Daddy got peed on!

mini vacation...

A few nights ago we stayed at a hotel and I was trying to write this on the laptop in bed but I think the screen and clicking was waking you up so I put it off 'til now. I'm at work, goofing off.

Your Mom and me can't believe how fast you're growing. Your personality is shining through and I would describe it as "cheerful and really loud." Your expression of choice is: "Momomomomom." If you feel this doesn't cover your interpretation of your surroundings or wish to convey enthusiastic emotion you effortlessly switch this to: "MOMOMOMOMOM!"

Last week Mom put away a bag of clothes that doesn't fit anymore but that can't be right; didn't you just get here?

Mira's got a little bedhead.

Taking a little rest, this is hard work!

Mira Jolly Jumping with pickles

5 1/2 months

Going out for a walk...It's finally getting nice out!

Yum!! Food!!

5 Months...Where did the time go?!

Her favorite toy!

Stop taking my picture Dad!

How to get that first cup of coffee...

Open eyes to sounds of gurgling and fidgeting occurring inches from ear. Stare blearily at clock and attempt to comprehend that it is, in fact, a new day instead of just staying up late. Commit to not getting back to sleep by greeting the cooing, hand chewing, drool shiny bundle of early morning happiness by smiling and making noises that, let's face it, are the most intelligent possible for the moment. Fall back onto pillow- "Aaatthhhuuug!"- open eyes and retrieve soother, 'sleep sheep' and...uh, something else...oh yeah; baby. Roll out from under warm covers and place feet on skating rink that has replaced the floor. Pause a moment to gaze lovingly at your beautiful, amazing wife who is not getting up.

Walk, mincelike, down hall trying not to touch the skating rink with your feet. Stoop and retrieve soother in a continuation of the game that began when the other player, who will win, was born. Rinse soother under tap. Re-install. Place everlasting source of joy in swing and pull swing/ baby assembly closer to woodstove. Retrieve soother with- for the time of day- are lightning reflexes, a split second before the other player in this game who cheats by having no distractions and four legs. This maneuver having exhausted available energy and the sink being twelve feet away necessitates a more minimalist cleaning; suck soother. Re-install. Refer to five-second rule. Re, re-install.

Make way half way between Bundle assembly and coffee generating assembly. Backtrack. Re-snug blankie that has been squirmed and kicked to the floor like an arch enemy. Re-install soother. Proceed to coffee maker quickly while stifling a scream from kicking swing leg and remove pot. Rinse. Set pot on counter. All seems too quiet so sneak a peek into living room. Install filter and remove cover from coffee can. Spoon in four grains and spill the other four million at a sudden, urgent and- above all- LOUD yell. Sprint to living room and present self front and center of swing, military style. Satisfy Bundle you have not left it to fend for itself forever. Re-install soother. Re-snug blankie. Reset 'Sleep Sheep'. Sit in full view of Bundle for either sixty seconds or four and a half hours; it's hard to tell.

Return to kitchen and sweep coffee grinds (dry, at least) into hand and dump. Measure into filter and add water. Note daylight just discernable through window. Set coffee assembly brewing. "Recon" living room. Sneak a leaning peek over top of swing at peaceful, beautiful, resting and- thankfully- quiet, Bundle.

Pour steaming beverage into a large mug. Add cream and sugar. Stir. Place mug on counter quickly without spilling too much and run to living room to investigate, judging by decibel level, either Bundle yells or meteor impact. Re-install soother. Re-snug blankie. Re-set 'Sleep Sheep'. Sit in full view, hostage-like, of Bundle for either two minutes or six years, whichever feels longer.

Pour cold coffee down sink. Re-install soother.

Mira looking at Auntie Michelle

Mira going for a walk in her new shoes from Adam and Megan.

Mira was so excited to go for a car ride with Daddy!

Merry Christmas...

Actually it's Boxing Day. I hope that name sounds as odd to you as it did to me growing up. Your two uncles and I thought it meant fighting over toys we had gotten the day before. Come to think of it I still don't know why it's called "Boxing Day"...

Well just in case you don't remember you had a good first Christmas. A good 'haul', so they say. All sorts of toys, teddies, this thing you spin around on on your tummy that you hate and you also got the last two designs of Baby carrier ever made in world history. I think you now have thirteen different carriers. The lights on the tree seemed to hold your attention while your newest project of trying to fit both of your hands into your mouth became secondary.

The funniest thing you've done this season (so far, anyway) was last night. Mommy gave you a big Christmas dinner and then chased it with gripe water- too much, too soon- and shortly after I heard a *gag, cough, splash*! Upon entering the kitchen you had 're-gifted' all over your sweet little Christmas sleeper, Mommy's arm and shirt and the floor. Both of you had to get in the tub.

Mommy just came back into the bedroom where I'm typing this and she's carrying a plate of turkey and dressing swimming in gravy. It's nine o'clock in the morning...

Mira and Liam horsin' around during a playdate.

Big Smiles!!