Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Milestones
posted by John
Adam turned 10 yesterday. 10 years ago it was snowing, his scheduled C-Section went off as planned, and other than some chills related to the meds, Tiff was fine. We arrived @ the hospital 5:30 am as I recall even though birthing wasn't until after 8 am. Most of the family members were present, and many friends and co-workers visited throughout the day. Even though I was "supposed to" go home in the evening, the charge nurse noticed the weather and was "wink wink" allowing me to stay. Those pull out pleather cushion chairs aren't bad for stretching out. Unfortunately the overnight nurse didn't agree, and shortly before Midnight I was politely but firmly instructed that I was welcome to return before 8am.
Through the snow from Vineland to Mays Landing I realized I never took the trip without Tiffany and one of the 5 corner stops had me bewildered for a moment. I was able to get some of the digital photos up once home, and shared with my eBay Q&A board buddies about the arrival of our new addition. (Small plug there, our ebay userid is "newadditions").
Not much sleep, and I left home back for the hospital around 5:15. I figured that 6am was "before 8am", and snuck in through a door that they probably should have been monitoring more closely. Makes you wonder. Eventually I was stopped by the same nurse who sent me home just hours before, but I guess she was worn out from the night and realized I just wanted to be with my family, so I was allowed in.
Fast forward to March 7 2006. Adam decided he wanted us to go to Ripley's Believe it or Not in Atlantic City followed by dinner @ Damon's. It was nice. His younger brother bought him a DS game he wanted, and he graciously accepted the presents from all.
I couldn't help but notice my lovely wife. She really hasn't aged a day. I can still see her cradling the little guy on her shoulder. Hard to imagine that he has but a few inches to go before he's taller than her.
Tiff spent some time with him at home before returning to work, and I was able to stagger my hours to come home for periodic feedings. We all were so young and innocent then.
Who would have known about the experiences we have shared, from a traumatic trip to the hospital about 6 months later for RhodoVirus (we nearly lost him) to last week where he was selected as the leader to represent his grade in the "Math Bowl" tournament. (His team didn't win, but one of the questions they got wrong was worded poorly - no sour grapes on my part!)
This little miracle child has grown into quite an interesting young man. I am proud of him daily. Last week he went into his own bank to help his brother donate to the "pennies for patients" fundraiser (they came up with almost $20 !). He and I attended his first live pro wrestling show on Saturday (WWE Hall of Famer Tito Santana was victorious in the main event). He has traveled to Florida with Tiff and her family, to Connecticut with us all, Pennsylvania, and almost every imaginable square foot of the Garden State. He has experienced beaches and summer fun, snow, swimming, soccer, cub scouts and weblos, 4-H club, Christian Children's Caring Club, band, plays, many family sleep overs, etc.
And best of all - he gets my jokes!
posted by John
Adam turned 10 yesterday. 10 years ago it was snowing, his scheduled C-Section went off as planned, and other than some chills related to the meds, Tiff was fine. We arrived @ the hospital 5:30 am as I recall even though birthing wasn't until after 8 am. Most of the family members were present, and many friends and co-workers visited throughout the day. Even though I was "supposed to" go home in the evening, the charge nurse noticed the weather and was "wink wink" allowing me to stay. Those pull out pleather cushion chairs aren't bad for stretching out. Unfortunately the overnight nurse didn't agree, and shortly before Midnight I was politely but firmly instructed that I was welcome to return before 8am.
Through the snow from Vineland to Mays Landing I realized I never took the trip without Tiffany and one of the 5 corner stops had me bewildered for a moment. I was able to get some of the digital photos up once home, and shared with my eBay Q&A board buddies about the arrival of our new addition. (Small plug there, our ebay userid is "newadditions").
Not much sleep, and I left home back for the hospital around 5:15. I figured that 6am was "before 8am", and snuck in through a door that they probably should have been monitoring more closely. Makes you wonder. Eventually I was stopped by the same nurse who sent me home just hours before, but I guess she was worn out from the night and realized I just wanted to be with my family, so I was allowed in.
Fast forward to March 7 2006. Adam decided he wanted us to go to Ripley's Believe it or Not in Atlantic City followed by dinner @ Damon's. It was nice. His younger brother bought him a DS game he wanted, and he graciously accepted the presents from all.
I couldn't help but notice my lovely wife. She really hasn't aged a day. I can still see her cradling the little guy on her shoulder. Hard to imagine that he has but a few inches to go before he's taller than her.
Tiff spent some time with him at home before returning to work, and I was able to stagger my hours to come home for periodic feedings. We all were so young and innocent then.
Who would have known about the experiences we have shared, from a traumatic trip to the hospital about 6 months later for RhodoVirus (we nearly lost him) to last week where he was selected as the leader to represent his grade in the "Math Bowl" tournament. (His team didn't win, but one of the questions they got wrong was worded poorly - no sour grapes on my part!)
This little miracle child has grown into quite an interesting young man. I am proud of him daily. Last week he went into his own bank to help his brother donate to the "pennies for patients" fundraiser (they came up with almost $20 !). He and I attended his first live pro wrestling show on Saturday (WWE Hall of Famer Tito Santana was victorious in the main event). He has traveled to Florida with Tiff and her family, to Connecticut with us all, Pennsylvania, and almost every imaginable square foot of the Garden State. He has experienced beaches and summer fun, snow, swimming, soccer, cub scouts and weblos, 4-H club, Christian Children's Caring Club, band, plays, many family sleep overs, etc.
And best of all - he gets my jokes!
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Hockey Dad
posted by Adam
Another long day ended with me traveling up to Madison Square Garden for the Rangers-Flyers game Wednesday night. The baby was up at 7:30 a.m., which wasn't so bad, but I was still dragging some from the Tuesday night game. After we had breakfast, I had to trek down to the accountant and sign the tax stuff. Nothing like driving an hour for a 5 minute signature and pickup. Oh well. Breanna slept most of the time. Then it was home in time for lunch, then I had to pack up my gear for the game and for Breanna's trip to the babysitter's. Laptop; check. Baby's swing; check. Diaper bag; check. Baby; check. OK, we're good.
Then it was a mad dash from Northeast Philly to Hamilton, Mercer County, to catch the train. Hamilton is a beautiful station, but parking is atrocious. Their about 5,000 spots short on a good day, and they're expanding, so it's even worse. Nearly missed the train driving in circles to find a spot. As it was, me and the heavy-ass laptop bag had to run about a half-mile, which is way further than I've run non-chased in a very, very long time. But I made it in time to buy my ticket, and just as I stepped away from the machine, the train came. 90 minutes later, I was at the Garden for another night of great, great hockey.
Jagr is amazing, just ridiculous how good he is when motivated, and he's been that way this season. And he has owned the Flyers this season. Anyway, in my rush to get out the door, I forgot to pack food for the munchkin other than a 4-ounce bottle of juice. Needless to say, the wife was a bit peeved when she picked up the baby at 5:30. Threw off the little one's whole schedule, which the wife had no problem telling me, repeatedly. Oh well.
I'll learn sometime.
posted by Adam
Another long day ended with me traveling up to Madison Square Garden for the Rangers-Flyers game Wednesday night. The baby was up at 7:30 a.m., which wasn't so bad, but I was still dragging some from the Tuesday night game. After we had breakfast, I had to trek down to the accountant and sign the tax stuff. Nothing like driving an hour for a 5 minute signature and pickup. Oh well. Breanna slept most of the time. Then it was home in time for lunch, then I had to pack up my gear for the game and for Breanna's trip to the babysitter's. Laptop; check. Baby's swing; check. Diaper bag; check. Baby; check. OK, we're good.
Then it was a mad dash from Northeast Philly to Hamilton, Mercer County, to catch the train. Hamilton is a beautiful station, but parking is atrocious. Their about 5,000 spots short on a good day, and they're expanding, so it's even worse. Nearly missed the train driving in circles to find a spot. As it was, me and the heavy-ass laptop bag had to run about a half-mile, which is way further than I've run non-chased in a very, very long time. But I made it in time to buy my ticket, and just as I stepped away from the machine, the train came. 90 minutes later, I was at the Garden for another night of great, great hockey.
Jagr is amazing, just ridiculous how good he is when motivated, and he's been that way this season. And he has owned the Flyers this season. Anyway, in my rush to get out the door, I forgot to pack food for the munchkin other than a 4-ounce bottle of juice. Needless to say, the wife was a bit peeved when she picked up the baby at 5:30. Threw off the little one's whole schedule, which the wife had no problem telling me, repeatedly. Oh well.
I'll learn sometime.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
6 Months
posted by Adam
So Tuesday was Breanna's 6 month birthday. It's amazing to see how much my life has changed in half a year. I went from living an extended college life. Working at night, I could sleep in any day I wanted, do what I wanted, when I wanted, move at my own pace. I could sit and play PlayStation all day if I wanted to. But now those days are long gone.
Everything is organized and I have little to no control over what I do or when I do it. But for anyone else, I'd probably bitch and complain. But not for her. Let's be real, I don't necessarily enjoy functioning on 4 or 5 hours of sleep, or getting up at 7:30 a.m. most mornings, especially not after getting home at 1:30 a.m. But it's so worth it. And every time she does something new, like sit up by herself, or go down the slide or enjoy the swing, it's worth it.
But getting back to that 6 month birthday, her awful parents took her to the doctor and got her four more vaccine shots. We know she's getting smart because as soon as we laid her down on the doctor's table, she freaked, because she knew what was coming from the last time. But her very first lollipop afterward made everything better. So that was cool.
6 months. I can't believe I'm the parent of a 6-month-old.
posted by Adam
So Tuesday was Breanna's 6 month birthday. It's amazing to see how much my life has changed in half a year. I went from living an extended college life. Working at night, I could sleep in any day I wanted, do what I wanted, when I wanted, move at my own pace. I could sit and play PlayStation all day if I wanted to. But now those days are long gone.
Everything is organized and I have little to no control over what I do or when I do it. But for anyone else, I'd probably bitch and complain. But not for her. Let's be real, I don't necessarily enjoy functioning on 4 or 5 hours of sleep, or getting up at 7:30 a.m. most mornings, especially not after getting home at 1:30 a.m. But it's so worth it. And every time she does something new, like sit up by herself, or go down the slide or enjoy the swing, it's worth it.
But getting back to that 6 month birthday, her awful parents took her to the doctor and got her four more vaccine shots. We know she's getting smart because as soon as we laid her down on the doctor's table, she freaked, because she knew what was coming from the last time. But her very first lollipop afterward made everything better. So that was cool.
6 months. I can't believe I'm the parent of a 6-month-old.
Some Weekly Revelations
posted by Brian G.
This week I was in the unfamiliar position of having to do the “drop offs” at daycare. We live in Swedesboro, NJ and my wife works in Wilmington, DE. When we were shopping for a day care situation we chose the Jewish Community Center in North Wilmington – it is simply the best care and the best program we could find and we were determined to give that experience to our kids.
This week was my wife’s annual HELL WEEK – there is a weeklong targeted marketing program that her radio station runs and she was forced to be in early everyday. I am in the process of changing jobs – I gave my two week notice but my employer did not need me around for two weeks. All the better! I was home and gainfully unemployed (but getting paid!) for another week before reporting for my first day of work with the new employer.
To make a long story not so long – I handled the drop off and the pickup. On Wednesday there was a substitute teacher that covered the afternoon. My little Lauren (20 months old now) was playing well that day, as she does all the time at school. The sub apparently “revved” her up for “Mommy will be coming to get you soon.” “Are you excited to give Mommy a hug?” Etc, Etc, Etc.
Well, when I showed up, you might have thought the world was coming to an end! Crying hysterically and begging for MOMMY, I had to herd her into her jacket and pack her into the car for the ride home. She bawled the entire way, and even seeing Mommy come through the front door was not enough to assuage her sorrow.
I can understand all of that, especially from the child’s point of view. What is really troubling for me as a newer parent is the fact that only now (2 days later) is she finally warming back up to me!
Dads – for as important as we are and as critical a role we play in the child rearing process, one thing is certain. When the child wants her mommy, there is very little you can do but strap in and roll with the punches!
posted by Brian G.
This week I was in the unfamiliar position of having to do the “drop offs” at daycare. We live in Swedesboro, NJ and my wife works in Wilmington, DE. When we were shopping for a day care situation we chose the Jewish Community Center in North Wilmington – it is simply the best care and the best program we could find and we were determined to give that experience to our kids.
This week was my wife’s annual HELL WEEK – there is a weeklong targeted marketing program that her radio station runs and she was forced to be in early everyday. I am in the process of changing jobs – I gave my two week notice but my employer did not need me around for two weeks. All the better! I was home and gainfully unemployed (but getting paid!) for another week before reporting for my first day of work with the new employer.
To make a long story not so long – I handled the drop off and the pickup. On Wednesday there was a substitute teacher that covered the afternoon. My little Lauren (20 months old now) was playing well that day, as she does all the time at school. The sub apparently “revved” her up for “Mommy will be coming to get you soon.” “Are you excited to give Mommy a hug?” Etc, Etc, Etc.
Well, when I showed up, you might have thought the world was coming to an end! Crying hysterically and begging for MOMMY, I had to herd her into her jacket and pack her into the car for the ride home. She bawled the entire way, and even seeing Mommy come through the front door was not enough to assuage her sorrow.
I can understand all of that, especially from the child’s point of view. What is really troubling for me as a newer parent is the fact that only now (2 days later) is she finally warming back up to me!
Dads – for as important as we are and as critical a role we play in the child rearing process, one thing is certain. When the child wants her mommy, there is very little you can do but strap in and roll with the punches!
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Baby Joshua
posted by Richard
The day Joshua was born….
The call from Golden Cradle came at somewhere around 2 in the morning….the Birth Mother now a week overdue went to the hospital feeling labor pains….
It took a little over an hour to get to the hospital in North Jersey, fortunately we had taken a “Dry Run” a week before and it was 3 in the morning so traffic was not an issue. We arrived at a little before four in the morning and rush to the Birth Mother’s room; the word excitement hardly does this moment’s justice. The Birth Mom was already in a gown and moaning, Karen and I giving her as much support as we possibly could. She was not quite ready; her cervix was not dilated enough yet so the hours passed with her going through what I can only assume was excruciating pain. Still more long hours passed and we all were getting more anxious. The Birth mom was given an Epidural to ease the pain and soon very soon things were progressing to the moment of truth.
At somewhere in the ballpark of late 3 o’clock closing in on 4, the wheels of fate were unleashed and in the next few moments life as we knew it would forever change. This was the moment we so desperately wished we could experience just between ourselves, but fate had other plans for us. I chose to observe this miracle of birth from the PG13 section, like the obstructed view seats at Fenway, I did not mind a few things in my way. There were several reasons for this, one…she was not my wife and her most intimate of areas was to be on display for all, two I did not know if she would be comfortable with another non-medical male peering in on that said area, and three I did not know if I would pass out if I saw what was happening in full view….remind me to tell you about my nephews’ Briss and every Briss thereafter…..that will be my next story…..
Karen, however was as close to the action as anyone could be, literally holding The Birth Mom’s right leg in the stirrup. She got to witness the birth like no other, save the Doctor. I watched as the head came out then the rest of the wee body and quickly he was rushed over to be cleaned up a bit and put under the fry warmer. This is where I was allowed to take the very first photo of our son, with his Mommy standing over him, the expression on her face…words alone could not describe, not even the look that another Mother has when she first holds her baby would equal the look an adopting Mother has when she first sees her child-to-be.
The following days brought out a full range of emotions, some sadly should never be felt at such a moment which should only be of joy and love. There were issues arising with the Birth Mom and the Sperm Donor, I mean Biological Father and where Joshua was to spend the rest of his life. Karen had the support of myself and Debbie B. when she needed it most and of course all our other core friends were trying to assuage our worst fears, for this alone we shall love our friends no matter where life takes them for as long as we still live. They helped us through what turned into a sad moment in our lives as we thought we lost our son forever to the Birth Mom who through pressure from the Sperm Donor decided to keep him. Thoughts of how we were the first to hold him (not counting the nurses and doctors), the first to feed him, the first to change his diaper and OH MY LORD, what was that, that he pooped out anyway….I have never seen another human expel something like that…..
Weeks later we got another call, strangely at 4 in the afternoon, the same time Joshua was born. This time our world was turned upside down again for on the other end was our Golden Cradle Counselor telling us that Joshua was ours and would be in Cherry Hill in and hour and a half, the Birth mom signed her surrenders, he was ours!!!!!!!!! Now most parents have 9 months to plan and prepare for their precious arrival, we had 90 minutes. Once again it was our dear friends that were by our sides in this joyous moment of chaos. It was Sparkle who was our videographer when Joshie was brought home, it was Debbie and Lisa and Lynne who dropped everything and went out and bought all the essentials we needed for our son’s first nights and days. When the chaos calmed down and all the other Mommies went home there was just Joshie, Mommy and I, peaceful and so serene, this is a moment I will never forget, as every parent experiences on that first night home, except ours had a touch more sweetness if that could actually be possible…..we had our son.
posted by Richard
The day Joshua was born….
The call from Golden Cradle came at somewhere around 2 in the morning….the Birth Mother now a week overdue went to the hospital feeling labor pains….
It took a little over an hour to get to the hospital in North Jersey, fortunately we had taken a “Dry Run” a week before and it was 3 in the morning so traffic was not an issue. We arrived at a little before four in the morning and rush to the Birth Mother’s room; the word excitement hardly does this moment’s justice. The Birth Mom was already in a gown and moaning, Karen and I giving her as much support as we possibly could. She was not quite ready; her cervix was not dilated enough yet so the hours passed with her going through what I can only assume was excruciating pain. Still more long hours passed and we all were getting more anxious. The Birth mom was given an Epidural to ease the pain and soon very soon things were progressing to the moment of truth.
At somewhere in the ballpark of late 3 o’clock closing in on 4, the wheels of fate were unleashed and in the next few moments life as we knew it would forever change. This was the moment we so desperately wished we could experience just between ourselves, but fate had other plans for us. I chose to observe this miracle of birth from the PG13 section, like the obstructed view seats at Fenway, I did not mind a few things in my way. There were several reasons for this, one…she was not my wife and her most intimate of areas was to be on display for all, two I did not know if she would be comfortable with another non-medical male peering in on that said area, and three I did not know if I would pass out if I saw what was happening in full view….remind me to tell you about my nephews’ Briss and every Briss thereafter…..that will be my next story…..
Karen, however was as close to the action as anyone could be, literally holding The Birth Mom’s right leg in the stirrup. She got to witness the birth like no other, save the Doctor. I watched as the head came out then the rest of the wee body and quickly he was rushed over to be cleaned up a bit and put under the fry warmer. This is where I was allowed to take the very first photo of our son, with his Mommy standing over him, the expression on her face…words alone could not describe, not even the look that another Mother has when she first holds her baby would equal the look an adopting Mother has when she first sees her child-to-be.
The following days brought out a full range of emotions, some sadly should never be felt at such a moment which should only be of joy and love. There were issues arising with the Birth Mom and the Sperm Donor, I mean Biological Father and where Joshua was to spend the rest of his life. Karen had the support of myself and Debbie B. when she needed it most and of course all our other core friends were trying to assuage our worst fears, for this alone we shall love our friends no matter where life takes them for as long as we still live. They helped us through what turned into a sad moment in our lives as we thought we lost our son forever to the Birth Mom who through pressure from the Sperm Donor decided to keep him. Thoughts of how we were the first to hold him (not counting the nurses and doctors), the first to feed him, the first to change his diaper and OH MY LORD, what was that, that he pooped out anyway….I have never seen another human expel something like that…..
Weeks later we got another call, strangely at 4 in the afternoon, the same time Joshua was born. This time our world was turned upside down again for on the other end was our Golden Cradle Counselor telling us that Joshua was ours and would be in Cherry Hill in and hour and a half, the Birth mom signed her surrenders, he was ours!!!!!!!!! Now most parents have 9 months to plan and prepare for their precious arrival, we had 90 minutes. Once again it was our dear friends that were by our sides in this joyous moment of chaos. It was Sparkle who was our videographer when Joshie was brought home, it was Debbie and Lisa and Lynne who dropped everything and went out and bought all the essentials we needed for our son’s first nights and days. When the chaos calmed down and all the other Mommies went home there was just Joshie, Mommy and I, peaceful and so serene, this is a moment I will never forget, as every parent experiences on that first night home, except ours had a touch more sweetness if that could actually be possible…..we had our son.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Early to Rise
posted by Adam
Getting up early has never been something I've enjoyed doing. I got up at 6 a.m. for school from the first day of sixth grade until the last day of high school, and I vowed I would never do anything that required me to get up that early again. So my earliest class in college? 10 a.m. And I work nights, so I could sleep in until 10 or 11 a.m., and still get done what I had to get done most days.
So needless to say, getting up every day between 7:30 and 8 a.m. has been a HUGE change for me. I don't nap in the afternoon, so it's been a real challenge. But I think what keeps me going is that huge, toothless smile I get every morning when she gets up, or any time she's in a good mood, which is quite often. She's a great sleeper, and every Monday-Thursday, I'm the first person she sees, and no matter how cranky I might be for having to get up early, that smile is the first thing I see, and gives me so much energy.
I can't say it carries me through the day, but it's enough to get me started. And now that she's 5 1/2 months old, she's getting to be more fun. She sits up on her own for a few seconds at a time, and she's really verbal. And when she's really happy, she shrieks, and it's so funny. She's a good kid. And for her, I don't mind getting up early.
I guess that's love.
posted by Adam
Getting up early has never been something I've enjoyed doing. I got up at 6 a.m. for school from the first day of sixth grade until the last day of high school, and I vowed I would never do anything that required me to get up that early again. So my earliest class in college? 10 a.m. And I work nights, so I could sleep in until 10 or 11 a.m., and still get done what I had to get done most days.
So needless to say, getting up every day between 7:30 and 8 a.m. has been a HUGE change for me. I don't nap in the afternoon, so it's been a real challenge. But I think what keeps me going is that huge, toothless smile I get every morning when she gets up, or any time she's in a good mood, which is quite often. She's a great sleeper, and every Monday-Thursday, I'm the first person she sees, and no matter how cranky I might be for having to get up early, that smile is the first thing I see, and gives me so much energy.
I can't say it carries me through the day, but it's enough to get me started. And now that she's 5 1/2 months old, she's getting to be more fun. She sits up on her own for a few seconds at a time, and she's really verbal. And when she's really happy, she shrieks, and it's so funny. She's a good kid. And for her, I don't mind getting up early.
I guess that's love.
Monday, March 06, 2006
The Tooth Fairy
posted by Mike
One of the great milestones for a child is the loss of his or her first tooth. My daughter Jessica (age six and a half) was excited about it from the moment she felt one starting to get loose, and over the course of several weeks it became a focal point of our family's attention. It got to the point where the tooth was hanging on for days, and Jessica was too timid to finish it off (or let me do it, for that matter). Then came Presidents Day weekend during which my mother was set to take her to Virginia overnight. My wife and I absolutely did not want to miss our first child losing her first tooth, so it was time to force the issue. The night before the trip, I finally convinced Jessica to let me fiddle with it and without too much work, voila! The tooth was out and we all celebrated.
Now, of course, it was time for the Tooth Fairy to make a visit. We put the tooth in a sealed plastic bag and Jessica put it under her pillow. Here's where Daddy messed up. Yes, I forgot to exchange the tooth for cash. But as fate would have it, I got lucky. Jessica woke up before 5:00 AM, which is unusual for her, and came into our bed. She was apparently fearful of the Tooth Fairy's visit (my daughter is terrified of characters, so this is probably along the same lines) and had some sort of nightmare about it. She told us that the Tooth Fairy hadn't come yet, and I replied that she got up too early so she'd better go back to bed. During the process of bringing her back to her room, I was able to snag a couple of bucks and stick them in my pocket. Jessica asked with me to lie with her for a few minutes and I obliged. Without her noticing, I reached into my pocket, took out the money and quietly exchanged it with the bagged tooth under her pillow. She never noticed.
A little while later she was in our room again and hadn't yet checked for the tooth. We let her stay in bed with us, and when it started getting light she went back to her room and found the money. She was under the impression that the Tooth Fairy had visited while she was in our room. Good enough...mission accomplished.
I certainly lucked out with this one. If Jessica had slept through the night as usual, it would have been a huge disappointment when she got up in the morning and found her tooth still there. I really don't know what I would have done. Fortunately, everything worked out and the magic of the Tooth Fairy still lives in our home.
posted by Mike
One of the great milestones for a child is the loss of his or her first tooth. My daughter Jessica (age six and a half) was excited about it from the moment she felt one starting to get loose, and over the course of several weeks it became a focal point of our family's attention. It got to the point where the tooth was hanging on for days, and Jessica was too timid to finish it off (or let me do it, for that matter). Then came Presidents Day weekend during which my mother was set to take her to Virginia overnight. My wife and I absolutely did not want to miss our first child losing her first tooth, so it was time to force the issue. The night before the trip, I finally convinced Jessica to let me fiddle with it and without too much work, voila! The tooth was out and we all celebrated.
Now, of course, it was time for the Tooth Fairy to make a visit. We put the tooth in a sealed plastic bag and Jessica put it under her pillow. Here's where Daddy messed up. Yes, I forgot to exchange the tooth for cash. But as fate would have it, I got lucky. Jessica woke up before 5:00 AM, which is unusual for her, and came into our bed. She was apparently fearful of the Tooth Fairy's visit (my daughter is terrified of characters, so this is probably along the same lines) and had some sort of nightmare about it. She told us that the Tooth Fairy hadn't come yet, and I replied that she got up too early so she'd better go back to bed. During the process of bringing her back to her room, I was able to snag a couple of bucks and stick them in my pocket. Jessica asked with me to lie with her for a few minutes and I obliged. Without her noticing, I reached into my pocket, took out the money and quietly exchanged it with the bagged tooth under her pillow. She never noticed.
A little while later she was in our room again and hadn't yet checked for the tooth. We let her stay in bed with us, and when it started getting light she went back to her room and found the money. She was under the impression that the Tooth Fairy had visited while she was in our room. Good enough...mission accomplished.
I certainly lucked out with this one. If Jessica had slept through the night as usual, it would have been a huge disappointment when she got up in the morning and found her tooth still there. I really don't know what I would have done. Fortunately, everything worked out and the magic of the Tooth Fairy still lives in our home.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Toothpaste
posted by John
So, a few nights back we went through our nightly "checklist" with the boys. Adam (9) and Johnnie (7) both adamantly claiming to have their clothing picked out for tomorrow, showered, changed, teeth brushed, and bookbags appropriately packed and ready by the front door.
Something seemed odd. Johnnie couldn't meet my eyes when he swore he brushed his teeth. I asked again. He replied, "You can check my toothbrush - it's wet!"
me: "Okay John. What color is your toothbrush?"
him: "I don't remember."
hmmmmmm....
Some nights later (after determining that in fact his is the green toothbrush) we had the same scenario. "Sure dad, you can check - it's even wet."
me: "Okay...did you use toothPASTE?"
him: "I'll be right back."
and so on........
posted by John
So, a few nights back we went through our nightly "checklist" with the boys. Adam (9) and Johnnie (7) both adamantly claiming to have their clothing picked out for tomorrow, showered, changed, teeth brushed, and bookbags appropriately packed and ready by the front door.
Something seemed odd. Johnnie couldn't meet my eyes when he swore he brushed his teeth. I asked again. He replied, "You can check my toothbrush - it's wet!"
me: "Okay John. What color is your toothbrush?"
him: "I don't remember."
hmmmmmm....
Some nights later (after determining that in fact his is the green toothbrush) we had the same scenario. "Sure dad, you can check - it's even wet."
me: "Okay...did you use toothPASTE?"
him: "I'll be right back."
and so on........
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Our first real BOO-BOO, and the healing magic of ELMO
posted by Brian G.
Drink of choice – Glenlivet on the Rocks
Soundtrack – Ben Folds Live singing “Tiny Dancer” in concert
Mood – Mellow, but not happy about taking out the trash tonight
Well, tonight we certainly reached a milestone. Somehow…someway…our little sweetheart has managed to reach the tender age of 20 months (give or take a couple of days) without ever having known the sting of a REAL CUT. One that bleeds a little bit – but of course a “little bit” to a grown up must seem like GUSHING FOUNTAINS OF CRIMSON BLOOD. Really this cut (actually there are 2 side by side) is a wee one and really tiny and pretty much healed as we speak.
The funny thing is that it happened a couple of days ago, and when we first noticed it in the evening after everyone was safely home from work and daycare it had already scabbed up. Needless to say it was some sort of a mysterious and egregious daycare injury (MRI negative – day to day – throwing off the mound – probably won’t miss the next scheduled start, etc).
I cannot for the life of me explain why tonight it suddenly becomes something on the level of a GETTYSBURG BATTLEFIELD MUSKET WOUND. All of a sudden…the tears…the crying…the agony. Kissing the boo-boo – “You’ve got to be joking, man….can’t you see we’re in pain here?” Christiana Hospital has a trauma heli-pad, and AI DuPont has the Pediatric ER. Start an IV and get me 3 units STAT!
But then my wife – the sheer genius that she is – remembered something. She momentarily vanishes from the room and returns with a box of Band-Aids. But not just any regular Band-Aids, but ELMO Band-Aids. Yes, my friends – Elmo is to my daughter what illegal narcotics are to Courtney Love.
Well right then we’ve handled it. A quick application of the bandage – a kiss – a fast “it’s OK – Elmo makes it better”. It was like me handing her keys to the new Porche on the 17th birthday (we live in NJ). Like the blue Tiffany’s box. Like the Visa card. Like the check for the hall deposit. She looked up at me and suddenly I was GOD. I was her world and her universe for that very moment.
We tucked in for bed and read GOODNIGHT MOON and said our prayers and kissed and said our “night night’s”.
Quiet.
Peace.
“WWWWWAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!”
Turns out that Band-Aid adhesive, like all good things in this life, is a temporary thing.
After the lights went out and the door shut, she began touching and playing and messing and fooling with ELMO. Enough of that and even NUCLEAR GRADE DUCT TAPE would fail.
Now its 9:15…she’s been down 2 hours to this point and we’ve been back in to try to soothe her no less than 5 times….
ELMO – I HATE YOU WITH EVERY OUNCE OF MY BEING….
posted by Brian G.
Drink of choice – Glenlivet on the Rocks
Soundtrack – Ben Folds Live singing “Tiny Dancer” in concert
Mood – Mellow, but not happy about taking out the trash tonight
Well, tonight we certainly reached a milestone. Somehow…someway…our little sweetheart has managed to reach the tender age of 20 months (give or take a couple of days) without ever having known the sting of a REAL CUT. One that bleeds a little bit – but of course a “little bit” to a grown up must seem like GUSHING FOUNTAINS OF CRIMSON BLOOD. Really this cut (actually there are 2 side by side) is a wee one and really tiny and pretty much healed as we speak.
The funny thing is that it happened a couple of days ago, and when we first noticed it in the evening after everyone was safely home from work and daycare it had already scabbed up. Needless to say it was some sort of a mysterious and egregious daycare injury (MRI negative – day to day – throwing off the mound – probably won’t miss the next scheduled start, etc).
I cannot for the life of me explain why tonight it suddenly becomes something on the level of a GETTYSBURG BATTLEFIELD MUSKET WOUND. All of a sudden…the tears…the crying…the agony. Kissing the boo-boo – “You’ve got to be joking, man….can’t you see we’re in pain here?” Christiana Hospital has a trauma heli-pad, and AI DuPont has the Pediatric ER. Start an IV and get me 3 units STAT!
But then my wife – the sheer genius that she is – remembered something. She momentarily vanishes from the room and returns with a box of Band-Aids. But not just any regular Band-Aids, but ELMO Band-Aids. Yes, my friends – Elmo is to my daughter what illegal narcotics are to Courtney Love.
Well right then we’ve handled it. A quick application of the bandage – a kiss – a fast “it’s OK – Elmo makes it better”. It was like me handing her keys to the new Porche on the 17th birthday (we live in NJ). Like the blue Tiffany’s box. Like the Visa card. Like the check for the hall deposit. She looked up at me and suddenly I was GOD. I was her world and her universe for that very moment.
We tucked in for bed and read GOODNIGHT MOON and said our prayers and kissed and said our “night night’s”.
Quiet.
Peace.
“WWWWWAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!”
Turns out that Band-Aid adhesive, like all good things in this life, is a temporary thing.
After the lights went out and the door shut, she began touching and playing and messing and fooling with ELMO. Enough of that and even NUCLEAR GRADE DUCT TAPE would fail.
Now its 9:15…she’s been down 2 hours to this point and we’ve been back in to try to soothe her no less than 5 times….
ELMO – I HATE YOU WITH EVERY OUNCE OF MY BEING….
Marc
A husband to Lisa (7 years). A father to Brendan Ezra (3 1/2 years. old).
I feel like I have lived two lives. One life started after college, when I worked in the garment industry in New York City. I was a sales manager for an upscale women's dress company. I traveled the world and dealt with huge department stores, had power lunches, and picked models for fashion shows. That life ended 5 years ago and in my new life - I am in the witness protection program, married and living in South Jersey, working as a school teacher in Philadelphia and being a husband and father. These are the tribes and tribulations of that new life I now lead.
Marc's Posts
A husband to Lisa (7 years). A father to Brendan Ezra (3 1/2 years. old).
I feel like I have lived two lives. One life started after college, when I worked in the garment industry in New York City. I was a sales manager for an upscale women's dress company. I traveled the world and dealt with huge department stores, had power lunches, and picked models for fashion shows. That life ended 5 years ago and in my new life - I am in the witness protection program, married and living in South Jersey, working as a school teacher in Philadelphia and being a husband and father. These are the tribes and tribulations of that new life I now lead.
Marc's Posts
Richard
Richard - A Life so far
I was born on a cool Spring day in late March 1965 (yes that was a long time ago you do not need to remind me!!!!). The only son of two very proud parents and two older sisters already deep in plans to torture me for years. Growing up in a suburb of Philadelphia, I had a relatively normal childhood despite my sisters schemes, playing with my matchbox cars and dreaming of life as a Pirate, and can we truly forget the summer days riding my big wheel till the sun set. Years later we moved to New Jersey but by then my passions in life had been planted in my soul, those being for my beloved Flyers, The Phils (later in college it changed to the Red Sox) and the Rams (of Los Angeles at that time). I also had passions for movies, specifically Sleeping Beauty that forever shaped my mind with one single knight battling a fire breathing dragon. This was probably one of the most significant moments in my life for the ripples it caused throughout my years.
Never the big athlete my teen days were usually filled with music and games, which can pretty much describe my adulthood too. These were the days of Kiss in itÂs makeup and Dungeons and Dragons in every basement, shaping my future forever. High School was much more of the same ever expanding love for music and games, movies and friendship, and soon Girls and life as we know it has never been the same again. College if only I went to college to actually study and go to class, but no I chose to learn everything else but what I went to school for (Ironically I actually went into the profession I went to college for). After college there was the years in Boston and the first real working days living paycheck to paycheck sad how some things donÂt seem to change much even now .Then it was back to New Jersey where I was matched to the woman who would be my wife and life as we know it has never been the same again.
We opened our own business a month before we got married, made friends with people we want to know forever and planned for children in our future. We had dark days later when Karen was diagnosed with cancer and our plans for Parenthood were put in a holding pattern for far more important reasons. Due to the cancer our options for Parenthood were changed, but never our desire to fulfill those dreams and so we chose adoption and after some time and a few heartaches we are the very proud parents of a sweet little boy named Josh who someday will love the Flyers, The Red Sox maybe thedefinitelyinately movies and will know true friendship and love when it comes into his life.
Richard's Posts
March 8, 2006: Baby Joshua
Richard - A Life so far
I was born on a cool Spring day in late March 1965 (yes that was a long time ago you do not need to remind me!!!!). The only son of two very proud parents and two older sisters already deep in plans to torture me for years. Growing up in a suburb of Philadelphia, I had a relatively normal childhood despite my sisters schemes, playing with my matchbox cars and dreaming of life as a Pirate, and can we truly forget the summer days riding my big wheel till the sun set. Years later we moved to New Jersey but by then my passions in life had been planted in my soul, those being for my beloved Flyers, The Phils (later in college it changed to the Red Sox) and the Rams (of Los Angeles at that time). I also had passions for movies, specifically Sleeping Beauty that forever shaped my mind with one single knight battling a fire breathing dragon. This was probably one of the most significant moments in my life for the ripples it caused throughout my years.
Never the big athlete my teen days were usually filled with music and games, which can pretty much describe my adulthood too. These were the days of Kiss in itÂs makeup and Dungeons and Dragons in every basement, shaping my future forever. High School was much more of the same ever expanding love for music and games, movies and friendship, and soon Girls and life as we know it has never been the same again. College if only I went to college to actually study and go to class, but no I chose to learn everything else but what I went to school for (Ironically I actually went into the profession I went to college for). After college there was the years in Boston and the first real working days living paycheck to paycheck sad how some things donÂt seem to change much even now .Then it was back to New Jersey where I was matched to the woman who would be my wife and life as we know it has never been the same again.
We opened our own business a month before we got married, made friends with people we want to know forever and planned for children in our future. We had dark days later when Karen was diagnosed with cancer and our plans for Parenthood were put in a holding pattern for far more important reasons. Due to the cancer our options for Parenthood were changed, but never our desire to fulfill those dreams and so we chose adoption and after some time and a few heartaches we are the very proud parents of a sweet little boy named Josh who someday will love the Flyers, The Red Sox maybe thedefinitelyinately movies and will know true friendship and love when it comes into his life.
Richard's Posts
March 8, 2006: Baby Joshua
Bob
Bob is a 35 year old father of 3 with one on the way. He grew up in North Dakota. And yes he did live in Fargo. And yes they really talk like they did in that movie. Anyway, he moved to Jersey in 92 where he met his wife while he was playing in a band. She was his groupie!!
Along the way they managed to build a family, house, some patio furniture, and half a hockey team!! His starting lineup is Austin (11), Evan (8), and Cole (5).
When he isn’t working at his job leasing medical equipment he is coaching hockey, football and baseball. He also enjoys eating cereal on the floor in front of the TV on Saturday morning in his jammies with his kids. Oh and long walks on the beach, with the family of course!
Bob's Posts
Bob is a 35 year old father of 3 with one on the way. He grew up in North Dakota. And yes he did live in Fargo. And yes they really talk like they did in that movie. Anyway, he moved to Jersey in 92 where he met his wife while he was playing in a band. She was his groupie!!
Along the way they managed to build a family, house, some patio furniture, and half a hockey team!! His starting lineup is Austin (11), Evan (8), and Cole (5).
When he isn’t working at his job leasing medical equipment he is coaching hockey, football and baseball. He also enjoys eating cereal on the floor in front of the TV on Saturday morning in his jammies with his kids. Oh and long walks on the beach, with the family of course!
Bob's Posts
