Monday, May 23, 2005
A busy weekend
Amazing how many things can happen in such a short period.
Pierce had his first t-ball practice this past Thursday evening. I'm not going to say he did well, but he certainly was on par with the rest of the 4 and 5 year olds on his team. After about 30 minutes of getting organized, passing out schedules and contact information to parents, getting the kids new uniforms and hats on, etc. The kids started batting practice. They stood in a line in the infield and each got several attempts at hitting the ball off the "tee". Pierce's baseball hat was so big it was difficult to tell it was him but it was replaced by an equally large batting helmet when it was his turn. To sum up, Pierce is very good at hitting the "tee", not so good at hitting the ball. Anna watched him the whole time and wanted to know when it would be her turn.
Interestingly, the second time through the line to bat all the kids got distracted by the dirt. They piled it, patted it, and spread it. Pierce started pouring some on his feet, then hands, then arms, and finally his head. It was 92 degrees outside and he was sweaty, so you can guess what he looked like at the end of practice. He loved it and can't wait for the next practice. Over the weekend we took his plastic "tee" and bat in to the backyard and he and Anna took turns hitting.
On Saturday Pierce's preschool had it graduation ceremony. All the students attended, regardless of whether they were graduating or not (Pierce has another year to go). We got lots of pictures and video of them singing, playing games, and dancing -all the things they do during the course of the school day that they got to show off for us parents.
Saturday evening we joined the Deavers for dinner and a trip to the park. We, of course, stuffed ourselves at the you all you-can-eat Italian buffet, Cinzetti's. The park was a huge hit, with Anna winning the award for the biggest daredevil (followed by Ryan and Jonathan with Pierce pulling a distant 4th).
On Sunday we celebrated Pierce's cousin's (Sam's) birthday. The event consisted of water pistols, water balloons and cake. Pierce and Anna loved it. Anna got soaking wet then sat in mud, you can imagine what her rearend looked like. Nora and I finished off the weekend by going to see the new Star Wars movie (without the kids). Go see it, its very good. Don't take young kids though, it will cause nightmares.
-Eric (Dad)
Pierce had his first t-ball practice this past Thursday evening. I'm not going to say he did well, but he certainly was on par with the rest of the 4 and 5 year olds on his team. After about 30 minutes of getting organized, passing out schedules and contact information to parents, getting the kids new uniforms and hats on, etc. The kids started batting practice. They stood in a line in the infield and each got several attempts at hitting the ball off the "tee". Pierce's baseball hat was so big it was difficult to tell it was him but it was replaced by an equally large batting helmet when it was his turn. To sum up, Pierce is very good at hitting the "tee", not so good at hitting the ball. Anna watched him the whole time and wanted to know when it would be her turn.
Interestingly, the second time through the line to bat all the kids got distracted by the dirt. They piled it, patted it, and spread it. Pierce started pouring some on his feet, then hands, then arms, and finally his head. It was 92 degrees outside and he was sweaty, so you can guess what he looked like at the end of practice. He loved it and can't wait for the next practice. Over the weekend we took his plastic "tee" and bat in to the backyard and he and Anna took turns hitting.
On Saturday Pierce's preschool had it graduation ceremony. All the students attended, regardless of whether they were graduating or not (Pierce has another year to go). We got lots of pictures and video of them singing, playing games, and dancing -all the things they do during the course of the school day that they got to show off for us parents.
Saturday evening we joined the Deavers for dinner and a trip to the park. We, of course, stuffed ourselves at the you all you-can-eat Italian buffet, Cinzetti's. The park was a huge hit, with Anna winning the award for the biggest daredevil (followed by Ryan and Jonathan with Pierce pulling a distant 4th).
On Sunday we celebrated Pierce's cousin's (Sam's) birthday. The event consisted of water pistols, water balloons and cake. Pierce and Anna loved it. Anna got soaking wet then sat in mud, you can imagine what her rearend looked like. Nora and I finished off the weekend by going to see the new Star Wars movie (without the kids). Go see it, its very good. Don't take young kids though, it will cause nightmares.
-Eric (Dad)
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Anna's Humor
I'm afraid Anna may have inherited my sense of humor (not a good thing).
Last night I was getting her ready for bed. As I was putting on her pajamas (on her, not me) she let out some gas. The following conversation ensued:
Eric: Anna, did you have gas?
Anna: Yeah, I farted. It came out of my butt.
Eric: What do you say? (she's supposed to excuse herself)
Anna: Excuse YOU Daddy, ha ha ha ha....
-Eric (Dad)
Last night I was getting her ready for bed. As I was putting on her pajamas (on her, not me) she let out some gas. The following conversation ensued:
Eric: Anna, did you have gas?
Anna: Yeah, I farted. It came out of my butt.
Eric: What do you say? (she's supposed to excuse herself)
Anna: Excuse YOU Daddy, ha ha ha ha....
-Eric (Dad)
Backyard Swimming Pool
After dinner last night we filled up the little wading pool we have in the backyard and let Pierce and Anna play in it. Pierce was in charge of the hose. Suffice to say, the backyard, patio, and Anna were well watered.
Most of the neighborhood kids came over to visit and play too; all in their regular clothes. I'm not sure how many parents would like to kick my butt based on how wet their children came home last night.
Saw a joke on the internet this morning. Nothing like this has happened at our house, but I still think its funny.
One summer evening during a violent thunderstorm a mother
was tucking her small boy into bed. She was about to turn off
the light when he asked with a tremor in his voice, "Mommy,
will you sleep with me tonight?" The mother smiled and gave
him a reassuring hug. "I can't dear," she said. "I have to sleep
in Daddy's room."
A long silence was broken at last by a shaken little voice
saying, "The big sissy."
-Eric (Dad)
Most of the neighborhood kids came over to visit and play too; all in their regular clothes. I'm not sure how many parents would like to kick my butt based on how wet their children came home last night.
Saw a joke on the internet this morning. Nothing like this has happened at our house, but I still think its funny.
One summer evening during a violent thunderstorm a mother
was tucking her small boy into bed. She was about to turn off
the light when he asked with a tremor in his voice, "Mommy,
will you sleep with me tonight?" The mother smiled and gave
him a reassuring hug. "I can't dear," she said. "I have to sleep
in Daddy's room."
A long silence was broken at last by a shaken little voice
saying, "The big sissy."
-Eric (Dad)
Monday, May 16, 2005
Mother's Day from Nora's Point of View
The Friday before Mother's Day was my compressed day off. I love those days because I get to have breakfast with the kids and then take Pierce to school and pick him up afterwards. Anna and I get a little one-on-one mom-daughter time while Pierce is as school and then we all have lunch together after picking up Pierce. When Anna goes down for her nap, Pierce and I get one-on-one mom-son time
This particular Friday, Pierce's teacher, Mrs. Blackford gave Pierce a small package and told him to give it to me. It was a Mother's Day present and totally unexpected! almost cried when I opened it. The teachers brought in ceramic plates from one of those Ceramic shops like, 'All Fired Up' and the children painted them, signed them, and the shop then fired them. Pierce's gift had a bunny on the front & 'Somebunny Loves You' on the top. The bunny head, ears and body were made up of Pierce's right hand print. Finger prints made a pink nose and white cotton tail on the bunny, and flowers under the bunny. Pierce signed his name on the back and it was marked with the year, 2005. He also decorated a card for me with a doili and butterfly stickers. This was my favorite Mother's Day yet!
On Sunday, we had a nice breakfast out and it was a beautiful day! Eric bought me roses and some new pajamas. Later we had my parents, brother and his family over for dinner. We had a shrimp boil! It was great and Pierce even tried the corn on the cod! It was a really fun day!
~Nora
This particular Friday, Pierce's teacher, Mrs. Blackford gave Pierce a small package and told him to give it to me. It was a Mother's Day present and totally unexpected! almost cried when I opened it. The teachers brought in ceramic plates from one of those Ceramic shops like, 'All Fired Up' and the children painted them, signed them, and the shop then fired them. Pierce's gift had a bunny on the front & 'Somebunny Loves You' on the top. The bunny head, ears and body were made up of Pierce's right hand print. Finger prints made a pink nose and white cotton tail on the bunny, and flowers under the bunny. Pierce signed his name on the back and it was marked with the year, 2005. He also decorated a card for me with a doili and butterfly stickers. This was my favorite Mother's Day yet!
On Sunday, we had a nice breakfast out and it was a beautiful day! Eric bought me roses and some new pajamas. Later we had my parents, brother and his family over for dinner. We had a shrimp boil! It was great and Pierce even tried the corn on the cod! It was a really fun day!
~Nora
Odds and Ends
Saturday was a big yard day. When I got home from work Friday I trimmed all the hedges in the front of the yard. My shoulders were screaming from the effort. We had a nice family dinner then I went off to poker night with some guys from work. Course, all the stuff I trimmed still needed to be raked and bagged.
Saturday Nora tried to recruit Pierce and Anna on the cleanup effort but they weren't interested. After Anna went down to a nap and Pierce went to a neighbors to play we were able to attack the task jointly. Nora raked and bagged the clippings and mowed the front yard. While she did this I attacked the shrubs in the back (an even nastier task than the ones in the front), raked and bagged (with Nora's help), cleaned up the dog poop, mowed, edged, and trimmed. Man, does our house look good!
I think the funniest quote of the day came from Anna over breakfast. We were talking about fuzzy monsters and I told Anna I was a funny monster named Bert. She told me no, that I was Ernie, Nora was Bert, and Pierce was Big Bird.
We finished the day by going to Fuddruckers for dinner then coming home and playing racing games on the Playstation (Pierce's idea). Very fun.
-Eric (Dad)
Saturday Nora tried to recruit Pierce and Anna on the cleanup effort but they weren't interested. After Anna went down to a nap and Pierce went to a neighbors to play we were able to attack the task jointly. Nora raked and bagged the clippings and mowed the front yard. While she did this I attacked the shrubs in the back (an even nastier task than the ones in the front), raked and bagged (with Nora's help), cleaned up the dog poop, mowed, edged, and trimmed. Man, does our house look good!
I think the funniest quote of the day came from Anna over breakfast. We were talking about fuzzy monsters and I told Anna I was a funny monster named Bert. She told me no, that I was Ernie, Nora was Bert, and Pierce was Big Bird.
We finished the day by going to Fuddruckers for dinner then coming home and playing racing games on the Playstation (Pierce's idea). Very fun.
-Eric (Dad)
Friday, May 13, 2005
Superman
Both Pierce and Anna are huge fans of Superman. Last night we were watching one of the movies and it became apparent that Anna doesn't understand the concept of "Secret Identities". Clark Kent would be clearly visible on the screen and Anna would ask, "Where's Superman?". I'd reply, "Right there, with the tie on".
Anna's response? "No Daddy, that's not Superman, he's not wearing a cape. Where's Superman?"
Anna's response? "No Daddy, that's not Superman, he's not wearing a cape. Where's Superman?"
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Dinner
Last night I wanted a treat for dinner, something we don't do often. Nora and I decided I'd pickup Popeye's chicken on the way home. We got all kinds of stuff we knew Pierce and Anna would like: mashed potatos with gravy, dirty (cajun) rice, biscuits, and lots of fried chicken. Pierce and Anna ate almost none of it.
Later we went outside to play and Pierce went across the street to hangout with the neighbors. Shortly thereafter he went into their house to watch TV. When I went to pickup him up (for bed) I'm told he's eating. He ws eating their dinner! Pierce comes to the door with a big smile telling me about his "snack" of mac and cheese.
Sigh.
-Eric (Dad)
Later we went outside to play and Pierce went across the street to hangout with the neighbors. Shortly thereafter he went into their house to watch TV. When I went to pickup him up (for bed) I'm told he's eating. He ws eating their dinner! Pierce comes to the door with a big smile telling me about his "snack" of mac and cheese.
Sigh.
-Eric (Dad)
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
A visit with Michelle
Last night was our rescheduled visit with our Parents as Teachers contact, Michelle. This is our second to last visit with her and Nora and I are saddened that its coming to an end. We been part of the program for over three years and both Pierce and Anna adore Michelle (and of course last night they were at their shining best). Pierce was spelling words on the door (with magnetic letters) and Anna got her drum and played songs.
Last night was an assessment night for Anna. Her results are pretty gratifying, she seems to be doing very well in most areas. Nora and I had a polite disagreement over our assessment of Anna's problem solving skills. Nora was insistent that Anna does not push furniture or toys around, then climb up them, in order to reach things out of her grasp. I was equally insistent that I see her pick up her stool and move it around all the time to get at things she wants. Of course I'm right ;)
I think the most interesting part of the evening was when Michelle asked if we had any questions or concerns. Nora and I could not think of a one. Michelle then read the concerns we had expressed about a year ago. Not one of them was still relevant. How often in life to do you get to say you have no concerns about your children?
-Eric (Dad)
Last night was an assessment night for Anna. Her results are pretty gratifying, she seems to be doing very well in most areas. Nora and I had a polite disagreement over our assessment of Anna's problem solving skills. Nora was insistent that Anna does not push furniture or toys around, then climb up them, in order to reach things out of her grasp. I was equally insistent that I see her pick up her stool and move it around all the time to get at things she wants. Of course I'm right ;)
I think the most interesting part of the evening was when Michelle asked if we had any questions or concerns. Nora and I could not think of a one. Michelle then read the concerns we had expressed about a year ago. Not one of them was still relevant. How often in life to do you get to say you have no concerns about your children?
-Eric (Dad)
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Reflections of a Dad
This post isn't like my usual kid anecdotes. Its more of a mushy, sappy one -so if that's not to your taste you may want to skip it.
Last night Nora and I were out for most of the evening; me with a tennis match and Nora with obedience training for Jose. When we got home we sat and watched TV for a little while with Pierce and Anna. I think Anna was ready for bed, because she was content to watch quietly rather than running around the room and jumping on the furniture. She just sat on my lap and snuggled up against me.
We were watching an educational program, Between the Lions, that focuses on reading/spelling. Every few minutes Pierce would jump up and run over to the front door to re-arrange the magnetic letters into new words. Then he would excitedly announce to Nora and me that we needed to see his new words.
Before we had children I would listen to my friends talk about how much their lives had changed once they had kids; how they didn't have time to go to movies, or go out, or play sports, or do so many of the things they used to enjoy. I always thought that sounded like a huge sacrifice.
Now that we have children too I'm coming to realize that its not about sacrifice at all. Its about priorities. While all those "adult" activities are fun (and we still try and do them when we can), the time I'm able to spend with Pierce and Anna is priceless. Its hard to imagine how incredible the time is just "hanging out with the family" until they're YOUR kids. Then it starts to make a lot of sense.
-Eric (Dad)
Last night Nora and I were out for most of the evening; me with a tennis match and Nora with obedience training for Jose. When we got home we sat and watched TV for a little while with Pierce and Anna. I think Anna was ready for bed, because she was content to watch quietly rather than running around the room and jumping on the furniture. She just sat on my lap and snuggled up against me.
We were watching an educational program, Between the Lions, that focuses on reading/spelling. Every few minutes Pierce would jump up and run over to the front door to re-arrange the magnetic letters into new words. Then he would excitedly announce to Nora and me that we needed to see his new words.
Before we had children I would listen to my friends talk about how much their lives had changed once they had kids; how they didn't have time to go to movies, or go out, or play sports, or do so many of the things they used to enjoy. I always thought that sounded like a huge sacrifice.
Now that we have children too I'm coming to realize that its not about sacrifice at all. Its about priorities. While all those "adult" activities are fun (and we still try and do them when we can), the time I'm able to spend with Pierce and Anna is priceless. Its hard to imagine how incredible the time is just "hanging out with the family" until they're YOUR kids. Then it starts to make a lot of sense.
-Eric (Dad)
Monday, May 09, 2005
Mother's Day Weekend
A pretty relaxing weekend. Nora's folks watched Pierce and Anna Friday night while she and I went out to dinner and a show. Dinner was at Copeland's, a Cajun-style chain based out of Louisiana. It was very good -we hadn't been there for quite awhile. The evening's show was part of our season ticket holder's lineup; Tueday's with Morrie. Nora had read the book a few years ago and I remember her saying how much she liked it. The play was very well done and of course Nora cried (I'm not saying if I did or not...).
Saturday was our neighborhood's Spring garage sale event. We grabbed a lot of the kid's infant toys and equipment and joined our next door neighbors for a "joint" sale (our stuff represented a small fraction). Pierce and Anna played with their boys and helped "sell" stuff. Josie got to keep us company too. We did surprisingly well and most of our stuff found nice new homes. Around lunch time the crowd thinned considerably and then an afternoon thunderstorm closed out the day. We finished off the day by having dinner at Outback Steakhouse. Both Pierce and Anna were very good eaters and Pierce insisted on reading all the Outback signs in the restaurant.
For Mother's Day we decided to skip our usual gym run, instead going out early for breakfast. Mmmmmmmm, good stuff. We spent the majority of the day lounging around the house (the weather turned stormy in the early afternoon, so our plans for cooking outside had to be re-considered). Nora's extended family came over for dinner at our place. We served shrimp boil (Nora's preparation was exceptional). We closed out dinner with homemade cheesecake courtesy of Nora's dad.
While we adults sat around the house loosening our belts, the kid's ran around the house to burn off the calories. Very fun.
-Eric (Dad)
Saturday was our neighborhood's Spring garage sale event. We grabbed a lot of the kid's infant toys and equipment and joined our next door neighbors for a "joint" sale (our stuff represented a small fraction). Pierce and Anna played with their boys and helped "sell" stuff. Josie got to keep us company too. We did surprisingly well and most of our stuff found nice new homes. Around lunch time the crowd thinned considerably and then an afternoon thunderstorm closed out the day. We finished off the day by having dinner at Outback Steakhouse. Both Pierce and Anna were very good eaters and Pierce insisted on reading all the Outback signs in the restaurant.
For Mother's Day we decided to skip our usual gym run, instead going out early for breakfast. Mmmmmmmm, good stuff. We spent the majority of the day lounging around the house (the weather turned stormy in the early afternoon, so our plans for cooking outside had to be re-considered). Nora's extended family came over for dinner at our place. We served shrimp boil (Nora's preparation was exceptional). We closed out dinner with homemade cheesecake courtesy of Nora's dad.
While we adults sat around the house loosening our belts, the kid's ran around the house to burn off the calories. Very fun.
-Eric (Dad)
Friday, May 06, 2005
Anna rides a bike (sort of)
Last evening was a fun one. Nora had an evening appointment, so I picked up Pierce and Anna from the grandparents. Our dinner of dinosaur chicken and brocolli was held picnic style on our patio. Afterwards Pierce road his bike (with training wheels) and I pushed Anna on her scooter around the patio.
After a bit Pierce went and played with a few of the neighborhood kids, leaving just Anna and me. Just for giggles I asked Anna if she wanted to try and ride Pierce's bike. She eagerly climbed aboard. After a few lengths of the sidewalk with me pushing her she started to peddle on her own. A few minutes after that she asked me to stop pushing her, she wanted to "do it by herself". Can you say "get the video camera"?
I think she'll be graduating from her tricycle to a real bike within a couple of weeks. I'm so proud!
-Eric (Dad)
After a bit Pierce went and played with a few of the neighborhood kids, leaving just Anna and me. Just for giggles I asked Anna if she wanted to try and ride Pierce's bike. She eagerly climbed aboard. After a few lengths of the sidewalk with me pushing her she started to peddle on her own. A few minutes after that she asked me to stop pushing her, she wanted to "do it by herself". Can you say "get the video camera"?
I think she'll be graduating from her tricycle to a real bike within a couple of weeks. I'm so proud!
-Eric (Dad)
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Curtis pays a visit
My work buddy Curtis is in town this week and we decided to have him over for dinner last night. Rather than doing the cooking-in thing we headed off to Boling's Chinese Restaurant.
Anna was with Nora yesterday, so Curtis and I picked up Pierce and were off to Boling's. When Pierce saw Curtis he greeted him with a series of enthusiastic hugs. On the other hand, I got a "hi Dad".
We beat Nora and Anna to the restaurant and grabbed a booth. Wanting to impress Curtis, Pierce decided to wow him with his latest nugget of wisdom. He begins chanting, at the top of his lungs, "Beans make farts! Beans make farts!". When asked whom had taught him this newest pearl of knowledge we discovered it was Jackson, Pierce's cousin (thanks Jackson! ;)
Pierce proceeded to entertain himself by spooning the ice out of his glass of water and onto the table. Or, by shoving his hand into the ice water then licking his fingers. He was certainly in rare form. When Nora arrived a few minutes later she has her own "little bomb" to drop. Anna has an appointment with our Parents as Teachers contact, Michele, in half an hour at our house -we had all forgotten.
Soooo, Nora bundles up Anna and takes her home. We order our food "to go" and Pierce continues to spoon ice on to the table and sing about farts while we wait. Of course, when we get home there's a message on the machine from Michele saying she needs to cancel our appointment and reschedule for later.
Anyway, we all had a great time visiting with Curtis. Both kids gulped down rice using chop sticks (no small feat). Anna explained how the Spiderman action figure she was playing with was Superman. And Pierce and Curtis shot pool (meaning Pierce pushed all the balls in with his hands).
-Eric (Dad)
Anna was with Nora yesterday, so Curtis and I picked up Pierce and were off to Boling's. When Pierce saw Curtis he greeted him with a series of enthusiastic hugs. On the other hand, I got a "hi Dad".
We beat Nora and Anna to the restaurant and grabbed a booth. Wanting to impress Curtis, Pierce decided to wow him with his latest nugget of wisdom. He begins chanting, at the top of his lungs, "Beans make farts! Beans make farts!". When asked whom had taught him this newest pearl of knowledge we discovered it was Jackson, Pierce's cousin (thanks Jackson! ;)
Pierce proceeded to entertain himself by spooning the ice out of his glass of water and onto the table. Or, by shoving his hand into the ice water then licking his fingers. He was certainly in rare form. When Nora arrived a few minutes later she has her own "little bomb" to drop. Anna has an appointment with our Parents as Teachers contact, Michele, in half an hour at our house -we had all forgotten.
Soooo, Nora bundles up Anna and takes her home. We order our food "to go" and Pierce continues to spoon ice on to the table and sing about farts while we wait. Of course, when we get home there's a message on the machine from Michele saying she needs to cancel our appointment and reschedule for later.
Anyway, we all had a great time visiting with Curtis. Both kids gulped down rice using chop sticks (no small feat). Anna explained how the Spiderman action figure she was playing with was Superman. And Pierce and Curtis shot pool (meaning Pierce pushed all the balls in with his hands).
-Eric (Dad)
Monday, May 02, 2005
Weekend Activities
Unfortunately I had to spend most of the weekend at work. Nora tells me the weather was beautiful and that Pierce and Anna had a blast. I did have some fun moments with the family.
On Sunday morning we went to the gym together. Nora and I got a great work out and Pierce and Anna adore the woman, Elsa, that runs the kids center. Elsa speaks spanish as her native tongue and both kids speak to her in limited spanish: hola, buenas dias, gracia, etc. Elsa gets a huge kick out of it.
With all the rain we've been having the lawn is green and lush. Anna helped me mow the back yard. At my invitation she held the lawnmower handle and pushed with me. She was helarious, yelling at the top of her lungs, "faster, faster!" Nora took some pics of us out there together so come back soon to see what we looked like. The surprising part is how much Anna enjoyed it. She helped me mow most of the backyard -probably 20 minutes or so (of course it took twice as long to mow with her help, but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything).
Pierce spent some time across the street with his friend Ray. Nora and I are just starting to get used to the idea of him playing with friends not in our direct line of sight. Pierce, of course, takes it all in stride. They must have played hard, after lunch Pierce took a nap (a rarity). He must have left a good impression because Ray and a couple of other kids in the neighborhood came looking for him later to play some more.
Pierce's reading skills continue to evolve. This morning he went into Anna's room and was reading to her. I think its a combination of memorization and reading, but I don't think he got a single word wrong. He was reading the book to her exactly as written. You should have seen the look of adoration in Anna's eyes.
Last item to report (for the moment). Anna successfully pooped in the toilet twice this weekend. Nora started planting her on her potty seat and giving her a book. Anna makes herself comfortable, turns sideways on the seat, and lets fly. Very promising. Imagine the cool stuff we can buy if we're not purchasing diapers anymore (like more toys for Pierce, Anna, and ME... ;)
-Eric (Dad)
On Sunday morning we went to the gym together. Nora and I got a great work out and Pierce and Anna adore the woman, Elsa, that runs the kids center. Elsa speaks spanish as her native tongue and both kids speak to her in limited spanish: hola, buenas dias, gracia, etc. Elsa gets a huge kick out of it.
With all the rain we've been having the lawn is green and lush. Anna helped me mow the back yard. At my invitation she held the lawnmower handle and pushed with me. She was helarious, yelling at the top of her lungs, "faster, faster!" Nora took some pics of us out there together so come back soon to see what we looked like. The surprising part is how much Anna enjoyed it. She helped me mow most of the backyard -probably 20 minutes or so (of course it took twice as long to mow with her help, but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything).
Pierce spent some time across the street with his friend Ray. Nora and I are just starting to get used to the idea of him playing with friends not in our direct line of sight. Pierce, of course, takes it all in stride. They must have played hard, after lunch Pierce took a nap (a rarity). He must have left a good impression because Ray and a couple of other kids in the neighborhood came looking for him later to play some more.
Pierce's reading skills continue to evolve. This morning he went into Anna's room and was reading to her. I think its a combination of memorization and reading, but I don't think he got a single word wrong. He was reading the book to her exactly as written. You should have seen the look of adoration in Anna's eyes.
Last item to report (for the moment). Anna successfully pooped in the toilet twice this weekend. Nora started planting her on her potty seat and giving her a book. Anna makes herself comfortable, turns sideways on the seat, and lets fly. Very promising. Imagine the cool stuff we can buy if we're not purchasing diapers anymore (like more toys for Pierce, Anna, and ME... ;)
-Eric (Dad)
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Update on Steve Delorge
I got a call from Steve. He's now 3.5 weeks out of surgery and feeling very well (to quote him, "the plumbing is working much better"). While he was under the knife they had removed several lymph nodes to see if the cancer had spread. It looks like it has, but not very far. Also, the size of the tumor they removed was a little larger than they had anticipated; about 3 centimeters instead of 2.
Steve's prognosis is still very good, just not as optimistic as orignally thought. Steve starts intense chemo and radiation therapy in a couple of weeks. The therapies are very focused and should cause minimal discomfort and/or hairloss.
Thanks to everyone who been thinking of him and especially those who've contacted him.
-Eric
Steve's prognosis is still very good, just not as optimistic as orignally thought. Steve starts intense chemo and radiation therapy in a couple of weeks. The therapies are very focused and should cause minimal discomfort and/or hairloss.
Thanks to everyone who been thinking of him and especially those who've contacted him.
-Eric
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