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.