And So It Begins...

Landon likes the TV. He can stare at it for quite a while which presents us with the conundrum of what shall we do about TV watching. I mean, my brother and I always watched the boob tube and we turned out just fine...


... right? [And yes: that is a sweet New Kids on the Block neon green t-shirt. Make sure you say the word "sweet" a couple octaves higher to get the full effect. And yes: James is wearing a "Black Bart" Simpsons t-shirt with some politically incorrect catch phrase.]

Anyhoodles. I figure as long as the show is something kid-based like Yo Gabba Gabba and he is happy for 10 minutes, then what is the harm. That's 10 minutes of mommy time to complete tasks such as emptying out a max capacity diaper pail (he may not appreciate it yet, but I know mommy and daddy like to avoid hitting a wall of baby stank when we step into the nursery.)

I'm not quite sure what the debate is for not allowing TV viewing, but I spend plenty o' one on one time during the day with our little cuddle buns, so for now I will view this as a positive step and one more mini chunk of time reclaimed in the day.

This Time Last Year: Fire Festival

This time last year, we were heading up to the mountains of Nagano with our trusty buddies to a) ski in the home of the olympic winter games and b) visit a fire festival where there are a lot of drunk men trying to knock down a platform of even more drunk men. I heart Japan.

Fire and ice can exist in the same place if there is enough sake around.

My first time skiing!

Our good ol' Japanese ride. I miss the Familia very much sometimes - what a perfect little wagon car she was. *Sniffle, sniffle*

To watch the fire festival in action, you can take a trip down memory blog lane to see some videos: http://erikandkate.blogspot.com/2010/02/from-sand-to-snow.html

Meanwhile, the weather forecast for here in Kingsville this weekend is 75 degrees. No snow.

Green Suede Shoes

...Well, not really. But having all but given up on the idea of baby socks ("Why do they make them if they don't stay on?!"), we were gifted some awesome shoe-like pairs that stay put for more than two minutes. In fact, they'll stay on all morning. A burpalicious thanks goes out to Aunt Kathy! Sure, Landon's circulation in the ankle may be compromised, but if it's in the name of being a cutie, then we make sacrifices. Life lessons.*


*Just joking: his circulation is fine. For this week, at least.

Christmas Duds

Landon had a good variety of cutie outfits for his first Christmas. One of my faves was this pair of candy cane overalls that my cousin Patti gave to him. Pretty dapper!

2 Months!

Landon turned two months this past Sunday and he is scoot scoot scooting along. The doctor said he is growing very well, but I could have told her that based on my backaches and sore arm muscles (said muscles are unfortunately hidden behind some upper arm fat - I'm sure I'm ripped like The Hulk under there somewhere). The little guy is growing like a weed, as they say!

"Hey dad, I'm still the coolest!"

And he still loves to talk talk talk. His little coos and gurgles are just the cutest thing in the world and can really turn a grumpy day upside down.

Wrapping Up 2010

Happy New Year, ya'll! We just arrived back at our home in Texas this past weekend after a 3 week trip back to Pennsylvania and Maryland. The stars were shining brightly across the Texas night sky as we drove back from the airport and the house was quiet as we unpacked in our little abode for three. Well actually there were some noshing sounds as we consumed some Whataburger that we picked up on the way home - because after weeks of eating unhealthy amounts of food, we thought "Well heck, what is one more burger and fries going to do to us?"

Soooo... I'm not quite sure where to start as we look to pick up the pieces here in the New Year. As many know, my mom passed away early in the morning on December 10th with my brother and my dad by her side. Erik, Landon and I arrived later that evening. My mom did not have a chance to officially meet Landon, but they did have some Skype (video chat) dates and the last time we talked to her on the phone, she was singing him lullabies. I feel very blessed to have such a precious memory.

On the other end of the emotional spectrum, we got to share little Landon with our family and friends. I could make some inane comment about the circle of life or something like that, but I will just leave it as simple as he was a wonderful light. I don't expect him to replace the sadness we all feel, but his smile and coos are certainly top notch for diffusing heavy moments.

I will leave this post with the eulogy my brother James wrote for my mom and then I will move on to more joyous moments such as Landon's first Christmas in posts to come.

In a world which is often too serious, where people too often take themselves far too seriously, free spirits like my Mother are invaluable. They grab us and shake us out of our sacred, mundane comfort zones, to show us what we are missing. They show us that life does not have to revolve around a schedule; that it is ok to let loose every once in a while and take chances. They show us that a little charisma never hurt anyone, whether it is a ferocity in pursuing or protecting your beliefs; a warm hug when someone really, really needs it; or a certain panache in your expression, to make yourself heard. They teach us to not take any of it too seriously, not with all the fun to be had in the world.

This exuberance and care-free attitude was especially important to me growing up, as I was quite the opposite during particular phases of my adolescence. I do not know what the deal was, but I had a mustache by the age of 9, so yeah -- I was quite an awkward little boy. I also became awkward socially, and began making a point to avoid social activities (and people in general). The experience made me one of those uptight individuals, in what I saw as an uptight world.

I am telling you, folks, it could not have worked out any better that the Queen of Cool, the Queen of Silly, the Queen of Warm Smiles and Hugs -- Barbara (Lolly or Babs to many), was my Mother through all of it. I fear how horrible things could have gone for me if I didn’t have someone to: a.) Love me through it all. No matter how ugly or awkward I was. Best hugs ever. They will be missed; and b.) teach me to not take any of it too seriously, and how to blow things off in order to focus on what is really important -- family and friends, the here and now, and truly enjoying oneself regardless of what others think of it.

It is not until many years later, looking at all of this from a whole new perspective, that we see these things -- how certain people affect our lives, how their actions and examples live on in us. I know what a bright smile, warm greeting, and strong hug will do to wash away a bad day, because of my Mother. I know what it means to laugh, FULLY, because of my Mother. I swear, watching and listening to some people, it was like were never taught. One opportunity to hear my Mother woop it up, and you had a new capacity for laughter, enjoyment, letting go. Looking back, I can say that I have the capacity to love and to enjoy life because of my Mother’s example, and I am very thankful for that.

I would do anything to have my Mother here longer, but I am not surprised her candle burnt out so soon. She was just that bright a flame in her lifetime. She was a Loving Mother and an amazing person, and I love her very much for it.

Hugs

I will not play Tug O' War,
I'd rather play Hug O' War;
Where everyone hugs, instead of tugs,
And everyone giggles and rolls on the rug.
Where everyone kisses,
and everyone grins;
everyone cuddles,
and everyone wins.
- Shel Silverstein

Video: Landon James' Birthday

One Month!

"Hey Dad, I'm one month old! I'm the coolest!"

Here is a video of Landon trying to mimic Erik. He has been getting a tad better each day with his vocalization!

This Time Last Year: Christmas 2009

This time last year, we were deep in the spirit of the holidays while living in Japan. The 80's song "Last Christmas" breathily sang by George Michael was on repeat on every store and we were hopped up on candy canes and wine.

VAQ-136 Christmas Party at the happening Trilogy lounge on base.

Shenanigans with Emily (Eerie Santa) and Aya-chan. This should be one of those "create your own caption" photos.


Our little Christmas tree in our little abode.


Our nice dinner out to enjoy some hibachi style grilled Wagyu beef from Gato's. It's worth the two train connections and an awkward cab ride.

This Christmas will be much different: We will be with our families and we have little Landon creating the shenanigans!