Holiday Party

My parents host our annual family get together. This was the first year we had it at their golf club instead of their house. Everything was perfect. Somehow Bryce sat next to Papa and convinced him to keep giving him brownies. I think Bryce conned Papa out of 3 brownies before someone figured out what they were up to. Ivy loved all the attention. To honor people that played with her she chose not to spit on any of her fans. Somehow she saved it all for here mom :) Thanks Mother and Daddy for a great day!

Happy Hanukkah!

My parents came over to celebrate the 1st night of Hanukkah. Bryce doesn't exactly understand the holiday but he knew that something good was going to happen. He loved lighting the candles, eating cookies and opening presents. He's been very into Bob the Builder so when he opened his present from my parents and it was Bob the Builder trucks he was so excited. The trucks ate dinner with us and even slept in his bed. I can't wait to tell him that we do this for 8 nights :)

Sitting pretty at 6 months

Ivy had her 6 month checkup today. Bryce had school so it was her first solo checkup. I think she enjoyed the one on one time because she really turned on the charm for the nurses and doctor.

She weighed 13 lbs, 12 oz (10%) and was 25" (25%). The percentages have stayed the same each time so she's growing about the same each time. That's a good thing for those readers who wonder why I'm giving all this information.

Ivy G and Big Daddy

Tonight was girls night out for Paige which means I get to babysit...or "parent" as some might call it. Shouldn't be too hard right...get Bryce in to and out of the bath...tell him a story...put him to bed...feed Ivy...put her to bed. Well...I'm money with Bryce. But, what we all forget is that it took 18 months for him to not scream at the sight of me. Iverson on the other hand will generally tolerate me if there's food involved...but lately, that rules runs out when the carriage turns back in to a pumpkin around sunset. So...in an effort to keep her quiet by making things beep around her and to chronicle what will most likely be the last time I'm left alone with her (now that it's documented)...I made a movie...enjoy.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We spend Thanksgiving with my family at my grandparents' lake house. It's only 45 minutes away so we went out Wednesday and Thursday but came home each night. I think the key to a successful holiday is everyone getting a good night's sleep in their own bed :)

Wednesday night was chili with the whole gang. Bryce loved playing with his 9 yr old cousin, Cooper and he loved eating chili. Is it normal for a 2 yr old to eat an entire bowl? I forgot to get the camera out so no pictures.

Thursday was turkey day. Mimi cooked a delicious meal and Bryce once again ate an amazing amount for a small child. Ivy as always did her best sleeping while we were there. She loves to nap at the lake which is great for me.

A rare shot of Ivy awake at the lake!

Bryce was in charge of setting up the pumpkin display on the porch.

Delicious!

Ivy had her first food today. Rice cereal was delicious according to her happy smile. She did great sitting in her bumbo and eating off the spoon. Bryce was very entertained watching her eat. He told her"Good job honey". I have no idea why he calls her honey but it's pretty cute.

In addition to eating, Ivy's been busy lately. She can now sit on her own and she rolls over both ways. It's funny to look over and see her laying on her tummy when I know I just put her down on her back.

Trick or Treaters...Where Are You?

For most of our married life, Halloween fell second only to 4th of July for worst days on the calendar. Instead of cowering and hiding in the bathtub from the fireworks, Josie is on high alert for Halloween...ready to eat the candy baskets and the kids attached to them. But this year...was different (well not for Josie). Bryce was super excited to put on his costume and hand out candy. He went out a little before it got dark and the traffic was light...so to spur some business, he would yell "Trick or Treaters...where are you?" And sure enough...if you yell it, they will come. Bryce gave out all his candy (and managed to sneak a bite here and there).

Happy Halloween!

I dressed the kids in their costumes and they hung out in them for the morning. They looked so cute!

Ivy is wearing the same chili pepper that Bryce wore when he was the same age.

Bryce 2006

Ivy 2008

Pumpkin Party

We had friends over yesterday to carve pumpkins. Bryce helped me cut open and scoop out seeds from all the pumpkins on Saturday. He thought that was pretty fun and it seemed to help get him excited to have people over. Most kids wore costumes but it was pretty hot so I think by the time we got the camera out everyone was back in their regular clothes.

Pumpkin Patch

We went to a church today with some friends to take some pumpkin pictures. For no apparent reason, Bryce has been really excited about pumpkins. He had so much fun running around finding the biggest pumpkin he could. I didn't get great pictures because he kept raising his arms when I said "cheese" or would make a funny face.

Dinoland

The Zilker Botanical Gardens have a special exhibit on dinosaurs right now. They have life sized model in the gardens. We met some friends to check it out. Bryce really liked wandering around with his friends. He has no idea what a dinosaur is but it was nice to get out and see something new.

Update on the kids

Ivy had her 4 month checkup today. She weighs 11lbs, 110z. and is 23.5". That's 10% on the normal growth chart and 50% on the preemie chart, just were she was last checkup. She's doing great, sleeping 12 hours at night and rolling from her tummy to her back.

Bryce is working on potty training. He likes wearing undies but is still working on keeping them dry. I don't put shorts on him when we're home so we can run to the potty quickly if necessary. Nothing is cuter than him wandering around pantless.

In the sky...

With Paige running off to join the circus, I thought this was an appropriate post to honor her flying "in the sky".

The other day at work, Paige called to let me know that Bryce successfully kazooed a song and she could actually tell what song it was. The song was Twinkle Twinkle (Little Star), followed by an encore of Old MacDonald. Pretty good for a kazoo, I'd say, considering you could probably have Wynton Marsalis play Happy Birthday or something off the Beatles' White Album and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

So...it was time to get the band together. I've been going out the garage at night working on my Flutaphone technique and I would put myself at about a 2nd grade level at this point (I'm confident I can get to a 4th grade proficiency by the time we go on the road).




Ready for our big break, and with no rehearsal time, Bryce and I let loose on our first jam session of Twinkle Twinkle. The problem with going without rehearsls is that I didn't know Bryce like to improvise so much. Clearly inspired by his mother's trapeeze efforts of flying "in the sky"...Bryce took the time to honor his carny mother by inserting & repeating this line of the song (I know you're humming this in your head...it's the part that goes "like a diamond IN THE SKY").



We managed to get through the song, but I think I needed the diaper change when we were done because I'm pretty sure I wet my pants.

So amazing

There is a wellness spa in Austin that offers trapeze classes at different times during the year.
http://www.thecrossingsaustin.com/events/dare_to_fly.php
I have always wanted to try this so I took a class. It was the most amazing exerience that I have ever had. There were about 7 girls there, half had done this before. These cute young guys lead us through some stretches and then the newbies got a 5 minute ground lesson. Next thing you know, we're each climbing the ladder and flying through the air. I learned the knee hang with a backflip drop and I also got to do a knee hang catch. Look at the pictures and you'll see. Not to brag, but I was really good!

World issues...

Bryce has taken to fixing the credit crisis...he certainly has the look down

Rah Rah Ree...

Kick 'em in the...well, this is a peaceful blog so I should probably say Rah Rah Ree turn out the lights so they can't see. Can't you just feel the spirit? Well...luckily for all of us, we've got our next cheerleader in the making right here...so she can help us get the words just right. So...come the fall of 2026, miss Ivy Grace Newman will be getting this party started for the Longhorn nation:

From cheerlead

And...since they're only 2 years apart, Bryce will probably be finding his way into the starting lineup at that point (assuming he's met the criteria of his scholarship offer....http://texasnewmans.blogspot.com/2006/08/hut-hut-hut.html)

So...tell Brent Musburger to get his microphone ready because there hasn't been a human interest story this compelling since this man rescued this woman and all her booze in the hurricane:

Ivy's Naming

For our non-Jewish readers out there, a baby naming is when you get your Hebrew name. Ivy was named in honor of her great great gandmothers, Idealla and Freda. My great uncle and grandfather did a beautiful ceremony and I really appreciate all the family that came to celebrate.

This guy is good...

I felt like after all my boasting about Bryce's golf that I should post something actually showing him in action. Just a little taste...some flavor of what he does everyday...for hours...in the heat. This is by no means a highlight reel...just a few minutes of me following him around. I'm pretty sure with some better editing, I could have him up for an ESPY by the end of the year.

After watching this, you might be thinking...boy...that kid needs some real clubs. Well...Sunday was a prime example of why he's not getting metal clubs for a little while longer. Paige and I were sitting in the grass while Bryce practiced nearby. How nearby? Close enough for Bryce to go Kathy Bates on Paige's knee with his blue club. Bryce was visibly upset from the incident...but I think it's because he thought he shanked it.

Visit to the country

We went to my grandparents' lake house yesterday to visit with the family. When we used to go my grandparents always has projects for us. Painting the house, repairing a fence, building a walkway...anyway Bryce decided to carry on the tradition. He kept himself very busy sweeping, mowing, clearing the yard of sticks. It's hard work but someone has to do it.

Also-he had his first visit with a horse. There is a horse next door to my grandparents' house. When Papa was walking the dog he patted the horse. Russell saw this and decided to take Bryce over there. Check out this video:

Can never resist a few stills either...

Meet the Teacher

Bryce is starting a Mother's Day Out program on Tuesday. Today we went to meet his teachers and classmates. I've been talking about school fora few weeks now and Bryce has been fairly negative, "no school", "no meet new children", "no learn new songs". You get the idea. I had low expectations for today. Bryce did great though. He liked the room and played very happily for 45 minutes. He actually didn't want to leave. Let's hope Tuesday goes as smoothly.

I don't have any pictures related to my comments so here are some of the kids doing what they do best: Bryce playing golf and Ivy lying around.

A new toy

A new toy for the kids is hardly newsworthy. Seems like something new shows up daily and thankfully Bryce's favorite activity is still playing golf. But this time, the new toy that showed up was for me. For my birthday, mom got me a neat little video camera. Not much time to start my bid for an Academy Award...or America's Funniest Home Videos for that matter (does Bob Sagat still host that show...because I just saw a rerun of Full House and...well, nevermind).

Anyway...the software that comes with it seems to suck so I'll have to figure something else out (like buy a Mac). So far I've figured out how to add a title and credits and slam an MP3 over the top...but there is very little in the way of artistic control...and after all, I am an Arteeste!



Oh...and I can also extract pictures from the video...which if you've ever tried to get a 2 year old to look at you & smile on command is about as likely as me not having to sit next to a 400 pound, hegiene challenged woman every time I fly. I can't speak to the quality of the pictures...this is sort of a test, but I thought they were fun.

Tin Roof...Rusted

What the hell did that line from the B-52's mean anyway? If you ask them...they said that it really meant nothing. For those of us in attendance at Spencer & Julie's wedding this past weekend, it took on a whole other meaning. Well...in my mind 2 meanings.

The first thing that will come to most people's mind was the absolutely OUTSTANDING karaoke version of Love Shack that Spencer's buddy JR did. Truly priceless schtick that I can only hope will somehow make it to YouTube via cell phone video or hidden camera. I don't think I can do it adequate justice except to say that if you imagine Curly from the 3 Stooges with a microphone, 12 Red Bulls, and a fist full of crystal meth...you might have an idea of what JR was putting down....TIIIIINNNNNNN ROOF...rusted!!! (it's even fun to type).



The other meaning of "tin roof...rusted" that I was referring to is the transformation I've seen in my brother. I saw a version of him this weekend that I've never seen before...calm, laughing, dancing, smiling...total enjoyment. Don't get me wrong...we've had our share of laughs & good times; he's cracked the occasional joke; I've even seen him dance (he did after all stay in my room at the fraternity house when he was 16...if you smell what I'm cooking)...but I've never seen the whole package...until Sunday. I asked myself what happened? Clearly...only one conclusion...his Tin Roof...Rusted. How else can you explain it? I think Kevin Costner fixed his problem in a similar way:






See...his tin roof rusted. And for Spencer, I think the same thing happened. He found a great wife...got the job he wanted...found some breathing space, and just hit the damn ball up the fairway. And for that...I'm pretty darn proud of him.

So congratulations to Spencer and Julie on your wedding...I hope you have a great time in Aruba, and while your there, try not to get your White Butt...Toasted.

Visit with family

My grandparents were at their lake house so we went to my parents' house for the weekend to visit.

Ivy loves napping on Mimi's shoulder.

Bryce taught Papa how to play golf.

Mimi and Bryce reading.

Ivy watching the fan. Her new favorite activity.

Sitting Pretty

I was curious if Ivy could sit in her bumbo yet and...she can! She is 7 weeks old and doing great. Still eating like a pig and starting to sleep. She slept 7 hours in a row for the past few nights. We go to the doctor next Friday so I'll have a growth update then.

Party

We had Bryce's birthday party in our backyard on Saturday. I was worried about it being too hot but the backyard was surprisingly comfortable. I think everyone had a good time hanging out and playing in the sand. When Bryce took a bath last night you would have thought that he went to the beach, sorry to my friends who had to clean up their kids. Ivy was excited about the party and was awake pretty much the whole day...less than ideal...


After the party, Myra and Bob babysat and Russell and I went to see the new Batman movie. I haven't been to a movie theater in ages. Anyway, both kids went to bed before we left and stayed asleep while we were gone for the most part. Ivy only needed 1 bottle while we were out and was nice enough to do it rightbefore we got back so I was able to go to sleep before her next feeding.

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Happy Birthday Bryce!

Bryce turned 2 today. You don't quite understand what it means to have a birthday at 2. You really don't understand why people call and sing on the telephone...it's kept me entertained though. My mother was in yesterday so we celebrated with a cupcake. Cupcake is Bryce new favorite word...

Here's Ivy

I've been meaning to post a picture of Ivy since July 12 (her due date) to show the world what she would have looked like if she popped out when planned. I'm terrible at taking pictures so here's my best attempt.

This Backyard Brought to you by Re/Max

So you've read us blogging about Bryce and his golfing ability. He smacks the ball around the yard...occasionally getting a hold of one (his outside club is the blue one shown above...or "bew cub" as he calls it). He likes to congratulate himself on a good shot..."big hit" he says...or "big BIG hit" if he really cranks one (he can hit the ball probably 30 feet in the air). Sometimes he'll land one on the lid to the irrigation system (a backyard hole in one) and he yells "HOOOL" (not sure if this made the Brcye-tionary...but that translate to hole, as in, it's in the hole).

Well...we've reached a crossroads in our backyard golf. Bryce can now hit the ball over the fence. I can see this going one of a few ways. We can opt to erect a driving range quality net around the perimeter of the yard. The only problem is when we were members at Great Hills Country Club, the neighborhood association sued the club to take the net down. Ultimately the net came down the poles were used to construct a barbeque smoker. Now, while I enjoy slow cooked meat as much as the next guy, that seems like a long way to go to get a smoker (I have a birthday coming up...that seems like a more direct route).

The other option is we raid the Academy and buy them out of the little plastic wiffle golf balls Bryce enjoys so much and start training for the under 3, under 3 feet, under 30 pound, toddler division of the Re/Max Long Drive championship (this must exist...right?).

As step one, I've started showing B the video below of Jason Zuback from the 2007 championship.

While we're a long way from teeing it up in this event, I think Bryce's 3rd birthday party next year will be a long drive contest. I think if we start training now, he could hit a ball from our patio to the fence...which I estimate at about 25 yds with about a 5 foot decline in elevation. I'll have to get Paige working on sponsors and I'll start working on equipment? Do we think Little Tykes makes a toddler launch monitor? Is there a multi-piece wiffle ball out there to maximize his launch characteristics? Well, good thing we have a year...for now we'll just have to start working on short game so we don't lose as many balls.

July 4th

We went to my parents' house to celebrate the 4th because my grandmother and great aunt were able to meet us there. Bryce and Ivy loved all the extra attention. Dede was very impressed with how well Bryce can hit a golf club. Ivy was her usual cooperative self. We had a great lunch.

In exchange for unlimited golf, Russell is required to help my father with life threatening activities when we visit. Todays task was moving a very large tv out of the house and into the garage. I wish I had a picture of the 2 of them, support belts on, balancing the tv on the dingo. Quite a picture...you'll have to use your imaginations and take a look at them reprogramming the new remote. TV was working in plenty of time for Bryce to watch Elmo.

Visitors

My grandparents were at their lake house so they decided to come visit. They were nice enough to bring lunch and a few presents for the kids. Bryce is a big help in the yard and Papa got him his very own shovel.

Also-Russell has been wanting to post this so here it is. Bryce likes to sit on the potty and as a reward he gets a pretzel. He used to get them when he got off the potty but lately he just snacks while he sits there. Must be a guy thing to need an activity while in the bathroom.

Like Brother, Like Sister

Apparently this is how my kids sleep when they are 2 weeks old. Just thought it was kind of funny...