Max keeps grabbing at my glasses.
He covers them with the baby slime on his hands. I see him grabbing, blurry. Just grabbing, grabbing, grabbing. What is on those hands?
I take them away and he is not as interested in my eyes. He looks away. Distracted with the next thing. It is something on the night stand. Lamp, book, turtle, light, I'm not really sure.
I wipe my glasses off and put them back on my face. He goes at it again.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Cearley Christmas Vacation - Day 7
7 days on the road with a family of 5 will teach you alot. Namely, it's 1 day too long. Secondly, it can be done. On many levels. The one that matters - 7 days, 5 kids, 2 Christmases, 1 van, 0 use of the luggage rack. See, you learn. You learn that you don't want to become that guy. The minivan guy who uses the luggage rack on Christmas vacation (any vacation). I had many Clark Griswold moments over the last 7 days. 7 days on the road teaches you alot.
It teaches you that traveling with small children is best when it happens early in the morning. By 6. Anything after 6 is all the same. We did good going. Not so good coming.
It teaches you the power of a DVD player in a vehicle and that you can fill a 15-gallon van up for less than $25.
It also teaches you that the fast food coupons you have should not dictate where to go. Jack in the Box - yuck. Dairy Queen - not so great.
It teaches you that truly, there's nothing better than being around family and friends. I've had some 1:1 time with all the kids and I'm just humbled beyond words. Gracie is filled with so much imagination and is coming up with something new every time she opens her mouth. Max, the tank, is so curious. He wants to feel everything. The Christmas tree, tinsel, wrapping paper, boxes, carpet, everything is about the touch. He's going to be such a good kid. Nick on the other hand is going to get into some TROUBLE. He thinks he's alot bigger than he is. Antagonizing Max. Climbing up and over things. Pseudo-walking with furniture. He's a little toot, but he's still such a cuddle bug. These kids are great and I love being a dad.
It teaches you that traveling with small children is best when it happens early in the morning. By 6. Anything after 6 is all the same. We did good going. Not so good coming.
It teaches you the power of a DVD player in a vehicle and that you can fill a 15-gallon van up for less than $25.
It also teaches you that the fast food coupons you have should not dictate where to go. Jack in the Box - yuck. Dairy Queen - not so great.
It teaches you that truly, there's nothing better than being around family and friends. I've had some 1:1 time with all the kids and I'm just humbled beyond words. Gracie is filled with so much imagination and is coming up with something new every time she opens her mouth. Max, the tank, is so curious. He wants to feel everything. The Christmas tree, tinsel, wrapping paper, boxes, carpet, everything is about the touch. He's going to be such a good kid. Nick on the other hand is going to get into some TROUBLE. He thinks he's alot bigger than he is. Antagonizing Max. Climbing up and over things. Pseudo-walking with furniture. He's a little toot, but he's still such a cuddle bug. These kids are great and I love being a dad.
Cearley Christmas Vacation - Day 6
Got to go out last night sans kids.
We didn't get home till 1:30. Who-hoo. I surprised myself, but once we got home and settled, Steph even fell asleep before I did. Visions of 5 AM hadn't overcome me yet.
We got together, er, I tagged along, with a group of Steph's (and Nick's) high school classmates. It was the closest thing to a reunion I've ever been to. And it wasn't even mine.
I had a good time, though. Trace and Karey came. With stories very similar to ours, at least as they were 2 months ago, and stories of polo and concerts in Chicago that are very far from ours. It was good to see them. I'm glad they've all kept in touch and from what I've seen, grown closer over the past few years. I know it means alot to Stephanie.
Anyway, 5 AM came too soon.
We didn't get home till 1:30. Who-hoo. I surprised myself, but once we got home and settled, Steph even fell asleep before I did. Visions of 5 AM hadn't overcome me yet.
We got together, er, I tagged along, with a group of Steph's (and Nick's) high school classmates. It was the closest thing to a reunion I've ever been to. And it wasn't even mine.
I had a good time, though. Trace and Karey came. With stories very similar to ours, at least as they were 2 months ago, and stories of polo and concerts in Chicago that are very far from ours. It was good to see them. I'm glad they've all kept in touch and from what I've seen, grown closer over the past few years. I know it means alot to Stephanie.
Anyway, 5 AM came too soon.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Cearley Christmas Vacation - Day 5
I'm finally caught up on the days and these posts. I just finished watching Untraceable with Diane Lane. Jeez. What a movie. Creepola. I liked it, but I don't think I'm jumping to watch it again.
Today was a fairly relaxing day. It was very gloomy here in the morning and this afternoon, it warmed up and the sun came out. We could almost jump in the pool and have a good time.
Gracie didn't get to see her cousins until after nap time. It didn't cause the stir that we thought it would. Our kids and Andrea's kids are just on different schedules. As a result, there are only a few windows of time that everyone is up and has a few hours to get together.
Tonight, Steph and Gracie are over there making gingerbread houses. I stayed here and chilled with Mr. Woodyard.
Today was a fairly relaxing day. It was very gloomy here in the morning and this afternoon, it warmed up and the sun came out. We could almost jump in the pool and have a good time.
Gracie didn't get to see her cousins until after nap time. It didn't cause the stir that we thought it would. Our kids and Andrea's kids are just on different schedules. As a result, there are only a few windows of time that everyone is up and has a few hours to get together.
Tonight, Steph and Gracie are over there making gingerbread houses. I stayed here and chilled with Mr. Woodyard.
Cearley Christmas Vacation - Day 4
Santa came to visit Gracie! Yesterday morning, she awoke to a Cinderalla vanity (halfway set-up b/c Santa new that we would have to disassemble it for the rest of the roadtrip). She LOVED it. Then, she proceeded to tear through all of her presents in warp speed. She was much more into unwrapping the presents than the actual presents themselves. I can't list everything she got, I just know that we have two large bags full of stuff. I managed to pack everything in in an orderly fashion. Nothing spewed out of the van when we opened the doors. Next stop was The Woodlands.
We left Austin around 1 and stepped into the Woodyard's house at 4:15. All Gracie wanted to do was see her cousins, which she did around 5:15. They all went crazy. Playing, playing, playing. We opened presents and got another two huge bags. I still think I'll be able to pack everything in fine.
The boys don't really know what hit them today. We're trying to make it as settling as possible, but they've been through a lot so far.
That being said, I'm so glad we decided to travel this Christmas. We won't be able to spend these moments with our families forever. There will be time enough for the kids to wake up in their own house for Christmas morning.
We left Austin around 1 and stepped into the Woodyard's house at 4:15. All Gracie wanted to do was see her cousins, which she did around 5:15. They all went crazy. Playing, playing, playing. We opened presents and got another two huge bags. I still think I'll be able to pack everything in fine.
The boys don't really know what hit them today. We're trying to make it as settling as possible, but they've been through a lot so far.
That being said, I'm so glad we decided to travel this Christmas. We won't be able to spend these moments with our families forever. There will be time enough for the kids to wake up in their own house for Christmas morning.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Cearley Christmas Vacation - Day 3
Yesterday, Christmas Eve, was a busy day. Cookies for Santa, finalizing presents (wrapping and buying), meal preparations, Christmas Eve service, Zilker Christmas tree, and getting ready for Santa.
Michelle and Damon came into town for the 3 PM Christmas Eve service. This particular service was geared for the kids and it was such a joy seeing Gracie soak it all in. She paid attention the entire time and in fact, when it was all over, she started crying because she didn't want to leave. The service was structured where, over the hour, kids would read a portion of the Christmas story, then the children's choir would lead the congregation in carols while kids dressed up as people in the story came up to the front and made a live nativity scene. She wanted to go up front and sit by the angels and by Mary - it was awesome to experience with her.
The church brought in live animals (camel, sheep and donkey) so the kids could see them after the service. Gracie was excited to see, but apprehensive to pet.
We had this plan to pick my mom and the boys up after the service and take advantage of the day-long warm weather by eating at Shady Grove, but they closed before we could get there. Instead, we went to the Mac Shack, had a lovely dinner, and then went to the Zilker Park Christmas tree. All the kids loved it!
After Gracie's bath, she got to open 1 present before Santa came to visit her. She opened a pair of plush princess slippers, which according to her, 'was her dream!' She wore them to bed.
She sleeps as we wait on Santa....
Michelle and Damon came into town for the 3 PM Christmas Eve service. This particular service was geared for the kids and it was such a joy seeing Gracie soak it all in. She paid attention the entire time and in fact, when it was all over, she started crying because she didn't want to leave. The service was structured where, over the hour, kids would read a portion of the Christmas story, then the children's choir would lead the congregation in carols while kids dressed up as people in the story came up to the front and made a live nativity scene. She wanted to go up front and sit by the angels and by Mary - it was awesome to experience with her.
The church brought in live animals (camel, sheep and donkey) so the kids could see them after the service. Gracie was excited to see, but apprehensive to pet.
We had this plan to pick my mom and the boys up after the service and take advantage of the day-long warm weather by eating at Shady Grove, but they closed before we could get there. Instead, we went to the Mac Shack, had a lovely dinner, and then went to the Zilker Park Christmas tree. All the kids loved it!
After Gracie's bath, she got to open 1 present before Santa came to visit her. She opened a pair of plush princess slippers, which according to her, 'was her dream!' She wore them to bed.
She sleeps as we wait on Santa....
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Cearley Christmas Vacation - Day 2
Yesterday was Girls Day Out and Boys Day In. All the girls went out about 10 and shopped and ate and continued with their tradition. Meanwhile, me and the boys ran a couple of errands, walked around and hopefully, started our tradition. It doesn't really entail anything specific, it's just about being together.
I got a haircut. Me and Steph were able to hang out together for a little bit afterward.
I tried to watch Burn After Reading, but couldn't get into it. Then, we all got into the 2nd Narnia, but fell asleep about 1 hour in.
It was generally a chill day.
I got a haircut. Me and Steph were able to hang out together for a little bit afterward.
I tried to watch Burn After Reading, but couldn't get into it. Then, we all got into the 2nd Narnia, but fell asleep about 1 hour in.
It was generally a chill day.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Cearley Christmas Vacation - Day 1
The 2008 Cearley Christmas Vacation began at 2:00 AM yesterday when Max didn't feel like sleeping. Stephanie woke me from a deep sleep about 3:00 AM, irritated like people get at 2 AM. Max wasn't having any of Momma's remedies and then all three of us couldn't go back to sleep. So, about 4 AM, we got up, packed the van, and rolled out of Dallas at 5 AM. We were in Austin, at my mom's house, by 9:30.
We just have this thing for Austin and it grows every time we come back. If we could just ditch everything with no consequences, we wouldn't go back to Dallas. But such is not life. It's so comfortable here. It's great to be around my mom and Kyle. My brother and sister are close too and even though they're doing their own thing, we always connect. It is home. I think Steph and I both feel this way.
Soon enough.
We didn't do much of anything the rest of the day. Bought some liquor. Ate at Chuy's. Rented movies (the 2nd Narnia, Burn after Reading, Mama Mia). Didn't watch any. Wrapped tons of gifts, which by the way, I am a speed wrapper. And they look pretty good, too. Then, we met Michelle's boyfried, Damon! He's a good guy. We like him. He is very good for Michelle. He just better be good to her.
We went to bed around 10:30. LONG day.
We just have this thing for Austin and it grows every time we come back. If we could just ditch everything with no consequences, we wouldn't go back to Dallas. But such is not life. It's so comfortable here. It's great to be around my mom and Kyle. My brother and sister are close too and even though they're doing their own thing, we always connect. It is home. I think Steph and I both feel this way.
Soon enough.
We didn't do much of anything the rest of the day. Bought some liquor. Ate at Chuy's. Rented movies (the 2nd Narnia, Burn after Reading, Mama Mia). Didn't watch any. Wrapped tons of gifts, which by the way, I am a speed wrapper. And they look pretty good, too. Then, we met Michelle's boyfried, Damon! He's a good guy. We like him. He is very good for Michelle. He just better be good to her.
We went to bed around 10:30. LONG day.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Fish puppies
I sit here, exhausted by the day that has already happened, watching my fish bite at each other. Nasty little things. Anyone who tells you that getting fish as pets just because they're 'low maintenance' has never taken care of fish. I was singing that tune a couple of years ago, but now I know. It's not the fish, per se, it's really the aquarium. Unless you get a huge aquarium, of course, let's say about 55 gallons, and then it is more about the fish. For that size tank, you really need a lot of fish. But the more fish you have, the dirtier it can get. Even if you have a good filtration system. Hence, the rub with the aquarium. Cleaning that thing is misery. I look at it now. It needs to be cleaned. I really need to clean it before we leave, which gives me tomorrow to play with. I have to get psyched up to clean the tank and that's probably the clearest sign of all that their maintenance is too high for me.
But, the kids like it. So, we'll keep it.
Although Christmas-time sparks notions of puppy dogs, I write this to document that the fish tank is enough. I have to be strong, not this Christmas but I guarantee you next, and put my foot down. Until someone is able to help me clean the fish tank, they're not old enough to help keep up with a puppy. I'm rambling.
We have lots to do before we leave for a week. Clean, pack, wrap, wash, dry, fold. Watch the Cowboys win. The important things in life.
Max who now weighs 17.1 and is in the BIG 5th percentile (that's right, 5), and his brother Nick, who now weighs 14.14 and is NOT even on the charts, are crying now, so I must go and take care of that.
But, the kids like it. So, we'll keep it.
Although Christmas-time sparks notions of puppy dogs, I write this to document that the fish tank is enough. I have to be strong, not this Christmas but I guarantee you next, and put my foot down. Until someone is able to help me clean the fish tank, they're not old enough to help keep up with a puppy. I'm rambling.
We have lots to do before we leave for a week. Clean, pack, wrap, wash, dry, fold. Watch the Cowboys win. The important things in life.
Max who now weighs 17.1 and is in the BIG 5th percentile (that's right, 5), and his brother Nick, who now weighs 14.14 and is NOT even on the charts, are crying now, so I must go and take care of that.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
What a week
Nick can now crawl.
I have my voice back.
Gracie busted her face up at school. Scooter accident. You should see the wall she ran into.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Simple update
Still no voice.
Gracie and Nick have something, but it's not what I have.
Cowboys sucked it up.
Redskins did even more. At least we have that.
Gracie and Nick have something, but it's not what I have.
Cowboys sucked it up.
Redskins did even more. At least we have that.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
No voice, no family interaction
Greetings everybody. I have lost my voice. On Friday, I thought I had lost my hearing out of my right ear, but it seems to be connected to this condition that has now taken my voice. I have a faint ringing in my right ear, but can actually hear. I just can't speak. I would much rather be without a voice than without hearing. Needless to say, we're just hoping it isn't contagious and spreads to the rest of the family. Stephanie has quarantined me in our bedroom and I just sit here and prepare for Football Sunday. On the surface, it sounds pretty good for me - without kids in my bedroom, forced to do nothing but lay here and rest and oh, by the way, football just happens to be on all day today. But it actually kinda sucks. I want to be hanging with my family, not holed up here in this room.
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