Fun With Firsts

Since Corwin is relatively brand new, almost all of his activities are truly among his 'first' experiences. That includes this recent Halloween.   And while Corwin's first Halloween was experienced as an accessory (or appendage...take your pick) to his Momma, Sydney was sure she would give her third Halloween event every ounce she had to offer.  She excelled at portraying her Merida character, and she embodied the look, behavior, and passion for the Pixar beauty.  She worked the trick or treating scene heavily, and she was very successful in filling up her candy bucket (to the dismay of her father and to the excitement of her mother...we know where the candy will go!).  During the TOT event, Syd's costume actually came in very handy.  There was no way we could lose her in a crowd with those long, bright, curly red locks bobbing in and out of stores.


Nana works her magic and gets
Corwin to sleep.

Sydney is a very active Big Sister, and it is a title that she does not take lightly.   With great power comes great responsibility, and this is a new role she has relished.  She often helps with his socialization process...often reading to him, telling him stories, or singing to him in that awful off-key pitch she inherited from her momma.

Sydney is very helpful with Corwin, though, and sometimes more than we would like.  She functions as the wing-man at diaper time.   This usually means she hands off the fresh diaper, opens the garbage pails for the used one, and in general acts as a spotter.   While she would like to be more hands on, we do our best to keep her out of harms way.  Corwin does have a parameter that is designated as the 'hot-zone,' where random fluids can erupt unexpectedly in any given direction.  The trajectory is fiercely impressive, so we always approach this activity with great respect and caution.  Aside from her assistance during changing time, I recently let Sydney bottle feed Corwin for the first time.  She did great.  She kept the bottle in the right position, made sure his head was supported, and talked to him throughout the process.  It was a success, however it only took a few minutes for her to realize this was slightly boring for her endless three year old energy.


Syd feeds her bro for the first time.

Corwin's first restaurant
experience.

This was also Corwin’s first visit with Nana.  Nana made the trip from Montana to spend some time with the new little guy and his Big Sister.  She got to experience his very cool and collective nature.  While he doesn't cry much at all, he is prone to loud squeaks, grunts, and other random noises that perhaps only a yak would understand.  Sydney also got to enjoy making some cookies with her Nana.  Nana will return at Christmas, and I'm sure Corwin will have grown a bit and also improved his basic vocabulary, which at this point only includes English and a strange Italian dialect.

 

Happy Halloween!!!

Halloween Time!!!

The weather has definitely changed.  It's much colder, the leaves have fallen off the trees, and for some reason people are craving sugar.

Since Corwin was born on October 7th, Halloween will mark his very first social event.  As you can see, we've already had fun snapping a few pictures of him with pumpkins.  He's a very convincing pumpkin, and you really have to look to tell which one is him, and which one was actually grown outside.

While Sydney will dress up as Merida, the courageous young lady with bright red hair from the movie Brave, Corwin decided to go with the much more simplistic concept of being a baby.  He's been in his costume all month, and I must say he's pulls it off very convincingly.  Actually, he may wear his little Frankenstein outfit, or simply continue to support his festive 'pumpkin look.'  I, on the other hand, will go as a very low functioning and sleep-deprived parent...something I am sure to pull off convincingly, too.

It's only been three weeks since his arrival, but it's clear he's already established some favorite activities.  Sleeping would top that chart.  He is part koala bear and he likes to make sure that his sleep is always maximized.  Karen would just say he's checking for light leaks in his eyes.  It'll be fun to see what other fun activities he prefers.

Big Sister Sydney has been great.  She always wants to hold him, talk to him, read him books, and help change his diaper.  We'll enjoy this as long as possible, or at least until the days of, "Dad, he's touching me again...he's not sharing...he's in my room..., etc.  But for now we couldn't ask for more from Sydney.  Auntie Jillian recently sent a great present that is perfect.  One shirt that says "baby brother Corwin" and one that says "big sister Sydney" (see below).  We look forward to them wearing their outfits.

Corwin has been able to meet many of the new family members...Great Grandma and Great Grandpa, Papa and Gigi, Grandma, and Grandpa.  And while he's also been able to meet many new friends, he's looking forward to meeting even more.  Well, much more to come, but this is the most I could muster on very little sleep.  Until next post, have a great weekend!!!

 

Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday Corwin Fuller!!!

 

October 7th marked a very special occasion...the arrival of Corwin Fuller!  He was born at 10:34 am in Bellingham, WA.  Because of this special occasion, he even arrived in his 'birthday suit'...he he.  We went into the hospital Saturday night, but he decided that he needed a little more alone time before making his first big social appearance.  He heard about the importance of being fashionably late, so he needed to make sure his entrance was noticed.

 

Karen did a great job...despite lack of sleep and extreme pain, she displayed unparalleled bravery and courage. She pushed and pushed, and without thought to her own comfort, she made sure Corwin made a great entrance into the world!!!  She has been a great Mom to Sydney, but she'll also be a great mother to Corwin.  It's going to be a great adventure, and we're looking forward to it!

His specifications were:

Weight: 6 pounds 11 ounces

Height: 19.75 inches

IQ: 150

 

We were very happy...a healthy baby boy.  Ten fingers and ten toes....well, that met most of the expectations right there!!!  And the day after he was born he passed his very first test...his hearing test. This means there are no excuses for not listening to his parents later on :)
 

Were were very grateful that Papa and Gigi came up from Whidbey Island to watch Sydney the first night, and then Grandma Gloria watched Sydney the next day.  Sydney loved spending time with all of her grandparents, and this meant she could enjoy the comforts of home instead of the boredom of the hospital waiting room.  For their help, we'll be forever grateful!!!

 

Corwin made his first trip home on Monday, and it was clear he fit right in.  Sydney loved being with her little brother, and she has already enjoyed holding him, reading to him, and giving him pearls of wisdom that she has learned in her first 'nearly four' years of life.  Now, if we can just get her trained on how to change a diaper we'll be set. 

That's it for now.  There will be plenty more news to share.  I'll try to update as possible, or my sleep-deprived functioning allows.  Until then....welcome Corwin!!!

First family 'of four' picture!

 

Brother-sister time :)

First story from Big Sister!

Pre-Birthday!



Grandpa Don made a "Corwin"
stamp from potato to decorate
wrapping paper.



For some reason when you think of September showers you think of rain in the great state of Washington.  But in this case, it actually had to do with Corwin's very first party.  Granted, he participated while still on the inside, contained by the boundaries of the placental wall created by Karen over the last eight months, but I like to think he still had a great time.

For me, the real question surrounds the premise of the 'shower' event itself!  It's all a sham!  I stopped by for a few minutes, estrogen zipping left and right!...you sincerely had to duck constantly.  There was no shampoo, no conditioner, no soap, and really no water or even moisture to speak of!!!  In reality, there was no one at the event that was actually showering.  So how did such events become to be called such things?  I don't know, but I must go on public record to tell others about this mis-publicized event.  Perhaps there is a slight chance that it is intended to 'shower' the new infant with gifts (my only guess), but until I find I conclusive evidence I will be very suspicious of those that refer to it by that name (whew...glad I got that off my chest!).  Anyway...moving on....

Since we already have  a girl, the big question has become...are we ready to raise a boy?  Well, as a Dad, it means I've been a boy for quite a while.  Twenty-two years of experience to be precise :)....ha ha!  In addition to my 18 years of manhood, it means I've had four years of experience as a human infant and boy.  All in all, that puts me in a great position.  I've made my share of 'male' mistakes, exactly required as a learning process to be a great father for a son.  Growing up, despite knowing the obvious 'heard of' consequences of peeing on an electric fence, you still need to test it out.  And if things involve lighting firecrackers in various objects, shooting things with a slingshot, or running over them with a motorcycle, those are all covered.  I've got all of the misguided recommendations any new little boy would need...so check that one off the list :)

Sometimes being a dad means having
to wear princess shoes...at the
request of a daughter!

And despite the necessity to participate in recent tea parties, princess dancing, and other rather 'girly' events, I'm a rather masculine guy...a real man's man.  In fact, I had to do some auto work earlier.  OK, it was only replacing a headlight, but it got the testosterone going into high gear.  Anytime a tool hits the hands, it's guy code for being at home.  A symbiosis frequently occurs which cannot be understood by the fairer sex (that is females to those who could not pick up on the obvious).  The conclusion...I love my beautiful princess daughter, but we are more than ready to tackle this new adventure of having a boy.

In just a few (or more) weeks, we will welcome Corwin Fuller.  Until then, we'll try to get as much sleep as possible since we know that will be a rarity when he makes his great escape to the outside world.  We love you Corwin!!!

Have a great rest of your week!!!

Five Years and Counting!!!

Several years ago one lucky girl met an amazing, funny, handsome, self-less, and extremely modest guy.  She pursued and pursued him, and finally her persistence paid off.  OK, OK...in all honesty, she didn't have to purse that long.  She was hot, funny, and most importantly, liked birds.  What more did I need to know?  OK, so she didn't drink coffee, but I was willing to overlook that fact given the rest.

We were engaged shortly after.  And while it seemed quick in the scheme of things, it was a completely natural fit.  The first year was very busy, buying a house, planning a wedding, and having fun and living life.  Honestly, all of the years since have been just as great, too.  They've included trips to Italy, France, and Australia, as well as many trips within the states.  It's also been full of great family occasions and celebrations.

Of course, the arrival of Sydney was a great highlight and was the start of our nuclear family.  It's been a very fun adventure with her, and she's our little "Princess"....at least that's how she puts it :)  Time goes by a little too fast, and that can be seen as Sydney approaches four.

In just a handful of weeks, we'll also grow our family by one.  We'll have a little boy in the house, Sydney will have a little brother, and we'll start another new adventure (not directly talking dirty diapers, but those can be an adventure, too).  Again, we'll experience drool, spit up, vomit, and other bodily fluids.  We'll also experience sleepless nights and triple espressos in the morning.  We are looking forward to his arrival and all of the fun things that will come with it (I've already got him registered for soccer). 

I decided to reflect over the past several years because tomorrow is our 5-Year Anniversary.  It's been a great 5 married years, and I know all of the coming years will be just as great.  I'm lucky to have such a fantastic wife, daughter, and family :)
 

 

 

 

Happy Anniversary Babes!!!

The Oregon Trail

We recently made a trip to Florence.  No, not the Florence near Tuscany with the rolling hills of Italy, but Florence, Oregon.  This was a fun chance to make the 8 hour trek south to visit Sydney's Uncle Nathan, Aunt Amber, and cousins Desi, Alex (aka Pickle), and Lelend.

Lelend, of course, is her newest cousin and he still has that 'new car smell.'  Sydney got to meet him for the first time on this trip, as did the rest of us.  Lelend is quite a character...always smiling and laughing.  He must have also logged a few miles in his walker while we were there.  He was also given a baby blanket that has also gone through Nathan, Joe, and some of the other kids.  We'll see how much more wear it can take beyond the nearly four decades it's already been chewed, slobbered on, drug around, and used for various purposes.

Sydney and Lelend

While in Florence, we also managed to log quite a bit of time in the pool.  We managed to swim, float, bob, and play with any and all flotation devices until the pruned nature of our skin was quite evident (I think I shrunk about 3 inches).  Sydney also did great putt'n around the pool...no surprise there.

Other than that, we were able to hit the local farmer's market and just relax a bit at Nathan and Amber's house.  Of course, while we were there I had to educate the younger generation on the benefit of pure skill and experience when it comes to Mario Kart Racing on the Wii.

The trip, all in all, was great fun.  The end of the visit unfortunately meant returning to the confines of the car for a long drive back.  Sydney, during the return drive, repeatedly said that she wanted to see her cousins again.  She obviously had a great time and was already missing them.


My mature girls...


In other new, this week marks the end of Sydney's first soccer season.  It was a great experience, and actually was quite humorous at times.  I'm sure I'll have more to share about this next week.  Until then, have a great week!!!





Fun games...too bad Sydney
doesn't realize she doesn't have
batteries in her controller :)

Practice and Games

Sydney has continued to blossom in her new sport...futbol (soccer to you less educated folk).  Her skills have improved, and her vision for the game is unparalleled for her age group.  OK...I guess that's a little untrue.  Well, in fact, there's not much truth to it at all.  Sydney spends more time picking up cones and sticking them on her head, pulling her shirt over her head, playing in the dirt, playing with the grass, and picking random flowers than actually playing with any real intention.  But, I guess that's really the way it's suppose to be when you're three!!!  So, as long as she has fun (even though she doesn't usually know which direction her team is going), then that is what matters.  She's had positive experiences with all of her other sports and hobbies, so this shouldn't be any different.  Her practices take place on Monday nights and her games take place on Wednesday nights, so it has kept our schedule fairly busy, too.

In a few weeks, Sydney will flex her fins and re-engage her gills as she takes back to the water for swimming class.  She always enjoys it, and this time she'll likely have a couple of friends joining her in taking 'the plunge.'

In other news, we are preparing for a trip to Oregon to visit Sydney's uncle and cousins.  That should be a fun trip with our first chance to meet her newest cousin.  That's it for now, but we hope everyone else is doing well!!!