Being a first-time Dad the second time around...

The youngest comes into her own...I think

2010-07-08T23:01:00.003-05:00

Okay, to catch you up: It's been a very long time since we last spoke, so here's the news in my life. I now have two semesters on the Dean's List under my belt. I'm losing weight again (thanks to eating better, or at least less) and I'm now in my summer internship for a heating and cooling company, and I couldn't be enjoying it any greater than I am now.

Justeen has been petulant, loud, obnoxious and stubborn. Sometimes all in one day! She's learning quickly however that daddy doesn't mess around anymore, the days of being pushed around, and trying to be her best friend are over. I want her to like me, but I want her to know that she does not rule around here. Sure, she's my princess, but that doesn't mean she can act like it.

Lorelei, since becoming bi-pedal, has quickly become The Monkey. In all shapes and forms. She is fast! She climbs all over everything to get into anything she can get her little paws on. She is developing attitude and personality. Which leads us to this evening:

My wife came home from work in a foul mood after a bad day at work. I came home from work ten minutes earlier in a great mood from work (as is the norm lately). This dude comes walking down the street and lets his dog start sniffing for a place to go. The passive-aggressive wuss I am, stands inside the house, looking out the window, shaking my fist and yelling at the windowpane: "You'd better not let your dog shit in my yard!" Which inspires my wife to see what's going on, at which time, she opens the door, and asks the guy if the dog went in the yard. She then tells him to get it out. She has kids that like to play in the yard and she doesn't need them playing with shit. He says: "Can I go back to my house and get something to do it?" She says: "You've got hands." The whole time wifey is yelling at this guy, Rory, in her diaper and nothing else, starts pointing her little finger and shaking her fist at the guy and yelling at him in baby-speak. Also, wifey is outside yelling at this guy in her bike shorts and tank top, ready for Tae Kwon Do.

Later, I told her, that she is one step down a slippery slope away from a moumou and curlers. She says now that she's afraid that she's going to open the door to a flaming bag of dog poo.

She is bi-pedal!

2010-04-01T11:47:00.002-05:00

After months of hanging onto walls, doors, baby gates, and any other item she can use to walk with, Lorelei finally started taking her first unassisted steps this week. Yesterday, she decided to test the waters a little further, walking seven steps down the hall. Walking occurred with her many times yesterday, it's only a matter of time before she becomes the motoring baby she wants to be so bad.

However, the oldest daughter came home sick from school and passed a little of it on to baby sister.

So she's not feeling the best, the wife is home with both of them, and I'm here at school. Oi. What a day.

Here's a video of her walking yesterday from the kitchen table to mommy.

The littlest one turns one…and damn I feel old!

2009-12-13T00:23:00.001-06:00

Yesterday Lorelei Arvella Ann celebrated her first birthday and I realized how FAST this year really was. I guess between the horrible time she’s had teething, the acid reflux, the many many sleepless nights and the slightly slower development (until recently) has made this year fly by. Despite seeming like it dragged out during said sleepless nights.

Watching her eat her cake, and reminiscing about the past year have made me realize four things:

This one is an entirely different being than her older counterpart. She’s so dainty with how she eats her cake, whereas Justeen threw cake at her guests!
She’s so bright eyed and inquisitive, she opened her own gifts at her first birthday, Justeen didn’t even do that as well as she could have.
She’s so much like her daddy unlike Justeen, so much so that she should have been a boy, she got an Abby Cadabby wand, and beat her stuffed Cookie Monster on the head with it.
She eats like a racehorse. She ate the cake, the some broccoli cheese soup and more and more cake.

I’m astounded at this perfect little being who knows so much, says so little, and can peg you for what you are without even hearing you speak!

Lorelei, I hope someday you’ll see this and realize how amazing you are, and how, like you’re sister, you’re as awesome as can be hoped for, despite the things I may have said I wanted you to be. I was a fool to say those things and I feel bad for saying them now because I’m seemingly repentant at all times now for it. But you make it okay, because I think you are a great person, good little girl, and you try to understand what everyone is doing even when it goes against your desires (much to your chagrin). None more has this been evident than when you get your diaper changed and you let us know you don’t want it done.

Enjoy this birthday kiddo, it’s been great so far, let it get better and may you learn more than your mind can hold every day!

Lazy days, and impending winters...

2009-10-11T10:19:00.002-05:00

Sitting here on the couch, watching Ace Ventura in HD, so I have some time to chill. I'm enjoying myself, relaxing, spending some time watching Jim Carrey with Cannibal Corpse and forgetting how badly I missed some things in this movie when I watched it as a kid. I'm also thinking about the family, thinking how things can be better, things that need to be improved, things that need to be forgotten about. Just wondering how I can even get my life back together.

Allow me to explain, things have been rough, I can not deny that. I've been dealing with the fallout of being laid off for almost a year now, it hasn't been roses all the time. I'm almost to midterms in my first semester in college. I'm stressing hard trying to keep high grades, good thing is, it's going well, so the stress isn't as much as first anticipated. I'm doing great, and unfortunately, I'm not doing as well in the whole dealing with my issues over the layoff. Contrary to the school of thought my wife has, it's not just because of being laid off, I understand that it wasn't my fault, that doesn't mean it didn't suck. Trying to deal with the thoughts and psychological loss of being laid off hasn't come to fruition yet. To put it mildly, I'm a whole basket full of crazy, and my family has bore the brunt of that.

I'm feeling miserable about the damage I've done, and it will take time to rebuild, but I'm starting the process of that, or at least trying to. I'll keep you updated on that as well as other observations about the fam and Roo's health and growth (she is doing SO amazing!)

PS: To keep myself busy I've been working like hell around the house, just yesterday I replaced the furnace filter, filled the snowblower with gas and oil mix as well as started it up and tuned it back to an even mix. I also put in a new light fixture to replace the old florescent fixture above the sink.

So I guess I've been working on things around the house to avoid dealing with things. But then again, some of the stuff needed done.

School...

2009-09-15T11:54:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I sat idly by and watched my wife go through five years plus of school, and supported her at every turn, even if it meant being a little groggy at some points. I helped with the baby at the drop of a hat, did dishes, cleaned house, did laundry when I absolutely had to (I hate laundry!), and everything else that comes with being a househusband. I even continued this trend, even though at a slightly diminished capacity, when I went back to work finally. She graduated with great scores, and great grades, despite not getting honors like she tried so desperately hard for.

So now, I'm going back to school for a two-year trades degree. While I understand she's working 40 hrs a week, and taking care of both girls when she gets home, I don't expect a lot out of her. But I'm going to school, working up to 10 hrs a week, studying and trying to run for city council, all at the same time, in addition to doing the majority of the housework at home. I'm up at 5:30 most days, drop the kid at the house of the mom who takes her kids to the same bus stop by 6:40, and in Ankeny at school between 7:30 and 7:50 depending on traffic and when I get the kid dropped off by. Monday wednesday and friday I'm home between 1-2pm. Tuesday Thursday I'm home by 3 at the latest. I have to go pick up the oldest, come home, drop her off, go to work for a couple hours or so, with drive time I'm home not usually sooner than 7pm. Then I spend an hour or so on homework and such, and then the wife wants to spend time with me, and I still have to figure out how to get dishes and other housework done. I'm usually in bed by 11pm, exhausted.

Can a brotha get a hand with some shit?! Good lord. No wonder the house is such a mess...well, unless people come over, that reminds me! You want to come over this weekend?

A change is on the horizon...

2009-08-26T14:23:00.002-05:00

So I went to classes for the first time in over a decade today. On three hours sleep. Wow, I'll NEVER do that again! First class went great, can't wait, can't wait even more so to get my tools so I can start playing with stuff in labs, RAWK ON!

I also decided that since my tuition includes use of the gym and weight room, I'm going to do something. Every single day that I'm in class, I will also spend some time in the gym. First six weeks are just going to be cardio, the next six weeks, strength training, from there on it will be one week cardio, one week strength, I'm going to take some pics, and post them this week, and post every week until I'm out of school, hopefully something awesome will take place.

Lost in another cup of hot tea...

2009-08-19T08:09:00.003-05:00

So I'm sitting here a little more jubilant. My father-in-law is doing much better, the blockage is fixed, he's got color in his skin for the first time in almost a year. I'm almost ready to start school, plus I have a refund of about $2600 coming back, less books. Things might finally be looking up. I can only hope it gets better! I'm also looking into getting back into a band, a little something to do, in a different capacity YET again. Bass and vocals. Interesting. We'll see where it goes, because I hope these guys are open to playing many different genres, including newer stuff.

So I write now, realizing I forgot the under-rated list...on purpose? Hell, who knows, but here it is.

Sitting and getting lost in the music in the headphones. There is no greater pleasure then just experiencing feelings without the interaction from other people, just to sit, feel everything, the breeze of the ceiling fan, the light of the room, the music pulsing the eardrums, the vibration you feel in your head. Turning it down a bit because you realize that's too loud for the current state of things. Singing along because you got lost. Having the wife look at you funny, and then back to the lost.

A bubble bath so hot it turns your skin bright red. Or just a little less than that. As long as it's so hot the muscles relax for a time, that's where it's at!

Top 5, 10, 20 lists. I like them, I don't know why, I quantify many things in my life with these style of lists. I am also currently in the midst of making a Top 1000 list. The top 1000 songs that I would want ANYONE to hear no matter what age they are. From 1909 to 2009...or as far back as my collection goes. I don't think I could do it in 100. I'd be so fucked! I have so many I'd like to put on there, but so many have fallen off the wayside that it's hard to cut more!

Good friends, good pills, good times, good drinks, and good food. There is no ailment or problem that any singular item or combination of any the above can't solve or make better in moderation.

Metal. Any form of music that uses a heavily distorted and awesome minor key and totally rocks your world with words and music of anger is constructive, fuck the naysayers and the horse they rode in on. Life isn't all sunshine and unicorns and rainbows; sometimes life is downright mean, nasty, dirty, skanky and fucking dark! Metal channels that anger and somehow turns it around in the reveling of that darkness to make it back into light, or maybe it's because it balances out the happy pappy crap in this world with a brutal dose of reality straight to the temple. For more of an example of what I feel about metal, listen to Facing What Consumes You, We Still Fight and This Is Now by Hatebreed. It's a start.

Grunge, while technically more of a fashion statement than a musical movement, it still had some good music in there, no, I'm not just talking about Nirvana, there were lots of great bands of that era, because it's in the ear of the beholder, I'm not going to make a list here. But listen to some music from 1987-1995 and you'll see. In reality I feel grunge was an offshoot of metal, but more on the glam side of it and hair side on the Cartesian chart of metal scope. I'd draw one out for you, but I'm not that talented. Let's just say the four extremes would be Pop on the right, Obscure on the left, Heavy on the bottom, Light on the top. Hatebreed would be somewhere around -2x and -4y on a scale of 10. Nirvana would be more of a 3x, 4y on the scale. POD would be 10x 7y thing. Motorhead -10y and -4x. No question.

Facebook. I dig it, it's a great way to stay in touch, a great way to plan, because almost everyone I know is on facebook, so instead of having to shoot out the same text message 4-5 times because of the 10 contact limit on it, I can just post a facebook invite and let everyone sort it out from there. Plus it has LivingSocial which has a Top 5 list app, and I love it!

The Nightwatchman/Tom Morello, a lot of people write him off as a cut-rate Bruce Springsteen, and I say he's got something different there, he may be influenced highly in that project by him, but I don't see it as a copy.

Street Sweeper Social Club, yeah, another Tom Morello project, but this one is more like Rage, with less of the Audioslave feel. Bootsy Collins doing funk-rock!? WOW! I'm standing in awe, I'm impressed!

A few more over-rated things: The Cure, Pop music, Music video networks that show reality shows; That's not what the fuck you're there for! A spotless house...that's a neurosis not healthy!

Well, breakfast is needed to get the day up and moving, and I'm going to be putting on some tunes to rock out with in the kitchen. Time to rock it out!

Lost in a cup of hot tea...

2009-08-11T05:43:00.002-05:00

Sitting here as a sentient being, or at least I am during this cup of French Vanilla tea, reading MetroDad, and pondering about things that I feel are over-rated or under-rated.

I'm also thinking about the procedure my father-in-law is going for today, and readying myself to be able to leave at the drop of a hat to go to the VA to be there if he goes downhill. I think he is one person that I'd want to be there for in passing now. I don't think this is going to go well, and that's not a wish, that's just an observation, the man has been in dire straits for the last two years now. I'm hoping it turns around for him, he needs some more good things to happen to him. I love the man, he is a bright beacon of optimism in a world that has long gone dark. He's often said he won't go out without a fight, well, he's had one hell of a fight, and he's still here...my only hope however, is that he still has some fight left in him. So I'm a little preoccupied here, but oh well...onto the lists.

Over-rated:
Reality TV...Please, more whiny ass teens or young adults acting like teens! Really, you're going with that again? Oh spare me the agony and just kill me now! I believe there is a separate circle in the hell I don't believe in for the concept writers of these so-called reality shows. I'm tired of hearing about Jon & Kate, The Duggars, and anyone else who is a brood mare for the state multiple times over, like they're a freakin star because their uterus is a gumball machine. I'm not impressed, if you have all those kids naturally, and I don't mean by implanting 40 eggs in your uterus. I'm trying to find the word for 40 kids but I keep finding singles dating sites for "40-somethings" or solutions to math problems. It's too early! Don't even get me started on American Idol, we'll be here all day!

Flavored tea, or more specifically, Flavored tea with the lack of said flavor. If my tea is french vanilla, dammit, it'd better taste like french vanilla, not like vanilla scented potpourri in a cup. I'd like to submit to these companies, the idea of a high-flavor line, because I'm sorry, the older I get, the less sensitive my tongue is...hence why I over hot sauce my KFC until I get heartburn from it, and by the by, when the fuck did I start getting heartburn?! Am I falling apart!?

Ailments. Since when did it become the status quo to advertise so many drugs to cure so many ailments, I'm tired of seeing it, and I don't like hearing about your erectile dysfunction issue on TV. Isn't there someone you're supposed to talk to about this, that like, gets paid for doing such talking, and then he offers you something for it? Dealer...I mean doctor?

Country music. Since when did country music appear on Fuse?! Dammit, there needs to be another new music channel, and this one CAN'T fuck it up! We music fans need a damn good music channel, something we can watch music videos from the dawn of the music video, to the latest hard rock and metal stuff we can find. I'm sorry, MTV, MTV2, MTV Hits (which kicked fucking ass when it was MTV X but sucks now), VH1, VH1 Classic, and Fuse all dropped the ball when it came time to start putting music that was on the fringe into our minds. These stations have all but become irrelevant being as they only reflect the zeitgeist and not the desires and the new, fresh attitude I'm starting to hear on some of the fringe website radio shows. It's nice to hear something that isn't on 24/7. I'm starting to think, that just as 24/7 news networks destroyed media, 24/7 music networks destroyed music. Even these bands that are starting to break are just sounding like a tired-ass retread of the shit I heard six months ago. And speaking of which...

Now! that's what I call music...what are you, on #75 now? Hang that shit up, everyone downloaded those songs and subsequently deleted them several months ago. Should be renamed Now! That's What I Downloaded Six Months Ago #75.

24 hour news networks. I could see if you did 24 hours of newsworthy stuff, like I dunno, covering the war? I remember the first gulf war, the national networks broke into their daytime drama and went off for primetime and late night, but came back in the morning and did their thing, they reported as often as possible with new shit, they didn't retread the same blurb of news about some dog being lost in Alabama for 45 minutes. I'll watch some of the news programs on MSNBC or CNN, but other than that, I have better things to do with my DVR time, like record Jon Stewart or Bill Maher.

Well, I'm going to crash for a bit before the little one wakes up and needs my undying attention again today, we've had a clingy time lately.

Trials and Trepidation...

2009-08-03T21:33:00.002-05:00

I awoke this morning at the ripe old hour of 3AM to the sound of my wife giving my daughter a tongue-lashing, because she woke her up for chocolate milk. My wife yelled and screamed at her.

It would have been okay except for the fact that we both were in a deep death of sleep. It was great, better than I could have imagined, and it would have been very refreshing aside for the interruption.

What propensity do children have to wake up at 3am and want chocolate milk all of the sudden? I'm failing to understand first-grader logic.

All I know is, I can't wait until she's back in school, where she'll be more than ready to crash and sleep all night at 8pm.

Thinking about things...

2009-07-16T13:12:00.002-05:00

So I'm sitting here, and my soon-to-be six-year-old is acting up, throwing fits, and not wanting to try anything new, I'm getting tired of her attitude swings, and everything. I'm taking ANY ideas as to how to get her to stop acting up.

Happy Father's Day...20 Things I like about my daughters.

2009-06-21T15:33:00.004-05:00

I was reading MetroDad today, and I have to say, that man has one of the funniest daughters I've ever read about, so in honor of a great idea, I'm going to write my 20 Things:

Justeen loves to put her hands on her hips, shoot the LDS (Little Death Stare) at me, and say: "That's what you're going with?" She repeats me too well!
Rory will not nap for hours on end, and when I try to put her down for one, she'll lay there crying for awhile, stop for a few minutes, and then start again. When I begrudgingly get her out of bed, she'll look at me as if to say "I can hang, I can hang!"
Rory has mastered the power of concentration, she will let out these little grapes, but the smell is like someone painted the room in feces.
When Justeen was about 18 months old, she figured out the last three numbers of mommy's bank account. So everytime for about three months when we'd go to her bank, she would always pipe up from the backseat in the cutest little voice saying: "2-2-9."
I took Justeen to the Union picnic one year, and she looked at me drinking beer, and without missing a beat, says: "Daddy, are you drinking pee?!" With the other guys sitting around the keg right there laughing so hard, beer shot out their noses.
Justeen's first dislike of food: We brought out some pureed green beans for her (Gerber rocks the nasty factor well!) and she turned them flat down the moment she caught a whiff of the scent of those things, and I don't blame her. We've since decided to MAKE baby food.
Rory likes to mess with us, she will lay there and roll all over for us, but when the Building Healthy Families lady comes over, she won't move. Justeen was a showoff, but Rory is a sarcastic little wench, because this morning in bed, she flipped onto her tummy from her back and was crying about it.
Justeen has always been a camera ham, Rory will just stare into the lens with this cute, dazed-yet-inquisitive look on her face.
Teaching my daughters about all the great old actors, musicians, and artists. From the womb, both have been introduced to Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Cream, Queen, Creed (the My Own Prison album, screw the rest), Megadeth and many many more. Rory cues into Amy Brown artwork. We're going to take both of them to the Science and Art Center in Des Moines this or next summer.
Sitting down thinking I had some shows to watch on the DVR and realizing that they got skipped in favor of some kids movie.
Ripping said kids movies off of my DVR to burn to DVD for sake of watching later.
Realizing I'm halfway through this list and I'm out of things to say about my kids right now, because one is asleep and the other is laying down in her room, and I need to clean up after last night's party for my wife.
Bottle in hand, looking into Lorelei's bright blue eyes and seeing this unconditional, unbridled love...at 3am.
Watching Justeen play dress-up, and come out with a tiara, a pajama top, jeans with a skirt over them, and no socks with high platform play shoes.
Justeen being helpful with cleaning, baby sister or anything else I ask, she does it and tries so hard.
Rory looking face-to-face with me, and then leaning in for a kiss, and instead frenching my nose.
Justeen getting dressed for the day, and putting both legs in one leg of the pants.
Rory can be screaming, crying so much that her face is bright red, and tearing all over the place, and just soaked in tears and spittle, and out of air. But I place her in the bath and instant calm!
Justeen has the cutest voice, and to hear it is great, but to hear it often is bad. I enjoy watching her try to stumble over words she doesn't quite know or can read yet.
Never underestimate the power of the word "poop" to a five-year-old. It's a noun, adjective, and verb.

It's great being a dad, and I can't complain about it. I have my days, but life goes on.

#32: Six months and what a world its been.

2009-06-18T10:49:00.002-05:00

It's been a whole six months (and three days) since that cold, miserable, windy, freezing rain, snowy, shitty day. The day that my youngest daughter was induced into this world (damn modern medicine wanting to save the mother at all costs...I'll post about that sometime in the future) and joined a family in the middle of spiritual, financial, and employment hell.

She is a great looking child today, as she was when she came into the world; we've established a daily routine, which daddy still doesn't adhere to with much behest from the child, and the wifey; she has established a cute sense of humor reminiscent of her dad, she will lay there and my wife will flip her arms back and forth across her mouth, and she doesn't cry, she just sits there and makes noise and relishes the "bahbahbahbahbah" sound it makes (I have video, which I will post when it's on youtube.); she loves her baths. She's a Sagitarius which means she's a fire element, but water calms her. She has her own sense of humor, hilarity at its finest! The faces she gives me while I'm gagging changing diapers that even Justeen wouldn't top. She's too cute, and spiritually she's implanted herself in the family, she's great, funny, hilarious, cute, and she has such a GREAT time while she's in the bath, I can't emphasize that enough.

We're planning her baby blessing/Wiccaning for this Friday. I can't wait to bless her, she is already so great!

#31: The change begins, and already I don't want to write this post.

2009-05-24T17:25:00.003-05:00

Ok, so let me introduce you to the other bundle of joy in my life, the one who still brings a smile and warm fuzzies to me when she smiles and/or plays. My oldest daughter, Justeen, is just two months from turning SIX. I still remember the first day bringing her home from the hospital in Ames, about an hour away, which that day it took us about an hour and half. Because I drove about 40mph most of the way home, because she started sleeping the moment we put her, in her car seat, into the Jeep. We took the old highway from Ames to State Center, and then stopped there, talked to her dad for awhile at his work, and then headed home. I'll never forget it, because it was my first child. Not to say I'll forget Rory's coming home either...-10 with -40 wind chills, what a week that was!

Justeen loves to play in the yard, plant flowers, (trying to) cook, draw on the sidewalk with her massive amounts of chalk she got two years ago and hasn't worn out of supply. Her aspirations this summer are to learn how to tie shoes, ride a bike, and how to use a hammer (she helped me with building a bird house last spring). She hates when I play with my band because we are "so loud for me!" as she puts it. She likes to play princess, and has so much Disney princess junk that there is no mistaking there is a little girl in that room. She painted her walls in cotton candy pink and purple, which she helped with and was SO proud! She also helped paint trim on the house when we moved in here two years ago.

My daughter lives in a world of fantasy and unfortunately has taken to my habits, and has hit friends of hers at school. She has also bit, said mean words to, pushed down, taken a ball that was being played with from, and pulled hair on her friends. She has subsided a bit since we have taken things away and let her earn them on a daily basis. She is also working on earning 50 stars for days with good behavior towards a Nintendo DS, of which she has earned five already.

I bring that up because of a transgression between my wife and the mother to one of Justeen's friends. I can't tell what all went on because the facebook status post the discussion was on is deleted now. But in the general realm, what happened is, the mother of her friend (A in further reference) told my wife that A's daughter (C) is not allowed to be around Justeen right now, because of some of the above listed actions. My sister-in-law (D) discussed this with my wife over the phone, and my wife said how she felt A was just holding this shit back, and just sprung it on us now, and we had no way to know what was going on, C told her that since we were family and she was a close friend, that she wasn't going to support either side in this, and that she might not even hang with either side until this blows over. Now A, and D, along with several other people had railed on my wife about this on facebook all day, and she was just holding onto it and did nothing to protect herself. I resigned from the argument, and I'll explain why after I get done with this section. Now E comes along and sees all of this and is talking to wifey on facebook chat, and then posts something to back her up, she says that we're good parents, despite what our kid does, because we try to parent her, we at least make an effort, and that anyone who is talking shit about us really needs to look at themselves first. A comes along and says that my daughter was cussing at her daughter at school, and then drags me into the argument, saying I'm a bad parent because I use cuss words in front of my daughter, also because I advocate some violence (or something other than a fucking lesson) in cartoons, kids go to school the majority of their waking day, they don't need to come home and watch lessons and school lessons for however long they watch TV.

Let me sidebar for a bit about this first: Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends just had it's series finale a couple weeks or so ago, we just watched it, and I'm sad, because I really loved that show, its been on as long as my daughter has been alive so far, and I've watched it with her in my arms and eating from a bottle, and now sitting next to her on the couch, or curling up under a blanket. I remember a day when I was going to head outside and do a lot of stuff, but none of it got done because there was a six hour Foster's marathon that day, and we watched. Every. Single. Episode. I love it because while the lesson is subversive (which is the way I think it should be) it's not omnipresent. They're not trying to teach you like Sesame Street or Dora, and I think that's what is wrong with kid's TV shows now. Too many are trying to be edutainment, and that is so wrong, kids need to unplug and enjoy flights of fancy every now and again. I know I daydreamed as a kid, I used to wonder what it would be like to live with the Smurfs, or Pippi Longstocking, or the Muppets. Hell, I even daydreamed and played with friends like we were Care Bears.

Another sidebar: What the fuck happened to Care Bears?! I watched a DVD with my daughter and they were all CGI, and damn these fuckers were whiny. There's a difference between showing emotion and being a whiny little fuck about it...

Now, I've mentioned those two points to get to this point. I feel this person is just nitpicking on us, because our daughter chose to react to teasing, she got teased all last year during kindergarten, my wife has told me she'd come off the bus crying because of what A's child did to her. Now, as I mentioned earlier, I've resigned myself from this argument, because I have WAY more important shit to deal with as opposed to her drama-stirring bullshit! I can easily list about ten things I'm trying to deal with that are way more important than her shit. Not to mention there are at least 20 more on that list that I'd have to sit down and think about. Oh, forgot where I was at for a bit, but after A says her shit, E comes back on Facebook and is like "Look, these two have shit going on, not only do they have a new child, but they have to try to keep the other one under control (like we've ever had that!), along with dealing with unemployment and looking for work and one is going back to school." She said something else as well, but I can't remember what it was but I was like "FUCK YEAH!"

At some point I hope this situation resolves itself in any way or form, but for right now, to all parties involved, sick my fucking duck! I'm tired of people stirring up drama and shit just to get my wife and I pissed at each other. I'm having a hard time dealing with my marriage as it is, and I'm trying to keep it together, because we've been through shit like this before, and we made it through, but now we're at each other all the time, like we just have a gun and waiting to draw on each other and trying to make the other feel pain first. We've got a lot of shit on our plate, and a lot more to work on between the two of us, but since having our second child, we haven't had much time to talk at all. We used to deal with stuff in a fairly rational manner, and now we just can't wait to bite the other person's head off! I often sit here wondering what the fuck happened, we were doing great, and all of the sudden the family dynamic changed and ever since that happened, the five months since have been sheer hell. I don't even want to list all of the shit that is going on here, because I don't want a pity party, I don't want sorrow, I need anything to get me out of this rut. Unfortunately for me, Publishers Clearinghouse hasn't showed up with the big check despite answering their emails for the big $10 million deadline since it passed over a year ago. I don't think anyone ever wins that shit, it would help to win it, but like that'll ever happen.

I've done so much good shit, I've been such a nice person, I've done everything I can for my family, I've fought tooth and nail for four years after we lost our apartment because we couldn't pay the rent, what with our NO jobs and all. I've fought so damn hard for everything I have, and I'm tired of fucking drama, I'm beyond needing it, I have enough, you can take yours back and kindly go fuck yourself!

But I guess I can't paint too good of a picture of my daughter, because it's really an objective issue, it depends on who views it. But I still see the smiley little chubby face that used to look back at me from a pile of blankets and just coo and giggle at me. I still remember the first time I ever got her to laugh by blowing raspberries on her tummy, I called EVERYONE who would listen over the phone to her giggling. She may be going through some shit of her own, and she may hit people, and do mean things, but I don't see where it is, I don't see the meanness in her. But you know what, I'm done with this argument. I figure I'm a good parent as long as she doesn't wind up killing anyone, or on the pole.

#30: The solid foods come into play tonight!

2009-04-02T19:00:00.002-05:00

I'm stoked, ecstatic, enamored, and scared shitless at the same time. Little bit starts solid foods! We're going to give her some cereal tonight!

I'll keep you posted and put the pics up in the next posting on here. Also, I'm changing the main focus of this blog to be for the parenting of both of my daughters. I have so many tales to tell.

#29. Observations and Exasperations

2009-03-14T22:58:00.002-05:00

So its been awhile since my last blog post, and since then I've discovered many things. My daughter, the new one, lil bit, of whatever I'm calling her this week, is impressive.

She has started off this week by proving to me how well she can vomit. All over the place. I had to not only change my daughter twice, but change myself twice as well. She got me so good that I had to change my underwear. It's freakin impressive, astounding, I really can't put it into words.

And while I'm not as impressively long winded of a blogger as some of my counterparts, but I've discovered a new blogger this week, and his name is MetroDad, a blogger from deep in the heart of Manhattan who knows his way around a sentence, can craft a yarn about many inane yet hilarious aspects of life with children, and here he is on his first time around. I'm on my second, and I'm astounded at this man. Check him out, read the exploits of MetroDad, The BossLady, Peanut and MetroDog, and tell him Jason sent ya!!!!

Sometime in this next week, I hope to sit down for awhile, and muse about things, and also I will post the link to Rory's photobucket.

#28. The birth!

2009-01-05T20:09:00.002-06:00

Lorelai came over three weeks ago. It was a great thing! It started off rocky, cold as hell, and we got the most nastiest food from Hardee's we've ever had.

Got everything started, and rolling, about 1230, she was at 3cm and fully effaced, they called for the anesthesiologist, and by the time they got there, she was 10cm and ready to go! They couldn't even sit her up to do it. So she had to go natural, none of the other painkillers worked, and she had to do something I've only heard about. So she gets an award for that shit!

And then I saw her, and she's so cute, I have a link I'll post here soon of her picture album.

The only thing that sucked worse is when we brought her home, I was sicker than a dog, so in that nice crucial bonding time, I was too sick to hold her.

But she is sooooooo cute!

27: The last two weeks in a nutshell...

2008-12-12T19:27:00.002-06:00

Lets start off with the Saturday night after wifey got off work. She was feeling really dizzy, so she went to the hospital and got checked out, full stress test, all that good shit. They want to give her an ultrasound and hook up another stress test. And after all of that, the stress test is over, and she asks the doc if she can still work. He just laughed at her.

So we go in again this monday for the ultrasound, and Rory shakes her head no when we try to look at her face, and we got a great moon shot! She mooned us, but we can definetly tell she's a girl.

Thursday I had to take her in for the appt and then get our daughter from school, I got to watch the ultrasound however. But she got good face pictures! Then I had to get my daughter. They found out she's two cm dialated now, and 50% effaced, so its go time! Monday at 7am we start the fun!

And then last night, her friend, or I should say heinous bitchbeast, sent a message in reply to one wifey sent out to her friends, people she thought cared about her, and got this back from the above in reply: "No offense but I really don't care" I'd have just shut the fuck up! You don't do shit like that to a friend. I'm about ready to choke a bitch!

#26: Baby Watch begins?

2008-11-29T22:41:00.002-06:00

Well, I got a call from my wife from work about 9pm tonight, and shes told me she had seven contractions in the last hour, and that she'd call First Nurse after 10pm when she got out of work.

Well, flash forward at 1045 and I'm here watching Storm Chasers and waiting for the update as she is in the hospital and we're seeing where it goes from here.

I'll keep you posted and hopefully I'll have pictures and video when I get back to you.

#25: Two or four more weeks to go?

2008-11-20T09:22:00.002-06:00

I've seen morning sickness, dizzy spells, more stretchmarks than one could ever count, an ever expanding form, and kicks, punches and spins from this little one. Soon it will all be over and the real fun begins again. I've taken many pictures of this form for document and post on wifey's cafemom page, and I've also had many interesting moments, each one I've been able to experience and laugh about, or cry at times.

It's been one weird wild ride, and now I kinda feel bad, it ends and then the real work begins.

But at least this one really likes me. Her and the cat both do. She responds and pushes outward to my voice, or kicks the same number of times I tap on the belly. It's been so fun playing with her. I can't wait until she gets here! But at the same time I don't want to see it end. It kinda sucks.

But I guess, its been fun while it lasted. Hopefully she looks cute, like her sister. But who knows!

#24: The Shower

2008-10-19T21:18:00.002-05:00

Well, the shower was today, and wow, this kid has no reason whatsoever to go naked. It's nice to see that family and friends all think about this kid, no fancy gadgets, just clothes, diapers and other stuff like bibs and burp rags and blankets. I love that. Nothing better. While some people might view the second baby shower for another girl as greedy or something else, fuck them. Its not about that, its about the love those people want to "shower" on the newborn. I hope she realizes that. She has a lot of people who love her, and she's not even here yet! The room is looking great, I put up the letters for her name today, and her animal plaques. Oh, and the curtain rod! \m/!

#23: The fun dwindles...

2008-10-11T00:34:00.002-05:00

Well, its week 30. The belly continues to grow...as do the hormones!

I'm missing out on this one already and its still got ten weeks left until R-day. (Rory day) To recap so far. I've enjoyed this rollercoaster ride of a pregnancy. The hormones have made each day interesting, I never know which side of my wife I'm waking up to. The tear my head off because I woke up a half hour later than I normally do wifey, the mushy "I love you so much..." wifey, the wifey who can't wait to get this kid outta her, or the wifey who gets a lil wake-n-snake. Girls, you aren't going to get that shit, but guys know the wake-n-snake. Thats the time when you're either asleep or half-asleep, she comes in, and next thing you know, she's going to happytown and you don't even know whats goin on! That, is the wake-n-snake. Similar to the wake-n-bake, but much much more fun!

It's been a blast watching Rory grow, and become more active (my back has never felt better from all the kicks I get while I sleep), and the best thing about it is, she has been so fun, and even she knows what is what before she has even been born!

The economy is shit, but life is ok. I guess its ok. Who knows!

22: The expanding continues!

2008-09-12T10:37:00.002-05:00

So I'm looking at my naked wife after her shower today. And WOW is she getting huge! I couldn't be more enamored with her right now! It's so nice to see her come into true form, she's easily gained several inches in belly in just a few short weeks. And yes, her butt, and breasts have swollen as well, much to my desire!

It's awesome to watch it week by week, if you get the chance, I highly recommend paying close attention to your SO next time she is pregnant!

Also, we put together the playpen to try it out, and we had a blast, or I should say *I* had a blast trying to put together the changing shelf on the playpen, it didn't fit right at all, so wifey to the rescue and she fixed it and made it work, and I like it. Maybe I'll have some pictures soon.

#21: Been a long time...here's an update

2008-09-09T09:38:00.003-05:00

Ok, so its been a month or so, and a lot has happened since then...let me bring you up to speed.

The ultrasound is clearer this time, so much so you could see the pelvic muscle to the side of the labia. Yes, its going to be girl number 2! We made the joke that the sister of one of Dee's friends is making the football team (all boys) and we're working on the cheerleaders. As disappointed as I was to find out the sex (which means I can't get snipped right away *fumes*), I'm not going to love her any less. She's still my kid. At least now we have a new plan that makes it so maybe we'll look into another one. If not its on my brother to "carry on the family name"

And who's to say that I have to anyways? Or that my daughter can't. Why can't she? What if she keeps her name? (Why she'd do that is beyond me, hell, I even thought about adopting my wife's name! How the hell can telemarketers fuck up Roberts?)

Also, we're having the baby shower...um. I forgot what day it is. But I'll have it soon. I hope. I know its in October.

And since we're having another girl, I get to teach women about cars. These two will be able to restore or at least work on their own cars by the time they know how to drive. At least I want them to know enough to change their own tires, or be able to figure out whats going on in a car by the sound/vibration it makes. Which reminds me, I need to tweak the alignment in my car.

This one already has one disc of music education that she's listened to, and I have the second for her. What I'm doing is putting a bunch of music mixed together, and going from there.

Well, thats it for now, hopefully I'll have more interesting stuff to blog about. Oh, hey, I have some stuff to put together...

20: The trickery of the Goddess...

2008-07-30T13:22:00.001-05:00

WSo we went to the 20 week ultrasound, myself, my wife and Justeen. Looking at the lil person. Seeing all the cool stuff and the functioning of everything, and it all looks good. So far as we know. It kept moving in every direction it could, didn't really want to be seen we guess.

But we don't really know if its a boy or girl, but at this point, we don't know, its not looking good for the boy though.

You could just feel the mood drop in that room today. I don't have the picture to post as of yet, but I can definitely tell its not lookin good, either that or he'll have to really work on his personality.

We'll have to wait another 3-4 weeks, til August 13th to find out for sure, and here's hoping the parts come into their own. Whatever they may be.

#19: The Good Morning Dance

2008-07-29T21:46:00.003-05:00

So, once in awhile, in the morning, I wake up as most guys do. Harder than Chinese Algebra.

So here I decide to try to start things, and its going good as far as I can tell, she's moaning her pleasures, writhing around, and losing articles of clothing and such. Then the cat makes her way in the room through the partially closed door. Smart ass cat! Got the door open even though it was all but latched.

So then I toss the cat out, and resume the play, and by this point, its about to get on with no strings attached. Then kiddo wakes up.

And thus is the story of my mornings when I try to get us going to our happy place.

#18: The gushing starts!

2008-06-22T17:07:00.002-05:00

So over the last few days I've discovered that baby "Cashew" likes the sound of my voice. So much so that he tries to bust out of the womb just to hear me! I have a daddy's boy. The fun thing I love to do is get him to move around wherever my hand may be.

Much to my wife's dismay. She hates this game because inevitably he ends up pushing on her bladder. It's just so interesting to watch my wife get bigger, and watch him get his own personality. So much fun!

I guess what makes me happiest is that I got to start a lot earlier with this one as far as the whole talking to the fetus goes. I got started with my daughter by reading Where The Wild Things Are. While I will read that book to Cashew, I think I might start with liner notes, Blender, and car magazines. Maybe get my kid to like cars and music as much as I do.

#17: Assorted Thoughts

2008-06-20T23:29:00.002-05:00

So, I just got done with a great bout of nookie, very splashy, and very erotic. Then I took a post-nookie shower. And had a snack.

And then I got to thinking, this kid has full brain function at this point, it can create thoughts, emotions, etc. So I'm thinking, what if this kid can recall what its like when we have sex?

Dude, wouldn't that trip you the hell out if you reverted back to the womb in a hypnotic state, and remember bouncing around while your dad did it doggystyle to your mom?

These are the kinds of things I think when I hit the cottage cheese. BTW, hit the Blue Bunny 4%, its next to heaven!

So, what to talk about besides pregnant boobs and nookie?

#16: Some shit just never ends!

2008-06-17T14:33:00.002-05:00

Ok, I recalled the last time we were pregnant, we both lost our jobs, and we had to move back in with my mom.

Well thankfully enough, this time I won't have to move back in with my mom. But I'm still losing my job come August 18th. I'm none too happy about this shit. But at least I'll be a month shy of three years. I might get something for my trouble. I'd hope.

I talked to the chairman of the unit out at the Local today, and I found out that the company didn't want to give us shit. In effects bargaining, we got hosed. No continuation of benefits, no health insurance, no dental, no nothing. We only get our incentive cashed out on our last check. Not cool. I was hoping to at least see the beginning of the year so I could cash out my vacation...but I guess I'll get three days cashed out to me when I get laid off.

And to top all this bullshit, the cunt that used to be my wife's best friend is up to her bullshit again. "Waaaa, I lost my child and they get theirs" "Waaaaa, I hope they experience what I went through." My only response to this will be my fist in her chest if I ever see her in public, and hope it brings her closer to her lost one. You wish death on my unborn child, you fucking die!

Whats the encore? Does my house explode while I'm remodeling? Does the wheel fall off my car? Where does it end?

Oh wait, thats right, shit rolls downhill, and I, unfortunately, am at the bottom....again.

And the bottom drops out.

#15: The Libido Returns...not for the faint of heart.

2008-06-07T18:28:00.002-05:00

So, I've been complaining a bit about not getting any. Life issues have compounded on each other, and sex is a great tension release. But when wifey isn't in the mood, it ain't happening, no matter how down in the shitter I am. But this Friday, I got my wish.

Her libido came back by storm.

Friday, 6:15 A.M: I'm laying in bed and wake up, for what reason I don't know. But I decide to get cuddly with my wife. Something is telling me I need to fuck NOW! Little did I know her subconscious was planting ideas in my sleep. I woke up hard as a rock, and decided to rub her back for awhile, with a firm hand. And then I started rubbing her belly, as she likes sometimes when she is pregnant and its been stretching alot lately as well, so it was a bit tender. I kept a watch for signs she was into it. I started rubbing her pelvic bone, just above her pussy. She moved a bit to get her panties off. And it was on like Donkey Kong on speed. I started playin with it. I went down and licked that shit...and I definetly could not hear a complaint on my facial hair at that point. I could have started a brush fire between the two of us!

And then, it was on. Now the rest I'm not going to play out for you like that. But DAMN it was a great way to start a Friday, despite the early hour. And the tiredness at work...which really sucked because it was hot as hell!

#14: Light dawns on marble forehead...

2008-05-26T18:57:00.002-05:00

Well, finally I think she admits it. Regardless of what she may say or think or act about her new state. She can finally not really say she is fat. After putting the 10w4d and 6w pics together, she can see the noticeable difference in her belly....and so did I! Wow. Very sexy.

So hopefully we can put the fat baby to bed and just marvel at the form she takes. I hope to have an update soon on the glucose test...

#13: The first ultrasound

2008-05-25T00:07:00.002-05:00

So my wife had to get a glucose test ("Damn family history of diabetes!" she says)...a rectal exam, and several other exams and tests, and then she finally got the thing stuck up her cooter to look at the little sprite....and here is the little "Cashew"

so so cute! melts my heart!

#12 Beltaine Fun!

2008-05-18T10:10:00.002-05:00

Mental note: Don't tell anyone at a Beltaine ritual that you are expecting.

Long story short: Beltaine is a Pagan fertility blessing ritual, to bless those who are already pregnant, as well as those who wish for enhanced fertility, and to bless plant life with fruitfulness.

The Full Story:

The Beltaine gathering yesterday (5/17) was great, awesome location, great weather, the element of the East was abundant as well (very windy!) All were having a great time with wine, strawberries and chocolate dipping sauce. Don't worry, the kids had water.

Then guess who got tied to the maypole after the first part of the circle was over? Go on! Guess!

Me.

Yeah, then I get an apple cut off my head by my wife. It's good to be the king! It was a great day, fun was had by all, and I think even today I'm going to try to get out of the house because its so damn nice today again! Much blessing for Beltaine...despite it being late! Still just as fun to mark it.

By the way, say "It's good to be the king" at a gathering or somewhere, and see who laughs...

Those who don't, feel sorry for them.

#11: Telling the other side of the family

2008-05-11T19:01:00.002-05:00

So today, we got the iron-on transfer shirt on Justeen, and took her with us to the family get together for Mother's Day. On the front it said "I've got a secret!" and on the back it had a pretty decal that said "I'm going to be a big sister"

Mixed reactions were had. But most of it was positive. My mom was happy this time! She was just wondering how I felt about it, and if I was excited, considering the cost of almost every freakin thing has gone up since Justeen was born.

To which I said, I'm glad for this child.

But, the cost of everything and the added cost of raising a child five years after the fact is going to be stressful, hard, and trying. But I'm not that worried about it. All I'm worried about is having the job to pay all the bills. And that the bills get paid off.

Maybe it is time to look into that second job...and figuring out the new family dynamic.

#10: The F Word, Part 2

2008-05-09T15:26:00.005-05:00

So it's a word I hear often lately.

So often its almost OCD.

The "fat" word.

And I never cease to hear it when my wife looks at a mirror *ponders flat black spray paint?* or when she happens to catch a glimpse of her own naked body.

And I can't get enough, the rapid swelling, the even larger breasts since the last post on this topic, the really heavy load of junk in the trunk. It's all too much. It just makes it harder to stay away from her. I'm loving every moment I get to see her during this pregnancy. It's nice to enjoy everything. Watching her ever expanding frame, seriously, if she gets any bigger, she's going to have to change her bra size post-pregnancy, is such a turn on for me.

It's incredible to watch this miracle of life happening before my eyes. She even felt cashew running laps today. I'm one who wonders what that must feel like. I'm one of those guys who most see as weak. Or maybe I've been working in a factory too long!

But I keep hearing the dreaded "f" word. I don't even like hearing it when she's not pregnant. Because, yeah, we know you are, but damn, dwell much? Not like I wish she were as thin as my mic stand...but at least she has something to play with in bed! Makes it more fun!

So I need help guys...how do I address this without sounding like a callous prick?

#9: Telling Grandpa...

2008-05-03T21:42:00.003-05:00

Freakin hilarious moment!

My dad came over for his birthday celebration earlier today, and we gave him a bib that says "I Love Grandpa"

His wife got it right away. However it took him the better part of two minutes to figure it out!

The realization on his face is priceless on video! Which shall someday (when I have time to futz with it) be on youtube!

Now, to tell my mom! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!

#8: The "F" Word

2008-05-02T21:16:00.001-05:00

Well, I didn't think it would be this short of a time before it happened.

Something every guy fears to hear, and most weaker men run scared at it.

"I'm going to get big and fat!"

Yes, after only seven short weeks. She uttered the dreaded "F" word. And any reassurance I give to the counterpoint is not swaying her...UGH!

#7: Worry and suck make a comeback.

2008-04-30T21:12:00.002-05:00

Well shit, I had a moment of clarity for like the last two weeks. Enjoying a clear head, great sleep, and worry free since that earthquake. I can't explain why, but things like that give me a clear head about life and stuff.

Well it all came back today, like a freight train of worry. I need to get my car worked on, the starter is out, so I think. I need to get bills in check and debts cleared before this new baby comes so I can shoulder this family for six whole long agonizing weeks. Thats credit card payments, car payments, house payment, cell phone, home phone, dish, all of the stuff that has to be covered in a month, and I have to do it for almost two. It sucks worrying about this.

To top things off, add in the aforementioned blue balls from lack of nookie. An extremely hormonal, stressed, and emotional wife. A kid who is defiant as all hell lately, for seemingly no reason. And work being a pain in my ass. Trying to get the house clean for my dad's birthday party on Saturday, a birthday party to attend on Sunday. And all of this during finals week for wifey.

I fucking hate finals week!

#6: A small worry.

2008-04-29T14:41:00.002-05:00

With all the news of shit going up in price (rice, gas, oil, food, beer, wheat, bread, milk, etc.) its kind of hard to figure out how to make ends meet when the new baby arrives. I really worry and worry hard about if my measly pittance will make the bills, food and gas needed for both vehicles.

Even more, I worry about if it will help when it comes time to shoulder the bills for the house by myself till six weeks after this baby is born. And I can't up but think about what is going to happen. Will things cost so much in December that I can't do this? And then I don't have anything saved up but I have no credit card debt (or so the plan goes).

These are the things I worry about whilest cleaning out the litter box. Or showering.

Damn, I hate worrying. But its what I have to do I guess.

Man, I have to fart bad!

#5: A kitty, a kid, and a pregnant wife...oh the show that could be written.

2008-04-29T12:32:00.002-05:00

So. Two weeks after finding out about the new being growing inside my wife. We had to visit kiddo's preschool and get her acclimated to it. She's going through a lot of changes as is her new sibling. And we were at Beth's house. And she had a new kitty. Ten weeks old. Cutest little thing!

I know, I had that moment! But I decided, since I was living in the now, and I've always wanted a cat. Because mouse traps suck. So I got a cat. And she is a great cat to play with, she's so curious! And she is just so so cute! I know, I'm a man, and I said cute...kiss my ass!

But, kiddo tries to empty the litter box. And wifey can't, so I accept my daughter's help. But she gets litter EVERYWHERE! She forgets to shake the poo and pee clumps out so we get rid of the bad stuff but not the clean litter! Not for lack of trying, but I told her that daddy should really handle the kitty litter. Because its not really safe for her or mommy to do so. Especially in mommy's condition.

We believe she knows. But we still have to tell her. Till next time....

#4: The pregnant form...hide the kiddies...and kitties.

2008-04-29T12:23:00.004-05:00

Ok, I admit it, I am a man, therefore, I am in a constant state of...oh fuck it, lets not mince words...I'm horny for my wife...all the damn time!

Why? Because, my wife is in the most erotic state for me. I'm a big fan of the pregnant form. So much of a fan, that this time, I'm taking pictures of her form each week so I can track the progress. Nothing fancy, no porn stuff, just some shots, bra and panties, so I can see the form expand and take shape.

Her form turns me on even when she isn't pregnant. She's not what most people consider hot by any means. But she has a shape that is all her own. She is a bigger woman, but she is proud of who she is, she doesn't starve herself, doesn't workout everyday for eighteen hours, and doesn't count calories. She is happy with who she is, although she wants to lose some weight to get some more energy, and not feel so tired. And I can support her on that. I've dropped 30 lbs in the last 18 months, and I'm not looking back. So whatever she wants to do to her body, I am all for.

When she gets pregnant, and even I noticed this in the first pregnancy. I was so turned on, just watching her breasts grow and get heavy with milk. Watching her belly cradle this new life, and expanding to fit it. Like her motherly state was just so much of a turn on that when she wasn't wanting it, I had to look away! Not really going to elaborate much more on that! I don't know why I love this state so much. But I know I enjoy every day of it. Waking up next her goddess-like state. Makes the day start awesomely! Nothing excites me more than touching her form to rub her down, lotion her body, make her aches go away or lessen. Because it feels like I'm in the presence of a goddess. And it makes me so hard I could cut diamonds!

Ooh look, a kitty!....

#3: Who to tell?

2008-04-29T12:09:00.002-05:00

Well, first thought when we found out. Who do we tell about the new addition to the family?

A small aside, however: I know I'm putting out a lot of blogs in the first day, when I could just compile them together. But I'm getting you up to speed by topic, and it makes it quicker to read.

Ok, the first time around, the first words out of my mom's mouth were, and I quote: "Oh shit, Jason!"

So obviously, she's not the first.

Who was first, my wife's best friend. Bad fucking idea. (More info on that in another post...or later, who knows)

Then we told all of our friends. My brother and his wife. Her parents, her brother, and everyone she goes to class with, and everyone I work with.

And this coming Saturday, May 3rd. I'm telling my dad.

All this before telling my mom.

She has to wait a couple weeks. Although we think she already has an idea.

Ok, so why was it such a bad idea to tell my wife's best friend? Well, not to rehash too many details, but here's why she is such a shadow on the parade.

She'd been pregnant since October. And found out in like late January-early February. And at that point we'd had two unsuccessful months of trying. Fast forward about four more weeks. She lost her kid. No one but her knows all the events that transpired that night. We've been accused of everything sinister and evil about this whole situation. Things have gone as far as wishing that my wife would experience the same thing she did. So that she could have hers. But that bridge has been crossed, and working on getting back on the path. At least as far as I know.

So yeah, not even two weeks after that happened to her. We tell her the most Earth-shattering news anyone could drop on someone in that situation. And its hard, because of the fallout from that incident, to even tell her. But wifey decided to. Because its better than hiding it or lying about it.

So yeah, keep tuned in here for what happens when I tell my dad and mom. I'm sure it will be interesting.

So much interesting things and scenery...

#2: Naming the little sprite

2008-04-29T12:05:00.002-05:00

So, now comes the time to think of names. I've been feeling dude energy in the house a lot lately. So, my intuition tells me we're having a boy. So we're hammering hardcore on boy names so we can have one when we get one.

We're bad with coming up with boys names. We can click off 400 girl names. And 200 variations on each. In one day. But coming up with a boy name is so hard, we can't use anyone in the family for reasons of stupidity, not liking names, etc. So we're looking into off the wall ideas.

But wifey showed me a picture of what the little sprite would look like at this point in the womb. And it looks like a cashew. And I'm like: "Let's do this, I'm a cashew!"

So thats the name he's stuck with for right now. Cashew.

Now who do we tell?

#1: Being a first time dad, the second time around.

2008-04-29T10:44:00.003-05:00

Let me tell you about myself first.

I'm a dad already, in case you didn't already catch that. Five years or so ago, we found out that we were having a birth in our little fledgling family. I say that because we were. We'd only been married about four months at that point. And that was not the first thing in my wife's mind. I couldn't have been happier, as a matter of fact, I was jumping for joy on the bed, which subsequently helped the frame start to buckle.

The next 24 weeks were intense and filled with emotions incomparable to any ever experienced up to that date. In that time, we had both lost jobs, and I was trying to find money to get things going. With gas at 1.89 at the time (oh the good ol' days) and traveling 45 minutes to each doctors appt (which got expensive in the last eight weeks!) and living on a shoestring, although at my mom's house (not one of my most proud moments, but thanks mom!), life was too hard to actually enjoy the *whole* pregnancy. We got to enjoy the ultrasound, and the visits, and the eating at Fazoli's before or after each visit :).... And the idea of the drive, and the talks we had.

But this time around, we knew as early as two weeks after the expected ovulation date (more on that later). And the great thing is, I get to see and feel all the changes, much to my wife's behest and sarcastic comments sometimes. But I am the loving hubby, rubbing her back (much to my own behest sometimes, again, more later), getting her stuff most of the time she asks for it, and doting in many ways that I can't describe at this time.

And the fun that can get described in the fact of having a kid, and a cat, at the same time as bringing a new one into the world can only be experienced firsthand, but I'll try to relay it on here as well I can.

Now only to name the little bugger....