Life in Fast Forward

Its hard to believe Mia is 6 months already! (tomorrow) I think this first year of her life will seem like the fastest year of mine. She is doing really well, almost sitting up by herself, hasn't quite figured out how to roll from her stomach to back. But I think what I am most grateful for is her unique personality. She can entertain a whole room with her random outbursts, laughter, and screams - much like her mother. Then at other times she is perfectly content, just observing from the corner, quietly taking it all in - like her Dad. She has allowed us to maintain somewhat of a social life, by being so laid back - Thanks Mia.

She has also been very interested in big people food lately - so we decided to start her on rice cereal when Mol got back from Mexico. In classic new parent form - we had to video tape it. Its really not that interesting - so I sped it up - and put it to a song by Phoenix, that we are rocking out to on a daily basis. (on the rockin new kitchen speakers, which I love more everyday.) And the good news is Mol loves them too.

With spring in the air - we went to explore getting a new stroller. Even though mol and I do not run we wanted something with big wheels that can be used at the cabins. There was only the floor model left of the one we liked with 20% off plus being on clearance... Plus we squeezed them for another $10 off because the pedometer was broken... We couldn't pass up a deal that sweet. Mia seems to like it - she loves being able to look around.

If you are snob like me - you can watch it in HD at Vimeo.

In some ways this video is an analogy, for the last six months - a blur at times, with moments of pure bliss, that really stick with me.

Left to my own Devices

So with Mol in Mexico - Mia is stuck wearing far more practical outfits than cute. And I am catching a small glimpse of how hard it would be to be a single parent. I qualify it as a very small glimpse because I am getting plenty of help - tonight will be the only dinner I will have cooked for myself. (Leftovers from last nights meal cooked by Erik and Mady)

Mol has the camera with her - so the low res iPhone pics will have to suffice.

I had to try and tackle a project that I could get done in one day. Luckily Mady helped to watch Mia while my brother and I went down to the shop to make this sweet speaker shelf above the kitchen sink. It was't complicated but I knew it had to be exact in order to be worth the effort at all (and not get the veto from Mol when she returns.)

I love it when stuff just works. I think most of you have seen me demo the iPhone app - Remote - in my basement. Its great - but I have found I don't listen to much music in the basement. I have wanted to put another "zone" in the kitchen for a while - I kept getting stuck on wanting to put the speakers on the cabinet opposite the sink - but there is no power in that wall. Saturday I even started down the path of installing an outlet up through that wall, but quickly realized that would have been more than a day project. So I can give the rest of the placement specific later if anyone cares - the important part is how simple the technology is. And cheap when compared to other marketed solutions like the Bose Sound Link ($550) or SONOS ($1000).

Because I already have the iPhone and a wireless router (which most normal people already have :) - adding a wireless music "zone" is only $200.

The key components: Apple Airport Express ($99) and the Bose Companion 2 Speakers ($89)

What makes the Airport Express so clutch is its built in headphone style audio output jack. And while every other Bose product is way over priced - the Companion series isn't - and still sounds amazing. Even better than the super popular iPod dock speakers.

Now - with my iPhone - I can choose which rooms I want music in - (computer, basement, and kitchen.)

On a cute note - Mol had me record a video of her reading a book - for me to play to Mia while she is gone. She absolutely loves it - she giggles in this cute half laugh half cry - like oh I am happy to see you, but I miss you too...

No Need to Water

This next one required a little more patience. With so many small pieces we just had to go a little bit slower. This time instead of stopping to take pictures throughout, I just took video, and then sped it up a bit. In the end, I think everything else going on around me kind of upstaged the actual wall print. This really puts into perspective how constant a babies wiggling is.


Watch HD on Vimeo

From Blik Projects

Check out it out here: Blik - Olive

Giraffes!

Many of you know I am huge threadless fan. I found Blik a while back when they started printing some threadless designs as vinyl wall art. Mol and I decided to get one for Mia's room. Most are reasonably priced - and simple to "install". Such Great Height

From Blik Projects

Sledding with a Friend

It was a bit chilly but still a good time.

From Sledding with a friend

Valentines Day

What a weekend! Mol and I cashed in on our anniversary present from Mols parents - one free night at the Westin (including baby sitting. Mol was 9 months prego on our anniversary this year - so it was nice to celebrate it over valentines day.) The suite was awesome. The hot tub was just what we needed - including the interesting people we met drinking Bush Light cans.

Dinner at the Ocean Air was amazing. It was obviously super busy - but they didn't make you feel that way. Our table was too squished to everyone around us - and our server was awesome. Mol and I agreed that all too often servers mess up that moment where they ask if you want wine with dinner - and whether or not they should remove the glasses from the table. So many servers get make that awkward - Ours was SO smooth about it - and I could tell it was going to be a perfect experience. The smallest details are always what matter - how he cracked and shelled Mols King Crab Legs table side - to how the busser noticed I had dripped butter into my water glass - and got me a new one instead of just adding more water. A bit pricey - but we were combining two special occasions - and it was so delicious.

Then on Sunday after one whole night away from Mia - she demanded some of our attention - so we decided to do a photo shoot. (She was actually a doll for the Grandparents, sleeping her usual 9-10 hours)

From Valentines Day

Now we are going to go sledding with some friends - and maybe some more picture taking. : )

Balloons and Babies

Finally getting around to finishing this post two Saturdays ago we made a quick field trip over to Hudson for their annual Hot Air Affair festival. Mol gets the credit for getting us out and about. We were there and back in a couple hours, and it was fun going to a "carnival" style event in the middle of winter. It was pretty cool how quickly everyone showed up - ballooners - and spectators all showed up right at 6:30 for the "Moon Glow". I was also surprised how close we got to get to all of the action.

From Hot Air Affair 2010

Also our neighbors had their new baby! Holy crap. Getting to hold a 4 day old baby next to Mia at 4 months was pretty cool. It was this great tangible reminder of how much Mia - and my life - has changed so quickly. I had an interesting deja vu moment - when Mia was looking at Annie - just how our other friends baby (who was 4 months old) looked at Mia just after she was born.