Caddyshack

There was a famous scene in the old movie "Caddyshack" where someone drops a chocolate bar in a crowded swimming pool... and chaos ensues. My boys reenacted that scene tonight. I was attempting to give both boys a bath, at the same time. I washed Sydney and stepped back to rest and stretch out my back. Both boys were splashing and playing in the bath water. I look at Sydney, and see a stream of pee coming out. No problem, it wasn't much pee, and the volume would be well diluted by the bath. Suddenly, I see a giant candy bar... 'Cept there is no possible way it was a candy bar. There is only one thing it could have been.. I had to think fast.. Evacuate the bath! I grabbed Sydney and pulled him out. I told Casey to let go of the bath toys, and get out. These days, he doesn't do it often, but this time, he listened, immediately. Thankfully, it was a rather solid log, so I had a few precious seconds to evacuate the bath before the contamination spread. I now realize the movie depiction wasn't very life-like. See, when the real thing is exposed to water, it begins to disintegrate. Little pieces fall off, and the log generally breaks up. In addition, the water slowly begins to get a muddy, brownish tint. My immediate focus was to save my boys from the contaminated water, I did not stop to photograph or video the disaster. Sorry.

Two for One (Sydney edition)

As many of you may know, Casey and Sydney were both born on the same day... Exactly two years apart. Today we celebrated Casey's 3rd birthday and Sydney's 1st birthday. It was a beautiful day, and we had a great turnout. Friends, family, a taco caterer and a balloon artist all helped us celebrate. Props to Mommy who did a wonderful job preparing. And a special thanks to cousin Ashley who spent a week with us, helping out. Without them, the party would not have happened.

Mommy baked him a personal birthday cake. All for him to do as he pleased.

Sydney spent most of his time looking around, and soaking everything in. This was quite possibly the biggest party he has experienced to date. In viewing the photos below, it should become obvious what the highlight of Sydney's day was... CAKE!!!

Sydney with his Nanny, Rei.


Sydney laughing at his big brother trying to blow out candles.


Just getting started on his personal birthday cake.


The damage isn't too bad so far... Yet.


Wow!

Upright

Sydney has broken through. He took his first steps... Last night, he was taking some steps, but he was very camera shy. Anytime he saw a video camera, he would react by plopping down on his behind. This time, maybe he was ultra-focused on Dad, or Cousin Ashley was just stealth with the Iphone camera... but he performed for the camera.

Gettin Close

Sydney is getting oh so close to walking. He can (unknowingly) balance himself standing up for a few seconds... Until he realizes he isn't holding on to anything and quickly sits on his butt. His older brother can't wait for him to walk, he is so anxious to play chase with him. Right now, they play their own version of chase, with Casey running wild, and Sydney crawling like mad trying to keep up with him.

Stay tuned, with any luck, we'll have a video of Sydney's first independent steps soon!

Step Ladder

Sydney is at that stage where the coolest thing in the world is the remote control. Not the little plastic play ones that come with his toys; only the real thing will do. This evening, I was down on the floor playing with Sydney. Multitasking, I was controlling the TIVO when he wasn't looking. Once, he turned around unexpectedly, and saw GOLD!!... the remote control in Daddy's hand. I quickly tossed it on the couch, out of reach... or so I thought. Sydney, who is just learning to balance and stand up, managed to stand on my leg, then he hoisted one leg up to my shoulder, and used the leverage to SIT ON MY HEAD. This gave him the proper height to reach the remote control!

Gotta give him credit; resourceful little one...

From generation to generation

The cycle of life. Once I was the student, alas, now I'm the teacher. A long time ago, my parents put me on tricycles and bicycles... Now it's time I pay it forward, and put MY kids on 'em.

Sydney recently got his first bike helmet. (Safety first) He now enjoys the ridealong seat that Casey started out on.

From a long time ago...

Getting ready for is FIRST ride ever!

Action Shot!

Single Digits

Dear Sydney,

Night time is for sleeping. You are doing so well, putting yourself to sleep in the evening. We are so proud of you... However, what's with the 2AM, 3AM, 4AM crying sessions? That is sleepy time. Here is a good rule to live by, one I practiced religiously all the way through college. If there is single digits on the clock, followed by an "AM"; it's sleepy time. When 10AM rolls around, see, there are two digits on the clock now, go ahead and wake up!

Mommy's tired, Daddy's tired.. Even your big bro jailbroke out of your room last night in search of peace and quiet. Please baby... remember; "Single digits = sleepy time"

Love, Dad