Daddy's Birthday

So I turned 30 this year.

Yeah, 30.

Mom always said I'd be lucky to live through 18, let alone see 25.

I don't feel all that much older - well, maybe physically (my knees keep getting worse and worse, and I tire out a lot faster). And I guess I've matured mentally - I mean, let's hope so, right? But I certainly don't feel old at heart. I still love my cartoons and games and fantasy books. I still love fart jokes and potty language just as much as ever. I still listen primarily to punk music. I still wear my slippers whever I go, whether it's appropriate or not. I still appreciate slapstick and laugh my face off at a good hard kick in the nutties.

Taryn asked me the other day what I thought I'd be doing at 30, saying that she always knew she would be married with 2 kids. I told her that I honestly had no idea. I'd never thought that far ahead. (Mom would say that was one of my bigger problems) If I had taken a guess, I would have said living somewhere in the Northwest, probably rooming with 3 or 4 other guys, playing music, drinking, and working just enough to get by. But certainly not Married With Children.

Boy would I have been wrong. And I couldn't be happier!

With a new baby, a toddler big brother, a home search nearing its end (fingers crossed), and things basically as tight as they've ever been, this year I decided that for my birthday I wanted our Family to spend the day at the park across the street. Simple.

We love this park. It's beautiful and peaceful. It has great play structures, is extremely clean and never crowded, has plenty of open space for Eli to run free, and even a path leading up a hill to a water park nestled at the top. Plus, the weather couldn't have been better - clear blue skies and a comfortable 68 degrees.

We took our time getting ready that morning and even had a nice big breakfast (something Taryn & I never get, not with our schedules). But of course, Eli & I, being the men of the house, took a fraction of the time getting ready that the girls did, so we left early and walked to the park together, getting there around 11am. Taryn and Addy didn't make it until after 12p.

Eli ran immediately for the slide. His daycare has them both indoors & out and he LOVES them. He made sure to spin the steering wheel each time he passed it before slipping down the slide (going down both forwards & backwards). Luckily the structures are large enough for me to play too.

As I said, I never thought of myself as getting old, but my stamina sure isn't what it used to be. Thankfully, by the time Taryn arrived, Eli was ready to take a break and have some milkies.

But even before finishing the cup, he was ready to go again.

So when I say the structures are big enough for me to play too, I mean just barely.




Eli refused to let his cup go the entire rest of the time we were there. What a stinker!
Just remember kids: Don't drink and slide, because you might spill your drink.


We took another break and made a call to Auntie Niser. She wished Happy Birthdays and sent her love to the whole Family. Eli had big smiles listening to her voice, and waved goodbye (still not realizing that Mommy & I haven't upgraded our iPhones to include the video chat yet). We also received a call from Taryn before she showed up, relaying some very exciting news. Our realtor had contacted her that morning after Eli & I left to say that the Seller's Agent had accepted our offer, and they were forwarding it to the Lenders for final approval. Now, we've been in this situation before, and realize that that doesn't exactly mean much. But it was fun to celebrate a small victory and say that we bought ourselves a house for my Birthday.

Then it was back to the craziness.

With Daddy working hard to keep up.

Eli and I had so much fun. He even went on the Big Boy slide, climbing all the way up the structure by himself (with milkies cup in-hand).

I took Eli on every piece of fun stuff that the park had to offer. He especially liked the over-sized teeter totter.

And then came the hill. In the past, Eli hasn't been too big about roaming the parts of the park that don't include slides, but today he had his sights set on taking the hill. We chased each other up and down the path that follows the water as it flows from the water park at the top to the snakes head at the bottom.

And while we were up there, Eli found that the back side of that hill has a cemented pathway that is very steep. Daddy made the mistake of showing him how to stomp down the hill taking BIG steps while saying "Wow" with each one, picking up speed and letting momentum drive us to the bottom at a run, straight into Daddy's waiting arms. Eli thought this was the greatest thing ever. He went up and down that hill at least 30 times. No exaggeration.

Now remember when I said that I didn't feel like I was getting older, then had to ammend it to exclude the physical pains? Yeah ... that's because of this.

Although, we did take a time out to sing Eye of the Tiger.

Here's age catching up with me, caught on film.

And the whole time this fun stuff was going on, Addy was sleeping away. We were at the park for over 2 1/2 hours, and she didn't stir once. She's so calm, it's a gift.

There were a few parents and their kiddos there, and since we stayed so long, we saw quite a few of them come and go. Eli ran up and down the play structures with some of the boys, and was sliding in tandem with one little girl. Whenever any of them left, Eli would stop and wave goodbye to his new little friends.

As soon as we told him it was time to go, he made a run for it.

Maybe he was getting tired too ...

Makes me feel better to know that.

Within 30 minutes of being home, this was the scene. Addy passed out in Daddy's arms, with Eli passed out under the blankets on the floor next to us. I tell ya, having fun is tough stuff.

But we all got a second wind by the end of the night. We ordered pizza and watched a movie, and had a very relaxing evening until the kiddos went to bed. Of course, as soon as that happened, Taryn & I passed out too.

Tummy Time 2.0

Addisyn is quite a wiggly little girl. It's almost impossible to swaddle her since she's always stretching. We've just about given up. Both arms are frequently above her head like she's lounging at a resort (which she kind of is), her legs frequently locked tight and her toes pointing. For the first week, she slept through the days and was only up and alert at night, usually right after dinner, through 1 or 2am. But she's been adjusting to her new routine, and is starting to become more active during the day, being alert for longer periods of time.

We tried her out on her cute (and pink) Tummy Time mat after being home for only 6 or 7 days, and she did very well. She's been able to last over 7 minutes without any fuss. She just takes it all in from this new and interesting perspective. Just like her brother, she has great head control and strong neck muscles.

Eli was very interested in watching his baby sister. Every time she kicked or pulled her head up he would laugh. And even though we're still in our PJs, this picture was probably taken in the late afternoon. That's just what happens around here when people have time off from work. Also, awesome bed-head runs in the Family.

Tia and Uncle Anders meet Addy

In the midst of all the wedding planning (not just theirs since Katy is now a wedding planner herself, as well as a high school drama teacher), and Katy's upcoming play ANNIE! (not excited or anything), Katy and her wonderful fiance' Anders were able to stop by Sunday and meet Addisyn and see Mr. Eli. Katy has our kids refer to her as Tia which is Aunt in Italian and also in Spanish. Addy wore the fabulous white flower headband that her Tia got her just for the occasion.

I am still upset that I missed out on the photo-op of Anders holding her...argh!

Thanks for coming by you guys! Wish we could see you more often!

Addy's Sponge Bath

Still waiting for her umbilical cord to fall off, we gave Addy a sponge bath to cut the stinky. The kiddo is definitely a true member of our Family. Also, babies have layers of skin that peel as they first come out of the womb. The skin is to help protect them from being submerged in liquid for so long. But it can be gross when it peels all over the place. Especially when the kiddo spends most days trying to eat her hands.

Hence, the bath.

Just like at the hospital, Addy took it without complaint. She let us do our thing, and seemed to enjoy the sensation of the warm water.

So much pink in this house for this girl ...

Dave's 30th in Stockton

The weekend before my birthday, we took a trip down to Stockton to see everyone. We got to spend time with Tita & Bill, the Clarks, and Grambot & Grandpa. We were REALLY disappointed that we didn't get a chance to see our GGrand Jacksons. But we'll come visit you guys ASAP. We love you!

My Mom had asked what I wanted for a birthday cake, and of course, my response was "cookies & cream ice cream cake in the shape of a Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtle." Mom, being unsure whether that was reasonable or not, asked what my backup was. My response was "something with Mickey Mouse," knowing that Eli is bonkers over Disney. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is on every morning at our house while Eli enjoys his breakfast milkies.

And you're never too old for a cartoon-themed birthday cake.

Mom came through, of course ...

Eli wanted to be on Daddy's lap, helping to blow out the candles.

He does a great job of helping us make sure our soup, fish sticks and tea are at the proper temperature at home.

So, being the resident expert, he thought it was his duty to assist.

He didn't quite have the gusto to get all the candles, so Daddy had to help out.

As soon as he knew it was safe, he jammed his finger into the frosting.

Not sure where he learned that ...

Taryn ...

Thanks Mom & Dad. It was a blast.

Addy's 1st Trip to Stockton

The first weekend after Addisyn came home, we decided to take a quick trip to Stockton so her extended family could have a chance to meet her. We had our day planned pretty tight, but did such a great job of getting out of the house and into the car that morning, that we were able to take our time and really enjoy the day.

Our first stop was Poppy's house, where we spent almost 2 hours watching Eli steal and hoard all of Mcgwire's balls. He threw them a few times, and laughed his face off when Mac either caught them in his mouth, or chased them down and brought them back. We stayed inside, since the new puppies were in the backyard. Being as young as they are, they aren't yet trained well enough to keep from jumping all over the Biddles, which kinda freaks him out. But we got to see all of the damage they'd done to the dry wall in the garage and laundry room. Boogers. Especially Jesse, the Black Lab.

Next stop was Grambot & Grandpa's house. We spent the better part of the afternoon watching Eli run around with his Grandpa, and letting Grambot coo over the baby. We went for a walk after lunch, and even had Casey stop by to say hello.

Here's Grambot loving every minute of holding her Granddaughter.

Grandpa actually got some baby time too. And she was awake and alert enough to make faces.

The start of many that they'll share together, we're sure ...

But never forget the Biddles! He loves coming to Stockton to see family. So much love and attention!


After lunch we headed to Bill & Tita's house. We spent a couple hours showing off our new bundle of joy, and letting Eli play with their antique train set.
Nonni came by to spend time with us and see her parents. Addisyn was in and out of sleep, but had some great moments of being awake and alert for everyone.

The face of a woman who gets to meet her first Great Granddaughter. Bliss.

You're the best Tita! We love you!

Bill got to test her strength by having her grip his fingers. And he was impressed with how blue her eyes were.

Here's a great shot of Miss Addy saying hello to her Tita.

Eli loves his trains, and the set that Bill & Tita have is pretty awesome. It used to be Taryn & Kendall's back when they were young. It's a lot bigger than the one Eli has at home, with more intricate pieces like a tunnel and a bridge. Daddy helped him put it together to get started.

He was fascinated with the tunnel. Looks like we know what the next addition will be for his track at home. And he played so nicely, being very gentle with the pieces.

Although, he did get frustrated when the large track kept coming apart each time his shoes bumped it, so we shortened it for him.

Even his new Cars got a turn around the track and through the tunnel.

Eli's Big Brother Gift

With Addisyn's arrival, Taryn & I wanted to surprise Eli with a Big Brother Gift, so that he had something special just for him amid all of the new-baby craziness.

We were considering one of the red plastic cars that kids can climb inside and "drive". There were a ton of them at SuperFranks - the adventure-time playland that we took Eli to early in January. He spent a lot of time in them, and really seemed to enjoy them. Plus, his daycare has two, and we've caught him driving them around the track when picking him up in the afternoon.

But then Uncle Kendall, Aunt Nicole and Cousin Ariel came by, bringing with them a Disney Princess tent/tunnel. Eli loved crawling through the tunnel and popping in and out of the tent surprising Ariel and the rest of us. Seeing the look on his face, recognizing how much he enjoyed having a space of his own to hide and play - it sealed the deal.

We went looking for a more manly option than the Disney Princess tent. There were Cars-themed tents, Dora the Explorer-themed tents, a tent that looked like a tree ... but as soon as we saw the Buzz Lightyear Spaceship, we knew it was the right choice.

For Christmas, Eli got both Buzz Lightyear and Woody - and he hasn't put them down since. And he's seen the newest Toy Story movie a number of times (making us laugh out loud when, every time, during the opening scene where Woody is on top of the train and starts fighting ninja-style with Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head, he jumps up, points and starts yelling "uh oh! uh oh!")

So here's the Spaceship. There are the two tunnels on the sides (which Eli quickly learned to shut and open by himself, so that he can lock himself in). On the back there are three little holes where we can drop in toys, or reach in to grab him and play. In the front the picture of Buzz Lightyear is a see-through mesh, so that we can make faces. It's pretty cool. We brought it home, set it up, and had it all ready when he walked in the door. His face lit up immediately and he made a run for it - not coming out for a solid 2 hours!

We also bought him a 4-pack of the Disney/Pixar Cars. He has Lightning McQueen, The blue Dinoco Car, and 2 other racers. He takes these everywhere with him too, just like Buzz and Woody ... and Elmo, Big Bird and Cookie Monster ... and his Star Wars Potato Heads ... the list keeps getting longer.

But I guess the Lightyear Spaceship also makes for a great 3-D race track.

A day with the Clarks

Uncle Kendall, Aunt Nicole and cousin Ariel could not wait for us to get home so they could come up and visit to meet Addisyn. Poppy came up with them too, since Nonni has been staying with us over the past week to watch Eli if Addisyn decided to come early. We spent the day watching the kids play and giving Addisyn a chance to spend some cuddle time with her grandparents and Uncle and Auntie. It is always good times when Ariel and Eli get together. It is impossible to capture a picture of the two of them playing because they are running and screaming everywhere. Here is a great shot of Nicole, Kendall and Ariel with Addisyn. Ariel apparently rather be playing with her buddy Eli...

Oh...wait a minute...Ariel realized there is a "real" baby next to her. Ariel has a excellent vocabulary and was able to say baby and point to Addisyn. She became enamored with Addisyn and wanted so badly to touch and hold her. It is so adorable to watch.

Addisyn even got to try on Ariel's hat.


Addisyn even got some face time with her Poppy and Nonni. Although she slept through most of it.

We had a fabulous day with family over for a visit. Nonni went back with them, so tomorrow we brave our first day as a family of four. Wish us luck! We love you guys! Thank you for ll the love and attention you give our kids so freely. They a lucky to have you.

Ya we know...it has been a while....

No one tells you how exhausting it is with a extremely active toddler....let alone trying to keep up with him while pregnant. So our deepest apologies to everyone who checks in on our blog. I know it has been quite a while since we have posted anything...

So what is up with the Bacons...? Eli will be 21 months very soon and man is he into everything and we hopefully will meet Addisyn in 23 days unless she decides to come early. Her scheduled C-Section is January 10th...we will see. She at least has to hold off until January 3rd. Dave has been able to work his schedule so he will be able to get away easily if she comes in January and I will be back at work from our winter break so I do not lose any precious time with our little girl (I hear they would start counting my maternity over the break if she comes then). So yes, I am crazy and plan to work until at least January 5th but I hope to make it to the 7th.

My list to do before Addisyn arrives is quite extensive...we still have a lot to do. One of which is to catch up on this blog...we still have last Xmas, to Eli's 1 year, to learning about Addisyn joining our family and much more. I plan to get it on here but as you all know...don't hold me to it;-)

Addisyn's room at least is close to finished along with Eli's room. He is now on a full size matress on the ground for the time being. My old chest bed is getting a face lift to look more masculine so as soon as the rain stops we will have it ready to go and finally be able to hang everything on Eli's walls and call it a day. I will post pics as soon as we are done.

Dave and I are house hunting in Benicia...nothing has stuck yet by we will see what the new year brings. We love the town and have high hopes that our growing family will be happy and safe there.

So with the promise to hopefully be better at our blog I leave you all with wishes for a happy holiday season. Since I have lost all my addresses...my computer crashed....here is a post with our card this year.