Brian and I were able to enjoy a little mini trip out of town on Friday evening while Harris stayed with his grandparents. We went to a club called The Basement in Columbus, OH. The concert consisted of the Kate Voegele, Cary Brothers, & Matt Nathanson performing. This was the first time in two years that Brian and I have gotten away out of town by ourselves since Little Baby was born. We enjoyed a free night at the Holiday Inn Express in Marysville which is about a half hour outside of Columbus. We finally used up the last of the Holiday Inn points that Brian had accumulated while spending almost 3 months working in England for ITT several years ago.
The Basement is a very small little bar in the arena district of downtown Columbus. The stage is sunken into the floor and there's two huge load bearing poles which make it very difficult to see anything. I think Brian and I were the oldest people there that evening as the crowd was composed of college kids. I forgot in Ohio that you only have to be 18 to get into a club but 21 to drink.
I was worried slightly about the idea of being in a smoky bar all evening since I'm pregnant. Turns out that there was no smoking there at all. It seemed to make the evening so much nicer for me. I'm not sure I agree with the principals behind the laws, but I definitely enjoy the benefits of it.
The first two acts consisting of Kate Voegele and then the Cary Brothers. They performed fine but seemed to lack a lot of energy. I still love the song Blue Eyes by the Cary Brothers, so I enjoyed that (see the myspace link to listen). I think Brian was starting to worry about choosing to come all that way to Columbus at a little venue to see a disappointing show, but then Matt Nathanson came out and the whole mood and energy of the place changed. Matt was very good live and the crowd (small and intimate) was really into the show. Brian had a great time and I enjoyed myself as well.
All in all it was a great trip. Thanks Max and Cathy (aka Grandpa & Grandma) for taking Harris for us!
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
Happy 30th Birthday!
Today is Brian's 30th birthday. I surprised him at work by having his friend and coworker John put up a couple of posters that I made. I also had John deliver Star Wars themed cupcakes as well. I talked with Brian this afternoon and he was surprised when he saw everything. He seemed to be a very good sport about it. We just love him and want him to feel special today.
The cupcakes have plastic star wars character keepsake rings on them.
Hilgers Trip - Kroger/Scott's Company Event
On Sunday my mom invited Harris and I out to her company event at Hilgers Farm. In the fall they have a Fall Pumpkin Festival. Each year it becomes more elaborate. This year there was a petting zoo, pony rides, moonwalks, a haunted house, mazes, pig racing, little kiddie rides, and much more. Icy the mascot from the Komets was there entertaining and interacting with everyone. Harris was so fascinated by him. He didn't want to get to close to Icy, but he wanted to follow him around the entire farm.
Here are a few pictures from the day.
Harris taking in all the sights
Harris had his first pony ride! Mom hung on to the overalls just in case.
Harris and his cousin Kayla
Very big bear!
Harris liked the tee-pees made out of corn stalks.
Here are a few pictures from the day.
Harris taking in all the sights
Harris had his first pony ride! Mom hung on to the overalls just in case.
Harris and his cousin Kayla
Very big bear!
Harris liked the tee-pees made out of corn stalks.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Brusha Brusha
One of our morning routines is to brush Harris's teeth after breakfast. He's usually in a good mood in the morning so he seems to enjoy it. I'm so glad, otherwise it could be a real nightmare. I usually get a minute to really brush the teeth and get into the harder areas. Then it's Harris's turn which usually involves him chewing on the toothbrush.
Here's a link to a video:
http://s166.photobucket.com/albums/u109/hellokittyjodi/?action=view¤t=M2U00196.flv
Here's a link to a video:
http://s166.photobucket.com/albums/u109/hellokittyjodi/?action=view¤t=M2U00196.flv
Monday, September 17, 2007
15 Month Checkup
Harris had his 15 month checkup and immunizations today. For the most part he is developing well. However, there is concern about his lack of communication and using words. We are being referred to an audiologists to have his hearing checked. Brian and I believe his hearing is fine, but it's the first step to make sure that's not the problem. If that goes fine we are then to contact the First Steps program to have an evaluation.
Below are the stats from his checkup:
Weight: 23lb 6.5oz (31 percentile)
- previously @ 12 month: 21lb 9.5oz (28 percentile)
Height: 32.25in (78 percentile)
- previously @ 12 month: 30.5in (67 percentile)
Head: 19.25in (87 percentile)
- previously @ 12 month: 18.875in (84 percentile)
Summary: Tall & Skinny w/ Big Head - still
Below are the stats from his checkup:
Weight: 23lb 6.5oz (31 percentile)
- previously @ 12 month: 21lb 9.5oz (28 percentile)
Height: 32.25in (78 percentile)
- previously @ 12 month: 30.5in (67 percentile)
Head: 19.25in (87 percentile)
- previously @ 12 month: 18.875in (84 percentile)
Summary: Tall & Skinny w/ Big Head - still
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Johnny Appleseed Festival
This year I was able to enjoy going to the Johnny Appleseed Festival with my extended family. This included my mom, sister Jana, niece Kayla, aunt Diane, aunt Nicki, cousin Hailey, cousin Tonya and her girls Mackenzie, Jillian, and Carly. Brian and Harris stayed at home which worked out well since it was pretty crowded and took awhile to get through.
It was a gorgeous chilly day which seemed to be a preview of the fall season to come. The smells that filled the air were great. A few pictures from the day are below:
From left to right - Jillian, Mackenzie, Carly, & Kayla
The Merry-Go-Round was the choice ride of all the girls.
Hailey having a great time.
Carly & Mackenzie
Kayla hanging on for dear life
Jillian
What would a festival be without face painting.
It was a gorgeous chilly day which seemed to be a preview of the fall season to come. The smells that filled the air were great. A few pictures from the day are below:
From left to right - Jillian, Mackenzie, Carly, & Kayla
The Merry-Go-Round was the choice ride of all the girls.
Hailey having a great time.
Carly & Mackenzie
Kayla hanging on for dear life
Jillian
What would a festival be without face painting.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Jodi's Trip to Washington DC
This past week, I was able to enjoy a bit of travel and vacation in Washington DC. I had a flight on Northwest Airlines out of Indianapolis on Saturday and returned on Thursday. While visiting DC I stayed with my friend Michelle and her husband Ahmadou.
Michelle and I have been friends since high school and our families live in the same neighborhood. She works for USAID as a program officer and is leaving for Kenya at the end of month. I believe she will be living there for about two years.
Ahmadou (Dou for short) attends Howard University full time and studies Civil Engineering. He has an internship with the DC Department of Transportation. He also works a second job at Whole Foods.
I'm very glad I was able to visit with her and her husband before she leaves the country. DC is a great city and I was only able to enjoy it because of their generosity of sharing their home with me.
Day 1 - Saturday:
The first day consisted of driving to Indianapolis to catch my flight to DC. The flight was fine with no surprises. That's always good. Michelle and her parents who were visiting from home as well greeted me at the airport. I got to experience my first metro (subway) ride in DC on our way back to Michelle's apartment. Michelle made us a delicious dinner and I was able to relax and chat with everyone.
Later that evening we went to see some attractions at night. We saw the Washington Monument, the White House, and Michelle's work at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
Michelle and I in front of White House
Day 2 - Sunday:
On Sunday afternoon we set out for the sites. We visited the World War II Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Memorial. Later that evening we went to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Afterwards we ate dinner at an Ethiopian restaurant. The meal was served on and with a soft fermented bread. A person eats with their hands by tearing pieces of the bread and using that to grab bits of the food. It's a very intimate way of eating with others since everyone shares from the same large serving plate.
Washington Monument
World War II Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
View from the front of the Lincoln Memorial
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Day 3 - Monday (Labor Day):
On Monday morning very early, Michelle's Family left for Fort Wayne. They had driven to DC so they wanted to be able to get out of the DC area without any traffic problems. Later that morning, Michelle, Dou and I went to the Smithsonian National Zoo. We were able to see the Panda bears out and active since it was early and not yet at the heat of the day. The Pandas were definitely the main attraction for many tourists visiting the zoo. My camera batteries died after my third picture at the zoo, so I don't really have a lot of pictures after that.
Later that afternoon Michelle and I went to the Washington National Cathedral. It was interesting to see that a lot of the limestone that was used to build the cathedral is from Bloomington, Indiana. We then left for the National Archives and saw what is called the Charters of Freedom. It consists of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights.
We then went to Union Station to have dinner. From there we were able to catch our Monuments by Moonlight tour by Old Town Trolley. The tour was 2.5 hours long and by the end, we were very tired. Our day was very long since we left the apartment at 9:30am and returned around 10:30pm.
One of the Pandas climbing in the tree
Info about the limestone for the Washington National Cathedral
Most of the pictures from the night tour were blurry. This one was taken when the bus stopped for 15 minutes. It's of the Iwo Jima Memorial.
Day 4 - Tuesday:
On Tuesday Michelle was back to work and I was able to get out on my own for a little bit. I was able to navigate the Metro well (it's very user friendly) and did not get lost. I went downtown and met Michelle during her lunch hour at the Washington Monument. We then were able to ride the elevator inside to 500 ft and enjoy the DC view.
After Michelle left for work again, I ventured to the International Spy Museum. It was quite fun and took me several hours to make it through the entire museum. Afterwards I met up with Michelle and we headed back to her apartment for a quiet evening.
Day 5 - Wednesday:
On Wednesday morning, I went to the National Museum of Natural History. I enjoyed seeing lots of dinosaur bones, lots of jewels including the Hope Diamond, and an exhibit of nature photos by National Geographics. I also had a really good lunch consisting of an asparagus and mushroom wrap from the cafe. Even though the museum is free, the food was very expensive.
I then headed over to the National Air and Space Museum. I really enjoyed seeing the first TIROS and GOES satellite models since I was somewhat familiar with them from working at ITT. Since the National Museum of American History was closed for renovation, they had at the Air and Space Museum the prized pieces from the American History collection. I saw the original Ruby Slippers worn by Dorothy, Abe Lincoln's top hat, a baseball signed by Babe Ruth, and Seinfeld's puffy shirt.
That evening Michelle and I met at the National Museum of the American Indian for dinner. We had heard from several people that the food was very good and it turned out they were right. I had a buffalo shank, a tomato watermelon salad w/ minted jalapeno vinaigrette dressing, and fried bread. The museum closed at 5:30 so we had a very early dinner that evening.
We returned to the apartment and had a fun evening reminiscing about our school days.
Day 6 - Saturday:
My flight on Saturday was at 9:40 so I wanted to be prepared to leave early in the morning. The flight home offered no surprises. The drive from Indy was fine as well. I saw lots of Colts jerseys while in Indy and the bus driver of the parking lot shuttle talked endlessly about the concert that evening to kickoff of the game. Definitely a buzz in the air at Indianapolis.
I was very happy to see Brian and Harris when I returned to Fort Wayne. Harris really enjoyed the stuffed Panda Bear I purchased at the Zoo. He gave it lots of hugs and slobbered on it as well. I went to bed at 9:15 that evening, the same time as Harris. I was very wore out from traveling and all the walking I did while site seeing.
Michelle and I have been friends since high school and our families live in the same neighborhood. She works for USAID as a program officer and is leaving for Kenya at the end of month. I believe she will be living there for about two years.
Ahmadou (Dou for short) attends Howard University full time and studies Civil Engineering. He has an internship with the DC Department of Transportation. He also works a second job at Whole Foods.
I'm very glad I was able to visit with her and her husband before she leaves the country. DC is a great city and I was only able to enjoy it because of their generosity of sharing their home with me.
Day 1 - Saturday:
The first day consisted of driving to Indianapolis to catch my flight to DC. The flight was fine with no surprises. That's always good. Michelle and her parents who were visiting from home as well greeted me at the airport. I got to experience my first metro (subway) ride in DC on our way back to Michelle's apartment. Michelle made us a delicious dinner and I was able to relax and chat with everyone.
Later that evening we went to see some attractions at night. We saw the Washington Monument, the White House, and Michelle's work at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
Michelle and I in front of White House
Day 2 - Sunday:
On Sunday afternoon we set out for the sites. We visited the World War II Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Memorial. Later that evening we went to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Afterwards we ate dinner at an Ethiopian restaurant. The meal was served on and with a soft fermented bread. A person eats with their hands by tearing pieces of the bread and using that to grab bits of the food. It's a very intimate way of eating with others since everyone shares from the same large serving plate.
Washington Monument
World War II Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
View from the front of the Lincoln Memorial
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Day 3 - Monday (Labor Day):
On Monday morning very early, Michelle's Family left for Fort Wayne. They had driven to DC so they wanted to be able to get out of the DC area without any traffic problems. Later that morning, Michelle, Dou and I went to the Smithsonian National Zoo. We were able to see the Panda bears out and active since it was early and not yet at the heat of the day. The Pandas were definitely the main attraction for many tourists visiting the zoo. My camera batteries died after my third picture at the zoo, so I don't really have a lot of pictures after that.
Later that afternoon Michelle and I went to the Washington National Cathedral. It was interesting to see that a lot of the limestone that was used to build the cathedral is from Bloomington, Indiana. We then left for the National Archives and saw what is called the Charters of Freedom. It consists of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights.
We then went to Union Station to have dinner. From there we were able to catch our Monuments by Moonlight tour by Old Town Trolley. The tour was 2.5 hours long and by the end, we were very tired. Our day was very long since we left the apartment at 9:30am and returned around 10:30pm.
One of the Pandas climbing in the tree
Info about the limestone for the Washington National Cathedral
Most of the pictures from the night tour were blurry. This one was taken when the bus stopped for 15 minutes. It's of the Iwo Jima Memorial.
Day 4 - Tuesday:
On Tuesday Michelle was back to work and I was able to get out on my own for a little bit. I was able to navigate the Metro well (it's very user friendly) and did not get lost. I went downtown and met Michelle during her lunch hour at the Washington Monument. We then were able to ride the elevator inside to 500 ft and enjoy the DC view.
After Michelle left for work again, I ventured to the International Spy Museum. It was quite fun and took me several hours to make it through the entire museum. Afterwards I met up with Michelle and we headed back to her apartment for a quiet evening.
Day 5 - Wednesday:
On Wednesday morning, I went to the National Museum of Natural History. I enjoyed seeing lots of dinosaur bones, lots of jewels including the Hope Diamond, and an exhibit of nature photos by National Geographics. I also had a really good lunch consisting of an asparagus and mushroom wrap from the cafe. Even though the museum is free, the food was very expensive.
I then headed over to the National Air and Space Museum. I really enjoyed seeing the first TIROS and GOES satellite models since I was somewhat familiar with them from working at ITT. Since the National Museum of American History was closed for renovation, they had at the Air and Space Museum the prized pieces from the American History collection. I saw the original Ruby Slippers worn by Dorothy, Abe Lincoln's top hat, a baseball signed by Babe Ruth, and Seinfeld's puffy shirt.
That evening Michelle and I met at the National Museum of the American Indian for dinner. We had heard from several people that the food was very good and it turned out they were right. I had a buffalo shank, a tomato watermelon salad w/ minted jalapeno vinaigrette dressing, and fried bread. The museum closed at 5:30 so we had a very early dinner that evening.
We returned to the apartment and had a fun evening reminiscing about our school days.
Day 6 - Saturday:
My flight on Saturday was at 9:40 so I wanted to be prepared to leave early in the morning. The flight home offered no surprises. The drive from Indy was fine as well. I saw lots of Colts jerseys while in Indy and the bus driver of the parking lot shuttle talked endlessly about the concert that evening to kickoff of the game. Definitely a buzz in the air at Indianapolis.
I was very happy to see Brian and Harris when I returned to Fort Wayne. Harris really enjoyed the stuffed Panda Bear I purchased at the Zoo. He gave it lots of hugs and slobbered on it as well. I went to bed at 9:15 that evening, the same time as Harris. I was very wore out from traveling and all the walking I did while site seeing.
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Surviving The First Day
Mom is in Washington DC, living it up and dancing in the streets; free of obligations. Some "vacation" was much needed for her. She is visiting her friend Michelle until Thursday. So, it's Dad and the Bean until then. One day down, and five days to go. Couldn't help but resist the desire to cut his hair, let him run naked through the streets, and get matching tatoos. Heh heh. Miss you, love you. Brian and Harris.....
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