Cold water currents

After spending time with family this morning, we took a happy baby down to the beach. We wanted to dip her toes in the ocean. Admittedly the water was a little cool. I held Claire by the arms and let her "stand" on the sand. We made our way toward the water. The waves were quite small. Of course, when we got to the water a larger wave (8 inches in height) crested on us and Claire immediately pulled up and started to cry. Her dress and diaper got soaked. Not quite the introduction to the ocean we had hoped for. Next year, Claire will be walking and talking, so she can ease herself into the ocean.

Tomorrow we head home after 2 fun-filled weeks and 2 relatives-holding-me weeks in rainy Maine. It is hard to believe how fast the time has passed. We will be certain to catch our flight this time - as we are getting HD service installed on Saturady morning.

Until the next post, watch out for those rogue waves

Changes

Well, our first week in Maine was spent in the rain. The bear met most of her relatives on Lynn's side, including the 4 brothers, spouses and numerous cousins. Since she will not remember any of this, she had her picture taken a thousand times. I was nice for everyone to meet her finally. There was never a moment when someone didn't want to hold her - unless she went Kaboom. To the right is my new favorite picture, Grampy, Uncle Larry and the bear.

The bear is now talking a lot - something she got from Lynn. We are not sure what she is saying, but once she starts talking, she goes on and on. We went to Tacoma Lake for a family reunion last weekend. The drive was 1 hour and she talked for at least 45 minutes on the way up. Her other new trick is rolling over. We can't leave her alone anywhere, anytime. She'll be going to college soon.

I'll try to post some videos in the next few days. Until then, start saving for college!

Off to Maine

Sunday, July 20. What a long day. We are having the hardwoods floors in our house refinished, so we spent the morning and afternoon moving furniture and taping up appliances and 52” TVs so the dust wouldn’t get to them. Our house sitter was arriving at 5pm to take us to the airport for our flight to Maine. Lynn had taken care of most of the packing and we were more or less right on schedule. Around 4:30pm, the phone rings and it is Delta Airlines saying our flight had been changed from 8:20pm to 9:45pm. We specifically chose this flight because it is non-stop and we knew Claire would be sleeping. So the new flight time was not that big a deal. We arrived at the airport in plenty of time and checked 5 pieces of baggage (car seat, pack and play, suitcase for each of the 3 of us). At security, Lynn left some baby sunblock and baby insect repellent in the diaper bag. Since these were $20 and we had time, Lynn decided to put them in her backpack and check it as our 6th piece of luggage.

After a leisurely dinner and a walk around the concourse, we headed for our gate. It is real interested to watch people watch Claire. Especially women, who have kids or are grandmothers. They smiles at her or comment how beautiful she is. Anyway, as we were walking to the gate, we stopped to double check the gate number and couldn’t find our flight. So we go to the original gate and ask what happened to our flight. “Oh, they moved it back to the original time. You missed it”.

Fortunately, the bear was sleeping through everything. We went to the service desk and they rebooked us on the first flight to Portland in the morning. Now, ordinarily, we would have simple driven home, but since we got a ride to the airport, we were stranded. Lynn asked for a hotel, which they gave us and they even threw in 2 toiletry bag for us. We asked for a baby bag – since we only had 2 diapers with us, but of course they didn’t have one, but the agent assured us repeatedly, that there was a drug store across the street from the hotel. Not wanting to take any chances, I ask to have Claire’s suitcase pulled, so we could have with us. At the baggage claim center, they scanned the baggage tag and told us, the suitcase was on the way to Maine. So that whole thing about removing your baggage from a flight it you fail to show is crap.
Anyway, we arrived at the Red Roof Inn along with 30 other passengers. Lynn quickly checked in and asked where the drugstore was. It was 2 exits down the interstate. So, the bear would have to make do – not make do do. Her first hotel adventure was at a place that made Motel 6 look luxurious. You know, the red neon sign outside your window, dimly lit room, 25 cent vibrating bed, bath towels that size of face cloths. Ok, there wasn’t a vibrating bed option. Claire was such a good little bear. She didn’t cry at all.

We got to the airport the next morning. There were several people in the gate area admiring her and told us how precious she was. Fortunately, these people sat near us, as Claire decided to whine and cry a little, before the flight took off. Luckily for us, she settled down at a few minutes – which seems like forever when it’s your kid – at slept for almost the whole flight (2.5 hours). Grandma and Grandpa met us at the airport and have been talking baby talk to the bear ever since. And yes, our luggage was at the airport waiting for us.

There is no wi-fi at the beach house, so I am not sure how often I can post to the blog. We’ll go find an unsecure hotspot today or tomorrow.

Ok, i found a Wi-Fi spot at McDonald's. There is so much news to share. the photo above is from Tacoma Lake, where the bear went swimming. More blogging to follow.

Latest developments

The bear continues to grow. At her last doctor's appointment she was 12 lbs, 13oz and 24.5 inches. That's over half a foot she's grown and more than double her birth weight. her nickname this week is Chunkerbell. Most of her weight gain is in her thighs. Some of the 3-6 month clothes are getting snug. This week she has discovered her mouth. Just about everything she gets in her hands ends up in her mouth. I am sure it is only a matter of time before she starts to get sick. She had 4 vaccinations at the last pediatrician's appointment and that made her sleepy for 2 days.

In addition to discovering her mouth, she has also discovered the TV - hey who couldn't miss it! Lynn and I are now extra careful to make sure we don't watch the TV when Claire is in the media room. A couple of times we found her to be transfixed to the TV. The American Academy of Pediatricians says this is a no-no. I guess we will have to read more to her. There is one book entitled Can you bark like a dog? that she loves. largely because there is a mirror in the book that she can see - the semi-circle at the top of the book.

The final big development of the week, her hair. Oh how i am jealous. After losing a fair bit of it, it is starting to fill in - tiny little brown hairs. The doctor thinks her eyes will remain blue. That surely spells trouble down the road.

On Sunday we are heading to Maine for our annual trip. I am not sure if we will have internet access, so i may not be posting for the last two weeks in July.

Until the next posting, don't overcook your lobster.

Addition to family...

A couple of days ago, we welcomed a new member into our family. It weighed in at 90 lbs. and is 52" when measured diagonally. Coincidentally, the day after we played Rock Band for the first time (see previous posting), our TV stopped working. As you can see, we can display photos of Claire at a larger than life scale, and she is still crystal clear - Rock Band looks pretty good too.

We did welcome a new real baby into the family this week. Lynn's cousin, Deedra had a baby girl on July 9. I guess after 4 Slosberg brothers, it's time for some girls and balance in the universe (the last 4 births: Tanner, Genevieve, Claire and Amelie).

This morning Claire and I went to Daddy Boot Camp (see my January 10 posting). This time I went to show expecting fathers how wonderful and easy it is to be father when you have a perfect baby. There were about 10 fathers (and their babies) and 10 expecting fathers there. The take away from the boot camp is: If mama's not happy, nobody's happy. I guess, that applies to pretty much everything.

Until then next posting, keep mama happy.

4 months and counting...

Yesterday the bear turned 4 months. It was also her Baptism (see photos here). We decided to have the baptism after mass (instead of during mass), but halfway through mass, Fr. Reyes asked Lynn, Claire and me to come to the front of the church and Fr. Reyes, took Claire and went around the church and introduced her to everyone. She didn't cry at all. After mass, Fr. Reyes invited the congregation to stick around for the baptism. About 20 people did. More importantly, Paul and Taya were there as Claire's godparents, and our good friends from Shelbyville, TN (John and Pam Mattox - and kids) were also there. Claire did not let out a peep when Fr. Reyes poured water on her head or when he annointed her with scented oil. Afterwards we all went out of lunch and then over to the pool, for an afternoon of relaxation. A special thank you to the Riches in Dallas, TX for sending us clothes and accessories for Claire's baptism.

Ok, let's back up a few days... Paul and Taya arrived on Tuesday night. They finally got to meet their niece. Our friends Tommy and Laura came over for dinner on July 2 and we made Sushi. Claire had breast milk. The next day we went shopping and I got a Playstation 3 for my birthday. Now before you give me a hard time, I got the PS3 for its blu-ray capabilities, not for games. Paul and Taya did buy me Rock Band though. We also picked up a keg of beer and a margarita machine, which we used for my party on July 5. Of course, we had to test it out on July 3, and invited the neighbors over (16 all together) for drinks. We hooked up the PS3 to our TV and played and sang until 3am, when I had to kick out the remaining neighbors (Wendall and Nick). Claire slept through all of our singing and playing.

On July 4, Nick decided to buy a guitar for Rock Band - even though he does not own the game. He claimed he wanted to play the bass guitar while someone else plays the lead guitar. That evening, the neighbors (the Tinsleys and the Samsons) bought fire works, which we set up outside. We provided the beer and margaritas. Paul held Claire during the fireworks and she didn't wake up during the festivities. One of neighbors went to Florida for the long weekend, so we got a video projector, stereo and my PS3 and hooked everything up in their driveway. We used the side of their house to play Rock Band. We wanted to crank up the volume, but some people just moved in a couple of houses up the road, and we thought it would be a rude welcoming to the neighborhood. Anyway, we played until 1am and then decided we would get serious about the game and challenge other neighborhoods in our subdivision to a Rock Band competition.

On July 5, Robbie got serious and bought his own Rock Band game (it was his birthday). That evening was my birthday party. We had about 50 people over to the house to put a dent in the keg and margaritas. Strangely, but greatly appreciated by us, the party ended by 11pm. There would be no Rock Band this night.

On July 6, the neighbors whose house we used to project Rock Band, came home. They saw the photos and videos of their house being used and the good time we had. So, they went out and bought Rock Band too. This just leaves the Samson (Wendall) without the game. I wonder how long it will take for Wendall to go buy the game.

It's now July 7 and Claire has had her fill of rock and roll music. I am not sure when our next practice is.

Until the next posting, keep playing your guitar...

Some new photos

I thought Grandpa would like to see some photos of his granddaughter.

I have posted some new photos here.

I created a new photo album here.

I update the blog later.

WOW!!!

One morning this week, we woke up and looked at Claire and saw this! She grew teeth! Sorry the photo is a little blurry (Lynn took it). Ok, she really doesn't have teeth. It's left over spit up. She continues to eat a lot and sleep almost as much. 10 hours last night. She can almost out sleep me.

I watched Claire for a couple of days last week while Lynn went into work. It's good bonding time for us. I love how she smiles at me and we have our little conversations. I sing A-B-C-D to her and she smiles and talks - though I can't understand her. I think she recognizes the melody, or she is thinking what I terrible singer I am (more on the latter later).

For those of you who are not aware, today is Canada Day. So as a dual citizen, Claire needs to celebrate this holiday. Hence the t-shirt from Roots (thanks Charlene and Carlos). We got invited to the Canadian Consulate in Atlanta (yes, we are bigshots) for lunch, but a prior commitment precluded us from attending.

In case you are wondering, the prior commitment was a planning meeting for teaching in Italy. Yes, the 3 of us are moving to Italy/Tuscany next year for 5 months (Aug-Dec). We will be staying in a small town called Montepulciano (it's on the map). We will teach from Aug to Nov. Afterwards, we are planning on heading to Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, etc., all the way down to Athens, Greece in time to return home for Christmas. Should be exciting.

July 1 is also an important day for another reason. Claire will finally meet Uncle Paul and Aunt Taya. They arrive tonight and Lynn and Claire are going to the airport to pick them up (I have a hockey game - part of my celebrating Canada Day). I am really looking forward to having them meet the Bear. Today, sadly, is also my last day in my 30s. Yes, tomorrow I turn the big 4-0 (when my dad was 40, I was 13!). Lynn is planning a party and in addition to a margarita/Daiquiri machine, keg o' beer, and plenty of friends, there will be a karoake machine. Fortunately, I sing better after a couple of beers, so I can sing ABCs to Claire and gauge her reaction.

Developmentally, the bear (or "Chubberella" this week) is progressing nicely. She has lept from the 3rd percentile to the 50th percentile for weight. She is almost able to roll over, which means we will have to be extra careful now and can't leave her alone on the diaper changing table. Her hair is started to thin and she has that bald spot on the back of her from lying on her back - she hates being on her stomach. She definitely has Lola Dely's nose. Her eyes are still blue.

Well, if there are any readers out there (other than the grandparents), I hope you heeded my warning about backing up your hard drive. I ended taking my hard drive to a repair/recovery shop. They quoted me $1400 to recover the data. I told them OK. Unfortunately, they were not able to recovery anything because the drive had suffered "severe physical damage". At least they didn't charge me. I am starting to ramble, so I will close here. Until the next posting, raise a glass for me and practice singing.