2008 End-of-Year GIANT Video Post
It's hard to believe Max's first year has come and gone. Here's just a few of the many vid clips taking up most of the hard-drive memory we currently own. Getting time for an upgrade...
Happy New Year!!!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Small Screen Debut
This past summer Annie's brother Rich, who is a funeral director, asked if she and Max would like to be in a commercial for his company.
The scene is quick, with the two of them sadly sitting on a couch with the rest of "their family," as they remember the relative who has passed away (appropriately a photo of the deceased rests in the lap of "grandma" and in a few other shots throughout the commercial.)
As I have seen, met with, and communicated with Rich a few times since the filming of this commercial, I can therefore bear witness to the fact he is well, good, and alive despite his "senior" picture's role in the following hijinks.
Without further ado...
The scene is quick, with the two of them sadly sitting on a couch with the rest of "their family," as they remember the relative who has passed away (appropriately a photo of the deceased rests in the lap of "grandma" and in a few other shots throughout the commercial.)
As I have seen, met with, and communicated with Rich a few times since the filming of this commercial, I can therefore bear witness to the fact he is well, good, and alive despite his "senior" picture's role in the following hijinks.
Without further ado...
Friday, December 12, 2008
Picture this...
Two or more jars of baby food on the table next to Max's high chair as we feed him.
Max casually points to the "next" jar when he's ready for a change back and forth as the meal progresses.
He'll then throw his hands up, shrug, and grunt to say "all done."
If you try to squeeze one more spoon full in him, you can pretty much bet on the spoon full of "Turkey Dinner with Garden Vegetables" batted out of your hand to stick to, and then slowly slide down, the nearest wall.
Little pieces of "self serve" food are a whole different story...
Max casually points to the "next" jar when he's ready for a change back and forth as the meal progresses.
He'll then throw his hands up, shrug, and grunt to say "all done."
If you try to squeeze one more spoon full in him, you can pretty much bet on the spoon full of "Turkey Dinner with Garden Vegetables" batted out of your hand to stick to, and then slowly slide down, the nearest wall.
Little pieces of "self serve" food are a whole different story...
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
No Boundaries
I'm sure it happens with every kid, but about a month ago Max started magically pointing at things with his little pointer finger while grunting questioningly for an answer. Nobody showed him how to point, it just happened.
So today I rearranged the "kid gates" set up in various doorways around the first floor with the specific reasons of giving Max more freedom to roam, and us a lot less of an "ear-full" when we happen to be on opposite sides of said gates.
Max's first unencumbered trip through the gate-free doorway into the kitchen was classic. He proceeded to stop and point to every little thing I still needed to child-proof. It was like he was giving me fair warning of things I needed to move - or he would do it himself at his convenience. The fly swatter hanging under the chalkboard. Spin 60 degrees to the stack of mail scattered about the kitchen table. Spin another 40 degrees to the chest in the hallway supporting various odds and ends, none of which should be eaten by a one year old.
It's nice to have a kid who has your back...
So today I rearranged the "kid gates" set up in various doorways around the first floor with the specific reasons of giving Max more freedom to roam, and us a lot less of an "ear-full" when we happen to be on opposite sides of said gates.
Max's first unencumbered trip through the gate-free doorway into the kitchen was classic. He proceeded to stop and point to every little thing I still needed to child-proof. It was like he was giving me fair warning of things I needed to move - or he would do it himself at his convenience. The fly swatter hanging under the chalkboard. Spin 60 degrees to the stack of mail scattered about the kitchen table. Spin another 40 degrees to the chest in the hallway supporting various odds and ends, none of which should be eaten by a one year old.
It's nice to have a kid who has your back...
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Plenty of Purell
On a recent trip to the mall we discovered a new little "play area" for those 42 inches and shorter. (No offense to some of our friends...)
Max had a blast. Absolutely no fear.
Max had a blast. Absolutely no fear.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Learning Stuff
Turning one seems to be much more of a milestone than just a date on the calendar. Some things we've noticed over the last few weeks:
-Though he can't say the words, if you ask Max where certain things are he'll point to them and grunt. Examples: any ball, Vinnie, Abbey, Mommy, Daddy, his toy truck, pillow, toy phone, the pots hanging above his high chair on a pot rack, teddy bear, books, rocking chair and most recently his belly
-If you ask him where his stinky feet are, he'll raise one or the other up to show you (even attempting to while he's standing...)
-He knows what "no" and "get down" means. Accepting those answers is another matter entirely.
-He gets excited when you ask him if he's hungry, and then complete irate if you don't follow up on it.
Yesterday we took him outside into the snow for the first time. With all the extra weight and padding of snow pants, winter jacket, hat, mittens and boots, he really was at a loss at what we expected him to do. Once he figured out his parents really wanted to see him walk he was fine for a few solo steps before face-planting into the 1/2" we'd accumulated during the day.
Excursion over...
-Though he can't say the words, if you ask Max where certain things are he'll point to them and grunt. Examples: any ball, Vinnie, Abbey, Mommy, Daddy, his toy truck, pillow, toy phone, the pots hanging above his high chair on a pot rack, teddy bear, books, rocking chair and most recently his belly
-If you ask him where his stinky feet are, he'll raise one or the other up to show you (even attempting to while he's standing...)
-He knows what "no" and "get down" means. Accepting those answers is another matter entirely.
-He gets excited when you ask him if he's hungry, and then complete irate if you don't follow up on it.
Yesterday we took him outside into the snow for the first time. With all the extra weight and padding of snow pants, winter jacket, hat, mittens and boots, he really was at a loss at what we expected him to do. Once he figured out his parents really wanted to see him walk he was fine for a few solo steps before face-planting into the 1/2" we'd accumulated during the day.
Excursion over...
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
365 Days Old
Holy cannoli. What a day. For that matter what a year...
We've managed not to mess Max up too much, as far as we can tell, over the last 365 days. At least not in any way that has surfaced yet. We'll keep our fingers crossed as we go on from this day (366) forward.
Sunday started earlier than any Sunday conceivably should. First on the agenda was a trip up to Durand. Annie's stepfather Jon delivered a fantastically mesmerizing sermon and did us a great personal service in performing Max's baptism. Dick, Annie's father, performed a beautiful trombone solo during the service to make Max's day uniquely his own. We hope these wonderful guys really understand how much we appreciate what they contributed and how much it means to us.
Nanny proclaimed a few weeks ago Max would be walking by his birthday. The last week has seen strolls of about 7 to 10 steps at a time, and wouldn't you know it, with a jam-packed house full of people and presents, Max managed to make his rounds looking like pro. Stopping, starting, wobbly turning around with toys in both hands, Max made Nanny into the latest, local Nostradamus. He's a clutch player that Maxwell...
As you can see from the pictures below, Max completely went to town on his first birthday cake. It was his first taste of chocolate and he passed the final test proving he definitely has Bloxom genes. The only thing to stop him from finishing his own little cake was the unobtainable energy needed to keep his eyes open and to keep from nodding off face-first into his pile of cake. We finally threw in towel when he started wiping frosting into his little eyeballs. A quick, reguvinating bath and some new clothes later he was back at it, checking the heap of new toys in the middle of the living room.
We have great families. Thank you sooo much for all you do. And for all the ones out of town and state, we miss you too. (And help me remind Max in a few years just how hard his mother worked to pull off a great party...)
We've managed not to mess Max up too much, as far as we can tell, over the last 365 days. At least not in any way that has surfaced yet. We'll keep our fingers crossed as we go on from this day (366) forward.
Sunday started earlier than any Sunday conceivably should. First on the agenda was a trip up to Durand. Annie's stepfather Jon delivered a fantastically mesmerizing sermon and did us a great personal service in performing Max's baptism. Dick, Annie's father, performed a beautiful trombone solo during the service to make Max's day uniquely his own. We hope these wonderful guys really understand how much we appreciate what they contributed and how much it means to us.
Nanny proclaimed a few weeks ago Max would be walking by his birthday. The last week has seen strolls of about 7 to 10 steps at a time, and wouldn't you know it, with a jam-packed house full of people and presents, Max managed to make his rounds looking like pro. Stopping, starting, wobbly turning around with toys in both hands, Max made Nanny into the latest, local Nostradamus. He's a clutch player that Maxwell...
As you can see from the pictures below, Max completely went to town on his first birthday cake. It was his first taste of chocolate and he passed the final test proving he definitely has Bloxom genes. The only thing to stop him from finishing his own little cake was the unobtainable energy needed to keep his eyes open and to keep from nodding off face-first into his pile of cake. We finally threw in towel when he started wiping frosting into his little eyeballs. A quick, reguvinating bath and some new clothes later he was back at it, checking the heap of new toys in the middle of the living room.
We have great families. Thank you sooo much for all you do. And for all the ones out of town and state, we miss you too. (And help me remind Max in a few years just how hard his mother worked to pull off a great party...)
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Birthday #1
Holy cow. We can't believe it's been one year already!
Pics and commentary to follow after Max's birthday party and baptism tomorrow...
Pics and commentary to follow after Max's birthday party and baptism tomorrow...
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Time for Shoe Shopping
No matter how much we anticipate and expect every new evolution in Max's development, each progression seems to leave us parents at first perplexed, awed, and finally just a little bit scared.
Max took 4 unassisted steps Saturday. Then 6... Then he realized what he was doing, promptly sat down hard on his well padded rump and declared "game over."
Though we've seen a few courageous steps here and there since then, nothing close to what happened Saturday.
But we know it's coming. Every time he stands up and let's go of the couch, or the chairs, or climbs up in his little rocking chair we find ourselves reflexively glancing around the room for even more things to batten down, move up a shelf, or just plain lock in the basement.
Max took 4 unassisted steps Saturday. Then 6... Then he realized what he was doing, promptly sat down hard on his well padded rump and declared "game over."
Though we've seen a few courageous steps here and there since then, nothing close to what happened Saturday.
But we know it's coming. Every time he stands up and let's go of the couch, or the chairs, or climbs up in his little rocking chair we find ourselves reflexively glancing around the room for even more things to batten down, move up a shelf, or just plain lock in the basement.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
October Bike Ride
We had to take advantage of the great 78 degree weather today with a short bike ride after Annie got home from work. Max had a great time and kept staring at Mom on the other bike, not quite understanding the whole "bicycle" ride concept. But he'd smile and giggle anyway.
This video was the scene upon reaching the car at the end of the trip.
This video was the scene upon reaching the car at the end of the trip.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Rush Lake
It took 11 months and 12 days, but Max finally convinced Mom to take him out to Dad's golf course.
It must be ingrained in little boys' heads because he didn't want to get off my lap (which meant he didn't want to let go of the steering wheel).
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
October
We're officially in countdown mode to Max's 1st birthday. This year has completely flown by and it's hard to believe how far he's come in such a short time.
4 lbs 4 oz to almost 24 pounds. He's a moose. He's a moose with legs and a body that won't quit even when his eyes won't stay open anymore.
But he always wakes up with a giant grin...
We're at that point where we're starting to see ourselves in his actions and expressions rather than just his looks.
And then, now and again, we get a glimpse of what he'll probably look like in five years.
Crazy.
4 lbs 4 oz to almost 24 pounds. He's a moose. He's a moose with legs and a body that won't quit even when his eyes won't stay open anymore.
But he always wakes up with a giant grin...
We're at that point where we're starting to see ourselves in his actions and expressions rather than just his looks.
And then, now and again, we get a glimpse of what he'll probably look like in five years.
Crazy.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Progress Report
It's been a while since we've actually had a post here with some actual information on how Max is doing. So we'll summarize a bit...
Max has quickly moved from the military belly-creep, to the standard hands and knees catch-me-if-you-can crawl, to running side-step up and down the couch, hand over hand to the next available piece of furniture. Most of the time he has either some sort of toy or one of his dirty socks in his hand. And when he doesn't think about it, he'll let go of whatever's holding him up and stand on his own for a few seconds (my count was about 9-10 seconds one time).
Why is it when you told people about your kid just learning to crawl they're like, "Ohhh. That's fantastic! You're going to have so much fun..!" Then you later you tell those same people how close he is to walking and then they're like, "Oh lord... You're in trouble now... Hope you've locked the whole place down..." Somehow the latter quote is said with what seems a much more ominous tone.
Anyway, we have the living room gated off with a few other gates stashed in various locations around the house in case they're needed. Annie cracked up while shopping at Babys "R" Us when I mentioned what they needed to sell was a five-pack of baby gates. Lo and behold, as we rounded the corner to see 2-packs of the old style, dependable wooden "extendo" gates. Whatever works, eh?
A couple of ear infections, a cold here and there, a few bumps and bruises later, we're all doing fine and Max is doing great.
Did I mention he has four teeth on the top and two on the bottom? It's sort of funny when he gets the afghan caught on the lower ones and needs help getting it unhooked...
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Crazy man in da crib
It's a little dated, but it's a great little clip of when Max just started pulling himself up a month or so ago...
The ball is rolling...
Ok. We're getting there with the site rebuild. Pictures should be back soon.
You all can still get to this site at www.coreybloxom.com/max, but if you don't want the redirect just bookmark this new page.
Think it's going to stay here for awhile.
Thanks for your patience...
You all can still get to this site at www.coreybloxom.com/max, but if you don't want the redirect just bookmark this new page.
Think it's going to stay here for awhile.
Thanks for your patience...
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Technical Issues
As you can all see, I ran into some problems with Max's site the other day and temporarily had to move it to a new location until I can figure out the bugs. (By bugs I actually mean the stupid mistake I made someplace in the code.)
The site may stay here, and may even have a bit of a make-over. Bare with us, it may be a little while....
The site may stay here, and may even have a bit of a make-over. Bare with us, it may be a little while....
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
What have we done..!?
Parents and friends alike who have done the whole "raising kids" thing seem to always forget to mention the "monster" stage(s).
Monday, August 4, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
I am Batman...
Scene: A few nights ago...
"What the ..." I hear in an exasperted voice as my groggy, sleepy, semi-paralyzed eyes crack open to see Annie sitting straight up in bed. I must have dozed off again because the next thing I hear from her lips is a firm, there-will-be-no-argument, "Get up."
My eyes pop open, much faster than the wind-up of my brain, and I glance at the alarm clock. 12:30 AM. Sigh...
"There's a bat. Come on. Get up. We have to get Max..."
The following scene will, quite possibly, never leave my head.
Getting to Max's bedroom we open the door about 3 feet, flip the light switch and find: 1)a giant bat (at least a 12 inch wingspan) circling the room about five feet off the floor; 2)Abbey, our 30 lb. cattle dog mutt leaping straight into the air, lips (do dogs have lips?) pulled back into a smile while her jaws clack shut time after time, pass after pass, the bat's echo-location serving to avoid instant annihilation by inches at a time, while Vinnie whines and barks from the hallway.
After what seemed an eternity of this circular, panicked scene, but in actuality lasting no more than 5-10 seconds, Max awakens to the glare of the overhead light and turns to his wide-eyed parents peering in the doorway. And, in the most surreal moment you can imagine, sporting bags under his eyes and a vicious case of bed-head, he smiles...
Absolutely no clue of the scene taking place above and behind him.
At the not-so-gentle coaxing of my wife, keeping my head low I reach in and grab Max while calling Abbey out of the room. With both family members achieving the safety the hallway affords, we slam the door shut to catch our breath and gather our wits.
We won't talk about the 16 inch bat avoiding my every toss of the blanket as a substitute "game-net". We also won't talk about the broom and GIANT dustpan we thought of "batting" (get it?) the damn animal into the wall with. No tennis rackets, BB guns, NO DECENT WEAPONS!
What we will talk about is how the 23 inch bat managed to attach itself to the face, not unlike the face-hugger from the movie Alien, of Max's Spartan teddy bear on top of his armoire. And how the door stayed locked the rest of the night and through the following day while we went about our work days and figured out a game plan.
Luckily, upon hearing from the pediatrician and the health department, we were under orders to capture the bat alive. Basically, if you kill the bat by injuring it's head, they can't test for rabies. If they can't test for rabies, Max would have had to have a series of rabies shots. Bat teeth are very small, and sometimes can't be felt if you're sleeping and may not show up for a day or so.
You don't take chances with rabies.
Luckly, at the expence of my new fishing net (we also won't talk about how it was purchased specifically to catch the flying rodent), which now sports a hole cut out of the bottom about the size of a 36 inch bat (thanks health dept. tech), and BIG thanks to mom-in-law for the highly technical "broom sweep" move to get the teddybear w/attached sleeping bat into said net, the results are in: The health dept. tech ethered a very respectable, healthy, rabies-free 46 inch bat.
I guess we can deal with a few more mosquitos around the backyard.
"What the ..." I hear in an exasperted voice as my groggy, sleepy, semi-paralyzed eyes crack open to see Annie sitting straight up in bed. I must have dozed off again because the next thing I hear from her lips is a firm, there-will-be-no-argument, "Get up."
My eyes pop open, much faster than the wind-up of my brain, and I glance at the alarm clock. 12:30 AM. Sigh...
"There's a bat. Come on. Get up. We have to get Max..."
The following scene will, quite possibly, never leave my head.
Getting to Max's bedroom we open the door about 3 feet, flip the light switch and find: 1)a giant bat (at least a 12 inch wingspan) circling the room about five feet off the floor; 2)Abbey, our 30 lb. cattle dog mutt leaping straight into the air, lips (do dogs have lips?) pulled back into a smile while her jaws clack shut time after time, pass after pass, the bat's echo-location serving to avoid instant annihilation by inches at a time, while Vinnie whines and barks from the hallway.
After what seemed an eternity of this circular, panicked scene, but in actuality lasting no more than 5-10 seconds, Max awakens to the glare of the overhead light and turns to his wide-eyed parents peering in the doorway. And, in the most surreal moment you can imagine, sporting bags under his eyes and a vicious case of bed-head, he smiles...
Absolutely no clue of the scene taking place above and behind him.
At the not-so-gentle coaxing of my wife, keeping my head low I reach in and grab Max while calling Abbey out of the room. With both family members achieving the safety the hallway affords, we slam the door shut to catch our breath and gather our wits.
We won't talk about the 16 inch bat avoiding my every toss of the blanket as a substitute "game-net". We also won't talk about the broom and GIANT dustpan we thought of "batting" (get it?) the damn animal into the wall with. No tennis rackets, BB guns, NO DECENT WEAPONS!
What we will talk about is how the 23 inch bat managed to attach itself to the face, not unlike the face-hugger from the movie Alien, of Max's Spartan teddy bear on top of his armoire. And how the door stayed locked the rest of the night and through the following day while we went about our work days and figured out a game plan.
Luckily, upon hearing from the pediatrician and the health department, we were under orders to capture the bat alive. Basically, if you kill the bat by injuring it's head, they can't test for rabies. If they can't test for rabies, Max would have had to have a series of rabies shots. Bat teeth are very small, and sometimes can't be felt if you're sleeping and may not show up for a day or so.
You don't take chances with rabies.
Luckly, at the expence of my new fishing net (we also won't talk about how it was purchased specifically to catch the flying rodent), which now sports a hole cut out of the bottom about the size of a 36 inch bat (thanks health dept. tech), and BIG thanks to mom-in-law for the highly technical "broom sweep" move to get the teddybear w/attached sleeping bat into said net, the results are in: The health dept. tech ethered a very respectable, healthy, rabies-free 46 inch bat.
I guess we can deal with a few more mosquitos around the backyard.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
The Great Outdoors
a New bike for Mom
a Grease, oil, nuts & bolts tightened on Dad's bike
a 3 spankin' new helmuts
a 1 cool, new bike seat mounted in FRONT of dad vs. in back
3.5 miles around Lake Lansing on a beautiful Michigan summer day really made the weekend. A highlight, upon passing a pair of teenage boys walking down a side road, was the comment, "Sweet baby seat..!"
a Grease, oil, nuts & bolts tightened on Dad's bike
a 3 spankin' new helmuts
a 1 cool, new bike seat mounted in FRONT of dad vs. in back
3.5 miles around Lake Lansing on a beautiful Michigan summer day really made the weekend. A highlight, upon passing a pair of teenage boys walking down a side road, was the comment, "Sweet baby seat..!"
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Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
We're in trouble...
Sound the air-horns! Prepare the defences! Nail it all down...!
Max is mobile.
Details and maybe some video to follow soon...
Max is mobile.
Details and maybe some video to follow soon...
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Any time now...
You know that hand-over-hand method of climbing a rope they used to make you do way back in gym class? Where you couldn't use your legs?
Picture Max, flat on his belly, exploiting the edge of the living room rug in the very same fashion.
So far this week we have found him in various parts of the room - purely by rolling one way or another and; a)pulling stuffed animals off his little rocking chair; b)curling up the corner of the rug to suck on it while playing with the tags attached underneath; c)trying to eat the couch by way of the skirting at the bottom; d)and among many more, getting stuck between pieces of furniture, leaving us without a clue as to how he did it.
It's only beginning you all say. We know, we know...
Picture Max, flat on his belly, exploiting the edge of the living room rug in the very same fashion.
So far this week we have found him in various parts of the room - purely by rolling one way or another and; a)pulling stuffed animals off his little rocking chair; b)curling up the corner of the rug to suck on it while playing with the tags attached underneath; c)trying to eat the couch by way of the skirting at the bottom; d)and among many more, getting stuck between pieces of furniture, leaving us without a clue as to how he did it.
It's only beginning you all say. We know, we know...
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Had to happen sometime...
Last week Max showed us his first tooth. Today there's evidence of another coming in right beside it.
A trip to the doctor today confirmed our suspicions of the dreaded "croup" along with ear infections in both ears.
Good news is the initial dose of antibiotic seems to have triggered an immediate turn around in how he feels, though we have a way to go.
Mom has been doing a GREAT job all last night and today. (She'll sleep after he graduates.)
Max's first sickness (this first-time parent thing stinks sometimes), and he isn't very happy today...
A trip to the doctor today confirmed our suspicions of the dreaded "croup" along with ear infections in both ears.
Good news is the initial dose of antibiotic seems to have triggered an immediate turn around in how he feels, though we have a way to go.
Mom has been doing a GREAT job all last night and today. (She'll sleep after he graduates.)
Max's first sickness (this first-time parent thing stinks sometimes), and he isn't very happy today...
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Happy Birthday Poppy
This past weekend was Poppy's 70th birthday, and luckily he and Nanny had all four of the youngest grandboys in town (we can't forget Jordy even though he's off to the army next week...)
Just wanted to give ya'll a little photo-post of the events...
Just wanted to give ya'll a little photo-post of the events...
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Friday, June 6, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Semi-solids...
Rice cereal is GREAT! Sooo sticky and gooey. And it's the only substance known to man to actually get MORE runny as time passes.
It only took a few dribbles right back over his bottom lip for Max to come up with his own system of plugging his mouth with his thumb after each spoonful. (We've learned to be quick with the spoon or we'd never get it out.)
It's a great system as long as he isn't more interested in grabbing the actual spoon than eating his dinner.
P.S. More pictures coming soon...
P.S.S. In the non-scientific procedure of stepping on a scale holding Max and then subtracting our own poundage (we won't go there...) we figure his earthly gravitational weight to be right in the vicinity of 20-21 lbs.
It only took a few dribbles right back over his bottom lip for Max to come up with his own system of plugging his mouth with his thumb after each spoonful. (We've learned to be quick with the spoon or we'd never get it out.)
It's a great system as long as he isn't more interested in grabbing the actual spoon than eating his dinner.
P.S. More pictures coming soon...
P.S.S. In the non-scientific procedure of stepping on a scale holding Max and then subtracting our own poundage (we won't go there...) we figure his earthly gravitational weight to be right in the vicinity of 20-21 lbs.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Windy City or bust
Max had his first overnight road trip this past weekend to Evanston, just north of Chicago, to meet his new cousin Steven Charles. Although mom and dad had a dual purpose for the trip, we all had great time meeting the new family member, not to mention the time Aunt Amber and Uncle Tim had to spend with Max.
The trip down was good. We made it about ¾’s of the way before Max decided it was time to eat. Our first stop at the giant Outdoor World / Bass Pro Shop never made it beyond the very back of the parking lot. That was ok though… We managed to time it right and missed most of the traffic heading into the city. Lakeshore Drive is a cool way to get north of town if it’s not rush hour.
It only took about 30 minutes for Amber and Tim to pick their jaws up off the floor and to stop laughing upon seeing how big Max has become. It didn’t help little Steven, at one month old, is only half Max’s size. It was definitely a study in contrast lying them side by side.
Max got to break in some of Steven’s new toys (sorry sis…), slide around on they’re very nice, very old, hardwood floors, laugh hysterically every time Shadow, their 110 lb. bloodhound would walk by and lick his face.
Amber and Tim also had the pleasure of watching him, along with there own brand new baby, while Annie and I went out to experience our long awaited plans. (Everyone was asleep when we got back, and the house wasn’t in shambles, so I think I believe them, when they say it went alright.)
The drive back Sunday was going great until about 10 miles from the Michigan border we realized the acrid stench we sporadically smelled for the last 15 miles was Max. I guess it was his way of telling us it was time for a break. Wow…
It was a great trip. Hanging out with my baby sister, her husband and new little boy. Amber and Annie had a great time swapping stories and trading hints and advice. We hope they get a chance to move back to Michigan sometime soon.
You can already tell they’re going to be great parents.
The trip down was good. We made it about ¾’s of the way before Max decided it was time to eat. Our first stop at the giant Outdoor World / Bass Pro Shop never made it beyond the very back of the parking lot. That was ok though… We managed to time it right and missed most of the traffic heading into the city. Lakeshore Drive is a cool way to get north of town if it’s not rush hour.
It only took about 30 minutes for Amber and Tim to pick their jaws up off the floor and to stop laughing upon seeing how big Max has become. It didn’t help little Steven, at one month old, is only half Max’s size. It was definitely a study in contrast lying them side by side.
Max got to break in some of Steven’s new toys (sorry sis…), slide around on they’re very nice, very old, hardwood floors, laugh hysterically every time Shadow, their 110 lb. bloodhound would walk by and lick his face.
Amber and Tim also had the pleasure of watching him, along with there own brand new baby, while Annie and I went out to experience our long awaited plans. (Everyone was asleep when we got back, and the house wasn’t in shambles, so I think I believe them, when they say it went alright.)
The drive back Sunday was going great until about 10 miles from the Michigan border we realized the acrid stench we sporadically smelled for the last 15 miles was Max. I guess it was his way of telling us it was time for a break. Wow…
It was a great trip. Hanging out with my baby sister, her husband and new little boy. Amber and Annie had a great time swapping stories and trading hints and advice. We hope they get a chance to move back to Michigan sometime soon.
You can already tell they’re going to be great parents.
~Steven Charles...~
~"Hey you..! Look here!~
~New moms & new babies~
Friday, May 9, 2008
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Mission #1
Although Mom and Max have been out mall shopping a few times in the last month or so, today was Max and Dad's turn.
I thought it pertinent for Max to see shopping doesn't always mean an all day experience. You have to plan what you want, where it is, get it and get out. Boom. Done. Finished. The guys way.
Mission: Find a Red Wings hat to send to Max's Uncle Tom out in Denver for losing a wager on the 2nd round play-offs againts the Av's. After acquiring said hat, the mission would only be complete upon successful shipment.
Results: After stopping two different places, we finally found what we needed and proceeded to find out not only were we too late for the US Post Office, but also too late for a local shipping store.
Prognosis: Mission should be accomplished sometime early this week.
Max did great! Dressed in a bib overalls and a bucket hat, he seemed to enjoy being strapped to my chest while walking around, slobbering all over the front of the carrier of course. After picking out his own book at the local Schulers, we surprised Mom at work (and also served as a distraction to her hard working employees). Everyone involved couldn't have been happier.
Back home now, my feet are up giving the old back muscles a break (doctor's appointment last week put him at 18 lbs 8 oz). Max slept a bit in the car, so we're just waiting for his little belly to let us know when it's time for a new bottle.
A great day...
I thought it pertinent for Max to see shopping doesn't always mean an all day experience. You have to plan what you want, where it is, get it and get out. Boom. Done. Finished. The guys way.
Mission: Find a Red Wings hat to send to Max's Uncle Tom out in Denver for losing a wager on the 2nd round play-offs againts the Av's. After acquiring said hat, the mission would only be complete upon successful shipment.
Results: After stopping two different places, we finally found what we needed and proceeded to find out not only were we too late for the US Post Office, but also too late for a local shipping store.
Prognosis: Mission should be accomplished sometime early this week.
Max did great! Dressed in a bib overalls and a bucket hat, he seemed to enjoy being strapped to my chest while walking around, slobbering all over the front of the carrier of course. After picking out his own book at the local Schulers, we surprised Mom at work (and also served as a distraction to her hard working employees). Everyone involved couldn't have been happier.
Back home now, my feet are up giving the old back muscles a break (doctor's appointment last week put him at 18 lbs 8 oz). Max slept a bit in the car, so we're just waiting for his little belly to let us know when it's time for a new bottle.
A great day...
Friday, April 25, 2008
6 months
I know, I know... Finally a post! There have been many new and interesting things in Max's life lately and hopefully I'll remember them all.
First and foremost, Max has a brand new cousin down in Evanston, Ill. Steven Charles VanLoo came into the world Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 8 lbs 15 oz with all his fingers and toes intact. His mom and dad are doing great and couldn't be happier. From what we hear it's a whole new world down there. We'll be heading down for a visit in a few weeks and are bouncing off the walls to meet him.
Max turned six months old today if you can believe it. We can't believe just how fast the last few months have gone by. To mark the occasion, Max spent his first night in his own room with nary a peep until hunger roused him around 4 AM. Good job Max. Great job Mom...
Along with pools of drool (we think he's begun teething), a bit more fussiness, and crazy kicking and flailing of arms when he's excited, Max has begun laughing more easily. He actually has ticklish spots now (to the delight of Dad), and never fails to smile when he sees one of us every time he wakes up.
He's a happy baby, and we do realize how lucky we have it.
Speaking of realizing how lucky we are, we want Max's grandparents to know how much we appreciate the shifts they take in watching him while we work. With the work they do, Max will have read all of our library, have done thousands of sit-ups, and probably be playing the trombone by the time he's two.
Well rounded - we like that. (and I'm not talking about his current waistline)
UPDATE: Forgot to mention Max had his first 'live' music experience last Saturday. Grandpa Dick played at the Stockbridge Town Hall with the 30+ member Capital City Brass Band.
After the fanfare opening and Max's wide-eyed-slack-jawed-arms flung open-oh crap! reaction, he was completely fine, calm and collected while music was played. He actually seemed entertained by the conductor and his white bouncing baton.
It was only between pieces, while the conductor explained the upcoming number, Max found it appropriate to exercise his vocal cords. (We think he was just letting Grandpa know how much he like being there...)
First and foremost, Max has a brand new cousin down in Evanston, Ill. Steven Charles VanLoo came into the world Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 8 lbs 15 oz with all his fingers and toes intact. His mom and dad are doing great and couldn't be happier. From what we hear it's a whole new world down there. We'll be heading down for a visit in a few weeks and are bouncing off the walls to meet him.
Max turned six months old today if you can believe it. We can't believe just how fast the last few months have gone by. To mark the occasion, Max spent his first night in his own room with nary a peep until hunger roused him around 4 AM. Good job Max. Great job Mom...
Along with pools of drool (we think he's begun teething), a bit more fussiness, and crazy kicking and flailing of arms when he's excited, Max has begun laughing more easily. He actually has ticklish spots now (to the delight of Dad), and never fails to smile when he sees one of us every time he wakes up.
He's a happy baby, and we do realize how lucky we have it.
Speaking of realizing how lucky we are, we want Max's grandparents to know how much we appreciate the shifts they take in watching him while we work. With the work they do, Max will have read all of our library, have done thousands of sit-ups, and probably be playing the trombone by the time he's two.
Well rounded - we like that. (and I'm not talking about his current waistline)
UPDATE: Forgot to mention Max had his first 'live' music experience last Saturday. Grandpa Dick played at the Stockbridge Town Hall with the 30+ member Capital City Brass Band.
After the fanfare opening and Max's wide-eyed-slack-jawed-arms flung open-oh crap! reaction, he was completely fine, calm and collected while music was played. He actually seemed entertained by the conductor and his white bouncing baton.
It was only between pieces, while the conductor explained the upcoming number, Max found it appropriate to exercise his vocal cords. (We think he was just letting Grandpa know how much he like being there...)
Thursday, April 10, 2008
31" Pacifier
We are by no means the type of parents who plan on using the television as a babysitter/pacifier, yet I continue to be blown away how cartoons can almost instantly pacify a cranky Maxwell.
There really is no other channel which can do what the Cartoon Network can do. It's amazing.
Bright primary colors, sound effects, crazy dogs that can talk. I wonder if Max yet wonders why Vinnie and Abbey don't speak the language of 'Scooby Doo'.
Maybe next year Red Wings playoff hockey will gain and hold his attention...
There really is no other channel which can do what the Cartoon Network can do. It's amazing.
Bright primary colors, sound effects, crazy dogs that can talk. I wonder if Max yet wonders why Vinnie and Abbey don't speak the language of 'Scooby Doo'.
Maybe next year Red Wings playoff hockey will gain and hold his attention...
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Early on #4
Joy came the other day to check up on Max. As it happens this was the first time she'd been to the house without Dad there. Having both grandmothers in attendance more than made up for it from what I hear.
I've been told Joy busted out a version of a scale closely resembling a Johnny Jump-Up - the kind of which hangs in the doorway. (For some reason I just keep picturing an old meat hook...)
17 lbs 12 oz.
This thought crossed my mind the other day: Our son might grow up to be bigger than his dad.
I know, I know, it happens all the time. It was just one of those fleeting, out-of-the-blue thoughts of which had never crossed my mind up to this point.
I also know whatever size he is right now makes absolutely no difference as to how he'll end up. We're just glad he's happy and healthy. (VERY healthy.)
I've been told Joy busted out a version of a scale closely resembling a Johnny Jump-Up - the kind of which hangs in the doorway. (For some reason I just keep picturing an old meat hook...)
17 lbs 12 oz.
This thought crossed my mind the other day: Our son might grow up to be bigger than his dad.
I know, I know, it happens all the time. It was just one of those fleeting, out-of-the-blue thoughts of which had never crossed my mind up to this point.
I also know whatever size he is right now makes absolutely no difference as to how he'll end up. We're just glad he's happy and healthy. (VERY healthy.)
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
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