Monkey See, Monkey Do

adoration, pure & simple

2011-12-26T06:50:00.003-05:00

My little guy brings us so much joy, each and every day, and I often wonder if he realizes just how much we adore him. He's only five years old, yet he's a such a sweet little boy, so smart and so hard-working. With his apraxia, he's had so much to overcome in his young life, but he's tackled everything that's been thrown his way, and we could not be prouder.

Most importantly, he seems to know how much he is loved, and he knows how special he is. He never has to doubt how wonderful he can be, and, with that in mind, we think he can accomplish anything. My little man...

the things we do

2011-11-25T06:44:00.002-05:00

It's amazing the things we find ourselves doing as parents. Before I met my wife and had kids, it never occurred to me to stay up late / get up early for Black Friday deals. Now? It's an annual tradition!

What causes this? Is it the financial savings? The quality time out without the kids?! Some new twisted sense of adventure? I don't really know, but I'm okay with that. It's a Thanksgiving ritual for us, and it's one that's not going anywhere.

from here to the moon

2011-11-21T20:53:00.002-05:00

My little guy has officially made his career choice - he wants to be an astronaut! He's convinced himself that this is the only path for him and that, in addition to being fun, it will also make him rich. I should reiterate that he's five years old.

Tonight, we had the chance to read part of one of his new books, one which contains pages of interesting facts about the planets. He was quizzing himself - there are a number of true/false questions in this book - on his knowledge and pausing to pass along useful tidbits to dear old Dad. I kept finding myself smiling, thinking of how sure he is of his choice and how confident he is in his ability to make that choice a reality. The world is full of countless possibilities for my boy, and he cannot wait to start his journey.

in good hands

2011-09-10T13:15:00.003-04:00

My little guy starts kindergarten on Monday, so yesterday marked his official day of orientation. Needless to say, we couldn't be happier, and we know he's in good hands.

We weren't sure what this year would hold for him, since a part of him is still a little down over not shifting over to his sister's K-5 school. We just felt that another year of smaller classes and extra attention would be worthwhile before he transitions to the "big time." Will this prove to be a wise decision? We thought so when we first made this decision, and, after meeting his teachers & seeing the school firsthand, we're confident in where he's headed.

are we at that point already?!

2011-07-09T11:12:00.002-04:00

The summer is only a couple weeks old, but we've already been approached by my son's kindergarten about this year's activities. In and of themselves, it wasn't odd - he'll be doing an after-school science club and a Lego club - but the references to graduation caps were a little jarring. After all, he hasn't even had a day of kindergarten yet, and we're already supposed to be planning for his exit? I know they grow up - and fast - but can I have a little bit longer with him?

never to be forgotten

2011-03-28T20:42:00.004-04:00

I've been getting a little reflective of late, thinking about my own childhood and the things I do and do not remember. I had what any observer would label a good upbringing, one that featured two happily married parents, three siblings close enough in age to enjoy each other's company, and a couple decades of drama-free existence. That being said, it's amazing how little of that time I really remember anymore. I have images, like one of my brother & I packing for "vacation" - i.e., the attic - while our parents dutifully played along, but I don't remember a whole lot. Come to think of it, I don't remember tons about my teen years either, other than "memories" of stories I've told so many times that they become the memories.

I mention this because I asked the little guy, soon to turn 5 years old, if he'll remember all of these times when he's bigger. Wise beyond his years, he told me he would not. However, when I asked him if he'd always remember how much I loved him, he said that he would. I could not have been a happier father than I was in that moment...

soon to pass me

2011-01-23T08:53:00.002-05:00

Who knew that an off-the-cuff Christmas purchase would turn into such a goldmine for us?! We had been pointed to an iPod Touch by our little guy's speech teacher, primarily because it had an app to help him better communicate with people. Taking the plunge on the cost of the device plus the cost of the app - not to mention the twin device we'd need to purchase for his sister - wasn't going to be easy, but then again, we never expected it to take off like this!

The two little ones have been steadily growing more and more confident with their little electronic delights each day, mastering games, drawing, music, pictures, and email, all at the ripe ages of 4 & 6. I've already let the wife know that these two will be surpassing her technical skills in a matter of months!

making sense of it all

2010-08-15T06:44:00.003-04:00

A little over two weeks ago, my wife's mother passed away. I wouldn't actually call it sudden, since a terminal cancer diagnosis was made nearly six months ago, but that doesn't mean it was expected. We went from believing we had a year to watching a stroke knock that down to four days. Again, not exactly expected...

As anyone would expect, children have questions at times like this. Was their grandmother actually in the coffin at the funeral? Where did their grandmother go? And, of course, when will they die? Needless to say, you aren't always ready to address those questions with children who are four and six... With our teenager, who is now an adult, it's a different story, because the connection to the deceased is that much greater and the emotion is that much stronger.

It is certainly a fact of life, and one that must be dealt with, talked through, and, ultimately, accepted. That doesn't make it any easier, but we simply take comfort in the knowledge that we will all get through this...

gifted & talented

2010-06-12T08:10:00.003-04:00

What's the right balance when it comes to assessing your child's potential? How do you accurately push to afford your child every opportunity to excel while not coming across as "that parent" who thinks his child is in a league all her own? It's hard to believe we'd be wrestling with such a question at the end of kindergarten, but, apparently, kids these days are pushed into accelerated programs at a really early age!

We love our little princess more than life itself, and we think she's amazing. In addition to being kind, considerate, and funny, she's very bright, but, then again, don't all parents think that about their kids? I don't want to be obnoxious about it, but I want her to be given every opportunity to succeed. If that means a little extra recognition at such a young age - aided by a little pushing from the parents - so be it. I want her mind to grow and be challenged, and I'll do everything I can to make that possible.

teach your children well

2010-05-30T09:18:00.000-04:00

We've been watching this unfold for some time now, but it's always a special treat to watch Wittles teaching her little brother. He looks up to her so much, and, while this clearly flusters her at times, she also embraces her role as "big sister." She's been working on one of her kindergarten activity books this morning, and, like every good copycat would, the little guy is trying to plow through his own little preschool book. There she is, though, patiently working with him while he finishes his little workbook pages.

They have their squabbles, as any siblings do, but they love each other very much. That being said, if I don't get them out of the house soon, the good feelings may be gone! Donuts, anyone?

aging right before our eyes

2010-05-29T08:23:00.000-04:00

Lots of time gets spent analyzing how quickly little kids grow up. One minute they're crawling around on all fours, and the next they're asking about the nutritional properties of food. (I kid you not - this is my six-year-old!) What you might not realize is that the growth is just as striking, if not as readily apparent, at the upper end of the spectrum. Our teenager, soon to enter adulthood, just got her first paying job this week!

Sure, she's "worked" before, and, by that, I mean that she's been a babysitter. This, however, is an entirely different animal. She's going to be working regular hours, she'll be making a steady paycheck, and she'll be getting a good dose of accountability.

Is she ready for all of this? I certainly don't know, but I'm eager to see her get out there and do it. She's heading to college in a year, and this is an excellent first step to reaching that stage. Good luck!

just like his daddy

2010-04-25T13:02:00.000-04:00

My little guy, long a lover of cereal (which happens to be a morning staple for his dad, 35 years running), decided that today, he wanted to eat it like Daddy. He wanted to eat his little bowl of Cheerios, then follow it with a bowl of something sweeter. Granted, as he started down this path, his enthusiasm soon waned, and he was off playing with his toys again. Nevertheless, it's always nice to look at the little guy, who, admittedly, looks nothing like me, and see parts of me reflected in him. My boy...

can she be that old already?

2010-02-28T10:32:00.002-05:00

A couple days ago, we got the call - my little girl's glasses were ready to be picked up. Yes, she's only five, but they thought that wearing glasses - at least for reading and watching TV - would help her eyes get a little better. Normally I'd be a little sad that she's got to lug around a pair of glasses now, but she's incredibly enthused. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the glasses are pink! In the end, she's embraced them, and she does look pretty cute wearing them. Now, if only her three-year-old brother would realize that he doesn't need them!

bigger than her five years

2010-02-14T12:38:00.001-05:00

My little princess is not yet six years old, but she gets bigger and bigger by the day. Not physically, mind you - she's still barely half my height - but in terms of her overall development. Most importantly, she's such a wonderful big sister to her baby brother. He's three and utterly adores her, and watching her take care of him is the greatest feeling in the world. Granted, it's not always so smooth and carefree - they do have their moments - but, when she's as caring and nurturing with him as she is at moments like this, my heart melts. It's that moment as a parent when you realize that your child is becoming everything you hoped she would. She's my little girl, and I love her more than anything!

birds of a feather

2010-01-31T09:16:00.000-05:00

The little guy rose from his slumber just before 5 AM this morning, which, as you can imagine, wasn't of my choosing. Nevertheless, as my wife wisely pointed out yesterday, he almost always wakes up happy, and, for that, we're truly grateful. The truth is, I do enjoy these quiet moments with him in the morning. He doesn't need as much attention, he's not yet totally wired, and he gets to bask in some quality one-on-one time. I get to tell the little guy how special & amazing he really is, and he gets to bask in the glow of unconditional love. My kind of morning...

cute & little...

2010-01-01T10:07:00.000-05:00

2010 is now upon us, and my two littlest ones, now three and five years old, will change so much over the next twelve months. The Wee Man will finish his first year of preschool, make tremendous progress with his speech, and grow into the boy he will soon become. Wittles will enter first grade, make huge strides in terms of reading & writing, and become an even more adorable little girl. Those days are just around the corner, and I can't wait for them, but I don't want to forget the year that was. They're my little angels, and I love them!

candy is the root of all evil

2009-12-27T10:19:00.000-05:00

My son has determined that the only item of sustenance that man needs for survival is candy. All other food - healthy or otherwise - is unnecessary. Admittedly, my wife and I have let him slide down this path unchecked for too long, but we both swear that 2010 represents a new day. The little guy and his sister have wretched eating habits, and that needs to change. Do we start by just removing the bad stuff? Do we focus on introducing new things? Do we merely emphasize the good things that they're already - partially - eating? I'm not sure what the best course of action should be, but 2010 promises to be the year where we at least begin to find out!

my son, the ceo

2009-11-22T15:08:00.000-05:00

My son can be a little tyrant from time to time. He has these grandiose visions of what he wants, and he just assumes the rest of the world will go along with him. This has led my wife to conclude that he will run day have his own company, inflicting his wishes upon his unsuspecting staff. This is not a evil thought, mind you - she just assumes he won't settle for anything less. I can't say I dispute this notion - he is nothing if not his own man, and he's only three feet tall!

a little slice of daddy

2009-11-08T10:46:00.000-05:00

It's an incredibly nice feeling to see some of your traits or habits at work in your kids. Now, this isn't always a good thing, but, in this case, I don't mind at all. Almost every day, I wake up to a bowl of Cheerios, and, now, my boy does, too. He's been sitting at his little table eating Cheerios since before he was two, and he still likes the drill. Granted, now it's just about the only thing he'll eat for breakfast, but at least it's something!

playing together nicely

2009-11-02T20:42:00.000-05:00

The little ones - and I say this when referring to a three-year-old and a five-year-old - have been playing together nicely all day. They enjoyed their little walks outside, the fort construction efforts, and tiny games. For two folks who tend to squabble from time to time, it's refreshing to see them just getting along. Who knows how long this will last - it may not last hours, let along days, weeks, or months - but I always enjoy it when it is here. It makes me appreciate them all the more...

little, but getting bigger

2009-10-19T20:25:00.000-04:00

I couldn't be more proud of my little guy. He's been speech-delayed for some time now, but he goes to a special class three days a week to work with his teacher. She said he did a great job today with his 'k' sound, and we can tell that he's really making progress (although he has a long journey ahead). Most of all, I am proud that he never complains, that he goes happily with his teacher, and that he generally seems to enjoy what he's doing. It makes me love him all the more...

tiny terrors

2009-08-16T19:24:00.000-04:00

The little guy, who has been mostly potty-trained for some time, has the occasional lapse. Let it be known, however, that attempts to remind him of these lapses will be met with swift denials. The little guy believes he has a handle on when he needs to go, so no adult supervision is needed. As you can imagine, this is not always the case. I guess it comes with having such an independent little fella - you take the good with the bad. For all that, we love him. Now go pee!

my little businesswoman

2009-07-12T19:35:00.000-04:00

Wittles has decided that what she needs today is open a lemonade stand. Actually, she decided that she needed to do this around nine o'clock this morning, but, as we near dinnertime, I'm impressed that I've been able to hold her off this long. (She seemed to believe that people would wake up early on Sunday with an itch for lemonade!) I don't think she has any desire to charge anything for this - then again, what do kids charge for lemonade these days?! - but she does want to have the little stand. My little girl is growing up right before my eyes...

breaking the habit

2009-07-01T19:48:00.000-04:00

Little Man has decided that going to bed is, in actuality, a ten-step process. He needs his drink, a snack, a trip to the bathroom, some form of entertainment, snuggling with his mother, and so on. He also needs this at 20-minute intervals until he's good & ready toactually go to sleep! Needless to say, I feel he needs to be reminded that he does not rule the roost, lest none of us will ever get a good night's sleep. Little Man, you're three years old now - time for some of life's harsh lessons!

big deal for little people

2009-05-24T17:49:00.000-04:00

I've never been a huge fan of places like Five Below, but I have come to appreciate it for what it is. My littlest ones, who think that $5 is a ton of money, were so excited this morning to make a trip to our local store. They kept swapping items throughout the store whenever they found something better, always careful to stay within their $5 limit. (Wittles handled all the tricky math.) They ended up with a Cars lunchbox (for Wee Man) and some plastic jewelry (for Wittles). They were thrilled, including the fact that they were allowed to hold the money, and they've already "reserved" some things for the next trip. So little, yet so big...

the great storyteller

2009-04-30T13:33:00.000-04:00

Our little guy's been a little speech-delayed from the start, which, as you can imagine, brings with it some challenges. Nevertheless, the little guy has always worked hard to use his words and convey things to us. It occurred to me, though, that, once he progresses to a certain level - and he makes strides every day - there will be one thing I'll miss. Since he can't always get his ideas across to us, he's become a very visual storyteller, using his hands and adding sound effects to get his point across. Listening to my little man tell us about his bad dream, complete with the horrible accident involving two of his toy trains, was both sad and oddly sweet. He's so little, yet the drama is so big to him. My little guy...

apple of her father's eye

2009-04-24T16:27:00.001-04:00

My entire soccer career is confined to a few intramural games in college. I didn't play when I was a little boy, I didn't play in school, and I don't play now. Nevertheless, when the chance to coach a team of four-year-olds, I jumped at the chance! I've always wanted to be an involved dad, and I want my kids to participate in - and enjoy! - sports. Less than a month into our first endeavor, I couldn't be happier with how Wittles has taken to it! She's happy to go to practice every week, she's excited for her games, and she's thrilled with her little pink cleats! Am I qualified to guide her and her little teammates?! Certainly not, but I'm glad to be a part of the experience!

apple of her father's eye

2009-04-24T16:27:00.000-04:00

up for anything?!

2009-04-11T18:23:00.000-04:00

One of the coolest realizations about my son, mere days before he turns three, is that the little guy is up for just about anything. Sure, he occasionally has his enthusiasm dulled by Wittles, who loves her days at home, but, generally speaking, Wee Man just likes doing. Today, the little guy was all about running off with his Dad to get donuts, sprinting through the rain for groceries (?!), and riding up & down an elevator. He's such a happy little man, and it's great to see him so full of smiles & excitement. That's my boy!

an independent little man

2009-04-06T22:27:00.000-04:00

Recently, the Wee Man has taken to correcting us whenever we call him anything but his given name. As I am reluctant to call him the same name twice, I run through everything from Wee Man to Little Man to Tiny Avenger in a typical day. If he's within earshot, look out - he'll yelp his disapproval from the get-go! Who knew such a little thing could be such a big deal to someone so small?

both sides of the story

2009-01-24T09:38:00.000-05:00

Wee Man is two very different people - the one we get to see at home every day, running around like a wild man and terrorizing Wittles, and the one the rest of the world sees, angelic, well-behaved, and occasionally attached to his mother's leg. Both are utterly cute and adorable - must be those crazy blue eyes, which folks can't help but notice - and both are very much a part of Wee Man. He's full of life, full of zest, and a wonderful little guy. I'm just glad we have a video camera to tape some of this wildness to show him later!

priceless moments

2009-01-01T23:47:00.000-05:00

t's amazing watching your little ones grow up, watching as they come to conclusions that only they could. They're getting so much information every day, and they have no idea what to do with it. Listening to Wittles spout her latest theory about why her little brother is acting the way he is or why I am or am not doing well enough on a Wii game is incredibly entertaining. She's only four years old, but she's sure she has things figured out! Then again, maybe she knows more than I do, so who am I to talk?!

convenient timing

2008-10-12T09:56:00.000-04:00

As part of his diabolical plan, the little guy decided to wait until his mother left town to return to his long-absent early morning routine. This morning, he thought 5:15 sounded like a good time to wake up, and so he did! Even though this represents a slight improvement over my usual wake-up time, it wasn't exactly what I had in mind...

despite being only 2'10"

2008-09-30T02:20:00.000-04:00

Tiny Man, as the smallest male in the house is sometimes known, is determined to prove that he belongs in a big man's world. Watching him try to carry rocks that, for him, are the size of boulders, I was reminded yet again of what a wonderful little guy he is. He tries so hard to be bigger than his 2'10" frame, and I could not be more proud than I already am!

back to his old self

2008-09-06T10:46:00.000-04:00

My little guy has been battling a little cold for the past few days, enough so that he's been more or less off his game. The tiny bundle of energy usually flies around the house, playing with big sister Wittles and generally causing trouble. Imagine our surprise when he went down for his nap at 1 PM yesterday, only to sleep straight through - with only a 2- or 3-hour break - around midnight until 6:30 the next morning! Clearly, he needed the sleep, and, judging by the return of his wacky energy this morning, the little guy is back. I don't know yet what he'll be like when he becomes a man, let alone a six-year-old, but it's great to see him back to "normal," whatever that might be!

who saw this one coming?!

2008-08-16T21:51:00.000-04:00

When they were younger, my wife and I always told ourselves that, one day, Wittles and Little Man would play well together. Watching them tonight, and not for the first time, I can say that it is one of the most wonderful things a parent can see. Seeing my little guy share his cars with his sister, even giving her one that was clearly "his," is a sight to behold. It makes me so proud as a father, and it makes me love their little selves all the more...

both sides of the story

2008-07-05T18:54:00.000-04:00

The child I sometimes refer to as Little Man is a walking contradiction. He is a Mama's Boy, without a doubt, snuggling up to his mother, sniffling when she's not around, and generally making it quite clear that she is the center of his world. At the same time, he can be fiercely independent, he can brush off injuries that would leave his big sister Wittles sobbing, and he has no qualms about letting people know what his opinion is. The little guy is only two years old, but he seems determined to put his stamp on the world already. Should I let him know that he's got a few years still before anyone takes him seriously? Nah, he seems a little too happy with himself like this, so why rock the boat...

from the mouth of babes...

2008-06-22T12:11:00.000-04:00

My little girl Wittles, always wondering what her father is up to on the computer, wanted to say a few words to the online world: "I'm gonna go to two parties. Hello, Daddy! How are you doing today? Have a nice day, everybody!" {As her little brother sulks in the corner...}

the day for dads

2008-06-15T11:44:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, before this special Sunday for Dads and Dads alone, I assumed I would spend my day sleeping late, lazily roaming the house while doing next to nothing. Imagine my surprise when I awoke early in the morning, my two-year-old son a little less than thrilled to be awake himself. With my restless wife tossing & turning, I rescued the little man - who I've taken to calling 2'10", because of his tiny stature. A short time later, his big sister also woke up, and, while feeding them breakfast, something occurred to me. It only made sense that I was up taking care of them on Fathers Day, because, after all, they are why I get to celebrate the day in the first place. Sleep's overrated. Playing with your kids - at least the ones who are up! - is certainly not...

with each passing day

2008-03-15T21:56:00.000-04:00

One month shy of Small Man's second birthday, I'm realizing what a little man he truly is becoming. He gets bigger and bigger every day, and he's got such spunk about him. He looks up to his two big sisters all the time, especially Ruby, trying to follow her around and mimic her whenever he can. He still loves his Mama, but he makes time for Dada, too, likely because I play a little more roughly with him. (Boys will be boys, right?!)

You can already see his little personality shining through. He's plays hard, and he crashes hard, and while he's a physical little guy like most boys, he can also be really sweet. Of course, he just started whining for more dessert, so scratch that! I guess that's why we love him!

time and time again

2007-06-15T13:04:00.000-04:00

There's nothing like extensive time with the kids to drive home what it means to be a father. My wife has been out of the country for the past week, meaning that I've been working at home part-time while juggling the needs of our two youngest children. Unfortunately for me, they both started the week off sick, so my visions of productive days while the kids were off at day care quickly went up in smoke. In fact, this morning marked the first time all week when they were both being care for at the same time!

That being said, being the lone parent for a week makes you realize how much your kids need you. Wittles is barely three, but she's always been Daddy's little girl. Mini, however, has clung to his mother from the get-go, so weeks like this give me a little taste of what it's like to be the center of his tiny universe. He's a wonderful little man, playing with his toys and trying to get his sister's attention all the time. He's also a little guy in need of lots of hugs, and he does like his snuggle time. At moments like that, I am all too happy to oblige.

where did they come from?!

2007-05-05T22:41:00.000-04:00

Some of the most entertaining moments as a parent occur when a child exhibits certain characteristics that can immediately be attributed to a specific parent. In our case, we often talk about Wittles and her desire to be neat and tidy - courtesy of yours truly - or Mini's rather emotional nature - a nod to my loving wife. What we find especially interesting, however, are those moments when the kids do something unique to themselves. In recent weeks, the biggest manifestation of this concept has been Mini's unwavering desire to produce high-pitched screams. Mind you, the little guy is not in pain, nor is he sad. He simply screams. Why?! Who knows, but he does get a kick out of it!

another one bites the dust...

2007-04-15T22:24:00.000-04:00

Mini doesn't turn one until Wednesday, but we celebrated his first birthday with a party yesterday morning. (When dealing with kids, parties are always scheduled around nap times!) Needless to say the guest of honor was absolutely adorable. He awoke from his morning nap just in time to great his visitors, and he had a grand time with all of his gifts, especially the ones with colorful balls! When it was time for the traditional cover-your-face-with-as-much-cake-as-possible exercise, he showed he was truly up for the challenge.

Seemingly emboldened by the arrival of his big day, Mini pushed the envelope even further today, trying to show his Mom & Dad that he could, in fact, stand on his own. This typically ended with the little guy plopped on his butt, but his enthusiasm and courage were unrivaled. Walking is right around the corner, and, as the proud papa, I cannot wait!

like they were meant to be

2007-03-22T21:38:00.000-04:00

Seeing your kids sparkle on their own is one thing, but seeing them truly shine together is another thing entirely. Wittles and Mini took their first bath together today, and they could not have been happier. What started as an attempt to clean some of the dirt off of our two littlest angels turned into an hour-long festival of laughter and smiles. Moments like these are when we get to see the beginnings of a relationship that will last them the rest of their lives.

winning isn't everything, but...

2007-03-04T22:06:00.000-05:00

Maybe it's a guy thing, but there's something about our children that brings out the competitive fires in us. It's not the same feeling you had as a kid on the baseball fields, but there's something inherently normal about wanting your child to do well. Yes, this is even true when the child in question is only ten months old!

Mini decided early on that he would crawl and walk in his own time, and nothing has caused him to veer from this course. The little guy is scooting along now, practicing his soon-to-be-patented inchworm technique, and I couldn't be prouder. Of course, now I pester my wife with constant questions about when he's supposed to walk, talk, and the like. I'm learning, though, and I will eventually appreciate each step as an end in and of itself. Until then, however...

a night on the town with the family

2007-02-15T11:57:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day has long been a holiday devoted to romance. In fact, I can recall spending a number of Valentine's Days in my twenties stressing over just the right gift and just the right restaurant. Nowadays, in light of the fact that this holiday falls less than two weeks after the anniversary of my first date with my wife, we've made it into a family holiday!

While most other tables we saw last night were occupied by couples experiencing the moment, my wife & I enjoyed an entertaining evening out with our three kids. A different kind of Valentine's Day? You bet, but we wouldn't have it any other way!

sleep to dream him...

2007-01-16T12:40:00.000-05:00

A little over a week ago, we finally decided to "break" Mini, meaning that we determined that waking up repeatedly during the night wasn't going to work for him... or us! Looking back, the first week went very well, even though we rushed the little guy through it in advance of our adults-only trip to Las Vegas. (We couldn't leave the grandparents with a baby who wakes up at all hours of the night!) Now, he wakes up happy, we wake up happy, and the sun actually shines a little more brightly. Or something like that...

everyone's gotta do it sometime

2007-01-06T19:46:00.000-05:00

There's nothing like hearing your two-year-old yelling "Panties!" repeatedly while running around the house. That's right - it's time for us to teach Wittles how to perform one of life's basic functions. Rather than focusing on her little toilet, however, she's merely excited about her ability to finally wear "big girl" clothes, namely, panties. Needless to say, the first day hasn't been a rousing success, but it hasn't be a total failure - or a huge mess! - either. I guess we simply start up again tomorrow...

yes, we do still love him

2006-12-30T10:12:00.000-05:00

Nothing quite compares to a child who absolutely will not go to sleep. Even when it's driven by sickness, as is currently the case with our little Mini, it can really wear on the parents. After my loving wife tossed and turned trying to care for our sick munchkin until well past two last night (this morning?!), I've been trying to keep him calm for the last 4+ hours. He seems to be calming down again, and he was positively chipper during his "awake time," but, needless to say, we're hoping for improvement tonight!

Of course, now that we have a family-sized Dora the Explorer tent / mansion, maybe we'll throw him in there and see how he does!

how do they get those things in there?!

2006-12-28T14:30:00.000-05:00

Two days ago, my little guy Mini had tubes put into his ears, an event that we hope will end a nearly two-month ear infection odyssey. For anyone who's scoring at home, Mini, barely eight months old, racked up at least four ear infections in the last two months. Needless to say, his doctors were very impressed!

As might be expected, these little ear adventures have thrown a wrench into the little guy's sleeping progress, so we're hoping he's finally turning the corner. New year, new baby, eh?

back in the saddle... again!

2006-12-28T13:26:00.000-05:00

It's almost time for the New Year to kick off, so I thought I'd give this old thing a whirl once again. Actually, I might have a new direction, so we'll just have to wait and see where that goes. Wish me luck!

you gotta start somewhere, right?!

2005-11-16T21:09:00.005-05:00

After gathering some expert wisdom from internet legend Scott, I decided to try my hand at penning a blog. Who knows how successful this will be, but I think it's a worthwhile project for now. Hopefully, this will serve as a nice companion for the Proudest Monkeys website. Wish me luck, and feel free to let me know what's up...