Archive for July, 2007

Weekend in East Hampton.

Sunday, July 29th, 2007

We had a lovely weekend at Great Grandma Dorothy’s house. She has had her house in East Hampton since before the Hamptons was “The Hamptons”. One of the great things about knowing a fulltime resident of EH is that they all get access to Georgica Beach, where the Swells go to sun themselves. Thats a pretty nice treat when you’re from the rough-and-tumble Upper West Side of Manhattan, like we are.

As I mentioned earlier, Jack had his first encounter with the ocean. And while I didn’t end up just throwing him in, he did try it out, as you can see below. I was slightly disappointed because Jack did’nt even try to eat a fistfull of sand, although, I am assured by Gran E that I’ll get my chance. In the end, I would say that Jack’s first trip to the ocean had mixed results, but we’ve mooched our way into a weekend at the Jersey shore in two weeks, so he wont have to wait long to try it again.

Bottom line for the weekend: Lobster dinner is delicious and there is nothing funnier than seeing a baby that is simultaneously terrified and fascinated by the water.

Dorothy and Jack

Playing with Great Grandma Dorothy.

Dorothy and Jack

More playing.

Assesing the situation

“It’s new, but I can handle it”

Step one. inspect water.

“Whats all the fuss about? Drop me in there!”

Step two: realize that water is scary.

“I AM NEVER GETTING WET EVER AGAIN!!!”

Teethers

Thursday, July 26th, 2007

Tomorrow is Jack’s 11 month OR 8 month birthday. He is doing the following things:

1) Teething
2) Teething
3) Teething
4) trying to crawl
5) did I mention the teething?

He’s getting his top canines and they look like they’re going to be followed pretty quickly by his two front teeth. Getting top teeth is a good thing because up until now Jack has really only had two bottom teeth and that makes chewing things, well, harder.

Despite the clear benefits of having teeth, Jack is not having any fun in the process. Last night we witnessed a baby meltdown the likes of which we hadn’t seen since the winter of 2007.

We were killllllllinnnnnng hiiiiiim with all the teeth and what not.

I tried to explain to him that teething really only happens once in a kid’s life and that it will most likely get better. That said, I haven’t discussed molars with him yet… Maybe he won’t notice those?

Bath Time

Sunday, July 22nd, 2007

Just to be clear: I have no problem giving Jack a bath. Its just being in there with him that’s the problem.

In fact, I’m teaching him how to swim in the bathtub. This is in advance of our planned trip to the East Hampton next weekend where I intend to throw him in the ocean.

According to my Mother, my Father threw me in a pool when I was three weeks old. I figure, I survived, so Jack should be just fine. Plus I’ve given Jack an additional 8 months to prepare. Mostly to compensate for the fact that I’m throwing him into the Atlantic Ocean, not a swimming pool on top of a skyscraper on Lake Shore Drive. But also ’cause I’m a big softie.

See below for photos from training camp.

Bathtime

Swimming!

Bathtime

Almost ready to get out of the tub.

Bathtime

“Father, please remove me from this bath tub as soon as possible.”

Say Goodbye to Hollywood

Friday, July 20th, 2007

Say goodbye my baby.

We knew it was coming. The day that Hollis would leave. I gave him a bath tonight, and he’s had more raw hide treats than he really knows what to do with, all are hidden in very plain sight.

He kissed Jack today, gave him a big wet sloppy beagle kiss right on the nose. It made me cry, and Jack laugh, and well Hollis, despite the assertion that he is currently smarter than Jack, Hollis has not a clue.

Hollis got better and then he got worse. He was happy and good for about 2 weeks after the pit bull incident, and then, well then – he peed on Jack’s playmat AND his (Hollis’) brand new dog bed, about 3 times in a row. And then he peed in front of Donald, our friend from Japan that we see once every 3 or 4 years, and we were done.

He needs a home where he is THE baby. Not competing with an actual baby. We ruined Hollis, with all the sleeping on the bed, and nosing in whenever he wanted. I mean, he was best dog at our wedding. Simply put, he was here first.

So Hollis is going to live with my Mom and Amos. We’re hoping that a house with a backyard and a doting grandmother will make him happy.

That’s really all we want for him.

Stag Weekend: End Day One

Saturday, July 14th, 2007

Ok Ok. So She’s coming back tomorrow and it’s not really a “weekend” ’cause she left this morning.

And fine, we didn’t make it to the park or to any sort bar. But we did go downtown to hang out with aunt Katherine. We went to Paragon, and I returned a hat. What’s that you’re saying? Yes, I bought a different hat…. and some shoes. And an iPhone.

Then we just went back to Kath’s and hung out, came home and got some Mexican and watched a baseball game.

Jack was insanely good all day and even passed out during my elongated stay in the shoe department. What a great kid.
Passed out in paragon

Hey! There’s Kath in the background!