Yes!
Exercise for the reader: Get another browser window open and go to http://www.google.com/. Type "Lucy Kleczka" (including the quotation marks) and hit the "I'm Feeling Lucky" button.
Expected Result: I have rigged it so the google "I'm Feeling Lucky" button will take you straight to a blog post about my little Lucky! Have you ever seen anything quite so cool?!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Laugh 1, 2, and 3
Lucy Kleczka laughed for the first time last night! It was amazing. Brief, but amazing. PuddleMama was attending baptism class and my good friend Seriously Dangerous Nick was hanging out with Lucy Kleczka and I (so there was another witness to this feat.) I immediately called up PuddleMama to brag that I just heard Lucy Kleczka laugh for the first, second, and third time. I heard the mixture of excitement and disappointment at not being there from PuddleMama that I expected. I appreciated PuddleMama's Facebook status later that night.
PuddleMama missed her daughter laugh for the first time. Effing baptism class!
Seriously.
I always anticipated that watching "firsts" would be an exciting and rewarding part of parenthood, but there is simply no way to anticipate the joy of watching your little girl start smiling because of gas, then smiling bigger because of gas, then start smiling because of you, then start smiling bigger because of you, then start almost-almost-laughing, then start almost-laughing, and then finally letting out a smiling, gurgling "Heh!" that makes your heart melt. Ridiculously amazing.
PuddleMama asked, as I'm sure most of you would, what I was actually doing to make Lucy Kleczka laugh. Well, I was actually just talking to Seriously Dangerous Nick. We were laughing quite a bit, so Lucy Kleczka just felt like she had to join in. Don't worry Seriously Dangerous Nick, I think she was laughing with us, not at us.
More please Lucy Kleczka!
FYI: I am not going senile. I did a google search on "Lucy Kleczka" and no hits were returned when I used the quotes. Hence I used "Lucy Kleczka" instead of just "Lucy" in this blog post to hopefully create some concrete hits on google. For the record, this blog did return as the 5th link if you did a search on Lucy and Kleczka without the quotes.
Seriously.
I always anticipated that watching "firsts" would be an exciting and rewarding part of parenthood, but there is simply no way to anticipate the joy of watching your little girl start smiling because of gas, then smiling bigger because of gas, then start smiling because of you, then start smiling bigger because of you, then start almost-almost-laughing, then start almost-laughing, and then finally letting out a smiling, gurgling "Heh!" that makes your heart melt. Ridiculously amazing.
PuddleMama asked, as I'm sure most of you would, what I was actually doing to make Lucy Kleczka laugh. Well, I was actually just talking to Seriously Dangerous Nick. We were laughing quite a bit, so Lucy Kleczka just felt like she had to join in. Don't worry Seriously Dangerous Nick, I think she was laughing with us, not at us.
More please Lucy Kleczka!
FYI: I am not going senile. I did a google search on "Lucy Kleczka" and no hits were returned when I used the quotes. Hence I used "Lucy Kleczka" instead of just "Lucy" in this blog post to hopefully create some concrete hits on google. For the record, this blog did return as the 5th link if you did a search on Lucy and Kleczka without the quotes.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day PuddleMama!
Today is Mother's Day, and like every Mother's Day at 9:08 a.m. I am smelly, tired, hung-over, and just plain feel like a dirty gym sock. However, my yearly fishing opener weekend tradition doesn't mean that it isn't an absolutely special Mother's Day because it is PuddleMama's first one with Lucy. So, despite feeling like soggy Frosted Flakes left in sour milk on the counter for two weeks, I am writing a very special blog post for PuddleMama to wish her a happy mother's day.
After Lucy came, we decided to tighten our belts and start a stricter budget, so I spent a time thinking of how exactly to give PuddleMama something special (and cheap.) And as I was looking in my closet last week I saw the infamous "Poem Pants." When PuddleMama and I first started dating I used to wear a pair of khaki cargo shorts on some of our dates. I would write a few lines of rhymes, or even a full fledged sonnet, and slip the poem into the cargo pockets. I was usually rewarded with a kiss and smile. (And yes, I realize that I call them the "Poem Pants" even though they are shorts. I am not above a little literary inaccuracy for some cheap and satisfying alliteration.)
ANYWAY, I thought in the spirit of creating something special (and cheap) for PuddleMama this Mother's day I would revive the spirit of the poem pants, and write a special sonnet dedicated to PuddleMama and Lucy. Remember, making it more special, is that it is 9:14 a.m. on Mother's day and I feel like the runny diarrhea Clancy had when PuddleMama was pregnant (see previous blog post for more information on that fun adventure) and yet I am sitting here creating a sonnet on the fly (or should I say on the "bumblebee"?)
So here it is:
Lucky Bumblebees
A pair of gently floating bumblebees,
softly sparks the peering eyes below.
Her smile dances brief before it flees,
but not before igniting cheeks to glow.
The mother's matching pair of eyes above,
illuminate in sync with Lucky's light.
Her smile lingers as she thinks of
another ray of sun from her little sprite.
The mirror of smiles reflects the constant flares
of tender love and bond uniquely theirs.
After Lucy came, we decided to tighten our belts and start a stricter budget, so I spent a time thinking of how exactly to give PuddleMama something special (and cheap.) And as I was looking in my closet last week I saw the infamous "Poem Pants." When PuddleMama and I first started dating I used to wear a pair of khaki cargo shorts on some of our dates. I would write a few lines of rhymes, or even a full fledged sonnet, and slip the poem into the cargo pockets. I was usually rewarded with a kiss and smile. (And yes, I realize that I call them the "Poem Pants" even though they are shorts. I am not above a little literary inaccuracy for some cheap and satisfying alliteration.)
ANYWAY, I thought in the spirit of creating something special (and cheap) for PuddleMama this Mother's day I would revive the spirit of the poem pants, and write a special sonnet dedicated to PuddleMama and Lucy. Remember, making it more special, is that it is 9:14 a.m. on Mother's day and I feel like the runny diarrhea Clancy had when PuddleMama was pregnant (see previous blog post for more information on that fun adventure) and yet I am sitting here creating a sonnet on the fly (or should I say on the "bumblebee"?)
So here it is:
Lucky Bumblebees
A pair of gently floating bumblebees,
softly sparks the peering eyes below.
Her smile dances brief before it flees,
but not before igniting cheeks to glow.
The mother's matching pair of eyes above,
illuminate in sync with Lucky's light.
Her smile lingers as she thinks of
another ray of sun from her little sprite.
The mirror of smiles reflects the constant flares
of tender love and bond uniquely theirs.
Pretty good for writing it while feeling like the inside of a clogged garbage disposal, huh?
As I said, I was usually rewarded with a kiss after digging into the poem pants, but as part of my Mother's day gift to PuddleMama I'll postpone that collection of that reward until I've brushed the cigars/booze/potato chips/maybe something grosser out of my mouth. I know, what a guy!
PuddleMama, go look in the leftmost desk drawer. Lucy picked out a card for you. Can you guess what's on it? Oh. And because I'm in danger of feeling too much on the "cheap" side why don't you go get your hair did. On me. I love you and will be home in a few hours! Happy Mother's Day PuddleMama!
Below are Cliff's Notes on the poem for those who need it, but don't worry- there won't be a quiz.
Cliff's Notes:
Form
- This poem is a sonnet, my favorite poetry form
- It follows a typical rhyming scheme, abab cdcd ee
- It is written in iambic pentameter
Symbolism
- Lucy's name means "light", hence all the "light" imagery
- Lucy's initials are L.U.K and I call her "Lucky" as much as I call her "Lucy"
- Lucy loves two bumblebees that hang over her on her play-mat. They are by far her favorite inanimate objects (or maybe semi-animate as the bumblebees have painted faces)
- Lucy has beautiful blue peepers, much like her mother (Cliff is maybe stating a little too much of the obvious here, egh?)
- The card I gave to PuddleMama has two bumblebees on it!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Sex Predictors
No, I am not talking about my special purpose. I am just ready to tie up another loose end and list the tests that were accurate in predicting Lucy would be a girl. When PuddleDeuce really does come along, we will use the tests that were correct again with a bit more confidence (except for the drain-o test- I will never be confident that test would end with anything but an explosion.)
Blog Poll: Final results were 23-22 girl, and although rumours about ballot stuffing from a certain place of business on 6th avenue in Duluth are running rampant, "boy" will concede the election to "girl" with grace and dignity and without a supreme court appeal.
Real Athletes Have Girls: Check.
Fast Heartbeat: PuddleBaby's heartbeat was always on the fast side, which is thought to indicate a girl.
Chinese Lunar Chart: 90% accurate. I'm convinced.
Feet Temperature: No change indicates a girl. PuddleMama's feet were warm and cozy throughout the pregnancy. Maybe this was because she made me massage them so much. That's it! Next time no foot massages, PuddleMama!
Does the mother refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread? Yes = Girl. Great, I'm pretty sure this once is not going to change between now and the day Lucy checks me into the old peoples home.
Is the father gaining weight along with the mother? No = Girl. I better eat breakfast more regularly next time PuddleMama is pregnant if we want a boy. And by breakfast I mean doughnuts and waffles and bacon. Every day.
What is the maternal grandmother's hair color? Not Gray = Girl. Little Lucy's guardian angel has some beautiful hair, and its not gray but more of a shiny golden brilliant color.
Does the mother look particularly good during pregnancy? (Girls steal their mother's looks) No comment.
Has the mother's chest development been dramatic? Yes = Girl. Well if there is ever a reason to make Lucy a sister...
Is the mother's urine bright neon or dull yellow? Dull Yellow = Girl. I can't wait to test this again the second time around... PuddleMama: "PuddleDaddy, come look at my pee!"
Has the mother been craving meats/cheese or fruit more? Meats/Cheese = Boy, Fruit = Girl. Not the most exciting indicator, is it?
Has the mother's nose spread during pregnancy? No = Girl. I wonder if by "nose" they really mean "nose?"
Has the mother been craving orange juice every day? Yes = Girl. This one was particularly hard after the GD diagnosis which greatly limited OJ intake.
Does the mother's abdomen look more like a watermelon or a basketball? Watermelon = Girl. Lame.
Father's Intuition: The last few months in particular I really felt it was going to be a girl. Pat on the back for me.
Well there you have it. My Little Lucky Lucy is dazzling us by growing and smiling and almost laughing. I have more thoughts on this whole having a "girl" business, but I'll save them for another post, to come soon.
Blog Poll: Final results were 23-22 girl, and although rumours about ballot stuffing from a certain place of business on 6th avenue in Duluth are running rampant, "boy" will concede the election to "girl" with grace and dignity and without a supreme court appeal.
Real Athletes Have Girls: Check.
Fast Heartbeat: PuddleBaby's heartbeat was always on the fast side, which is thought to indicate a girl.
Chinese Lunar Chart: 90% accurate. I'm convinced.
Feet Temperature: No change indicates a girl. PuddleMama's feet were warm and cozy throughout the pregnancy. Maybe this was because she made me massage them so much. That's it! Next time no foot massages, PuddleMama!
Does the mother refuse to eat the heel of a loaf of bread? Yes = Girl. Great, I'm pretty sure this once is not going to change between now and the day Lucy checks me into the old peoples home.
Is the father gaining weight along with the mother? No = Girl. I better eat breakfast more regularly next time PuddleMama is pregnant if we want a boy. And by breakfast I mean doughnuts and waffles and bacon. Every day.
What is the maternal grandmother's hair color? Not Gray = Girl. Little Lucy's guardian angel has some beautiful hair, and its not gray but more of a shiny golden brilliant color.
Does the mother look particularly good during pregnancy? (Girls steal their mother's looks) No comment.
Has the mother's chest development been dramatic? Yes = Girl. Well if there is ever a reason to make Lucy a sister...
Is the mother's urine bright neon or dull yellow? Dull Yellow = Girl. I can't wait to test this again the second time around... PuddleMama: "PuddleDaddy, come look at my pee!"
Has the mother been craving meats/cheese or fruit more? Meats/Cheese = Boy, Fruit = Girl. Not the most exciting indicator, is it?
Has the mother's nose spread during pregnancy? No = Girl. I wonder if by "nose" they really mean "nose?"
Has the mother been craving orange juice every day? Yes = Girl. This one was particularly hard after the GD diagnosis which greatly limited OJ intake.
Does the mother's abdomen look more like a watermelon or a basketball? Watermelon = Girl. Lame.
Father's Intuition: The last few months in particular I really felt it was going to be a girl. Pat on the back for me.
Well there you have it. My Little Lucky Lucy is dazzling us by growing and smiling and almost laughing. I have more thoughts on this whole having a "girl" business, but I'll save them for another post, to come soon.
Monday, April 27, 2009
PuddleBaby Prediction Contest Winners
Winning Lottery Numbers:
Date: March 2nd
Sex: Girl
Weight: 7 lbs. 12 and 3/4 oz.
This post is long past overdue, but I finally went through the guesses and figured out the winners. Note, all three correctly guessed the date. 1st and 2nd place correctly guessed the sex as well.
First Place: "Puddlegramma in Duluth's co-worker" with a weight guess within 2 and 1/4 oz!
Second Place: "Dan the Man Weaver"
Third Place: "Grandma Duluth's Hawaii Friends"
Consolation: Anyone who is willing to label themselves with a "Puddle" before their relation to Lucy. For example, PuddleGrandma, PuddleUncle, PuddleDaddysFriendFromIBM, etc. You are all winners if you are willing to do that.
While I have had complaints that "Puddlegramma" (aka "Grandma Duluth") stacked the guesses with phantom friends and co-workers, there was no explicit rule against this. I promise to amend rules next time to require contestants to enter their own guesses. For now, however, I might have to ask PuddleMama how we can fit postage to Hawaii into our monthly budget.
Prizes to be distributed at the convenience of issuer, but all contestant winners can immediately brag to their friends and be filled with a sense of achievement and satisfaction that they are the brightest baby predictors to read this blog. Congratulations!
Date: March 2nd
Sex: Girl
Weight: 7 lbs. 12 and 3/4 oz.
This post is long past overdue, but I finally went through the guesses and figured out the winners. Note, all three correctly guessed the date. 1st and 2nd place correctly guessed the sex as well.
First Place: "Puddlegramma in Duluth's co-worker" with a weight guess within 2 and 1/4 oz!
Second Place: "Dan the Man Weaver"
Third Place: "Grandma Duluth's Hawaii Friends"
Consolation: Anyone who is willing to label themselves with a "Puddle" before their relation to Lucy. For example, PuddleGrandma, PuddleUncle, PuddleDaddysFriendFromIBM, etc. You are all winners if you are willing to do that.
While I have had complaints that "Puddlegramma" (aka "Grandma Duluth") stacked the guesses with phantom friends and co-workers, there was no explicit rule against this. I promise to amend rules next time to require contestants to enter their own guesses. For now, however, I might have to ask PuddleMama how we can fit postage to Hawaii into our monthly budget.
Prizes to be distributed at the convenience of issuer, but all contestant winners can immediately brag to their friends and be filled with a sense of achievement and satisfaction that they are the brightest baby predictors to read this blog. Congratulations!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Slacking
I woke up one day last week, looked at Lucy, and swore she grew about 4 inches and 2 pounds overnight. It is amazing how much bigger she is already. She had her one month checkup two weeks ago and weighed in at a solid 9 lbs. 12 oz. I know she is well over 10 lbs now. Hurray for chubby baby!
The last month and a half has been exhausting, as evidenced by the lack of posts. Take heart, however, in the fact that I do have a list of topics I want to blog about (yes, it's a bullet pointed list.) Lucy's arrival was not the only reason for this physical and mental exhaustion. PuddleMama and I have decided now is the time to try to move to our next home, and we have been preparing our townhouse for sale (note, in going through the entire house we did find several unsent wedding present thank yous- if you didn't get one yet it may still be on its way...) Today was the first day our fabulous townhouse is officially on the market.
http://www.edinarealty.com/Listing/ListingDetail.aspx?listing=39995973&Popup=1
We want to get Lucy and PuddleDoggy a nice big yard to play in, a room for just Lucy so she doesn't have to try to sleep through my blogging, and a house we can feel good about raising our family in.
I know Mom- not enough about LUCY. You don't have to remind me the name of this blog. Lucy is doing wonderful. She is beautiful and hungry and she even smiles at her mom sometimes. I have been trying to imitate PuddleMama's voice to earn a Lucy smile, but haven't hit the jackpot yet (for the record, Grover's voice gives the opposite of a smile.)
I am going to bed, but before I do I want to give a shout-out to a few loyal readers.
Brian and Kristin- congratulations! Lucy can't wait to meet her new friend.
The last month and a half has been exhausting, as evidenced by the lack of posts. Take heart, however, in the fact that I do have a list of topics I want to blog about (yes, it's a bullet pointed list.) Lucy's arrival was not the only reason for this physical and mental exhaustion. PuddleMama and I have decided now is the time to try to move to our next home, and we have been preparing our townhouse for sale (note, in going through the entire house we did find several unsent wedding present thank yous- if you didn't get one yet it may still be on its way...) Today was the first day our fabulous townhouse is officially on the market.
http://www.edinarealty.com/Listing/ListingDetail.aspx?listing=39995973&Popup=1
We want to get Lucy and PuddleDoggy a nice big yard to play in, a room for just Lucy so she doesn't have to try to sleep through my blogging, and a house we can feel good about raising our family in.
I know Mom- not enough about LUCY. You don't have to remind me the name of this blog. Lucy is doing wonderful. She is beautiful and hungry and she even smiles at her mom sometimes. I have been trying to imitate PuddleMama's voice to earn a Lucy smile, but haven't hit the jackpot yet (for the record, Grover's voice gives the opposite of a smile.)
I am going to bed, but before I do I want to give a shout-out to a few loyal readers.
Brian and Kristin- congratulations! Lucy can't wait to meet her new friend.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
PuddleDeuce
Well, I know I haven't posted for awhile and I'm probably losing my core readers. I promise to post more soon. Lucy is doing awesome, and so are Mama and Papa.
Actually, we've been quite busy. I know its a little early to tell everyone, but I'm so excited I can't hold it in. PuddleMama is pregnant again! Lucy is going to be a big sister.
We call him.... PuddleDeuce!
UPDATE: April Fools! I got you (you know who you are!)
Actually, we've been quite busy. I know its a little early to tell everyone, but I'm so excited I can't hold it in. PuddleMama is pregnant again! Lucy is going to be a big sister.
We call him.... PuddleDeuce!
UPDATE: April Fools! I got you (you know who you are!)
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