Fox Albert

Howdy

2008-08-30T12:37:00.002-04:00

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 ...

2008-08-11T22:36:00.006-04:00

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!

2008-06-23T15:07:00.008-04:00

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

2008-06-10T20:42:00.004-04:00

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

2008-06-02T23:46:00.008-04:00

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.

2008-05-25T11:00:00.004-04:00

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

2008-04-15T22:02:00.006-04:00

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

2008-04-13T12:33:00.006-04:00

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

2008-04-05T13:01:00.005-04:00

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

2008-03-29T13:41:00.007-04:00

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

2008-03-16T17:59:00.002-04:00

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

2008-03-06T18:13:00.005-05:00

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

2008-03-01T18:44:00.003-05:00

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 ...

2008-02-26T20:03:00.011-05:00

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.

2008-02-23T15:54:00.004-05:00

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

2008-02-08T19:32:00.000-05:00

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

2008-02-06T18:14:00.000-05:00

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

2008-01-28T20:56:00.000-05:00

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 ...

2008-01-20T10:35:00.000-05:00

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

2008-01-19T11:14:00.000-05:00

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

2008-01-11T21:29:00.000-05:00

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

2008-01-04T10:09:00.000-05:00

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

2008-01-02T13:40:00.000-05:00

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.

Post Christmas

2007-12-26T13:59:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays everybody. Now that my second Christmas has passed I thought it time to reflect. I don't remember much about my first Christmas, I know there was an elf costume of sorts and lots of colorful paper. Come to think of it, there was an unusually large amount of colored paper this year as well. And boxes, I love boxes. What all those toys and clothes are doing in perfectly good, fun inspiring boxes, I'll never know. Just take the toys out and there's hours of great fun to be had with a good ol' box. There's stacking, nesting, and if I climb inside an impossibly small box, the old man will push me around on the floor in it while making this disturbing brrrroooom sound. Mad fun! I about pee my pants it's so much fun ... actually I pee my pants all the time fun or not.

I did make the trip back to Illinois this Christmas. Great to see all the relations back in fly-over country. I saw my cousins Finn and Eli (Eli you will recall is from

hamanneggs.blogspot.com fame). Check us out pictured just above. That's Finn in the middle and Eli on my far left (your right). OK, yeah, we were not having the jolliest of times at that particular moment, too many sugar plums or something, but I assure you the good times were rolling right before someone decided to take our photo. Yup, we were three wild and crazy Hamanns. Runs in the family. I mean Finn, riding a horse in the living room and Eli, well, let's just say all the ladies were taking a keen interest in old Eli. Yup, joy, joy, joy. Good times were had by all. I suppose Finn's expression here about sums up the photo experience though ... "why am I always working with amateurs? I hear you Finn, I hear you.

Hope you all had a great holiday season, and have a great New Year.

- Fox out.

Boy's night in.

2007-12-14T21:23:00.001-05:00

Tonight, my friend Demani came over for a visit. Sharp dresser isn't he. I'll have to talk to him about where he gets his wardrobe. He and his parents moved here from Michigan about the same time we did. Demani is one week older than I am and he can walk ... I'm just a bit jealous. But I don't hold it against him personally, he's a good guy. We played blocks, I chased Demani around the living room, envious of his upright mobility, and shared the remote to the "T.V." (I know it's just a fake remote and not the remote to THE T.V., I'd have to pry that away from my dad).

I showed Demani my secret stash of toys under the microwave stand, the one I showed you in my video. He thought that was cool. It is. We put blocks in boxes, took them out again, and then played with the cars he gave me for my birthday. Nice friend to give a guy a car for his birthday!

Even though he can walk and I can't seem to master the vertical shuffle just yet, I was glad to be able to hang with the big "D" man for a while. Demani's cool. He has inspired me to try harder to get the hang of this walking thing. Perhaps next post I'll have to do wireless I'll be so mobile. I'm sure my parents will appreciate that!

I'm calling it a night. Entertaining a friend can be exhausting. Thanks for coming over Demani! See you later. (I've got to get a pair of shoes like those ...)

- Fox out.

Nor' easter?

2007-12-13T20:01:00.000-05:00

So, on the right you'll see my back yard at 8:00 a.m., just as it was starting to snow today. On the left and below a bit you'll see the result of that snow at approximately 6:00 p.m. Needless to say, it snows a bit here in New York.

Now I'm no stranger to snow. I was not born yesterday after all, last year perhaps, but not yesterday. I am told we had a fairly good snow back in Illinois, that is back when we still lived in Illinois. I think I was just a few months old at that point, during the blizzard of '07 (yes I realize it's still '07, but it sounds better this way) so I am unable to report with any degree of accuracy as to it's impact. I am told however, by very reliable sources that the big snow of '07 (the one I referred to earlier as having occurred during my short residency in Illinois) was in fact more devastating than the snow we had today. That is not meant to diminish the impact of the snow today, just to relate a sense of scale. In fact I seem to recall that we lost power at our home in Illinois, during the blizzard of '07, and have not in fact lost power here in New York. I do have to say it was an impressive amount of snow here today for a relatively short period of time however. I have it on good authority that the snow today, and I quote, "is nothing". Like I said, it snows here. A lot. Not sure I like the sounds of that.

It was fun to watch the flakes falling from the sky today. Like watching a giant overturned salt shaker, if some miscreant had loosed the shaker lid that is. No time to cry over spilled milk however. What's done is done. Stiff upper lip and all that. Perhaps it's time for a nice bottle, calms the nerves. Milk of course, the Guinness hat is my dad's. He just let's me wear it, provided I do my tough guy look. Not bad eh?

- Fox out.

Been busy ...

2007-12-09T20:23:00.001-05:00

Wow, it's been a hectic week. I think I sprained my brain on that last post. While it is a fact that I have an unusually high IQ for a 13 month old, there is only so much I can manage without getting overloaded.

With that said, I thought I'd check out becoming a foot model. What do you think? Granted I am cute enough to become a regular old super-model, but they get such little respect. A foot model though, not everyone can pull that off. I mean just LOOK at your feet! Gross. My feet on the other hand are as yet unmarred by the ravages of the everyday grind. I mean I hardly wear shoes for goodness sake. Yup, foot model it is. Maybe hand modeling, although mine are usually busy with something. I'll have to check with my agent to see where the demand is.

Anyways, hope you all have a great week. Remember to take time to prop your feet up (just not while the boss is around).

- Fox out

Humor the old man.

2007-12-02T10:58:00.001-05:00

So the other evening, my big brother Josh put his glasses on me and my father took this picture. Now my father thinks I should post something high-brow. He seems to think I look even more like a Ivy Leaguer with the glasses on. OK, I'll humor him, keeps him happy. Let's see, what to say ... OK, OK, how about this:

"So I said to Percy, we can only understand Husslerl's Seventh Meditation by applying destructive analysis to its own thought, leading to a formation of a destitutional noema which expresses the essential penuriousness of the work itself; clearly anyone familiar with the unwritten Ideen IV would realize immediately this destitution implies eidetic mutual transcendence of all principles, including that of noematico-epochosynthetic correlaticity relative to that of destitutional analysis. I mean just read Lebenswelter old-man. And he said, 'That's what you say.' What a Yalie."

Alright, I've humored the old man. Now I think I'll go fill my pants. That should keep him busy.

Fox?

2007-11-28T19:10:00.000-05:00

Yes my name is Fox. Fox Albert. For those who don't know the origins of my name, allow me to elaborate. As the legend goes I, the bright eyed, mohawked young lad you see to the left, received my name after much debate and consideration on the part of my parents in the eleventh hour of my mother's gestation. Truth be told, they were undertaking the dangerous and often fruitless journey of coming up with a "unique" name. You need only consider "Bluebell" or "Apple" or "Camera" and it is not a stretch to envision the unfortunately named child on the playground years from now being made to eat sand -- again.

As the story goes, mommy and daddy had to this point visited every Barnes and Nobel to scour baby name books and had visited every conceivable baby name website to no avail. Oh there were some contenders mind you, "Dutch" was thrown around, as was "Rudolph". No comment. One evening when all seemed bleakest, mommy asked daddy who are his favorite photographers. Daddy fancies himself to be a photographer. Well, "Ansel" was out of the question for obvious reasons aside from the fact that my middle name "Albert" was already established. "Ansel Albert" is an open invitation to a sand sandwich. By the way, "Albert" comes from my great-grandfather Albert Rudolph as pictured to the right (handsome devil). In vain daddy tossed a few more names of favored photographers out there, but none stuck or had that elusive "unique" quality my parents were going for.

Then, in a stroke of what can only be described as genius, daddy picked-up his copy of Naomi Rosenblum's A World History of Photography to see what historic photographic figures names might fit the bill. Enter a privileged English gentleman and inventor of the Calotype, William Henry Fox Talbot, pictured to the left. Now William, or "Bill" is too common a name for parents looking for a distinct boy moniker and we already have a Henry in our family (a fine strapping young lad), that left "Fox".

So the story goes, Papa threw "Fox" out there expecting mama to reject it faster than a tax cut when to his surprise, she stopped. She thought. She said "that might work". We had a winner, provided I did not come out with red hair, a recessive trait somewhere in my gene pool. There it was, "Fox Albert", in part for a beloved grandparent and part for a famed photographer and inventor. Not a bad combination.

Let me put to rest here and now any notion that I was named for any of the other Foxes circulating out there. I was not named after any of the depicted "Fox" characters pictured below nor any other Fox who might be lurking in the shadows.

And that is the story of "Fox". William Henry Fox Talbot and Albert Rudolph, thanks guys for letting me carry on such fine names. I hope to do them justice.

- Fox out.

No I've got a thing then ...

2007-11-27T18:38:00.000-05:00

Telemarketers, man what a drag. Is there anyone out there who actually buys the junk they hawk? Yeah, I need a free ski weekend in Vermont -- what's that? All I have to do is sit through your timeshare presentation? Why not? And while you're at it, go ahead and scrape my gums. Free ski weekend -- my last diaper!

I mean I could use a free vacation, who couldn't. The past twelve months have been gruel, gruel and milk, and lately some solids now that I have these teeth. I'm particularly fond of the mandarin oranges and of course pumpkin pie! Not such a big fan of the vegetable group though.

But I digress, telemarketers, the junk mail of the phone lines. Thank Heaven for caller ID that's all I have to say. I long for the simpler times. When it was all milk and honey, well no honey of course what with the whole salmonella thing going on there. Plenty of milk though. Milk at my beck and call, sleep all day if I wanted, my diapers changed for me, laying around all the time, attention 24/7. Yes, those were the days.

I'm sure it just gets better from here on out. I was cute way back then though wasn't I! Man have I grown. Wow, I'm nearly twice as tall as I was and nearly three times the weight. If that trend continues I'll be a ten foot tall 600 pound line backer in no time! Ha! Call me now telemarketers! Yeah, I'll come to your free ski weekend and no, I won't be sitting in on your timeshare presentation! Got a problem with that?

Mom, where's the milk??!!

Bozo, eat your heart out.

2007-11-25T11:45:00.001-05:00

Ever have one of those bad hair days? Ladies you know what I mean. You wake-up to discover you've been "sleep-combing" with a balloon whisk and a stick of butch wax and now you cannot do a thing to tame those fly-aways. I mean, you'd have done better to have styled your hair with a Black and Decker cordless drill -- blindfolded.

I had a night like that the other evening. I cannot confirm the balloon whisk theory mind you, but if the ends justify the theory then the proof is on my head. Sad isn't it. You go to bed, squeaky clean from your bath, hair all washed and dry not expecting to wake-up looking like half of Bozo's wig.

It's a good thing I have such high self confidence. The way my old man was laughing at my hair and chasing me everywhere with the camera made the paparazzi on that unfortunate Spears woman look like the Raiders' defense against the Vikings. Nothing.

I cannot blame him though, it was awfully unruly, fortunately I am cute enough to pull it off. All I have to do is smile and show him the teeth I have poking out of my bottom gums. He melts. I can do no wrong. Keep that in mind for the future ladies, just smile.

Come to think of it, this is far better than waking-up to hairs all over the pillow. Count your blessings where you can. I wonder if male pattern baldness runs in the family? Hey dad, let me get a good look at the top of your head!

(A big thank-you to Eli Hamann for the plug on his blog the other day. Check out Eli, the certified baby genius, at <http://www.hamanneggs.blogspot.com/> Thanks Eli!)

Bonus: A little video of what it is I do ...

Have your cake, or turkey, and eat it too.

2007-11-23T13:03:00.000-05:00

OK, my second Thanksgiving is now under my belt (literally I think I still have some stuffing stuck to my leg). I have to admit I was a big fan of the cranberry sauce, who would have guessed? Not so excited by the green bean casserole, although the dogs seemed to like it ... I do however want to thank the powers that be for pumpkin pie! I mean who knew!??
And why haven't I been eating this at every meal? What delightful ambrosia, what gastronomic perfection, where do I get more? Seriously, open that big box in the food room and slice me up another serving of that heavenly
sweet concoction. I know what I am grateful for, the fine folks at Sara Lee. Bless that woman and her wicked confections. Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful for my mommy, daddy, and big brother too. And also for my toys and clean diapers, but pumpkin pie! Do you remember your first taste of pumpkin pie with whipped cream topping? Yeah, you'd be exclaiming your delight too if this were your first taste. Talk about a sugar rush, whoa. I was a crazy man after that sugar injection. Could have stayed awake until Sunday if I had not crashed. I think you get my point, pumpkin pie is awfully good. I recommend you have another slice, forget the diet, live a little. My point is, be thankful for the little things. Pumpkin pie for instance. Now, how do I get another slice ... ???

Fox out.

Fox Albert

2007-11-22T12:50:00.000-05:00

Hi Everybody, After a long absence, and a change in venue, I'm back. I appreciate everyone's interest in the website, but it was too much to keep up with. And thanks to my cousin Eli, I think this is a much easier way to stay in touch with all my peeps. A special shout-out to my 847 dawgs, Big Finn and He Ain't Heavy, He's My Cousin, Elijah. Keepin' it real. Also a shout-out on this, my second Thanksgiving, to all the Hamanns out there (you know who you are), and also

to all the faithful foxhamann.com visitors, thanks again for your patronage.
Well, what have I been up to? Let's see, moved to New York state, cut a few more teeth, been crawling all over the place, learning to pull myself up on everything, and I've even taken a tentative step, yes, just one, but it was all on my own and a bit scary, soooo ... I'll keep you posted, right here, on that progress. Also, had a birthday, my first. Thank-you, thank-you. Like the shot of me stuffing my face? Yup, that's a birthday shot. Lookin' good aren't I!

Well, its about time for a nap, and a diaper change. Hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving, eat lots of turkey for me (mine will be pureed I'm sure ... not quite the same). Stay tuned Fox fans as this blog will be updated on a regular basis (unlike the website!).

Fox out ...