Daddy Time: Airport Edition

In February 2010 I made a post that talked about Daddy Time. (I won't rehash the contents, but if you're interested, feel free to give it another look.)  Now that we are 20 months into the future, Daddy Time has begun to evolve and actually increase.  

I still get my time early in the morning. Except now, instead of the glider in her room, it takes place in our bed, and often Taylor is a bit grumpier. In addition, there is another version of Daddy Time taking place these days.   Most evenings, I'll spend time with Taylor when she first gets home, as Linda gets dinner ready, or relaxes for a little bit (yes, I do prepare dinner at times).  Most of these evenings are spent in her back "yard" play area, but sometimes we do something special.

The Family Grows

I awake startled. Phantom pain foggily registers. Quietly, I lay on my mattress trying to place the time. Judging the light protruding the scant window coverings, I peg it around 6:30.

I've always been a restless sleeper, tossing and turning through the night. There isn't much consistent in my sleep other then the difficulty in which it comes. This morning I lay on my stomach, my feet overhanging the foot of the bed.

Phantom pain is replaced by the real thing.

"Knock it off..."

There are a few questions where most people find themselves squarely in one camp or the other. For instance; Algebra or Geometry? Collegiate or Professional Athletics? Feline or Canine? You'll find me in camp with geometry, college athletics and dogs. I've always been a dog person.

"Ouch... Stop it!"

Close your eyes, and picture a puppy...

"Clear."

- Zap! -

"... anything?"

So many thoughts.  

So many voices in my head, all vying for attention... if only they would settle down for a spell.  So much I want to say, but when I open my mouth, no words escape... 

"clear."

Why is this so hard? Thought sparks in the deep recess of my mind. Words are expressly chosen in a vain hope of  understanding. I open my mouth.  No words. Frantically, I struggle to retain the thought.  To that connection.  It is fruitless, as the inspiration fades like the memory of a dream, only to be replaced by another voice, another story, another feeling.  Another chance to connect, another opportunity missed. If only I could clear the voices, a moments peace.  If only I had the time.  If only I could rest, think... sleep. 

Just clear my mind.

"Clear.."

- Zap! -

...

- beep -

- beep -

- beep -

"We got 'em."

"where am I?"

"Vital signs are weak, but stable."

"That was a close one.  Welcome back."

The Taylor Times : First Edition

This isn't going to be a post about skiing, but there is a very high risk of avalanche... an avalanche of Taylor information. I won't delay the festivities with stories of other happenings.  Perhaps after, but first let's get right into The Taylor Times. 

Picture Day

A local photo studio came by Taylor's preschool for class pictures a few weeks ago.  Unfortunately it seems Taylor wasn't in the mood to cooperate with the whole process.  She came home with three pictures which accurately captured three of Taylor's often very creative facial expressions.  I won't post any of them here because they are group photos with her classmates, and it doesn't seem right to post pictures of other peoples children. Suffice to say if you've been following this blog you have seen the looks.  On the bright side, the people taking the pictures were able to see the sweet little girl hiding behind the scowl.  They offered us a free session at their studio to get some pictures of Taylor sans attitude.

Out of that session they gave us quite a few very cute thumbnail proofs. It was difficult, but after consulting with some interested parties, we narrowed it down to 5 pictures.  We got very few physical pictures, but I scanned them into the computer so we'll be able to print out multiple copies. Following are the pictures we selected.

This is my favorite for it's artistic flavor. We got a copy of it in 8x10 and hope to have it framed.

Passings, Parties and Personals

Pool Party!

Here’s the meat and potatoes of this blog installment.  Sometime around mid-July, I don’t recall the exact date, Taylor and I spent the afternoon having a pool party.  Earlier in the day while Taylor and Linda were away, I took the pool from its usual resting place on the back patio and moved it to the front yard.  The front yard being one of the few places around our house which boasts both grass and sunshine, seemed to be the perfect venue for a pool party.  I found a nice level spot and started the filling process.  While waiting for this task to complete, I retrieved her slide from the play area and set up at pools edge. 

Linda and Taylor returned from their outing just as set-up was reaching a conclusion.  Taylor was very excited to see her pool and slide in the front yard.  It took much convincing, but after a while Linda was able to shepherd her inside to get dressed for the pool while I finished up the final details.