Little Man Tools about Chandler

Galen has a library card!! Today we went to the City of Chandler Library. We only spent a few minutes poking around, found the little one's section and I checked out the book "Choosing Books for Children" by Betsy Hearne. While not as equipped as say, the City of Phoenix public library, it is respectable. The have free wireless access, and a cafe to get a snack or beverage. But I doubt they have Sierra Nevada Pale Ale...

"Darling", "styling", and "like a movie star" were some stranger's comments about Galen during our Library and Chandler visit. As mentioned above, we went to the library, but we also did a lap around downtown Chandler. We visited several stores, Galen always seems to get a comment or two, especially with those Baby Banz.

We were almost hit by blue hair running a red light.... Neither the blue haired lady driving, or the blue hair, balded old man even looked at us while we were IN THE CROSSWALK with an OK to cross. I wish the stroller was empty, it would'a been fun to have let them hit it. Driving is a privilege, not a right - if ya can't see the road conditions, it's time pay heed to the AARP and stop driving.

Easter, Rolls, and WI Dads

Little man is rolling over, mostly from his back to tummy. There is an occasional tummy to back roll. We used to fell safe from SIDS when placing him on the back, but now I often find him sleeping on his tummy and I get worried...

Grandma O'Brien sent Galen an Easter outfit. He seemed to enjoy wearing it while cooling his toes in the water...

I spent Easter Sunday prep'ing a planter bed and then planting tomato, basil, and cilantro; spraying the backyard for weeds; fertilizing the grass and killing off the dandelions; and, cleaned the pool, patio, and back porch. I then enjoyed the fruits of my labor by sitting on the porch with a magazine and glass of wine. It was a warm, sunny, beautiful day. I enjoyed digging my hands in the dirt, doing mundane yard work. Now if that basil would hurry up and grow...

Wisconsin dad's getting some attention.

I'm Watching You

Squints, Signing, and Reality

Squinting Baby: Shanna purchased Galen two sets of Baby Banz sunglasses. They are a tad bit large for now, but they stay in place and give him room to grow. Ain't he cute?

Baby Signing: Mom had recomended that we try teaching Galen baby sign language. Apparently my sis Kelli and hubby David have had some success teaching their little ones. So, off we went to the Mall to repair a watch and find a signing book. We found one with the help of a kind, little old lady in the baby-book section. We'll let you know how the signing goes.

While Looking for the book he was a happy baby. I had placed him in the stroller, just about the whole time he had his arms outstretched & waving, fists clenched, and legs pumping like no tomorrow. Oh, and babbling that weird, baby-speak stuff.

Camping Cleanup is finally be done. The truck gear has been inspected, washed, and put away. Same with the camping gear, and the kichen box is packed waiting for the next trip. Just last week I was playing in the dirt, gett'n sun, drinking beer... Back to my wonderful reality.

Live Free. Dine Well. Drink Good Beer.

On Vacation - Part I: I was on vacation - March 14 through 17 that is. Shanna was kind enough to work at home (and hopefuuly vacation a day or two) so that I could go camping with the boys. For the past four years SWANKy has organized an expedition-type camping trip, this was the fifth. The premise is simple, do some fun off-highway travel on the way to a new camping spot. At night, gather around the campfire and tell bad stories and drink refreshing adult beverages. In the morning, pack up, do some fun off-highway travel on the way to a new camping spot, and repeat the evening festivities.

This year Natasha was the chaperone, and friend Bret was the navigator/shotgun. Except for not having Rocky to hang with Natasha kinda enjoyed the day; the night was completely different. Every night, within an hour of sunset, the temperatures dropped to around 45 degrees. Sometime overnight the real cold would set in. Each morning brought frost and frozen dog-water dishes. Natasha does not like cold...


On Vacation - Part II: Our anniversary is on St. Patrick's Day. We met on this day in 1997 and were wed on this day in 1998. When I got home Thursday, we didn't celebrate. I got to the mundane chores of cleaning up from camping. However, on Saturday Rocky, Natasha, and Galen were picked up by Pam & Gayle so that we could go to Vegas!!!
We stayed at New York, New York Casino & Hotel.... Nice motif, decent room.
We snacked at Nine Fine Irishmen pub. Their motto is Live Free. Dine Well. Drink Good Beer. What more can ya say? Go visit.
We dined at Emeril's Delmonico Steakhouse Las Vegas at the Ventian. Awesome food, excellent service, worth every penny.
And we saw Zumanity. Sexy, fun, and most entertaining.

On Vacation - Epilogue: Last week would not have happened without my awesome & loving wife. No vacation, no Vegas trip, and no Galen. Thanks love!! I looking forward to many more years.

Wiffle Ball and a Week-Long Break

Wiffle Ball: No, he's not playing yet, but I wish.

Picture of the Week: This is an example of perfection, a baby passed out from boob juice


Owner's Manual: Shanna started an Owner's Manual for Galen, something to give a baby-sitter. It includes phone numbers, his basic routine, and other cool tidbits. Good stuff. Where is the warranty sheet?

Computer Stuff: I downloaded and started using Mozilla's Firefox web browser. I've quickly decided it's WAYYY better than Microsoft's Internet Explorer, if for no other reason than pages load faster, popup protection included, and it's mostly virus resistant. 2 thumbs up...

I'm also trying their email client, jury's still out.

Pigeon's: Scourge of the earth, bringer of pestilence, flying rodent, cat food.

A Temporary Break of My Literary Adventure: This is my last entry for a week or so, enjoy your break from my babble.

Of Test Scores, Legs, and Unholy Screeches

Shanna was notified today that she has been accepted into law school and will begin with this fall's term. Yesterday she was notified of her LSAT score placing her in the 79th percentile!! When she was notified today of the school's acceptance, she was also notified that she will receive a merit scholarship that will cover about 50% of tuition. Way to go girl!

This good news foreshadows what we know will be a difficult few years. Galen, Rocky, Natasha, and I will be left to fill many hours while she is attending work and school. Sacrifices for us all will be made. We support her. Besides, when complete she will be better equipped to support me in the manner to which I want to be come accustomed...

Did I mention that I LOVE HER??

Legs are being discovered. Sometimes when flat on his back, Galen will raise his legs straight up and cup-n-pull with his hands. Still hasn't worked up to the feet, but those cubby little kickers have been noticed.

Screeching: Galen will start out making a sound akin to an A, but then it gets transformed into something unholy. It sounds like he is constricting his neck & vocal cords. That cute little face will turn red, and his lips curl up like he's enjoying himself. We do duets, screeching at each other.

Reading: Sometimes it's the newspaper, or Backpacker Magazine, or a word from an on-line forum. Sometimes even a children's book, but I do read to him most days. He pays more attention when we face each other, he'll laugh, smile, and shake his arms. When on my lap he seems to drift off to other distractions more quickly.

Penguins: Doh, I can't find the reference, but...
I ran across a weblog for a dad that likened himself to a penguin. Interesting metaphor for a dad being the one to raise a kid. While I don't go with the stuck in one place, freezing my @$$ off, not eating while she's gone part, keep the egg warm & hatch it part of the job. If ya keep it simple, male's bring'n up the young - I like it.

And no, that's not an invitation for teeshirts, stickers and such...

More Attention Than The Dogs...

Shopping Trip
Today we (Galen and I) went to Home Depot and then Lowes. In the past I often took one of our dogs, they always get attention. But going with Galen was different!! People blurted out how cute he was, or that it was good to see a dad carrying around JR - many just wanted to say hello to his smil'n face.

I can understand dog's getting attention. It is unusual for many people to even consider taking them along. But a kid?? Is it that unusual? Oh well, I enjoy showing him places...

Man Down Update
Last week started Galen's first cold. Today he is better, but not out of the woods. Not as much goop is streaming from the nose, and he doesn't sound much like plugged pipes anymore. Maybe it is Natasha (the baby dog) keeping his face clean. Dog spit kills germs!

Little Man Down...

Galen has his first cold, and I feel powerless in a way never experienced before. I've done the recommended things: saline, bulb, sitt'n up, and of course, lots of love & attention. At least he is still eating, though I'd be happier if it was more. And from time to time he still smiles & laughs. What a trooper.

First Day on the Job

Me
Yesterday was my first day employed strictly as a stay-at-home dad. I'm off the corporate rolls. Hmm. And what did we do? We went for a ride along the scenic Apache Trail. This is a dirt road, mostly maintained, heading east out of Phoenix that skirts along the Saguaro, Canyon, and Apache Lakes. The desert was green, almost lush, with several wild flower species starting to bloom.

Galen
He's a dream. Three months (almost 4) old and sleeping through the night. Monday night we experienced one of those special events.. I was sitting on the couch with Galen propped up next to me, we were just hanging out. He was gazing around with that little-kid inquisitive look. My wife turned on the ceiling fan and Galen just focused upon the fan and started laughing!! For several minutes we were mesmorized as he had these cool belly laughs - all from a fan.