I am making the most of my babysitter time, and using it to accomplish things I normally don't have much time to do, and yet miss so much...reading! Since we left on Thursday, I have read one book, am halfway through another, and today went to the library to collect more books. I enjoy a variety of reading, though historical fiction, fantasy, and mythology (or good literature) happen to be my favorites. I am reading Rick Riordan's series on mythology, "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" right now. The story is pretty good. The writing style....is easy reading. Not quite what I typically prefer. I don't think they'll ever make the classics, especially because they have a touch of teen drama, but it's clean so far, and the story is fun. We'll see how far I'll get.
Greg and I walked to the library today, since I didn't have a carseat available. I like walking in TX better because there aren't so many hills. Much harder to push baby uphill than on flat ground. Enjoyed visiting with friends today, and helping my sister with her schoolwork.
My little lad seems to be changing daily....though I think it's just my perception. He tried a new food today-harvard beets!
Today was a thought provoking day. I arrived at a few realizations, but I'll save posting about them for another time. We have an early day tomorrow...
Smiles!
Live fully. Learn always. Love unconditionally. Laugh often.
January 14, 2013
January 13, 2013
A Moisty Sunday
Hello hello!
This is Brian this time. Alicia is absorbed in some book (titled Byzantium I think). Speaking of reads, I recently finished a new book that I started on the flight here. It is called Storm Over Warlock and was written in the 1960s, I believe. The library in Bryan was getting rid of it and I grabbed it because it looked interesting. It's a sci-fi book that is similar to any of the Tom Swift books. It was enjoyable and read fast.
Today broke with ashen skies moisting on the Susquehanna Valley here in PA. I say moisting because it wasn't raining, and neither was it dry. We headed for church with the family. These are the beauties we had with us:
Heard a great message, then home for lunch.
After lunch and Greg's nap, we traveled the short distance to Hershey for Greg's first trip to Hershey Chocolate World. But that's a story for later.
When we got back, it was Aunt Lianne who wound up Greg.
They crawled all over the house, raising a racket and discovered a new game! Chase down and pet Macco! Macco is the bum dog who lives here, mooching food and stroking off of anyone willing to give it.
Full of energy until it was all expended, Greg had a blast.
Until later,
Pip pip!
~Brian
This is Brian this time. Alicia is absorbed in some book (titled Byzantium I think). Speaking of reads, I recently finished a new book that I started on the flight here. It is called Storm Over Warlock and was written in the 1960s, I believe. The library in Bryan was getting rid of it and I grabbed it because it looked interesting. It's a sci-fi book that is similar to any of the Tom Swift books. It was enjoyable and read fast.
Today broke with ashen skies moisting on the Susquehanna Valley here in PA. I say moisting because it wasn't raining, and neither was it dry. We headed for church with the family. These are the beauties we had with us:
After lunch and Greg's nap, we traveled the short distance to Hershey for Greg's first trip to Hershey Chocolate World. But that's a story for later.
When we got back, it was Aunt Lianne who wound up Greg.
Pip pip!
~Brian
January 12, 2013
Of Sickness and Jammin'
Last night's events were a new experience for Brian and I. A sudden circumstance that a parent dreads and hopes to never deal with. And possibly the longest night of my life. Worse than even labor.
Just as Brian and I settled down for the night, began to relax and talk, we heard this horrible gurgling sound, looking at each other in bewilderment and horror. That led to rapidly turning on the lights, running for towels and buckets, and getting bath water warm. Throughout the course of the night, Greg threw up by turns, and we tried to keep him calm and cleaned up. We were thankful for the sleep we did get, that he got sick here and not the airplane, and that he was just fine today...except a bit more tired than usual.
The highlight of today was going to St. Thomas Roasters. It's a local coffee shop where the owner roasts his own beans. I grew up going there. Quaint little shop. Small, cute, old. Smells like the dark, musky aroma of coffee beans from numerous countries. The aura wafts over you as you enter the building. You see coffee everywhere. Pure love. Tasty delight.
Tonight there was a local group of elderly gentlemen who entertained us with old songs, some of which they composed. Guitar, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, dulcimer, auto harp, and singing. I didn't know a harmonica could do the things the guy did with it. Not professional, but just good ol' jammin' by a group of musicians having fun with each other. Old friendships. It was a great way to end the day. Relaxation. (We left Greg in bed with Auntie Gayle)
The shop!
Our local entertainment.
The coffee roaster!
Family.
Smiles!
Just as Brian and I settled down for the night, began to relax and talk, we heard this horrible gurgling sound, looking at each other in bewilderment and horror. That led to rapidly turning on the lights, running for towels and buckets, and getting bath water warm. Throughout the course of the night, Greg threw up by turns, and we tried to keep him calm and cleaned up. We were thankful for the sleep we did get, that he got sick here and not the airplane, and that he was just fine today...except a bit more tired than usual.
The highlight of today was going to St. Thomas Roasters. It's a local coffee shop where the owner roasts his own beans. I grew up going there. Quaint little shop. Small, cute, old. Smells like the dark, musky aroma of coffee beans from numerous countries. The aura wafts over you as you enter the building. You see coffee everywhere. Pure love. Tasty delight.
Tonight there was a local group of elderly gentlemen who entertained us with old songs, some of which they composed. Guitar, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, dulcimer, auto harp, and singing. I didn't know a harmonica could do the things the guy did with it. Not professional, but just good ol' jammin' by a group of musicians having fun with each other. Old friendships. It was a great way to end the day. Relaxation. (We left Greg in bed with Auntie Gayle)
Smiles!
January 11, 2013
Christmas in January
Greg slept in today for us, and we had a relaxing day at home. Greg is enjoying mooching food off of his aunties, playing games with Uncle Ethan, cuddling with Gran, and playing peek-a-boo with Grandad. Greg also is having the best fun growling at Macco and chasing his tail all around the house. Alicia is enjoying a break from childcare and having fun browsing old haunts. Brian is hanging out an making plans.
But the best part of the day....
....was Christmas #2 for Greg! He dove right in, tearing up paper, crinkling bows, and crowing with delight as he crawled into the gift bag and came up with paper in his mouth. (yep, he's getting spoiled)
Smiles!
But the best part of the day....
....was Christmas #2 for Greg! He dove right in, tearing up paper, crinkling bows, and crowing with delight as he crawled into the gift bag and came up with paper in his mouth. (yep, he's getting spoiled)
January 10, 2013
Off We Go Into the Wild Blue
*Pictures coming tomorrow*
Greg flew on a jet plane for the first time today! And he LOVED it! Daddy's boy after all. He charmed absolutely everyone he encountered, and everyone said he did such a great job. The pilot was taken with him, a young father said it made him miss his son the same age at home, and another passenger offered him a toy car (yellow mustang to be exact), and told him not to eat it. Not sure we totally conquered that one...
He loved looking out the window, and as soon as the engines came on loudly, he growled with enthusiasm and clapped his hands. Mommy didn't fare quite as well since the first part of the flight was rather bumpy, and she became rather motion sick. The last 45 minutes of the flight was a bit difficult since Greg continually signed "night night." He just wanted to go to sleep--to be laid down and left alone (didn't want to be held). We plowed through and thought up random amusements to pass the time away.
We also discovered that traveling with a young child makes everyone super nice to you. Security was a breeze (the ladies were taken with his smile, tilted head, and fluffy hair--the new do!). And we had the extra seat in the row all to ourselves because no one comes anywhere near you. ;-) Snacks and juice kept the young lad fairly happy as well (the flight attendants went so far as to keep his sippy cup full with half juice and half water).
Greg slept from BWI to Harrisburg in the car, then proceeded to charm his northern relatives just fine. Still not to sure when Mommy isn't around, but decided to be rather cute. (Mommy has a feeling he's going to be spoiled)
When all is said and done, it was an uneventful, successful trip.
Smiles!
Greg flew on a jet plane for the first time today! And he LOVED it! Daddy's boy after all. He charmed absolutely everyone he encountered, and everyone said he did such a great job. The pilot was taken with him, a young father said it made him miss his son the same age at home, and another passenger offered him a toy car (yellow mustang to be exact), and told him not to eat it. Not sure we totally conquered that one...
He loved looking out the window, and as soon as the engines came on loudly, he growled with enthusiasm and clapped his hands. Mommy didn't fare quite as well since the first part of the flight was rather bumpy, and she became rather motion sick. The last 45 minutes of the flight was a bit difficult since Greg continually signed "night night." He just wanted to go to sleep--to be laid down and left alone (didn't want to be held). We plowed through and thought up random amusements to pass the time away.
We also discovered that traveling with a young child makes everyone super nice to you. Security was a breeze (the ladies were taken with his smile, tilted head, and fluffy hair--the new do!). And we had the extra seat in the row all to ourselves because no one comes anywhere near you. ;-) Snacks and juice kept the young lad fairly happy as well (the flight attendants went so far as to keep his sippy cup full with half juice and half water).
Greg slept from BWI to Harrisburg in the car, then proceeded to charm his northern relatives just fine. Still not to sure when Mommy isn't around, but decided to be rather cute. (Mommy has a feeling he's going to be spoiled)
When all is said and done, it was an uneventful, successful trip.
Smiles!
January 9, 2013
Dallas, Here We Come
Thus morning brought a flurry of activity while we scrambled to finish packing, clean, and prepare for our trip...all while dodging large, rapidly falling raindrops. We set off for Dallas, only thirty minutes behind schedule. I realized I forgot my hair stuff, but was not worried because I knew my sisters have plenty. We had a fairly uneven true trip, and Greg was pretty good. Seven miles before we reached our exit, we became stuck in traffic...for the next hour and a half. Like a good Mother, I sang songs and fed the passengers snacks to retain the good cheer.
And since then, we have had a marvelous time with friends. Talking, laughing, enjoying good food...probably the best steak of my life! Good espresso. Great conversations.
And now...to get some rest. We leave here by 7 tomorrow morning.
Smiles!
And since then, we have had a marvelous time with friends. Talking, laughing, enjoying good food...probably the best steak of my life! Good espresso. Great conversations.
And now...to get some rest. We leave here by 7 tomorrow morning.
Smiles!
January 8, 2013
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