happy birthday mommy

Today is HotMomma's Birthday! Z-Dub is celebrating in song and dance.

coaxing his inner beckham

We did it. We signed up Z-Dub for the fall season of Soccer. The first team meeting is Sept. 12, with practices starting the following week. His first game will be Oct. 10. It'll be either an exciting or disappointing birthday weekend treat for me. He'll either refuse to play out of shyness or "bend it like Beckham." Of course, I'm hoping for the latter.

While Soccer isn't a huge sport in this country beyond the youth sports level, perhaps Z-Dub will embrace the sport and become a star player, raking in millions of dollars (or Euros) playing on a professional team either here in the states or abroad and through endorsement deals. He can be the token half-white, half-Filipino American sensation playing for Manchester United or some other big team. That would be super cool. And he can share his wealth with his parents who had the foresight to enroll him into youth soccer and encourage his brilliance.

Yes, I'm dreaming. Hopefully it comes true. If it doesn't work out, we'll try another sport. Perhaps Baseball, Tennis or competitive Swim. Of course, he's only three, so there's no pressure.

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Speaking of sport greatness. My sister, a star softball player at the University of Louisville and recently named Big East Player of the Year, just returned home from Maracay, Venezuela where she played in the 2009 PanAmerican Qualifer on the USA Softball team. Her team kicked some serious booty. They beat every team they played during the nearly two-week tournament, with the exception of their first game against Canada. It was their only loss and the only team that even scored against them. On Sunday, her team made it to the Championship game against Canada and won the Golf Medal!

My sister is an outstanding role model to her nephews!

the funky crawler

The Deuce started crawling on Wednesday. He was very unsteady at first. Even a bit apprehensive as he scooted forwarded one hand and knee at a time. However, in the matter of a day, he found his courage and, with a grin on his face, began a new chapter in his life -- a chapter of independent exploration. Now he's quick and almost stealth-like in his travels. One second he's in the middle of the living room and the next second he's under the kitchen table. One second he's playing with toys on the floor in the middle of our bedroom and the next second he's in our bathroom with a big smile on his face as if to say, "hey look...I found you!"

Today we are more vigilant around the stairs and about what we place in arms reach of our little creeping creature.

He also started doing a little dance this week. It's a totally funkedelic head bob thing. Yeah, he's cool.

Oh, that reminds me, he's eight months old today. He's going to be walking before we know it. Then he'll really be able to get his groove on.

school, vacation and buffness

It's an exciting day today. In about 20 minutes Z-Dub is returning to school after 6 months at home. I think we're more excited than he is, but at least there's excitement. I know what you're wondering, "why is he starting school in the summer!?!" Actually, it's a summer academy in preparation for preschool in the fall. He's going to have a lot of fun as each week is themed, such as art, music, travel, culture, etc. I'm sure he'll learn a lot. And he's going to have an instant classmate as his cousin is enrolled as well.

HotMomma is looking forward to having a break. Z-Dub has been a handful lately. He needs an outlet for his energy and imagination. School is the perfect place. Besides, when it finally get's Vegas hot (it's been unseasonably cool this June), it's difficult to find things for him to do because outdoors isn't an option during the daylight hours. A lot of the time it's even too hot for swimming in the pool. He can only watch so much Wonder Pets!

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You may remember my rant about our elusive vacation. Well, with health issues resolved and two weeks off from work beginning this weekend, I took the plunge and booked us a trip. We're not going to go too far from home, but it's a vacation none-the-less. Z-Dub is going to have a blast here. I'm looking forward to chillaxing on the beach.

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Finally, with my renewed workout regimen in full swing with noticeable results, I'll have no issues with being topless on the beach. Queue the paparazzi. By the way, what are your thoughts on manscaping?

something to be happy about

I haven't heard great news like this in quite a while. All of us in the blogosphere learned today that after more than two years of trying to concieve, with the help of modern medicine Xbox and his wife ET are finally expecting. 

Those two have been on an heartwrenching journey. They've experienced a rollercoaster of emotions that included hope, optimism, desperation, sadness and disappointment as each month's cycle came and went. Despite it all, they never gave up. It makes me happy to finally see them achieve what they've longed for. I can't wait to read their all-too-familiar pregnancy stories and, finally, the welcoming of a new life. It's an incredible thing.

Congratulations to Xbox and ET!

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.

a post of randomness

Oh dear blog, how I've neglected you. It's been five days since my last post. And, frankly, my last post was nothing more than an embedded You Tube video. Not much to it really. 

Life has been kind of crazy lately. We've been reinforcing the potty training with Z-Dub. He's starting his third week diaper free. He's had a few accidents, but that's expected. He gets distracted by "fun" and forgets that he's not wearing a diaper. He also tends to "hold it" too long before telling us he has to go. As a result, some of his accidents have been while his pants were coming off to use the toilet. 

Speaking of Z-Dub, he's turned into a raging three-year-old lately. He's literally a back-talking, hitting, stubborn brat of a boy. We're working hard to get him under control, but let's face it, he's three and it's how kids his age act. We're trying to find a healthy balance of discipline and positive reinforcement when he's being good. So far, the most effective punishment is withholding toys. And threatening kidnap by pirates seems to be working as well. He scoffs at time out. 

Meanwhile, little The Deuce just keeps eating, pooping and growing. He's been teething lately, so he's a little on the grumpy side. Not too bad though. With the warm weather, he's been enjoying time at the pool. In celebration of a friend's birthday, we had a private cabana and pool at Green Valley Ranch Resort yesterday. The weather was beautiful and The Deuce and Z-Dub and their cousins had a blast splashing in the pool. They also like the endless parade of delicious food. I enjoyed one too many mojitos. It was a great day. 

Want proof, here's some pics.

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that we got Z-Dub one of these over the weekend:

It's a Disney's Cars television set. It was an award for all of his peeing and pooping in the toilet. It'll also be great to "take away" as punishment for bad behavior. Just thinking ahead.

excuse me mr., it's earth day

Also, check out my Earth Day post at Uptake.com. It captures a special moment in Z-Dub's life.

a touching tribute

Today is Maddie Spohr's day.  I invite you to visit Mike's touching tribute  to his beautiful daughter.

a special birthday video

Obviously our friend Drew has mad skillz. He put together this video of Z-Dub's birthday party last weekend at Bounce U. It's amazing. It makes me smile.



Thanks Drew. You're the man!!!

a special thank you

Disney Vacay Montage

We're back from our short Disneyland vacation to celebrate Z-Dub's third birthday. It was a fun and exhausting trip and Z-Dub had a blast. We took hundreds of photos, of course, but I thought I'd share just a few. I'm playing catch-up at work today and will be back to regular posting (and reading) tomorrow. In the meantime, enjoy!!!

Ready for blast off!

Z-Dub's shirt says "Big Brother: Honor and Defend" and The Deuce's says "Little Brother: Search and Destroy."

Mom and son.

A Goofy encounter.

Excited for Autopia.

Sukita (cousin) and Z-Dub.

Still in line.

HotMomma and cousin DP.

HotMomma and her cousins from Sactown and little DP at Space Mountain.

HotMomma and me.

What's Z-Dub looking at? Perhaps the giant, talking Buzz Lightyear.

Goofing off.

The teacups at night. I couldn't catch a photo of Z-Dub riding. It was too fast for the camera at night.

The Deuce and his Auntie.

Enjoying the fireworks.

The fireworks.

Z-Dub shows off one of his Birthday presents.

Also, Z-Dub refers to Donald Duck as "Donald THE Duck." It's funny when he says it.

And, finally, we fly a lot, but the short 36-minute flight home from SNA to LAS was one of the scariest we've ever experienced on account of the wind. HotMomma was reciting Hail Mary's as I sat in my chair with   white knuckles. Luckily we all made it home in one piece.

the birthday boy!

Today our little man turns three! It's amazing how fast he's grown from a little baby into a bright and fun-loving boy. A "big boy," as he says. He's super smart, handsome and kind. We're so very proud.

Happy Birthday Z-Dub!!!

leavin' on a jet plane...

We're off to the airport this morning to catch a short flight (a hop really) to John Wayne Airport in Orange County. With the kids in tow, we're heading to nearby Anaheim for a very special Disneyland weekend. Z-Dud is excited to see his buddies Mickey, Goofy, Donald, Pluto and the rest of the Disney gang.

Fun times will be had by all and photos will be captured. I can't wait to share. Until then, "hot diggity dog" we're out of here.

the camera loves him, and so do the girls

Much like Mr. Lady's beautiful daughter, 3of3, Z-Dub had an opportunity to model some threads for RedSparks.com, the Web site where you'll find clothing and accessories for the cool kids. Of course, the camera loving Z-Dub had a blast taking photos, and I think I had equal fun taking them. It was great, creative, father-son bonding time.

We explored gritty downtown Las Vegas on Saturday for an urban backdrop amongst the homeless, hookers and drug dealers. I know, a little too urban for kids clothing, but I thought it was a good environment. Please don't call CPS. On Sunday we went a little more wholesome with photos at the upscale District at Green Valley Ranch, a park and our neighborhood. We literally took more than 200 photos and I don't know which RedSparks.com will be using, but here are a few unedited shots for your viewing pleasure.

The urban collection:

The wholesome boy:

By the way, the shirt and pants provided to Z-Dub for the photos were really cool. He really, really liked them. In fact, on Sunday night he had a bit of a tantrum when we tried to remove them for shower time.

divine intervention?

Call it divine intervention or a random miracle, but either way we got some unexpected great news today. CK underwent a cath procedure this morning to determine the severity of his heart failure in preparation for either a mitral valve catheter balloon valvuloplasty or mitral valve replacement later this week. Amazingly, the doctors at Duke discovered that instead of the worsening mitral valve they detected last month after his open heart surgery to correct his Aorta, his condition had improved. Shock was an understatement. The doctors said they had never seen a case where the condition improved. Usually the opposite occurs. They conducted several diagnostic tests this afternoon that confirmed their findings.

I'm not a super religious person at all, but I'm confident in saying that CK was touched by the hand of God. Perhaps he heard all of your prayers and/or witnessed all of the acts of human kindness.

CK was discharged today and is heading home with my sister and the rest of the family. For now he's in great shape. Of course, this miraculous change of events doesn't mean he's out of the woods completely. He has multiple congenital heart defects that will require medical intervention in the future. He will be monitored regularly, but for now he gets to be an active, happy little boy.

Thanks again to all of you that have donated money to help my sister and her family. And, of course, thanks to all of you that offered hope, thoughts and prayers. 

bitter sweet rejuvenation

Yesterday we got our massages at Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa as planned. It was great. The tension headache I've endured for the past week is finally gone and I feel good.

We arrived at the spa for our 5 p.m. rub downs a few minutes early. At check in I was informed that I was set up with a dude masseuse. HotMomma was paired with a female. I've never had a massage by a guy before, so I felt a little uneasy at first. The thought of a guy lubing up and rubbing my naked body down from head to toe was just weird. So much so that when I went back to the luxurious locker room to remove my clothing and sport a comfy robe, I actually kept my skivvies on. I felt like a weirdo going into the a massage with my boxers on. Kind of like a redneck that has no clue about spa etiquette.

Anyways, I'm so glad I had that dude massage me. I learned that a man's hands get the job done. It felt GOOD. Now, let the jokes begin.

As for HotMomma, she enjoyed her massage as well. However, afterwards she mentioned that she'd like a guy next time. Apparently the girl wasn't rough enough (again, let the jokes begin).

Everything was great until this morning though. That's when HotMomma realized that she accidentally left her necklace, a family heirloom, in the massage suite.She was freakin' out. Apparently she forgot to take it off in the women's locker room and the masseuse requested that she take it off in the suite. She set it on the counter and totally forgot. Now it's nowhere to be found. HotMomma has spoken to the manager of the spa and they're searching high and low for it. HotMomma is switching from anger to sulking this afternoon as she eagerly awaits a call that it's been found. Unfortunately, my guess is somebody swiped it. But a very classy place like that must do anything and everything to find it or do something to make up for it. Although, nothing of monetary value can replace the sentimental value of that necklace.

So much for my romantical plan. A lost necklace ruined everything. That and the fat naked guy I saw boiling in the men's hot tub. That was gross.

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.

undeserving, but appreciative

Offering proof that I'm undeserving of it, DCUrbanDad awarded me this award a week ago today and it's taken me until now to even mention it. What a horrible blogger friend I am. Seriously.

The award is supposed to show that I transmit cultural, literal, ethical and personal values every day. Whether I actually adhere to these standards is for you to decide. Regardless, I do want to extend my gratitude to DCUrbanDad for the honor bestowed upon me.

Now, as a rule, I'm supposed to award 15 other bloggers with the same award. Some of these folks may have already received it from others, but it's probably because they are very deserving.

Here they are:

Fear and Parenting in Las Vegas
Tao of Gini
Jogging in Circles
The Weirdgirl
Zoe's Dad
The Playpen
Spain Dad, A Baby Blog
Oh My God, I'm A Daddy!
Luke, I Am Your Father
Honea Express
Daddy Dan
Building Camelot
A Family Runs Through It
Dad Thing
Written, Inc.

Wow, 15 is a lot!

chicks dig him

Z-Dub got a butt load of Valentine's Day gifts yesterday.