boo, i mean kick-off or happy halloween

Champ wanted to wish all our family and friends a Happy Halloweeeeeeeeeeen! Because of his early infatuation with LSU football, he has been begging us to be a football for Halloween. As luck would have it his torso is almost exactly the same size as a regulation football. So for all you engineers reading, yes he is to scale! It has been a quiet trick or treating night in our neighborhood. We had one trick or treater so far (our next door neighbor), but she was a cute little devil.

The boys were playing on the sofa this evening but now Champ has crashed after his long day. He was so excited about Halloween that he didn't want to take a nap so he inevitably peeked a bit early. I guess he will learn.

-jeff & anna

still enjoying the weather

Champ enjoyed two runs today! Anna took him out this morning, and I watched him this evening while Anna took care of some things. The weather is still awesome, so Champ and I decided to go for a run. I felt good today and kept a much faster pace than planned. I could see in Champ's eyes after the run that he was a bit surprised by his old man too.

Our route around Rice offers lots of rabbits on the trail to chase (especially this time of year). It has been exceptionally good weather for outdoor activities. After our run, Champ proceeded to his usual knawing of the hand while considering washing it down with some gatorade.

Anna and I are catching ourselves falling into the stereotype of new parents lately. Mainly by talking about Champ a lot! It has been hard to resist because he is at such a cute time now. He is getting more and more interactive and showing off lots of personality. Oh well, I think it's been good that he is shaking up our routine a bit.
-jeff

amazing weather...here at last

Fall has finally arrived in Houston and the weather is no longer in the 90's. We are enjoying highs in the 70's with blue bird skies. This post will be a bit miscellaneous since I want to discuss many things that have been going on since I last logged in. Having a little one I have found it difficult to post as he demands a great deal of attention and I am using some of his precious nap time to do necessary things like shower.

Earlier this week, just following the passing of our first real cold front Champ and I took the opportunity to enjoy the weather. We went for a run, the first cold run of the year. I found something new in myself as we prepared for the run...I am an overprotective mom. Not knowing how chilly he might be in the stroller, I bundled him well. The weather was fantastic and we both enjoyed ourselves.



Last weekend we again made the journey to LA to visit the grandparents and see LSU play Auburn. Yes, the game did make it worth the trip. For any who might have missed it, Death Valley erupted when Byrd caught a pass from Flynn in the endzone to win with 1, yes 1 second remaining on the clock. We had a great time at the game and my father and brother hosted a wonderful tailgate. All this was possible due to my mother, who helped prepare the tailgate and gave up her ticket to the game to babysit. Thank you very much. So Champ, Honey, and Mimi rooted the Tigers on from the home front. I also understand that Mimi started tutoring the latest generation in Spanish. I hope that Champ picks it up for in Texas it will be quite useful.

The next topic added to the pleasure of the weekend as well. Champ has begun sleeping more consistently through the night. Following our early morning return from the football game he gave us 5 hours of sleep much to our surprise. At home the trend is continuing as this morning the little bum didn't wake up until 8 o'clock. I have to admit, I kept checking to make sure he was breathing. I think my body is a bit shocked with the new sleep.

On our way to Baton Rouge, we also made a stop in Lafayette. Champ never left his MawMaw's attention. She is spoiling him already. Upon our arrival she gave him a personalized Halloween trick-or-treat bag fashioned after ol' Mike the Tiger himself. He will not quite be able to carry it this year, but I am certain it will get well worn with the years to come. I don't have to write all this out, as you can see by the attached pictures from Lafayette, this child is certainly loved.

sad tigers of all ages

Anna mentioned a few posts ago that Champ had got a couple of shots at his doctor's appointment. That was definitely a rough day for the little guy, but he told me to post his picture that showed off the war wounds. Since it was very cute, I agreed.

However, I knew he was a true Tiger fan when I saw his reaction to the LSU loss to Kentucky yesterday. He wasn't very happy about the two shots from the doctor, but the Champion came out in him as he threw an arm/leg flailing, crying fit after the heartbreaking loss. It was touch and go for a while, but after a couple of bottles (of milk!) he calmed down.

Of course, Anna and I weren't in much better of a mood. I understand that sometimes your opponent is just the better team on that given day, but the Tigers made lots of terrible mental mistakes at critical times giving up tons of yards in penalties. I think this is what made me frustrated the most. Oh well, I guess we will forgive them if they beat Auburn next week.

I went for a ride this afternoon for the first time in a while. I was trying to take advantage of the awesome weather we've been having. Of course I found some rain on the ride, and it was the kind of shower that wet the road enough to make it very slick. After remembering a few of the spectacular crashes I saw during the Tour in the rain, I decided to stop and let a bit of air out of the tires. I don't mind a little more tire area on a rainy day! Besides being a bit damp, I felt better than expected.

I signed up for the MS150 this year after my 2 year break from the event. Taylor gave me a bit of coaxing, and we both think it will be a good event to do before doing Cheaha again this year. I'd like to try to keep up with riding through the fall and winter to prep for the ridiculous miles and miles of sawtooth climbs at Cheaha. Well, I hear it is about time for me to quit babbling and go help Anna with the Champ.

-jeff

road trip

Another first for Champ...a Louisiana weekend. This weekend was important for many reasons, the Halter Island Redfish Rodeo, LSU (1) vs. Florida (9) and 2-great-grandmothers to meet. All 3 went extremely well.

Champ travelled well as he slept most of both drives. The largest challenge of the trip was packing and transporting all necessary items that such a small child requires. I think we made it there and back without forgetting anything of note. I hope he continues to travel this well as we would like to make frequent trips to visit family.

I attended my first football game of the season and it was fantastic. Tiger stadium was packed. The most amazing thing was the reaction of the fans and players when USC's defeat was announced. At that moment the Tigers stopped the foolishness, took control of the game and continued on their powerful season.

Jeff caught lots of fish, but did not place in this year's tournament. The sucess of it all was that thanks to the help of the grandparents he was able to participate in the rodeo and I was able to attend the football game.

huge milestone

I never though I would be so happy to wake up at 5 am. Last night the entire family went to bed at 10:30 and I am the first one to wake up this morning. Yes, Champ slept through the night, his first time. I don't think I can fully describe my excitement. I know that this occurance may not be regular for quite some time, but for this morning I am enjoying it for all that it is worth.

I have learned many lessons with a new child. The latest of which, is that a new mother's most valuable resource is another mother with a child about 1 year older. This can't be just any other mother, no she must be someone close to you that you can ask anything, and I mean anything. There are so many details that come with a new baby and all the books attempt to be complete "owner's manuals" but all fall short of the wisdom of a mom. For all of this, I owe a huge thank you to Carla. My wonderful nights sleep is all thanks to you.

Just catching up on other stuff...last weekend was pretty quiet. The lesson of that weekend was in football. If you are going to look bad, just be greatful when everyone else looks worse. LSU owes a huge thanks to all of the other teams who lost or nearly lost.

Another wondeful occurance was I am learning just how small of a town Houston can be. This weekend Jeff was sitting in the front window of the house, talking on the phone. To his surprise, he saw Christopher and Ana walking down the street. He waved them in and we had a nice visit and offered a bathroom and water stop. It's so nice to feel like you live in Mayberry.