Great Strides

Day 352:

Well Conor, busy day today, Boy'O!  After getting you to Ms Zeny's this morning I high tailed it back home to meet the painters Mommy hired to help in the rearranging and decoration of our humble home.  Aside from the painters being here pretty much all day though, I had a ton of work to catch up on as well, and so I set up shop in the basement to get it all done so I could enjoy a bit of a worry free weekend.  Wishful thinking I guess...

But the day certainly took a positive turn for you while taking a lousy one for Mommy...  After the painters left the house around 5:30pm, Mommy and I jumped in the car and ran out to pick you up from day care.  The plan being, seeing as your day care is right in the center of Merrifield, we would make our way to the Merrifield Garden Center for your first meet with Santa!  As it turns out, Santa Claus has been visiting the Merrifield Garden Center year after year for 36 years!  Now THAT'S tradition, Son!

As usual you were as perfect as you could ever be with dear sweet Santa... Quite nice, never naughty, that's my boy...  Following our visit with Santa Claus we'd make our way back home, though not soon enough.  For each minute we were in the car, Mommy got sicker and sicker... By the time we made it home, she went straight to bed, and it wasn't even 8 o'clock.  Early for even her!  So I fed you, bathed you, played with you a bit, and that's when it happened, Boy'O.  You crawled!!!

Seems we've been waiting weeks for this to happen, though just like you'd been doing it all along, up and off you went, clear across the room!  Certainly something to celebrate though unfortunately, all we could do was tell Mommy about your great strides.  That's okay though... Hopefully she's back to full health tomorrow and ready to start chasing you around the house.  'Cuz here's where it gets tricky, Son..  An immobile baby boy is managed simply through time and effort.  Though a MOBILE baby boy is managed by a constant eye and a TON more effort!  But I think we're all up for it, Son.  In fact, I know...

Good job, Boy'O.  The Lion Heart is on the move...

I love you, Son.
-Dad

A Productive Couple of Days

Day 351:

Well Son, I made it home a solid 14 hours ahead of when I thought I would, or rather I was scheduled to, and that was all because I was able to pull together the technical win, the account details, and the commercial agreement.  The clients (I saw two different companies) both seemed genuinely please with the work we provided and are both considering moving forward with my software before the end of the year.  This is VERY important, Boy'O!

Still, not nearly as important as being home with you, Conor.  I couldn't wait to get in the door!  And when I was finally in the house I made my way upstairs to see you and Mommy both sleeping in the bed, out cold...  I changed clothes, got comfortable, and then picked you up ever so gently to rock you back to a deep sleep in your glider chair.  And it felt great, Son.

Now though, I'm in the basement only half watching a game that's on between two teams that I don't care about, thinking about the fun days ahead, Boy'O.  And I'm not talking about the next few weeks, I'm talking about the next few YEARS!  So much to do, so little time...

Sleep tight, Boy'O.  I can't WAIT to see you in the morning!

I love you, Conor.
-Dad

Chilly Virginia to Sunny Florida

Day 350:

Well Conor, here I am, back in Florida.  In another life I wouldn't mind it so much. In another life I would have really enjoyed escaping the frosty temperatures of the mid-Atlantic for a few days to the warm and balmy climate of the Sunshine State.  Though now that you're here, yeah, not so much.  Makes me miss home more...

I had a great day of meetings today, Son.  Took a client to lunch and worked with them to exact their vision while smothering any doubts they may have of partnering with my company.  Progress.  If you're gonna be on the road, that's the goal, Boy'O.  Progress.  Though tomorrow is the true test.  Tomorrow I'm in 8 hours of meetings with a prospect I'm working to do business with by the end of the year, and it's time to shine, Son.  This is the deal that makes or breaks my year...  Of course, given your being here, anything else is just cake and pie.  Still, it'd go along way to knock this thing down, and so that's my focus.  To help the customer understand just how valuable I / we are, and to eliminate reasons they would abstain from a progressive software decision.  No easy task.  Especially with software!

As for you, seems you're doing okay, though Mommy's still keeping you on a bland diet for the sake of settling your tummy.  Turns out there's a nasty stomach bug affecting babies everywhere, and so a call from the Pediatrician would confirm our instinct to withhold formula and feed you only the blandest of foods.  And so we will... For a couple days anyhow.  Though I will say, in typical Conor fashion, you're as playful and as full of energy as if you were never even ill at all... And I love that about you, Son.  Ever the optimist.

I love you, Conor.

-Dad

On the Move Again

Day 349:

Things kind of unexpectedly happen in the software sales world, Son.  I mean, it's not all that exciting, but it can be very demanding.  In this case I have another couple of prospects who are interested in making some key, business critical decisions before the end of the year and time is the greatest enemy.  That in mind, understanding these companies are ready to fully engage I unfortunately have to react quickly.  In this case that would mean another couple of days in Florida.  Tampa specifically, and so tomorrow morning, off I go...

With meetings in the afternoon tomorrow and all day on Thursday, it promises to be a busy couple of days.  Though rest assured I'm up for it.  What I'm not up for is taking time away from you, Son.  Being away from home, especially for work, isn't ideal.  And what's worse, you've come down with some kind of stomach bug that's causing you to bring up everything we put in your belly, so all I can hope for is that it's a 12 hour thing and you'll be fine by morning.  Certainly you're sleeping peacefully now and both me and your Mom have checked on you several times, so for the time being you seem to be in the clear.

Couple all of that with the fact that Mommy's on a tear to completely rearrange and redecorate the house, including paint, which meant running around and tearing things off walls, trashing no longer needed or wanted decor, moving things off walls, and then piling it all up in the back room of the basement.  Quite the night...

Now I'm off to pack, Boy'O. Gotta get it all together for the morning rush through Dulles airport.  But I'll be back in a few days.

I love you, Son.  Be good for Mommy.
-Dad

Back to Work, Back to the Doc

Day 348:

Well Son, today was not my best...  Last week I got pretty sick, albeit for a short time, though bad enough to put me down for the night on Tuesday night with after effects lasting throughout the week and into today.  After an exceptionally busy morning at work I finally decided to see the doc and that landed me squarely in the waiting room at the hospital for a CAT Scan...  Four and a half hours later my suspicions were confirmed.  Nothing I haven't dealt with before but enough to have me on another battery of medications for the next 10 days, and let me tell you Boy'O, I can't stand taking pills...

None the less I finally made it home in time to spend some time with you, have a nice dinner, and make my way to the pharmacy to get my pills following giving you a bath.  By the time I got home, you were sound asleep.  Just another Monday I guess, Son.

It's really quite difficult to readjust after spending the week with you and your Mom and so many of our  family out and about.  A lonesome pang of missing you tugs at me a bit in the knowing that I can't just walk over and pick you up, see you smile, and set you back to whatever it was you were doing, or maybe even something new...  Anyhow, such is life, I suppose.

So here's to your dear old Dad feeling a bit better tomorrow, and the next day, and then the next.  But no matter what's going on with me, Boy, I'll always be well enough to handle you...

I love you, Conor.
-Dad

Born to Ride

Day 347:

Today was a REALLY long day, Conor.  Making our way from Beaufort, SC to Fairfax, VA, a little better than 500 miles, and in traffic as thick as Thanksgiving turkey gravy...  A few detours aside, including about 60 miles in the Northeastern part of North Carolina to avoid some heavy traffic along I-95, the entire ride was a little better than 11 hours.   Now of course, that includes several stops for lunch and to stretch our legs, though still, a long day.   And through it all, you were absolutely amazing, Son!

All that time in the car seat and you never even so much as fussed.  To say that I'm impressed with you would absolutely be an understatement.  And when we did take you from your car seat, rather than fuss  a lick, all you did was smile and laugh!  Just happy as you could be to be going along for the ride.  Remarkable, Son.

When we finally made it home it was like a chinese fire drill, Boy'O... Jump out of the truck, unload you, unload the dogs, unload the trailer, drop everything in the house, spin back around and take the trailer back to Sterling, VA, just a busy, busy time!  By the time I'd finally gotten home, you were in bed and on your way to a deep sleep and all I could do was make a turkey sandwich and watch a few minutes of the game.

I'm tired, Son!  But so impressed with you, Conor...  You are a travel warrior!  And not even 1 year old yet!  You're going to do epic stuff in this life, Boy'O.  And I know I'm only ever going to be even more and more impressed...

I love you, Conor.
-Dad
 

Cousins in the Low Country!

Day 346:

Today was a nice, easy, lazy Saturday, Son.  And I'm not complaining, especially after an exceptionally jam packed day yesterday.  It was nice to spend our last day in the Low Country just kinda putting around!  Though the highlight of the day came at lunchtime when we had the chance to meet your Uncle Billy, Aunt Ellie, Kinsley, and Brantley at Plums Restaurant in downtown Beaufort!

This would be the first time you, me, and Mommy would meet little Brantley as she was only born in May, but goodness is she a doll!  Such a cutie!  And of course Miss Kinsley is always a peach.  What a great lunch. Conor.  And your Mom-Mom joined us too!  On top of it all we had absolutely sublime weather, so after lunch we made our way down the Beaufort Waterfront to soak up the Sun.  A great time was had by all, Boy'O.  We all played a little game of "pass the baby" and both you and Brantley spent a little bit of time in everybody's arms.  Couldn't have been happier, Conor.  All of us.

When the visit concluded we bid our farewells to your Aunt, Uncle, and cousins as they head back to Louisville, KY, Mommy went off to shop a bit in downtown Beaufort and me, you, and Mom-Mom went off to buy some candy before heading home for a nap.

Napping is something I'm not genuinely accustomed to, Son.  I suffer from FOMS (fear of missing something) and so no matter how tired I get I typically don't nap.  But today would be different in that I felt a bit exhausted after a long and eventful week, and so decided that we would take a nap together.  Well let me tell you, Conor, you are a hot box!  I felt as though I was snuggled up with a sauna rock!  And I was so comfy, as were you, and so we slept the afternoon away...  Not a bad Saturday at all, Conor...

Tomorrow we pack up the trailer and head home, Boy'O...  After a long and eventful stay with Memeow and Grandpa K9, we'll make our way back to the blustery cold of the mid-Atlantic.  Though busy and fun days await, Son!  Still so much to look forward to...

I love you, Conor.  You're the best...
-Dad

A Day in the Low

Day 345:

What a wonderful day in the Low Country, Conor.  The day would start with the clean up at old Bill Robinson's house at the crack of dawn, Son.   Though following that we stayed true to the tradition of of playing a golf tournament; though this tournament would shrink from years past.  In the olden days we would play 10 or 12 deep.  Now a days, not so much...  Today it would be just me and Sterno and Al and Grandpa K9 and we wouldn't even get to finish 18 as the course was backed up and we were scheduled to have a dinner at "Wrens" in down town Beaufort at 5:00pm...  Oh the problems in the Low, Son...

After golf it was back to the house for a quick shower and then back out agian t9o a wonderful dinner with family at "Wren" in old Beaufort, Son.  A fantastic dinner with good wine and a lot of conversation about, well, you...  When having dinner with family, all it seems there is to talk about is you!  A good conversation topic to be sure...  But the night wouldn't end there, no no...

We made our wayt back to Pleasant Point Plantation only to quickly put you in your PJ's,  fix your dinner, and head back out with Al, Jen, Katie, and Craig for a night on the town with Grandparents as babysitters and few worries...  A great time and yet another day in the low, Son.

Home now, tired - exhausted really, and it's time to get to bed.  Though we've got ONE MORE DAY in the Low Country, Boy'O.  And you can bet we'll make the best of it!

I love you, Son...
-Dad

Happy Thanksgiving!

Day 344:

One of the best days of the year, Conor... Thanksgiving!  Every year we give thanks for the many bounties this life provides and to do that, we celebrate like no one on Earth, Son.  For eleven years we've made the annual pilgrimage to Beaufort, SC for the Thanksgiving holiday, Conor.  Each of those  years would host the annual turkey fry of which me and about 10 other men will fry on the order of between 75 and 92 turkeys...  It's a marvel of manpower and the party of the year, Boy'O!  My role in the party is to bartend, Son, and it's something I love to do having once done it professionally.

There must be 200 people that attend this vast outdoor Southern party, Conor.  And it's a sight to behold; something Southern Living or Garden and Gun would love to write about, if only they were allowed.  It's truly a unique three day experience involving a full and open bar, huge sweeping live-oak trees, twinkle lights peppering the sky, seemingly limitless food, absolutely wonderful people, and true Southern hospitality.  It's an event recreated in movies, Boy'O.  A party others would only ever dream of.  And for me and Mommy, it's our eleventh year running, and it grows bigger and more amazing every single year.

The opportunity to share such a unique experience is not lost on me, Conor.  And now that you're in the world it's all that much more special, Son.  We give thanks for you, your health, your Mother's health, our family's strength, and the health and happiness of our loved ones today and ever more...

Following the Turkey Rub party last night and the Turkey Fry party this morning (that's a lot of Bloody Mary's, Boy'O!  My own special recipe...) we made our way to the Van Geysel's for a really great Thanksgiving Dinner with wonderful family and wonderful friends, cocktails and wine, and unbelievable food...  Quite the day.  And the Coup de Grâce, Son? Our Redskins beat the Cowboys!  And in their place, too!

A great day, Conor.  And today more than yesterday, I love you, Son...  And I am both thankful and humbled...
-Dad

The Eve of Many Thanks

Day 343:

Been another great day, Conor!  Aside from spending the majority of the day hanging out at the house in Beaufort, we spent plenty of time setting up for the party of the year at the Robinson's in that I'm the bartender for this party and it's easily the busiest of any of the positions, though certainly not the hardest.  It's a rush, Son.  Possibly 150 people all drinking 'Southern' cocktails and truly enjoying themselves, though I get to see them all year after year.  Some faces are new, most faces are common, but they all say "Happy Thanksgiving, Shane!" and I know I've made a difference.  One of the the few times when you really KNOW.  It's about appreciation and respect, Son.  And I appreciate them as much as they appreciate me, and it's a job I look forward to each and every year.

Thanksgiving is a time when you are in fact giving thanks for all that you have and all that you are.  I know of myself that I am a great many things, Conor.  I'm a father, a husband, a friend, and a Patriot.  I'm a man with great passions and reverence for those who would appreciate the very same.  I'm thankful for you, Son, and all that you are and all that you will be.  I'm thankful for this time spent with people who love you and cherish you as the child to a family whom they also respect.  And it gives me peace, Conor.

This is, without question, my favorite time of year.  It's a time spent in one of the most beautiful places in the country and with people whom I truly enjoy.  It's a time of great remembrance and thankfulness.  It's a time of great food an great company.  It's truly a wonderful time, and I'm so happy you're enjoying it for the first time.

As for you, well, we have yet another first.  Today I came up to the room to get you from your nap and there you were, sitting upright in your crib.  First time EVER you were up and ready to go, Conor!  Sitting up on your own expecting to be scooped up and continue your play.  I was pleased... Progress, Boy'O.  It comes in waves and you certainly don't disappoint.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, Son.  A time to be thankful for ALL we have.  And I will be, Boy'O.  For I am a man who has a whole, whole lot.  In part, thanks to you...

I love you, Conor.
-Dad

The Good Life

Day 342:

This is it, Conor.  This is how people should live in my humble opinion.  Wide open spaces, beautiful landscapes, amazing smells, and kind and friendly people, Son.  The rat race is so over done.  Traffic is the pits.  High cost of living is a killer.  It's all just not worth it in the end.

I'm at a bit of an advanced age for a first time father, Boy'O.  Darn near 40 years old and you're not even 1.  There are a ton of up sides and a ton of down sides to starting this late but one of the greatest of those upsides is wisdom, Son.  Wisdom is unique in that it only truly comes through experience, and of course the older you get the more you experience.  Well Boy'O, I can tell you this much, after 25 years of living in one of the most bustling areas of the country, I'm more than ready to get out.

Now, all that said, who's to say it actually happens.  I'm not sure that time is on the horizon for us at this point, Conor.  Maybe just beyond it.  But a guy can dream, right?  Anyhow, this is all reaffirmed for me while driving through historic Beaufort this afternoon, having a fantastic lunch at a very quaint and stylish local restaurant, meeting up with good friends from near and far, and just....... breathing Son.  Something that becomes increasingly more difficult as the years roll by...

Never the less, by the time you've read this, I hope to have you in an area of the country a bit more sheltered than the grind of a major metropolitan city.  With any luck and a little love, you'll get all you need from a region built on culture and tradition vs. one that's all about the all mighty greenback and keeping up with the Jones'.  But who's to tell, eh?  Just one more thing making this journey so interesting, and maybe forethought turned into just a bit more wisdom...

I love you, Conor.  Sleep tight.
-Dad

The Sound of Freedom

Day 341:

What a fun day today, Conor!  Grandpa K9 and I left the house around 9:00am this morning and made our way out to Parris Island; the home of the United States Marine Corps Recruit Depot.  They have a great golf course called "The Legends at Parris Island" on the base, and so with your Grandpa K9 being a retired Colonel in the Marine Corps he's able to drive right on to the base and head to the course directly through the training grounds.  Oddly enough, of the 8 or 10 times I've played this course there always seemed to be Marines and Marine Corps recruits all over the grounds.   Though today the grounds were strangely quiet and calm.  There was simply no one around!  "Oh well", I thought as we made our way to the golf course.

Once there Grandpa K9 checked us in and I grabbed a breakfast sandwich and a knit cap because it was a bit chilly and I wasn't prepared for that.  Still, the whole ordeal took mere minutes.  Headed out to the driving range and hit a few balls and we had the whole driving range to ourselves.  Made our way to the starter on the 1st hole and the starter stand was empty.  Made our way to the tee box, hit a great drive, moved on down the fairway.  Still nobody.  Then off in the distance we heard some shouting; though it was really far off.  Then a few shots fired, again really far off.   But by the time we made the tee box on the second hole it was a full on assault complete with mortar fire, artillery, and heavy machine guns!  For the remainder of the 17 holes of golf we would play, all you could hear was shouting and gun fire.  On the one hand it's intimidating!  On the other, it's truly the sound of precision trained and highly skilled men and women working as a team of heroes to protect us all from the tyrannies and evils of the World.

Grandpa K9 and I had the golf course to ourselves, Son.  Almost all day there was no one behind us, no one in front of us, cool temperatures, cloudy skies, and machine gun fire in the distance.  Quite a day, Son...  And we won't talk about how I played, but I certainly had fun!

When we got home it was time for a trade, Boy'O.  Grandpa K9 and I traded the girls (Mommy, Mom-Mom, and Memeow) for YOU, and off they went to do some shopping while us boys would spend the rest of the afternoon playing with you and watching movies.  Another grand day indeed...

As an aside I saw one of the rarest things anyone can see with the naked eye; a Bald Eagle!  As we were leaving out of Parris Island, a pillar of strength for men and women who volunteer to fight for our freedom and protect our country, to see a Bald Eagle sitting all alone on a fairway in this place was absolutely amazing...  And when he took flight I broke out my phone and attempted to catch a picture, hence the other shot in tonight's post.

That's about all for tonight, Boy'O.  But tomorrow's another day in beautiful Beaufort by the Sea, and I'm sure we'll have as much fun then...

I love you, Son.
-Dad

Southern Comfort

Day 340:

What a brilliant day in the heart of the South, Son.  Aside from today being an unseasonably cool and  rainy day in the Low, we certainly did our best to make the most of it, Boy'O.   A lazy morning with plenty of play time, a splash of coffee, and a down home Southern breakfast was an absolutely perfect way to start the day.  And if there's anything that can be taken away from that, it's that the day only got progressively better as it went along...

Around Noon we rallied the whole house and made our way to Luther's Bar; Rare and Well Done.  Luther's is a favorite spot of mine, Conor.  And when I say a favorite spot, I mean in the whole country.  It's a great little dive bar in downtown Beaufort that sits along the Beaufort River and on Sundays, it shows all the NFL games and boasts cheap beers accompanied by good eats.  Each year we make our way down to Beaufort in November, we always make our way to Luther's on Sunday to watch the games.  Today being Sunday, of course that's where we'd be.  And once again, the day only got better.

Aside from the cheap beer and great food, Luther's would show our Redskins, Boy'O.  And today was as crucial game as there ever was for our beloved Skins, Son.  It was a game vs. their arch rival Eagles, and at a time when the birds have been more vulnerable than they've been in years... The Redskins would not disappoint!   In fact, the Washington Redskins absolutely buried the Eagles in a 31 to 6 route at Washington's home field!  It was beautiful, Son.  And a beating that was long overdue.

As if that weren't enough we were all invited to Uncle Scotty and Aunt Dar-Dar's for an oyster roast and cook out amongst family and friends, too!  As I said, Son, the day just kept getting better... So after you were passed around to Scotty, Dar-Dar, Memeow, Grandpa K9, Bear, Crystal, Dave, Barb, Gary, Bev, Sarah, and Paul, we had wonderful dinner of oysters and shrimp, bratwursts and chili, salad and cheeses, and even cookies, it was time to pull up around the fire pit for some man time...

By 'man time' I mean, all the ladies were inside the house having their own conversations, and you sat quietly on my lap outside in front of a roaring fire for almost two hours talking with the men...  Real life heroes, Son.  Men that sacrifice so much so that you we can enjoy even more.  Men who've fought for our country selflessly because it was their job and their duty.  And so we sat around a roaring fire and you and I listened to these men, these heroes, tell stories and anecdotes of days 'in country' and harrowing and deadly airplane stunts, and walking the flight line, and on and on and on...  And we said nothing.  YOU said nothing.  You were, in fact, perfect Conor.  And it was noted, Boy'O.  That you sat in my lap for almost two hours watching the fire while listening to these great men tell heroic and hilarious tales, it was not lost on a single man how absolutely gracious, calm, and cool you are as an eleven month old kid.  A marvelous night, Son.  Truly.

And now you're resting, ready to wow those who would receive you once again, Son.  As is your way.    So I write this post being ever thankful and even more proud.  Though I'm sure you'll do something to top it all again tomorrow.

I love you, Conor.  You're simply the best, Son.
-Dad

Welcome to the Low

Day 339:

We have arrived, Conor!  After two days of driving (for what once was a straight 9 hour shot) we finally made it to Beaufort, Boy'O!  The drive down was not a difficult one and in fact we basically maintained an average speed of 75 mph and never saw a spot of traffic.  Fortuitous considering where we come from, Conor; the land of traffic.

After a stop at the Cracker Barrel for breakfast and then another at McCabes Barbecue in Manning, South Carolina (World famous BBQ dive, Son.  The kinda place I absolutely live for!) for lunch, we finally made Beaufort by about 2:30pm this afternoon.

I have to say, Boy'O, you did magnificent!  Over nine total hours in the car and you slept about eight and a half of them...  Not to bad.  Though of course that would mean you'd be RARING to go once we finally got to Grandpa K9 and Memeow's place.  You were fired up!  But more good news?  Memeow went out and bought a number of different toys for you to play in, as well as a bouncy seat, puzzles, and things you can click together and bang, of course!

Bit from there, things would only get better...  You know, I've mentioned before that there's family, and then there's friends who are as close as family.  And in Beaufort, we have no shortage of that, Son.  Earlier in the evening your Aunt Dar-Dar came to the house to see and spend time with you and have dinner as well... And no sooner did Aunty Dar-Dar leave, two of my best friends, Uncle Scotty and Uncle Bear showed up!  Uncle Scotty, being Aunt Dar-Dar's husband, just happened to have been out with Uncle Bear roasting oysters!  Another Low Country favorite and, to my great pleasure, I've learned we'll be enjoying tomorrow as well!

Wonderful family, great friends (who're as close as family) and the beautiful salt air of the South, Son.  Today is a magnificent day and, as per the course, you're the focal point.

In three weeks you've been to seven states, Conor.  And you are simply the best little traveling partner I could have ever imagined.  And man oh man, as I think about what's to come I have to say, I've never been more excited to be alive, Son.

I love you, Boy.  So much...
-Dad

The Long Haul

Day 338:

Here we are Conor... Time to rollout to South Carolina.  Mommy just got home from picking you up from school and meanwhile I've been packing the much talked about trailer.  As well, Mom-Mom showed up!  She got to our house around 4:00pm and was just dying to see you, Son!  When you finally got home from daycare, well, she just couldn't wait to snatch you up, Boy'O.

As of now the plan is to wait until after we've all eaten, give you a quick bath, wrapped up in your PJ's, loaded into the car, and off we'll go.  Such fun!  Road tripping at night, Son.  And with a full car!  Me, you, Mommy, Mom-Mom, Bruiser, and Mickie.

Now I have to go and grab dinner so we can all have a nice meal before motorin' on down the road.  But Son, we're gonna have such fun!  I can't WAIT to you to South Carolina!  Mommy either, and your Memeow and Grandpa K9 are beside themselves with anticipation...

South Carolina or Bust, Son!

I love you, Conor.  My road trip partner...
-Dad

Preparation Day

Day 337:

The last 2 months of any year are the busiest time of year for me, Conor.  It's when people I've been positioning and providing consultative instruction to in an effort to make a sale finally figure out they have the budget I've been asking about all year and decide to buy.  And they all do it at the same time...  Needless to say, my calendar is packed sun up to sun down each day this week and the week after next, so today would see me drop the hammer in terms of how much I needed to get done.

On top of that I needed to get the oil changed in the truck over lunch, run an errand or two on my way back to the office after the oil change, and make the dry cleaner on my way home from work.  And it wouldn't even end there!

After Mommy fed you I gave you a bath and then handed you back over to Mommy to manage while I got all my stuff together for our impending trip to South Carolina tomorrow evening.  As much as I'd like to believe this would be a quick and easy task, it just wasn't, Boy'O.  In fact, an hour later I'd finally gotten all my clothes either put away or packed in a bag.  And now here it is, 10:00pm, and I'm finally able to spend a minute relaxing...

Not much else to say, Son.  Just a busy, exhausting day...  Though it's about over now, and so I'm gonna turn in...

I love you, Boy'O.
-Dad

One Month Minus 12

Day 336:

It's truly remarkable how quickly time goes by, Conor.  I got a sense of it before you were here, but now that you are, wow...  Has it really been eleven months, Son?!  It's hard to fathom that in only 30 more days you'll be celebrating your first birthday amongst family and friends.  These last eleven months have been some of the greatest moments and lessons of my life.  And watching you grow before our very eyes is quite literally magic.  A magic I could have never wrapped my head around until you joined the party, Boy'O.

Today wasn't unlike any other day, Son.  Just another Wednesday save for being exceptionally busy at work.  But the brevity of your presence really got a hold of me today, Conor.  After dropping you at day care I thought to myself how unbelievable it is that in a few days we'll be loading up and heading to Beaufort, as has been the tradition in this family for eleven years.  Only this time last year Mommy was in the throws of a very difficult pregnancy and it was everything we could do just so she'd be cleared for travel!  This year would be different though, Son.  Now that you are here, and that you're healthy and viable, strong and able, we can travel anywhere in the World, Conor.  But to be certain, there's no way we'd miss your first Thanksgiving in the Low Country, Son.  No way, no sir.

In 30 days we'll wish you a happy birthday, Boy'O.  We'll have cake and ice-cream, sing a song, and celebrate you, Son.  In only 30 days.  Hard to believe...

I love you, Conor.
-Dad
 

There's a Chill in the Air

Day 335:

I've been talking about the coming Winter for some time, Son, and it would seem it's finally here.  With last nights torrent came a strong cold front that seems as though it's here to stay.  Though good news on the horizon for us, Son.  We're heading South in a few short days, Son!  Off to the Low Country...   Land of warm temperatures, endless golf courses, steamed oysters, fried turkeys, great friends, and family, Boy'O.  The best of all...

In a few short days we'll be packing the family truckster, hitching up a trailer, grabbing you, Mommy, the dogs, Mom-Mom, a trailer, and a load of stuff we'll need for the week.  So for today it's all about prepping and packing, and so that's what we're doing.   Gathering, planning, organizing, and executing.

In the meantime it'll be busy around here, Son.  All sorts of things to do ahead of getting out of here in a few days.  But nothing changes for you, Boy'O.  And you're doing great, Son.   Truly.

Not much more to say, Son... You're sound asleep and dreaming and I'm punching away on a keyboard.  Bit I'm thinking about you, Son.  Always thinking about you...

I love you, Conor.
-Dad

Your First Shiner...

Day 334:

Another first, Conor, though this is not one to brag about necessarily.  With Mommy out and about running errands and the like, you and I sat down to more than an hour of playtime!  Of course, this would be one of the best parts of my day and I would like to think yours as well.  However, as I've learned more than once, take your eyes off a toddler for a second and disaster can strike!  Okay, not disaster but certainly something undesirable.  In this case that would be you taking a header into a bucket of toys of which your eye and the bridge of your nose would take the brunt of the slam...

Now Conor, I know all about slamming, Son.  As a skateboarder, skier, BMX'er, motorcyclist, and all around dare-devil (in my younger days, anyhow), I've got the scars to prove it.  In fact, my Mom, your Mom-Mom, talks about a time when I was about your age and I tumbled down a couple of stairs resulting in a broken collar bone which is still visible even today.  The aftermath of that injury would see me attempting to crawl with an arm sling on which, as you might imagine, is considerably more difficult than to crawl with both arms!  Well, here's to hoping you're not too much a chip off this old block and that today's bonk was just a one off...

After you cried for a moment or two, and really not much at all to your credit, I scooped you up to check you out and you were perfectly content within moments.  Though inside of five minutes it appeared, Boy'O... The shiner!

It's not horrible.  A small black and blue and red mark off the corner of your right eye as well as across the bridge of your nose though really no swelling.  Still, as a parent you can't help feeling like a heel whenever your kid gets any kind of injury, especially while on your watch, and so of course I had to explain the shiner to your Mom.  And frankly that stunk almost as much!  Though of course she was understanding...

Just remember this Son, pain is temporary, chicks dig scars, but glory... glory is forever, Boy'O.

I love you, Conor.  My little tough guy...
-Dad

Go Big or Go Home

Day 333:

Well, following my post last night, Boy'O, the night got progressively more interesting!  Interesting in that the scotch came out as well as the Cuban cigars!  There's almost nothing in the world I enjoy more than a scotch and a cigar amongst friends, Boy'O...  Sitting on in the cool clear night, discussing everything from international politics to the history of the National Football League with my British expat friend, Ade, we chatted, drank, and smoked the night to the wee hours... And it wouldn't even end there!

Following patio time with the boys we made our way to the billiards room in the basement where I could assert my poolroom dominance on the group.  And by this point you and Mommy were both well asleep and I was good and primed for a late night run on the table.  So much in fact that I must have played 10 games and never lost one...  The only trouble with that is though, I suddenly realized it was going on 3:00am!  A winning streak is a winning streak, Conor.  It shouldn't be given up just because you get a little tired!  But finally I'd had enough and so I made my way to our room at the Buckingham's to catch a few zee's...

Today for me Boy'O, the Sun came up way to soon...  Though with a splash of coffee and a bagel I came back to life and managed to get the car packed, you packed, Mommy squared away, and off and away back to Virginia.  The remainder of the day would be spent doing things around the house to prepare for the coming week and even the following in that we'll be out of town again for some time.

With all of it though you're getting bigger, stronger, faster...  You're really starting to get this crawling thing in your head and you even sat on a little potty trainer tonight!  The days are flying by and you're doing more and more; growing day by day from baby to little boy.  And it's amazing, Son.  Every step of this journey is amazing.

I love you, Boy'O.
-Dad

Back in Philly

Day 332:

This was yet another eventful day, Conor.  As I'd mentioned yesterday, we were on the road to Philly this morning!  Made it in record time in fact...  But once here it was, Party On!

As is their way, the Buckinghams put on a party unlike anything you could have ever imagined.  Over the top!  Everything from moon bounces to cotton candy.  And food galore!  Such fun in that, of course, you were so well received and taken on by so many people!  They were so happy to pick you up and carry you around and show you off to everybody!  It was such fun to see you on the go, Conor. Everybody's a fan of the Lion Heart.

As the day went on the child partiers left and the adults celebrated the day.  Certainly good times!  And now, late in the night as we all sit here talking about the socioeconomic problems of the world, you slumber the night away.  But know this, Son.  We all love you...  And I love you.  And I can't wait for tomorrow.

Love you, Boy'O.
-Dad

The Busiest of Times...

Day 331:

It's an interesting time of year, Conor.  This is the time of year where the "go" never seems to stop.  It's just a constant hustle it seems, always on the move.  Much like you in fact!  Today wasn't a day out of the ordinary, Son.  Another Friday, another work day, another day at daycare for you... Just another day in reality... But what's on the horizon is what's so interesting, Son.   Especially taking into consideration spending last weekend in Arkansas with your Pop-Pop and Mimi-Sarah.  Yes sir, every weekend in November will be spent in another state...

Tomorrow we head off to Philadelphia to spend some time with friends Lisa and Phil and their son, Andrew.  It's Andrew's birthday and so we're popping up to wish him a happy birthday and then enjoy the remainder of the evening with the adults whilst you snooze the night away.   And then the fun starts...

The remainder of this week will be in preparation for our annual, though your inaugural, pilgrimage to Beaufort, South Carolina, Boy'O.  A time where we'll spend more than a week enjoying family, friends, and fried turkey!  Stay tuned for the Thanksgiving Day post, Boy'O.  Legendary, epic stuff...

On this trip it will be me, you, Mommy, Mom-Mom, Bruiser, and Mickie!  As well as a trailer to tow all our stuff down.  The rolling Yerkes family!  Have baby, will travel...

That's all for tonight, Son.  Your Mom got it in her head that we need to redecorate the house on  Friday night.  With a glass of wine, that's not so bad...

That's all for tonight, Boy'O.  I love you.
-Dad

All Over the Place and Right on Track

Day 330:

Today was as hectic a day as one (or three) can have, Conor.  From the word 'Go', the whole lot of us were on the move.  With a few busy schedules in so far as work, a developmental appointment with Dr. Wallin at Virginia Hospital Center, lunch at Lost Dog Cafe to ask about their interest in supplying us with gift cards for our NICU philanthropy (more on this later) over the Christmas holiday, then to drop you at Ms. Zeny's, then I came home to work for a couple hours while Mommy went to Maryland for a few meetings of her own.  By 2:00pm this afternoon I'd been just about all over NoVA and Mommy was covering Maryland.  Madness!  But it didn't end there...

For the few hours I was home I powered through a number of things for work and then managed to get changed into a three piece suit for a business conference and cocktail hour I was to work from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, and so off I went...  And while that was my day, Mommy's day would get even worse... In fact, she was an hour late getting you from daycare because it took her almost an hour and a half to get from Bethesda, MD to Merrifield, VA thanks to an accident on one of the busiest bridges in the country; the American Legion Bridge.

Now that that's out of the way, here's the good news...  Your appointment with Dr. Wallin went really, really well, Conor!  So well in fact that you managed to impress the good doctor with all your cognitive skills!  Skills like sitting on your own, interactively playing ball with me, your center line movements, responsiveness to your name and commands... The whole works, Son.  And you see, for children born at full term these things are generally not of any concern.  However, for preemie guys like yourself working through an understanding of what's referred to as your "adjusted age", they're all important milestones for tracking how you're developing your circumstance of being born a full two months ahead of schedule...

With all that said however, you are still a bit lacking in your motor skills... And by motor skills I mean crawling and sitting up on your own.  Not to worry though, Boy'O, we got you covered.  Some new exercises and activities on the horizon and I've little doubt that you'll be up and going in no time...

Well son, I'm proud of you.  You're doing so well and of course, as handsome as ever as evidenced by the picture on this post.  And with that, it's time for me to hit the rack, Boy'O...  We got some work to do tomorrow...

I love you, Son.
-Dad

Coming Together

Day 329:

Was a rough day for me, Son.  I woke up a little bit sick, again, and found myself back in the doctor's office, again...  More drugs to dry me out and I've already started to feel a bit better, though it appears it'll be another 10 days.  Mommy too.  In fact, she was at the doctor's office yesterday!  It goes around and then it goes away, though none of that matters so long as you're healthy, Son.

While I started to feel a bit better later in the day and after taking a pill the size of a hubcap, I was left without the option to even be sick because we had friends to meet out tonight, Conor.  And while it was most certainly a good time, this outing wasn't necessarily a social visit.  No sir, tonight would be about raising money and awareness around premature births, and so your Mommy and Miss Amanda would help host the event at a PotBellies Sandwich shop in Reston.  And what a great turnout!  We had in all maybe 30 friends, including those we haven't seen a long time...  Not bad for a weekday social call!

Now though, this medicine has taken it right out of me, Boy'O, and I need to get to sleep... A place you and Mommy have been for hours now already!

Good night, Boy'O.  I love you.
-Dad

A Losing Battle

Day 328:

Well Son, doesn't always work out like you'd like it to.  This election has gone to the dogs, Son.  And by the dogs I mean, it went to President Barack Obama.  An election that could saddle you with years of debt that's been called for a President that would saddle you with all of it.  There's no explanation...

There's not much more to say... It's just lost...

Regardless, I love you.
-Dad

Manic Mondays

Day 327:

Well Boy'O, straight out of a busy weekend and right into an even busier week... In fact there's something happening just about every night this week, Conor!  Mommy had a dinner this evening so I picked you up; two hours later we FINALLY got home.  (This area is the pits for traffic, Son, and I question why we still live here almost every day despite knowing the answer.) Tomorrow is perhaps the biggest day in years in so far as the direction of your country, Boy'O.  It's ELECTION day!  More than even that though, I'm going to a show at my favorite music venue, 'The 9:30 Club', tomorrow night whilst you and Mommy head over to the Landers to watch the election coverage!  (Not to worry though, I'll be along later...)  Wednesday night we're having an event to help raise money for the March of Dimes and we'll see all kinds of people for that... And raise a bunch of money too!  Then on Thursday I have a cocktail party I'm supposed to attend for work.  Then on Friday, well, on Friday we have no plans...  Can you believe it?!  Me either...

As for work things are picking up for me as well, Son.  I've had my hands full in terms of the projects I've been working and there seems to be no end in sight right up through the end of the year.  Of course in my business, being that busy is a good thing.  It just seems like a lot is coming down the pipe all at once and in order to survive it, I'm going to have to keep a cool head...

Meanwhile you're getting stronger, faster, quicker, more vocal, more able, and it would seem as though you're just about to the point of no return!  Yes sir, what I mean is we're about to lose the benefit of having an immobile little boy and in fact, you'll be on the move in no time!  Which means I'll be on the move, too... Can't wait?

Fun times ahead, Son.  Fun times...

I love you-
Dad

Fly Away Home...

Day 326:

Another spectacular day in Arkansas today, Conor.  And by spectacular I mean the weather couldn't have been any better!  Sunny skies, temperatures in the 60's, and a nice and cool breeze...  I took a ton of pictures with my 'good' camera (vs. my camera on my phone) but it's buried in a bag all the way upstairs and I'm far to tired to grab it, load pictures, etc.  With that in mind, I'll throw up a few of those pictures tomorrow...  But I digress.

Yes Boy'O, the weather was great and so considering we would be flying out today, as well as the airport being 10 minutes outside the city of Little Rock, we decided to venture into the city and do a little site seeing...

We saw some great things too, Son.  For example, the Presidential Library of Arkansas, also known as the William Jefferson Clinton Library was right down town.  The historic Little Rock waterfront was a nice thing to see.  The USS Razorback (submarine) commissioned in 1943 was on display.  And then finally, and after a little lunch, we all headed to the Rock Town Distillery; Little Rock's very own bourbon, whiskey, gin, rum, and vodka distillery!

It was a ton of fun to walk through and talk about the distillation process on all their spirits, especially considering they're putting out a top quality product and they're doing it using all locally grown grains and malts.  What a fun stop!  Though unfortunately they don't ship to Virginia so I would settle for a tee-shirt.  Still, it was worth the experience!

Soon after however, it was off to the airport and time to head back to the hustle and bustle of the Washington DC area and so we would say our goodbyes to Pop-Pop and Mimi-Sarah.  Though all in all, it was a fantastic weekend, Son.  Such fun to hang out with my Dad, your Pop-Pop... Three generations of Yerkes men all together.  What a treat.  And we all had a great time... Family, fun, food, and fair weather...  A fine weekend...

I'm exhausted, Boy'O.  Time for bed.  Thanks for being such a good little traveler, Son.   And making me so very proud...

I love you.
-Dad

Touring the Ozarks

Day 325:

It's a very pretty day in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Conor.  The day would start easy enough with Pop-Pop making breakfast for the whole house, including you who got the chance to eat a little bit of scrambled eggs!  Certainly a favorite of the Lion Heart... After a LONG nap (for you, a long nap is anything ore than 90 minutes - and you slept almost three hours!) we loaded up into Pop-Pop and Mimi-Sarah's car and headed out to a local art exhibit right here in Hot Springs Village.  Some very talented artists, Son, and a lot to see.

We walked around the hall for a few minutes and I spoke to a number of the artists, painters, and photographers; some of my favorite people.  Creative types who do what they love and do it well.  It was a nice break in the day and I was reminded why I used to love the arts so much, though certainly not enough to run out and buy a new easel to get after painting again.  As if I have the time!  Still, they're inspirational and I liked talking with them about where their inspirations come from, ask them what they were doing and where they were.  The best things about the arts, including writing, is that what comes out is always frock with emotion and that's what makes a great piece.  You can certainly tell who the artists are that pour their souls into something, and then those who'r painting by numbers.  Anyway, it was a welcome attraction for a few tourists like us.

After leaving the art show though, we headed out to lunch at a local country club and really enjoyed the wonderful weather and scenery.  The temperature in Hot Springs today is around 80 degrees with very low humidity and a nice breeze.  Not only that but despite my post 2 nights ago about the Autumn ending as we head into Winter, Arkansas is obviously considerably further South and thus stays warmer longer.  They're in the peak of their foliage change and the trees are as vibrant as anything you could imagine.  So through lunch and a couple of beers, Pop-Pop and Mimi-Sarah decided to run us all to a lookout point way up high on the mountain and over look all the beautiful lakes and colorful trees.  Quite the site...

Though now you and Mommy are napping, Pop-Pop is making his famous dry rub ribs, and Mimi-Sarah is taking a nap as well, and so here I sit punching away on the keyboard.  But perhaps it's time for a cocktail and a little football!  In fact, that sounds perfect for a Saturday afternoon...

I love you, Boy'O.
-Dad

To Pop-Pop's House We Go...

Day 324:

Well Conor, today was the day you would take your third airplane trip!  So far you've been to California, South Carolina, and now Arkansas!  At least by plane... You've of course also been to a number of states around us, including Washington DC (technically not a state though they're taxed like one), North Carolina, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.  That's right, Boy'O, you're not even 11 months old and you've already been in 9 states!  (and one district...)  That's impressive!  You're a traveling man, Son! Me?  I've been to 36 of the 50 states and was born in Washington DC, though assuredly, we'll see them all, Son... And then some.

Yes Boy'O, today we made the trip to Arkansas to see your Pop-Pop and Mimi-Sarah.  They recently moved to a beautiful new lakeside community containing 9 lakes, 6 golf courses, and beautiful mountains in the Ozarks just outside Little Rock, Arkansas; A beautiful little city in the heart of the South.

Pop-Pop and Mimi-Sarah live in a Hot Springs, Arkansas.  The state's number one vacation retreat!  Truly a quaint and country town surrounded by 47 natural hot springs making the area completely unique to so much of the rest of the country.

When we landed and deplaned we were met by your Grandparents just outside the airport and into balmy 80 degree temperatures...  Not to bad for November.  And great for your Pop-Pop who dreams of nothing more than playing golf and woodworking in his custom built wood shop.  They took us immediately to the town of Hot Springs where we would tour the town, see some sites, touch the hot water of the springs, and grab a nice steak dinner at a local restaurant called "The Porterhouse". Good wine, great steaks, fantastic conversation, and family...  Nothing better than family, Son.

It was so great to see you in your Pop-Pop's arms, Conor.  Something I've dreamed of for years and years.  Before I even knew you, I always dreamed of a day your Pop-Pop, my Dad, would hold my child.  You Son. You're it...  And in true Conor the Lion Heart form your smile melted both his and Mimi-Sarah's hearts.  And I was happy.  Your Mom too...

Though now you slumber (finally!) and I'm away from the conversation... Gotta get back, Son.  But know this, as I've said at least 324 times before and countless times you don't even know of, I love you, Conor.  So much.  9 states, one district, and we're just getting started...  My traveling boy.

Love ya Son,
-Dad

Dark Days Are Coming

Day 323:

Autumn has all but come and gone, Son.  My very favorite time of year makes way for quite the seasonal change, Boy'O.  It makes way for the Winter...

I've never been a huge fan of Winter, Conor.  The days are shorter and provide far less light and as I'm a man who thrives in the warmth of the Sun, the long Winter's nights and deep cold leaves me yearning for Spring.  Still, the Winter is not all bad...  After all, it brings with it Thanksgiving!  Then your Birthday!  Christmas is in the Winter!  Then there's New Years Eve and my Birthday...  There are a lot of fun days in the Winter!!  Though truthfully, outside of those fun days you can keep the cold.

Nothing about weather truly bothers me, Son.  In fact I don't get bothered by rain or snow.  I don't worry about if it's cold outside or warm.  All I care about is the light.  Ironic considering my affinity for the moon and my love of the night.  Though without the Sun, I just don't carry the same energy I have otherwise...  Never the less, that time has come.

In a few days we roll the clocks back for Daylight Savings Time, Son.  At that point we'll be in the throws of Winter, albeit with plenty to look forward to...  And in fact, these next 4 weeks will be crazy, Conor!  In all we'll be on the road all four weekends in November...  Arkansas this weekend to see yolur Pop-Pop and Mi-Mi Sarah, Philadelphia next for Andrew's birthday, and South Carolina for the week of Thanksgiving to see your Mom-Mom, Me-Meow, Grandpa K9, Uncle Billy and Aunt Ellie, Kinsley and Brantley, and so many great friends for the following two weeks.  The traveling Yerkes, Son.  Seeing the world is better than not, that's for sure...

And more travel after that too!  And why not?  Beats sitting around thinking about where we could go!

That's all for tonight, Lion Heart.  Big day tomorrow so we should all get our rest...

I love you, Son.
-Dad