New Dad

This started out as a Dad's perspective on my wife Katrina's pregnancy and a way to keep the family updated. Alina arrived in February 2006 and now it's more about our parenting adventures. Now we've added Evelyn in July 2008.

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Tall and Sans Pox

Alina's 12-month appointment at the pediatrician introduced something that I didn't really think existed. A Chicken Pox vaccine. The people who make Calamine Lotion must be reeling from this. I've always wondered when they were going to cure something new? Seems like its been a while. Smallpox, Polio, Measles, etc. Of course, they cure the virus that's probably the least profitable to the health care industry. It wasn't something that you needed drugs for or could be treated in any way. You just had to itch it out for a week unless you were one of the rare few that got shingles. I guess all the smart doctors were busy patenting male pattern erectile bicep milkshakes (Now with new flavors Rocky Rambo & Banana Hammock!). We're almost living in a Pox-less society if they can get a bead on the Monkey variety.

We also found out that Alina was almost 32 inches long. I looked at that graph thinger where they chart growth and I'll be damned if this kid isn't off it. Like 99th percentile in height apparently. She was 23 pounds which rests in the 75th percentile range. So, what should we practice? Jump shots from the top of the key or spiking one into the sand?

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

The Big ... One


Cupcakes, Family, Presents, Ferris Wheels, Toys r Us, Times Square, Bubba Gump (don't ask), and Snow. Alina was probably wondering why everyone she saw at daycare, the party, and elsewhere collectively decided to sing the same song in her face. Quite a First Birthday. Sure, she won't remember any of it. But, it's really the best justification for doing things like riding Ferris Wheels. "The BABY will enjoy it!" Mmm Hmm. It definitely helps to make you less cynical. And in true Full Circle fashion, we were in the E.T. car on the Wheel.

We actually tried to go to Mars 2112 for dinner because it was the only restaurant we could think of other than Jekyll & Hyde Club where characters walk around and harass, I mean, interact with you. But it was closed for a "corporate event". By the security lining the front of the place, either Death Row Records or BET was hosting. But we ended up going to Gump because it was close to Toys r Us, had a big open floor, and chances were they had a changing table in the bathroom. It's no surprise that restaurants get big points for their bathrooms now. It overlooked Times Square so there was a lot of eye candy. Plus, Alina used crayons for the first time! Sideways at first, but she still made her mark.

The picture above is from this past Sunday. Family came over and it was like a red carpet affair. Cameras, both flash and video, and couture were flying. Then Alina got a hose-off with Daddy in swim trunks in the tub after she destroyed that cupcake.

Another happy/sad milestone for both Mother and Daughter: Alina weaned herself completely from breastfeeding a few days prior to her birthday. On the one hand, Katrina will miss that bonding though at this point it was limited to once in the morning. On the other, Katrina can get totally shitfaced at her discretion! I saw her with drinking wine at the Sunday party and did a double take. I forgot she could do that now without worrying about pumping. So bring on the kegs and the blow! Mommy is ready to Party!