This weekend we traveled to St. Louis for my 20th high school reunion. As usual, our trip was dominated by stops to eat at all my favorite places-- Lion's Choice, Imo's, Ted Drewes, and Fitz's. We were even able to buy a case of ginger ale at Fitz's with no hassle this time. I added a new twist to the food theme this trip, and purchased a gooey butter cake at the Dierberg's bakery. It didn't quite taste the same as the ones I make at home, and I think it may be because the ingredients listed margarine instead of butter. That just doesn't seem right! But it was nice to find one at a bakery, instead of having to bake it myself.
Charlie apparently decided that our food fest trip was time to turn over a new leaf as well-- he ate meat three times on Sunday. He had almost an entire sausage link at breakfast, ate some roast beef from my sandwich at lunch, and eagerly nibbled on some cheeseburger at McDonald's Playland when we stopped on the way home.
Charlie also has a new wave going on-- instead of just opening and closing his fingers, he actually bends his arm at the wrist and gets the whole hand waving. He's also getting used to swimming pools. Beth, who went along with us on this trip so that she could watch Charlie while we were at my reunion, took him to the hotel pool while we were out on Saturday night. He likes to splash with his hands, just like in the bath, but does not like to get his face wet (same as with the bath). One of his favorite activities during the trip was to play around in the closets at our hotel. They had mirrored doors, so when he wasn't running inside the closet, he was banging on the outside.
We visited the City Museum on Saturday, which was new to me. It was hot, so we didn't explore much of the outside, but it definitely looked like a fun place to take Charlie back to when he's a little older and can enjoy it more. We also took Charlie to his first major art museum on Sunday. There was a Gordon Parks photography exhibit going on that we enjoyed before heading out of town.
The Reunion itself was fun, although I missed seeing some of my closer friends. I was glad to see at least one or two folks that I had lost touch with, though, and hope to stay in touch with them more in the future.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Random sighting
Today at lunchtime I got a text message from a co-worker that John McCain was eating lunch at Skyline across the street from our office building. Three of us looked out the window and sure enough, we spotted his bus parked on the corner. We grabbed our wallets and headed over there for lunch, since we were hungry, anyway. We were being checked through the security screening process as he started to get ready to leave. We were standing right there while he said goodbye to the staff and a few other customers at the doorway.
Our general impression of him was that he definitely seems smaller in stature in person than he does on TV. Although none of us plan to vote for him, we definitely respect him, and were impressed with the way he handled the crowd. He was very warm and open and signed several autographs. Even though we did not speak to him, I somehow felt more "involved" in the political process for having been so close.
Our general impression of him was that he definitely seems smaller in stature in person than he does on TV. Although none of us plan to vote for him, we definitely respect him, and were impressed with the way he handled the crowd. He was very warm and open and signed several autographs. Even though we did not speak to him, I somehow felt more "involved" in the political process for having been so close.
Finger Lickin' Good!
Last night, Charlie ate chicken for dinner! I am so happy to finally find a meat product that he'll eat at home. It was leftover Extra Crispy Shake n Bake on chicken tenderloins-- John's favorite.
Not much else new going on here-- Charlie continues to explore with his walking skills. And he tries to climb up anything that stands still. We need to get him one of those climber things, so he can practice on something that's meant for that purpose, instead of chairs and stairs and baby gates. But we don't know where we'd put it!
Not much else new going on here-- Charlie continues to explore with his walking skills. And he tries to climb up anything that stands still. We need to get him one of those climber things, so he can practice on something that's meant for that purpose, instead of chairs and stairs and baby gates. But we don't know where we'd put it!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Off and Running!
On Thursday at daycare, Charlie was sitting on the small sofa in the room, and suddenly looked up at everyone, stood up, and walked to them. Of course, they all applauded, so he did it again, stringing 6 or so steps in a row. At home that evening, he was proud to show off his new skills.
Most of the time, he still holds on to something to walk, but he'll now walk across open spaces without too much prompting, until he happens upon a shoe, or a dog, or something else that either trips him up, or distracts his attention. I'd say that he's now "officially" walking.
The rash he got this past week is all cleared up. He was only home from daycare one day. It did eventually spread to his tummy and a bit on his back, but after the first day the awful swelling in his face had gone down. By Thursday we were starting to see the smiley Charlie come back.
We're off to Columbus tonight to visit with the Zimmermans. Yay for their babysitter!
Most of the time, he still holds on to something to walk, but he'll now walk across open spaces without too much prompting, until he happens upon a shoe, or a dog, or something else that either trips him up, or distracts his attention. I'd say that he's now "officially" walking.
The rash he got this past week is all cleared up. He was only home from daycare one day. It did eventually spread to his tummy and a bit on his back, but after the first day the awful swelling in his face had gone down. By Thursday we were starting to see the smiley Charlie come back.
We're off to Columbus tonight to visit with the Zimmermans. Yay for their babysitter!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Cooling down and taking off
Well, the weather cooled off for a bit today, which is a welcome relief from the heat and humidity we had been having. Last Monday, I worked at the Anthony Munoz Hall of Fame Celebrity golf outing, benefitting his foundation. As feared, it was HOT! I was out there for 14 hours, escorting big shots for two rounds of golf. I got through it okay, but on Wednesday I started to develop a rash on my arms, due to some sunscreen I had used on Monday. By Saturday, I had to go to urgent care and get a steroid shot and some pills to take to get the itching and swelling down.
It was hot on Thursday, as well, when we tried to take Charlie to the Reds game after work (to see them play the Cardinals). We didn't stay through the game, because Charlie was too antsy. We decided it was a waste of money to try and take him to any more games for about 2 years, until he can learn to sit still for longer. Right now he just wants to get down out of your lap and explore. Not good when you're trying to sit out in right field catching home runs! Turns out I didn't need to worry about that on that night, anyway. After two great wins by the Cards earlier in the series, they bombed out that night, as typically happens when I attend the game.
It was also hot on Sunday, when we took Charlie to the zoo for a brief Fathers' Day outing. We wanted to see the new giraffe exhibit. After looking at a few animals, and taking a short train ride, we headed out. But it may have been too much on Charlie. Monday morning I got a call from daycare that he was blotchy and sluggish. Long story short, by the end of the day when I picked him up to take him to the doctor, his face looked awful! It is my belief that he had an allergic reaction to the sunscreen that was on his face, where he was sweating around his hairline and on his forehead. But the pediatrician said it was likely a viral rash that he has picked up early in the weekend. He had a rough night, and we kept him home today (Beth is watching him for us), so he can try and recuperate. We're just treating his discomfort with Motrin and waiting to see.
The poor little guy had gotten bitten again at daycare on Friday afternoon, also. Just a small bruise on his arm, but it's starting to get annoying. Wish we could do something to stop it.
But on a positive note, the little guy is really starting to take off with the walking. Last Wednesday at daycare they said he took 3 steps on his own. At home, he's reaching up to the edge of the kitchen table (time to start moving things away from the edge)! Last night we got some good video of him taking 3 or so steps at a time, walking between John and Beth. They're not big steps, but he's getting there. He's really motivated by Lucy sometimes, and tries to walk to her.
We've also had some luck with some new foods. Apparently he's been eating hot dogs and fish sticks at daycare, so we have some meats to try out.
John and I both have busy weeks at work this week, but we're looking forward to a weekend trip up to Columbus to visit with the Zimmermans. Then next weekend it's off to St. Louis for my 20th high school reunion. And of course, my usual trips to Imos, Ted Drewes, and Lion's Choice. It's all about the food! (Maybe Charlie will like some of those!)
It was hot on Thursday, as well, when we tried to take Charlie to the Reds game after work (to see them play the Cardinals). We didn't stay through the game, because Charlie was too antsy. We decided it was a waste of money to try and take him to any more games for about 2 years, until he can learn to sit still for longer. Right now he just wants to get down out of your lap and explore. Not good when you're trying to sit out in right field catching home runs! Turns out I didn't need to worry about that on that night, anyway. After two great wins by the Cards earlier in the series, they bombed out that night, as typically happens when I attend the game.
It was also hot on Sunday, when we took Charlie to the zoo for a brief Fathers' Day outing. We wanted to see the new giraffe exhibit. After looking at a few animals, and taking a short train ride, we headed out. But it may have been too much on Charlie. Monday morning I got a call from daycare that he was blotchy and sluggish. Long story short, by the end of the day when I picked him up to take him to the doctor, his face looked awful! It is my belief that he had an allergic reaction to the sunscreen that was on his face, where he was sweating around his hairline and on his forehead. But the pediatrician said it was likely a viral rash that he has picked up early in the weekend. He had a rough night, and we kept him home today (Beth is watching him for us), so he can try and recuperate. We're just treating his discomfort with Motrin and waiting to see.
The poor little guy had gotten bitten again at daycare on Friday afternoon, also. Just a small bruise on his arm, but it's starting to get annoying. Wish we could do something to stop it.
But on a positive note, the little guy is really starting to take off with the walking. Last Wednesday at daycare they said he took 3 steps on his own. At home, he's reaching up to the edge of the kitchen table (time to start moving things away from the edge)! Last night we got some good video of him taking 3 or so steps at a time, walking between John and Beth. They're not big steps, but he's getting there. He's really motivated by Lucy sometimes, and tries to walk to her.
We've also had some luck with some new foods. Apparently he's been eating hot dogs and fish sticks at daycare, so we have some meats to try out.
John and I both have busy weeks at work this week, but we're looking forward to a weekend trip up to Columbus to visit with the Zimmermans. Then next weekend it's off to St. Louis for my 20th high school reunion. And of course, my usual trips to Imos, Ted Drewes, and Lion's Choice. It's all about the food! (Maybe Charlie will like some of those!)
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Fat Feet
I took Charlie to the mall yesterday to buy him some real shoes, now that he's on the verge of running around on his own. Turns out, he has fat feet. I got him some double -wide tennis shoes, but I was not able to find him any sandals that fit him correctly, even after going to two Stride Rite stores. We'll try again in a couple of weeks when maybe they'll have more sizes in stock.
He's getting used to walking with the new shoes, but it's obvious that he's struggling a bit with how heavy they are. They're kind of big and clunky, too-- compared to his tiny feet! He takes just a step or two before grabbing on to something, but it won't be long before he's stringing more steps together. He cruises along pretty fast behind his push wagon or his push car.
We finished off the last of the baby formula a little over a week ago, and he's getting used to drinking his milk from cups instead of bottles. We still use a couple of bottles a day, but mostly it's cups. He also seems to really like some of the yogurt and fruit or vegetable juices that they make for toddlers. It's almost the only way I can get him to eat vegetables, now that he's on finger foods and not eating the jarred stuff any longer. He still won't really eat any meat, but I got him to eat some ham and cheese quiche this morning, and he managed to get a little egg and ham in with the crust, so at least he got some protein that way.
After a week of heavy storms last week, the weather here is in the 90's. I wouldn't mind so much, except that I have lots of spring yard work left to do, and it's too hot and humid for that! Plus, tomorrow I'm volunteering at a golf outing all day, and I'm afraid I'll pass out from the heat!
The cicadas are also creating quite a racket right now. Lucy keeps chasing them when she goes outside. I was going to get a car wash this weekend, but I'm glad I didn't bother yet!
John has posted 13 month photos of Charlie on his flickr site, so go take a look at Charlie in his new shoes.
He's getting used to walking with the new shoes, but it's obvious that he's struggling a bit with how heavy they are. They're kind of big and clunky, too-- compared to his tiny feet! He takes just a step or two before grabbing on to something, but it won't be long before he's stringing more steps together. He cruises along pretty fast behind his push wagon or his push car.
We finished off the last of the baby formula a little over a week ago, and he's getting used to drinking his milk from cups instead of bottles. We still use a couple of bottles a day, but mostly it's cups. He also seems to really like some of the yogurt and fruit or vegetable juices that they make for toddlers. It's almost the only way I can get him to eat vegetables, now that he's on finger foods and not eating the jarred stuff any longer. He still won't really eat any meat, but I got him to eat some ham and cheese quiche this morning, and he managed to get a little egg and ham in with the crust, so at least he got some protein that way.
After a week of heavy storms last week, the weather here is in the 90's. I wouldn't mind so much, except that I have lots of spring yard work left to do, and it's too hot and humid for that! Plus, tomorrow I'm volunteering at a golf outing all day, and I'm afraid I'll pass out from the heat!
The cicadas are also creating quite a racket right now. Lucy keeps chasing them when she goes outside. I was going to get a car wash this weekend, but I'm glad I didn't bother yet!
John has posted 13 month photos of Charlie on his flickr site, so go take a look at Charlie in his new shoes.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Catching our breath
We spent this past weekend catching our breath from the events of the past two weeks. Just after I wrote last, I went on a three night work trip to Memphis, leaving John at home with Charlie. The boys survived their week together, although John's attempt to cut Charlie's hair met with mixed success. On Friday I returned home and rushed off to the grocery store to prepare for our weekend guests and our annual Memorial Day barbecue.
Friday evening, my sister Christine and her family, and my parents and grandmother, all arrived into town. Saturday we took the kids to Sharon Woods park for a picnic and some play time. Saturday evening we had a May Birthday dinner-- Charlie, Christine, and John all have birthdays in May-- and we celebrated with some steaks John cooked on the grill. John's mom joined us for dinner. The birthday folks all opened some gifts after the meal, and then we had cake and ice cream.
On Sunday, we made last minute preparations for our annual grill-out, including sending Todd and Dad on a trip to the store to buy a new picnic table for the kiddies. After he finished mowing the lawn, John helped them assemble the table-- a bigger job than we had expected! The grill out was quite a success, even though we had a few last minute no-shows. Christine and Todd got packing that night, as they were slated to leave first thing on Monday morning.
After the Brewoods left on Monday morning for their drive back to KC, the rest of us trekked down to Krohn Conservatory to see the Butterfly show. I got to use my new video camera (a Mothers' Day gift) for a little bit. On the way home, we stopped and had lunch at Maggiano's. We rested some that afternoon, then made a trip out to Jungle Jim's to hunt for Brooks tomatoes (no luck!) and stopped for Steak and Shake malts on the way home. By then it was time for Charlie to go to bed.
The Houston folks left first thing Tuesday morning, and I took a half day off to rest up and get myself together before going back to work for the week.
Charlie had an eventful week at daycare. He was bitten-- twice! Once on the leg on Tuesday, and once on the arm on Thursday-- apparently by the same child. We, too, had a busy week. We traded movie nights-- John went to see the new Indiana Jones movie on Thursday, and I went out with some girls to see the Sex and the City movie on Friday.
Saturday morning I took Lucy to the annual Doggie Dash (a fundraiser for the Cincinnati SPCA) and she had a great time. It was looking like rain, so John stayed home with Charlie. Saturday evening we celebrated Beth's birthday at a dinner with many of her friends. All the commotion was a little much for Charlie, and he slept in pretty well on Sunday (no complaints!) Sunday was a good day to relax.
I think that catches everything up for now-- see the flickr sites for recent photos.
Friday evening, my sister Christine and her family, and my parents and grandmother, all arrived into town. Saturday we took the kids to Sharon Woods park for a picnic and some play time. Saturday evening we had a May Birthday dinner-- Charlie, Christine, and John all have birthdays in May-- and we celebrated with some steaks John cooked on the grill. John's mom joined us for dinner. The birthday folks all opened some gifts after the meal, and then we had cake and ice cream.
On Sunday, we made last minute preparations for our annual grill-out, including sending Todd and Dad on a trip to the store to buy a new picnic table for the kiddies. After he finished mowing the lawn, John helped them assemble the table-- a bigger job than we had expected! The grill out was quite a success, even though we had a few last minute no-shows. Christine and Todd got packing that night, as they were slated to leave first thing on Monday morning.
After the Brewoods left on Monday morning for their drive back to KC, the rest of us trekked down to Krohn Conservatory to see the Butterfly show. I got to use my new video camera (a Mothers' Day gift) for a little bit. On the way home, we stopped and had lunch at Maggiano's. We rested some that afternoon, then made a trip out to Jungle Jim's to hunt for Brooks tomatoes (no luck!) and stopped for Steak and Shake malts on the way home. By then it was time for Charlie to go to bed.
The Houston folks left first thing Tuesday morning, and I took a half day off to rest up and get myself together before going back to work for the week.
Charlie had an eventful week at daycare. He was bitten-- twice! Once on the leg on Tuesday, and once on the arm on Thursday-- apparently by the same child. We, too, had a busy week. We traded movie nights-- John went to see the new Indiana Jones movie on Thursday, and I went out with some girls to see the Sex and the City movie on Friday.
Saturday morning I took Lucy to the annual Doggie Dash (a fundraiser for the Cincinnati SPCA) and she had a great time. It was looking like rain, so John stayed home with Charlie. Saturday evening we celebrated Beth's birthday at a dinner with many of her friends. All the commotion was a little much for Charlie, and he slept in pretty well on Sunday (no complaints!) Sunday was a good day to relax.
I think that catches everything up for now-- see the flickr sites for recent photos.
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