She's Got It

So, with expert analyses it has been decided that Evening has the early love of the outdoors - just like her Ma and old man. Through a series of in depth, highly scientific studies its almost a definite. Taking her out in the backyard or on the trail - her eyes light up a bit more brilliantly a she typically carries a refreshing calmness. When she gets all riled up - she loves going outside and letting the wind ride through her long, beauty reddish hair. It certainly helps that this Thanksgiving brought in record 60 degree days for her enjoyment.

Evening continues to grow tremendously and is daily stronger. She feels a hair over 12 lbs now - but we'll get that verified on Friday at the pediatrians when we go for her next set of RSV shots. Her rest has become more regular as well with much more consistant crib time and is taking after her father, grandfather and greatgrandfather with the deep paternal history of daytime napping (she has however yet to fall asleep while reading the paper).

Thanksgiving was enjoyable up in Rochester with the little one. We did have to do a little dodge and move to avoid a couple family ailments - but it seemed to work alright. Sadly, I noticed my complete overindulgence in Thanksgiving feast compromised due to the fact that I held Evening during the meal - though I think everyone was thankful for that change.

This Friday - Evening will be three months old. Hoping that we can take a collective breath to realize what a trying but truly wonderful three months it has been. Can't wait to see what the next bit revels as she continues to strengthen, smile and grow.

Ode to a Mother

Heading into Thanksgiving week - and have a whole heap of things to be thankful for. These two are at the top of that list. Evening feels signficantly over 11 lbs., is stringing several hours of sleep together at night (7 straight the other night), is smiling more than ever, slept through church this morning (kind of like her old man), and gave some rousing support to the Buckeyes in their win at a Michigan party last night. She still is quite feisty - but I'm glad she is.

And Ruthie...man alive has she been so fantastic. I didn't think I could love / admire her more than I did in her pregnancy, but I do. She is so mindful, attentive and sweet with Evening. I am so impressed by the relationship they have at just 10 weeks. I am excited to watch Eve grow, but also see Ruthie growing as well. What a mother! I am one thankful fool that is for sure.

Heading up to Rochester for some Thanksgiving revelry: annual T-Day bocce game, a little frisbee and good company of friends and family. My best to you and yours with your holiday traditions.

Evening the Explorer

First off, apologizes to the folks that check the blog daily (I've heard from a passionate number of folks that check it first thing of the day). The getting back to work schedule has put a serious damper on my ability to update the blog. I'm finding myself in need of getting back into work shape. At about 2PM each day this week I start an embellished groan of how tired I am - and that I didn't get a chance to take my afternoon nap with my daughter. It doesn't seem to go over really well.

Ruth and her mother Rose did an excellant job teaching Evening a series of songs and dance moves this week. She gets a good shimmy going (Ruth that is). Evening headed to her two-month doctor's appointment (the standard one for infants). Gained another 8 oz. in about a week - now is 10lbs. 8oz. She also had her mandatory 35 some odd shots for everything from tetnus to beri beri - hold on maybe that's the one she needs to eat fruit for.

I was pleasantly suprised on my walk home from work last night as Ruth and Evening came and met me along the route. Evening is quite the outdoorswoman - it seems as if she's really comfortable outside. We are laying relatively low this weekend - huge sports weekend. Last night Evening's boys - Cornell Hockey Team - beat their archrivals Harvard in dramatic fashion; the old Ithaca College Bombers Football lost to Cortland State in OT; latenight tonight the Ducks play USC in a huge PAC-10 matchup (if Evening has trouble sleeping tonight - guess who's "volunteering" to stay up with her to help her fall asleep by covering the basics of a spread offense); tomorrow as per tradition Evening will sit with her father and obnoxiously route for her father's lowly fantasy football team - Team LowTech. I'd say its a pretty sweet weekend.

Thanks again for all - we have loved hearing what Evening means to people - people all over the world - friends of friends of friends - united in the care for her well being. I owe you all for your kind thoughts - thank you.

Ladies Only

Tommorrow - I start back at Cornell - so its ladies only. Ruth and Evening full time - with Ruth's mother Rose - kindly coming to assist for a few days. It has been wonderful to have had the time away from work to attend to Evening's care. With the back and forths to Rochester, and post surgical care we've had our hands full. I'd like to take a moment to recognize the great institution of Cornell, and our respective departments, for allowing this very important time. We have both been able to take advantage of a recent Cornell Family Leave policy that assists with that time. I am very impressed and extremely thankful for this.

Evening continues to impress. We've taken her on multiple walks, taken her to church and around town, and just have been present with her. Her smile is one of grandeur and her heart is strong in so many senses of the word. Lots to discover and learn throughout this winter.

Thanks again for your support to lean on - we appreciate all the little and big things! Be sure to get out and vote tomorrow! Evening is calling for a big turnout.

Perfect 10...Johnny or Ray???

Well, Miss Evening is a Perfect 10 - 10 pounds that is. Took a trip to our pediatrician today and lots of good news with her progress. She is back on the normal infant doctor visit schedule and has received her first dose of the RSV shot. He is quite pleased with her progress.

The big question of the day is who is Evening's favorite artist. When she really gets worked up only Johnny Cash - LOUD - can soothe her. We have noticed that the way she grooves to the music - most times the music in her head - is distinctive Ray Charles...

Those times when Ray is really cranking on the piano, and gets that distinctive sway going. She gets that rhythm going - with my shoulder being the keyboard. We'll have to push this data through the super computers at Cornell to determine at Month 2 - who Evening musically prefers.

Evening Rian - 8 weeks old tomorrow and is looking fantastic.

Building a Routine in Ithaca

Weather has been fantastic in Central NY - the ladies and I have managed to get a hike in each day this week so far. Evening is a big fan of the trail - so much so she likes to sleep. So many great places to expore in greater Ithaca - lots of good daytime sleep forthcoming for Evening.

She has been extra feisty during the day, but a bit more restful at night. We are headed off to the pediatrians tomorrow to set up her RSV shots and get her back into her standard infant shot routine, etc.

All continues well as we head into November. Its been a wild fall - one that I will never forget.

Hope all is well in your section of the world.