This was a big big night. First Leila took some really good steps with the aide of a walker. Then Nyssa did some really nice work on her big girl bicycle and THEN Leila took her first crawls. So that was super nice.
So I went and downloaded some pictures and videos there were about 12 nifty videos. I gotta figure out what to do with them all. Most of them focus on Leila, but notice how cute Nyssa is in them too.
I'd like to show you more videos, but Katy is insisting on using the computer. Blame her.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Rainy Wednesday
We've been talking on the phone a lot the last few days. To Nana on Monday night, granddaddy and grandmommy last night, and Uncle Jim and Megan and Kaitlyn. Here is a Video from a month or so ago of Nyssa dancing with Grandma (whose on the phone).
There is also a ton of activity in our house these days. Leila, who has never decided to master crawling, is really en-raptured with standing and walking. Leila is really in love with Nyssa, she laughs and giggles whenever Nyssa appears. I like that behavior. At the center of it, I just love it whenever either of my kids smile. Laughing is like!!!
Here are a bunch of pictures that I really like: I am chatting with Heather Passmore rather than writing here.
Here is our baby Beans eating cherios.
As I said, our camera is crappy out. But here is Nyssa doing a summersalt. She's coming out of her shell more, doing more independent play and motions. We met one of her friend at the park and her friend was riding a bike (she's a few months older) and so we are working on that now.
Leila even eats chunks of fruit: Whats funny about Leila and parenting her is that I don't remember the exact date that Nyssa was able to do things...but I was so surprised and thrilled she could do anything that I was amazed. With Leila I am expecting her to do things so I always feel like she's (not behind, but) slowish.
We went to Chicago and here are Nyssa's cousins Katie and Jack. It was nice that she went off and played with her cousins and Aunt Laura, but as they stayed away for longer and longer, both Katy and I kind of missed her.
We also went to Duluth a couple of weeks ago and had a great time with our friends Jen, Nick, and JACK! We had a nice walk, and found this tree for the kids to climb in.
Here is a final video. Because there are 2 of Leila standing at the table and one is totally funny and I'm not sure which one.
Peace Out:
There is also a ton of activity in our house these days. Leila, who has never decided to master crawling, is really en-raptured with standing and walking. Leila is really in love with Nyssa, she laughs and giggles whenever Nyssa appears. I like that behavior. At the center of it, I just love it whenever either of my kids smile. Laughing is like!!!
Here are a bunch of pictures that I really like: I am chatting with Heather Passmore rather than writing here.
Here is our baby Beans eating cherios.
As I said, our camera is crappy out. But here is Nyssa doing a summersalt. She's coming out of her shell more, doing more independent play and motions. We met one of her friend at the park and her friend was riding a bike (she's a few months older) and so we are working on that now.
Leila even eats chunks of fruit: Whats funny about Leila and parenting her is that I don't remember the exact date that Nyssa was able to do things...but I was so surprised and thrilled she could do anything that I was amazed. With Leila I am expecting her to do things so I always feel like she's (not behind, but) slowish.
We went to Chicago and here are Nyssa's cousins Katie and Jack. It was nice that she went off and played with her cousins and Aunt Laura, but as they stayed away for longer and longer, both Katy and I kind of missed her.
We also went to Duluth a couple of weeks ago and had a great time with our friends Jen, Nick, and JACK! We had a nice walk, and found this tree for the kids to climb in.
Here is a final video. Because there are 2 of Leila standing at the table and one is totally funny and I'm not sure which one.
Peace Out:
Friday, June 19, 2009
I brought the work Camera home
When Sally did that, she ended up with like 50 nice pictures of her kids. I got like 3 and none of Leila. Here are 2 of Nyssa, and whats nice is that she kind of looks like the hats giver.
Not Workish
I'm not feeling workish this morning, although I've a lot to do. This is marginally work. I watched, The Future is Uncertain last night. Its a good documentary about Joe Strummer the front man of The Clash. Like most non-fiction it left me wanting more. Strummer had 20 years of post Clash life...a 10 year semi-disapearance...and a great rivial before an untimely death via-heart attack. And although all those things are talked about, there was not perspective.
The director used 2 tropes to great effect in the movie. One was the symbolism of campfire, a unity activity that Strummer himself embraced. The other was less obvious. It was Strummers connection to George Orwell's Animal Farm. The director cut snatches of the story into the picture throughout allowing Strummers story to represent the different charecters.
Strummers life was of revolution, change, expression and freedom. It was facinating how he began like all of the animals, head down and working hard to initiate change. This would be his early life, his early clash days. And then, as Strummer says, the Clash made it huge and they made every mistake stardom allowed them, the director emphaisis the Pigs, "everyone is equal. Some are more equal than others."
After the Clash disbands and Strummer finds himself at sea, the director drops the Animal Farm references, but in many ways they are still relevant.
It has been since highschool since I read Animal Farm but it was one of the first books that I read and re-read, and the charecter that most stands out for me is the Horse, slow to motion, slow to be disuaded of the revolutions failure (the Pigs betrayal) and heavy of work. The horse is the moral center of teh story and his sentence to the glue shop the books key moment. Strummer, after The Clash, seems to personify the horse. Always believing, always moving forward, always accepting others, funneling other voices and ideas. And it is the loss of people like Joe Strummer and their instance on thier works and their voices that we most miss. It is those voices that are least replaceable.
The director used 2 tropes to great effect in the movie. One was the symbolism of campfire, a unity activity that Strummer himself embraced. The other was less obvious. It was Strummers connection to George Orwell's Animal Farm. The director cut snatches of the story into the picture throughout allowing Strummers story to represent the different charecters.
Strummers life was of revolution, change, expression and freedom. It was facinating how he began like all of the animals, head down and working hard to initiate change. This would be his early life, his early clash days. And then, as Strummer says, the Clash made it huge and they made every mistake stardom allowed them, the director emphaisis the Pigs, "everyone is equal. Some are more equal than others."
After the Clash disbands and Strummer finds himself at sea, the director drops the Animal Farm references, but in many ways they are still relevant.
It has been since highschool since I read Animal Farm but it was one of the first books that I read and re-read, and the charecter that most stands out for me is the Horse, slow to motion, slow to be disuaded of the revolutions failure (the Pigs betrayal) and heavy of work. The horse is the moral center of teh story and his sentence to the glue shop the books key moment. Strummer, after The Clash, seems to personify the horse. Always believing, always moving forward, always accepting others, funneling other voices and ideas. And it is the loss of people like Joe Strummer and their instance on thier works and their voices that we most miss. It is those voices that are least replaceable.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Home Sick...
...But I am not sure we kept the right kid home. We sent Leila into school fussy, and Kept Nyssa home because she had the fever. But she's been happy and easy and energetic all day. So we've had a lot of fun together. We went to Wheatsfield. We went to the drug store so she could push the kid sized carts around.
We saw a small person there. And Nyssa said, "why's that guy so short?" Which was fine, I guess, except it was a women.
We spent the weekend in Chicago which was fun. The drives went ok. Getting there was much easier than getting home, maybe because both kids were getting sick, maybe because both kids were sick of the car. I was sick of the car. We didn't take any pictures because our camera is crapping out (as you'll see.)
This is as preppy as I hope Nyssa ever gets. At least she has a ball and glove.
After a long day in braids her Nyssa's hair comes out crazy and "Glamorous" like her school friend Billys mom.
No more captions. Nyssa wants to go outside. The last two pictures were taken by Katy at the carousel where Nyssa rode a pig and a horse!
We saw a small person there. And Nyssa said, "why's that guy so short?" Which was fine, I guess, except it was a women.
We spent the weekend in Chicago which was fun. The drives went ok. Getting there was much easier than getting home, maybe because both kids were getting sick, maybe because both kids were sick of the car. I was sick of the car. We didn't take any pictures because our camera is crapping out (as you'll see.)
This is as preppy as I hope Nyssa ever gets. At least she has a ball and glove.
After a long day in braids her Nyssa's hair comes out crazy and "Glamorous" like her school friend Billys mom.
No more captions. Nyssa wants to go outside. The last two pictures were taken by Katy at the carousel where Nyssa rode a pig and a horse!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
A Big Complaint
Last Friday Leila and Nyssa lost their day care teacher Sara B. She'd been with Nyssa during her time in the Ducks and had been Leila's teacher (because Katy and I demanded it!) for all of Leila's time at Childserve. More than the parental, 
we really appreciate her care and concern for our children. We really like Sara (and her chubby to be Justin). She's smart and funny and really meant to be a teacher. She takes her job and her kids development seriously. We like all of the teachers that Nyssa and Leila have had, they all seem energetic and seem to understand that their jobs are to be sweet and comforting and keep the kids safe. Sara just goes beyond that. She (and a couple others) make it seem like our kids are the most special ones out there. Not more special than others, but most special.
I've been meaning to sit down and hash out my thanks to her. I have this constant urge to give advice, and the immediate response to turn that switch off. So as much as I want to thank Sara I want to tell her what to do. Or what to keep doing. Don't get tired, don't let people get to you. I think she is great because she thinks she is making a difference, and she does. She really gave Nyssa a nice place to grow. Nyssa would be doing everything she's doing now, however she made it easy. So we are going to miss her, and we can't wait to see what she does in the future. Thanks Sara. Good luck.
we really appreciate her care and concern for our children. We really like Sara (and her chubby to be Justin). She's smart and funny and really meant to be a teacher. She takes her job and her kids development seriously. We like all of the teachers that Nyssa and Leila have had, they all seem energetic and seem to understand that their jobs are to be sweet and comforting and keep the kids safe. Sara just goes beyond that. She (and a couple others) make it seem like our kids are the most special ones out there. Not more special than others, but most special.I've been meaning to sit down and hash out my thanks to her. I have this constant urge to give advice, and the immediate response to turn that switch off. So as much as I want to thank Sara I want to tell her what to do. Or what to keep doing. Don't get tired, don't let people get to you. I think she is great because she thinks she is making a difference, and she does. She really gave Nyssa a nice place to grow. Nyssa would be doing everything she's doing now, however she made it easy. So we are going to miss her, and we can't wait to see what she does in the future. Thanks Sara. Good luck.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
No Complaints
Our camera is crapping out, but on it, somewhere, is the best video to date. I'll get the beauty off sometime, but for now here are some photos:
OK. Well, I have some complaints. But their large and their minor. First complaint, why do I have to get her dressed everyday?
Her pj's are cuter than most of her regular clothes.
Although, now that its getting summery and she's wearing little skirts and tank tops its getting pretty effing cute.
BB Leila is so sweet and funny. All of you out there that have never met her are really missing out. No blame. But she loves to sit and giggle and smile and, now, wave and play patty-cake, and kick her tiny little edible feet. She is so much fun. Until about 1am.
The Big Noodle is really a sweet snuggely nice girl. She is not perfect, and is entering into a kinda bratty phase...I always thought that the terrible two's was a 2 month thing, or maybe a 6 months thing and would start, take up, the first part of the two's...Now, I realize the Two's are a on again off again phase. You never know when it is going to start?
But The Big Noodle does so many things that are kind and sweet and thoughtful.
Like Nyssa really loves her sister. She very occasionally gets a little rough, but she shares, she kisses, she hugs. And whenever Leila does something new or different Nyssa is right there to celebrate it.
That's about it for me and talking. I should probably be telling you specific stories but...
OK. Well, I have some complaints. But their large and their minor. First complaint, why do I have to get her dressed everyday?
Her pj's are cuter than most of her regular clothes.
Although, now that its getting summery and she's wearing little skirts and tank tops its getting pretty effing cute.
BB Leila is so sweet and funny. All of you out there that have never met her are really missing out. No blame. But she loves to sit and giggle and smile and, now, wave and play patty-cake, and kick her tiny little edible feet. She is so much fun. Until about 1am.
The Big Noodle is really a sweet snuggely nice girl. She is not perfect, and is entering into a kinda bratty phase...I always thought that the terrible two's was a 2 month thing, or maybe a 6 months thing and would start, take up, the first part of the two's...Now, I realize the Two's are a on again off again phase. You never know when it is going to start?But The Big Noodle does so many things that are kind and sweet and thoughtful.
Like Nyssa really loves her sister. She very occasionally gets a little rough, but she shares, she kisses, she hugs. And whenever Leila does something new or different Nyssa is right there to celebrate it. 
That's about it for me and talking. I should probably be telling you specific stories but...
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Bold as Love
I bought a new CD Monday. Actually I bought 2, but have really only listened to one.
Because I want to listen to it over and over!
Let me start over.
What happens when you are in love, and then fall in love again. Or not again, but deeper, further, farther off the cliff?
The cause is probably always easy to identify. Your baby smiles. Your 2 year old drones, "dumb, dumb dumb" on her drive to school because she likes the sound of it. Your dog kisses you more softly than you can imagine. Your wife trustingly lets you rub her belly.
You get the picture...but what happens is harder to say.
Let me start at the beginning.
3 maybe 4 years ago I was shopping late into the Christmas season, I needed a present for Katy badly, and had no ideas. I was in a borders in Tucson, AZ. waundering through their CD's and I saw a blurb from Nick Lowe on a CD.
Watkins, apparently is a longtime session musician, longtime member of the cajun band Balham Alligators. And most of his records are out of print, including his one other solo record, Bold as Love
So I have been waiting for years for his next record. It came out in October of '08. In Brittain.
I have checked and checked, but it was never released here, never on I-tunes (which I kind of hate), Until I checked again on Monday. Here's the line-up.
Easy to Say "Bon temps Rouler" --Easily my new favorite song.
Champion -- Smooth and sweet (see below).
Unto You -- a haunting warning, ancient, like a response to Vincent Price
Fools Like Me -- a late age Nick Lowe type song...wonderful and reflective
Chagrin -- Storm weather and windy seas... guitar, violin and accordion. He makes you sway
My Love -- This song sounds very much like a song I know and I can't place it. Moody Blues? comes to mind but without the flights of fancy. Vocal Harmonies, easy pop, twang guitar...It will drive me crazy until I figure it out.
Bourgeoise -- As frenchy as the title.
History -- Drum Machine, Swaying Organ, overdubbed vocals...Part strangers in the night...part Barry White. a masterful song.
Jenni -- Lost love with a low gravel. With Geraints organ taking center stage.
Heart of the City -- an odd re-mixing that grows on me.
Catch On -- Another Nick Lowe type song. Adult love. Adult because you've recognized your mistakes, not overcome them. They are what engulf you and only by singing can you be set free.
At Last -- A dance number waiting for a Fred Astaire. My heart was wrapped in clover the night I looked at you.
Unfortuenetly, because i-tunes sucks, I have no idea who plays on the songs, nor even who wrote them. I know "Heart of the City" is a Nick Lowe standard, but Geraints version is very different.
Lets not focus on the negatives. Here is a sample of what he can do:
champion
I was ready to write a pithy little review of the record when I found this video and my stomach dropped out from in me. There is always the fear when buy a new record that it will pale in comparison to what you know. This record is both similar and distinct from "Dial W." It is both similar and distinct from things you've heard before. Here is his Myspace page if you want to listen to more songs, and see more video...http://www.myspace.com/geraintwatkins
But really go buy the damm records...even if that is something you never do...because both "Dial W" and "In a Bad Mood" reward me everytime I listen to them. Do i have to wait 4 more years for something else new? I can't do it.
Because I want to listen to it over and over!
Let me start over.
What happens when you are in love, and then fall in love again. Or not again, but deeper, further, farther off the cliff?
The cause is probably always easy to identify. Your baby smiles. Your 2 year old drones, "dumb, dumb dumb" on her drive to school because she likes the sound of it. Your dog kisses you more softly than you can imagine. Your wife trustingly lets you rub her belly.
You get the picture...but what happens is harder to say.
Let me start at the beginning.
3 maybe 4 years ago I was shopping late into the Christmas season, I needed a present for Katy badly, and had no ideas. I was in a borders in Tucson, AZ. waundering through their CD's and I saw a blurb from Nick Lowe on a CD.
“Discerning music lovers have long known that Watkins is not only an artist and entertainer of the very top drawer but also, bafflingly, an all too well-kept secret. Being so individual his style is hard to define -– I would file him as the missing link between Paulo Conte and Howling Wolf.”- Nick LoweWho knew if the CD was any good? But desperate, I decided if it was good enough for Nick Lowe it was good enough for Katy. That record was Geraint Watkins, "Dial W for Watkins." And as it turned out, it is just about the perfect record. Soulful and sweet, it carries you along with its words, its rich vocals, its wonderful music.
Watkins, apparently is a longtime session musician, longtime member of the cajun band Balham Alligators. And most of his records are out of print, including his one other solo record, Bold as Love
So I have been waiting for years for his next record. It came out in October of '08. In Brittain.
I have checked and checked, but it was never released here, never on I-tunes (which I kind of hate), Until I checked again on Monday. Here's the line-up.
Easy to Say "Bon temps Rouler" --Easily my new favorite song.
Champion -- Smooth and sweet (see below).
Unto You -- a haunting warning, ancient, like a response to Vincent Price
Fools Like Me -- a late age Nick Lowe type song...wonderful and reflective
Chagrin -- Storm weather and windy seas... guitar, violin and accordion. He makes you sway
My Love -- This song sounds very much like a song I know and I can't place it. Moody Blues? comes to mind but without the flights of fancy. Vocal Harmonies, easy pop, twang guitar...It will drive me crazy until I figure it out.
Bourgeoise -- As frenchy as the title.
History -- Drum Machine, Swaying Organ, overdubbed vocals...Part strangers in the night...part Barry White. a masterful song.
Jenni -- Lost love with a low gravel. With Geraints organ taking center stage.
Heart of the City -- an odd re-mixing that grows on me.
Catch On -- Another Nick Lowe type song. Adult love. Adult because you've recognized your mistakes, not overcome them. They are what engulf you and only by singing can you be set free.
At Last -- A dance number waiting for a Fred Astaire. My heart was wrapped in clover the night I looked at you.
Unfortuenetly, because i-tunes sucks, I have no idea who plays on the songs, nor even who wrote them. I know "Heart of the City" is a Nick Lowe standard, but Geraints version is very different.
Lets not focus on the negatives. Here is a sample of what he can do:
champion
I was ready to write a pithy little review of the record when I found this video and my stomach dropped out from in me. There is always the fear when buy a new record that it will pale in comparison to what you know. This record is both similar and distinct from "Dial W." It is both similar and distinct from things you've heard before. Here is his Myspace page if you want to listen to more songs, and see more video...http://www.myspace.com/geraintwatkins
But really go buy the damm records...even if that is something you never do...because both "Dial W" and "In a Bad Mood" reward me everytime I listen to them. Do i have to wait 4 more years for something else new? I can't do it.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Spring Cleaning
This is not to say that the refrigerator is empty.This is not to say it has been defrosted and wiped clean.
This is not to say you should think about eating
the spinach siting in that yellow bag.
I saved it for you. It is too juicy, too wet.
Strange things have been happening around here now. We are getting healthy!
We are having Nana over for the weekend!
but lets look at some crafty pictures and we'll talk as we go...
For "sports" day this year Nyssa and I took a late night trip to the mall to try and find some Cubs Schwagg. It was hard to find any...so we settled for a cute Mexico soccer shirt and an overlarge Cubs hat, which is really funny, but not pictured.Leila is outfitted in hand me down onsey and pink Cub hat. We start young and we plan hard!
Here we see Beans resting under the beaver pelt I trapped for her in February. It is 80 degree's, but we like to keep her warm.The hat is made from 100% strawberry skin, with reupohlstered root creating the leaf top.
At this point, this is the Leile that you get. she sits, she stares. She may smile coyly.
And we love her.
What just gets my gaul is how these two hardly ever intereact. You dress them alike. You sit them next to eachother. And this is what I get?silent, sullen, slince!
disapointing.
The heavy breathing here, is mine...I'm so proud.
Don't feel bad for her here, apparently she banged her head durring the spin cycle. But her ears have never been so clean.
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