Well, we spent a lot of time at the pool, going for walks to the park and general traveling to hang out with friends and family. Lot's of major transitions, Toren started smiling, then laughing and now it's our full time hobby making him giggle. Everyone always says how hard it's going to be, how your life will change as first time parents. They also talk about the love you will feel for your child and how profound and strong it will be. No one ever really mentions how much FUN it is and we have had a truckload all summer.
On the work front for both of us, Christine has started a new job at a school within walking distance. It is a big challenge to start over again and learn all the ins and outs of a new job and especially hard for a new mom to leave her baby to go off to work. Luckily, her commute has been cut down substantially and having her home around 4PM instead of 7PM is pretty amazing.
On my end of things, I have happily taken on the duties of a stay at home dad in and around my freelance schedule and average about 2 days a week working out of the house while we have employed a wonderful Nanny who will work around my schedule. I am also starting to have my home studio really take off. I just completed a Hanukkah themed heavy metal album and was able to go the mastering session where everyone from U2, Bob Dylan and Guns and Roses have finished their albums. I'm also working on 3 songs for a tribute to "large women" with a rousing cover of "Baby Got Back" that Christine, my cousin and his wife and anyone of our friends that I could snag contributed backing vocals for.
That's it for now, enjoy the photos and hopefully I will have time to edit the home movies we have been working on!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Well...
To say we've been busy is an understatement.
There have been many changes in schedules, things that worked two weeks ago are out and new ideas brought in.
The period of Toren sleeping in my neck, curled up newborn is sadly over as he get's into a more solid routine.
But that period of vague and dim personality has been replaced by a slowly emerging little boy full of spirit and wonder.
Toren began smiling in earnest several weeks ago to our mutual delight. He is a very bright and happy baby and when he wakes up he smiles and coos every morning in greeting.
He has also discovered his left fist and holds it up proudly in triumph. I call it the "Fist of DOOM". He moved from recognition to basic control as he was able to look at it and decide how to maneuver it into his mouth, the future home of all things clean and unclean. His right hand was not far behind and on most days he spends several hours with both hands covered in sloppy drool.
We took him to our pool for his first dip but the water was too cold to get more than his toes in before he protested. We know it won't be long before he is in the water and can't wait to get him baby swimming lessons.
We have taken so many pictures and most of them are great but every once in a while we get one that just knocks you out. I caught Christine in a perfect moment of making our son smile and I have to say it is without a doubt, the best picture ever taken, ever. Ever. I mean it!
Hope to see you all this summer as we get out and start traveling.
I also have a new band i am working with- a scary, crazy heavy metal lady who is the only woman mentioned in several lists of the worlds fastest guitar players. Luckily, I only have to play simple parts to support her, I could not keep up! Will keep you informed as things develop.
There have been many changes in schedules, things that worked two weeks ago are out and new ideas brought in.
The period of Toren sleeping in my neck, curled up newborn is sadly over as he get's into a more solid routine.
But that period of vague and dim personality has been replaced by a slowly emerging little boy full of spirit and wonder.
Toren began smiling in earnest several weeks ago to our mutual delight. He is a very bright and happy baby and when he wakes up he smiles and coos every morning in greeting.
He has also discovered his left fist and holds it up proudly in triumph. I call it the "Fist of DOOM". He moved from recognition to basic control as he was able to look at it and decide how to maneuver it into his mouth, the future home of all things clean and unclean. His right hand was not far behind and on most days he spends several hours with both hands covered in sloppy drool.
We took him to our pool for his first dip but the water was too cold to get more than his toes in before he protested. We know it won't be long before he is in the water and can't wait to get him baby swimming lessons.
We have taken so many pictures and most of them are great but every once in a while we get one that just knocks you out. I caught Christine in a perfect moment of making our son smile and I have to say it is without a doubt, the best picture ever taken, ever. Ever. I mean it!
Hope to see you all this summer as we get out and start traveling.
I also have a new band i am working with- a scary, crazy heavy metal lady who is the only woman mentioned in several lists of the worlds fastest guitar players. Luckily, I only have to play simple parts to support her, I could not keep up! Will keep you informed as things develop.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Whew...
It's been a crazy 10 weeks!
We've had a lot of fun but it's been challenging.
I had planned on not working the first 3 weeks of bringing the baby home but circumstances forced me to take the work as it came in. We've had some tremendous support from friends and family. Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles, Thank you!
Toren has practically doubled in size. His little butt used to fit in the palm of my hand, now he is thick as a brick and just as dense! He went from light as a feather to the heft of a bowling ball almost overnight.
During the Grandparents visits, we saw a ghost of a smile but just two weeks ago we started to get our first real open mouth grins. He wakes up VERY happy! When we sing to him he joins in with a coo at the end of every line. When we change him, he smiles and stares at the framed drawing we hung on the wall that I did as a child. It is a great collection of my favorite Marvel superheroes, Spiderman, Ironman and even THOR! I can't wait to get him his first comics.
Tor has gotten his first bath (and many more since) and has been taken on many walks.
We've been very active, Christine even took him on his first plane ride to visit friends in Chicago. I didn't set foot on a plane until I was in college!
I have also been very active building my home studio and have gone through several rewires and new gear acquisitions that have kept me extremely busy outside of work and daddy duties. Thank God I gave up TV 6 months ago!
Christine has been very fortunate to finally land a new job, only 20 minutes from home. compared to the 2 hour round trip commute to the city, this is an amazing change and opportunity.
So, as you can imagine it's been difficult to maintain this blog with up to date information and pix but we've been working hard taking care of our family and making some big career moves.
Keep your fingers crossed for us this fall, it's going to be interesting for sure!
We've had a lot of fun but it's been challenging.
I had planned on not working the first 3 weeks of bringing the baby home but circumstances forced me to take the work as it came in. We've had some tremendous support from friends and family. Grandparents and Aunts and Uncles, Thank you!
Toren has practically doubled in size. His little butt used to fit in the palm of my hand, now he is thick as a brick and just as dense! He went from light as a feather to the heft of a bowling ball almost overnight.
During the Grandparents visits, we saw a ghost of a smile but just two weeks ago we started to get our first real open mouth grins. He wakes up VERY happy! When we sing to him he joins in with a coo at the end of every line. When we change him, he smiles and stares at the framed drawing we hung on the wall that I did as a child. It is a great collection of my favorite Marvel superheroes, Spiderman, Ironman and even THOR! I can't wait to get him his first comics.
Tor has gotten his first bath (and many more since) and has been taken on many walks.
We've been very active, Christine even took him on his first plane ride to visit friends in Chicago. I didn't set foot on a plane until I was in college!
I have also been very active building my home studio and have gone through several rewires and new gear acquisitions that have kept me extremely busy outside of work and daddy duties. Thank God I gave up TV 6 months ago!
Christine has been very fortunate to finally land a new job, only 20 minutes from home. compared to the 2 hour round trip commute to the city, this is an amazing change and opportunity.
So, as you can imagine it's been difficult to maintain this blog with up to date information and pix but we've been working hard taking care of our family and making some big career moves.
Keep your fingers crossed for us this fall, it's going to be interesting for sure!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Poopy-pants!
Ya know, I don't have a problem changing a poopy diaper.
I do, however have a problem changing the onesie, the swing seat, the changing table mat and everything else our little stinker has come into contact with after one of his epic blow-outs.
It has bee a real trial and error finding the right brand and size that perfectly fits his squirmy little legs.
He actually stayed in the same outfit the other day for more than 8 hours.
A miracle!
I do, however have a problem changing the onesie, the swing seat, the changing table mat and everything else our little stinker has come into contact with after one of his epic blow-outs.
It has bee a real trial and error finding the right brand and size that perfectly fits his squirmy little legs.
He actually stayed in the same outfit the other day for more than 8 hours.
A miracle!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Oh, Sweet, Sweet Coffee Bean...
How I adore you!
I was never much of a coffee drinker.
Until now.
I suddenly feel so grown up, enjoying my cup of coffee just like every other adult in the world.
Of course, having a baby sleep on your chest makes you feel pretty grown up too!
I was never much of a coffee drinker.
Until now.
I suddenly feel so grown up, enjoying my cup of coffee just like every other adult in the world.
Of course, having a baby sleep on your chest makes you feel pretty grown up too!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Ah, so THIS is what they were talking about!
So, three days after the baby was born, we had our first real good sleep since labor and felt good as new. "This is manageable!" I thought. All those suckers giving me warnings of doom- "You won't know what hit you!" Rob said. "This is what they do to TORTURE people!" Caroline warned. None of you people have ever seen the other side of midnight, I've spent over half my life there. I can handle this, it's just like being on the tour bus. Unfortunately, the children that spend all night screaming and fussing on a tour bus are normally drunk and not your responsibility. Remarkably different when it's your child and you can't figure out WHY they are fussing and there's nothing you can do to help them. Check list. Hmm. Diaper is clean. Been fed. Swaddled. Ocean machine is on. Sh-shing in his ear. Bounced him on my knee. Put him in the swing. Walked him around the apartment. Burped him. Cuddled him. I said, "Come on man, you're KILLING me, my bag of tricks only has so much room in it!"
Of course (and I'm sure this won't be the last time!) the wisdom of mothers comes to the rescue.
"Sometimes babies just cry." Christine said.
What, there's no solution, no answer to the problem? That makes no sense to the male brain. I must fix this somehow.
Nope, babies just fuss sometimes. Their tiny bodies are doing all kinds of freaky things they don't understand and it probably doesn't feel too good. I mean, this little guy still doesn't know those things flying around hitting him in the face are HIS hands, they belong to him and he has (or soon will) some level of control over him.
How would you feel if you kept on hitting yourself in the face and your bottom was wet and your belly was in knots trying to figure out how to digest the simplest food? You'd cry too!
Thank goodness my belly can digest just about anything. I finally celebrated Easter by buying a discount chocolate bunny, going out to a local pub and having a beer and some chicken fingers. Man time. One hour can do wonders!
Pot of coffee is on and I'm ready for the loooong night ahead.
Of course (and I'm sure this won't be the last time!) the wisdom of mothers comes to the rescue.
"Sometimes babies just cry." Christine said.
What, there's no solution, no answer to the problem? That makes no sense to the male brain. I must fix this somehow.
Nope, babies just fuss sometimes. Their tiny bodies are doing all kinds of freaky things they don't understand and it probably doesn't feel too good. I mean, this little guy still doesn't know those things flying around hitting him in the face are HIS hands, they belong to him and he has (or soon will) some level of control over him.
How would you feel if you kept on hitting yourself in the face and your bottom was wet and your belly was in knots trying to figure out how to digest the simplest food? You'd cry too!
Thank goodness my belly can digest just about anything. I finally celebrated Easter by buying a discount chocolate bunny, going out to a local pub and having a beer and some chicken fingers. Man time. One hour can do wonders!
Pot of coffee is on and I'm ready for the loooong night ahead.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
First Day Back at Work
What a drag, man.
Very happy to be a freelancer though, I don't have to do a 9 to 5 every day.
We are very lucky and blessed to have both of us home for the most part over the next 3 months.
I was speaking to Grandma Joanne last night and she said that my father went right back to work an hour or two after I was born. He didn't get any time off.
They also knocked her out just as I was being delivered and robbed her of the experience of being conscious as she gave birth.
Thank God our medical establishment has changed since then but there are still miles to go before things are right concerning giving birth in this country.
Enough of my soapbox, this is supposed to be Toren's page!
With the wonders of modern technology, I was able to have a video call to my wife and baby and have lunch with them.
Pretty cool!
P
Very happy to be a freelancer though, I don't have to do a 9 to 5 every day.
We are very lucky and blessed to have both of us home for the most part over the next 3 months.
I was speaking to Grandma Joanne last night and she said that my father went right back to work an hour or two after I was born. He didn't get any time off.
They also knocked her out just as I was being delivered and robbed her of the experience of being conscious as she gave birth.
Thank God our medical establishment has changed since then but there are still miles to go before things are right concerning giving birth in this country.
Enough of my soapbox, this is supposed to be Toren's page!
With the wonders of modern technology, I was able to have a video call to my wife and baby and have lunch with them.
Pretty cool!
P
Monday, April 13, 2009
HaPPy Easter!
We had a great day playing with Tor and taking pictures. We even made an attempt to go to the park but the breeze was COLD so we headed home after 2 blocks.
I found an amazing song to go with our Easter picture and you can find out more about the composer at this address:
http://captaingravy.com/
P
I found an amazing song to go with our Easter picture and you can find out more about the composer at this address:
http://captaingravy.com/
P
Saturday, April 11, 2009
One Week Birthday!
Toren is one week old today.
Things have been going really well, lots of adjustments and tweaking to our sleep and feeding schedule.
We all slept really well last night and feel refreshed and ready to tackle some of the house chores today.
Reorganizing spaces and decorating.
More pix and video on the way!
Things have been going really well, lots of adjustments and tweaking to our sleep and feeding schedule.
We all slept really well last night and feel refreshed and ready to tackle some of the house chores today.
Reorganizing spaces and decorating.
More pix and video on the way!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Zombie World
No Sleep! And we are already IN Brooklyn.
Wow, I think we are beginning to feel those "Altered States" moments.
We are under Dr.s instructions to have Christine try to follow Toren's sleep schedule. This means she is probably napping every 2-3 hours all day and night.
Please limit phone calls, email is best for now.
We promise to get back to each and every one of you!
Pix and other updates will be posted here daily if we can remember how to hold a camera.
P
Wow, I think we are beginning to feel those "Altered States" moments.
We are under Dr.s instructions to have Christine try to follow Toren's sleep schedule. This means she is probably napping every 2-3 hours all day and night.
Please limit phone calls, email is best for now.
We promise to get back to each and every one of you!
Pix and other updates will be posted here daily if we can remember how to hold a camera.
P
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
First Real Poopy Diapers and My Cord Stump Fell Off!
Yes, not the most ground shaking news but I'm a baby and these two are pretty big milestones the first week! Haven't decided if I want to be an innie or an outie yet.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Birth
The story of Toren's birth is long and involved. I have kept a scattered journal detailing our experience and can't wait to share it with you.
Of course, as of today, Tor has only been home about 24 hours so we have plenty to do.
We had a fantastic first night at home and seem to be developing a system for overnights.
For now, enjoy the first few photos of our new addition and the tired parents!
P
Of course, as of today, Tor has only been home about 24 hours so we have plenty to do.
We had a fantastic first night at home and seem to be developing a system for overnights.
For now, enjoy the first few photos of our new addition and the tired parents!
P
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