- He has a really awful Italian accent. And it's hysterical. It's a lot of accent on the first syllables of all words. i NEED to FIX up ALL the TIRes.
- He is learning to sing all of his nursery rhymes (and all other songs) like Bob Dylan. Yeah, you read that right. Jack and Jill is my favorite. And at the end, he always says, "Brown Paper ... EWWWWWWW" (don't know why ... never fails to crack me up)
- His favorite unicorn is Tom Cruise, and he knows the theme song for Planet Unicorn (http://www.planetunicorn.tv/)
- And the biggest news: this dude is GOING POTTY! I mean sure, we're not talking consistent poop on the potty, but there is some serious momentum building (I'm talking about peeing in the potty if you must know) and maybe, just maybe, there will be a general decline in diaper changing in our near future. We can only hope!
- Oh, and he can now open every door in the house. Bedtime, naptime, and even mornings have officially changed forever!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Mister Awesome
Henry is retaining his title of Awesome Little Dude. Some of his latest exploits:
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Snow day!
Man, this seems like three years ago, but it was last week. After our first (and maybe last) big snow of the season, Henry and his energetic parents took to the slopes (OK, hill) and hunkered down for some serious sledding.
Why no pictures of that, you ask? Because Henry got down the hill once and decided that he was done with that, thank you very much.
So we trekked through the park, checking out the creek and the trees and, of course, the snow.
Since then, we've been to Chicago (it was great, and even though we took a camera we seemed to have forgotten it everywhere we went) and I came down with a monster (monster!) cold. It was nasty. I'm just now getting over it.
But, we're back! And maybe, just maybe, spring will come. Pretty please?
As always, click the picture for more, well, pictures!
Why no pictures of that, you ask? Because Henry got down the hill once and decided that he was done with that, thank you very much.
So we trekked through the park, checking out the creek and the trees and, of course, the snow.
Since then, we've been to Chicago (it was great, and even though we took a camera we seemed to have forgotten it everywhere we went) and I came down with a monster (monster!) cold. It was nasty. I'm just now getting over it.
But, we're back! And maybe, just maybe, spring will come. Pretty please?
As always, click the picture for more, well, pictures!
Monday, February 04, 2008
Best Political Video Ever
Alright, alright ... here is my second post (ever!) that has nothing to do with my family. Except, maybe it does ... I started wondering what can each of us do ... how do we move the needle. What can Henry do? That's what we're pondering as a family right now. Anyway, the video was too cool not to share.
And if you're not an Obama fan ... pretend it's someone else. And if you don't dig on Hollywood, pretend like it's someone else. It's a very cool message.
(Click the movie to get it going)
And if you're not an Obama fan ... pretend it's someone else. And if you don't dig on Hollywood, pretend like it's someone else. It's a very cool message.
(Click the movie to get it going)
Sunday, January 27, 2008
We Had a Merry Christmas
At least, that's what Henry tells us! Santa was quite good to our Little Prince, getting him some really cool superhero outfits, enough train track to restart Amtrak service to Columbus, and some really cool Cars (with names like Snot Rod and Wingo).
Here are some pics of the Rayo cousins ... click to see them all!
http://gallery.mac.com/hepcatrayo#100008&view=grid&bgcolor=black&sel=0
Daddy got a new iMac, Mommy got a feature film of Henry Reading the Classics (film to be uploaded soon), and all had a good time and slept often for the next week. Then I had to go back to work, and Christmas was but a dream.
But a really good dream.
Here are some pics of the Rayo cousins ... click to see them all!
http://gallery.mac.com/hepcatrayo#100008&view=grid&bgcolor=black&sel=0
Daddy got a new iMac, Mommy got a feature film of Henry Reading the Classics (film to be uploaded soon), and all had a good time and slept often for the next week. Then I had to go back to work, and Christmas was but a dream.
But a really good dream.
Friday, December 21, 2007
"I'm just crazy, just like you [Daddy]"
That's what Henry told me last night as I was changing his diaper. He had his camera in his hands, and was snapping pictures of me Austin Powers style ("give me angry" ... "Yes ... Yes ... Yes ... No!") swinging the camera around wildly. I asked him "What the heck are you doing?"
His response (and I repeat): "I'm just crazy, just like you".
So, for the record, we are both crazy. And, in case you were wondering, this is a picture of me at work. Yes, I wore this to work today. Yes, I wore it all day. Yes, that is our office Xmas tree (with a pirate flag on top) behind me. Yes, I wore a disco outfit to drop off my son at daycare. And it was ... glorious!
Now it's time to batten down the hatches for Christmas ... the Michigan Rayos are coming down today, and we will be having four days straight of various renditions of Christmas. It will be a grand time. It will also be Annalia's first Christmas. And Henry's first Christmas of Santa awareness.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Air Criminals
This is how I know that I'm old: I've found a situation where I'm pining for how it was when I was young.
The Family Murano is quite vociferous about telling the driver (and everyone else in the car) when the tire pressure is low. It does this every time that you turn on the car. And it's loud.
We checked the onboard thingamajigger to find out which tires were low (and how low) to find out that three of the four tires were dangerously low. They have a slow leak, and I guess we've been negligent for some time about getting the pressure checked. So I, the responsible pater familias for our tribe, determined to fill up the air after filling up on gas.
Easy, right? Well, it was when I was filling up my bicycle. That, though, was when it was my primary form of transportation.
Not now. We pulled up to the very impressive looking machine (a far cry from the random hose with the half-rusted "Air" sign from my youth) to find out that it cost $.75 for three minutes of air. Yes you heard me .... FOR AIR! Such is life, right ... so we dug for quarters. No dice, because we've been giving them to the Salvation Army bell ringers -- which led to some very un-Christmaslike thoughts.
Instead of breaking my $10 to get quarters, we hit the next gas station. It wanted $.75 for air. And the next one. $.75 for air again. So, at the fourth one, I broked down and trudged to the attendant.
Because it was 7:00 PM on a Sunday in granola / hippie Clintonville, (my neighborhood) all of the doors were locked. I knocked on the window, and got my quarters through the "criminal" window ("put your ten in the hermetically sealed chamber, please") while the cashier-dude stared at me. I wanted $2 of quarters, and the rest in bills. I got $3 in change, including nickels and dimes. Guess my voice didn't go very well through the circa-1970 intercom device that they installed.
I got to the car, put in my quarters, and started to work the machine. It had a spring retraction system, so there was no slack. So I was working in the rain, in the dark, in the cold, with one foot stepping on the hose, one foot keeping my balance, one hand positioning the hose to lessen the impact of the tear that was leaking my precious, precious air and one hand trying to connect the hose nozzle to my tire valve.
It sucked. In fact, that's what I said when I got back in the car. Which Henry repeated. A lot.
There. I feel better. Hope it was as enjoyable to read as was frustrating to live.
The Family Murano is quite vociferous about telling the driver (and everyone else in the car) when the tire pressure is low. It does this every time that you turn on the car. And it's loud.
We checked the onboard thingamajigger to find out which tires were low (and how low) to find out that three of the four tires were dangerously low. They have a slow leak, and I guess we've been negligent for some time about getting the pressure checked. So I, the responsible pater familias for our tribe, determined to fill up the air after filling up on gas.
Easy, right? Well, it was when I was filling up my bicycle. That, though, was when it was my primary form of transportation.
Not now. We pulled up to the very impressive looking machine (a far cry from the random hose with the half-rusted "Air" sign from my youth) to find out that it cost $.75 for three minutes of air. Yes you heard me .... FOR AIR! Such is life, right ... so we dug for quarters. No dice, because we've been giving them to the Salvation Army bell ringers -- which led to some very un-Christmaslike thoughts.
Instead of breaking my $10 to get quarters, we hit the next gas station. It wanted $.75 for air. And the next one. $.75 for air again. So, at the fourth one, I broked down and trudged to the attendant.
Because it was 7:00 PM on a Sunday in granola / hippie Clintonville, (my neighborhood) all of the doors were locked. I knocked on the window, and got my quarters through the "criminal" window ("put your ten in the hermetically sealed chamber, please") while the cashier-dude stared at me. I wanted $2 of quarters, and the rest in bills. I got $3 in change, including nickels and dimes. Guess my voice didn't go very well through the circa-1970 intercom device that they installed.
I got to the car, put in my quarters, and started to work the machine. It had a spring retraction system, so there was no slack. So I was working in the rain, in the dark, in the cold, with one foot stepping on the hose, one foot keeping my balance, one hand positioning the hose to lessen the impact of the tear that was leaking my precious, precious air and one hand trying to connect the hose nozzle to my tire valve.
It sucked. In fact, that's what I said when I got back in the car. Which Henry repeated. A lot.
There. I feel better. Hope it was as enjoyable to read as was frustrating to live.
Monday, December 03, 2007
O Tannenbaum!
It must be Christmas ... I mean, don't pay attention to the lack of snow, the gale force winds, the thunderstorms (yes, I said thunderstorms) or the spring jacket that I'm wearing.
Instead, focus on the cryptically priced Canaan Fir tree that I'm killing while my son and wife look on. And focus on Henry's winter boots, jacket, and hat (which he can put on himself, thank you very much!)
We jumped in Papa Thornburg's enormous F-350 (with dual-ies ... did I spend that right?) and motored over to the Xenia / Yellow Springs area to Young's tree farm (also known as Young's dairy, Young's petting zoo, and Young's Fake-Amish-Beard-a-go-go). Although we were told by less than reliable meteorological sources (I'm looking at you, Gaga) that the rain would be letting up, it misted on us through the entire tree procurement process.
Thankfully the weather decided to erupt only after we had paid, picked up our hot chocolate and popcorn, and jumped back in the truck.
We also got to see Henry's Great Grandma (Gaga) Ida (which he pronounces "Ider")
Whew! Christmas!
Instead, focus on the cryptically priced Canaan Fir tree that I'm killing while my son and wife look on. And focus on Henry's winter boots, jacket, and hat (which he can put on himself, thank you very much!)
We jumped in Papa Thornburg's enormous F-350 (with dual-ies ... did I spend that right?) and motored over to the Xenia / Yellow Springs area to Young's tree farm (also known as Young's dairy, Young's petting zoo, and Young's Fake-Amish-Beard-a-go-go). Although we were told by less than reliable meteorological sources (I'm looking at you, Gaga) that the rain would be letting up, it misted on us through the entire tree procurement process.
Thankfully the weather decided to erupt only after we had paid, picked up our hot chocolate and popcorn, and jumped back in the truck.
We also got to see Henry's Great Grandma (Gaga) Ida (which he pronounces "Ider")
Whew! Christmas!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Workin' hard
It has been a a very fruitful, but very busy November. My brother asked me what I was doing for my birthday, and I told him I was doing exactly what I wanted to be doing ... installing laminate flooring.
We have made sure to enjoy all the great November events (the Bucks victory over that school Up North, both of our birthdays, Thanksgiving, Henry time), but have all been pitching in to FINALLY start living in the basement.
And, for me, get a new job. I'll be working for a Healthcare interactive marketing firm, Blue Diesel, starting on Tuesday. Sayonara Cardinal Health. It's sad to leave, and it's great to start something new. We'll see how it all goes.
As always, click the picture (or the pictures on the right) to see all of our Flickr pictures.
P.S. That board with the nails was whisked away, never to be seen again, immediately after this picture was taken. Henry didn't even see it.
We have made sure to enjoy all the great November events (the Bucks victory over that school Up North, both of our birthdays, Thanksgiving, Henry time), but have all been pitching in to FINALLY start living in the basement.
And, for me, get a new job. I'll be working for a Healthcare interactive marketing firm, Blue Diesel, starting on Tuesday. Sayonara Cardinal Health. It's sad to leave, and it's great to start something new. We'll see how it all goes.
As always, click the picture (or the pictures on the right) to see all of our Flickr pictures.
P.S. That board with the nails was whisked away, never to be seen again, immediately after this picture was taken. Henry didn't even see it.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Happy Birthday to Me!!!!
Ah, November 11th isn't just Veteran's Day in our household, but is also my birthday. Every year, actually, if memory serves ... and although I don't plan on ever being a veteran, I'm honored to share my birthday with them. I won't get into all the political tangents I'd like to on this topic ...
The Buckeyes must have been a little confused, because all they gave me for my birthday was the egg that they laid at the game against Illinois. Maybe they just really wanted to go to the Rose Bowl instead of the National Championship game. Maybe not. Who knows.
The weather didn't do any favors, either. High 30's and rainy. All frickin' day.
But my family and friends came through. I got well-wishes from
Columbus, OH, Tampa, FL, Ypsilanti, MI, Bradenton, FL, and Delhi, India. Pammie even sent me a picture of her in front of the Taj Mahal. My first intercontinental birthday message! Surreal!
And the kicker: we took Henry to see his first movie: Ratatouille. He was a total big boy stud. He burst out a couple times ("Whoa, Mommy, Whoa" was my favorite when some rats got struck by lightning), but watched quietly throughout. This was even more poignant due to a five-year old that had a total meltdown in the seat in front of him. About halfway through the tantrum, Henry
whispered to Sarah, "What's wrong with that little boy?"
It was a great time. It was a great birthday.
The Buckeyes must have been a little confused, because all they gave me for my birthday was the egg that they laid at the game against Illinois. Maybe they just really wanted to go to the Rose Bowl instead of the National Championship game. Maybe not. Who knows.
The weather didn't do any favors, either. High 30's and rainy. All frickin' day.
But my family and friends came through. I got well-wishes from
Columbus, OH, Tampa, FL, Ypsilanti, MI, Bradenton, FL, and Delhi, India. Pammie even sent me a picture of her in front of the Taj Mahal. My first intercontinental birthday message! Surreal!And the kicker: we took Henry to see his first movie: Ratatouille. He was a total big boy stud. He burst out a couple times ("Whoa, Mommy, Whoa" was my favorite when some rats got struck by lightning), but watched quietly throughout. This was even more poignant due to a five-year old that had a total meltdown in the seat in front of him. About halfway through the tantrum, Henry
whispered to Sarah, "What's wrong with that little boy?"It was a great time. It was a great birthday.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Can I please have some candy?
This dude is cute in a puppy suit. I have to admit that, upon first glance, the testosteroney Dad in me surfaced and I longed for a Superman costume or baseball player (or a hobo, even!). Little did I know how with it Henry was in this getup.
He was the center of attention everywhere he wore this thing. He killed at school. He heard a steady stream of ooohs and aaahs as we went around the neighborhood. At the height of the evening, he was in the center of no less than 8 high school girls, showing off and hamming it up. What's a puppy say? "Ruff"
Ruff, indeed.
Halloween is once again magical, by the way. Next year should be off the hook. And for all of you wondering, Henry has found his sweet tooth that has alluded him since birth. Gaga will be so proud.
He was the center of attention everywhere he wore this thing. He killed at school. He heard a steady stream of ooohs and aaahs as we went around the neighborhood. At the height of the evening, he was in the center of no less than 8 high school girls, showing off and hamming it up. What's a puppy say? "Ruff"
Ruff, indeed.
Halloween is once again magical, by the way. Next year should be off the hook. And for all of you wondering, Henry has found his sweet tooth that has alluded him since birth. Gaga will be so proud.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Greetings from San Diego
OK, so I've only been in San Diego for 18 hours. And I'm already at the airport, ready to go home. This trip is all business, no pleasure, but I did get some whiffs of ocean air, I didn't see any fire damage (I'm sure that's just dumb luck), and I (think I) got everything accomplished that I wanted to. So, back to Columbus!
Sitting in the Cardinal Health office, I was just finishing up my day when I got a Skype "call" from one Ms. Sarah Thornburg. Back at the Homestead, Sarah and Henry were just finishing his bath. I got to say goodnight to Henry in the middle of what was otherwise a very typical office cube jungle.
It is really spooky and awe inspiring that just being able to see my family while I converse with them really lets me be close as I'm so obviously far away.
Henry was up to all of his tricks. He likes seeing his picture as he knocks over the camera. The picture goes crazy on my side, accompanied by an infectious giggle coming through the computer speakers. Priceless. He also told me how he voted for (with) Mommy. Mommy made all of her decisions in the booth, and Henry got to hit the big "Vote" button at the end. Sarah was absolutely beaming with pride ... she's such a Government/Civics junkie, and to see her 2-year-old vote was a big moment for her. I gave her a hard time about it, but it is really cool to see Henry get excited about voting (or anything else that lets us dream about him being an informed, productive citizen). Hopefully he keeps his enthusiasm in the face of a system that can easily drain all enthusiasm and hope in the voting process and government in general.
OK ... enough grandstanding.
See you all back in Columbus! (and if you're not in Columbus, I guess I won't see you!)
Sitting in the Cardinal Health office, I was just finishing up my day when I got a Skype "call" from one Ms. Sarah Thornburg. Back at the Homestead, Sarah and Henry were just finishing his bath. I got to say goodnight to Henry in the middle of what was otherwise a very typical office cube jungle.
It is really spooky and awe inspiring that just being able to see my family while I converse with them really lets me be close as I'm so obviously far away.
Henry was up to all of his tricks. He likes seeing his picture as he knocks over the camera. The picture goes crazy on my side, accompanied by an infectious giggle coming through the computer speakers. Priceless. He also told me how he voted for (with) Mommy. Mommy made all of her decisions in the booth, and Henry got to hit the big "Vote" button at the end. Sarah was absolutely beaming with pride ... she's such a Government/Civics junkie, and to see her 2-year-old vote was a big moment for her. I gave her a hard time about it, but it is really cool to see Henry get excited about voting (or anything else that lets us dream about him being an informed, productive citizen). Hopefully he keeps his enthusiasm in the face of a system that can easily drain all enthusiasm and hope in the voting process and government in general.
OK ... enough grandstanding.
See you all back in Columbus! (and if you're not in Columbus, I guess I won't see you!)
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
The highlight of the Bucks game
My bestest friend Shannon scored tickets to the Buckeyes game last weekend, so the fam got our bus fare together and trucked down to campus.
Unfortunately, the tickets didn't quite make it with us. Which freaked us out. Especially the Shannon part of us. Shanny and I split up with Henry and Sarah, who went to hear the band play (a really cool tradition before every home game). We jumped a bus to get back home.
We checked the house. No dice. We checked his car. Nada. So we walked to the bench that Shannon was sitting on before he boarded the bus to campus. As we got there, we saw what appeared to be one piece of cardboard amongst some bus stop trash and debris. It was not one, but TWO TICKETS. They were face down, and they had been there for 45 minutes. inSANE.
So we jumped back on the bus, all smiles, and met up with la familia just as the band was finishing. As we were mulling around St. John's afterward, Dr. Woods (OSU's Director of Bands) came up to Henry and gave him his baton to direct with. He decided to twirl it instead. He said "I see ... I guess he'll be a Drum Major, not a conductor."
I think Henry just didn't want to upstage him. We have, after all, raised Henry to be a polite young man.
The game was great (we killed 'em), I had a great time with Shannon, and getting there was indeed half the ??fun??
Unfortunately, the tickets didn't quite make it with us. Which freaked us out. Especially the Shannon part of us. Shanny and I split up with Henry and Sarah, who went to hear the band play (a really cool tradition before every home game). We jumped a bus to get back home.
We checked the house. No dice. We checked his car. Nada. So we walked to the bench that Shannon was sitting on before he boarded the bus to campus. As we got there, we saw what appeared to be one piece of cardboard amongst some bus stop trash and debris. It was not one, but TWO TICKETS. They were face down, and they had been there for 45 minutes. inSANE.
So we jumped back on the bus, all smiles, and met up with la familia just as the band was finishing. As we were mulling around St. John's afterward, Dr. Woods (OSU's Director of Bands) came up to Henry and gave him his baton to direct with. He decided to twirl it instead. He said "I see ... I guess he'll be a Drum Major, not a conductor."
I think Henry just didn't want to upstage him. We have, after all, raised Henry to be a polite young man.
The game was great (we killed 'em), I had a great time with Shannon, and getting there was indeed half the ??fun??
Monday, October 15, 2007
Alright, I'm in ... Blog Action Day
Alright James, you got me thinking about this. Blog action day is about a simple concept: what if we all (I mean all the bloggers here) blogged on the same topic on the same day? What would happen. I just found out about this, so I have 47 minutes left to officially be part of the movement.
So I'll need to type fast.
How do I fit in a plea to think about and save the environment into our blog? What grand statement can I make? I am, after all, the owner of two cars with V6 engines (although both sport high-20's MPG on the highway, it's not sayin' much), a house with less-than-efficient windows, a two-year old in disposable diapers, and live in a country (proudly, I might add) that contributes more than it's fair share to global climate change.
Here are my meager contributions to the environment. I am buying local produce and goods whenever I can. I am only buying pocket fluorescent light bulbs to replace the incandescents that burn out. We're reusing food containers instead of buying disposables. And we're paying to recycle, even though it's free to just throw out anything we want (this one burns me ... how will recycling take off it costs more, in effort and $$$, than just pitching it?)
OK, so I'm not doing as much as I can. Duly noted. Maybe this post raised a bit of awareness though.
So I'll need to type fast.
How do I fit in a plea to think about and save the environment into our blog? What grand statement can I make? I am, after all, the owner of two cars with V6 engines (although both sport high-20's MPG on the highway, it's not sayin' much), a house with less-than-efficient windows, a two-year old in disposable diapers, and live in a country (proudly, I might add) that contributes more than it's fair share to global climate change.
Here are my meager contributions to the environment. I am buying local produce and goods whenever I can. I am only buying pocket fluorescent light bulbs to replace the incandescents that burn out. We're reusing food containers instead of buying disposables. And we're paying to recycle, even though it's free to just throw out anything we want (this one burns me ... how will recycling take off it costs more, in effort and $$$, than just pitching it?)
OK, so I'm not doing as much as I can. Duly noted. Maybe this post raised a bit of awareness though.
Annalia came to town!
This is just one of the ton of pictures that was snapped of Annalia's first visit to Columbus, and the first Columbus meeting of the Rayo Cousins. Annalia, Asia, and Henry all mugged for the camera the whole weekend.
Annalia is changing so fast! People tell me that Henry is, too, but it's really crazy to see Annalia once a month and realize how much I've missed in Bryan's, Sarah's and Annalia's very new life together. And how great it is to see them when we can get together again.
Asia and Henry, as usual, were thick as thieves the whole weekend. They cackled, giggled and ran (and ran and ran) through the house endlessly.
Annalia is changing so fast! People tell me that Henry is, too, but it's really crazy to see Annalia once a month and realize how much I've missed in Bryan's, Sarah's and Annalia's very new life together. And how great it is to see them when we can get together again.
Asia and Henry, as usual, were thick as thieves the whole weekend. They cackled, giggled and ran (and ran and ran) through the house endlessly.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Snoozing after the tailgate
We have been busy ... don't let our total lack of communication fool you! Henry (and Tenzin) have showed us that you're never too young to tailgate. Because of Henry's uncanny ability to always follow an "OH" with an "IO", he was invited to our friends' tailgates (before we were!). Tenzin and Henry piled into the bike trailer, and we trucked down to campus (click the picture to see some of the other pics).
They had so much fun, though, that they didn't quite make it back to the house! This is how we found them upon arriving back at home. OUT!
It was a great time. As Henry says, "Go Buckeyes!"
They had so much fun, though, that they didn't quite make it back to the house! This is how we found them upon arriving back at home. OUT!
It was a great time. As Henry says, "Go Buckeyes!"
Sunday, October 07, 2007
$220 and a big brown welcome
I just got back from Baltimore, where I had a great time hanging out with ergonomists, cognitive psychologists, and various other "-ists". I was invited to speak at the annual Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (of which I am a member) conference. I spoke on the topic of Medication Safety technology in the ICU ... sexy stuff.
I found out at the conference that I won the student paper award in the Healthcare subgroup. Since I didn't even know I entered the competition, I was both surprised and pretty excited. The exposure and the $200 check were both quite welcome.
This unexpected windfall (I'm counting it as a windfall!) came on the heels of my first paycheck as a fitness instructor at my gym. Ok, ok ... substitute fitness instructor. And the check was only $20. But it was a very cool $20.
So, I was pretty high on myself as I returned from my three days out of town. We touched down in Columbus, I got in my car, and as I was closing the garage door at home, Sarah and Henry rolled into the driveway. This cemented my transition from conquering hero to mild-mannered father. I made some dinner for the fam, and got Henry in the bath.
This is where Henry made sure that I knew the definition of humility. As the bath was winding down, I saw that he was, well, farting a lot. We started talking about how big boys go poopy in the potty, and we both agreed that the potty was the proper place to do such things. After about two minutes of this conversation, though, Henry must not have been convinced. You probably already know the punchline: more poop in the bathtub! Arrrgh!
I think that there's a parable in there somewhere. Fill in your own moral of the story.
I found out at the conference that I won the student paper award in the Healthcare subgroup. Since I didn't even know I entered the competition, I was both surprised and pretty excited. The exposure and the $200 check were both quite welcome.
This unexpected windfall (I'm counting it as a windfall!) came on the heels of my first paycheck as a fitness instructor at my gym. Ok, ok ... substitute fitness instructor. And the check was only $20. But it was a very cool $20.
So, I was pretty high on myself as I returned from my three days out of town. We touched down in Columbus, I got in my car, and as I was closing the garage door at home, Sarah and Henry rolled into the driveway. This cemented my transition from conquering hero to mild-mannered father. I made some dinner for the fam, and got Henry in the bath.
This is where Henry made sure that I knew the definition of humility. As the bath was winding down, I saw that he was, well, farting a lot. We started talking about how big boys go poopy in the potty, and we both agreed that the potty was the proper place to do such things. After about two minutes of this conversation, though, Henry must not have been convinced. You probably already know the punchline: more poop in the bathtub! Arrrgh!
I think that there's a parable in there somewhere. Fill in your own moral of the story.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
At least it wasn't poop, Bryan ...
My brother just got inducted into the club: My Baby Went to the Bathroom on Me. Check it out:
All I can say, bro, is at least it wasn't poop. Like it was for me ...
All I can say, bro, is at least it wasn't poop. Like it was for me ...
Gramma and her babies
You use your imagination about who the babies are.
Anyhoo, it was Ann Arbor time again this weekend, and this time Henry got to see Gramma Schmidt, whom his cousin Annalia was meeting for the first time (woo hoo!).
We had a great time, Sarah cooked up some great grub, and we had a life-changing experience at Ikea (have you ever been there? How do they do it?). Oh yeah, and we got back home safely.
Alas, we will not be going to see my lovely niece again this weekend (and she is lovely ... ask all of her grandparents!), so we will be scouring the blog just like everyone else to get tidbits of her loveliness.
Anyhoo, it was Ann Arbor time again this weekend, and this time Henry got to see Gramma Schmidt, whom his cousin Annalia was meeting for the first time (woo hoo!).
We had a great time, Sarah cooked up some great grub, and we had a life-changing experience at Ikea (have you ever been there? How do they do it?). Oh yeah, and we got back home safely.
Alas, we will not be going to see my lovely niece again this weekend (and she is lovely ... ask all of her grandparents!), so we will be scouring the blog just like everyone else to get tidbits of her loveliness.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Just in the nick of time
The carpet went in last night, and it is lovely! There was one problem, and that had to do with a really boneheaded mistake I had made the night before on the floor ... instead of having a nice level floor, I ended up with an unsightly mound of concrete right in the middle of my floor!
I had planned to rectify this tonight, but five minutes after I walked in the door, the power went out! There goes my night of productivity!
Luckily, the carpet made the basement a great place to camp out while we waited for the power to come back on. The rest of the house was pretty much unbearable in the near-100 degree heat.
And we got to camp out in our new basement! Which was much more enjoyable than the work I had planned to do.
I had planned to rectify this tonight, but five minutes after I walked in the door, the power went out! There goes my night of productivity!
Luckily, the carpet made the basement a great place to camp out while we waited for the power to come back on. The rest of the house was pretty much unbearable in the near-100 degree heat.
And we got to camp out in our new basement! Which was much more enjoyable than the work I had planned to do.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Annalia Kathleen Rayo!
She has arrived, she has arrived! In what is indeed Rayo Family News, Bryan and Sarah have had their child, and she is beautiful.Her name is Annalia Kathleen Rayo, and she was born on August 19th, 2007, at 10:51 in the morning (or somewheres about there). If memory serves, then she was born at 7 lbs. 6 oz and measured 19 1/2 inches (and if I'm wrong, correct me).
Bryan and Sarah are doing quite well, although they're just getting used to The Tired. You know The Tired, right? I'm just getting used to it myself.
I'll let them tell the gory details themselves. Check them out at http://littlerayo.blogspot.com/. It won't be updated for at least a couple of days ... they're not even home yet!
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