnne will attest, the color went on well and indeed, no smell! Freshaire and other paints like them do come with some negatives. Freshaire is only sold by the gallon (we only needed one for Bosco’s suite), and it sells for 20% more than the other non-VOC free brands. Also, although we ended up loving the color on the walls even more than the sample, the Freshaire palette is much more limited than other non-VOC free brands. Jasmine picked non-Freshaire colors first and then we matched her favorites to the eventual Freshaire winner which is called “Northern Pear Tree”. It matches very well with the Pergo flooring, crib and the crib’s pachydermed mobile. I apologize that the photos do not show a completed nursery yet, but I ran into some hardware problems with the A/C access panel and am still working to solve them. So, it’s good bye “Man Land” errr…..I mean, “Guest Room” and hello nursery! Thanks again MaryK and LeAnne, it wouldn’t have gotten done without you, nor done as well without your guidance and labor.</div><div><br /> Overheard this week at our Silver Diner: “Meatloaf is only supposed to be on the menu NOT the jukebox!” For those of you scoring at home, Silver Diner (a local 50’s retro-themed chrome diner) started celebrating their 20th anniversary this week. As part of the celebration they have re-tooled their jukebox with selections from the 70’s and 80’s to include the aforementioned Mr. Loaf’s “Paradise By The Dashboard Light”. The writers of this blog give the move, two gravy-covered thumbs up.</div><div><br /> We’d like to take a moment of silence this week for Stephen Tyrone Johns, a security guard who was killed in the line of duty last week at the United States Holocaust Museum. If you are protected by security guards, please thank them. Your car’s battery that needs a jump after work on the coldest night of the year or your very life may depend on it. We’re also taking a moment of silence this week for Norman Brinker. Mr. Brinker developed several revolutionary concepts in the restaurant industry to include: founding Steak and Ale (the first, full service yet casual chain of restaurants) where he introduced the salad bar, and the novel waiter introduction, “Hi, my name is _____, and I’ll be your waiter tonight.” Also, his ad campaign at Burger King which took direct aim at McDonald’s and started “The Burger War”, and finally, his third wife was Nancy Goodman whose sister was Susan G. Komen. I can hear my father saying, “Well, hello to you. My name is _____, and I’ll be your customer tonight…” ;)</div><div><br />.</div><div><br /> Congratulations to The Pittsburgh Penguins for knocking off my hometown Detroit Red Wings 2-1 on Saturday night at Joe Louis Arena to win Lord Stanley’s Cup, 4 games to 3. After Detroit won game 5 by a score of 5-0, I thought for sure with two chances to close out the series they would, but it was Pittsburgh who would win Games 6 AND 7. Sidney Crosby becomes the youngest captain to win the Cup at age 21. With all due respect, may it be his last. I was disappointed to see that Crosby failed to shake hands with all of the Red Wings’ players, after the series ended as is hockey’s grand tradition. Most notably, he did not shake hands with Wings’ captain Niklas Lidstrom who could be seen in the background patiently waiting. Why was he waiting? Because NBC didn’t want to miss their big, post-game interview with Crosby and grabbed him before he went through the handshake line. As my Father said, his teammates should really just have grabbed him and told the reporter, “We’ve got something to do first…” And what’s with the Penguins’ PR department trying to spin this by saying “no one respect’s hockey’s traditions more than Sidney Crosby.” Really? I don’t see how that’s possible, when he didn’t shake all of his opponents’ hands.</div><div><br /> Congratulations to NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Mark Martin, the old man of the circuit winning at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday! This is his third victory this season and he jumped 5 spots Sunday and is now eighth in the standings. He is the best driver to never have won a championship and was trying to retire not too long ago. Will this finally be the year? The “Loud Pedal Circus” goes to Sonoma, California this week for hot road racing action at Infineon Raceway! Even if you’re not a NASCAR fan, I recommend you tune in and give it a try as the cars will be turning left AND right this week! If you miss it, they also race August 9th at historic Watkins Glen International, also a road course. Jenn and Patrick, how far are you from Sonoma and/or Fontana? I smell road….errrr, air-trip! And yes Dad, I know stock cars weren’t really designed to run competitively on road courses…</div><div><br /> Hang on, Jazz is yelling from the other room…Oh yeah, back to the baby. In health news…..Overall, we are all doing well. Jasmine continues to experience infrequent mild fatigue especially if she doesn’t eat. So, we have been working together to monitor that, so that she is eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. She has been feeling the baby beginning to kick this week, however I have been unable to personally substantiate that, but can’t wait to feel Bosco myself. Our next appointment with the OB is next Tuesday which will be our 20th week check-up. We are also anticipating the scheduling of a Level 2 sonogram in the near future. This is an enhanced resolution sonogram which should tell the doctors a great deal more about the baby’s development and (we are hoping) the baby’s sex. Once again, we WILL be announcing the sex here on the blog so, please look for well marked warnings in advance of that announcement.</div><div><br /> In this tough economy, for those of you looking for a nice freebie, Babies R Us is giving out one free BAP free baby bottle with each new baby registry while at Buy Buy Baby you can score a comp pack of grape scented (I’m SO not making this up…) “booger wipes”!</div><div><br /> At the top of our show, I mentioned visits from Pearl Jam and Coldplay and now, HE’RE THEY ARE! Sort of…Mike McCready, Pearl Jam guitarist, suffers from Crohn’s Disease and has become an outspoken advocate for Restroom Access Laws (near and dear to pregnant families, also) in the band’s hometown of Seattle, Washington which has caused me to take an interest as well. For more information on this important issue, check out this link which also contains footage of Mike on a local Seattle TV show being interviewed:</div><div><br /><a href="http://www.pearljam.com/news/mike-mccready-discusses-restroom-access-law-king-5-tv">http://www.pearljam.com/news/mike-mccready-discusses-restroom-access-law-king-5-tv</a></div><div><br /> And NOW! It’s Coldplay! (again, sort of…) While waiting for Jazz in the dentist’s office this week, I read a short article that Coldplay released a new live album last month called “LeftRightLeftRightLeft”. The best part is…IT’S FREE! Just go to <a href="http://www.coldplay.com/">http://www.coldplay.com/</a>, click on the butterfly on the top of the page, give them your email address and it’s yours.</div><div><br /> Well that’s all for this week! Happy Father’s Day to all of the Dad’s out there and everyone, please keep the comments, support and of course, the love coming and we hope that you all keep safe and eat your green vegetables! Tune in next week where you’ll read about the next OB visit, the tackiest lamp ever made by man and a new feature called “The Rundown”! Thanks again for stopping by, we’re glad you’re here. Whew, I did it! “The Hardest Post” is done!</div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4