Merry Christmas 2011!

Santa and Torin at Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth, December 18

It was a very merry Christmas in the T household. Pookie is now quietly slumbering after a magical gift- and smile-filled day.

Last night, on Christmas Eve, Pookie got to open one present--a set of four Edushape Sensory Balls. He liked them, but of course the box and wrapping paper were equally (if not more) entertaining for him.

This morning, he woke to find that Santa had left him some major goodness: a Mega Bloks wagon filled with Mega Bloks, another separate package of Mega Bloks, and a huge ball pit filled with 200 colorful plastic balls!

After opening up the rest of his gifts--a Fisher-Price Little People Animal Sounds Zoo (from his Aunt Sharla), a Melissa & Doug toolbox, some Viking Super Chubbies vehicles, some bath toys, and some books--we headed over to my parents' house with Grandpa Brian. (Grandpa Brian has been staying with us this week to help make things even merrier!)

At my parents' house, Pookie got to hang out with Aunt Sharla; her boyfriend, Brad; Brad's kids, Ethan and Erin; and my grandmother, Pookie's great grandmother, Kathy (Nana).

Nana got him a super-cute giraffe Pillow Pet and a sweet Playskool push-button toy. And he continued to score more gifts: My parents got him a LeapFrog My Own Leaptop, a LeapFrog Chat & Count phone, a sock frog, a Fisher-Price Little People Wheelies Stand 'n Play Rampway, and a Cozy Coupe!

In all, I'd say Christmas 2011 was a big win for Torin--and for his proud parents.

After we unwrapped gifts, we all headed to Luby's for dinner. Then we went back to my parents' house and relaxed while watching Torin play with his new toys (and the boxes they came in).

I haven't felt the warmth and coziness of Christmas for at least 10 years. However, Pookie has brought back all the wonder that I've been missing. I can't think of a greater joy than the joy of my child. With his smiles, I smile. With his laughter, I laugh.

Now, Torin sleeps and I prepare a small after-dinner scotch drink, I kick back on the couch with my husband and my father-in-law, and we watch a movie. And all is right in the world, at least for tonight.

The harvest is upon us once again...

Halloween 2011 saw no trick-or-treating for us (maybe beginning next year), but we did witness the cutest little vampire baby one could ever imagine. Mom and Dad were the ones who really got the "treats." Of course, Pookie is never not adorable.

A couple of days before Halloween, we took Pookie for his first pumpkin patch visit. We went to Hall's Pumpkin Farm in Grapevine. He had the best time crawling around among the pumpkins:

He also got to sit on a tractor for the very first time (there will be many more times, if Dad has any say in the matter):

In all, we've been having a fun fall so far. Grandpa Brian has come to visit once, and he'll be back for Thanksgiving. Also, Pookie has been toddling about, getting better and better at walking on his own. What's more, he seems to have gotten more reprieves from illness lately, having had only an ear infection within the past few weeks. (Knock on proverbial wood!)

We've also made progress on his eating issues, as he is now eating Goldfish, Cheerios, wheat bread, and other small items. He'll be moving up to the next class in his daycare soon, so we're hoping he progresses to other table foods very soon.

Just as with last autumn, this one is filled with thanks for a happy, healthy, beautiful boy. We couldn't be more proud and grateful.

Happy first birthday to our Pookie, our Torin!

Dear Torin,

Today's technology allows us to speak to a computer (or smartphone) and have our words translated into text. However, no such technology exists to translate emotions into text. I guess this is just as well, because there are no words powerful enough to convey how I and your dad feel about you.

You entered our lives exactly a year ago today. Lying there in the hospital, I was transformed from a woman to a mother within an instant. I am just as affected by that moment now as I was then, at 3:03 am on October 6, 2010.

To say Dad and I love you is appropriate and true. But what is there out there that's bigger than the word "love"? Because that's what I'm feeling. You are me. You are your father. You are the wind blowing all around us, the water washing away the silt of past mistakes. You are life.

I've watched your eyes turn from blue to brown, your hair from black to strawberry blonde, your smile from gummy to toothy. I've cheered you on as you began rolling over, sitting up, standing up, taking steps. I've marveled at your innate ability to figure out how your toys operate, how to get to things you're not supposed to touch, how to get what you want from me and Dad.

If this first year has brought us this much joy, what do the upcoming years hold for us? I am at once overwhelmed and anxious and excited just thinking about all the we will experience together for the first time as a family.

It's unclear to me whether this past year has gone by slowly or quickly. I'm not sure which moments have been among my favorites. I don't even know how I'll feel about having a toddler when I go to bed tonight. But this I do know: I was incomplete before 3:03 am October 6, 2010. I am now a mother to an adorable, clever, buoyant child with the world in front of him.

Happy first birthday, Pookie! We extra-love you.

Mommy and Daddy

Love is...

...when Pookie lights up when I arrive at daycare to pick him up. He comes crawling at me from across the room, not letting anyone or anything come between him and his mama. He demands to be picked up and kissed immediately.

...when Pookie likes to sit quietly in my lap. Granted, this doesn't happen very often, but when it does, I treasure every second of it.

...when Pookie imitates me and Daddy, whether it be by clapping, waving, shaking his head "no," or "talking."

...when Pookie stops playing with a toy and looks up at me and smiles. It's a knowing smile. It's a younger, carefree me smiling back at myself. In that eye contact lies something cannot be recreated between and two other people. It's a mommy-and-baby thing.

E-Aunties are the best!

Over the weekend, we got a package in the mail for Pookie. It was a box full of birthday goodies from a caring, intelligent, beautiful group of ladies I have befriended online.

What was in the box? Pookie was delighted to find, appropriately, a stuffed Pookie doll (a Sandra Boynton character), some Sandra Boynton board books, and a personalized Jeff Gordon outfit! It has been a long time since we've received such a thoughtful gift. I was just a bit teary eyed as Torin, Joey, and I opened the box and unwrapped each gem.

I hope to post some pictures here soon. It's the least I can do to show Torin proof that genuinely kindhearted people do exist and care about us.

Walk this way!

Last Thursday night (3 nights ago), we got a tremendous treat when Torin took several steps on his very own for the first time ever! He even repeated the feat then, only to fall and hit his head on the tile floor afterward (poor guy). And, well, tonight, he was at it again, taking 3-4 steps at a time. Even though we don't have any recorded proof yet, I'm making it official: Torin has walked!

This weekend was full of fun stuff for Pookie. We had a play date with his friend from daycare, Morris, on Saturday afternoon. He and Morris are like peas and carrots. Morris hugged Torin at one point, and Torin, not knowing what to do in return, fell against Morris happily. They both had a great time, eating snacks and playing with Morris's toys. I hope this is the first of many play dates for them.

Later in the day on Saturday, we met Andrew, Jennifer, Preston, Sarah C., and Hannah at the Plano Balloon Festival. It was hotter and more crowded than we expected, so we didn't stay too long. But it was good to see friends and watch Preston and Hannah play on the blow-up rides. Because the weather was unpredictable, we didn't really get to see any hot-air balloons, unfortunately.

Tonight, I guess all the walking made Torin thirsty, because he quickly learned how to use his new sippy cup with a straw. Within just a couple of minutes, he was slurping down water like a pro while he munched on his Cheerios.

It was a tiring but fulfilling weekend, to be sure. As we count down the days to Pookie's first birthday, we cherish every moment we have with our growing baby, who will be a toddler in mere days.

Of smiles and tears.

We're finally getting two more teeth (upper front), bringing the grand total to four. I'll miss that gummy baby smile. It makes me want to cry to think about how quickly our little Pookie is growing up.

Tonight, he began walking while pushing a toy--another first!

A couple of weeks ago, Pookie had to undergo an endoscopy because of his eating issues. The good news is that the doctor didn't find any problems. The bad news is that the eating issues are most likely behavioral. For this reason, we have set up Pookie to work with a speech therapist once a week to help him overcome his "texture aversion." Ideally, he'd be about ready to wean off the bottle and formula by now, but that's really his only source of nutrition until we get his issues resolved.

On a lighter note, Pookie has made a friend at daycare, a cute little boy named Morris. They only play with each other, the teachers say. They're like peas and carrots. In fact, we're meeting Moriss's parents next weekend for what will be Pookie's first official play date.

Also on the agenda for next weekend: the Plano Balloon Festival!

So, in less than a month, Pookie will be one year old. He'll be a toddler. When people say kids grow up so fast, it's true. I always thought that cliche was overused, but really, it is the truth. I'm sure Mom will shed some tears come October 6.

More firsts!

I just wrote the following in another of my journals:

Unmatched is the pride of a mother whose almost-toddler is learning so easily and quickly.

And I proudly have two new firsts to report here--they both happened just now. Torin said "Dad" when prompted by Joey, twice in a row! Also, Torin began shaking his head after watching me do it. It has "clicked" with him, and now he must constantly do it.

I'm not so sure I'll always be so happy about the second of these two firsts. But for now, I'm basking in the glow that only a proud parent can see and feel.

Clap on!

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a clapper! Torin began clapping this weekend. Hopefully there will be a video soon.

It seems like it has been quite awhile since we last saw a new milestone being reached or a new skill being learned. I have a feeling, though, that these next few weeks and months will be filled with lots of firsts. Torin has begun to cruise a little bit, a few steps at a time, and he can stand up unsupported for 5-10 seconds before falling on his squishy little bottom.

We took a quick trip to Victoria this weekend to attend some friends' wedding vow renewals. Our little 10-month-old is quite the traveler! He does very well in the car seat, for the most part, crying mainly when he's hungry. He enjoys meeting new people and seeing familiar ones (such as Grandpa Brian). At our friends' party, he had fun chasing after the bigger kids and watching them run around. He'll be among those bigger kids soon enough!

I can't believe our little baby will be a toddler in less than two months. Where has this year gone? Time flies when you're watching a baby grow and learn every day.

Pookie on the dance floor, watching all the action and trying to figure out how to be a part of it.

Pookie likes Daddy's truck--but the keys are much more fun to nom on!

I wonder where Pookie got that curly hair?

Just like Daddy.

Crazy Pookie!

It's the little things.

I heard and saw Pookie stirring on our video monitor, so I went to his room to fetch him from his late afternoon nap. When I arrived at his crib, he was smiling so darn big, playing and cuddling with Scout while the toy played a soft lullaby. I might have cried a little. Okay, okay, I did cry for a minute or two.

Alas, I didn't get a picture of the scene that made me so uncharacteristically emotional. I was too caught up in the moment to capture a shot. But I will say, it's simple moments like this one that mean more than anything else in the world to me. I could never, ever imagine a life without Pookie now that he's here.

Strangers in a strange land.

This weekend, we took Pookie on his first out-of-state road trip. Needing desperately to get out of the city, we all headed north aimlessly, in search of nothing but a bit of bucolic peace. We found it in Oklahoma!

We didn't get out of the car much, but we enjoyed the view of the Arbuckle Mountains from the comfort of our air-conditioned truck. We drove around the Lake of the Arbuckles and cruised down many a curvy, hilly road, slowing down just enough to relish life outside the big city for a short time.

Pookie did so well--just like he did when we went down to South Texas when he was just 3 months old. He napped quite a bit and played quietly with his toys in his car seat, occasionally babbling and calling out to let us know he was hungry.

Seeing how smoothly it went, we'll be taking plenty more trips like this every chance we get!

Torin's first 4th!

For our first Independence Day as a family, we kept things pretty low key. We had lunch at Snuffer's, then we went for a peaceful drive through the East Texas countryside. Even though Pookie wasn't in the best mood today (he's either sick or teething--he has a runny nose), he still managed a few laughs and smiles, one of which we were lucky enough to capture on camera.

Pookie continues to crawl like crazy and pull up to standing. In the past couple of weeks, he has started to babble more. Also, I think he has been waving at me! I hope to post videos of his latest accomplishments very soon.

A fantastic first Father's Day!

Pookie and his daddy after bath time

Pookie had a few surprises up his stretchy little pajama sleeves for Joey's first Father's Day today. First, Pookie woke us up with smiles and laughs. Then he kissed his mommy for the first time ever. Next, after rolling around and playing on our bed for a few minutes, he and I gave Joey our greeting cards.

Afterward, Pookie presented Joey with a customized hardcover storybook about Joey himself: My SuperDad! The book features Joey's face on the body of a superhero. Of course Joey got a huge laugh out of this gift, and we could tell he was very proud of it.

Once we all finally got up and got dressed, we headed to Fogo de Chao, a churrascaria at which Pookie had made a reservation for 3. Joey and I feasted upon ginormous salads and delectable meats, while Pookie feasted upon his tabletop toy.

Having gotten more than our fill from the Brazillian steakhouse, we headed to my parents' house to give my dad a Father's Day card and hang out for a bit. My parents got each of us, including Pookie, an official Dallas Mavericks NBA championship T-shirt--score!

At the end of the day, Joey gave Pookie a nice splish-splashy bath, and then Pookie went straight to sleep. All of that gift-giving and planning must have worn him out!

Pookie and I are so lucky to have Joey for a dad and husband, and I hope we gave him a Father's Day he'll always cherish.

And our first word is...

..."edit."

That sound you hear is me sobbing with regret. The poor kid has already declared an interest in his mother's thankless, underpaying former profession. At least he's already used to the sleepless nights.

But seriously, I know it's not a "word" per se. I'm just thrilled that Torin is beginning to really babble now. This cuteness pretty makes up for the horrors of teething.

(Sorry, I can't seem to rotate the video for proper viewing.)

As a language geek, I look forward to seeing how his speech progresses. Oh, and now would be a good time for Daddy and I to start watching our own language and substituting our favorite four-letter words with a more child-friendly vocabulary.

We officially have our first tooth!

Yep, after over a week of agony, that first tooth has finally made its way through Pookie's gums. It's the bottom right central incisor. The central incisor to its left looks like it will be here in a few more days. I hope I can post a picture later--it's hard to get one because that goofy Pookie likes to stick his tongue out all the time, and we can't keep our fingers in his mouth long enough to get a snapshot.

I hope the next 19 teeth don't cause as much trouble as this first one has, but I have a feeling we're in for a few rough months.

Sea legs.

Today was Torin's first Memorial Day, and we spent most of it Andrew, Jennifer, and Preston's house, along with our friend Sarah C. and her lovely daughter, Hannah. Andrew and Jennifer set up the kiddie pool for Preston and Hannah, and we thought this would be a good opportunity for Torin to get in his first swim.

He did very well, merrily kicking his legs like he does in the bathtub! Of course, he was only in the water for a couple of minutes, but he was mesmerized by the moving water and the splashes his pals were making. More than anything, he wanted to put the pool toys in his mouth--after all, he is teething.

Our Pookie has so many more firsts in store for himself in the coming months. I'm sure this will be one of our best summers ever!

Another milestone!

As of tonight, it is finally official: We have a crawler!

We knew it was coming. Torin had been "army crawling" for a couple of weeks, and within the past few days, he had been working on coordinating his leg movements with his arm movements.

I'd post some pictures or a video, but my phone was stolen today while we were at the Dallas Comic Con, so I couldn't capture any media that is easy to upload. I did catch the first crawling episode with our real camcorder, so I hope to upload that footage soon.

Oh, and Torin is still pulling himself up to standing and is very proud of himself every time he does it. But of course, his mommy and daddy are quite proud, too.

This parenting thing brings with it a certain type of pride I've never before experienced. Here's to many, many more days--and years--filled with such pride.

The first stand.

Well, it happened tonight. At just over 7 months of age, Torin has skipped crawling and has pulled himself to standing:

I was trying to upload the video here, but it doesn't seem to be working. Nonetheless, Joey and I are two proud parents tonight. Not that we ever aren't!

My first Mother's Day.

To commemorate the big day, Torin and his daddy got me this adorable card shaped like a bib:

The inside reads, "Happiest Mother's Day wishes to a very special new mom. Enjoy every minute of it!"

Unfortunately, beyond that, we didn't end up doing anything for my first Mother's Day. Although I didn't receive a gift or a nice meal or some other such gesture, I will always appreciate my sweet boy. I see him grow up just a little bit more each day. In fact, we installed his big-boy car seats in each of our cars today:

Yep, that's a Recaro seat--the same company that makes awesome race car seats! Torin loves his new seats and is ready to rule the road. I'm ready for the ride--I think.

If I can be a loving, caring mother to my Pookie, that's the best Mother's Day gift I could ever give myself.

Stranger Danger!

Well, it has officially begun. Torin is now scared of people he doesn't know. Gone are the halcyon days in which he would beam while anyone held him. Now he sticks out his bottom lip and wails until Mommy or Daddy takes him back. Our poor friend Sarah C. was the first to experience this, last night. It's unfortunate that it started with her; she's been one of Torin's biggest admirers, although she rarely sees him.

In better news, our Pookie is finally sitting up unassisted (if only for a few seconds or a minute or so at a time). Once we hone this skill a bit more, we can finally introduce him to his convertible car seat and the world of shopping cart seats and restaurant highchairs.

Everything is happening so slowly, it seems, but I know I'll reflect upon this time later on and realize just how quickly Pookie is growing up.

And a happy first Easter it was!

As you can see, the Easter Bunny spoiled Torin on his first Easter. And just what did that big, lovable rabbit leave for our dear boy?

• Bath toys
• A toy that makes lots of bubbles
• Soft blocks
• A Leap Frog "My Pal Scout"
• Several teether toys
• A pair of sunglasses
• A khaki summer hat
• A car seat/stroller toy
• A couple of small Fisher-Price cars
• A toy cell phone

How can we parents ever top that sort of gift giving? Looks like we'll have to overboard on his birthday!

After getting some good pictures of Torin and his loot, we headed out for lunch at Loose Wheels, Texas--a biker bar near the Oklahoma border (but don't worry, they're very kid friendly during the day). Afterward, we took a leisurely drive through the country in northeast Texas, visiting Paris and Cooper Lake along the way. It was nice to get away from the city and leave our troubles back at home for a little while.

In all, it was a terrific Easter Sunday, full of the merriment I've always imagined possible for a family of my own.

Edited: Just now, Pookie sat up unassisted for a couple of minutes in his crib. He just began sitting on his own last night, but only for a few seconds at a time. I guess his lengthy sitting spell tonight--a major milestone--was his Easter gift to us!

Overboard?

Uh-oh. Don't tell Torin, but I've been conspiring with the Easter Bunny concerning Torin's Easter basket. It looks like our eyes were bigger than the basket...

Anyway, we're looking forward to showering Pookie with gifts tomorrow. He's going to have so many new things to gnaw on--I can't wait!

A creeped-out mom and a "hoppy" boy

We went to see the Easter Bunny over the weekend during his appearance at Town East Mall. My mother said I always cried when meeting him; now I know why. He sure does look...freaky.

But Torin didn't seem to mind him at all. In fact, all Torin was really interested in was nomming on the Easter Bunny's bow tie. We were fortunate enough to get him to look at the camera for just a split second:

Otherwise, Pookie was content to gum the Easter Bunny's hand and stare at everything but the camera. Not a care in the world.

Oh, to be young and not afraid of the truly fear-worthy.

April 8, 2011

Telling someone how you really feel shouldn't be a crime, especially when you put so much time and thought into your message to him or her.

Success!

Torin's surgery went as planned, with no complications. He has been eating quite well today, staying hydrated. We've had to administer some Tylenol and Motrin, but he seems okay otherwise. He's a bit grumpy, but he's still giving us his trademark Pookie smiles and laughs occasionally.

I, however, didn't fare very well this morning and ended up having to take half a Klonopin to quell my paralyzing anxiety. I knew that I didn't really have much to worry about, and I trust our surgeon and all others involved in Torin's care, but rationality tends to take a back seat to mommy instinct.

Torin is sleeping soundly right now. I hope he returns to his usual fun self soon. I think I'll be taking the other half of that Klonopin tonight, just to ensure that I get enough sleep to restore what little sanity I have left.

Well, Pookie, it's been six months already!

Can you believe it? You were born half a year ago today! Sometimes it seems like it has already been years since we first met; other times, it feels like only a few weeks have passed.

These days, you're doing more and more big-boy stuff. You can hold your own bottle (sometimes), you can pet one of our more tolerant kitty cats, you can melt hearts with your laughs, you can fall asleep on your own in your crib, you can bear weight on your legs for several seconds at a time. All of these things sure do make a mommy proud, but they also make a mommy sad--sad that her little baby is growing up so very quickly.

On a heavier note, you're having your first (and hopefully your last) surgery in the morning. It's minor day surgery, but it requires general anesthesia. It goes without saying that I am terrified. I don't want to hand off my little Pookie tomorrow and make him go through surgery without his mommy by his side. I don't want to see my Pookie feeling bad and hurting when he's in the recovery room. It's all too much for me to think about.

I know you will sleep soundly tonight like the growing boy you are. I, however, will toss and turn and fret as dawn approaches. So sleep tight, Pookie, and let me take care of you. Here's to many, many more months and years of a worried mommy and a thriving son.

I love you.

Approaching the half-way mark!

Torin will (already) be six months old this coming Wednesday. I simply cannot believe it!

Not much has been going on lately. We're still trying to ease into the solid foods, as Torin doesn't really seem to be into them too much just yet, although you can't tell from this photo:

Sorry, I know a lot of people don't like pictures of babies eating, but I have to show off Pookie's mommy-like smile!

Yesterday, we took Torin for his professional 6-month photo shoot. Mommy and Daddy joined in for a couple of pictures, too. We can't wait to see Pookie's cuteness captured with quality equipment. Of course, I'll be posting those photos here as soon as we get them! In the meantime, here he is with Daddy, just after the shoot:

Torin seems like a completely different baby than he was 6 months ago. He doesn't look anything like that tiny little boy I gave birth to. And he is so much happier nowadays, always smiling and laughing! I am trying to appreciate every little moment I get with Pookie, because he'll be in high school before I know it.

Our little leprechaun!

I couldn't quite catch him smiling on camera, but he was chipper this evening--even though he has a cold! Who needs a a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow when you have a cutie like this boy?

Happy first St. Patrick's Day, Pookie!

Food for the five-month-old!

Yesterday, Pookie turned five months old. Where is the time going, seriously?

The day before, we finally broke out the big-people food for him. It was a couple of weeks earlier than the pediatrician recommended, but Pookie seems ready for it: He tries to grab our food, he watches us with pitiful eyes while we eat, and the bottle alone doesn't seem to suffice anymore. So we tried oatmeal mixed with formula. And what did Pookie think about it all?

First he cried, "What is this mushy stuff, and why is it on this big, long rubbery thing?

Then he considered it further and asked, "You mean, I have to wait between spoonfuls? It's not a continuous flow of nommies like from my bottle?"

After a few more bites, Pookie remained unsure whether to like or hate this oatmeal stuff. He finished the whole serving, though.

After a couple of more days of much of the same thing, he still doesn't know whether he's into it. I think he likes gnawing on the spoon more than he does actually eating the food. What ever the case might be, the whole affair usually ends the same way:

Food for the five-month-old!

The definition of love.

My whole world, my reason for being, lies on our couch.

My sleepy Valentine!

To mark Torin's first Valentine's Day, he...snoozed! But not before he spit up a lot, cried, and acted generally cranky. Okay, so he's not exactly the Cupid type; that's okay. He's Mommy's cute little Valentine, no matter what.

Here's Pookie with a Valentine from "Grandma" Shirley as well as a Valentine and a monkey from Mommy and Daddy.

We chose the monkey because we always call Torin "Monkey Face," especially when he sleeps, because of his chubby cheeks and wide mouth.

He's my little Monkey Face Pookie Valentine, and I love him like I've never loved a Valentine before.

Night fever.

And not the good kind of fever the Bee Gees sang about, unfortunately.

We spent last night in the emergency room with Torin. He has been sick all week and running a low fever, but that fever spiked to 103 degree yesterday evening. After a visit to the pediatrician earlier this week and a phone call with their nurse last night, we headed over to Medical City.

Despite Torin's uncontrollable screaming and crying, the nurses were eventually able to get enough blood and urine to run tests. They also took a radiograph of his lungs. Luckily, everything came back negative--no RSV, no flu, no fluid in the lungs, no UTI, no serious dehydration. They gave Torin an I.V. of antibiotics and sent us on our way.

Upon waking up this morning, Torin's temperature was already 101 degrees, so we visited the pediatrician's office again upon their request. The doctor suspects that it's nothing serious and that it should pass in a few days. This evening, Torin seems to be feeling a little better. His fever is certainly not as high as it was last night, and he's even smiling a bit. Let's hope the worst has passed.

Happy four months!

So slowly yet so quickly, our baby boy grows. This contradiction amazes me. But I wouldn't change any of it for the world.

Unfortunately, our big little boy is running a fever this evening. I called the doctor's office, and I was told not to worry about it just yet. I am to give Torin Tylenol every four hours, and then we will need to make a trip to see the doctor tomorrow.

While it wasn't the greatest of days for Torin, he did seem to enjoy the Super Bowl--more so than his Mommy and Daddy did!

Reaching out.

Yesterday, Torin hit another milestone. In other words, he found a new way to melt his parents' hearts. He began reaching for us when we bend over to pick him up.

There are really no words. Just love.

One year ago today...

...I took a home pregnancy test, the results of which began our nine-month journey to parenthood. And here we are now, with a beautiful little boy--a nearly-4-month-old who is everything we live for.

Mommy and Daddy love you, Pookie!

Another first today.

This one was the first day of daycare. As sad as it was, it became a necessity for us. We would really like for me to be able to stay at home with Torin, but the bills won't just automatically dissipate. He did very well, though, and he's worn out this evening.

In happier news, Torin began to laugh last night. We got it on video, so I hope I can post it here soon. It's one of the sweetest sounds I've ever heard. It makes me want to cry. My sweet, sweet boy.

The company I work for was sold this week, and I am now working for the new owners as a temporary contractor. However, I've got an interview tomorrow (my third with this potential employer), and I expect it to go well. Either way, we'll manage, and life will go on. But I'm excited nonetheless!

Three months!

Yep, Torin is already 3 months old as of today. Thirteen weeks!

To celebrate his big day, he enjoyed some time in his new Bumbo seat:

And he rolled over from his tummy to his back for the first time ever! He's in a very happy mood today, and so is Mommy.

So this is parenthood. I've never had so much pride.

1-1-11: A year of firsts

For the first time ever, Joey and I rang in the new year as a family. We had our little Thor in his Rock 'N Play Sleeper, just in front of us, as we watched Inception and made a toast (me with a beer, Joey with a couple of sips of scotch).

I look forward to all we have in store for 2011 as new parents. On the agenda for this year are first roll-overs, first teeth, first crawls, first steps, first Easter Bunny visits, first Mother's Day and Father's Day celebrations, and so many more exciting moments.

In fact, we're already off to a momentous start: Torin held up his head higher and longer than ever during today's tummy time:

"I don't have a big head; you just have little eyes."

As Torin's 3-month "birthday" approaches, he is becoming more and more interactive. For the past week or so, each day has held a new surprise: less colic, more vocalizations, more smiles, the beginnings of laughter, and more interest in the world. And with each passing day, I wonder what he and I will discover together.

Here's to a 2011 seen through the eyes of a babe.