Grandma Rosie's Birthday and Grandpa/Father's Day

So the day after Father's Day was Eli's Great Grandma Rosie's Birthday and we wanted to see Grandpa Jim and Granddaddy and give them our Grandpa/ Father's Day gift, so Eli and I packed up for a trip down to Stockton for the day. Dave had to work :-(

Below Eli's Uncle Kendall is indroducing the Biddles to one of his new toys at his Nonni's house. We noticed that Eli has been putting everything in his mouth and shown a slight increase in fussiness (which really is still not that bad). It is obvious Eli is teething early just like his Mommy and Daddy did before him.

Here is Eli with his Great Grandma Rosie. We took her out to lunch and Eli was a perfect sleepy Biddles like usual, which made lunch a breeze. It was only the 2nd time I had taken Eli to a restaurant!

We headed over to Tita's and Granddaddy's house. It's not like his Great Grandparents aren't enamored with our Lil' Man. Eli changes so much in just a week it was really nice to show off his new talents.

Ya know how I said Eli is teething...this is his teething toy that all Mommies I know swear by. Nonni is trying it out....it vibrates. Eli loves it!

Had to post a picture with his Uncle. It is rare to get a picture of Kendall smiling so I needed to commemorate this occurance. Eli could not sit still and was cracking Kendall up.

I do not know what it is...but everytime Eli gets to spend time with his Grandpa they both smile and crack up! It is so amazing to watch. Eli is showing off his new skill...standing - with assistance of course..but man, does our Biddles have some leg strength!

It was a quick trip, but a fun one! As often as we try to make it down to Stockton...Eli rarely gets to visit with his Great Grandparents, let alone get some real quality time with his Grandpa. By the end of the day we were both exhausted - but it was well worth it!

Father's Day Craziness

This is the twisty/twirly thing I was talking about. Makes you wanna barf. Awesome.

Dave's Daddy Day '09

For my first ever Father's Day, I wasn't sure that I was even going to get the day off, until about 2 nights before. But morning of, Taryn woke up early and went downstairs to start coffee and breakfast with the Biddles. When I finally rolled out of bed, there were already presents and cards waiting for me on the coffee table. I got a card from Eli, which was very cute and very funny. And Taryn of course got me a music card (she loves those) that was also very cute and very funny. It was a really great surprise. I downed the coffee and the breakfast (which was delicious), then dove into the presents like I was 2 years old. Eli (*Taryn) got me a picture of himself with a frame that reads "Daddy's Little Dude." I even got a number of different pictures to swap in & out. Taryn got me an ipod nano. Wicked sick! I ran upstairs almost immediately and put everything from our itunes library onto it - then spent the next 15 minutes trying to trim it down so that things would fit. It was very cool. I take the ipod to work with me every Monday to listen to music as I do my admin.

It's rare that I get to see Eli 1st thing in the morning after he's had a full night's sleep (I'm usually already at work). That's when he's the most talkative and smiley. So for my Daddy's Day I spent the rest of the morning basking in the glory of my Biddles. Notice the shirt he's wearing that says "Daddy's Little Monkey" (his Grambot got that for him). Also notice the frame in the background. Thanks Lil' Man (*Taryn).

I've been lucky enough lately to have developed the ability to really get the Biddles talking. He's a pretty quiet baby for the most part, but when I get in his face and he gets going, he's all "Ah-Goo" and "Whoo-waa." And he makes this gurgling sound in the back of his throat that's kinda funny. I start making basic noises and movements with my tongue, and he does his best to mimmick me, each of us in turn - no joke (or exaggeration Niser!). What I love is how he stares me straight in the face, looking deep into my eyes, so that it seems as if he's really trying to talk to me - that he's trying really hard to communicate something important.

Here's a quick rundown of him trying to say something ...

After finishing breakfast and presents, we got cleaned up and hit the road to check out the park up the street from our house. And the park is freakin' incredible! It has 3 separate play areas, all of which have this special foam instead of bark or sand. It's bouncy and soft. Pretty nifty. They have Bocci Ball courts, a BBQ area, a pond and waterfall, and plenty of grass and trees. But the best parts were the great play areas. They had these crazy twisty/twirly things that make you sick, slides and swings and what not. I'll post the video to show you, but suffice it to say that it was pretty fun.

We sat under a tree and had a picnic with sandwiches, macaroni salad and orange soda. Biddles was asleep when we got there, but woke up halfway through lunch. He was pretty taken with all of the trees and leaves, and really seemed to enjoy the feel of the wind. Here he is lounging in the shade and having fun watching the shadows as the sun played through the leaves above us.

After we finished lunch we hit the playground. Taryn and I did, that is. We have some great videos. 'Nuff said. But when we had our fill we brought the Biddles out to see how he would like it. He was pretty tired, and didn't have much of a reaction. But Taryn and I both took the opportunity to ride the slide with him.

Notice the hat. No Cory, not mine (or yours, I guess, technically). The Biddles still has a pretty small head, and his hat just wouldn't stay on right. But we tried. Adding insult to injury it was pretty sunny out, and we were worried about the exposure. Nevertheless, he didn't really dig on it.

Truly, it was a great 1st Father's Day. Thanks Babe & Biddles!

Quasi-Laugh

We almost got a full laugh out of the Biddles. But not quite ... He was asleep on the couch next to me, and Taryn and I heard what we thought was a full on giggle. So we grabbed the camera and did everything we could to make it happen again. We wish we new what he was dreaming about.

He likes my falsetto. Not sure why.

The Yeagers Get Married!

And it's about damn time!

Finally, Sherry & Jeff went the distance. We think they were technically Common Law already, but now they get the tax benefits. They got married in San Ramon on a Sunday in June. It was a beautiful day and Sherry was a beautiful Bride. Jeff looked ok. Taryn says he looked less pasty than I did, and I told her that's 'cause they're Common Law! Give me another 8 years and I'll be comfortable too!

Eli got to meet all the OT Girls for the 1st time. Here's Heather gettin herself some Lil' Man. Her & Matt are next. Then Matt'll have to pass on his brewery to me. He won't have the time. And since I'm already such an experienced Father, I figure I can take over Brew Master duties.

Poor Dan had to stay home in Texas (which is bad enough, right?) while Sarah had scalloped potatoes and beer and cheese and whatnot. Sorry we missed you Buddy. But Eli loved his Autnie Sarah. He even pooped on her lap! Sure sign of comfort.

Eli really took to Julie. He just couldn't take his eyes off of her.


Here's Biddles & Dad. He had him in his fancy clothes, courtesy of Cookie & Zane. We had to squeeze him in, because at 16 lbs. 8 oz. if we gave it another 2 days, he'd have never worn it.

Even Cathy made it to the party. She's a Harry Potter freak, but hasn't yet stopped by to challenge us at Harry Potter Scene It. She's Scared. See you at the amusement park, 2012.

The lucky Lil' Man got to dance with his Momma for the 1st time. They rocked out to "Baby Got Back" and "Don't Stop Believin." Classic.

Of course Auntie Sarah had to get her some ...

Only 2 months old and already pullin in the girls ...

Eli's 1st Roll

We had been putting Eli on his tummy for Tummy Time since the day we brought him home (not quite literally - I'm a Bacon, we exaggerate). But it wasn't until his Aunt Niser & Uncle Supersonic Jaybird bragged about Lil' James rolling over that we figured we needed to take the pillow out from underneath him to allow him a chance to do his thing. So we ditched the pillow, and he rolled right away. We were happy - Eli was confused.

Workin' Hard for the Money

Had to put this up. Hope you enjoy as much as I did.

Shots: Take 1

Poor Biddles had to go in for his first round of immunizations. They gave him three separate shots in his legs, and one in his mouth! Holy Hole in a Doughnut! I was stuck at work and couldn't go, but I heard he took it like a Man.

Super Biddles!

It's a bird. It's a plane. No, it's Super Biddles! Watch as he defies gravity on his Tummy Time Contraption of Mystery! Swoon as he wins the hearts of millions with his SuperStare!

Memorial Day '09

For Memorial Day this year we did a BBQ at the Bacon's. My parent's house, not ours. Just clearing that up. There was an Open Door policy in effect, and we were able to see a few friends that we hadn't seen in quite some time. Nikhil came up from L.A., the Copes (Cookie and Zane) were in from Utah, and Niser and Jay took a long weekend and flew out from Mississippi. There was a lot of good food, and we even hit up the Ice Cream truck. And Taryn had her first rum & coke in almost a year. Fun times.

Here's Nikhil diggin on the Lil Man.

(If you can't read it, Eli's onesie says "Lock up Your Daughters" ... awesome)

Here's Cookie and Zane. It's their turn next.

And of course there has to be Nonni time. She was very excited to have a chance to feed and burp the Biddles. And we were just as excited to pass that off. I think this is when Taryn scored that rum & coke ... Or maybe when we scored the ice cream ...

And you can't have Nonni time without Grambot time.

We're an equal opportunity association.

Auntie Niser had asked me to bring my guitar down for the BBQ so that I could play for Baby James. I had been telling her that Eli really enjoyed the music, with it either helping put him to sleep, or getting great smiles and wiggles out of him. So I learned a Pearl Jam song for the occassion (that should tell you how much I love my sister right there) and went to town. James was sitting in his Grandpa's lap, and was doing everything he could to turn his head and get a look at where the music was coming from. I think he really liked it. Next time we'll get his Mommy to sing for him.

Here's the proof of the enjoyment ...

About halfway through the day, Supersonic James was over all the shennanigans. The poor Lil Man was still on Mississippi time and adjusting. Here he is with a classic Stink Face, really giving it to his Momma.

And Eli of course took everything in stride. There were definitely A LOT of cameras, and neither of the Boys were too sure about them. We tried not using the flashes, but I don't think they cared.

Here's a great shot of James and his Daddy.

James loves his Daddy ... But he's not too sure about everything else.

Eli's pretty comfortable with everything else, but isn't too sure about his Supersonic Uncle Jay ...

Jean was able to make it out too. It's great to see her, and I know she had a good time. And Eli loved her. She has a very soothing voice. It must be that sexy southern accent.

And here we have Jamie. He had just graduated that weekend with an M.A. in Philosophy, and is headed to New York to take up a teaching post and work towards his Doctorate. He was really excited about meeting the Boys, but very nervous about holding them. I guess he practiced with his Mom the night before by holding Piggy (his once obese cat. *Side note, we think Piggy is the Biggest Loser - burn that fat, cat!)

Spitty Biddles

Couldn't help myself ... Taryn and I were up in the loft looking at properties on the computer, and she had just finished feeding the Biddles. After getting a few good burps out of him, we turned our attention back to the house search. But before we knew it, he was wigglin and kickin. I grabbed the camera, because I'm a Dad now, and that's what they pay me for. And oh joy am I ever glad that I did. Here's why. Couldn't help myself ...

Lunch with Kaylee

Eli has not met many babies around his age. So it is a special treat to see him interact with a new friend. My childhood friend Lisa and her daughter Kaylee were in town to visit family and we had the chance to meet up for lunch with them and Auntie Amy. Eli was very curious about Kaylee (they are less than a month apart). Can't blame him she is such a little cutie!

Finally, we got a picture of Eli with his Auntie Amy!

Snoring Bittles

The last time that Eli was passed out, I thought it was so funny to hear him snoring, that I couldn't help myself, I had to grab the video camera. His snoring is so dainty, it's hilarious.

After this video was taken, we learned that Eli was pretty congested and had to make multiple pediatrician visits, and use saline breathing treatments to help clear him up. If at all possible, never, EVER, allow your infant to get an Xray. The contraption is like a medieval torture device. Really. Poor Ittle Bittles. But the video is still funny ... You have to turn your volume way up to hear his snores ...

Hello Cousin James!

The Lindsays made their way west for Memorial Weekend, and brought their Lil' Man along for the ride to meet his Momma's side of the family for the first time (besides his Grambot & Grandpa, who had gone to see his birth). We never see enough of these two, and miss them more than we can say, so it's really something special to have them here.

Not to mention the "Uniting of the Cousins."

Eli was very excited about meeting his cousin James (or so we like to think - it's not like he can argue the point). It was crazy to see how similar they were in size. Even though they're separated by 3 weeks, they're almost the same weight. Although, for all of the talk about how similar they are (they both weighed 8 lbs exactly at birth, they both measured 20+ inches, they both came 5 days early, they both have HUGE cheekies) it was pretty clear after getting them together how different they are too. Although, both babies look just like their Daddies - lucky little boogers.

For Taryn and I it was a really great experience to get to meet our Nephew for the 1st time. With all of the craziness that comes with being a new parent, it was nice to be able to take a step back and appreciate being an Aunt and an Uncle. James Henry Lindsay IV is so freakin' awesome! He's got one of the best smiles I have ever seen on anyone, one that lights up his whole face and shines in his eyes. He's supersonic, just like his Daddy, and babbles like no other. The gibberish is hilarious - I can't wait till he really starts talking. His cry face is fun, and we love how he scrunches it up when he gets started with the fussin'.

We're really lucky to have such a cute, cool Nephew. And even luckier to have such a great Aunt and Uncle for our Ittle Bittle. Here's a great shot of the two boys with Denise and Jay.

I had been bragging for a while about how incredible Eli's eye contact is. But when his Auntie Niser sat down with him for the 1st time and got to see it close up, she started crying. Yeah, Eli is that adorable! He loves his Auntie Niser and stared at her so hard she made a solemn oath on the spot never to ever challenge the boy to a staring contest as long as they both shall live. Way to knock out the competition early, Eli.

Alright, the following are some great shots of the 2 boys getting wiggly with it ...

I love how much fun they have with their wiggles ...

So, Eli and James' Grambot decided that it would be nice to see the 2 boys in matching outfits. Because it was their first time together, we agreed to let this slide, but a warning to Grambot: "this isn't the Patty Duke Show." Here they are together on James' changing mat (gross) wiggling around in perfect asymmetry.

Here's a perfect example of James' fantastic smile.

Money Shot, James!

This face will get you anything you want with both your Grandmas.

We think Eli got a little over-excited in this one ... pushing his cousin out of the spot light ...

And here is the proud Grambot (the 6 million peso woman! We have the technology to rebuild her!) with both of her adorable boys. Just a little happy, no?
She had to call for help within seconds of getting this picture because both boys have gotten so big.