Swinging and Sliding

As you can see from Una's excited little face, she enjoys swinging.  This is actually the first time she's swung on a "big girl" swing.  

Sally and I went to Home Depot on Saturday to get some materials for creating a raised bed in our backyard.  While looking around, assessing how much it would cost, Sally wandered over to the do-it-yourself swing set area.  After a bit of review she said, "I'd really rather spend the money on something Una would enjoy."  

SOLD

Load up the kit, add a slide, and off to get the required 4x4s.  Load up the car, and...well, we have a new project.  

There was no time to start it on Saturday as we were off to Nana  and Gramps for a little grilling, but when we got home on Sunday it was time to get to work.  The "one hour" project turned into about four, when I finally gave up the ghost.  We finished up the set after work on Monday and Una officially broke in both the slide and the swings.  

Here are a couple of more pics. I'll add some video soon.

[Edit:  Click on the pics to really see how happy she is (and beautiful, too.)]

 

Here Comes Summer

We recently had a wonderful taste of summer.  It was fun to throw on the summer clothes and hang out in Westport.  Here's a little slideshow of some of our favorite pictures from the few nice days we had.  Can't wait for the real summer to get here.

Enjoy...John, Sally and Una

22nd Annual Sheepshearing Festival

Una and I had the good fortune of visiting the 22nd Annual Sheepshearing Festival at Gore Place in Waltham, MA.

Sally was busy with a baby shower and a DAR luncheon.

When Una and I arrived we immediately noticed the tents and period attired women and men.  She was interested, recognizing the yarn similar to what I used.  We sat and talk with the women and they were gracious enough to let Una help in the balling of the skein of yarn.  The picture above is Una holding the skein for the woman on the left to ball.

The festival was packed since it was our first really nice day (80+).  We watched hand shearing of Merino sheep, as well as electric clipper shearing.  Una got to pet an Angora rabbit, as well as a cute brown Alpaca.

Here's a picture of Una peeking in on a couple of young sheep.  There is a lamb in the pen just out of the picture.  The mother was a new one.

All in all we had a great day.  We were sorry Sally couldn't join us, but we'll all hit the RI Third Annual Fiber Festival at Coggeshall Farm in Bristol on May 16.  Should be fun.

 

Baby Powder and Ocean State Job Lot

What in the world does Ocean State Job Lot have to do with Baby Powder you ask?

First off, thanks for asking.  The story goes like this:  

Put Miss Una down at her usual time of about 8pm.  Simple enough.  Change her diaper, cave on the request for "powder", and then place the "powder" on her changing table.  Read to her, sing to her, turn on the lullaby CD, and remind her to stay in her bed (she recently graduated to a "big girl" bed).  Head downstairs for some mindless TV (oh and the sound of the lullabies through the monitor).  20 minutes later and the monitor is quiet as the CD has ended.  Not a peep.  She's asleep.  

Not so fast.  

10pm rolls around and Sally heads upstairs while I do my usual of turning lights off,  set the coffee maker up, etc.  I usually hear Sally checking on Una, but things are different tonight.  Suddenly, Sally calls out, "Daddy, can you come up here?"  I would normally be concerned, but  the use of "Daddy" instead of John makes me think things are not too urgent.  I nevertheless quickly head upstairs.  Sally stops me outside of Una's room and says, "Smell anything?"  [sniff sniff]  Ah...The sweet fragrant smell of...you guess it...baby powder.  

There in the middle of her room in the center of her carpet is a 1 foot in diameter pile of baby powder with the bottle laying along side the circle.  My first thought was she broke the top and it all spilled out.  NOPE.  She shook the entire contents out.  (Note:  Baby powder being shaken form its bottle does not make any noise!!!)

Sally and I controlled our desire to bust out laughing and proceeded to tell Una that what she did was very naughty.   She looked at us in amazement.  Sally retrieved the vacuum cleaner to clean things up and while she did I talked with Miss Una.  "Why did you do that?" "I know" (Una has a tendency to drop the "don't" when stalling).  "Well, now we don't have any for your bum.  What are we going to do?" I lost it when the response was:

"We can get some more from Job Lot"

Christmas 2008

Well, Christmas has come and gone, and it was a wonderful Christmas.  We enjoyed Christmas Eve in Westport with Nana and Gramps.  We started off with a trip to church with Una in her Christmas outfit.  Here's a little slideshow of her getting ready and us heading out.  

The church was stifling hot, but we survived.  Back to Nana and Gramps for our traditional Christmas Eve dinner.  Nana did a wonderful job with dinner.  It was fantastic.   Una was excellent, but not to sure what to make of the Elmo doll Nana gave her.  She may get use to it.  We'll see.  Back to Pawtucket later that evening to ensure Santa's arrival was coordinated.  

This is a little teaser.  The Christmas Day post is to be continue.  To the left is Una first thing Christmas morning.

Merry Christmas, Jenn and Ashley

Each year I get excited about setting up the tree.  Sally and I have some wonderful ornaments we've gathered over our few years together.  Hanging them brings out some great memories of the wonderful times we had gathering them, and the great places we've been fortunate to visit.  This year is even more special as Una is old enough to appreciate what is happening.  She's excited about Santa, and enjoyed seeing the different ornaments as we pulled them out of the storage boxes.  Since she's told not to touch the tree, she's so cute in leaning in to smell it.  

Decorating the tree also makes me nostalgic in another way, and thus, somewhat saddened.  While I think of my two older girls (Jenn and Ashley) often, the pulling out of an ornament and glancing to see "Baby's 1st Christmas - 1981" or "First Christmas - 1983" really sends me down memory lane.  Good memories, each and every one.  No matter how hard I try, there is no stopping the choked up feeling I get.  Those memories make you think more intensely of the ones you miss and love.  And, not having them with you to relive the experience all over again...well...sucks.  We live in such a disbursed world it's so hard to be with everyone every year.  Texas, Ohio, California, Colorado, Pennsylvania.  Luckily, we do have the memories.

I've created this little slideshow of some special ornaments on the tree this year.  We have plenty more, but they are the ones that remind me of Jenn and Ashley.  I've inluded ones we have for Una so that Jenn and Ashley could see those, too.  

It's just my way of dealing, I think.

Merry Christmas

Una's Womb Diary

While doing a little electronic housecleaning I stumbled upon this.  A bit corny, I know, but I'm glad I found it.  Despite letting the Babiesonline.com account expire, they had a recovery process to restore old posts.  I guess this was my way of blogging 2-1/2 years ago.  

Enjoy...John (aka Una's ghostwriter)

I Have A Heartbeat! - Thursday, March 02, 2006

I was naked as a jaybird and a wonderful ultrasound technician showed me off to Mom and Dad. They got to see my heart beat at about 170 beats per minute. Mom and Dad cried. I got my first line on the height chart. I'm 2.4cm tall. Oh, yeah, I'm 9w0d today.

2nd Doctor Visit - Thursday, March 16, 2006

Mom and Dad went to the doctor's again today. The doctor asked a few questions then poked and prodded a bit. Something about wanting to hear my heartbeat. The doc found it immediately with a thing called a doppler. The doctor was happy that my heart was beating strongly and at the right pace for my young age. Mom and Dad were quite relieved to hear it. I overheard them say they'd be back in two weeks to listen again. I'll be bigger and stronger then. Oh, yeah, it was my birthday today. I was 11w0d.

Mom was so happy to hear my heart beating that she and Dad treated themselves to a shopping spree. Mom bought lots of new clothes for when I make her present ones a bit to tight. :-)

Doctor Appointment - Thursday, March 30, 2006

We went to the doctor's office again today. Seemed like a different place, but I overheard Mom & Dad mentioning that our doctor has multiple offices. Someone poked me a bit and I squiggled away, but I could tell by Mom and Dad's reaction that they heard my heart beating again. 150-160 beats per minute the doc said to Dad. Right on course. I'm 13w0d today and the doc said I've moved into the second trimester -- whatever that is.

Today's my eldest half-sister birthday. Happy Birthday, Jenn. You, too, Ashley. Dad mentioned yours was on Monday. I can't wait to meet you both.

Vacation - Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Well, I went on my first vacation this weekend. Mom & Dad had a relaxing time on Nantucket. Something about a Daffodil Festival. A nice weekend, but boy that ferry ride back home was a rocky one. Good thing I'm floating around in this sac. I've been wiggling around a bit so Mom can feel me. She tells Dad they are "pinchies". I'm not strong enough yet to let Dad feel, but he did push a bit on Mom's bellie. I wiggled away and Mom felt me doing so and relayed it to Dad. They sure get excited to feel me move around.

Ultrasound Showed It's A Girl!!!!! - Friday, May 05, 2006

Well, well, well...my secret's out. I'M A GIRL!!!

So, Mom & Dad took me to the doctor's again. This very nice woman rubbed this jelly all over Mom's belly (which I'm making stick out). She then took this device, pushed down on Mom's belly and took pictures and measurements of me. As she pushed, I moved. I'm not a big fan of having my peaceful womb disturbed. I waved to Mom and Dad, crossed my legs, even let them see I was a girl.

Mom and Dad got to take a few pictures with them. I think Dad posted them here. Pretty cool spine of mine (a poet in the making?), huh?

My heart's beating about 140 beats per minute. I have a couple of nice kidneys, all four chambers of my heart, good looking heart valves, too. I have lots of room to roll around in here. That will change I hear as I grow even bigger.

I've been letting Mom know I'm here a few times a day. Nothing too noticeable, but something just the same. I'll give her more notice as I get bigger.

Happy Cinco de Mayo.

Letting them know I'm here - Thursday, June 08, 2006

I entered my 23rd week today. Mom and Dad always get a kick out of the weekly milestones. I've been letting Mom know I'm doing fine with a kick here and there. She's even had Dad try to feel, but I'm just not strong enough yet to kick that hard. Patience, Dad. :-)

Dad felt me move - Tuesday, June 20, 2006

I had a quiet day today as Mom and Nana strolled the beach. Figured I'd keep quiet for the day. Of course, I let Mom know I was doing okay with a few stretches and kicks around dinner time. Dad tried to feel my kicks, but I like to tease him and went quiet. Mom went to bed and I decided it was time to let Dad in on Mom and my secret. I was kicking away and Mom grabbed Dad's hand and put it on her growing belly. One good kick and Dad was a bundle of smiles. Mom, too. I continued for just a bit and Dad felt another one. Mom and Dad seem happy. I guess they are just glad to know I'm doing okay. I like it in here, but it is definitely getting more crowded as I grow. I'm looking forward to October, as I know Mom and Dad are.

Dad stressing? - Monday, July 24, 2006

Dad took a peek today at the pregnancy calendar and realized there were only 73 more days until I'm due. I think he's starting to stress. He told Mom he has lots of work to do in my room. Wallpaper, paint, light fixture. I don't think I'll really be to worried about that stuff for awhile. I sure hope Mom picks a nice decor for me. I'm quite certain she will.

Chill Dad. :-)

49 Days!!!! - Thursday, August 17, 2006

I'm due to bust out of here in 49 days. I'm really looking forward to seeing the rest of the world. It's becoming a tight squeeze in here. I think Mom will be happy to hold me on the outside, too.

Mom and Dad are really starting to get excited. They seem worried, however, whether they'll have everything ready. Mom & Dad are picking up my stroller today. They ordered a really comfy glider. Mom tried out many. I think Mom and I will spend lots of time in that chair. Dad asked this morning if he too could enjoy some quality time with me in it.

Well, I'll check in again in a few weeks. I heard they were going to take more pictures of me at the week 36 ultrasound.

Gee, this is tough - Saturday, September 30, 2006

Only five more days until my scheduled arrival. I'm working hard and growing. I've been giving Mom a hard time as I'm trying get myself in position to join the world. It's a little cramped in here. Can't wait to breathe some fresh air (do that have that in RI?)

Dad's talked to me about how nice my nursery looks. He says Mom did a GREAT job in decorating. I'm looking forward to seeing/hearing all the wonderful things there.

Hopefully my next note will be to tell you I made my grand entrance.

I Was Born! - Monday, October 02, 2006

I busted out early. WooHoo!!! I ruptured Mom's membranes at 6:45pm on October 1st. Oh my gosh, my safe little womb started contracting like crazy. Mom called the nice doctor who said to get home, get your bag, and get to the hospital as he was there. Dad drove with both hands on the wheel (quite unusual for him I've heard). Arrived safely at the hospital at 8pm and I was born at 2:41am on October 2nd.

I don't know what this means, but they told me I scored a 9-9. Mom and Dad are sure happy!!!

Halloween 2008

I just have to share some photos from Una's Halloween 2008. This is the first year she really appreciated Halloween and she had a blast. She did things with Mom (made costume, carved pumpkin) during the day, visited friends for a little pre-Halloween party, then it was Trick or Treating in Westport with Nana. Here are just a few pics. We'll put more up on Picasa later. Enjoy...




Mommy and I carved a pumpkin. Isn't my Halloween dress cute, too?




Here I am with my friends. Dadda says we're all very cute.




Nana, me and Mommy (Lucy)Trick or Treat in Westport Point, MA

Happy Second Birthday, Una

Una, you're turning two today. Happy Birthday, Sweetheart.

Love, Mommy and Dadda

Time. Where does it go?

It's been awhile since I've been able to find the time to post. Work has been quite hectic and my normal lunch hour time to write has been lost. I uploaded a few pictures last evening in the hopes that I could at least get something out there today.



Sally and I recently took the RIPTA ferry from Providence to Newport. This was an excellent and fun outing that our Office Manager (Robin) at work set up as the firm's Summer Outing. The plan was to take the ferry to Newport, enjoy the day in Newport with the Black Ships Festival ongoing, then ferry back to Providence. The event was planned for a Saturday in July which just happened to be in the midst of a five day heatwave. Knowing Una would not enjoy 8 hours in the stroller in Newport in 90+ weather, we decided that Nana and Gramps would get to enjoy Una for the day and Sally and I would enjoy some alone time.

We left Providence about 8:30am on a HOT day. Knowing we were going back to Westport to get Una that evening, we left a car overnight in Newport. Once we arrived in Newport we enjoyed hitting a few shops (contributing to the local economy, of course) and seeing many of the historic homes in the downtown hill area. (You'd think having lived in Newport for many years I'd know what that district is called, but I don't.) Anyway, we wandered around a bit, hit the outdoor Black Ships Festival, enjoyed a Dell's and then decided to take comfort in the air conditioned car we had left in Newport. While driving around Newport to Ocean Drive we noticed a sign for an auction going on at Fort Adams. We love a good auction so we decided to take a look. Five hours later we left with a backseat full of nautical prints and paintings. Having been in the Navy for 21+ years, I enjoyed seeing all the old nautical memorabilia. The auction was a benefit for the Newport Museum of Yachting and much of the 500+ items were donated by local Newporters or the NY Yacht Club (Headquartered in Newport). They picked an odd day for the auction since it seems that most of the Yachting Museum members who live in Newport were out for some kind of sailing regatta (we saw about five America's Cup boats leaving Newport Harbor as we arrived in Newport on the ferry.) Their loss was our gain. There probably were only 30 people at the auction, thus the bidding was not all that intense. All it all it was a great time. I now have a great print of the USS Constitution for my office wall.

Sally and Una have been able to spend lots of time at the beach with Nana this Summer. I usually get to join them on the weekends. Here's a recent pic of Una enjoying destroying a sandcastle. (Yes, the red tide was bad that day, but it's the first time this year. 100 yards to the left and the water was fine.) Una just loves the beach (she is her mother's daughter, after all.)








Here's a cute picture of Una washing her face after making a mess. Thanks Nana for showing her how to pick and eat wine berries. :-)












And, lastly, here's a picture from last evening while I was doing some gardening. Sally snapped this photo as Una smiled for the neighbor Mrs. G.

An Exciting Visit

For weeks now Sally and I have been telling Una that Uncle Jeff, Aunt Jen, and Cousin Emmett would be visiting soon. She's been excited and practicing her "Jeff", "Jen" and "Emmie". While she's not yet master the Uncle and Aunt part (sometimes Jeff becomes Aunt Jeff), she's gotten the Emmie to be Emmett with two very distinct syllables.

We had a terrific visit with lots of time spent in Westport as Nana and Gramps needed a good dose of their grandson. We enjoyed BBQs on the deck, and some time at the beach. Both Una and Emmett learned from their Mom and Dad, respectively, what a sand crab was. Una refused to touch one. Nana got a special treat when Sally, Jeff and Jen, and myself all decided to enjoy the nice deck at The Back Eddy. It was nice for the four of us to be kidless. I think it was doubly nice that Nana got to enjoy and pamper her two grandchildren.


Jeff, Jen, and Emmett left on Wednesday to enjoy some time in Boston and then to Maine for a friends wedding. They returned Sunday to celebrate Father's Day at our house. Una was quite excited to see her cousin. It was Jeff's first Father's Day and Nana and Gramps, of course, joined us for that celebration. Tuesday is Nana and Gramps' anniversary, as well as Jen's birthday, so we celebrated those special occasions, as well. I got to do a little Emmett cuddling. I think I still have the good calming vibes as he seemed to enjoy his time with me.

Jeff, Jen and Emmett were to leave today (I had to work), but their flight plans were delayed and thus changed. I understand Nana got another shot of "Emmett Time" as everyone was headed to East Ave Cafe for lunch. Yeah, I'm jealous.


It was terrific to have family visit. It's a shame visits have to be so infrequent. Sally's a terrific host. I know she fretted over having everything perfect, but rest assured, it all was. Una...well I think she thoroughly enjoyed all the extra attention heaped on her, and she enjoyed having another little person around. She seemed to enjoy the "big girl" role, too.

We look forward to the next visit, whether in CO or RI/MA.

It's Not My Fault

"What? You feed me spaghetti-O's, this is what you get. "