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

Food

I love food. Meaning, I really like to eat, not that I have some need to substitute food for attention or what not ... no need to call Dr. Phil yet. Wait 'till I'm a teenager with an infected piercing a bad attitude and an unhealthy penchant for Asian anime before you call that quack.

Nope, I just like to eat. Tastes good don't you know. And aside from a few vegetables, canned green beans and frozen peas come to mind, I have not found much on the menu I don't like. I have tried and thoroughly enjoy sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, french fries (yes I'm counting them as a vegetable for these purposes), the tomatoes out of a jar of salsa, kidney beans, mashed corn, and just the other night, zucchini. Not bad.

If you are faithful Fox Albert readers, you are already familiar with my affection for the sweet confections, particularly pumpkin pie ... mmmmmm. But I do enjoy other fair as well. I've had a bit of chili, good stuff that chili. I love all noodles, the cheesier the better if you ask me. Raisins, very nice. Mandarin oranges, mmmmm. Blue berry waffles are to die for. Big fan of yogurt. Oatmeal is more than tolerable, especially when a bit of banana is sliced in for good measure. Peanut better and jelly, while particularly messy, is indeed very tasty. I must admit, I am a bit of a slob when it comes to my table manners. Can't seem to hit my mouth every time. Occasionally I'll get a bit of this or that in my ear, or up my nose, or on the floor, or (and I especially like to see the expression on dad's face when I accomplish this) smash a bit of blue berry into my hair. Yeah, that was a fun time.

I like lasagna (cheese), Macaroni and (cheese), cottage (cheese), grilled (cheese), (cheese) pizza (what little I've been able to try), cheddar (cheese), Monterey Jack (cheese) ... there's a theme here folks. I love the coagulated, compressed, and usually ripened curd of milk separated from the whey. Cheese, manna from heaven if you ask these taste buds.

If I can get it in my mouth and it's cheesy ... look out! If only I could get that in a bottle, like cheese whiz for baby. That'd make for a nice diaper.

-Fox out.

I See You

Just hanging out today, playing with my cars and being cute. As you can probably make out, it's cold outside today, so I am stuck inside. That's OK though, the old man seems willing to entertain me. We ate some breakfast, played with some blocks, had a small drum circle going (if you can have a drum circle with two), and I drove my car around the house. I've even got the vrooom sound down now -- sometimes at least.

Anywho, it's about nap time. Bet you wish you could take one. Make you a deal, you can take mine ... I'm not a big fan. Seems I'm missing out on all the fun while stuck in the old crib. I'll just have to make up for it when I wake up!

- Fox out.

Reflections

Seems another year has begun, or so I'm told. As I contemplate this newest development in my life, the start of a new calendar year, I have to pause and say - who cares? I mean I'm only 14 months old for goodness sakes. I can't even keep my colors straight let alone comprehend the concept of time and it's passing.

However, that being said, I take pause and reflect on my long past and look to what lay before me as the hands of time churn mercilessly forward.

I like blocks. I like stacking them. I like wearing them. They don't taste all that great, but my palette is not yet fully developed so what do I know. I like their multi colored patterns and shapes designed no doubt to teach me some important lesson or what not.

I have a keen fondness for trains. They are wonderful excitement on a wooden floor (you should try pushing one around sometime). There may be a future in railroads for me.

Driving my new car around the house is thrilling of course. And by around the house I mean of course the interior of the house, I don't have my license just yet -- that and I am only able to go backwards at this point.

Music is such a part of my day now. Drumming, listening, clapping, dancing. What a soul enriching experience music, I do hope you take the
time to listen now and again. I recommend Wheels on the Bus or Old McDonald, classics.

Still, while I muse upon the coming year I have high hopes for myself and my family. I suspect I'll soon be giving up the crutch so to speak and start toddling like a mad man without having to grab the couch or ottoman or my mother's pant leg every other step. That will be nice. Mommy continues to deliver new babies into the world. None as cute as I am of course. Big brother plays with me still and will in the future, after homework and chores are done of course. And daddy will continue dictation for me, he's such a sport.

And some special ruminations for the future. Uncle Noah, all the women love a man in uniform, even if that uniform comes with bus keys and a fare counter. Uncle Rick, my favorite color is midnight metallic blue, especially in a Porsche. 911. GT2. Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system and CDC-4 CD Autochanger, you know, in case you find one laying around. Uncle Steve, take care of my newest, unborn cousin -- as well as the fine cousin I already have in Finn (did Woody ever make it home?). Uncle Cameron, good luck in the kitchen. Let us know how your career progresses. Uncle Chuck, (man I have a lot of Uncles) Hermey doesn't look anything like you, you are much taller. Aunt Nicki, good luck with your future as well and next time, I'll pick the restaurant. Aunt Pam, you take care of your self and the little ones, well one big one so far as I'm concerned and one little one. Aunt Dianna loved the wine, give Eli a big hug for me. Grandparents one and all, keep being grandparents, what more is there to say. And last, but not least, Uncle Luke. Remember it's not about the beer, it's all about the wine. Now go ask for a suggestion, order a bottle, and drink deeply.

That's it for now folks, daddy says his fingers are starting to get tired (whimp). Have a great New Year.


- Fox out.