Back in Buisness

I realize that it has been almost a year since our last post from Babyland and for those that did, are or have been reading I offer you a most sincere apology. The majority of my off time has been dedicated to the Army, school and starting up my photography business -- Shameless plug here--- www.petriemax.com. Much like the little M it has been evolving quite fast.

NO EXCUSES though! We are back with a toddler vengeance blog hard, nap hard and write on the walls with crayon till someone picks us up and loves us!

Where to begin? Well the little M is wonderful she is adorable and mischievous and all the things I imagine a two year old should be. We were worried about her speaking as she has been taking her time but she is showing a great progression. She is still way behind our friends and some of her younger friends but she could probably knock there diapers off in the octagon so it's a level playing field.

This has always been a photo-centric blog so lets get started:

I know she is freakin adorable right? Full head of curly hair teeth and curiosity I mean what more could you ask for?

So here we are back and at em! Please check back regularly because we will be here.

And here is some holiday love.

Welcome to Toddletown

Forgive me dear readers your humble narrator has been silent for far too long.

The Littlest M's trek through Babyland has kicked into second gear, where she no longer walks but imitates what we the mobile would call running. Her crashes are no less dramatic however we seem more damaged then she ever does. Hopeful it will always be that way...

She has padded her way through the infant stage and has landed whole heartily as a toddler. How did this happen so fast? I worry less about her survival and more about her development. I am convinced we are going to raise a child to be everything we stand against like a communist or a Jankees fan!

Alas we continue to work solely on instinct and hope the best shines through.

She tries to put on her own shoes and socks. Sometimes on her head, but she is just "thinking outside the box." Still she is "the smartest baby in the world!," even if she isn't actually smart. Yet she is aggressive and I often find that to be more important in my life!

Her independence frightens and excites me, I have infinite hope it means she is unafraid to meet life head long and take on any challenge -- except dating. None for us thanks. Is it to early to talk about a nunnery?

Well, reader the little M. says hi, although its sounds more like "bdDa!"

Let us not stay away for so long.

Tabula rasa -- The parent artist

Tabula rasa is Latin for blank slate. It is a philosophical theory that all persons are born without any mental content, and all their resources and knowledge are simply all the things they process through experience, and sensory perception.

We are born a blank slate to be molded like clay.

OK this scares the crap out of me. Give an artist clay he makes the thinker. Give me clay and you get a cheap looking ashtray.

If we believe this theory (and I might a little bit), Trixie and I will be directly to blame for EVERYTHING, because we filled the little m's brain with her learnin.

Jeez the pressure. What if we imprint something bad on her little hard drive? Will she grow up to have an irrational fear of wood stoves, dog bowls and dog beds because I don't want her to have burnt hands, a face rash and malaria!

Oh crap she saw me in the bathroom does she have PTeSD?

Now I can't believe everything is a learned response. For instance animals in the wild will circle around in the grass a few times to pat down a nice bed and a view of danger. I see domesticated animals circle their own little spot on the carpet tons of times. They don't have predators...

and well as much as she pretends the little m. is not a domesticated or wild animal.

Perhaps I should take an art class....

The Bravo One Eight List

I wanted it to sound important with a military ring to it. Simple easy to say. So, from here on out, it will only be referred to only as the Bravo One Eight List.

I am good at the moment. I have an ability to look around and "smell the flowers" if you will. Take Trixie and my wedding, somewhere between the vows and the wedding cake I stopped looked around at my new wife, my family and friends and thought wow, what a moment. Even in some darker hours, like a concrete bunker in a foreign land with people I don't know clinging to me like I could somehow deflect the mortars that are dropping like hail on an August day. My first thought of course is gee I hope I don't die but my second is wow, what a moment.

Having said this, with the Little M. I often try to rush the moment to get to the next one. I can't wait till she can sit up, crawl, eat walk and talk. So I have to remind myself to remain in the moment enjoy the snuggling and the random giggling. Enjoy her enjoying us, and life.

I have an idea, a list. Ten moments I would like to share with the Little M. Moments that may help make her life more fulfilling, enrich her, teach her a bit about life. Or simply ten things we would like to do with our daughter before she turns 18. The important part of this list is that it is all American. Certainly travel has helped me learn and have a great deal of moments and I am sure that will happen, however the Bravo One Eight List is also about helping her see why her America is great.

So here we are in no particular order:

10.) Infiltrate the Magik Cingdom and all it's Bushy gardens and aquatic worlds. Save the princess and frame the mouse. (look it's a gimmie who doesn't want to take their kid to the commercial kingdom?)

9.) A fall excursion: Army football game at West Point. RV perhaps? (My time at West Point was breathtaking. everyone should see it's beauty and history. Not only that but it's a secret chance to plant the "west point seed." So she is a girl, this is an incredible college and I have a huge reverence for anyone who attended.)

8.) The biggest Zoo in all the land. Right now I think that would have to be San Diego. I will certainly research it when it's time. (Trixie and I love the zoo. We go whenever we can. The Sydnee zoo, down under was certainly the best but hey this is an American list.)

7.) Christmas in New York . I truly heart NY. FAOh Schwortz, the lights, the bustle. Ice Skating at the rock, carriage through central park, the nutcracker at radio citee. (There are better places to go ice skating then rockafella center, but that moment, there with all the tourists! Besides that's where Trixie and I got engaged so I want it to mean something to the Little M. as well.)

6.)Space Shuttle Launch, at cape canivirel. (This may sound kind of lame but think about it, that dang hunk a metal is going in to space. I mean outer space like off the planet, looking down. It means something.)

5.) The Lincoln Memorial, The whole D.Cee. experience really, but I still remember being there with my dad. There is something breathtaking about the statue and the man. (I was back there recently and it was no less breathtaking as an adult.)

4.) Fenway Park, "Buy me some peanuts and cracker Jahks" (This I can't wait for and hope we check off the list often, how cool is it going to be sitting in the sun talking baseball to my little girl? Up until she starts rolling her eyes at me I guess!)

3.) San Fransisco Treat, There is no lack of things to do in this city. Fun for adults and kids I assume -- because I am just a big kid at heart. (best part is my sister Cali lives out there so we can have some nice bonding time with her aunt.)

2.) Adventure Race, Now this can be a bike trek "across" the state, a half marathon, a fun run, triathlon, the Bataan death march or the dang eco-chhalllannggeee, as long as it's a challenge and we do it together. (The trick is staying in shape for such things.)

1.) The Appalachian Trail and Khatadin, Not the whole thing are you nuts? Just a part, and the hike up the mountain and subsequent camping. (My hope is to get my longtime friend Duff & wife and his little girl Annabelle to join us on this trip.)

That's ten folks, in no particular order, I could easily add about a dozen more and maybe there will be additions or a foreign lands list down the road but it's our baseline. We welcome you to join us on any or all of our adventures through baby land and beyond.

The Little M gets her Revenge

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Family

I remember being in college not so long ago. I was in a dorm room with four friends. Each of us were busy doing separate things in the room. One girl was working on a ridiculously large desk top computer amazed that she could "Chat" on the computer with another student on the campus. The other girl was doing some form of homework, the third person well I don't remember what he was doing but I looked up from the book I was reading, The Stand by Stevy Kings. In retrospect I probably should have been reading a college text book seeing as my college career was short lived and this is the only college story I care to repeat in polite company.

Anyway, I look up from my book and I am struck with the feeling of family, of closeness. Here we four are. All doing something separate and we don't having to acknowledge one another or converse but can still enjoy the time, the moment with each other.

Standing in my kitchen some 15 years later I have that same feeling, only better and more complete. At some point in time this past month or so we ceased being two people who loved one another to three people who love one another. I know the little M. has been around now for over a year but she was more something we cared for and loved but still we had to constantly watch and maintain the food/sleep/burp/comfort rotation. This thing has now taken on a mind, a personality of her own.

Trixie is preparing the meal we will eat after the Little M is in bed, I am looking through the never ending onslaught of bills and Mia is in the living room/playroom walking from toy to toy finding new ways of beating them until they submit to her will. She isn't looking for us to tend to her every need. At this moment she is a separate person in the room enjoying the moment. This closeness, our family.

Christmas Card Rejects Part II

Christmas Card rejects, originally uploaded by petriemax.

Well, I was right days later and the Little M. is walking. It's as if she found her center of gravity and she is going forward. She's not ready for a marathon yet, a few steps here and there, but it's as cool as I thought it would be. She takes a few steps and gets this giant grin on her face like she has done something wonderful, indeed she has.

For your entertainment -- another Christmas card reject. thought it was fitting for this post as she is standing. I like it because it looks like she got caught in a Christmas trap, and really haven't we all at least once or twice. Caught up in the lights and the snowman.

Poor kid is doomed, as I have her hard at work being my model and Guinea pig for my photography endeavors. Good training because you have a small window to get the shot before the Little M. loses interest.

She is doing well though. She doesn't nap well at day care -- makes me wonder about day care. She does OK though without the sleep, like her dad , she just wants to stay in the game! The big scary ear tubes "surgery" happens in about a week. I swear the poor kids had some tough breaks. I would cry foul if I hadn't been there to see it first hand. She is going to be bionic by 6 at this rate. More on the ears as I learn more about it, somehow it prevents the ear infections -- and she has more than her painful share.

Look for your cards soon, Trixie the Little M. and of course yours truly hope your holiday season kicks of with much love and happiness. If you find your missing any come by our way we have plenty to share.

"Really, do we need lights? Geez!"

Christmas Card Rejects

Christmas Card rejects, originally uploaded by petriemax.

One of this years Christmas card rejects. We never got around to mailing them last year due to the little M being so, well -- little. I won't beat my good friend care-e but we will be out on time! More thurs, with some other X-mas rejects.

The missing thing

I am in love with my daughter.

I look at her and I am filled with excitement and joy and happiness and love just a ton of love.

I am smitten. I feel bad when she bumps her head and cries. I saw a big giant tear fall off her face and hit the carpet the other day and my heart broke. I can still see it in slow motion and my heart breaks again.

It's cheesy and big bad firefighter/soldiers probably shouldn't be so emotional and trite. Alas I can't help it. In the very beginning I was committed and excited but truth be told I felt a wee bit worried because I wasn't overwhelmed with love and bonding and the desire to work 80 hours a week for your kid. Now I am thinking 80 is that it. This kid is awesome, I may never get to see her but at least she can afford nice shoes. So be it.

The Little M, what can I say if her pictures don't tug at your heart then I dare say you might need to go see a cardiologist.

I am glad she has afforded me the opportunity to love so openly and so absolutely. It's so different from what Trixie and I have or what I have with my family. Not better, well.... OK fine not better but wholly wonderful.

Wind in your hair

I am not tired daddy, really., originally uploaded by petriemax.

We're helmet free. The appointment is officially tomorrow, but based on our own opinion and by looking at her head we made an executive parental decision We are pleased with the results and are happy to allow her to be a non-helmet wearing child.

She is right on the verge of walking, I mean right there. It looks like she wants to. Struts around with her little car all day and has no trouble walking while holding on to mommy or daddies hand. My guess is that we are days away from her branching out on her own. Trixie thinks she will be able to see better without the helmet. Her peripheral vision won't be blocked and she will feel more comfortable.

The Little M is currently clear of the ear infection, helmet free and cold free. I am enjoying the moment before the next thing. I assume there will always be the next thing. Be it tubes for her ears or boys and fast cars.

She went trick or treating for the first time, she put the helmet to good use and went as a football player --Pictures soon. I have to get them from others because I am still no good at managing her and a camera by myself. I am getting closer though. She was in true form very cute and fell asleep in my arms during the treating process. The long walk down the street must have worn her out.

What challenges will walking bring. Stay tuned.

Seasons

It's been a month since our last contribution and I apologize for the silence. The past month has seen some joyful times and unfortunately some very very sad times as well.

When last we met the Little M. was gearing up for a trip to the left coast to see her Aunt Cali, finally get married off. The trip was not without it's pitfalls. 3 hour delay in Newarc, time changes for someone who doesn't know what time is and of course close quarters combat in a plane with an 11 month old.

All that aside however the trip was a success and we were happy to be with family and celebrate my sister and new brother in-laws nuptials. We wish them much love.

The little M. enjoyed the wedding so much in fact that she fell asleep on the dance floor to AC/DCEE and was mystified by the string quartet. Who knew?

Now she is one. On Oct. 16 she made the big leap out of fractions and into whole numbers. She is not as I imagined ready to rake leaves yet, though she does try to eat them.

Her one tooth that poked through without a whimper was followed immediately by three more that did more than whimper. Oh the poor little m. She is taking her lumps early.

She gets her helmet off in a week which is wonderful but due to her newest double ear infection, she needs to have tubes put into her ears. Surgery for such a little creature. My hope is that we are getting all the colds, infections deformities etc. out of the way and she will come through stronger in the long run. Alas, what else can you hope for?

She still remains impossible cute and a continued joy in our lives. More on the continued saga of the Littlest M. soon.

.

Grandpa...

Martin Francis Laughlin 1948-2008

The Helmet and the less Flat

As most of you may know and can see from the pictures all through our little blog here, the Little M. wears a helmet. Not for her protection, although it does help, but for a condition that she has called Plagiocephaly. That means she has a flat head!

See The Helmet and the flat

Well, she had an appointment with the flat head specialist today and IT'S WORKING!!!! She had a three millimeter correction from her last visit! Now I know that doesn't sound like a lot but it's clear to us and the guy who gets paid for his opinion that things are looking much better. He recommends one more month which will make a total of four months as opposed to the three we had hoped for. One more months' not so bad and I will be very happy to see that thing go.

But I have my fears...

First is the protection issue, that girl is afraid of nothing! The thing really helps against the plops and tumbles and face plants. The hope is that in another month she will be a little more stable on the earth. Probably not.

Now here is the craziest thing; We take the helmet off for about an hour every night and wash it and bath her right before bed. The other night we are playing in her room and I hand her the helmet and she looks at me, back at the helmet and then tries to put it on.

I am not sure why this simple act moves me so much, and I mean I am moved. Dumbfounded again by the Little m. Is it because this is the first act of her doing something effectively for herself? Is it her trying to do something she thinks I want her too? Or has she just become so attached to that dammed thing that she wanted it back on?

Perhaps I read too much into things, I think differently because she's our baby...?

When people hear your expecting a lot will say "Oh having a baby changes everything!" My initial reaction is "Duh I am not an idiot of course it changes everything. Geeez" Of course I just smile and thank them. The kicker friends is this...

Having a baby changes everything.

Puppy Love

Oh the adventure continues and the good days are outnumbering the difficult ones. Even though I literally have to pin the Little M. down to change her diaper and the most fascinating things in the entire house are the electrical outlets and the oh so clean dog bed. Not to mention our 130 pound grumpy old woman --No not Trixie, but Melle! It would seem as though Melle only mildly tolerates the newest edition to her bed. Despite the numerous attempts by the little m. to make her presence known said beast has yet to offer up her slobberly affection. Only time will tell and neither of them are lacking in persistence!

Add two top teeth with out a fuss, grump or cry!

Add grilled cheese, mak n cheese, gram crackers and wood chips. Yes, wood chips her favorite snack while playing at the local school s jungle gym. Lets just hope their rich in fiber.

Add that she is on the very brink of standing on her own and quite possible unleashing her little fat baby legs on dogs everywhere. It's amazing to see the transformation and the leaps she is taking toward becoming.

I won't say she spoke her first word but I will say she is starting to imitate sounds. When she falls which she does quite frequently I usually say "PLOP!" Well she fell and I said "plop" she looked at me and said "blop" and then scampered away saying "blopablopablopablop," leaving daddy not knowing whether to laugh, cry or both! Who could have guessed that an onomatopoeia could make a grown man weak in the knees.

We have our first big family trip planned for next week, out to cali for my big sister cali's wedding. I have no idea how we are going to manage the flight out there and then the time change for a week. We will find a way, it's what we do. Find a way.

Forgive my rant...

I have seen a lot of conflict in my life, sometimes very violent and life changing. So, I tend to avoid it until it is absolutely necessary, frankly I often adopt a "go along to get along" mentality to steer clear of said conflict. This blog in and of itself has a sole purpose of being a baby blog and not a forum for me to discuss politics, war and pop culture.

That being said I intend to break some of those rules in this entry.

America is broken and I am afraid. My heart hurts for my daughter and the men and woman who have fallen for our stars and stripes. OUR stars and stripes.

We The People.

We need change and we need a plan and we need to execute that plan. We need to hold ourselves accountable as well as our leaders. This is not a popularity contest or a talent show it's a hail Mary pass hoping the guy that catches the ball can lead us out of the darkness and into the open. For God's sake vote, vote with your heart and your mind.

Because my daughter deserves the America that I love.

I have seen America from the wreckage of the World Trade center, America hung its colors from their windows and doors and on their front lawn. They sang from their steps and they believed. We need to stop blaming and start believing.

Great fine it's all Bush's fault. He caused terrorism and bank greed, he caused the medias frenzied parasitic sensationalism, he may have even killed Nicole Simpson.... fine but now what.....

I can't turn on the television without hearing the same story three different ways the government may be lying to us but so are our televisions. So are our candidates.

Look I don't have an answer, my heart says McKayne but my head says Ohbahmah. I have this.... Vote Vote vote vote. Because We are the people, it's our flag it's our country and we have to hand it to my daughter.