When Uncle Dave was little, he thought he had two names. David Maas Michael Maas. We've been trying to get David to say his full name recently, so we thought it was too cute when he started saying that he is David Maas Adams Maas. I attempted to capture this on video and, of course, failed. He says it correctly for the first time in weeks. (I caught the tail end of him singing the "du zi" song from Mandarin class. Du zi means "tummy," so we sing "du zi du zi du zi" over and over before snack time.)
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Weekend in Galena
Kevin took the day off of work on Friday, and after running some errands in the morning, we headed out to Galena to spend the weekend with Adam and Laura. We arrived mid-afternoon, and David practice his golf game and helped Kevin fill the bird feeders.
In other David news, we're working on making bed time lower maintenance. David had a very easy transition from his various caregivers in China to us, but he has always been very particular about his bed time routine and wants me to sit with him until he is asleep. No substitutions allowed, and help us all if he wakes up while I'm trying to sneak out of his room. So we're working on him falling asleep with his door open and me across the hall in the computer room. We've promised a big boy bed with trucks and trains on the sheets if he can do it. So far, no tears, but as I type this I'm being summoned into his room for about the sixth time tonight. Last time, he just wanted to tell me "big boy bed." We'll see how this goes...
The real fun began Saturday when we went to town and visited our favorite popcorn place. It was buy 3 get 1 free, so between 4 adults and 1 child, we left with 12 bags of popcorn. Below you can see David enjoying the stuffed potato flavor and posing by a Corvette for Kevin's enjoyment.
Later in the evening we went to the marina. There we captured these rare photographs: Adam not flipping off the camera and a picture without David.
Before we headed for home today, we went back to town for more junk food including (but not limited to) enormous caramel apples, ice cream and very fancy chocolates. Don't let the last picture fool you, he slept for an hour of the drive home and yelled at Kevin to turn around and go back to "Geena house" for two.
Later in the evening we went to the marina. There we captured these rare photographs: Adam not flipping off the camera and a picture without David.
Before we headed for home today, we went back to town for more junk food including (but not limited to) enormous caramel apples, ice cream and very fancy chocolates. Don't let the last picture fool you, he slept for an hour of the drive home and yelled at Kevin to turn around and go back to "Geena house" for two.
In other David news, we're working on making bed time lower maintenance. David had a very easy transition from his various caregivers in China to us, but he has always been very particular about his bed time routine and wants me to sit with him until he is asleep. No substitutions allowed, and help us all if he wakes up while I'm trying to sneak out of his room. So we're working on him falling asleep with his door open and me across the hall in the computer room. We've promised a big boy bed with trucks and trains on the sheets if he can do it. So far, no tears, but as I type this I'm being summoned into his room for about the sixth time tonight. Last time, he just wanted to tell me "big boy bed." We'll see how this goes...
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Planes, trains and fireworks night
We attempted the air and water show last Sunday. David woke up at 5:45 that morning, so he only made it about an hour into the show before he was tired, grumpy and ready to go home. He did enjoy the planes, boats and skydivers that he saw; and he also seemed to really enjoy the lake. That's probably because Kevin was holding him, so he didn't actually come in contact with the water which was crazy cold. In August. Eleven years, and I still can't believe I live in this climate.
Kevin, David and a bunch of fools in Lake Michigan. (David insists on wearing his hats backwards.)
Poor Alma got stuck in the Seattle airport for 36 hours due to storms in Chicago and United's incompetence, so we were nanny-less on Monday. Kevin stayed home with David in the morning, and then took him in to the 'flex until I could get there. David was very very happy to see her back on Tuesday and is completely enamoured with the toy school bus and t-shirt she brought him.
Last night we went to the White Sox game and had a great time. Not only did the Sox win, but David selected a new hat and shirt for himself. He also really enjoyed their FUNdamentals area where kids can practice throwing, hitting, fielding and running. His favorite by far was racing a cutout of Scott Podsednik to first base. We waited in a very long line and thought for sure he would refuse to run when he realized he had to do it by himself, but as soon as I told him he was next, he was off like a shot. He didn't actually wait for the kid in front of him to finish or for cardboard Pods to be ready to race, but he had a huge smile on his face the entire 90 feet. We wrapped it up with fireworks after the game and a nice trip home on the green line during which David entertained his fellow passengers with grins and sideways glances.
David practicing his swing in kids area and sound asleep (finally!) on the way home from the green line.
Today we went to church and ran some errands in the morning. After David's nap we went (where else?) to the zoo. Today's highlights were a gorilla eating its own poop and a couple of camels wrestling. We stopped at Oberweis on the way home and finished off the weekend with David's first bath since Wednesday. (I wish I was kidding.)
David checking out the zebras and showing off his mad climbing skills. Watching the camels with Kevin.
Kevin, David and a bunch of fools in Lake Michigan. (David insists on wearing his hats backwards.)
Poor Alma got stuck in the Seattle airport for 36 hours due to storms in Chicago and United's incompetence, so we were nanny-less on Monday. Kevin stayed home with David in the morning, and then took him in to the 'flex until I could get there. David was very very happy to see her back on Tuesday and is completely enamoured with the toy school bus and t-shirt she brought him.
Thursday Alma had jury duty, so Grandma Maas spent the day with David. They hung out at GG's house, ate a lot (that is probably implied given that they were with Lil) and played hockey.
Friday we had a play date with my friend Dalia and her son Gabe. That evening we did family haircuts (David still requires a straight jacket for haircuts) and dinner with Grandma and Grandpa.
As usual, David stayed busy over the weekend. After taking a dive off the kitchen counter in the morning (he's fine...Kevin still hasn't recovered), he rebounded for a trip to the Field Museum.
David watching the trains on his way to the museum, playing the drums in the children's museum and enjoying a snack by the lake.
David watching the trains on his way to the museum, playing the drums in the children's museum and enjoying a snack by the lake.
Last night we went to the White Sox game and had a great time. Not only did the Sox win, but David selected a new hat and shirt for himself. He also really enjoyed their FUNdamentals area where kids can practice throwing, hitting, fielding and running. His favorite by far was racing a cutout of Scott Podsednik to first base. We waited in a very long line and thought for sure he would refuse to run when he realized he had to do it by himself, but as soon as I told him he was next, he was off like a shot. He didn't actually wait for the kid in front of him to finish or for cardboard Pods to be ready to race, but he had a huge smile on his face the entire 90 feet. We wrapped it up with fireworks after the game and a nice trip home on the green line during which David entertained his fellow passengers with grins and sideways glances.
The 3 of us at the game (please note our autumn-like attire). David two fisting ballpark food.
David practicing his swing in kids area and sound asleep (finally!) on the way home from the green line.
Today we went to church and ran some errands in the morning. After David's nap we went (where else?) to the zoo. Today's highlights were a gorilla eating its own poop and a couple of camels wrestling. We stopped at Oberweis on the way home and finished off the weekend with David's first bath since Wednesday. (I wish I was kidding.)
David checking out the zebras and showing off his mad climbing skills. Watching the camels with Kevin.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Nahnee is nanny
While Alma was on vacation last week, my parents (referred to here as Nahnee and Ramma until David changes their names again) flew in to play substitute nanny. They survived but likely will need 12-14 hours of sleep a night for the next several days to recover.
Last Sunday we spent the morning in Millennium Park where David refused to go in the water, checked out the bean and two fisted Original Rainbow Cone ice cream.
During the week, the first thing out of David's mouth every morning was "Wake up Nahnee. Play choo choo!" And that's exactly what he did. Ramma and Nahnee took David to eat lunch with GG and to the zoo. Every one had a very nice time, and other than mild exhaustion, there were no injuries to report.
David showing Nahnee where to go on the zoo map and reading a LaBorde family favorite with Ramma.
My parents brought with them a nice stretch of unusually summer-like weather that we have all enjoyed. David has been hitting the sprinkler hard this weekend and insisting that every one else, bathing suit or no bathing suit, run through the water with him.
Today it's off to the air and water show. Pictures to follow.
Last Sunday we spent the morning in Millennium Park where David refused to go in the water, checked out the bean and two fisted Original Rainbow Cone ice cream.
During the week, the first thing out of David's mouth every morning was "Wake up Nahnee. Play choo choo!" And that's exactly what he did. Ramma and Nahnee took David to eat lunch with GG and to the zoo. Every one had a very nice time, and other than mild exhaustion, there were no injuries to report.
David showing Nahnee where to go on the zoo map and reading a LaBorde family favorite with Ramma.
My parents brought with them a nice stretch of unusually summer-like weather that we have all enjoyed. David has been hitting the sprinkler hard this weekend and insisting that every one else, bathing suit or no bathing suit, run through the water with him.
Today it's off to the air and water show. Pictures to follow.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
What have I been doing with my time?
I'm not sure why I haven't had time to post in the last week and a half. David had a bad cough, which is now much much better. Between the hacking and the bad vacation sleep habits, we've only just begun to sleep through the night again. It's nice to finally be back in our groove. (That sounds slightly less lame than routine which is exactly what I mean.)
Last weekend while I worked, Kevin and GG took David to Navy Pier. Later that evening, David hit the town with Alma, Sabrina, Alma's cousin and her kids while Kevin and I had a date night with Adam and Laura. We went to see Rod Blagojevich: Superstar, a Second City show at Navy Pier. It was a lot of fun. We definitely need to get out more as grown ups. Both of us had to stop ourselves from pointing out choo choos to Adam and Laura as we drove downtown. On Sunday, we did Lincoln Park zoo and brunch with Godfather Steve.
Last night Kevin spent the night at Nate and Charmaine's house on Evie duty while they welcomed baby Griffin Everett "Finn" to the world. Everyone is doing great, and we are super excited to meet the newest Derdozo!
Here are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure. (No baby Fin yet, but we'll be barging over there with our camera soon enough.)
At Navy Pier
At Lincoln Park zoo with Steve, and throwing down some brunch at Stanley's.
Last weekend while I worked, Kevin and GG took David to Navy Pier. Later that evening, David hit the town with Alma, Sabrina, Alma's cousin and her kids while Kevin and I had a date night with Adam and Laura. We went to see Rod Blagojevich: Superstar, a Second City show at Navy Pier. It was a lot of fun. We definitely need to get out more as grown ups. Both of us had to stop ourselves from pointing out choo choos to Adam and Laura as we drove downtown. On Sunday, we did Lincoln Park zoo and brunch with Godfather Steve.
Last night Kevin spent the night at Nate and Charmaine's house on Evie duty while they welcomed baby Griffin Everett "Finn" to the world. Everyone is doing great, and we are super excited to meet the newest Derdozo!
Here are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure. (No baby Fin yet, but we'll be barging over there with our camera soon enough.)
At Navy Pier
At Lincoln Park zoo with Steve, and throwing down some brunch at Stanley's.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Nothing could be finer
We are back from the beach, and it was fantastic. We spent a week in Litchfield, SC, about 20 miles south of Myrtle Beach. We went with both sets of grandparents, GG, Aunt Leslie and Uncle Stanley, Uncle Dave and his fiancee, Great Aunt Vic, John and their friend Cheryl. There was also a special guest appearance by Uncle Adams. So basically at any given time, there was David plus about 14 adults who think everything he does is the best, funniest, most brilliant thing they've ever seen. We currently have him under very careful supervision as he detoxes from all that attention.We started our vacation with a weigh in. Dave's fiancee challenged Kevin and Uncle Dave to a fat off. Whoever lost the least weight would have to buy Illinois football and basketball tickets for his thinner brother. David was nervous at the weigh in, but Kevin's 12 pounds was enough to seal the victory.
David knew beating Uncle Dave in the fat off would be tough.
We flew in to Myrtle Beach Saturday evening. After what may be the longest wait for bags and a rental car in the history of our travels, we finally made it to the beach house. We took David out to see the ocean. He splashed in the ocean some but wasn't so sure about it. (It took him until Wednesday to really get in to the water.) He fell in love with sand and his wagon full of shovels immediately.
David's first time on the beach. Sunset over the marsh.
Sunday was all beach all the time. Here is David in Nahnee's old navy hat and playing catch with GG and Uncle Dave.
Action shot. Flying a kite with Grandpa.
Monday Kevin and I celebrated our 7th anniversary (and Grandma and Grandpa's 34th) with a delicious breakfast prepared by Dave and his fiancee, a round of mini golf, a little beach time with David and a nice dinner at Oliver's Lodge while the 12 other adults in the house babysat. We returned home a little after 10:00 to find that David had refused bath and bed and was happily playing with the choo choo set from Nahnee's house.
David refused the plastic kiddie club and even the shortest regular club and spent most of his golf time using Kevin's. Kevin, David and GG. Me and Kevin all cleaned up for dinner.
Tuesday was more beach and a little pool time. David spent more time examining the fresh water trickling in to the pool than he did actually swimming. The Maas contingent went dancing Tuesday night, so the LaBorde side (pictured in front of the inlet) made a return trip to Oliver's Lodge.
Wednesday the Maases took a day trip to Charleston. We enjoyed a harbor cruise, where we got beautiful views of the city as well as a pod of dolphins. We also had some good food at A.W. Shucks and checked out the Market. David was a trooper and managed to stay awake and pleasant way past nap time, but he eventually crashed and burned and was sound asleep before we got to our final stop--Kilwin's for some ice cream. We came back to more good food at the house, a dinner that included Uncle Stanley's famous stuffed shrimp.
Kevin and David on the boat. Playing with Grandma at the restaurant. Unconscious at 3pm.
Thursday we tried to spend as much time on the beach as possible. We had a group dinner that night followed by my family's beach tradition, a game of Trivial Pursuit. (We're nerds.) Unfortunately, our strongest player, Nahnee, had to leave that afternoon to go back to work. The LaBordes were allowed to phone-a-friend him, and though there was some grumbling from the other side when we won, I maintain it was completely legit.
Friday was more beach time, another round of mini golf and a game of Apples to Apples during which GG kept us all very entertained.
Sunrise. David playing his ball from the rough. Going for a walk with GG.
Sunrise. David playing his ball from the rough. Going for a walk with GG.
David sent Nahnee an email to keep him up to speed on what we were up to and kicked back in the jacuzzi tub that night. Uncle Dave with GG.
Kevin, David and I hit the beach at sunrise yesterday morning. Kevin and David played catch and checked out crab holes. Then we had to pack it up until next time.
On our way to the airport, we stopped at the Island Shops where David picked out a new South Carolina hat. He was a hit at both airports with his hat and suitcase.
We are back at home. Unfortunately our efforts to get David back on some sort of sleep schedule are being thwarted by a crabby boy with a fever that started about half an hour after bedtime last night. Hopefully he'll be fully recovered soon so that we can all get some sleep and recover from our vacation.
We are back at home. Unfortunately our efforts to get David back on some sort of sleep schedule are being thwarted by a crabby boy with a fever that started about half an hour after bedtime last night. Hopefully he'll be fully recovered soon so that we can all get some sleep and recover from our vacation.
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