Christmas Adventures

For Christmas this year, Julie and I decided to drive down to my brother's place in Alexandria, Virginia and watch their pets for a week. Andy is still a little small for a cross country trip, but a five hour drive was perfect. He actually travels quite well; he spends the entire time either asleep or quietly feeding. Anyway, I digress. In order to show his appreciation for our pet-sitting services, Phil arranged for us to take a tour of the West Wing of the White House. It was quite the experience! We saw the cafeteria (run by the Navy), the door to the Situation Room, the Roosevelt Room (which is the Theodore Roosevelt Room when a Republican is president and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Room when a Democrat is president), and, of course, the Oval Office. We couldn't take pictures inside the White House, but we did get a couple on the outside and one in the Press Room.

Andy slept through the entire tour, but we now have photographic proof that he visited his future home as an infant!

Christmas itself was alot of fun; we spent the day opening presents and generally being rather lazy. Andy was as cute as ever, and is already growing so fast. Here are some more pictures of the little primate. Enjoy!

Andy with his stocking stuffers. He enjoyed them all very much, especially the bottle brush; he just can't wait to wash his own bottles!

Here the little guy is opening one of his presents. Just look at the sheer excitement on his face!

Julie made Andy and me matching pajama bottoms. It's all the rage. Admit it, you wish you were as cool as Andy and I are!

After opening the presents, we were all pretty exhausted. Andy promptly took a nap. Isn't he just the cutest?

Well, that's it for now. Stay tuned for more pics from New Year's!

Tag, You're It!

My friend Crystal tagged me, so I thought that I would go ahead and play the game! The rules are to post the fourth picture from the fourth folder of pictures. Enjoy!

This picture was taken right before I graduated from BYU. Ahhhh, good 'ole Provo!

I tag my ma-in-law, Debbie, and David Badger.

A Day in the Life of Andrew

Hello. My name is Andy and I am Pat and Julie's new, highly trainable young primate. My dad told me that this post would be the 100th on the family blog, so I decided to celebrate the occasion with a detailed description of what it truly means to be two weeks old. Enjoy!

This is my bed. It's really nice and comfortable. My parents worked hard to make it that way. I don't like it, though. I refuse to sleep here.

This is Mom and Dad's bed. It's just the right size for me. This is where I sleep. I can't wait until I can kick Dad out and finally have some peace and quiet!

I usually wake up hungry or in desperate need of a diaper change. I'm still training my folks in their parental duties, so I kindly let them know of my needs by wailing at the top of my lungs. I want to make sure they hear me. I know that I'm sleeping right next to them, but they are rather advanced in years and it's better to be safe than sorry.

Thankfully, my parents are quick learners. They usually get me my food in a timely manner. After eating I'm so stuffed that I just can't stay awake. I pass out and take a well deserved nap.

Sometimes my parents give me a bath. I must say that I'm not a big fan. If they keep this up I just might have to pee on them.

When I'm angry (right after a bath), I like to be held and catered to for a while. My grandma is a pro in this department. Mom and Dad still have a lot to learn!

Mom and Dad also like to dress me up and take pictures of me with visitors. Unfortunately, I'm easily startled, especially by camera flashes. It can take awhile to get a good shot of my handsome mug.

By the end of the day, I'm so tired from feedings every two hours, constant love and attention, and the stress of teaching my parents what it means to be a parent, that I just have to crash for a couple of hours. Dad is usually home from studying by this time, so he gives Mom a break and we settle down for a nap. It's a rough life, but I'm holding up well. My parents seem to be pretty happy, which is good; they'll need these fond memories when I'm a little older and tearing up the house!

Well, that's it. The story of my life. I hope you enjoyed it and remember to come and visit. I love being held!

One Week!

Well, it's been one week since Andy joined us, and it's all we were promised and more! Sleepless nights, dirty diapers, and frequent crying have made us stagger around the apartment like undead zombies and made us wonder if it will ever get better. Then there are the times when he's just fed and cuddles against your chest or when he's awake and looks at you like he's just found his new best friend. That's when Julie and I look at each other through our bleary eyes, smile, and realize that it's all worth it. So, in celebration of Andy's first week of life, here are some more pictures. Enjoy!

More Andy!

Due to popular demand, here are more pictures of our new, highly trainable young primate. Enjoy!

Better Late Than Never!

Yesterday, Julie and her parents, Wayne and Debbie, hopped on the subway and went to Manhattan to check out some sights and hopefully get things going with our baby who seemed a bit reluctant to leave the comfort of Julie's womb. No major contractions followed their sojourn, however. Later that night at about 10:00 pm, Phil, David Badger, and I were playing a rather intense game of Call of Duty 5 (thanks Julie!) when Julie suddenly bolted to the bathroom, calling my name as she broke land speed records for the fastest pregnant dash. After discovering that her water broke, we dutifully called the doctor's office and were connected with Dr. Rosser, the OB/Gyn on call for the weekend. She told Julie to go ahead and come to the hospital; however, according to Dr. Rosser, there was no reason to hurry as first time labors usually took quite awhile. Julie commenced to leisurely take a shower and get ready. We finally began our five minute walk to the hospital at about 11:15 pm. Contractions had begun, but were still fairly mild. When we reported to the triage unit, however, the fun had begun; Julie was dilated to 5 cm with contractions right on top of each other. Needless to say she was admitted right away. The labor was mercifully short and, at 3:17 am on November 29, Andrew Wayne was brought kicking and screaming into this world, weighing 7 lbs. 10 oz and measuring 20 inches in length. Julie was absolutely amazing throughout the entire process. She delivered the baby naturally, without any pain medications. I am in awe of her strength and composure and count myself lucky to be married to her.

And now, without further ado, I give you the amazingly cute Andrew:

P.S. - The winner of the game "Guess Andrew's Birthday" is Vania, who guessed November 28 at 6:42 a.m. The closest guess for weight was a tie with Kim and Cassie both within five ounces at 7 lbs 5 oz and 7 lbs 15 oz respectively. Congratulations to the winners and we will get you your prizes as soon as I figure out what they are!

P.P.S. - After a careful review of the closest guesses for weight, it has been brought to my attention that the winner is David Badger with a guess of 7 lbs 12 oz and a length of 20 inches. Congratulations David! I contribute my mistake to the fact that when I wrote the blog I had only had an hour of sleep!

My Wife Makes Me Laugh!

On the left is Julie at 2 years old. On the right, she is 30. Some things never change! I love you, dear!

Baby Andy Predictions

Okay, so I look really tired in this picture but I am 37 weeks pregnant, I can't help but look the way I feel. Besides feeling tired and stretched I feel great. I really can't complain.

Several friends have already started to make guesses as to when Andy will be born and how much he will weigh. We thought we would start keeping track of those guesses. Feel free to join in the fun by adding your guesses to the comment section of this blog. We are taking guess on the day the time and Andy's weight.

No, David, if you guess right you can't name our next child, but we may send the winner a gold star or something.

By the way I am due November 23rd, if that helps.

Halloween Hijinks!

Julie and I went to our ward's Halloween party last night. Our costumes speak for themselves. I fully realize that I will lose all dignity and respect by posting these pictures, but I already lost a considerable portion of it by appearing in public dressed like this. Why should I worry now? Enjoy!

Pooh Bear and his pot of Hunny. Go ahead. Laugh. Everyone else already has ;)

Chet and Meagan were a senorita and her pinata. If you hit him he threw candy. The kids loved it.

Nate and Nikki as Senator McCain and Governor Palin. Their break dancing moves put us all to shame!

The missionaries organized a pie eating contest. I lost. Spencer won. This doesn't bode well for the BYU / Utah game.

The baby continues to grow. Julie thinks she's huge. I think she's beautiful. The baby agrees with me!

The City of Washington

Recently, Julie and I decided that Phil, Erin, Olivia, and Sam needed a continuation of the steady stream of visitors they have experienced over the past month. We packed our car, fired up the new GPS, and headed south for DC. It took us just over 4 and-a-half hours to arrive and we spent the next two days leisurely enjoying the sights of our nation's capital. The trip was much too short to fit everything in that we wanted to do (and Julie is much too pregnant to race around seeing everything), so we are going to have to visit frequently and often! Here are some pictures from our trip. Enjoy!

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. We were able to see the changing of the guard. Very impressive.

Julie's cousin's name on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. We took a pencil rubbing of the name. I'm really glad we were able to see it.

The man, the myth, the legend, Abraham Lincoln. 'Nuff said.

Mount Vernon. Someday my house will look just like it!

Apples to Apples!

This last Wednesday, Julie and I accompanied our friends David, Jana, and Breyton Badger north into the wilds of Westchester County on an apple picking expedition. Our destination was Outhouse Orchards (with a name like that it had to be fun). After grabbing our bag and apple picking poles, we began furiously acquiring apples galore. We had a fantastic time and now have more apples than we know what to do with. It was good to get out into the fresh (er) air north of the Bronx and to reconnect with my outdoor roots. If you're ever in New York in October, I highly recommend picking some apples at Outhouse Orchards; at the very least you'll get to make fun of the name! Enjoy the pics.

Julie told me not to post this picture, but I couldn't resist. Those apples can be dangerous!

The perfect apple for the perfect lady!

And here we are with our bag of hard-earned apples. We only picked half of these; the Badgers picked the other half.

Laura's Christmas Present...For Last Year!

I have been crocheting for many years now. My first crocheting adventure was a scarf for a friend who was serving a mission in Iowa. I then started on an afghan that was long enough to fit a queen size bed. It became the afghan of many colors as I would add to it with left over yarn from different projects. It ended up to be maybe arms width wide and really long but my family still uses it on occasion. I recently picked up the crochet hook again and finished a scarf for Laura by putting flowers on it. I then decided to make my first hat with the left over yarn. It is a little big but I am proud of it anyway. I hope Laura likes it. And you get a new belly picture...I am HUGE!

Doctor's Orders!

The other day (Wednesday, October 1 to be exact), I meandered over to my doctor's office for a scheduled appointment regarding the sebaceous cyst on my head. He inspected it and scheduled me to have it removed in a week. Nothing exciting here, right? On the contrary, my loyal readers. After calling me into his office to get my family medical history for his files, Dr. Torres looked me in the eye and began the following conversation:

Dr. Torres: Do you drink coffee?

Me: Nope. I drink Coca-Cola though.

Dr. Torres: Did you have one before you came over?

Me: Yes.

Dr. Torres: That would do it. Your resting heart rate is 106.

Me (rather surprised): Oh.

Dr. Torres: I wouldn't want you to develop an arrythmia. You need to stop drinking caffeine.

Me (rather depressed): Oh.

Now, I've known all along that Coke wasn't particularly good for me. It has carbonation, sugar (unless you drink diet or Coke Zero), and caffeine, which obviously stimulates the body; I mean, that's why we're drinking it. Apparently, however, my body has reached the point where it just can't handle the quantities that I have been ingesting. Will it kill me? Probably not right away. Should I stop? I think so. I have been able to resist Julie's urging for two years, but when a board certified Internist tells you that you need to stop drinking Coke, well, the message might finally get through. So, my faithful friend of many decades, it is time to bid you a fond adieu. I will miss the rush of energy you provided, and I'm sure the Coca-Cola company will miss the money that I spent on you. Farewell and goodbye!

P.S. - Julie wants to take a poll: How long do you think Pat will actually stay away from Coke? Answer on the right and let her know!

A Bag-terrific Reunion!

Several weeks ago I received a voicemail message while conducting my Navy training in Newport, Rhode Island that made my day. It was the New Jersey Transit Office. It turns out that they had finally located the bag that I left on the train at Newark International Airport. They left a claim number and told me to come and get it. Today I finally had enough time to make the four hour round trip excursion to claim my property. To be honest, I had low expectations; I expected to reclaim the bag and, perhaps, my Theodore Roosevelt biography. Imagine my surprise when I received the bag and discovered that NOTHING was missing. That's right! Everything was in the bag that was in it when I lost it. My laptop computer, digital camera, neurology textbook, and checkbook were all accounted for. The checkbook even had all of its checks (although they're worthless now; we cancelled every single one months ago). Apparently there are still some decent people out there who will return a misplaced bag without emptying it of its contents, as well as some very professional New Jersey Transit employees. My faith in humanity is restored. The best thing is that now I can post some pictures that my negligence had prevented me from sharing for three months. Enjoy!



Here is a picture of Julie's pregnant belly at the beginning of July. She was just barely starting to show.



Here is Julie's pregnant belly as of a few minutes ago. Isn't she precious?



Here's the little guy at 19 weeks, which is about 13 weeks ago. Isn't he already the cutest little thing?

Here he is again, only this time he has his little fist next to his little nose. All together now....Ahhhhh! How cute!