The things you learn

Did you know your phone can be changed from working on the tone system to working on the rotary system?

And did you know that it's easy enough for a child to do?

And did you know that you can't navigate a touch-tone phone system (like a help desk for instance) while you're set for rotary?

And did you know that if you call the phone company to report the problem, one of their first questions is "Do you have a small child?"

And did you know they laugh at you as you hang up?

Kaylee's adventures in Dork Land

It's all my fault if she grows up liking Star Trek and Spider-Man. I took Kaylee to another comic book convention this weekend. This time just a bit up the road in Phoenix. I can't say that we were terribly impressed – but as Rae said "It got us out of the house."

Kaylee's been to shows before - but she was definitely more aware of her surroundings this time. Especially the freaks. And by freaks I mean people in costumes – and judging by the smell (l'eau du fanboy) many of them share a rare soap allergy.

Not too sure what to think about Darth Vader. But all in all she took the Dark Lord of the Sith pretty well – it think it helped that when he spoke he sounded more like Conan O'Brien than James Earl Jones.

But the blue lady Jedi with tentacles on her head? Not a fan.
She's supposedly one of the good guys – but look at the way she finds joy in a child's screams of terror. Beware the blue Jedi – I'm pretty sure they eat children.

Kaylee accompanied me to the con's sketch competition. It's a great idea, they have all the professionals sketch ideas from the audience – and then auction them off for charity.

But even Kaylee knows that no one wants to buy a drawing of Superman wearing a fruit hat – no matter who drew it.

We took a break outside on the lawn. Rae took a nap and Kaylee inhaled a snack.

But the Costumed Ones seem to have followed us outside! And they don't seem to friendly – they keep throwing big red balls at each other! I think they're angry! Run!!

Watch out Kaylee! The Nintendo character (who really needs a pair of pants) is going to get you!

Can't go that way either! The high-school kid with a bad wig and Lee Press-On-Nails on his toes will see you!

Back in dad's car, it takes Kaylee all of two minutes before she passes out.
(And sleeps the entire drive home.)

Kaylee today: Conned.

Beware Pushghetti Face

And just when I thought those fork lessons were finally beginning to pay off.

Spoken today

"Please don't chew on Jesus."
I'm sure every parent says this at least once.

Family Arts Festival Fun

Kaylee was just a little too young for most of the crafty stuff this year.
Maybe next time. We did manage to find a couple of things to do though.

Either A) Rae managed to get a nice, artsy shot of dad and Kaylee walking hand in hand or B) Rae doesn't know how to use the camera very well.
Either answer is acceptable.

Kaylee's not too sure what to think about all this green stuff.
Where's the dirt? And rocks?

While Rae had a great time making the bug antennae princess crown for her – Kaylee wanted nothing to do with it. Even if it did make her look really cute – but you'll have to take my word for it. This is the closest I could get to a photo of her wearing it.

"If I did that – do you think I'd get in trouble?"
or "I wonder what THAT tastes like."

You thought grass was confusing?
Meet the dead antelope, stilt-walker mime thing.
It scares me too. Especially his leotard.

It may be Rae's favorite fair food –
but corn on the cob is especially difficult to eat when you only have two teeth. And they are both on the bottom.

And we got our picture taken by the fine folks at the Arizona Daily Star.
See if you can find us.

Kaylee today: Fair.

Healthy again

Kaylee loves to rock her sunglasses. Of course it would help if she would keep them on her head for longer than ten seconds.

Other than the occasional cough and the snotty nose – Kaylee is back to her old self again. She spent yesterday playing hide and seek in the used book store and just running away from mom and dad in general.

Of course she'd stop every five feet just to make sure one of us was chasing her.

I also took her on her first trip in the convertible with the top down. That didn't go so well. Between the sun in her eyes and the wind in her face she was the most miserable child I've ever seen. I only drove two blocks before I stopped to put the top back up.

Maybe if she'd learn how to keep those sunglasses on …

Kaylee today: At the Family Arts Festival!

HAIKU FIGHT!!!

my poor, sick, monkey
cough and hack like an old man
won't let me sleep late

The more things change

Kaylee hasn't been feeling well, and last night was no exception. She woke herself up at about 5 a.m. and there was nothing I could do to put her back down. So I did what any dad (who's wife is sick, so he can't just go wake her up) would do, I took her in the front room and laid down with her on the couch.

She, of course, was immediately asleep. Me – not so much.

Now I don't know if you've ever tried to watch TV at 5:30 on a Saturday morning, so let me tell you – there's nothing on. So as I lay there with 20-something pounds of baby curled up in the crook of my arm I got to thinking how similar the situation was to one year ago.

How many nights did I wake up to a crying baby and end up wide-awake on the couch with her. Trying not to move a muscle because she just got to sleep – which means she's finally quiet.

I found it humorous how much some things have changed – but how little others have.

She's walking and talking and figuring out new things every day. She doesn't want a bottle of milk – a cup of water will do the trick. Forget the rattle, she wants your cell phone. Wrapped up in a blanket like a burrito? Forget it, we can't even keep her socks on.

But the biggest change? A year ago I had TV shows stock-piled on the Tivo and now I'm stuck watching reruns of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."

Stupid writer's strike.

Kaylee today: Bouncy.

Happy New Year

Here's to a new year of flying by the seat of our pants
– and trying not to drop the baby along the way.

Oh, and pie. I hope there will be pie.