Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow

She's away. Far, far away. Galen doesn't know it yet, but for the next week there's only bottle and bowl; no warm flesh, no gentle nursing. Shanna's business has taken her away for the first extended trip. We'll see how we all hold up. Not that I'm counting down, but I look forward to her return.

If he could, Galen would say "bye-bye Mommy, see you soon!"

Father's Day Visit Home

Galen got his first visit to Indiana over the Father's Day weekend to see Grandma, Grandpa, and the whole host of family members. It was awesome, the almost everyone of the central Indiana herd showed up. He got to be held by aunts, uncles, nephews, cousins, and of course, grandparents. The weather was perfect, Mom & Dad's yard was beautiful, spirits were high, food was tasty, and the Galen was a sack of potatoes handed to everyone.

What better way to spend Father's Day than with family?

Here is the man, all kicked back and enjoying himself (I think he's smil'n at Grandma...)

Signs, Solids, and Audio

Galen is responding to some hand signs, in particular Shanna's signing of "milk" and "more milk". He just laughs at me... It's wonderful to see his reaction to the sign say & play classes. He can be crabby from lack of a nap, but when confronted with singing and other kids he perks right up.

He is content with a new solid - sweet potatoes. And his by-product is even more varied than ever. Rocky and Natasha are most pleased to clean the residue from his face and hands. Their tongues are WAYYYY better than wet-wipes, wash clothes, or any other normal cleaning material. And much more entertaining.

We've resorted to dipping him in the pool once or twice as a shortcut. He enjoys being held and jumping up and down in the water. But not as much as splashing. He'll sit on the first step and splashes 'till his face is wet & dripping. And then he'll pause, huff some until the water clears off some, and then starts all over. Sunday he was having a blast until he realized he was cold. It's awesome to see how having fun takes away from reality.

NPR had a story about this web site, bzzzpeek.com. I had to go and visit - you should to. What's so special? It's audio clips of different nationalities' kids way of making sounds; like a snake, firetruck, and frog. Very entertaining.

Spurts, Parrots, and Stains

Galen seems to be getting ready for a growth spurt. He's gone from eating 6 ounces a day from a bottle to 10 - 12 ounces. Last weighing he was about 17 1/2 pounds, and that was on May 10. Maybe time to weigh again, but than again, maybe not. He's eating, pooping, peeing, sleeping, and happy. That's all I care about.

Galen is becoming a parrot. He can't mimic anything consistently, but he keeps trying. He does occasionally product a vowel or consonant. Language and speech development is amazing.

I was doing stuff in the garage Monday morning and made the mistake of looking up. And I thought to myself, SELF, where did that water-like-stain come from? About 12 X 4 inches covering both the vertical and horizontal area around the inside edge, up where the ceiling meets the wall. And another spot about two feet out on the ceiling look'n to be where the joint would be. So, up in the attic I went. And thankfully it was early in the day, not too hot.

I didn't see a thing. I got above the afflicted area, saw no water. Took a look at the heat exchange water catch basin & tubing, no sign of leaks. Hmmm, wonder where that stain came from? It must be noon somewhere - time for a beer...