25.7.07

Let's Play Ball!

Yes, it sometimes takes me forever, but I've finally got some good shots of Javi and Billy rocking t-ball. And, yes, my boys are quite handsome. What you can't tell is that he's the tallest on his team, has a great arm and loves to give everyone - the opposing team, the kid standing on his base, the kid whose base he's standing on, random people in the stands - a big ole thumbs-up.


Camden & Javi


He loves to slide

Billy's a bit worn out, but Javi's ready for another round.

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Ancient Times (aka: the 80s)

Javi has somehow gotten the idea that the 1980s were centuries ago and that to say something is "from the 80s" is tantamount to calling it archaic and out of style - and the person caught in possession of something from this long ago era should be ashamed.

So today we were working on some sign language because he's really into learning a new sign everyday and I'm really into anything that keeps him from bouncing off the walls. We go over the signs he already knows: help, hello and goodbye, girl, out. Then we come to the sign for boy.

He was having a hard time remembering the sign, so I said, think of it like the brim of your ball cap. He responded, "but girls wear ball caps." So I tried to explain that back in the day, girls weren't allowed to play sports and they definitely didn't wear ball caps, hence it's a symbol for boy.

Javi looks at me, so earnest and understanding, and says, "Back in the day? You mean like 1988?" I had to just walk away. For the record, I was 12 in 1988 - those were good times, buddy.

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24.7.07

Have gas? Will travel!

Guess who's hitting the beach this weekend? We are! I'm a little inappropriately excited considering I have to finish up a work project and really don't have time to squeal right now.

But squeal I'll do. Also, did you read Harry Potter? If you answered no to that question, we need to talk. I finished Deathly Hallows on Sunday and it was - in a word - AMAZING. I really enjoyed it, though it's not my favorite of the series. I loved getting so many questions answered, though I still have more that went without resolution - but I'm okay with that.

Beach pictures will be in full effect on Monday!

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18.7.07

Grandma's Girl

Bella is the type of baby who doesn't want to miss anything - and I mean anything - that is going on in the world. Whether we're at a Weight Watchers meeting or just walking around the neighborhood, her head cranes in the direction of any sound or movement.

So that's what made tonight so sweet. Grandma came over to visit with Bella, and the baby was on the verge of sleep. Of course, she popped up when she heard Grandma's voice. But, as soon as Grandma picked her up, Bella laid her big old head on Grandma's shoulder and passed out.

Yes, that pretty much sealed the deal that Bella has Grandma wrapped right around her finger. :)

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15.7.07

Phoenix Rising

I saw Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix today - by myself. We had no sitter and I refused to wait any longer (I could've gone by myself yesterday for $0.50 cheaper).

It was well worth the weirdness of sitting alone in a crowded theatre. I wish they would've broken the book into two movies, tho, because as it was - 2.5 hours was simply not enough for the deep, intricate plot lines in OTOP. Everything in the movie felt rushed and choppy.

Some random thoughts from the movie (MINOR SPOILER ALERT):

- Poor Draco was reduced to a bit part in this one. And they gave him Duran Duran hair.
- There was a Voldemort montage in which my brain kept screaming: It's Voldemort's glamour shots!
- Did Arthur Weasley get hair plugs?
- They wrote out Marietta and blamed Cho for squealing on the DA! And there were no DA coins - how are they going to work that out in Movie 6?

Of course, Harry (known as Daniel Radcliffe to some) was hottt. I feel gross saying that, but it is what it is. Poor Ron, though. The years haven't been as kind to him. I'm sooooooo ready for Deathly Hallows now!

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12.7.07

Say Cheese

Day after day I force Bella to spend at least 30 minutes on her belly. Of course, I break those minutes into managable chunks of time based on her tolerance level. Yesterday was the first day that she actually seemed to enjoy it. Well, she didn't scream and thrash around so I'll take what I can get.


In fact, even though she refuses to use her arms, she wound up teetering on her side for a good 30 seconds before flopping back down her belly. The Ricky Bobby hands were in full effect for that one. She also grabbed my thumb yesterday and pulled it into her mouth! That one little milestone should not have excited me so much, but what can you do?



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11.7.07

Batter Up!

Javi had his first tee ball game on Monday. Of course, in the detailed planning (getting me to the gym, Bella to my mom, Javi & Billy to practice before the game), I completely forgot the camcorder.

Highlights from the game: Javi was on first base for the first inning of the game. However, instead of mastering the dual task of watching the ball and watching the runner, he focused completely on blocking the runner - which meant at least 3 times the ball flew right by his head while he stared down the approaching runner.

For the second inning, he was positioned between the pitcher's mound and home base. His job was to catch any punts and race to home base to strike out the runners from third base. However, there was no one on third for the first three batters. Nonetheless, my kid got that ball and ran fast as he could to home while the parents all yelled "throw the ball, Javi!" Each time he got to home base before a runner (duh!), he'd turn back to us and give a big thumbs up.

For the last inning, he was between second and third bases. The game was starting to fall apart at this point thanks to the uber-short attention spans given to the 5 and 6 year olds. The inning was almost over when Javi just couldn't take standing around anymore and ran over the dugout to ask his coach "Can I take a break? I'm bored!"

Luckily, Billy is the parent coach for Javi's team so all the coach had to say was "Go ask your dad." Javi got his self right back to his position. When the game was over, the kids were all throwing their hats and fists in the air. I promise pictures from the next game - it's just too good to miss!

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