16 years ago
Friday, June 19, 2009
no more eye gunkies
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
I dare you
to find a better way to spend a glorious summer afternoon then hanging out with brilliant friends in Central Park..... ..... hoola-hooping.
Man, is this kid lucky.Friday, June 12, 2009
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Oh, my small love. Words fail me today.
You are, officially ten months old as of less than 24 hours ago, and I sit here - in an old brick building at the tottering south edge of Manhattan dreaming of your fat, clutching fingers and giant 'yelps' of joy.
You, when not in my arms directly, are too far away.
I have a lot to commemorate this month, though your daddy did most of that yesterday here. Most notably, the fact you have learned to make a piggy face and snort - which brings you and I to tears of laughter every time and is now one of my absolute greatest joys.
But today - sitting here at this desk - all I can think is how I've changed in the last ten months. You aren't the only one learning new things every day, exploring a world previous unknown to you. You have been gracious enough to bring me with you. And in that journey, I have irrevocably changed. My very DNA must be different now, it all feels so foreign and new.
Above all, perhaps, you have made this quote truly relevant to me:
"We can do no great things, only small things with great love.”
I may never lead a march on Washington, or stand still and proud as tanks bare down. I mightn't ever have a show in a gallery, or write a book.
But I make you smile. I peel your nummers-grapes and jump with you on the bed. I laugh endlessly with you, and snuggle you when you make scared sounds in your sleep.
I love you in a million tiny ways. And that is the greatest, most profound thing I have ever done. And may ever do.
I love you, funny bunny.
mama
You are, officially ten months old as of less than 24 hours ago, and I sit here - in an old brick building at the tottering south edge of Manhattan dreaming of your fat, clutching fingers and giant 'yelps' of joy.
You, when not in my arms directly, are too far away.
I have a lot to commemorate this month, though your daddy did most of that yesterday here. Most notably, the fact you have learned to make a piggy face and snort - which brings you and I to tears of laughter every time and is now one of my absolute greatest joys.
But today - sitting here at this desk - all I can think is how I've changed in the last ten months. You aren't the only one learning new things every day, exploring a world previous unknown to you. You have been gracious enough to bring me with you. And in that journey, I have irrevocably changed. My very DNA must be different now, it all feels so foreign and new.
Above all, perhaps, you have made this quote truly relevant to me:
"We can do no great things, only small things with great love.”
I may never lead a march on Washington, or stand still and proud as tanks bare down. I mightn't ever have a show in a gallery, or write a book.
But I make you smile. I peel your nummers-grapes and jump with you on the bed. I laugh endlessly with you, and snuggle you when you make scared sounds in your sleep.
I love you in a million tiny ways. And that is the greatest, most profound thing I have ever done. And may ever do.
I love you, funny bunny.
mama
Monday, June 08, 2009
Happy Birthday Sweets!
I'm sure your mom will be writing one of her brilliant posts to you tomorrow, but just so it's time stamped, know that your mother and I wish you a SUPER HAPPY TEN MONTH BIRTHDAY!!!!!
Double freak'n digits... wow, time flies.
A few highlights of month 10:
- Flights 11, 12, 13 and 14. Um yeah, you travel... WELL. We're complimented constantly about how well you fly. You have it down now and love to flirt and play with every passenger who will smile at you. Traveling is in your genes and you love it.
- New Mexico! You watched Uncle Joe try to eat 50 nugs. You cheered him on. You love him so. You also got to hang with Aunt Jamie (top 10 fav person) and Uncle Ry (he's up there too) and one of your new favs, Cap'n Morgan. You're very sweet on him. Got to see Timmy B and Steph get hitched and you road tripped to Santa Fe like a champ, being only slightly annoyed by getting rear ended.
- You finally learned to crawl in the last week. But you still would rather walk with assistance or grabbing onto furniture, or anything you think will hold you. You can also sit up now and you're a rolling machine, which makes changing time ever so interesting.
- You enjoy eating big girl food but you LOVE feeding yourself. We went to Peter Lugars (NYC's top steak joint) this past weekend with Uncle Trav and you had a blast eviscerating a roll and eating your taters and chicken. You also love smoked Gouda.
- You are getting your first tooth!!! Bottom right front tooth has broken through the gums, but it's been two weeks and it's not 100% out. Your teeth really are lazy.
So yeah, it's been a huge month for you. You're babbling on and on, moving, eating, getting new body parts, it's fun times. You're insanely sweet, crazy determined, sassy and mischievous and a thinker. You figure things out like Sherlock Holmes, studying everyone and everything you come across. We love you tons and I can't wait to see what month 11 brings. Smooches my sweets.
Love,
Dad
Double freak'n digits... wow, time flies.
A few highlights of month 10:
- Flights 11, 12, 13 and 14. Um yeah, you travel... WELL. We're complimented constantly about how well you fly. You have it down now and love to flirt and play with every passenger who will smile at you. Traveling is in your genes and you love it.
- New Mexico! You watched Uncle Joe try to eat 50 nugs. You cheered him on. You love him so. You also got to hang with Aunt Jamie (top 10 fav person) and Uncle Ry (he's up there too) and one of your new favs, Cap'n Morgan. You're very sweet on him. Got to see Timmy B and Steph get hitched and you road tripped to Santa Fe like a champ, being only slightly annoyed by getting rear ended.
- You finally learned to crawl in the last week. But you still would rather walk with assistance or grabbing onto furniture, or anything you think will hold you. You can also sit up now and you're a rolling machine, which makes changing time ever so interesting.
- You enjoy eating big girl food but you LOVE feeding yourself. We went to Peter Lugars (NYC's top steak joint) this past weekend with Uncle Trav and you had a blast eviscerating a roll and eating your taters and chicken. You also love smoked Gouda.
- You are getting your first tooth!!! Bottom right front tooth has broken through the gums, but it's been two weeks and it's not 100% out. Your teeth really are lazy.
So yeah, it's been a huge month for you. You're babbling on and on, moving, eating, getting new body parts, it's fun times. You're insanely sweet, crazy determined, sassy and mischievous and a thinker. You figure things out like Sherlock Holmes, studying everyone and everything you come across. We love you tons and I can't wait to see what month 11 brings. Smooches my sweets.
Love,
Dad
Monday, June 01, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
sunflower blanket
We dream under the care of the generations of women who came before us; whose fingers made this, whose hearts saved it for us.
Thank you, Aunt Judy.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
New New Mexico Trip (updated from this morning)
More pics to come. But this smirk on her face (who taught her that?!) was too good not to post post haste. Oh, my child. You wreak of attitude and hilarious-ness.
And, HUZZAH! Sam got me the coolest most awesome ring EVAH in Santa Fe. Check out its fabulousness. (And ignore my no make-uped face and bad manicure, pleasethankyouverymuch.It's a sign of how much I love you, Internets, I let you see me this way.)
I love it. It's an awesome, big ol' turquoise ring - with the initials of the man who made it along the inside. It's this amazing green color with gold and brown running through it. Maire thinks its BEEOOOTEEFUL to play with and I think it'll be great for punching in the face the next guy who rear ends us with my baby in the car.
See?! Multi-purpose! Sam is nothing if not a practical gift-giver.
And, HUZZAH! Sam got me the coolest most awesome ring EVAH in Santa Fe. Check out its fabulousness. (And ignore my no make-uped face and bad manicure, pleasethankyouverymuch.It's a sign of how much I love you, Internets, I let you see me this way.)
I love it. It's an awesome, big ol' turquoise ring - with the initials of the man who made it along the inside. It's this amazing green color with gold and brown running through it. Maire thinks its BEEOOOTEEFUL to play with and I think it'll be great for punching in the face the next guy who rear ends us with my baby in the car.See?! Multi-purpose! Sam is nothing if not a practical gift-giver.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
First Painting
Maire painted our door decorations for Spring. They're still up. And probably will be 'til I get the paints out again. She seemed to really take to it...
Carefully considering her next stroke.
Adding to the brilliance.
And wah-lah! Maire's first masterpiece!I'm becoming increasingly aware of who I want to be for her. What kind of example I want to set. Most notably, I want her to look at me and see someone creative. Someone productive. Someone contributing. I've said it before, but now I truly mean it. Sam rode his 150 miles. Now it's time for me to dust off the paintbox and canvases...
Those pictures up there aren't the last time we paint together. Not by a long shot.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Maire's Trip to The Met
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
9 months
Oh, Love.
Nine months! I'm late again, but not out of lack of time (there is always that), but because this milestone has been a little hard for me.
Oh, sure. This month has been a doozy. This was the month of sickness, my dear child, and you swam through it like the little trooper you are. It seemed just when you were getting over the first illness, bam! another was on its heels. You had some sort of stomach bug, where your Daddy and I discovered it's true: you really aren't disgusted by your own child's spew. We'd hear you catch your breath and just hold you closer. Telling you it was okay, not to worry about getting sick on our shoulder, to just know we were here. That we were going to make sure you were okay. And then you caught some sort of upper respiratory infection, and hearing you struggle to breath is possibly the most terrifying sound I have ever heard. But you made it. We made it. Through sleepless nights and exhausted days, we got through. And, ironically enough, I often thought you were handling it much better than I. There were only a couple hours in there, all the minutes and days added up, where you were truly unhappy.You giggles and smiled and cuddled your way straight thru those storms, true to form. I don't know how you do it, kid.I do know you sure are teaching me how to handle stress and hard times.I am definitely becoming a better person, and hopefully a better mom, because of it.
But no, it wasn't the sickness that made this month hard. My reasons are infinitely selfish.This month marks the span of time the world has had you as long as I did. It probably seems silly, to mark this milestone with a bit of wistfulness, but here I am. Looking at you, in all your sill-i-fied glory, and surrendering that there is no doubt that you belong to, and in this world, much more than you belong (or even did) to or in me. Your smile radiates as we walk down the street, the city itself seems to brighten before you. Having you in my arms on our strolls through the neighborhood is like being a handler for a celebrity. People constantly stopping to point and exclaim how beautiful you are, or stop to talk to you - their voices raising three decibels and consonants suddenly unbearably soft. You move through this world in a grace I can't believe, and am often in awe of.
You are joy. You don't just have it, you don't just share it - you embody it.
But don't get me wrong, I am your mama. And that tie - that invisible cord - that runs from me to you. It's not going anywhere. This world needs you, that much I can see. Every day it becomes more apparent.But you need me.We need each other, and that shall come first for a while.If I have learned anything this month it is that I will do anything to procure your happiness and health.Nothing can, or will, keep me from that.No sleepless night, no cold or flu.
My love is like your joy, it seems to only multiply.
And, speaking of multiplying, you have grown like a weed this month! Your little buddha belly is almost gone, though you still have your little screw on hands and feet. And the cheeks, not to worry, the cheeks are still in full force. I can speak from experience and say those aren't going any where anytime soon.
The loss of that belly is in large part to your INABILITY TO BE STILL. You have discovered walking (albeit via parental finger holding) and there is no stopping you. I'm surprised we haven't run a rut through the middle of our apartment. You can pull yourself up to hold onto the couch, and have spent many an hour happily playing with your toys, standing against the footstool.
Crawling, you ask? Is there crawling to go along with this never-ending movement? Almost. You used to sort of totally ignore that perhaps there was a way to get from place to place near the floor, but have recently discovered it might behoove you to try. You haven't actually "crawled" yet, but you think of it. Ponder it. Reach up for fingers....
But I have no doubt that soon we'll be chasing you all over the place, regardless of what mode of transport you land on first. There is little you adore more than new people and places.
Oh, my darling daring girl. The time flies too fast. But one thing is constant...
You did not just merely grow beneath my heart, you are my heart.
Mama
Nine months! I'm late again, but not out of lack of time (there is always that), but because this milestone has been a little hard for me.
Oh, sure. This month has been a doozy. This was the month of sickness, my dear child, and you swam through it like the little trooper you are. It seemed just when you were getting over the first illness, bam! another was on its heels. You had some sort of stomach bug, where your Daddy and I discovered it's true: you really aren't disgusted by your own child's spew. We'd hear you catch your breath and just hold you closer. Telling you it was okay, not to worry about getting sick on our shoulder, to just know we were here. That we were going to make sure you were okay. And then you caught some sort of upper respiratory infection, and hearing you struggle to breath is possibly the most terrifying sound I have ever heard. But you made it. We made it. Through sleepless nights and exhausted days, we got through. And, ironically enough, I often thought you were handling it much better than I. There were only a couple hours in there, all the minutes and days added up, where you were truly unhappy.You giggles and smiled and cuddled your way straight thru those storms, true to form. I don't know how you do it, kid.I do know you sure are teaching me how to handle stress and hard times.I am definitely becoming a better person, and hopefully a better mom, because of it.
But no, it wasn't the sickness that made this month hard. My reasons are infinitely selfish.This month marks the span of time the world has had you as long as I did. It probably seems silly, to mark this milestone with a bit of wistfulness, but here I am. Looking at you, in all your sill-i-fied glory, and surrendering that there is no doubt that you belong to, and in this world, much more than you belong (or even did) to or in me. Your smile radiates as we walk down the street, the city itself seems to brighten before you. Having you in my arms on our strolls through the neighborhood is like being a handler for a celebrity. People constantly stopping to point and exclaim how beautiful you are, or stop to talk to you - their voices raising three decibels and consonants suddenly unbearably soft. You move through this world in a grace I can't believe, and am often in awe of.
You are joy. You don't just have it, you don't just share it - you embody it.
But don't get me wrong, I am your mama. And that tie - that invisible cord - that runs from me to you. It's not going anywhere. This world needs you, that much I can see. Every day it becomes more apparent.But you need me.We need each other, and that shall come first for a while.If I have learned anything this month it is that I will do anything to procure your happiness and health.Nothing can, or will, keep me from that.No sleepless night, no cold or flu.
My love is like your joy, it seems to only multiply.
And, speaking of multiplying, you have grown like a weed this month! Your little buddha belly is almost gone, though you still have your little screw on hands and feet. And the cheeks, not to worry, the cheeks are still in full force. I can speak from experience and say those aren't going any where anytime soon.
The loss of that belly is in large part to your INABILITY TO BE STILL. You have discovered walking (albeit via parental finger holding) and there is no stopping you. I'm surprised we haven't run a rut through the middle of our apartment. You can pull yourself up to hold onto the couch, and have spent many an hour happily playing with your toys, standing against the footstool.
Crawling, you ask? Is there crawling to go along with this never-ending movement? Almost. You used to sort of totally ignore that perhaps there was a way to get from place to place near the floor, but have recently discovered it might behoove you to try. You haven't actually "crawled" yet, but you think of it. Ponder it. Reach up for fingers....
But I have no doubt that soon we'll be chasing you all over the place, regardless of what mode of transport you land on first. There is little you adore more than new people and places.
Oh, my darling daring girl. The time flies too fast. But one thing is constant...
You did not just merely grow beneath my heart, you are my heart.
Mama
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day to my lovely wife! Just more than nine months ago you gave birth to this:
You two took to each other instantly. There was never a moment of hesitation, you both just knew that this other person was someone special.
The first five months you were inseperable, literally. And while I didn't get much one on one time, I have no regrets because you were perfect with her. You played and learned together and I have no doubt she's as amazing as she is because of all the time you spent with her.
I know it's not felt right since she went to daycare and you've gone back to work part time. But while I know you two would rather be together, I know the time apart has done nothing to hinder the amazing connection you two have together.
I hope you had a great first Mother's Day. Maire's lucky to have you. Here's some evidence that proves she knows it. Love you tons.
All the wonderful walks outside. Exploring NYC!
You're the best snuggler and the only true way to sleep.
You dress up in the coolest outfits.
You make her giggle more than anyone else and your dance/bonk parties are epic.
She loves you tons! It's easy to see why.
-SS
PS. Shout out to MY mother as well. Love you tons mom!!!!!
You two took to each other instantly. There was never a moment of hesitation, you both just knew that this other person was someone special.
The first five months you were inseperable, literally. And while I didn't get much one on one time, I have no regrets because you were perfect with her. You played and learned together and I have no doubt she's as amazing as she is because of all the time you spent with her.
I know it's not felt right since she went to daycare and you've gone back to work part time. But while I know you two would rather be together, I know the time apart has done nothing to hinder the amazing connection you two have together.
I hope you had a great first Mother's Day. Maire's lucky to have you. Here's some evidence that proves she knows it. Love you tons.
All the wonderful walks outside. Exploring NYC!
You're the best snuggler and the only true way to sleep.
You dress up in the coolest outfits.
You make her giggle more than anyone else and your dance/bonk parties are epic.
She loves you tons! It's easy to see why.-SS
PS. Shout out to MY mother as well. Love you tons mom!!!!!
Saturday, May 09, 2009
"my daughter"
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
healthy, mostly
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
*sigh*
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Moms
My dearest friend,
Congratulations. You've been a mom for a whole year now. You have made it. More than survived it. I know I am supposed to be wishing Adaela a Happy Birthday (and I do, with much love - so VERY much love, in fact) but I think today is a good day to recognize you, too.
A year ago your life change irrevocably. Of course, it had already begun changing - but this. This was when it became truly real - all those hopes and worries and planning-fors. On this day you became a mother. And all that means. I didn't realize, really, what this meant until a few months later.
It was then I realized what had truly happened and I became someone who did not just feel incredibly blessed to be your friend - but was absolutely, dumbfoundedly in awe of you. You have entered the world of motherhood with such grace. I don't get to see you with Adaela often, but when I have there is no question who her mama is. You can see the tie between you as if it were a ribbon running through the air. You so effortlessly pull her toward you, so easily hold her. She seems to be almost a part of you, which of course she is. But I don't have to be there to know this is always true. Your voice sings with it. Your decisions and actions play it out for all to acknowledge. Your heart has grown a few sizes. :)
It's been a crazy year of trips and hips, of daycare and no care, of family and cousins and friends and balls. You have had your share of scary, nervous and crazy moments - but you seem to have the innate ability to power through them. To always put her first. To be able to take that deep breath and keep moving forward ...endlessly forward.
I don't know how to put the woman who has become such a wonderful mother into the proper words for you. So that you can see her, clearly. For you to truly be proud of her, the way I am.
I want so much for you to know how many times I draw strength from your example. How many times, near tears and exhausted, I have stood up to take that first step forward knowing that is what you would do, that it was the right thing to do. That I never have to be alone doing it.
I know this is rambling and the right words and phrases fail me terribly. I'm struggling and feel like I'm failing horrible at this so I'll end now.
Just, well, Happy First Anniversary of Being a Mother.
You've done so well. She's living proof. Proof of love. Of patience. Of kindness. Take just a second tomorrow to relish that. To take a small amount of credit for it. A large one, if you can bring yourself to.
And know that this mom, so far north - is glad she's found a guiding star in the south.
Congratulations. You've been a mom for a whole year now. You have made it. More than survived it. I know I am supposed to be wishing Adaela a Happy Birthday (and I do, with much love - so VERY much love, in fact) but I think today is a good day to recognize you, too.
A year ago your life change irrevocably. Of course, it had already begun changing - but this. This was when it became truly real - all those hopes and worries and planning-fors. On this day you became a mother. And all that means. I didn't realize, really, what this meant until a few months later.
It was then I realized what had truly happened and I became someone who did not just feel incredibly blessed to be your friend - but was absolutely, dumbfoundedly in awe of you. You have entered the world of motherhood with such grace. I don't get to see you with Adaela often, but when I have there is no question who her mama is. You can see the tie between you as if it were a ribbon running through the air. You so effortlessly pull her toward you, so easily hold her. She seems to be almost a part of you, which of course she is. But I don't have to be there to know this is always true. Your voice sings with it. Your decisions and actions play it out for all to acknowledge. Your heart has grown a few sizes. :)
It's been a crazy year of trips and hips, of daycare and no care, of family and cousins and friends and balls. You have had your share of scary, nervous and crazy moments - but you seem to have the innate ability to power through them. To always put her first. To be able to take that deep breath and keep moving forward ...endlessly forward.
I don't know how to put the woman who has become such a wonderful mother into the proper words for you. So that you can see her, clearly. For you to truly be proud of her, the way I am.
I want so much for you to know how many times I draw strength from your example. How many times, near tears and exhausted, I have stood up to take that first step forward knowing that is what you would do, that it was the right thing to do. That I never have to be alone doing it.
I know this is rambling and the right words and phrases fail me terribly. I'm struggling and feel like I'm failing horrible at this so I'll end now.
Just, well, Happy First Anniversary of Being a Mother.
You've done so well. She's living proof. Proof of love. Of patience. Of kindness. Take just a second tomorrow to relish that. To take a small amount of credit for it. A large one, if you can bring yourself to.
And know that this mom, so far north - is glad she's found a guiding star in the south.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
250 days
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