Daddy's Blog For Pearl

I Know It's Been A While...

2010-02-07T03:00:00.000-05:00

Things have been moving right along at the Bowman house, with many new and exciting things happening. I will begin by talking about Pearl, as this IS a blog about her...

Since the last time I wrote here Pearl has turned 2, begun putting small sentences together, and uses her potty more and more. Last month she said "I love you Daddy" for the first time, and of course, that gave me some tears. She is certainly turning into am individual, and I couldn't be more excited to see more.

I will try to be more diligent about publishing posts to the blog, as Pearl changes just a little bit every day...

August 4, 2009

2009-08-04T11:07:00.000-04:00

Pearl will be 2 in just over a month, time sure does have a way of getting away from you. It's pretty neat though to watch her develop a personality all her own, quirky as it may be. I guess we are all a little quirky in some way, and that's a good thing.

We all went to Seaworld a couple of weeks ago, Pearl had a grand time, and I admit that I thought it was pretty swell too. Aside from the heat and rude people, it was a rather enjoyable day, must remember to NOT go to theme parks in July!!! The best part, I think, was watching Pearl's reactions to the animals. Her eyes get big and she lets out an enthusiastic "oooh" or "wow", most of the time both together. She doesn't like being told "no", so she got a little grumpy a couple of times during the day. When I see other children Pearl's age acting 10 times worse, I am grateful that she is not like that. We paid the 10 dollars extra so that we can go back anytime we want until the end of the year. However, I think we will wait until it cools down a little bit before we attempt another day there.

**More photos can me found HERE!!!**

I have been kind of busy with school the past few weeks and have neglected one of my favorite things: Daddy/Daughter Day. Not only did I feel bad for not spending quality time with that amazing little girl, I also felt like a bad husband for noticing that Kim needed a "Pearl Break" and then waiting so long to do something about it. Last Wednesday I finally scooped Pearl up and loaded her in the car and took of for the day. We headed to the mall first so I could get some new shorts and things that I needed, and we had some lunch there. After that we hopped back in the car to go somewhere, though I had no idea where, so I just started driving. We ended up out on Merritt Island at the "wildlife drive" so that I could play with my new camera. We spent a while out there, got out of the car and ran around and explored together. Exploring with Pearl is something that I am going to get quite fond of I think, especially with all the wonderfully enthusiastic "ooh"s and "wow"s she delivers when she's excited. We left there after sunset and drove back home, pooped out Pearl slept most of the way home. Then, on Sunday we went over there again because I thought there was going to be a good sunset and wanted to take some pictures. Also, I wanted to take my new car out for a little drive. It ended up being a poor sunset due to a thunderstorm in the way, but I did get some good shots of clouds.

**More photos can be found HERE, HERE, and HERE!!!**

Kim and I were both able to get new cars, this is a wonderful thing as we have been sharing 1 car between 3 people for the last couple of years. I got a 2010 Mustang GT Convertible, which is just an awesome car to drive around. Kim got a 2009 Ford Flex, a funky looking car with a lot of interior room (it kind of reminds me of a "Woody"). So needless to say there has been some excitement around the Bowman house...

**More Photos can be found HERE, and HERE!!!**

July 16, 2009

2009-07-16T11:36:00.001-04:00

So, it's been a long time since my last post, certainly you have all been wondering what's been going on in the Bowman house. Certainly, some of you may not make it through the day without some words about the magnificent Pearl. Well, be still, here is a new installment a mere 3 months since the last post. I can tell you that it has been quite a busy 3 months, a lot has happened.

We'll begin today with the news of Pearl's pool she got when we returned home from our trip to Key Largo. Kim had talked about getting Pearl a pool when she dropped me off at work because she needed the car. I returned home from work that night and I was greeted by a brand new shiny pool for Pearl to go swimming in the back yard. It has a deep end and a shallow end, a dolphin slide, palm trees, and another dolphin that sprays water into the "deep end". Pearl loves her pool very much, except that pesky dolphin that sprays water on her, she doesn't know what to make of that.

Pearl, has grown up a lot since we went to Key Largo, she's taller and more teeth have come in. She has an ever growing vocabulary, it seems anytime now she will begin to communicate with words rather than whining and pointing (please be soon!!!). She is definitely showing us that she is developing her own distinct personality, a very kooky one at the moment. I suspect though, most kids her age are quite kooky, still unaware of what's around them and exploring their surroundings.

Pearl's Opa died in April, he was my father-in-law. Pearl and I never got to meet him, but I know he was a good man and loved Pearl very much. We heard from his Sister and Brother-in-law that he bragged about his granddaughter all the time. He had been living for a long time as a quadriplegic since he had a series of strokes when he was younger. RIP Andries Sjoerd van der Meulen (Feb 26, 1940-Apr 13, 2009)...

I started EMT training May 11, we are now 5 weeks from graduating. I have been learning a lot of really cool shit. I can't wait to start Paramedic school, just think of all the cool shit to learn there!!!

Key Largo 2009

2009-04-02T00:32:00.001-04:00

It has certainly been a busy few days for little Miss Pearl, swimming, exploring, and digging in the sand, along with hanging out with Nana and Bumpa. We are in Key Largo at Sunset Cove Resort, the same place we came last year around the same time. It's amazing to think of all the changes Pearl has made in the past year, last time we were here she was a 6 month old blob trhat really didn't do much. This year she is a 1 1/2 year old toddler that runs around everywhere, likes to play in the water, and explores her surroundings. If this turns out to be a yearly event, which Kim and I think would be a pretty swell idea, she could be snorkling next year (she'll be 2 1/2, wow). I really can't think of a better place to make an annual trek with Pearl, she may even start to look forward to coming down here. Kim and I went to get key lime pie today for dessert after our dinner of grilled NY Strip Steak, Yellowfin Tuna, and Shrimps. While we were driving there was even talk of the possiblilty that we would move down here after I complete my EMT training, I was accepted into the program (more about that later). If we move here we would have to find another place for our yearly vacation tradition, may be back up to Orlando to go to Disney.

Nana and Bumpa arrived on Friday of last week, and actually spent 2 nights in the hotel that I work in (but not for, long story). Pearl was a little shy at first, but I think she remembered who they were and warmed up tp them quite quickly. Now they are all like peas in a pod, hanging out and exploring together. It's really great that they were able to come down here for a visit, I wish they lived closer so they could see Pearl more often. Webcam is really no substitute for hanging out and being with their grand-daughter, though it is a nice thing to have (sort-of a second best thing). Pearl does have her Mimsy around all the time, but having her Bumpa and Nana around as much would be a very keen thing for her to have. I know I say that quite a bit, especially when they are here.
When they are here I am reminded of the fact that they get to spend such little time with each other and it makes me a little sad. I have pretty cool parents and they should be able to spend a lot more time with my little munchkin. I mean they don't have to live next door or even down the street, but it would be nice if they were in the same state at least. I think that once I finish EMT training it will be time to seriously think about moving either to the Keys (if we want to stay in Florida) or somwhere closer to where Nana and Bumpa decide they would like to move (they want to get out of where they live too).

Key Largo has been very nice so far, and the weather has been perfect. Yesterday we didn't do much besides swim, we get to swim literally 20 feet from the front door of our room, that's very swell I think. I snorkeled around a little bit and Pearl floated in her little boat. Bumpa went and spent the day out in the ocean snorkeling by the reefs, so it was just Kim, Pearl, Nana, and I hanging around the Sunset Cove. We went to dinner right next door at this little Italian place with one of the biggest menus I have ever seen, there specials menu was a separate and full menu in itself. The food was good though, other than the piece of calamari I ate that was not so good. Today we got up a little earlier (Kim, Pearl, and I. Nana and Bumpa were already up and had breakfast) and went to this place where they take in hurt birds and either fix them up and release them or, if they are too badly hurt, take care of them for good. Pearl seemed to enjoy seeing all the birds, it was pretty cool there aside from the horrid smell emanating from the habitats or the surrounding wetland area. There were pelicans hanging out on the boardwalk, I think Pearl was really into seeing those guys up close. Pearl liked the Parrots too,

she kept pointing at them and saying "oooh" and "kack kack" because that's what ducks say and all birds are ducks still. We left there and came back to the room to cool off a little bit, it was quite warm out there in the sun Pearl's cheeks got all rosy. Then we headed over to the state park to swim on the ocean side of the key, it ended up not being the open ocean after all but fun anyway, to go swimming over there. I did a little snorkeling but there was not much too see, mostly algae covered plants and a few fish, not very exciting. Pearl did her first dunk in salt water, I don't think she minded that at all though she did cling on to me quite strong. We stayed in the water for quite a while there just hanging out with Bumpa, Nana stayed up on the shore most of the time.

For dinner we stopped at Publix and got some NY Strip Steaks and some charcoal so we could grill out back here at the Sunset Cove (there are a bunch of grills here). We got back to the room and I at the fried chicken I got so I could have a little lunch, being diabetic and all. Then Pearl and I took a nap together for a couple of hours while Kim laid in the hammock and read her book. Peal and I got up and went outside and explored together for a few minutes, a little Daddy/Daughter time, and then went to find Mommy. Kim and I decided that we needed to go gat some key lime pie for dessert, so we left Pearl with Nana and Bumpa and went down the road. We came back with key lime pie, yellowfin tuna, shrimps and 2 presents for Pearl. She got a stuffed pelican from Mommy and I got her a cool looking shell.

I think the plan for tomorrow is to be lazy all day, drink some beer, do some swimming, and then drive home at about 10pm...

March 19, 2009

2009-03-19T23:27:00.000-04:00

Got up today and grabbed Pearl for a Daddy/Daughter day, got the munchkin without even the slightest movement from Kim. I was a sneaky toddler theif, got her out of the house without waking the Mommy. I bet it was nice to wake up and have no diaper to change or crying little monster to feed first thing. I got up and packed a few things in the car:
diaper bag, cooler with juice, yogurt, and cereal bars, towels, water shoes, Pearl's floaty, sunblock, and the camera to record the day's adventures. After the car was packed I got the kid and changed her very full diaper and put her in her going out clothes and tossed her in the car with all the other stuff. Then it was off to Wekiva Springs for our Daddy/Daughter day,with swimming and other assorted activities.
I put Pearl in her new bathing suit for the drive to Wekiva, not just because she looked super adorable in it but also so there was less changing to do once we were there. Changing Pearl in the hot sun while a nice refreshing dip in the cool water was taunting us didn't sound like too much fun at all. With her new pink one peice all I had
to do was take off her shorts and shoes and we could get in the water. The water was very crisp, and Pearl really didn't like it at first, and to be honest I didn't either, but I knew once we got used to it we'd be just fine. She would not let me put her into her boat right away, she clung to me for
dear life. Once she got used to the water a little bit floating in her boat was just fine. Simply floating turned into splashing and playing in no time, I had a very happy smiling little girl. We swam, or I should say "I swam, and she floated", for about 20 minutes, even getting our heads wet at one point. I looked over at Pearl
and the poor little girl was just shivvering away, teeth clattering and everything, and she looked at me and gave me this sort of half smile. I knew it was time to exit the spring, go dry off and walk around for a while. We got Pearl out of her wet swim clothes and back into her shorts
and t-shirt, and put all the stuff back on the stroller and headed back up to the car. We decided that we would drive down to the playground because we really weren't ready to leave yet. Pearl got to ride in the front seat through the parking lot, she really didn't know what to make of that. I think if she were able to see
out the front window it would have been more exciting for her, she is just to short to fully enjoy the front seat. We parked the car and walked the path to the playground, Pearl was instantly everywhere all at once it seemed. She was like a little miniature tornado on that playground,
she even climbed up on the equipment and played on that. She went swinging on the swings and even got in the "big kid" swing all by herself wanting to swing on that one. I decided that we would swing together on that one, and put her in the "little kid" swing for er solo swing. From the bench on the side
of the playground I could see all nooks and crannies, so I sat there and let her explore all on her own. Every once and a while she would look over at me to make sure I was still there and proceed to wander around and discover new things. Each look back to me had a longer interval between the glances,
as if she just new I would be there when she looked again, and each look was accompanied by a little smile. She climbed up on the main apparatus of the playground a second time, this time ascending all the way to the top where the big slide starts it's journey to the ground. I was sitting at the bottom of the slide taking pictures
of Pearl playing at the top, and suddenly she just went to the summit of the slide and let go, she slid all the way down to me. I had no idea that she would slide all by herself, we had slid together earlier when we first arrived to the playground. I was in shock, and so very proud of my brave little monkey. I was caught completely of guard and did not capture the slide on camera, so I placed her back at the top with the hopes that she would repeat her act of bravery, and she did just that!

After all the climbing, swinging, and to my pleasant suprise sliding we decided to return to the car to get ready to leave and go home. We had a little snack in the car before we headed out, and as we were leaving I decided to drive around and explore a little bit.
Pearl was out for the count before we even got over to the campground, only about 4 minutes from the springs. She slept almost the whole way home, waking up when we arrived at Walmart to get dinner. Pork loin stuffed with sausage and wrapped with bacon, with mashetopatoes and green beans...

The End

Later in the evening after a bath and being put into her PJ's Pearl decided to put a pair of shorts on over her jammies. Then she wanted her frog slippers on, and the pink "Disney Flair" sash around her shoulder. The result, and I think you will all agree, was too cute NOT to take a picture or 2...

March 18, 2009

2009-03-18T11:43:00.004-04:00

I realize that it has been over a month since I last wrote on this blog, I think I qualify for the slacker of the year award. It's not that I have not had anything to write about, and it's not that I haven't had the time, I don't really know why I haven't written here for so long. May be 2 months of writing every day, which I may do again for April, made me want to take a little break. Today just happens to be a splendid day for the triumphant return of an updated blog. Pearl, our wonderful little monster, is exactly 1
and a half years old today. It's been 18 glorious months since Pearl came into our lives. She is growing up so fast, it feels like only yesterday she was being born. Sometimes it feels like I am going to wake up one day and Pearl will be graduating from High School and leaving for College. I know I exaggerate, but it really does seem to be going fast so far. I really love being a Daddy, and trying to be the best Daddy that I can be seems to slow things down a little bit sometimes. I hope Pearl knows how much I love her, I try and show it every day to make sure she knows.

Many wonderful and amazing, and a couple not so wonderful, things have started to happen since the last time I had written here. Pearl's vocabulary continues to grow at a steady pace, and her knowledge of what things are when asked (and proceeds to point at) seems to be advancing on a daily basis. For the most part Pearl is a really good kid, rarely has meltdowns in public, knows how to share when she's at the park, and listens to Mommy and I when we say no (well, most of the time anyway). She met another little girl the last time we went to the park, who was close in age to Pearl, only a month younger. They were playing with Pearl's ball together, and having a grand time passing it back and forth. That is until the other little girl didn't want to share anymore and pitched a hissy fit when Pearl wanted to take her ball back, the other little girl's Daddy had to intervene and get Pearl's ball back to her. The temper tantrum that the other little girl displayed was nothing less than super impressive.
Pearl just kinda looked at the other little girl like "Why are you being so bad over a silly ball, see how good I am". However, pushing the limits to see how far she can take things is her new game. Kim and I both knew it was coming, but knowing it's coming doesn't do a very good job to prepare you for the reality of this not so amusing game. Also, I fear that this is just an "appetizer", if you will, of what is yet to come. She is approaching 2 years old at frightening speed, at which time we get to live in the realm of the "Terrible Twos". One of her favorite games is taking something off of Kim's or my bed side table and not giving it back when we ask for it. Even going as far to start handing it to us, then pull it in close and hug it and turn her body so we can't get it. She just thinks this is the funniest thing in the world, at least that's what the smiling and laughing seems to indicate.

My Wife Kim is a stay-at-home Mommy, and as far as I can tell she really enjoys being able to do that. This is a full time job though, with no scheduled days off, no calling in sick, and no vacation time. I work a full time job (more about that later), with all of the perks I just listed. I have started trying to give Kim some time off one day a week, at least, by taking Pearl out of the house. This serves another purpose as well, Pearl and I get some Father/Daughter time together so that we can do some bonding too. We either go to the park, or go on a drive, last week we went to go visit "Aunt" Jodi because she hasn't seen her in quite some time. Today, I think I might take her over to Wekiva Springs for a swim and she can wear her new one piece suit that I got for her at Wally World the other night.I was thinking I might just bring our tent and camp

out for the night, and give Kim a night off. Wekiwa is pretty close by too, so it would be easy to hop in the car and come home if Pearl starts freaking out. The last time she was in a tent was when Kim and I got married at Bliss, and Pearl was still in her Mommy's tummy. I am not really sure how she will do in a tent, but I will never know if I don't try. 18 months seems like a fine age to start camping, and I need to get Pearl to like it because Kim is really not the camping type. Too many bugs and such for her taste, Kim's "idea of roughing it is a hotel room without a TV", that's a Kimmie quote by the way, LOL.

When I last wrote about a job it was when I got canned from Lago on the same day as the Chef and other Sous Chef, and I was on the hunt for a replacement job. I was able to get a job at this little pizza place near UCF, but that was a little ridiculous. I was working 12 hours a day, 6 days a week over there for $500 a week cash. Worked there a little over a week and what originally was supposed to be $600 a week, turned into $500, and then when it came time to pay me it was $450 total. Then they got someone new, and replaced me with someone they could pay even less. It was so much fun to be jerked around by those assholes.

A mere week later I was offered a job at the Embassy Suites at the Omaha Steakhouse in the hotel operated by Culinaire, as a line cook. I needed to find something with little or no responsibility so that it would not interfere with going to EMT training. The job is super easy and it almost feels like I am on vacation, and since starting there I have gotten nothing but compliments from the managers and co-workers. I have only had 1 steak come back to me to be cooked more that was my fault, and only 2 total steaks sent back since I started almost 3 weeks ago. People

It looks like I am going to have to take the night classes at CFFA for my EMT Training which will start on May 5th and end August 13th. I will be in class Mon, Tue, and Thur from 6pm to 10pm and on Saturday from 9am to 6pm. This is a very doable schedule for working whilst going to the training. I have not found out if I have been accepted yet but my test scores are higher than needed to gain entry into the program. To pass the ERGO test, I had to score a minimum of 75% on both the reading and math portions. My scores were: Human Relations: 77.84%, Mechanical: 88.89%, Math: 93.55%, and Reading: 80%. I really don't foresee and problems getting into the training, I tried to call today to change to the night classes and to find out if I had been accepted, but I had to leave a message, so hopefully I will hear back soon. I think the night classes will be better in the long run, I will have more time to hang out with my family and build forts with my little girl. Building forts is so much better when you have the time and energy to do it...

EDIT: There are no campsites available at Wekiwa springs, dammit!!!

February 9, 2009

2009-02-09T22:55:00.046-05:00

Dear readers I know I have not talked about Pearl for a while, I am so sorry. She has done some firsts since the last time I updated this blog. Pearl is now able to open doors, and likes to come into the bathroom while Mommy and Daddy are using the toilet. This can be a dangerous thing when I am on the can, she'll learn that though. She likes to wave "Bye Bye" when the toilet flushes too, it's quite cute. I will attempt to get a video of her opening the door, she normally only does it when one of us goes in there, if the other one is outside the door she won't do it. The door "knobs" in our house are not round, they are the ones mandated by the ADA influenced building codes. So they are easier to open, however, she also knows how to open the gates that keep her coralled in certain areas, she's just not strong enough to release herself yet. I figure once she can open the gates she will no longer need to be behind the gates. Well, may be the one going to the kitchen, depending on when she stops trying to eat the dogfood.

I swear this little girl is growing up too fast, but I have to admit I am looking forward to her talking with actual words, this still has not happened yet. She knows what all sorts of things are when we ask her, and she says some words, but have yet to get a full sentence. I think she is just waiting until she has it right, and then out of nowhere "Hello Father, what is the meaning of life?". One thing she is doing that makes Mommy a little misty, is geting down with her bad self and dancing, she does it often now. Mostly she likes to dance to her favorite show: Yo Gabba Gabba. She loves DJ Lance, Muno, Plex, Foofa, Toodee, and Brobee so much, and I have to admit they are pretty catchy. Bumpa is sure one of them is homosexual, it would explain a few things (especially about DJ Lance), heh!

Pearl Dancing!!!

In Daddy news:

I have applied to go to EMT training, and will be taking the basic skills test tomorrow. With luck I should be starting the training in late April. The training will last 20 weeks and I will be a nationally registered EMT, if I pass the course. After that I hope to go to Paramedic training, may be I will score a job with an outfit that pays for further training. Once step at a time though, pass the test tomorrow, which means I need to take my happy ass to bed right about now...

January 26, 2009

2009-01-26T14:52:00.000-05:00

Here is the video I shot yesterday of Pearl feeding the ducks.

January 25, 2009 Part 2

2009-01-25T22:00:00.000-05:00

Woke the family up today before the day was completely gone, and we got going pretty fast. We all piled in the car and headed to some parks, to get outside and play. It was a beautiful day today, warm again after a week of quite chilly weather indeed. I dressed Pearl in her outfit that I bought her the other day, and she was just as beautiful as the day we had today. I must say my Wife was looking mighty amazing as well, the radiant woman that I fell in love with and the mother of my little girl. We had a really nice day today, I am truly the luckiest man on Earth to have such a wonderful little family. I wonder sometimes if they truly know how much I love and care for them. I try to do at least one thing every day that shows them how much love I have on my heart for them. I really could not imagine life without seeing my Wife and Daughter everyday and giving them hugs and kisses.

Our first stop was our normal park, to push Pearl on the swings and kick the ball around. Pearl has learned what happens when you kick the ball and certainly seems to like doing just that. Also, knows full well what the swing does and is and knows how to beg for swinging without using those elusive words. She communicates quite effectively without them though, it's just going to be a lot easier when she can use her words. Kim and I took the easiest frisbee in the workd with us, so she and I could toss that nack and forth. However, one of us was stuck with the sun poking us in the eyes, and that's no fun really. We gave up on the frisbee pretty quick, but there was still all sorts of Pearl to keep us entertained. She was all over the place, picking up leaves and handing them to us, taking the leaves back and giving them to the other one of us, going over to the fence to flirt with older boys, there was a 17month old there today...

After we had our fill of Minnehaha we decided to take the bread that he had brought with us and go to Lake Lilly and feed the ducks. Pearl really loves hanging out with the ducks and feeding them, even though she gets just a little scared and hides behind her mommy's legs. She started getting a little more brave hear the end of the bag of bread, brave enough to hold the bread up and out on her own for a duck to grab it and eat it out of her hand. Giggles and laughing is all we hear when Pearl is playing by the ducks, she is so adorable. I can't say that enough, please enjoy the pictures... There will be a video at some point, so check back tomorrow!

January 25, 2009

2009-01-25T02:00:00.002-05:00

A week ago Pearl entered her 16th month, 16 glorious months since I met my daughter. She is still not quite talking yet, but she does know a couple of words, she has said: "Apple", "Quack, quack" (when we ask where the duck is), "Mama", "Dada", "No", and "Nana". I am starting to get a little impatient waiting to have conversations with her though. I realize that she will start talking more when she's damn good and ready, and nothing I can do will make it go any faster (except make sure to speak to her in an adult voice, not a problem because "Baby talk" drives me batshit), I do have a feeling that it won't be too much longer though. Pearl constantly shows Kim and I how incredibly smart she is in other ways too. She knows where her nose, mouth, ears, lips, belly button, toes, and many other things are when we ask to where they are. She knows who she is in the mirror and admires herself in it often. I know I say it a lot, but, Pearl is a WONDERFUL little person and amazes me at least once every day.

It was 2 years ago today that I found out that I was going to be a Daddy, the journey Kim and I were set on that night has been amazing to say the least. So much has happened since then, and it's been the best adventure I have ever been on, though I knew it was going to be pretty spectacular. Pearl is pretty cool little girl, I am so glad I am able to be her Daddy. I am constantly wondering how everything she does is so cute, and every minute she does something even cuter than the one before. Is it because I am her Daddy and I am supposed to think everything she does is cute? No, I think she is just a super cute little lady, and she knows it too. Even when she is being "bad", it's so hard to be mad at her because of how adorable she is. Of course she knows what face to make at me too get out of trouble the quickest. She is definetly a Bowman, I am hoping I become impervious to "those" looks before she gets too much older. Though. having daddy wrapped around her pinky won't save her from my wrath for everything I don't think. I find myself giggling a lot when I am trying to be stern with her, and she knows just how to push those buttons. She certainly is a crafty little lady...

The "Dora" overalls that Nana and Bumpa

got Pearl for Christmas,

(finally fit and we got a picture)

Watching TV sitting in her blocks wagon,

she loves sitting in it.

(and being pulled around in it)

About a week ago we moved the TV that was in the living room back into our bed room making the living room into mainly a place for Pearl to play and a place to entertain guests without the interruption of the boob tube. Not that we entertain that often... Now Kim and I can snuggle in bed and watch movies, which is nice too. It seemed a little silly to have such a wonderfully comfortable bed, and not use it for anything other than sleeping. We had moved the TV out of the room so we would watch less, but we just watched more in the living room, now at least we will be in bed snuggling...

Also, I have finally updated my Diabetes blog, It's been quite a while since there has been anything new over there...

January 17, 2009 Part 2

2009-01-17T15:04:00.001-05:00

Well, I got canned today along with the Chef and the other Sous Chef. I am so sick of the restaurant business, I don't think I am cut out for it anymore. The plan was to get a couple pay checks under my belt and start EMT training. That will be my primary focus now, to start the training so I can switch "careers". I can get a line cook position or work in catering , I should be able to make enough to make ends meet. The training only costs $1200 at the Seminole County fire academy. I just need to save or raise the $1200 and I can start the academy. If anyone who reads this blog would like to help out there is a donation button over there in the right. I normally would not ask for help, but I could use all that I can get. If I can get 24 people to donate $50 I will have enough to get in the door at the academy, books and gear are extra (but I don't think too much).

I can't help but to feel like a deadbeat, and a little worthless right now. I feel like a bad father... I know it's a little irrational to feel that way, but I can't help it. May be I was never really cut out for this business, and never realized it.

Pearl is doing more and more stuff that screams "I am a smart little girl". She knows what a duck says, and where her face parts are. I was dressing her today and she put her own legs in her pants. She is also starting to know the names of other things and is learning her colors too. I just wish she would start talking so we can have conversations...

January 17, 2009

2009-01-17T02:20:00.003-05:00

January 12, 2009 (It's Been Busy Around Here)

2009-01-12T04:06:00.003-05:00

A few days ago my Grandpa Vance suffered a stroke while opening presents in PA. He has spent the past few days in the hospital, most of which in the hospice ward. He was not getting better, and it was looking more and more like it was his time. Yesterday evening he died, quite peacefully I am told, and with people that love him. While Grandpa Vance was not my "blood" grandparent he had been in my life for a very long time, right around 29 years so pretty much my whole life. I am saddened that he never got to hold my little girl, but he did meet her when she was in her Mommy's belly though. I will not be able to make it up north for the funeral due to lack of money mostly, but also due to the lack of wanting to take time off of work. Waiting almost 3 months for a restaurant to open makes me not want much time off for a while, plus we need the money around here. Pearl, Kim, and I are here for any family that needs us, you know how to reach us...

Work has been going very well, starting to get busier and busier (bad economy my ass). We haven't even advertised yet, and we are getting business.

Speaking of the economy, seriously, they need to stop saying it's bad. If they started saying the economy is just fine I think people would start spending money again and then the economy would be fine, that is if it really is bad to begin with. Economics is a really confusing concept, I am convinced they made it that way to keep us down. Capitalism is just Feudalism re-packaged...

/rant

January 01, 2009 Part 2

2009-01-01T11:20:00.002-05:00

I forgot about the video...

January 01, 2009 (Happy New Year, hello 2009!!!)

2009-01-01T03:00:00.004-05:00

I know I have let the blog go a little bit, you will have to forgive me I have been working quite a bit and have not had the time. The restaurant has been open now for 3 full nights, and I have worked 12 or more hours a day since Christmas. Last night was the true test of our crew, they did "ok" but there are definitely some issues to be dealt with. Everything was going great, running very smooth in the kitchen, that is until the hostesses sat over 60 people at once (and of course they ordered at the same time, fuck!). You can tell I was pissed, I don't swear too much on this blog (which is odd because I have a mouth like a sailor in RL).

We finally got the package from Nana and Bumpa yesterday morning before I left for work. We got them before 2009 at least, silly slow USPS, though I think it had a lot to do with the weather u north the past week or so. However, we did not open them until I got home from work because I had to leave shortly after they got here (and, Pearl was asleep anyway).

Here are some pictures, from all the gifts she received...

I only put a small selection on here, if there is a picture you think I might have taken, just ask for it and i will post it sometime...

12-26-08

2008-12-26T22:54:00.000-05:00

So, in one month it will have been 2 years since I found out I was going to be a daddy. I gotta tell you that if you would have told me anytime before that day, that I would be married with a daughter right now I might have laughed. I wouldn't change anything about my life right now, except may be living somewhere other than Florida (anywhere!). There are 3 days that I have been the happiest I had ever been in my life (actually a few more than that since Pearl got here). The first was when Kim told me I was going to be a daddy, and the second was when Kim said "I do". The third, was the day that I met my daughter for the first time. Looking into her big blue eyes (with the great eyelashes) I suddenly felt my whole world change into something exciting and scary, but I was definitely up to the challenge (and still am of course).

12-25-08

2008-12-25T23:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Christmas to my readers, or happy whatever holiday that you celebrate in your homes. We are waiting until tomorrow when the presents from Nana and Bumpa get here to open them all, they were delayed due to all the snow up north. It was a lazy day at the Bowman residence today, laying around and some nap taking, no football though as we're not really into that. I guess football is more of a turkey day thing, see that's how much we know about football related things (not much at all).

I made dinner tonight and in fact eating it right now as I post this entry. I made bacon wrapped pork loin stuffed with boudin, garlic whipped red potatoes, and green beans. It's very good, but anything with bacon is good in my opinion, plus Clay don't make crap food, LOL...

Fresh out of the oven:

First cut to see my handiwork:

Plated (without the beans):

12-24-08

2008-12-24T21:36:00.000-05:00

Well, tomorrow is Christmas, it sure feels like it got here really fast. It will be Pearl's second one, she sure has grown and change a lot since her first one. It's amazing to look at the pictures from last year and this year together. Next Christmas she should be talking even, and asking all sorts of questions about Santa.

12-23-08

2008-12-23T21:47:00.000-05:00

It's so nice to come home to a smiling Pearl, and a wife that makes me dinner. It's the simple things in life that make the world go round I think...

12-22-08

2008-12-22T23:53:00.003-05:00

We got all (well, almost) the food and paper goods today. Looks like we will open next Monday if all goes according to the plan.

Pearl was so happy to see me when I got home, it made me feel all warm and fuzzy. I sure did miss her today, I kind of have been spoiled the past couple of months. Being able to spend so much time with my family has been so nice. I am tempted to take the day shift so I will have my nights at home, we'll see.

(7:3)

12-21-08

2008-12-21T19:57:00.005-05:00

Yesterday when we went to Sears, in addition to all the stuff for Pearl, we got Christmas lights for the house. It's been a long time since I have done any kind of decorating for the holliday. The lights I found are little blue LED lights, they use 70% less energy than regular lights and last a lot longer. I guess you can run a string of them for 10 hours a day for 30 days and it's less than a dollar. I didn't get them because of that, I would have gotten regular blue ones of they were there.

The real reason why I wanted to do lights this year is a simple one, I did it because it makes having a family more real to me somehow. I have always thought that decorating for Christmas was a thing that families do for their kids. Decorated trees are a place to put the kids toys, and waiting for Santa is definetly for the children. I was single (or close to it) for my 20's and part of my 30's too. I had no occasion to put up decorations, and I opened any presents I received when I got them. Now I have a Wife and a wonderful little daughter, and things just seem more like christmas again. So the lights on the house are for Pearl in a way, but mostly they are for my Family... Happy Christmas Pearl and Kim, I love you both with all my heart, thank you for being my family and giving me a reason to want to decorate for the holliday...

(6:3)

12-20-08

2008-12-20T21:59:00.002-05:00

Had a great day today, gotta love the kitchen I get to work in. It's so bright and shiny and all of it new. They skimped on some of the smallwares and storage items, but I am sure once we get going and we the kitchen leaders as a unified front will tell them that we need stuff (and they will have to give in). Have a busy couple of weeks coming up, I don't know how ready I am for the amount of work to be done, but it will be fun and won't seem that much once we get through some of it. Also, since Pearl joined us work really hasn't seemed like WORK, it seems like it's all worth it now.

Got home today and there was a card in the mail from great granddad Vance with a couple of Sears gift card in it. We proceeded to go to Sears and got Pearl 1 outfit, 1 pair of PJ's (with feet), and 2 toys, and some other stuff. It was a $75 card for Kim and I and a $25 card for Pearl, obviously we spent most of our
card on her (she deserves it). It was almost as if we were able to buy 2 presents for her, it being a little (understatement) tight for money right now. I guess we could have wrapped them and given them to her on Thursday, but she was at the store with us so she already saw them and everything. Really though, what good is a toy in a box wrapped in paper rather than being played with, I ask you...

(5:3)

12-19-08

2008-12-19T23:46:00.001-05:00

After over two months of waiting, my job is actually starting tomorrow. We are set to start cooking on Monday and opening by Friday of next week. I am happy that I will be working again and able to buy stuff. I have enjoyed my time with my family though.

(4:2)

12-18-08

2008-12-18T20:00:00.000-05:00

We had steak for dinner tonight, I made 3 filets wrapped with bacon and gratin potatoes. I made a stuffed sole for myself too, as I am the only one in the house that eats fish (Pearl had some too). The steak my folks sent is pretty good, and being a Chef I know whet I am talking about...

(3:2)

12-17-08

2008-12-17T19:21:00.000-05:00

We got a big huge box of meat today from Nana and Bumpa. Pork Chops, Filet Mignon, Stuffed Sole, Burgers, Sirloins, Chicken Breasts, and even some gratin. Our freezer is packed full, and I am trying to figure out what to thaw first.

Went to work today to put together the restaurant because it has to be set up according to the plans for tomorrow. They should be getting the CO and we should be starting by Friday or Saturday. We want to have the cooks in there by Monday at the latest.

(2:1)

12-16-08

2008-12-16T22:30:00.001-05:00

Kim re-arranged the furniture in the living room today to give Pearl more room with her toys. I guess Pearl added another delicacy to her diet, protein packed dead beetles are now taking their place next to the floor fluff and cardboard. Well, it looks good in here so what if a insectiphobe mommy has to fish dead beetle parts out of her daughter's mouth, no pain no gain (just kidding baby). Pearl and I just got up from a nap on the couch while Kim was out, and shared a piece of Gouda. I think Gouda is a much more suitable thing for my little girl to ingest.

(1)

12-15-08

2008-12-15T16:07:00.002-05:00

Went to do "big shopping" today, we just love Walmart. We walked out with 133 items in our 2 carts, yeah we got food for a while. We got a package from Pearl's Poppy today, looks like some Christmas presents. We'll have to put them under the tree that's on it's way from Bumpa and Nana. The one we did open was the one that clearly said "OPEN THIS", so I did. Inside was a picture of Poppy, and a card with a little x-mas money. So now Pearl can see what her Poppy looks like, hopefully she will meet him soon. She needs to meet her Opa Dries too, that would be a trip to The Netherlands (WOOT!).

Tomorrow I have something special planned, but I am not going to say what it is until I know it's going to happen. Don't worry, it's a good thing, nay, it's a grand thing.

12-14-08

2008-12-14T22:56:00.000-05:00

Went to get a new battery today, they made me take out of the car though and put the new one in. Last time we got a battery they did it, not this time though. The excuse the guy gave was that there were only 2 people working, I said there were only 2 customers in the store but he ignored me. Whatever we got a new battery, next we need an oil change, one more new tire, and get the brakes looked at I am sure they need to get new pads soon.

Pearl, just went down for bed, she's so tired but won't go to sleep. She's doing her heart wrenching crying right now, probably standing up in her crib. Poor little monkey, I hope she cries herself to sleep soon. If not we'll go in and get her, we get soft after a few minutes of this...

12-13-08

2008-12-13T22:26:00.002-05:00

So, Pearl can now point to the window when you ask her where it is. Also, she is starting to blow kisses back at you when you do it first. The car wouldn't start earlier, so I went to talk to my mechanic neighbor. It turned out to be the battery, thankful it wasn't the starter as he first thought it was. While he was helping out with the car his wife was ogling Pearl. We all went over to their house and saw the cool deck and pool they just got. Then I left to go to a friend's birthday party for a couple of hours. I got home and saw the gifts Pearl got from them, a picnic table and a cool glow-worm thing.

12-12-08

2008-12-12T22:31:00.001-05:00

Went for a little drive today before going to Walmart for groceries and TP. Pearl has it easy just poopin in her diapers, we need the TP. I guess though if we had diapers someone would have to change them... Walmart was as fun as always, lots of interesting people to look at. Pearl got a little grumpy, but a pack of straws made that all better.

I don't want to get political on this blog, as it is a blog about being a daddy. I guess though my political views shape my being a daddy a little bit. So I want to share an email I got today. It is an open letter to President Elect Obama by Jello Biafra. Jello was the lead singer of a politically charged punk band in the 80's called The Dead Kennedys (for those who don't know). Aside from my parents Jello Biafra was a big influence on my political views, other influences include Emma Goldman, Karl Marx, and a few others. Anyway, it's kind of a long letter so I posted it elsewhere, you can find it over HERE...

Here is a nice poem that Pearl's Bumpa wrote...

12-11-08

2008-12-11T18:44:00.001-05:00

I wonder most of the time what exactly is going through my little girl's mind as she walks around doing stuff. What is the story she is telling herself, is she pretending or just curious about everything. I think it's a little of both, and it's really fun to watch. It was a rainy day today, so the family stayed inside and played with all the toys in the living room. Now the little one is pooped out and sleeping on mommy, may be tomorrow we'll go to the park. Pearl really loves the park I think, especially when there are other kids there to watch or play with. She really loves swinging in the swing too, last time she got to swing 3 times, woohoo!

I was reading a friend's blog, and she's worried about passing things on to her child. It got me thinking about how much, as parents, we pass on to our children. Bad habits, propensity for destructive behavior, or may be our values (right or wrong). Then there are genetically passed on diseases and mental disorders, and that's just as much a crap shoot as eye color and sex. I think if we as parents are open, honest, treat our children with respect, try to control the things we can, and not stress the stuff we can't control. Then, I think they will be just fine. Let them be kids, try to show them a thing or two along the way, and then always be there for them no matter what they do. In the case of genetically passed stuff, let them know there is a chance and give them the tools to deal with it if they have to.

12-10-08

2008-12-10T18:28:00.000-05:00

Went to the park today to play on the swings and with all the dead leaves. There were some other people there when we got there, but they left soon after..."oh no, the tattooed freaks are here". It's plausible, they looked like people that would do that, or may be I am prejudiced against "plain-skins" or just people in general, I have never been known to really like people all that much. We had a good time and Pearl looked too cute for words...

12-09-08

2008-12-09T19:09:00.000-05:00

Ever since Pearl was a wee little baby Kim and I have blown air into her face to see the always different reactions that we get. They have ranged to suprise, to laughing, to a cute little gasping sound. Today she was blowing back, this is a big step I think. That's not the only thing she copies, she imitates a lot that we do. The other night I was putting lotion on my hands and arms, Pearl was standing in front of me making the same motions that I was. Toninght Kim had one of Pearl's spoons in her mouth and shaking her head back and forth. Pearl was sitting on her lap, also shaking her head back and forth with a spoon in her mouth.

12-08-08

2008-12-08T21:07:00.000-05:00

We went to Target this evening to get Kim a prescription and also to get out of the house for a few minutes. We "window shopped" clothes for Pearl and wondered around. I took her out of the cart and let her walk around a little. Pearl walked right to the toy aisle. We showed her a dancing singing "brobie" and a motorized "Elmo", I don't think she likes the self moving toys. She danced a little to Brobie, but at a safe distance. For Elmo she just hid behind Mommy's legs. I wonder if she has any idea how amazingly cute she is, yeah probably...

Looks like I will be starting work on Friday, Woot!!!

12-07-08

2008-12-07T19:45:00.005-05:00

I could tell earlier that Kim could really use some baby-free time, she was having a little "Mommy Meltdown". So I decided to take Pearl out in the car and go somewhere, I really didn't know where though. I threw Pearl into a cute outfit, her purple pants with the little flowers on the bottom, and purple ruffle shirt with the striped sleeves seemed to be the perfect one. Yesterday Kim and I had talked about going to the mall to see how much a visit with Santa would be. So Pearl and I decided to drive over to the mall together too see about Santa. We got to fashion square mall and parked, I had no idea where Santa would be. Of course he was all the way on the other side of the mall. Pearl and I got a nice tour of fashion square mall, not a bad mall as malls go.

We got to Santa and he was on a break and was due back in 5 minutes, and after looking at the prices we decided to wait for Santa to return. There was only one family in front of us in line so Pearl's turn came fast. I put her on Santa's lap and she sort of half smiled and pointed towards the camera. Then she started freaking out, and they did not get any more good pictures. So pearl's first time with Santa we got one pretty good picture...

After Santa we trekked all the way back through the mall to the car. Before going home we had to go over to Publix to get some juice and i also picked up some fried chicken for dinner. On the way to the store Pearl decided to crash out in her seat, I felt bad waking her up when we got to Publix.

12-06-08

2008-12-06T16:38:00.001-05:00

I have really enjoyed this time that I have been able to hang out with my family. Of course I would like to start working soon, the permits are close so I am told. We should be opening in the next week or so, that will be nice. Part of me is actually sad that I have to start working again because it means less time with Pearl, but I would like to be able to buy her cool stuff too. Spending time with my little girl is very special to me. Right now she is sitting on my lap watching TV and eating cheesy poofs with me.

Earlier today Pearl was a little tired and she was half napping on her Mommy, she got down and walked over to me. She made a little noise and climbed up on my chest and put her head down and went to sleep. It was so sweet, I got a little misty. Also, Pearl really likes getting in to things and be pulled around, she has so much fun and smiles real big.

12-05-08

2008-12-05T17:28:00.000-05:00

Pearl, Kim, Mimsy, and I all listened to Bumpa graduate from the life coach program he was in. We are all very proud of him, good job Bumpa!

Pearl is getting more and more steady on her feet, only stumbling when she is tired. She can really move too, one second she is there and the next she is on the other side of the house. We are still waiting communication in actual English, but she knows where her belly button, ears, nose, and mouth are now. She always seems to be busy moving things around, we wonder what the story is that she's telling herself as she plays. It's real interesting to watch a child grow, and to think that I was once that age doing the same weird stuff that she is.

12-04-08

2008-12-04T19:58:00.002-05:00

Rough day today, Pearl was in a bad mood for most of it. Don't really know why she was whining all day, may be more teeth are coming in or something. She wasn't grabbing at her ears or her belly, and there was not signs of fever. She ate her meals and had boobie, plus plenty of juice so I extrapolated it must be new teeth. Poor Kim had a rough day too, not only is she feeling down, she had a grumpy baby as a manatoo all day. I really don't like it when my wife is feeling down, I wish there was a button I could push to make her feel better. However, there is no such button so I have been sure to be nice and supportive all day. Also, I did not tickle her or tease her in any way, I try not to turture my wife when she's feeling down.

Yesterday Mommy and Mimsy took Pearl over to Babies-r-Us for a little while. I guess Pearl had a great time, walking around and playing on toddler beds, following people around, andplaying with toys. May be Kim will describe it better on her blog, She's been writing on "Pearl and Her Mommy" more often lately, you should all check it out.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot...Pearl got a new toy too:

12-03-08

2008-12-03T18:24:00.000-05:00

My Wife Kimberly has to be the most amazing person I have ever known. I say wife, but she is much more than just that. Kimberly is my best friend, my shoulder to cry on, my back scratcher, my cuddle partner, and more. I am honored to have found such a wonderful, intelligent, super sexy woman to spend the rest of my life with. I can think of no one esle that I would want to be the mother of my little girl, she is an amazing Mommy. I know: that I can be a pain in the ass, I make funny/easily misunderstood faces, I tease her too much, and I don't communicate all the time. I am not an easy man to be around sometimes, but she always wants to be around me. She loves me, and she shows it all the time in every little thing she does. Doing my laundry because it's dirty and needs to be done, not because it's some sort of weird sense of duty. Changing the poo diapers because she knows how much I hate it (I could change more though, sorry baby!). Telling me that I am handsome, even though I don't feel it. Most of all the way she looks at me with all that love behind her eyes, makes me feel it in my toes...

I love you Kim, and thank you for being in my life and raising Pearl with me.

12-02-08

2008-12-02T20:14:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Me, Mommy, Mimsy, Bumpa, and Pearl went to Wakiwa springs. Bumpa went swimming because he's used to cold water, and he's a little crazy. Actually, the water was not that cold really, but the air was only in the 60's. If it was a hot summer day I would have been more inclined to take a dip. We walked around the park a little bit and checked stuff out, then my blood sugar dropped to 72 so we needed to get going.

Today I made biscuits and gravy with bacon for breakfast, it was good, though I made the gravy a little too salty for my taste. Then Mommy, Bumpa, and I took Pearl to her park to play. It was a little chilly, but the sun was out and there were no clouds. Pearl kissed her first boy today, a little kid named Tyler that was at the park with his Daddy. Too bad we didn't get a picture of that, no one was ready for that one.

I'm Going To Do December Too

2008-12-01T10:53:00.002-05:00

11-30-08

2008-11-30T22:14:00.000-05:00

Went to dinner at Tijuana Flats, had a burrito. Pearl tried mexican food, seemed to like it. Having a great time with Bumpa, that's for sure. Was going to go to the park today, but it rained all day, we will try to go tomorrow. It's supposed to be nice tomorrow, good for going to the park.

11-29-08

2008-11-29T23:00:00.001-05:00

Got up this morning and went to breakfast at the IHOP that's attached to the hotel. I had French Toast with scrambled eggs and sausage with a side of hashbrowns. Kim had Pancakes, Hashbrowns, 2 Eggs Over Easy, Bacon, and Toast. Pearl had a taste of all of that as well, cause we shared of course. After breakfast we headed off to Target for a couple of needed items, and chocolate. Then we decided to go for a drive, and do some exploring. We went through downtown Titusville and decided to go to the beach, and saw a sign for a wildlife drive and went that way instead. We found the Black Point Wildlife Drive and went in to check it out. It was a pretty cool thing, we saw lots of birds and were keeping our eyes peeled for aligators. Just when I was thinking that we wouldn't see any gators Kim spotted one just basking in the sun. We ended up seeing 6 of them, all different sizes including what appeared to be a 13 foot monster.

Alligators:

The Big One:

After we left the wildlife drive we decided to turn left and explore further. We saw a sign that said there was a Manatee observation deck down the road a few clicks, and that seemed like fun (there were no manatees though, blargh). On the way to the manatees I saw a flock of about 40 vultures in a tree and on the ground around somthing, so I flipped a bitch and went back. They were eating a very stinky dead deer that was there.

Feasting Vultures:

At the Manatee observation deck:

Pearl actually slept most of the drive, and woke up shortly before our manatee viewing attempt. After not getting very much good sleep last night she was pretty pooped out. We ended up way north of Titusville, and for a second (until we examined the map) had no idea where we were, except that we were on Highway 1. We got back to the hotel around 4 after stopping for Taco Bell, and got a picture of Mommy and Pearl making silly faces behind the window.

Last night Kim and I had a hard time getting any sleep, as we had Pearl jammed in with us on a very smooshy queen sized bed. It was very nice to get away for a bit, and we had a really great day, but we decided that if Pearl would not sleep in her travel crib that we would go home to sleep in our bed. Thank you Bumpa for getting the hotel room and playing clue with us last night. Speaking of Bumpa, he spent the day on the beach, and actually swam in the water (brrrrrrrr). He got back to the hotel and we all hung out for a while before Kim and I left, it was nice. I am really enjoying watching him interact with his grandaughter, this little girl has so many people that lover her, lucky girl....actually we are all the lucky ones I think!

Daddy+Mommy+Pearl=Family

11-28-08

2008-11-28T21:46:00.000-05:00

Bumpa took us all down to Titusville for a little mini vacation. We went to Corky Bells for dinner, pearl tried Shrimp, Scallops, Hush Puppies, and Ribs.

Happy Thanksgiving 11-27-08

2008-11-27T21:38:00.000-05:00

I made Turkey Breasts, Mashetopatoes, Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing, Beets, Crescent Rolls, and Gravy for dinner tonight. It was Pearl's first Thanksgiving Dinner, last year she had breast milk. Bumpa, Mimsy, Mommy, and Me all shared Pearl's first with her.

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Ok I Made Another One

2008-11-27T03:10:00.000-05:00

I couldn't help myself, these things crack me up!!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

11-26-08

2008-11-26T23:25:00.003-05:00

Went to Publix and got stuff for thanksgiving dinner tomorrow night. Not much but it will do for 4 adults and a stinker. I was on a social networking site I use and a friend on there had this cute little thing on her page, so I made one too. I dare you not to laugh...

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Bumpa tomorrow morning!!!

11-25-08

2008-11-25T18:56:00.000-05:00

Went to see Zack and Miri Make A Porno today, I laughed a lot. Mimsy and Mommy took Pearl shopping and got some new socks and a shirt for the munchkin. The sock gremlins have been attacking with some regularity, so she needed new ones. Plus it's always nice to by Pearl new stuff. Only 2 days until Bumpa, woot!

11-24-08

2008-11-24T17:56:00.000-05:00

Pearl is doing really cool things, that show me and mommy how smart our little girl is. We ask her for a kiss and she comes over and stretches her neck out and gives us kisses. She holds her hands up when we say "all gone", and when we say "no" she shakes her head no and stops what she is doing (well, most of the time anyway). She likes to put things in places, and even puts her "little people" in their seats on their bus. She walks most of the time now, and it's starting to look weird to us when she crawls. I think as soon as she really starts to communicate in english we will teach her about the toilet.

Busy Pearl

2008-11-23T02:29:00.000-05:00

Pearl likes to do lots of things during the day, playing with toys and remote controls, riding her bike and climbing the sofa, and carrying things from one place to another. Lovely little Pearl, growing up so fast, I feel like I am going to blink my eyes and she will be in college or travelling the world. I love our little monkey!!!

11-22-08

2008-11-22T21:10:00.002-05:00

Slept in today, all the way to 2:30, when it's cooler it seems we sleep a little longer. I think reading until 6 am had something to do with it too. Mommy and Pearl slept longer than I did, they were up at 3ish. I have made a discovery, Pearl likes to ride on my shoulders. She gets up there and giggles and pats my head with excitement. I walked her around the house tonight on my shoulders making sure to duck through the doorways so Pearl's head didn't bump.

On Daddy's Shoulders: On Mommy's Shoulders:

Bumpa will be here in 5 days, and we are starting to get excited for his visit. The last time he saw Pearl she was just a little blob who didn't do too much. Now Pearl is walking everywhere and carrying things, she's always quite busy doing things. I also think Pearl is secretly hoping that Bumpa will pull her around in her blocks wagon, she just loves rides around the house in there.

11-21-08

2008-11-21T22:06:00.000-05:00

I am anxious to get going at work, more delay makes it next week is the earliest we will be able to get in there and start prepping. Wendesday morning the curcuit breaker box fried, and the county inspector was supposed to arrive that afternoon to approve the Certificate of Occupancy (CO). We need the CO before we can do anything, and can't get that if things are not working properly. It will be nice to get to work and make money so I can start EMT training, I am very interested in doing that and changing "carreers". It's not that I don't love cooking, I just think it's time for something different.

As I am writing this Pearl can't help but climb all over me and yell at me (in Pearlese), I think somebody wants attention.

11-20-08

2008-11-20T14:15:00.000-05:00

When we went to get diapers yesterday we also picked up a couple pair of PJs because Pearl is outgrowing her other ones. This morning when Pearl came walking out of her room with Mommie she just looked too cute not to take a picture, so I took 10 hehehe.

Here we have Pearl in her new PJs, flower print pants, and flower print sleeves, with a big flower right on the chest.

11-19-08

2008-11-19T20:27:00.000-05:00

We went to Toy-R-Us this evening to look at toys for Pearl for Christmas. This year will be her second one but last year she was only 3 months old, and not very aware of the fact. This year toys are more interesting and she likes to play with them. We got diapers there because we have a BrU rewards card so if we buy 9 boxes the 10th is free, plus there are other goodies for spending money there. They have the REALLY big boxes of diapers, we got 156 of them for 40 bucks, it's a great deal, usually we get 80-ish for 31 bucks. We got 576 wipes for the bum wiping as well, this all should last us a few days at least (hehehe)

11-18-08

2008-11-18T23:30:00.000-05:00

Pearl has been doing a lot of walking, she is at the point where she is simply walking around in circles. She was carrying a spatula and a tupperware banging them together walking in a circle, a parade of sorts I guess. I tickled her a lot today, because her laugh is so wonderfully cute, I just can't help it. Cartoons are getting attention from Pearl, she dances and claps, and does this girating thing that I really can't explain. She really is pretty amazing...

11-17-08

2008-11-17T22:03:00.002-05:00

Went to the store to this evening, a family outing to wal-mart, woot! 279 bucks later and we have food for the next 2 weeks. We were able to sell a un-used table, well it was used just not by us. Pearl was quite a hoot, taking things out of the cart ant throwing them on the floor, silly little monkey. It's been getting chilly this week, and even more chilly at night, it's been kinda nice though. Also, we get to break out Pearl's ulta cute warm clothes that have been stashed in the closet, not much call for warm clothes in Florida.

Pictures from the trip to the park yesterday, we see pearl in her purple striped long sleve shirt and blue jeans with flowers embroidered near the cuff.

For her trip to the store every smart girl is wearing her pink shirt with ruffles at the bottom, brown "little monkey" pants, and her dotted pink coat.

11-16-08

2008-11-16T22:14:00.002-05:00

I took Pearl to the park today, it was a Daddy/Daughter feild trip. At the Park we go to there is this nature walk thing, it's really just a boardwalk built above the shore of the lake with a few signs talking about some trees and great views of houses that are way too big. Anyway, before we started playing in the toddler pen we took the little nature walk.

After the park we went to the grocery and got dinner, and went for a little drive.

11-15-08

2008-11-15T16:48:00.001-05:00

We ended up staying home today, felt like having a lazy day. I will be going to the store soon though to get dinner items, and some food for the munchkin. Pearl has been making weird sounds with her mouth lately, it's hard to explain here in words. I will try to capture it on video, but she seems to do it only when she wants to. She's a very independent little girl, except when she's being clingy.

Update:

Got it on video, enjoy:

11-14-08

2008-11-14T20:09:00.000-05:00

It was another relaxing day for little miss Pearl, though she got busy moving her things around for a while. Plan is to go to the park tomorrow and have some fun, maybe Pearl will meet some new kids. After the park a small shopping trip is on the itinerary.

Pearl falling asleep sitting on my lap with her head on the ottoman:

11-13-08

2008-11-13T23:00:00.000-05:00

Pearl appeared to be still a little sicky today, so we had a relaxing day. She played a little and slept quite a bit, and stayed home when Kim and I went to the store. No sense in exposing her to any germies that are floating around Wal-Mart, really have you seen the people that shop there, blargh...

Looks as though work is going to be delayed one more week, but we will be opening to the public on December 1st. They just need the fire inspector to com in and then get their CO, then we can get in there and start prepping and training.

Bumpa will be here in 2 weeks, Pearl and all of us are looking forward to that, it will be nice. May be Pearl will start speaking actual english words by then, so he will not only get to see her walking but talking too.

11-12-08

2008-11-12T09:18:00.003-05:00

Pearl is sick, she has a fever, and she's very sleepy. She threw up on mommy this morning, so Kim came in to wake me up. We can tell there is definetly a bug, but we think Pearl will be just fine. We just need to make sure to give her plenty of fluids and keep her warm, she'll take care of the resting (she already is). She is attempting to play right now though, she has some of her links and shes waving them around a little. The fever when I checked it at 9:00 was 100.4, will be keeping a close eye on that and I will update this blog entry throughout the day.

9:46
Temp is 100.0, called the doctor and was told that if she has 2 more bouts of vomitting in the next hour that we should definetly bring her in. So far she has vomitted twice this morning, once when she woke up and once about 10 minutes ago.

11:13
Temp is 97.9, she seems to have her color back, more active, and smiling more. No more vomitting either, drinking pedialite to make sure she does not get dehydrated.

12:46
Pearl seems to be just fine, playing and active. We think she might have gotten food poisoning yesterday, it seems a plausible explanation.

11-11-08

2008-11-11T23:00:00.001-05:00

Pearl had a sleepy day today, she fell asleep on my chest twice, on mommy once, and took a nap with mommy in the bed. Pearl has been doing so good with her walking, there really isn't anywhere that she can't go now. She also likes to give kisses, even without mommy and I asking for one. She likes to share her toys and food with mommy and I, even imaginary crumbs. Stacking things and putting things inside other things is becomong quite the thing to do as far as Pearl is concerned. Talking seems to be pretty close, she makes weird noises woth her mouth as if she thinks she is saying words. I really love my little girl!!!

11-10-08

2008-11-10T23:00:00.001-05:00

Well, first day at work was pretty uneventful. We still cannot start anything, need permits still to start prepping and ordering. We are shooting for Dec 1 for the soft open, and then Jan 1 for the grand opening. It'was nice to go onto payroll today, have to catch up on bills, currently trying to crunch the numbers to pay electric bill on Thursday and still have $ for gas and food. We could sell the Wii, but we love our Wii, we'll figure it out. I have a couple of things listed on craigslist, so that might help.

Pearl and Kim gave me a ride this morning because I didn't want to get up early to pay the cable bill. I ended up only being there for about 3 hours, so we all went to pay it together. Pearl was sleeping like a baby when they came back to get me. We got home and did some playing and tired her out again, and she went to sleep on mommy...

11-09-09

2008-11-09T23:01:00.000-05:00

Went to the park again today, didn't stay for too long. Pearl didn't seem to be as into it as she was the past 2 days, may be she was tired. Pearl really is a smart little girl, yesterday I tought her "slip me some skin" and she did it. This evening I asked for a kiss and she stuck her lips out towards me for a kiss, then Kim asked for one and she did it again.

I start my new job tomorrow at a new restaurant called Luma, I have been looking forward to it. It was supposed to be 2 weeks ago, but construction problems postponed everything. The restaurant is only 10 minutes away by car which is very nice, less gas to get there and with the $2.25 a gallon gas is now it's going to be quite the money saver. If I get my bike down here I could even ride it to work it's so close.

11-08-09

2008-11-08T23:16:00.000-05:00

We decided today that we needed to get Pearl a pair of shoes to play at the park, and to ride her new bike outside. Also, we think if she has on some shoes she will start walking flat on her feet rather than on her tip toes. Aunt Bobbie had bought her a pair of converse for her birthday, but the need came sooner than we thought and her feet don't quite fit in them too well. She will grow into them, of course, but she needed a pair that fit now. We hit target to look for shoes, Kim and I found a pair each that we liked, and we went with the ones Kim found. The shoes were only $9.99, not bad at all...

After Target we to the park again, as Pearl really seemed to like it yesterday. To tell a secret, I think Kim and I liked it just as much if not more than Pearl. There were quite a lot more children playing there today, most seemed that they were very well behaved youngsters (except one little shit). The first little girl Pearl met was a youg lady that was one day younger, she was a bit chunkier than Pearl so she sort of over powered Pearl. She met a very rude little boy that was a little odd too, he wouldn't let any of the younger kids play with bouncy balls that weren't even his, I think that's why kids over 5 aren't supposed to be in that section. I didn't like him very much, uncool little shit. I am glad Pearl is so cool and gentle with the other children that she comes in contact with.

One of the cool things about going to the park with Pearl is that Kim and I are becoming more social as well. This is a good thing, we need friends, expecially friends that have children that are the same age or close to the same age as Pearl. Today we met a family Wes, Liz, and their son Ethan, it was very easy talking with them and I certainly hope that we run into them again. I don't see that being too much of a hard thing to do, they go to that park often, and I suspect that we will be too.

11-07-09

2008-11-07T23:00:00.002-05:00

Got up this morning to check the mail and my blood sugar and have some breakfast, and in the mailbox was a belated birthday card for Pearl from her Poppy (my Father) with fifty bucks to get her something special. It was a very nice card, it made me a little misty. I had got back in regular communication with my Father shortly before Pearl was born after about 9 years of nothing. It has been nice to be back in touch with him, I feel this new relationship with him is much healthier than anything we had in the past. I am glad that Pearl gets to have a Bumpa, a Poppy, and an Opa who all love her very much, not every little girl gets 3 grandfathers. Of course she has a Nana and a Mimsy too, all that love makes a very happy munchkin.

After eating breakfast and playing on the computer a little bit I realized that I was still a little tired so I laid back down to read and then sleep some more. A couple of hours later I joined the land of the conscious again and decided that the family needed to get out and do stuff. Mommy and I had been talking about going to the park for the last couple of weeks but have not gotten around to going for some reason or another. Today we were going to the park come hell or high water, after cashing Pearl's birthday check and getting some gas the park at Lake Minnehaha was our next stop. We drive by the park all the time and knew there were swings and slides and other manner of playground apparatus, however, upon closer inspection we discovered it was actually 2 playgrounds in 1. One part was for older children with slides, climbing walls, cargo nets, and swings. The other side for children of Pearls age with low to the ground animal statues, and "diaper" swings.

Kim and I both remarked about how when Pearl is a little older there is some pretty fun looking stuff on the "big kid" side of the playground. Both the sides of the playground have astro-turf instead of grass so there is reduced worry of fire ants, though it's a little more rough on the knees for a wobbly walker like Pearl. I think having red knees is much better than hundreds of fire ants swarming and stinging. Pearl loved being at the park, laughing and clapping in the swing, fearless in approaching other children and people that were there.

At one point she was walking around and just strolled up to the mother of one of the other children at the park who was sitting on a bench, Pearl put her hand on the woman's knee and looked up at her, smiled, and did her little wave that she does. When it started getting dark, about 5:30 now, we thought we'd get going but decided that we needed to come to the park a lot more often. We already have definite plans to return to the park tomorrow, a little earlier though so we can stay longer. Perhaps Kim and I will start to be more social as well and meet some other parents, at least we could find some kids for Pearl to play with on a regular basis.

After the park we went to cash my "paycheck" at amscott and then over to Toys-r-Us to find "something special" to buy with the money that Poppy sent to Pearl. We looked at blocks, play sets, scooters, books, and all manner of cool stuff that I wished I could have bought 1 of everything. After a little more than an hour of searching for the perfect thing to get we had decided on a bright red Radio Flyer "Scoot-About" with a bell and tassels on the handle bars. Pearl got her first bicycle, after putting it together, giving it to her, and outing her on it I realized this was a very special occasion. I got quite misty seeing Pearl on her first bike, again, I've been a ball of emotions all day. Pearl would like to say thank you to her Poppy for her new bike, she really loves it!!!

I have made a couple of changes to the blog today, if you hadn't noticed. I decided I wanted to make it into a blog for me to write about being a daddy, so I took the other authors off. Don't worry it has not affected your ability to post comments, and sorry for the lack of warning about the changes. If any of you would like me to post something on your behalf I will certainly do that, just email me and I will post it. I have also added more friends and family to the update email messages sent out when I update the blog.

11-06-09

2008-11-06T14:45:00.000-05:00

Pearl is doing a lot better with her walking abilities, she walks almost everywhere now. When she's tired she seems to fall on her tush more, but she's stubborn and gets right back up (if only to fall a few steps later).
She hasn't started talking English quite yet, she is still speaking what I like to call "Pearlese". Pearlese certainly seems like it could be an actual language, however, no one but Pearl can understand it.

We all went out today for a drive in the car, did some errands and what not, but mostly we wanted to get out of the house for a while. Pearl is great in the car most of the time, once and a while it seems as though she cannot stand being in her car seat. We thought she might be fussing because she was hungry, so Mommy fed her applesauce while we were driving (that didn't go just in her mouth, heh). When that didn't work I knew she just had enough of that damn seat. We got to Publix and she got to ride around in a shopping cart, and flirt with other shoppers. She got really excited when she saw an older little girl, she was laughing, waving, and pointing at the other child. I think we are raising a little lady that's going to be quite a social butterfly.

11-05-09

2008-11-05T12:20:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I was reading a friend's blog and she had joined nablopomo, so I went to check it out. It's a kind of support group/community thing for people that blog daily. I decided that I could blog daily too, so I joined the site.

Election Day

2008-11-04T17:19:00.000-05:00

Pearl,

I went to vote this morning while you and your Mommy were sleeping. I got to the polling place and stared at my ballot in thought. The voting was easy, what I was thinking about was you. I knew I was voting for the person I thought would be the best to set things in the right direction for when you are older. Never let anyone tell you who to vote for Pearl, your vote is your vote, for you to do with whatever you want to do with it. Sometimes voting for the lesser of 2 evils is the right move, but the question "will I feel better about myself if I vote my heart?" you have to ask yourself. I just hope I made the right choice this time around, not so much for me, but for you and your future.

Love,
Daddy

I Know It's Been Over A Month...But...

2008-10-30T14:24:00.002-04:00

Here is the video of Miss Pearl's first birthday. I guarantee it was worth the wait, it's a 20 minute video. Please enjoy!

A New Video

2008-10-25T18:01:00.000-04:00

I know it's been a while, but your waiting is over. The little video the other day was just a teaser I know, here is the good stuff.

Happy Birthday Daddy

2008-10-23T18:30:00.006-04:00

Miss Pearl sent me a message and asked that I wish her daddy a happy 34th birthday. So Happy Birthday, Pearl's Daddy.

Here are Pearl and her daddy enjoying a rain shower: the first one Pearl hung out in!

Got It On Video!!!

2008-10-16T22:11:00.000-04:00

It's a little dark in the room so you have to get close to see it, but here's the first video af Pearl walking more than 2 steps. She actually went back and forth between the chair and ottoman (about 5 feet) 3 times today.

Walking, Standing, and Eating

2008-10-12T22:00:00.002-04:00

Pearl has been getting more and more daring with her walking ability, she has now completed 4 steps before crashing to the floor. She will also stand up with no support for short periods of time. It's almost as if she does fine until she realizes that she is doing it by herself. I predict the walking to improve over the next week or so then we'll be chasing around a fully mobile little monster. Among the foods she has tried recently, cardboard has been added to her favorites. Yes, I said "cardboard", she loves to eat her books, and boxes, silly little monkey. Other favorites include: floor fluff, sheets of paper, and other things little toddlers should not be eating.

I would like to also point out a couple of changes to the blog, one being the template (I think it fits) and over there to the right of the screen is a section named "Folks Who Read About Pearl". Please, if you visit here often, let us know by signing up in this section (you can even sign up anonymously). There are advertisements on the blog now too; they could potentially earn us a little cash. They are mostly "pay per click" that means every time one of you clicks on the ad we get a percentage, some are just "impressions" and we get a percentage when they show up on this blog. They should be more relevant to the blog as soon as Google scans the blog, so sorry if there are some odd ads for the next few days. By all means click on the ads, it costs you nothing and could make us some green...thanx!

Dear Pearl,

2008-09-26T05:02:00.003-04:00

Now that your a week into your second year of life, I would like to take this opportunity to let you know just why you mean so much to me, and other stuff I want to say. I look at you when you are sleeping, playing with your toys, getting yogurt and cereal from your mommy, or anything that you do really and I realize that you have made my life complete. Your Mommy filled in one hole in my life and you have filled the other. As you grow up you should know that you can always come to me with any problems or concerns that you have, and I promise that I will give the best advice I can. I will always make time for my little girl, I will never be "too busy", there will never be a "bad time" to talk with me. Daddies are not perfect, I am no exception, but I swear to be the best daddy that I can be. If you can forgive the little mistakes I will make along the way, I won't ever make the same one twice, I know I will just learn how to be a better daddy. If this past year is any indication, I know that you will continue to amaze and astound me. You are an intelligent, beautiful, amazing little girl and I am honored and proud to be your daddy. Getting to know you is one of my best adventures yet, and I am giddy with excitement to continue to get to know you. I can hardly wait to teach you all kinds of stuff, and take you to wonderful places. I can only imagine the questions you will ask me: "Why is the sky blue" or "Why do the stars twinkle" and I will answer as honestly or creatively as possible, the fun part will be to decide which answer I chose. Just do me a favor and don't grow up too fast, I know you will grow up to be an amazing, intelligent, and strong woman...but you will always be my little girl. I love you so much Pearl Allison, you are definitely my light.

Love,

Daddy

1 Year Old!!!

2008-09-18T09:30:00.001-04:00

It's been a whole year since Pearl came into our lives, WOW, it seems like yesterday that we brought her home from the hospital. I know that I say it often. but I can't say it TOO often, I am so lucky to be this little girl's daddy. I am honored to know her and to have the chance to know her more. Pearl had a good day today, long and tiring but good. Nana, Mimsy, Mommy, Daddy, and Aunt Bobbie were all here to celebrate 1 year of life with Pearl. Presents were given and cake was eaten (and smeared), and burritos were made.

Happy Birthday little pumpkin, here's to many more!!!

Queen of the Sofa!

2008-09-02T20:59:00.002-04:00

Pearl has been tackling the sofa the last few days. She has been determined to crawl up all by herself. What these videos fail to show is her doing it all alone, with no boppy to rely on. I heard a happy squeal, turned and she had done it all by herself. What a girl!

Rainbow Pearl!

2008-08-30T22:08:00.003-04:00

Pearl is sporting her new baby legs, they are great leg warmers for little ones. She's also wearing a great shirt that her Grandma Di and Grandpa Steve sent. What a colorful girl!

11 Months!!!

2008-08-18T11:24:00.001-04:00

I can't beleive that almost a year ago Miss Pearl joined us, time sure does move quickly. Though, I suspect the time doesn't actually move any quicker, we just have been having so much fun getting to know this amazing little girl that we forgot to look at the clock. Having Pearl in my life is pretty darn special, the mere thought of her makes a bad day a little more tolerable or make a 15 hour work day seem worth it. I love my little girl more than life itself, she so has Daddy wrapped around her little finger.

Without any more "Pearl is great" ramblings, here are the pictures you have been waiting for (and by "you", you know who I mean)...

Pearl's First Computer!

2008-08-10T00:23:00.005-04:00

Pearl got her first computer! It's a nifty toy, she couldn't stay away from it !

Mommy thinks Pearl will love her computer as much as Daddy loves his! She loves it so much she was rolling around on the floor with it. Daddy doesn't go that far.

There's that famous "OOOOHHHH" face!

We tried taking our cute Mommy and Pearl photo this month, but Pearl doesn't look too happy. That's ok, you can't be a chipper charlie all the time!

Get your Pearl fix here!

2008-07-31T21:54:00.004-04:00

Just a few shots from the last week or so. Pearl with a sock monkey I sewed, just being cute, being grumpy, and suffering the many things I end up putting on her as hats. But a Mom's allowed to do that isn't she? Enjoy!

Snack Time!

2008-07-25T21:07:00.005-04:00

Pearl loves snack time! Puffs and juice are the best. She likes to have her snack in the living room, on her quilt.

She starts off by filling her hands with puffs, then politely placing them in her mouth.

Growing impatient, she dumps them out of her tupperware onto the floor. It's more fun that way!

Now she attacks the puffs with gusto, so much so that one sock almost always flys off.

Pearl still likes boobie milk, mostly for comfort in the afternoon and night. Mommy gets a little sad that she doesn't want it more often. It means her little girl is growing up, sigh.

The monkey got a new toy at Target today, it looks like a dragonfly and makes silly noises when you twist and pull on it. Pearl fell in love at first sight, it makes her want to shove it up her nose...silly monkey!

Little Miss Sunshine doesn't look too thrilled in this photo, does she?

A snuggle from Mimsy is always a good way to wind down for the evening.

Happy Birthday Nana!

2008-07-23T14:41:00.001-04:00

Pearl wanted to send a message to her Nana, it is her birthday today. Happy birthday Mom, from all of us!!!

Wow! 10 Months!!!

2008-07-18T11:01:00.002-04:00

I can't believe we are 2 months away from the first birthday of my child. It really is an amazing journey so far. Watching this little girl grow and learn about the world around her, looking at everything with wide unjaded eyes, is a wonderful thing to see. I think Kim and I are raising a well adjusted, confident little girl. Nothing really new to report, just waiting for the next milestone.

Made a new video too:

Photo Day!

2008-07-11T12:49:00.006-04:00

I've been slacking on photos, so here are a few of our favorite girl!

Pearl Went To The Zoo

2008-07-04T21:12:00.002-04:00

We went up to Jacksonville to see Tom Waits on Tuesday. On Wendesday we decided to go to the Jacksonville Zoo for Pearl's first Zoo trip. I got some video that I arranged in a pleasing way, get the tissue (Nana this means you).

Baby + Lemon Lollipop = Fun Times!!!

2008-06-20T16:30:00.002-04:00

May be we shouldn't give her things like this, but it's so cute when we do. Miss Pearl makes the best faces in the world. She definetly got the "Bowman plastic face" from me...

Giggly / Sleepy Pearl!

2008-06-19T18:16:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to share this footage of our little monkey. We had a fun morning...well, until someone got grumpy. Enjoy!

Happy Nine Months Monkey!

2008-06-18T21:37:00.004-04:00

Oh my little monkey, I can't believe it's been nine months since you emerged from my body. You were the most amazing little thing I've ever seen, and you continue to amaze me every day. Snuggling with you is heaven, playing with you makes me feel like a kid again, feeding you is always an adventure, loving you makes me the happiest Mommy in the world. I even love it when you bite my toes with your one tiny tooth! I never thought I would be this happy, you and your Daddy made all my dreams come true.

Nine Months!?!?

2008-06-17T13:23:00.002-04:00

My dear Miss Pearl,

The older I get, the faster time goes. That is something you will discover in probably another 30 years or so. Only a short nine months ago, you came into our lives and have made this world a place of joy. True, my life was fun and exciting, but now it is full of discovery and hope and joy and expectation; all thanks to you. I am so grateful you choose this family to join. Congratulations to all of us and thanks to you, Miss Pearl, for bringing such happiness to us all.

Nana

Day Before 9 Months

2008-06-17T01:23:00.009-04:00

I just have so much new stuff to share I decided to do the 9 month post a day early. I still might say a few words and share a couple more pictures tomorrow.

Well, my first Father's day was great, we went swimming (our new Sunday thing), and watched movies. Pearl rode in her new car seat for the first time, her Nana and Bumpa bought her a wonderful new seat that can be used foreward and backward facing. Pearl seemed to enjoy her first ride in it. Pearl has been trying all sorts of new foods: Chocolate, Tuna, Gravy, Mashetopatoes, and the list goes on, it seems that there is nothing she does not like. She continues to work on her standing and walking skills, she should be running accross the room in no time. When Mommy is in sight Pearl says "Mamamamama" and when I am she says "Dadadada" so we know she knows who is who, just like she is supposed to do.

Please enjoy the photos, we see Pearl swinging with Mommy, cuddling with Daddy after swimming, and the fabulous new car seat. Plus, there are some other candid shots of the little monster.

Last night Pearl was up a little past her bed time so I broke out the video camera. This little movie is the result of the late night footage. I got her doing the "Dadadada" and some smiling and laughing, enjoy.

Pearl In The Pool

2008-06-10T00:57:00.002-04:00

On Sunday we all went to the pool over in Casselberry that Kim found the other day when looking on line for a place to swim. It's only $2 to swim all day, and not very crowded at all. Pearl's first time swimming went better than expected, she only cried a little, but whined a lot. I figure if we start going every Sunday she'll get used to it eventually. Of course I have a video of the event that I share with you now...

A Little Update

2008-05-31T15:54:00.004-04:00

So we got a crib earlier this week, thanks to an ad listed on Craigslist we got a crib that is almost $400 new for a mere $100. After we got the crib we went over to Babies-r-Us and got the "Rainforest" crib set that came with a sheet, comforter, bumper, and a ruffle thingie. We had a little difficulty the first night with trying to get her to sleep in it, but the past few nights she has slept for hours without any problem, we still bring her in with us when we go to sleep for the night.

Now all we need is a new car seat for little miss Pearl, but we got some time for that (not mush, but some).

Also, here are some pictures from this week for your viewing pleasure:

2 Posts In One Day? Can It Be Real? is It Too Much??? You Be The Judge!!!

2008-05-25T18:02:00.000-04:00

Pearl has been, for the most part, been sleeping with Mommy and me since she was born. We started, a few weeks ago, to let her sleep in her room in our old queen size bed while we are still awake. When we go to bed we bring her in with us of course. We build a pillow fort around her so that she won't fall to the floor. That seemed to be working so we decided to try to start seeing if she would sleep all night in her room, because Mommy and me would like to have our bed back. Well, the pillow fort is no longer an effective means to keep her in har bed, and the bassinet is not sufficient either, she will just climb right out of that. We need a crib, found a perfectly good one at Ikea for $200, so that Pearl can spend all night in her OWN room. We are saving for the crib, which also turns into a toddler bed so we don't have to fork out another $200 6 months down the road when she is too big for the crib. We also need a new car seat for Pearl, I never realized how hard it was to make bigger purchases for a baby. I have included a new donation button over to the right, this goes into Kim's new paypal account and any funds coming from the blog will be labelled "Pearl's Crib" and will only be used for a crib and or car seat.

I made a new video today, the is a special treat in the last part. Something that pearl is doing now that no one but us knows about.

The little Biter!

2008-05-25T16:34:00.003-04:00

Pearl gnawed on her first "biter" biscuits today! She devoured two of them, enjoying every minute of it. The pictures show what fun it is to get messy, especially with food. Our little one is cutting her first tooth, you can feel it starting to poke through her gums! The sound of scraping can be heard when she decides to chew on the headboard of our bed, it's a little creepy!

8 Months Today!!!

2008-05-18T17:09:00.005-04:00

We got the crawling down now, did some experimenting with words, and now we are climbing up objects into a standing position and kneeling with no problem. We are at "third" foods (little chunks) and loving every bite of it. I know I say it a lot, but that's ok, Miss Pearl is one of the most amazing babies I have ever met. Here we are at 8 Months since the little one joined us and made me the most happy daddy ever. The world is certainly a better place now that Pearl is part of it. She brings hope and joy wherever she goes, not that she minds all the praise. Happy 8 Months my little monkey, thank you for being here, and being my daughter.

That baby's cool man!

2008-05-16T16:01:00.005-04:00

Earlier today Pearl decided to crawl into her mesh laundry hamper. She was quite happy playing in it for a few minutes. A few minutes ago she put on the kick ass shirt her Nana and Bumpa sent her...representing Mama she is!

Pearl Asked Me To...

2008-05-11T21:09:00.005-04:00

First, to my wife Kimberly, A.K.A. "Puddin", and of course Miss Pearl's Mommy, Happy Mother's day to you. Pearl and I are lucky to have you as part of our family, you do an amazing job with the munchkin. You are a beautiful, sexy, smart, funny, amazing, wonderful, spectacular, and yummy Mommy. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being my wife and Pearl's Mommy, and taking the role of the "stay-at-home" mommy.

Next, to my Mother Susan A.K.A. "Nana", Happy Mother's day to you. More than 32 years ago I was lucky enough to be born to an amazing Mom like you. Sure we've had our ups and downs, but face it you were and are a fantabulous Mom. I am honered to have you as a Mother, and lucky enough to also have you as a friend as well. Thank you for always being there when I need you!

Last but definetly not least, to Kim's Mommy Betty A.K.A. "Mimsy". At some point in the past you gave birth to the woman that made me a complete person. You brought my soulmate into the world, and did an amazing job raising her. You are also mighty swell helping your daughter raise my daughter as much as you can. Thank you for being there for my little girl, and thank you for being there for me too...

Also, to both Nana and Mimsy, thank you for making sure that Kimberly and I knew growing up what a good parent was supposed to be like. Miss Pearl is one of the most secure, well-mannered, exceptional little baby girl that I have ever seen. I can't help but think that you both had something to do with that, and again Happy freaken Mother's Day to you both.

Finally, here are some WAY over due pictures for your viewing pleasure...

I Thought I Would Have That Reaction

2008-05-01T21:12:00.002-04:00

My baby girl, little Miss Pearl, the great Pearlini, the awesome Pearly-Q just today started saying "Dada". Her first word is "Dada", oh my it was hard not to turn into a blubbering fool. I have always maintained that the first time I heard my child say "Dada" I would be a puddle of goo on the floor, and yes I resembled a bowl of jello as I wept.

Pearl's Grandparents

2008-04-28T13:16:00.005-04:00

Mimsy is Mommy's Mommy, Mimsy has the great pleasure of living in the same house as Pearl. As a matter of fact it is Mimsy's house that we all live in, which is lucky for us. Mimsy is an awesome grandma, she watches Pearl when Mommy and I need alone time, or when we want to go to a movie. She's always here willing to help Mommy out while I am at work, she changes diapers and feeds Pearl bananas. Thank you Mimsy for everything you do, I certainly lucked out in the Mother-in-Law department.

Nana is my Mommy, Nana loves Pearl so much it breaks her heart to be so far away. Nana and Bumpa (more about him later) live all the way up north in Michigan, but I think the old saying is true, distance really does make the heart stronger. Nana is an amazing grandma, she sends such wonderful gifts to Pearl: clothes and toys, what child doesn't need those things. Pearl loves when Nana comes to visit, the smiles are so big.

Bumpa is my Daddy, Bumpa is also dismayed at the great distance between himself and the lovely Pearl. Bumpa picks out such wonderful outfits for pearl to wear when she's out and about town, she always looks so smart in a Bumpa approved outfit. Bumpa is a swell grandpa, he writes poems for Pearl he loves her so much. Pearl is happy that she got to hang out with her Bumpa on 2 visits so far...

Opa Dries is Mommy's daddy, he lives all the way over in Holland (where Mommy and I want to move someday). Opa made it possible for Mommy and I to have a wonderful honeymoon. He sends lots of love to Pearl every time he writes to us, I certainly hope he gets to meet her in person very soon.

Grandpa Bowman is my Daddy (yup I got 2), he lives in Arizona. Grandpa B has just recently came back into my life, just in time to get to know his grand daughter. Everything seems to be going quite well, I enjoy our talks, and he enjoys hearing about how Pearl is doing. Grandpa B has made Pearl a pair of leather moccasins and sent her a few presents as well, the shoes are way cool and they look so good on Pearl. I hope he gets to meet Pearl in person real soon as well.