a weekend of firsts

We've been through these milestones before with Z-Dub, but it doesn't take away from the excitement. The Deuce is entitled to the same attention from his excited parents.

This weekend we achieved several. First, and most important, The Deuce cut his first tooth. It's way earlier than Z-Dub did. Of course, he's been grumpy as a result, but not too bad. This weekend also was time for The Deuce to graduate to the high chair. In doing so he started on baby food too. He's also been gnawing on baby biscuits. He's had quite an exciting weekend.

And finally, my favorite milestone is his repeating of "Dada." He's been saying it like crazy all of a sudden. We also got him to repeat "Dog." Or at least that's what we hear.

Here's a bonus video. You can't deny his cuteness.



As for Z-Dub, he's going through a bit of regression this weekend. He keeps crapping in his pants. It's been a muddy mess and we're frustrated.

mommy and daddy need a break

Valentine's Day wasn't very special this year. We just had too much going on. That, and we had family visiting as well. So to make up for it, I've made plans for a special Sunday evening with the exceptionally hot HotMomma. The reservations are made and arrangements are made to pawn the kids off with family.

It's not a secret, so I'll share. We'll first be getting a couples massage here.

We'll follow that up with dinner here.

I can't wait. Not only will it provide a relaxing and romantical evening for me and my girl. It will also provide some material for Uptake. I've been slackin' a bit with my writing. My day job has been horrifically busy, leaving me incredibly exhausted in the evening. All I've wanted to do is sleep.

I think this late Valentine's Day celebration will be rejuvenating.

toddler rendezvous

The front door opened and she entered the room with a big smile on her face. From his seat at the dinning table across the room, Z-Dub's face lit up at the sight of her. Her long, dark and curly hair was neatly fashioned. Her little pink dress showed off her toddler figure.

It was an evening date that had been planned days in advance. One both Z-Dub and Talulla (not her real name) eagerly anticipated.

To set the evening off in the right direction, Z-Dub treated Talulla to an amazing dinner of island delights courtesty of one of the city's best restaurants. *Thanks to Darryl at True Island BBQ for our awesome dinner, as usual. The two enjoyed their meal and toddler conversation before grabbing some drinks (milk) and settling in for a movie. The night's feature was Finding Nemo, which happened to be the favorite of both the two love birds.

After the movie was over, it was late. It was time to hit the sheets. Z-Dub and Talulla wanted to sleep in the same bed, but that idea was quickly quashed despite their promises to behave. There will be no hanky panky in this house. Well, at least for the little ones.

Z-Dub woke up this morning to find that Talulla, the object of his toddler desire, was gone. She had slipped out in the middle of the night, leaving nothing behind, not even a note.

But no worries Z-Dub...you'll see her again tonight :)

iron chef z-dub

Perhaps our regular viewing of Iron Chef America is doing more than just entertaining the family. It may be fostering a future culinary genius who will make millions of dollars by creating gastronomical flavors the world has yet to taste. Yes, Z-Dub has suddenly shown an interest in cooking. Batali, Cora, Morimoto, Flay and Symon are going to have some tough competition in Kitchen Stadium, especially if the secret ingredient is yogurt, edamame, spinach (Z-Dub calls it "leaves") or cheese.

When meals are being prepared he wants nothing other than to help. And lately, during the evening when he normally enjoys television or playing with his cars or animals, he instead raids the food pantry and kitchen cabinets, pulling out staple ingredients, such as rice, and pots and pans while proclaiming, "Daddy, I cook." Any suggestion otherwise produces a typical toddler tantrum.

As parents that enjoy fine foods, of course we'd love it if Z-Dub became a world famous chef. Therefore we're going to encourage him to pursue his new epicurean interest. Because of gender bias, back in the day this type of thing would have been frowned upon. But try telling Chef Gordon Ramsay it's a girly thing and he'll tell you to "f*ck off!" That's why I'm not worried that HotMomma wants to buy Z-Dub a kitchen set to help him hone his skills. It'll prepare him for when he's a little older and we sign him up for children's cooking classes.

Perhaps someday he'll attend one of the world's elite culinary schools. I wonder if there are scholarships for such places. I'll have to do a little research. After he's done with school he can complete an apprenticeship under one of the world's most celebrated chefs. Later he can branch off on his own and receive critical acclaim from reviewers with the most discerning palates. He'll open restaurants, land book deals and have his own television programs on Food TV Nework. I can't wait.

Hey, one can dream!

In the meantime, tonight HotMomma and I are off to a special fundraising dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas. It's called Chefs, Wine & Spirits Too! We went last year and the food and drinks were spectacular. HotMomma is a little bummed though. At six months pregnant, she can't drink like she did last year.

true island bbq redux

We're all about good food, so when we find a great restaurant we like to tell everyone about it. This is expecially true when the restaurant is family-owned and operated and not some huge chain restaurant with nothing unique on its menu.

If you like the food of the Pacific Islands (authentic Chamorro/Hawaiian/Filipino) and you're in Vegas or planning a trip, you have to try True Island BBQ. It's located on South Eastern at Richmar, between I-215 and Silverado Ranch Blvd.

From BBQ Beef Skewers to Nana's Sesame Chicken to Mongolian Beef to Chicken Kelaguen, True Island BBQ's menu is spectacular. Making the restaurant even more appealing is the fact that their customer service is superb and the prices are right on. The owners know us by name. You don't get that at a big chain restaurant.

After your meal, if you have a sweet tooth you must have their Pancake ala Mode. It's incredible.

(This is not a paid post.)