Howdy

Hi Guys, me again just hangin' out with the old man.  He has me checking on my various body parts again; you know, nose, ears, elbow, etc.  I know them all, I'm good like that.  Not much else going on around these parts.  Mommy's delivering babies like some industrial strength stork, Josh is back from his summer vacation (I missed him lots), seems he had fun though.  Dad's getting ready to start school again, but he'll be done soon enough.  Me, oh you know, going to the day care, reading books, playing with my cars and trucks, growing like a weed, the usual.   

Back again ...

OK, I'm back -- again.  Daddy's been working on a website (and had no clue what he was doing) so there hasn't been anyone else I can cajole into writing the blog for me.  I guess you had better check out his project, I hope it's worth it ... www.davehamann.com 

On a more personal note, Grandma and Grandpa came out from Illinois to visit.  We had a great time, I know I did.  We went up to Ithaca, ate out a lot, went for a few lon

g walks, and played with my cars.  I may also have talked Grandpa and Grandma's ears off, but I doubt they'd admit that to anyone.  

The morning after they left, I went down stairs, had some milk, and went to the stairs, pointed, and called for "Paw-paw".  He had already left.  Since that morning I still say Paw-paw and Gam-maw, and I have even been known to blow Gam-maw kisses before bedtime.  Good night Paw-paw and Gam-maw!

 

This past weekend faithful readers, I went to my first air show at the local air port.  There were planes everywhere!  I know because I was pointing them all out to anyone who would listen.  "Plane, plane, plane" was the refrain heard across the plain ... sorry, could not resist.  

But seriously, there were planes all over the place!

I loved it!  There were fast planes, loud planes, big planes, and helicopters.  I did not know if I was drooling over the aircraft or lunch.  

I have to admit however, my favorite portion of the show, aside from lunch and the planes, was the fire truck!  Yup, that's me driving that big rig.  Slap a helmet on my head and a pair of boots on my feet and I am ready to go!  They were not keen on letting me sound the siren though, maybe next time.

  

Outside

Have I mentioned I love to be outside?  I have?  Well, let me reiterate, I LOVE to be OUTSIDE!  So much so, "outside" is one of the words I have mastered in the short time since I've started talking.  Just ask my parents.  Outside, I mean where else can a guy contemplate the bigger picture while enjoying a little stroll, yell at the neighbor kids to keep off the lawn, or pee on the garage door.  Adam Sandler had that one right, thanks "Big Daddy".  Ah, I love the outdoors.  

Taughannock Falls

This past weekend the family and I went on a little outing to Taughannock Falls.  It was a rare afternoon when all the family and I were actually freeto spend the day as we chose.  I chose to spend the day in my diaper sitting in the living room watching Jack's Big Music Show on Noggin', but no one could understand what I was saying with the pacifier in my mouth.  Needless to say I ended up strapped into the car heading north to Ulysses, NY and Taughannock Falls State Park.

 

As you can ascertain from the photos, it was a bit chilly strolling down to the falls, hence the jacket.  Side note, Taughannock Falls is one of the highest east of the Rocky Mountains with an incredible 215 foot drop.  That's 107 times higher than me, without shoes.  Once we reached the falls, the wind died down a bit and I was able to remove my jacket.  I knew you were wondering.

The park was very nice.  It was good to get out and stretch the old legs a bit.  Personally, that line about wanting to sit inside all day watching TV was a load from my diaper after a lunch of blueberries.  I love to be outside, now that all the snow in NY has finally melted.  Once you get me out of the house, good luck getting me back inside without getting an ear full. 

 

Now the trail down to the falls was about a mile long.  I rode in the stroller for obvious reasons.  The trip down took about a half an hour, more or less.  We stopped a lot along the way to check out the scenery.  However, on the way back to the vehicle, I elected to walk.

  

When you stand two feet tall,walking anywhere takes a while as you can imagine.  I made it back however, well nearly.  I walked 3/4 of a mile back to the car until my dad's bladder told him it was time to hurry things along and he picked me up for the last 1/4 mile of the trip.  I would have walked the whole way were it not for the old man's bladder.  I hope that's not genetic.  I even helped push the stroller on the way back.  I did have to stop and say Hi to a few of the ladies 

walking down to the falls on our trip back.  I'm such a ladies man.  

After the falls, we drove back toward Ithaca and had lunch at a local greasy spoon.  The french fries were good, the nap in the car for the rest of the trip was better.  Hey, walking that far at my age wears a guy out.  But I would not give up the time outside for all the fries in Ithaca.

-Fox out.      

OK, let me try this again.  Hello everyone, my name is Fox.  Welcome to my blog.  Now many of you will recognize that this indeed is not my first blog posting.  Fact of the matter is I am only 18 months old and not that good on the keyboards, or at spelling, or changing my own diapers.  For these reasons, and more, I am at the mercy of whoever is able and willing to sit down at the computer and do a little dictation.  That duty generally falls to my old man.

Lately the old man has been giving me the runaround about sitting at the monitor and putting my thoughts into words.  He kept saying some rubbish about having to paste all my old photos together to create a mosaic for our next posting.  Personally I think it had something to do with his finals, but what do I know, I'm only 18 months old. Regardless, enjoy the mosaic he threw together.  

A lot has happened since my last posting over a month ago.  My Uncle Steve and Aunt Pam had a baby girl!  Cousin Finn now has a baby sister to look after which should be fun.  So, everyone please welcome Rory into the world.  She's very cute by the way.  

Mom, big brother Josh, and I traveled back to Illinois for Aunt Nicki's graduation from ISU.  Congratulations to Nicki!  

On the home front, I have moved up to the toddler room at the daycare.  Personally I find the new room to be a big improvement over the old accommodations.  The food is better, the conversations are more stimulating, I get to go outside and play on the trucks, and the girls are older!  Yup, life is good.        

Well faithful reader, I promise that I will keep you posted with all the goings on here -- now that the old man has the entire summer off (slacker) it should be easier to get him in front of the computer to do a little blogging.  Right now I'm going to take a little nap.  Maybe.  I'll let you know how that goes the next time we chat!  See you then.

- Fox out.     

Play Day

I know, a rare mid week post for me. Well, it was a special day in the life of me, your charming host, the Fox man. Today I had a few friends over for some comradery, some juice, crackers, cheese cubes, and a bit of fruit. You may remember my good pal Demani. Demani, as I am told, is to be a big brother in the near future, twice over in fact. It seems Demani will soon be the older brother to a sister AND a little brother. Yes folks, Demani's mommy is going to have twins -- whatever that means. Apparently when your mommy has twins, you become a big brother twice over. High-five Demani!

In addition to my pal Demani, Caleb came by to visit. Since you have not had the pleasure of meeting Caleb allow me to describe my good pal Caleb to you. Caleb is a bit younger than I am but don't let that fool you. Hah ha, no sir, young Caleb I am certain is destined to play line backer for the 2029 New York Giants. Caleb you see is the younger version of Chicago Bear, Brian Urlacher. Come on, you be the judge ... hard to tell the difference isn't it ... I just hope I keep to Caleb's good side if you know what I mean.

All in all a good time was had by all, moms included. I am sure that we will continue to have great fun in the future.

- Fox out

Fort

Everyone needs a place to call their own. I'm no exception. Welcome to my secret fort. A place to get away from it all, enjoy a nice sippy cup of milk, play a bit of peek-a-boo, and perhaps enjoy a fine pacifier. A fine spot to relax and unwind from a hectic day of chasing the dogs, reading books, climbing the sofa, and generally running a muck.

As you can see, my fort is quite roomy. Plenty of space to stretch out and up. There are two fine windows to let in the light and my fort is light enough that I can move it so as to be closer to the windows should I need to remark on the passing cars that frequent our street. I do not recommend that one lean against the fort however, as it lacks the structural integrity to support the weight of your average 18 month old. One is liable to topple the whole a fair over and bonk one's head.

I will admit the colors are a bit loud in the old fort, like having Big Bird do your decorating. I have a designer coming to make some recommendations, a bit of paint, some throw pillows, a valance or two -- spruce the old fort up you know. Perhaps I'll inquire if she knows a good gardener.



- Fox out.

My First Matchbox

Every boy remembers his first car, 'er well Matchbox in this instance. No exception in my case. My first Matchbox car is unforgettable. A slick 1963 Cadillac Hearse, white of course. It was a Christmas gift to me from Grandpa Mike. If you know Grandpa Mike, this all makes sense to you. At Christmas I was a bit too young to drive it around, but I am plenty big now! I have just recently rediscovered the hearse after digging in my box of toys, now I cannot let it go. I'm even sleeping with the '63 white hearse! It usually ends up on the floor, but try to take it out of my sticky little paws when you lay me down and I'll wake the neighbors! I've never considered the funerary sciences before but who knows ... at least the cars are nice!



- Fox out

Nose, Ears

I have a nose, often quite runny and fully of the remnants my parents were unable to wipe away after I've shoveled food into my mouth. It sits here in the middle of my face, you can see it here, I'm pointing to it now. If you ask me to, I will point to my nose when I am in the mood to do so. And no I am not picking my nose, at least not in this photo.

I have two ears as well and unlike my nose they are not runny, but are I will admit they are often full of the remnants of a fine meal I have just consumed. If you have not heard, I am a bit of a messy eater. I will also point out my ears when asked to do so, provided the spirit moves me to do so. Seems I only point out the one ear, the left one with any sort of consistency. It has been remarked by one who shall remain unnamed, that I have my father's ears and that this genetic trait is one that would have been better left to my mother's half of the gene pool. There's a critic in every crowd, right Melo?

Personally, I am happy with my body, runny nose, baby belly, stubby toes and all!

-Fox out.

Busy, busy

Sometimes a guy just gets tuckered out. Watching a Sunday football game, after a turkey dinner, watching home renovation shows on the T.V. for three straight hours, and riding in the car. Just put me in the old car seat, put the transmission in drive and within five minutes, I'm out. OK, sometimes 10 minutes, but without fail I am soon counting sheep.

Seems there are always errands to be run and before long, I find myself strapped in like an unwitting astronaut off on another journey. Strapped down, we are soon zooming off to points as yet unknown. And more likely than not, within that five minute window I'll be drooling, head slumped to one side like an overripe tomato on a spindly vine sleeping as though I've pulled an all-nighter before a calculus exam.

Soon enough I'll be waking back in my own drive none worse for the wear, although my shirt collar will invariably be soaked and my chin glistening with slobber. Again, I'll be blissfully unaware of the details of another outing. We could have gone 10 miles, we could have gone 10,000, and I am none the wiser. For all I know they drove me around the block until I fell asleep just so I'd take a nap. They'd never do anything like that ... would they?

- Fox out.

Fox in a Box

Today was pajama day at "school" (day care). Other than being more comfortable and less restrictive, it was much like any other day at school. I read some books, played with cars, played with friends, eat, painted with blue paint, filled my pants, and napped, comfortably. Needless to say, I am still in my pajamas even though I am now at home as you can plainly see by the photos. I'll bet you wish you could wear pajamas to school, or work, or where ever it is that you go during the day. Other than an initial unease about the clothing selection that was made for me this morning, pajama day has been a smashing success. I highly recommend it. Perhaps you should suggest pajama day to your boss, or care provider, teacher, or whom ever it is that makes your wardrobe selections for the day. Most agreeable, tell them I said so.

- Fox out

Jam

Now I realize, given my stated penchant for all things food, that titling a blog "Jam" could be misleading to some folks. This post has nothing to do with the sweetest of the food arts my fine friends. As a man of the world, I understand that there are other equally pleasurable experiences out there aside from filling my tummy. Fine literature, works of art, a comfortable pacifier, music, and ah ... dancing. Yes, I shake my groove thing every now and then. Don't think the son of my father's gene pool has the moves? Turn up the volume and just click play folks, just click play.

- Fox out.

Pudding ...

Well you tell me, what would you do if you were eating yummy pudding, left handed, and you could not shovel it in fast enough to satisfy your craving for the sweet stuff? You'd do the same thing I do, shovel it in your mouth with your fingers. Need I remind you of my penchant for sweets? I though not. Don't get between me and my pudding. I have teeth and I'm not afraid to use them.

But seriously, isn't pudding good! I could eat that stuff all day long. Something tells me though that the old parental units would not let that happen. Nope, they keep putting vegetables, fruits (which I don't mind, especially mandarin oranges and blueberries) , mashed up mystery meats, and assorted grains and cereals, (all equally mysterious) on my tray. You'd think after seeing me smash it into my lap or throwing it onto the floor they'd get the hint.

A side note, aren't I getting big! If you cannot read the yard stick below, I'm about 30 inches tall now! I'm huge! And putting on some serious weight I might add. Probably about 250, 275 pounds now. (Parental interjection: Fox is about 22 - 23 pounds, but feels like 250). I'm just about all grown up now. I'll soon be asking for the keys to the car so I can go driving, playing loud rock and roll, flouting authority, and stuff. Yeah, going out with the ladies, on dates, going to the movies, running errands, on the phone, doing homework. Yeah, just like all the big people do. I'll be cool ... Soon enough, soon enough.


- Fox out

Doing well thanks.

Wow, has it really been that long since I've sat down with the old man and made him post for me?  Sorry folks, I'll try to keep on top of this with a bit more attention from this point forward.  

I have to say that the pacifier recovery is going nicely.  I hardly ever use the thing now.  Occasionally I'll have a bit of a pull off the old plastic nip if I have a rough time of it during the wee hours of the morning, and then only after one of the parents has relented and stuck the thing in my mouth after a good 15 minutes of crying.  OK, maybe 5 minutes of crying, but at 3:00 in the morning, 5 minutes can seem like 15, or longer.  I did get a special pacifier treat the other day when, while cruising at break-neck speeds across the vast expanse of the living room, I crashed hard into the sofa.  I still have the remnants of the bruise on my tender forehead to confirm that unfortunate encounter.  I have to say though, I have become quite the mobile little diaper filler.  And aside from the one bruising, I am fairly steady on the old feet.  

It's a good thing too, being so mobile, with the food consumption up as a result of my pacifier addiction / recovery, were I not so mobile I might be mistaken for a basketball.  

Have a great week and I promise to post with more regularity.  I hear prunes help.

         

Through Green Colored Glasses

One of the unfortunate side effects of having a pacifier addiction is an insatiable hunger and complete lack of table manners. While I have to admit, my table manners were never up to Ms. Manners' standards, they are definitely no better now that I am a recovering addict.
While I have been told that this is a short term side effect, it can be embarrassing. I can forget about eating in public for the time being -- I won't go into the gory details regarding the most recent incident, suffice it to say I am no longer welcome at the local all you can eat Chinese buffet. Who knew Crab Rangoon won't come off rice paper?
Anyway, I'll be taking my meals in the comfort and safety of my own home from here on out thank you very much. I can let my hair down this way without worrying about embarrassing anyone -- or getting Crab Rangoon out of fake bamboo.
Enjoy the photos this week, I'm enclosing one of Big Brother and I this week, we're hanging out, watching some TV. I hear it's good for my development or something like that. Could someone have the local Chinese delivery joint send over some pot stickers and an order of Lo Mein?

Pacifieraholic

Hi, my name is Fox and I'm a Pacifier-aholic. ("Hi Fox") I first noticed a problem when I found I was inconsolable without one. At first everyone thought it was cute, heck, I thought it was cute. I could handle it. What's a pacifier or two here or there? You have one before bed, maybe after lunch. Pretty soon I was reaching for one as soon as I woke up. I had to have one with breakfast. I was sneaking a quick one when ever I could. Then it was two, even three at a time. I just didn't care anymore. I'd pick them up off the floor, from under the sofa, heck I'd even take one from the darn dog if he'd let me. I had it bad.
I'm learning to take it one day at a time though. I can kick this thing. I'm admitting I have a problem and that's half the battle right? I mean I know I've made mistakes. I've thrown a fit or two now and then just because I could and I occasionally unfold all the laundry mommy folded. I know I'm not perfect. But I realize that the big man is watching over me. Yup, there are greater forces at work in the world. Knowing someone out there has got my back, I can make amends for all I've done and kick this Pacifier addiction I have. I can be strong, man - one day at a time, one day at a time man.
My name is Fox and I'm a pacifier-aholic.

- Fox out.

Light

OK, the parents are calling it, my first official, clearly understandable word is "light". As in light bulb, flash light, candle light, key light, moon light ... well you get the point. Those of you familiar with my early days will no doubt fondly recall my fascination with lights from my first moments upon this green planet. Literally, I was enthralled with lights, and in a loose association as the two commonly habitat together, ceiling fans. I still harbor a closeness for ceiling fans, but it is the light that truly tugs at my heart strings. Not just lights that reside in the ceiling mind you, but lights on desk tops, lights on wall sconces, lights above the stove, the light in the flashlight, the lights in my toys, lights on cars, and yes, the little light that glows so invitingly on the remote control. Whenever I enter a room the first thing I do is look ceiling-ward, point and say "light". I have even been allowed, once or twice (two or three hundred times), to turn the light in the kitchen of our home on by flipping the switch up. I have not figured out pushing the switch down to turn it off, but that's what parents are for.

If one listens carefully enough, I also mutter other less than distinguishable phrases -- less distinguishable that is if you don't live with me. I can say "what is it?" (wu-e-zit). Doggie (duhee). Daddy (daddy). Mother (ma). Juice (guce). And myriad other phrases that my parents have yet to translate, though I swear I don't think I could be any clearer. If they fail to comprehend I simply fall back on the old standby -- wailing. Loudly. So far I have been a clear and effective communicator, can I put that on my resume yet?

Just an design note, there are no photos of me this posting (I know, I know) as this is a post about words, not images. Enjoy the dictionary photo though and reminisce about your first words.
- Fox out.

Correction ...

Did I say I was having a slow day yesterday? First things first, big brother is alright. If you have not heard by now, big brother took a fall through the ice at a pond on the campus of Binghamton University yesterday making the lead story on the evening news and in the Sunday paper. Seems he and his friends were playing outside at the park (better than sitting in front of the TV all day) and ended up down the nature trail and on the icy pond. Warmer temperatures, global warming, three boys standing on the ice in the same spot at the same time ... you know the rest of the story. Luckily for all involved, a jogger happened by and had the presence of mind to call 911. A side note and a plug for "Man vs. Wild" on the Discovery Channel, one of big brother's friends had seen the episode where Bear Grylls demonstrated how to survive a plunge through the ice. Big Brother's friend did as Bear demonstrated, stripped off his clothes, in the icy water mind you, pulled him self out of the water and ran at least half a mile (naked) to the home of a family friend to get help. Kudos to him. Luckily for the two remaining in the water, the local volunteer fire department, commanded by Chief Chuck Paffie, was having a volunteer day at the fire house -- so all hands were present, hastening the response time.

Long story short, big brother is fine now. I doubt he'll be going near the pond anytime soon.

So much for a slow day.

- Fox out

Dog Days

Not much going on here today. Just hangin' out really. In fact, it's been a slow week overall. The biggest news is that I am switching day care facilities this coming week. Yup, last day at the old day care was Wednesday. We really did not like that facility. The new day care is right at mommy's hospital and is top notch from what I hear. Land of milk and honey, err, no honey of course, they do know what they are doing there. I was on the waiting list to get in to this new day care since we moved to New York, seven months ago. They have a long list to get in. It's pretty exclusive you know. Have to travel in the right crowds to get noticed. Rub elbows with the right folks, grease a few palms, that sort of thing. Very posh. Ivy League of day cares. I'll be a Yale man before you know it. Go Bulldogs! Captain of the crew team, yeah, that sounds good.

Anyway, like I said, it's been a slow one all week, but you make the best of it. Call a few friends over, play with some blocks, snack on some Cheerios, perhaps read from the classics, Cat in the Hat, Curious George, and of course One Fish, Two Fish Red Fish, Blue Fish, ah - my favorite! Eleven fingers! Where did he come up with that stuff! Genius!

Well, as exciting as this is (ha!) I'm a bit drowsy. Think I'll take a quick nap. The doggy looks comfortable, maybe I'll give it a go. Talk to you later!

- Fox out