Fatherly thoughts: A weekend without my girls

I was recently able to "live the dream" ... a long weekend with the house all to myself.

Stephanie, her mother and Laura headed off to visit relatives out of town. I wasn't able to make the trip, so I had the weekend all planned out ... football, food, and well, not much else.

I had the guys over for one evening of playing RISK (a war game that most women ... at least the ones that I know ... just don’t get) and spent the rest of the time hanging out watching my teams mix it up on the gridiron.

It was fun and relaxing … except for the neighbor dog (a stupid Boxer with a bad attitude and an even worse owner who won’t keep him pinned up). On that Saturday the dog tried to attack me while I was minding my own business in my yard. Let’s just say he learned a valuable lesson that day – don’t mess with a man and his weed eater ... especially while it's running. Don't worry animal lovers, the dog survived ... unfortunately.

Anyway, other than that, it was a good weekend. I was able to sleep late, eat just about any combination of food I could find in the fridge ... and overall move at a leisurely pace. I even had a chance to hang out one afternoon with Steph's father, grill up some hotdogs … and watch more football, of course.

But it didn't take long for me to miss the two most important women in my life.

I was more than ready to pick them up at the airport. Of course, Laura looked like she had gotten a little taller, and was looking more and more like a little girl than a toddler. I also missed Stephanie and all of the special things she does every day to take care of Laura and I.

It was good to be reminded that I’m one lucky guy ... and especially thankful my wife likes football.

A Pickle in the Pumpkin Patch

Shawn affectionately calls Laura many nicknames that include the word pickle -- sweet pickle, sour pickle, pickle-pop, and many, many others. We took Laura on Saturday to a local farm for a hayride to the pumpkin patch, a corn maze, lots of animals, and a children's play area. Laura seemed to have a good time -- she talked a lot and pointed to things. The only thing that made us think maybe she wasn't having a good time is the fact that she didn't smile the whole time we were there. Not one single smile. The whole time we were there. That led us to calling her our little sour pickle in the pumpkin patch! Enjoy the pictures...

Fatherly Thoughts: One year ago ...

It was one year ago today that you came into our lives. It was wonderful and pretty unexpected ... kind of like a quarterback being blindsided by a linebacker. Splat!

And suddenly we're parents.

It really was a shocker. Your mother and I were just going about our usual activities ... not expecting to get our adoption referral for months. I was just minding my own business, sitting at my desk, putting sentences together and trying to hit a deadline. But then your mother called. Her voice was shaky and nervous, excited and overjoyed all at once – and for good reason.

She had gotten word from our social worker that we had a 4-month old baby girl. And within minutes of getting the call, she sent me your picture. It really was love at first sight.

Your mother said you were “really cute.” And of course she was right. There you were with your spiky hair, big dark eyes and a slightly sad little look on your face that we could only interpret as “Come get me, now!” Within hours we had a full team of support that sprang into action to help us get ready for you. One minute I’m thinking about verbs and nouns, and the next minute I’m a dad walking around baby stores ... holding up pink shirts, looking at stuffed animals, comparing bottles and picking out bath toys. I didn't have a clue what I was getting into ... or how wonderful being your Dad would be.

Your mother and I still can’t believe it’s been a year since we got that call. A lot has definitely changed. You’re transforming before our eyes. That crazy, spiky hair has been replaced by beautiful thick hair – usually with a bow in it.

You're a beautiful little girl, for sure.

But I have to say the best part is your fun and sweet personality. You're always talking about something -- of course we can't understand 95 percent of what you're saying, yet. But we're sure it's veeerrry interesting. We’re amazed at how much you've learned and changed in such a short amount of time.

Who thought being blindsided could be so much fun.

Catching Up...

It's been a few weeks since I last blogged -- and quite a bit has happened!! First, Shawn and I went on a 3-night cruise to the Bahamas to celebrate our 5th anniversary (Laura stayed with Nana and Granddad). Time sure flies...it seems like just yesterday we were getting ready for our big day and now we are celebrating 5 years! (There are lots more pics of our trip on Facebook if you want to see them.)

Over Labor Day weekend we went to the Washington, D.C. Zoo with Laura, our friends, and their two children. It was an adventure to say the least!! Three kids under the age of 2 and the D.C. Metro system aren't always the best combination:) We had a good day regardless of the challenges, though. We did decide that we wouldn't go back until Laura is at least 5!

Laura spent most of the time on Shawn's shoulders while I pushed around an empty stroller. She couldn't see the animals unless she was up high -- since the whole country decided to visit the zoo the same day we did!

Laura really liked this rodent-thing. It was the perfect size and height to catch her attention!

Laura and me watching the tiger. She was very excited once she saw it and made her tiger growl continually -- it is her absolute favorite animal sound! (She also does a good bee and cow:)

A nice family picture -- it is always nice going somewhere with friends because we can all get in the picture without having to bother a stranger to take our picture!

This week was the NFL season opener, a big deal in our house! Laura now has her very own Steelers cheerleader outfit to wear as she cheers on her team -- she doesn't yet understand that she won't get a choice in her favorite team. It has already been decided for her:)

And last but not least for this post -- Laura went for her first haircut this weekend. I've cut her hair several times at home but it has lately been out of control. She has A LOT of hair for a 15 month old and I wasn't sure what to do with it. It was definitely time to call in the professionals, and we are all pleased with the results.

She wasn't sure if she liked this whole plan at first - even though she got to sit in a cool police car with a moving steering wheel.But we distracted her with TV, gave her some animal crackers (she is clutching one in her left hand), and made sure she was always holding my hand and things got better.

And before she knew it, her first haircut was over and she has an adorable cut that is no longer constantly in her face and out of control!