Scheckel Blog

First Attempt with the "Video Glasses"

2010-12-07T21:32:00.005-06:00

I shot the video below with these:

(that's not me)

They don't handle dimness well (thus the blue haze and pixelation) nor is their audio pick-up great (sorry for the loud me, the loud dog, and the quiet music to which Ridley is dancing), but the way Ridley stops doing whatever cute/hilarious thing he's doing as soon as we bring out the camera, I thought they'd be worth a shot. I'll get some day-time videos up soon.

Growing Up

2010-10-17T20:38:00.003-05:00

Some people say that the changes from one to two are just a dramatic as the changes from birth to one. While I'm not so sure about all of that, how much Ridley has grown and all of the new things he's doing just from his first birthday in April to now being 18 months, it's pretty remarkable.

He's washing his own hands now... sometimes.

He's "helping" us with laundry.

And he knows how to tell us that it's time to go "bye-bye".

In all seriousness, though, he has started to eat with a fork:

Environmental Improvements

2010-10-12T21:18:00.007-05:00

Trying to keep up with the coolness of Ridley's new school, we've made some improvements around the house...

We got a ball pit! Well, a little inflatable pool full of ball pit balls. Ridley likes it so much, he does practically everything in there!

Here's a video of Ridley playing peek-a-boo in the ball pit:

We also got this super-cool, two-tent-two-tunnel combo:

Here's a couple of shots of us goofing around in them:

And, finally, we got Ridley's swing strung up on the pergola. I don't know, you tell me: do you think he likes it?

Our Busy Boy

2010-09-06T21:00:00.005-05:00

For those of you who've had/known toddlers, you know they're always up to something...

Ridley likes to "rearrange" the kitchen, leaving things where he thinks they should go (yeah, that's part of a waffle and some sweet potatoes on the water cooler).

He's also picked up an adorable little "Wow!" in recent weeks (above he's marveling at some fish in an aquarium).

Ridley (and Beth and I) braved the blistering Sunday afternoon heat to take in his first every Texas Tech football game. Thanks to the sun, we left in the 2nd quarter. Ridley's brief presence, yelling, and clapping, bolstered the Red Raiders to pull out a 35-27 victory over the upstart SMU Mustangs.

Ridley has also been trying to beat things up around the house... using only his face! A recent cheek-to-coffee-table attack didn't work out so well for our little warrior.

On Labor Day, Ridley relaxed at Tech's leisure pool, having fun on the splash pad and floating the lazy river. He was not happy when it was time to go.

As you can see, Ridley is a busy little dude. So, what's next for him?

Car surfing?! Stay tuned!

Old School, New School (Year)

2010-08-30T19:22:00.004-05:00

Pretty much as soon as we had a due date, we put Ridley on the wait-list at the Child Development Research Center (CDRC) on campus. If you look over their website, I think you'll see why. And I'm not putting down other child care facilities, because there are really great ones out there, but the CDRC is pretty much the "Ivy League" of day cares. Anyway, the wait-list is huge and we didn't get in... right away.

We did, however, get into a really good day care, second-best in Lubbock in many ways (zero violations in 5 years, great facility, faith-based, etc.): First Baptist Church (FBC)'s Child Development Center (CDC). The CDC is run by really dedicated and thoughtful people, is very near to campus, and was at our home church (so Ridley knew the place really well, being there 6 days a week). We were pretty happy with the CDC.

But things changed with the CDC. FBC decided they needed to utilize the space for ministry opportunities they normally couldn't undertake because the CDC was already there (apparently, licensing rules don't permit "mixing populations"). So, the CDC was told they had to either shut down or find a new space my the end of May. Thankfully, they did... just down the street at First Christian Church (I know, Lubbock's got a few churches). We stuck with the CDC trough the waiting, the uncertainty and, eventually, the move to FCC because a) we had looked at other places and, frankly we liked the CDC best, b) we hadn't gotten in to the CDRC, and c) we had looked at other places (not all day cares are created or managed equal).

Then, on our way up to see family in South Dakota and Wyoming, we got the call (somewhere in Nebraska, actually): Ridley's name had come up on the list at the CDRC! We talked about it, prayed about it, and made the decision to leave the CDC. Here's a video from Ridley's last day. He and his friend Aiden were "racing" their shopping carts:

It was sort of tough leaving the CDC in August. They had been his care-takers for a year and seen him through so much. But, after visiting the CDRC with him two Friday's ago, there was no doubt that it was hands-down the best place to be. Not only are the instructional approach, the adult-to-child ratios, and the facilities fantastic (check out the pictures), but it's right where we work. Plus, it's so cool! Here's a shot of Ridley playing on the "climbing structure" in his classroom (that's right, his room has a fort in it!):

So, the new school and the new school year are very exciting and very... well, new! For Beth and I, since classes started last Thursday, we're in the midst of one of the craziest advising seasons. I'm teaching again this semester and have my first class tomorrow night (65 students!). All in all, we're hopeful but also a little overwhelmed right now.

Toddling About

2010-08-10T08:42:00.002-05:00

I finally worked my "magic" and uploaded some videos of Ridley walking. Here's one:

There are two others on my YouTube "channel".

Quick Video

2010-07-28T20:32:00.006-05:00

This was shot a few weeks ago and Ridley's walking all over the place now, but here's a quick little video of him pushing his "car" around the living room:

We'll update soon with a video of him walking unassisted!

Probing of the Nasolacrimal Duct Obstructions

2010-07-03T20:56:00.006-05:00

On June 21, Ridley had a little out-patient procedure to un-gunk the tear ducts that have been blocked since he was two weeks old. After a good night's rest, we arrived at the hospital at 5:30 a.m. (Mommy wished she could have worn her pj's too.)

Despite the early morning wake-up call and no breakfast, Ridley entertained himself as usual.

He loved the squishy mattress on his hospital bed.

One last smile before Daddy insists on cloaking him in the required gown.

Yeah, Ridley definitely prefers nudity...

Thank goodness Mommy helps him maintain a little modesty in back.

The realization of no breakfast or milk begins to set in...

Ridley's pacifier and stacking cups are always great distractors.

Mommy couldn't help but snap a few shots back in recovery.

Despite the effects of the anesthesia, Ridley did still manage to flirt with the nurses.

He woke from the drugs with no tears and a serious thirst for some juice.

Those little masks make great teethers when there is no gas behind them.

He was still loopy, so all modesty was out the window.

Ridley wanted to join in the text updates letting everyone know how great he did!

Ridley is grateful for all the prayers. He was a super star!

A week later, and the eyes are beautiful and goop-free...

Now THAT'S something to smile about!

Pergola UPDATE!

2010-04-22T20:44:00.003-05:00

In October of 2006, I went to Honduras for a mission trip in the mountains. While there, I bought a hand-made hammock from the famed "spider man" of Olanchito (no, not Peter Parker... that'd be pretty sweet, though...). Finally, thanks to our good friend Aaron and his pergola-building skills, the spider man's hammock is up!

Hey! I'm supposed to be first!

Ahhhhh!

Long Overdue Mail... box

2010-04-18T20:12:00.006-05:00

For quite some time now, our mailbox has been completely incapable of staying closed. The top part of the latch had come unbolted, the bolt was lost, and the sheer friction of the door on the box was not enough to keep them together. So, we would get wet mail from time to time and I could never be sure some important piece of our mail hadn't been blown away by that ubiquitous Lubbock wind. So... TADA!

Installing the new post "system" was pretty easy, the 51¢ 4"x4"x3' post easier, and the "universal mailbox plate" and mailbox even easier.

What was not easy was digging up the chunk of concrete holding the old, crappy mailbox in the ground:

The fact that it had rained for three days straight this past week did make the digging a little easier, though.

If the rain stays away, this space...

(the east half of our back yard)

...might have a shiny new pergola in it (and my hammock hanging between the posts).

YouTube Channel

2010-04-11T21:44:00.002-05:00

As you may have noticed, Beth's way better at updating the blog and I'm better at... well, chattering (quality vs. quantity). Anywho, I do have some videos I've uploaded to YouTube. You can subscribe to our "channel" here.

The Birthday Mega Post

2010-04-05T21:05:00.006-05:00

Birthday eve...showing us how old he will be:

A windy birthday (just like April 2, 2009):

Some playing after dinner...and all those teeth:

The birthday monster after his bath:

A good night's rest between the birthday...and the party:

Is it time to leave for the party yet?

He's so happy that he's giving the squinty eye smile:

Ridley loves a silly Kevin (don't we all?!):

That other birthday boy is pretty cute:

Mommy's efforts (with some help from Ridley's Vicki):

A little cake for a little monster:

What awesome presents from awesome friends!

A birthday is not complete without Star Wars:

Hangin' with the big kids:

The birthday boy begins to fade:

Now Daddy is showing how old Ridley is:

Daddy's looking for Ridley's second wind:

Not too impressed with cake; more in the mood for mac and cheese:

A birthday squeeze from Aiden:

Adios, party! It was a blast!

A few more smiles after a birthday nap:

These birthdays are a pretty nifty deal:

Say, WHAT?! I have to wait another year for one of these?!

The April 4th's

2010-04-04T21:33:00.004-05:00

On April 4, 2009, Ridley Dean Scheckel came home with us. Our home and our lives were forever and wonderfully changed. There is a lot to look back on over this first, fabulous year, but for now...a visualization of what a year can do:

April 4, 2009

April 4, 2010

April 4, 2009

April 4, 2010

April 4, 2009

April 4, 2010

Button, Button...

2010-03-09T14:08:00.003-06:00

Ridley and his super finger make everything a button. Seriously, shouldn't everything that is round do something cool when you press it?

Big Boy Toy

2010-02-28T19:48:00.002-06:00

Target is becoming one of our favorite stores. They are always well-stocked with a variety of baby food (can't say the same of Wal-Mart), they carry generic brands in many items, and there is one pretty close to the house. Just wish Lubbock had a SUPER Target...and still close to the house. =) Anyway, this weekend we were on the hunt for a specific toy...and Target delivered.

Here is Ryan putting it together (and Ridley "helping"):

Ridley continues to "help":

Ridley says "Wha...?! This toy is actually part of a BIGGER toy?! Sweet."

All ready to go! It has two positions for learning to walk and learning to ride. Ridley just took it straight to the riding, but he still has a lot to learn!

Horizontal/Vertical Boy

2010-02-18T21:34:00.002-06:00

I know there are still a lot more Christmas pictures to share, but I wanted to post a few pictures of Ridley's recent behavior. At this time, the kid seems tired of sitting. He wants to be lying down or standing up...nothing in between. And he's very particular about which one he's in the mood for! He's still not using his knees to crawl which means he's not pulling himself up either. But that doesn't mean he doesn't want to be standing...he just gets Mommy to put him there. I'm trying to "teach" him, but it's proving to be an interesting task!

Here's a very comfy Ridley stretched horizontal to the max:

And while he can't pull himself up, Ridley is quite good at standing if he's got something (or someone) to lean on:

The coffee table is the favored form of support. It's a good height for standing, it's what Mommy is using for training, and the wood makes for great slapping fun:

He really gets into it! Slapping, bouncing, and even shifting his feet around a bit:

And at times, he gets too confident. He'll spin around so he's just leaning against his side or back. And that's when Ridley shows that just like he can't get himself into standing position, he is also not capable of getting himself into sitting position again. Seconds after this picture, he keeled over to the left, hit his head on the floor, and was done for the night:

I think this may be the beginning of the bumps and bruises for years to come. Sigh...

Why the Monsters?

2010-02-16T20:53:00.006-06:00

People ask why I buy all these crazy monsters for Ridley. This is but one reason why:

Someone has (or multiple someones, more likely have) an amazingly creative imagination that, I believe, started in childhood.

And, if you're wondering, yes: the tall one-eyed red monster is named Muno (from Yo Gabba Gabba) and is one of Ridley's faves. Mr. X (the brown, moppish chap in the hat) just arrived today, too. The away team continues to grow...

p.s. this is our 100th post on the scheckelblog!

A Little Christmas and a Little Less Hair

2010-01-27T21:00:00.005-06:00

So maybe we haven't gotten around to the Christmas update because we had so much fun and we are too sad it's over to think about it by blogging. Or maybe it's because we've returned to work, and we're so tired we're all in bed before 9:00. Or maybe it's because we took so many adorable pictures over the holidays that we just don't know what to post. Honestly, I think it's a bit of all three. Thus, I've decided to at least start with a few pictures, so here goes:

Christmas Eve at Pappasito's is a great family tradition, but it's not always fun and games for everyone...

A snapshot of the Scheckel family on the night before Christmas:

Ridley and Daddy are all smiles on Christmas Day! (Goodness, just look at that shaggy hair! No, not Ryan's...Ridley's!)

Even on Christmas Day, life continues as usual...Ridley's claws needed to be cut more than Jewel's!

We'd been noticing the kid's hair getting shaggier by the minute...

...So we had Grampa Chuck and Gramma Paulette make an appointment with their stylist in Rapid City. Ridley and Mommy both held up pretty well during the first haircut; I guess there are no promises for the ones to come...

COMING SOON (we hope): More pictures of Ridley and the cousins (and the grandparents...and the presents...and cool stuff in general). But for now, a few last pictures until next time:

(Chilling with Emmerie)

(Gnawing on teething rings with Emmerie and KaCi)

(Dining at Taco John's with Kelli and Blane; Ridley had peas and carrots instead of a taco burger)

The Monster Men

2010-01-11T20:33:00.004-06:00

I know this isn't what anyone really wants to see (we'll get the Christmas post up sometime) but I wanted to show the world Ridley's monsters:

Joining the team this holiday season are some old friends...

...and this dapper gent:

New Sink!

2009-12-15T19:43:00.004-06:00

Well, though it took the a little time and the flexibility and patience of very good friends changing dinner plans (plus a little bit of money) but we have a new sink!

Ain't she a beaut'?! Enameled cast-iron. "Smart divide" design. New garbage (now they're called "food waste") disposal...

...and it works, too!

Plus it has a fancy, built-in sprayer head!!! What are we going to do with ourselves now that we have such a nice sink?! Maybe I'll even do the dishes once in a while... naw... prolly not! ;-)

Holidaze!

2009-12-12T18:50:00.005-06:00

Beth has already posted about how busy November is for us at work and, with the holiday hoopla in full swing, we three are really looking forward to spending some time away from the hustle and bustle and relaxing with family and friends. For the time being, here are some pictures from Ridley's first ever Thanksgiving:

2009... compared to 2008...

What a difference a year makes!

Our good friends (from L to R) Rose, Richard, and Vicki opened their home and graced us with their combined culinary talents; yum! Later, we laughed our way through some 4-player New Super Mario Bros. on the Wii!

Ridley started out with his own, Gerber® version of Turkey and Sweet Potatoes.

But using a somewhat gross mesh "safe feeder", Ridley gummed and slobbered all over his first Thanksgiving turkey (and Vicki joined in)!

Per tradition, we put up the Christmas tree and decorations the day after. Ridley is super excited about seeing everyone in just over a week! Yikes! We've got some shopping still to do!

Life's Simple Pleasures

2009-11-22T21:41:00.003-06:00

Oh, the simplest things can make us happy. For Ridley, that can be just about anything:

The fun of an empty Sonic cup to play with...

...or whack the heck out of.

A first ride on Daddy's shoulders...

Sitting up better and longer with each new day...

Lounging around after a filling meal...

The first bite of a new food...

The second bite of a new food...

Mushing a new food to a pulp and then giving it to your all-too-excited dog to finish it off...

November is the cruelest month? But October was fun!

2009-11-14T21:02:00.004-06:00

As we are long overdue for a blog update (and more recent pictures), I've decided maybe I can compile posts in bits while Ryan works on the Sunday School lessons in bits. No promises now, but perhaps that could mean a new post every Saturday?

Ridley is doing well...now. We had our first stressful week of illness. A trip to the clinic, several calls to the wonderful nurses at West Texas Pediatrics, a visit to the doctor, a nose swab, a finger prick, antibiotics for an ear infection, Tylenol and Motrin for fevers shooting as high as 105.8, a prescription for congestion and cough, several nights of sleep in the car seat...and all during the first week of advance registration. Oh, November, you have worn us out. But conditions began to improve steadily, and things are pretty much back to normal around here. And normal for Ridley has always been wonderful! So, ignoring November for the time being, here are some highlights from October:

We've recently been working to add a book to our bedtime routine. Ridley really seems to enjoy it! I'm not sure if he likes the pictures, my fabulous vocal quality, or just whacking on the book itself. He's quite tactile which just adds to the excitement.

Auntie Amy found a great book to put photos in so that Ridley can put names and faces together. As for now though, he really loves the crinkly page dividers!

I don't have a picture of him when he was sick, but this was from Friday when he was just about back to 100%. This photo book and his addictive-as-crack frog were pretty much the only things that distracted him when he was at his worst throughout the week.

Halloween brought a variety of great outfits from stylish grandmothers and friends. Ridley started wearing his festive attire about 3 weeks before Halloween so that he'd be able to wear each outfit at least twice or more!

Halloween also brought fun times with friends. We've learned recently that Ridley is a social baby. He likes everyone, but he LOVES other kids. It is so stinking adorable to watch him smile at other children just for being in the room with him. Directly above is his friend Jude. We had our Sunday School class over for a great day of football (we won!) and pumpkin carving.

Precious Aiden handing Ridley his addictive-as-crack frog. "Here, Riggy." So cute!

And this is Elliot, Ridley's BFF at school. Elliott is about a month older than Ridley, and we believe he has taught Ridley in his wise and learned ways. Ridley used to just stand and play in the bouncers; a little training from Elliot, and now he's a jumping fool. Long story, but Elliot was the first to leave Ridley's class at FBCDC and go to another daycare (since we're being evicted from our facilities come May). I shed so many tears. Well, we don't know what it means for the long run, but Elliot was back by Thursday of the next week! And, boy, were we happy! Just goes to show what a one-of-a-kind place the FBCDC is.

Sweet Jessica here was just about the only person who could get Ridley to smile on Halloween...at least while he was in his costume. I asked her for help getting Ridley to smile, and she went straight to work. And a fantastic job she did too; he really turned on the charm. It helps that she is awful cute!

Our fierce little dragon. Oh, we just love him so much. Thanks for the beautiful child, Lord.

Ridley got all suited up for the TTU Homecoming game. We went to a School of Art alumni event, but then we never made it to the game. Since the temperature dropped into the 30's for that game, I think we made a wise choice!

Ridley showing his happy, drooly side...

...and proving that he can occasionally have his more serious, contemplative moments. Or maybe he's just waiting for the food to arrive before he will smile.

We also starting practicing with a sippy cup recently. He's got the idea of holding it (though not always with both hands) and getting it to his mouth (though often chewing the spout rather than drinking). Unfortunately, he seems to think water is the nastiest beverage ever. He also tried juice and Pedialyte for the first time while he was sick; those did not fare much better than water. What an odd kid!

But he usually has fun trying!

Thanks for checking in! Maybe if we can get better at posting more often, the updates won't be so extensive. There's a lot to be said for short and sweet...but frequent. So, we'll see what we can do. Especially with turkey leg photo ops just around the corner!

Road Trip!

2009-10-14T22:12:00.003-05:00

The Scheckels Three headed to San Antonio September 30 so that we (well, Beth and Ryan anyway) could attend and present at the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) annual conference. We were blessed that this great conference was held so close to home this year. We were doubly blessed that San Antonio is awful close to Houston as well. Because of this, Granna, Grampa, Auntie Amy, and Cousin Emmerie were able to meet us there and hang out with Ridley while we conferenced it up! Here are a few of the pictures from the "more fun" part of the trip (i.e. not the conference):

Ridley's first road trip...of course we had to stop at a DQ! Eden, Texas...woo hoo!

Living it up in the hotel room just like a rock star.

Wow, even babies can communicate when they've missed each other!

Thank goodness for digital cameras. If we'd used old-school film, we'd have gone through 8 rolls trying to get them both to smile at the same time. It rarely happened because they are both just stinkers like that.

I guess the Riverwalk ain't that exciting after all.

Or maybe it was just a prime opportunity for some beauty sleep.

Emmerie and Ridley celebrated their half birthdays in San Antonio. Auntie Amy got this huge, awesome Sully to add to Ridley's monster collection. Thanks, Auntie Amy!

Oh! We had to try to get all THREE of them to smile for this one! But Granna never really stopped smiling cuddling these two.

Update Haiku*

2009-10-07T22:04:00.002-05:00

day care is closing
went to San Antonio
busy at work now

Ridley eating fruits
weather is getting colder
weekends save the week

pictures coming soon
patience appreciated
we love you all, too

*"haiku" is both plural and singular, like "trout"

Happy Grandparents Day!

2009-09-13T21:30:00.002-05:00

In honor of his very first Grandparents Day, Ridley had a little photo shoot after his bath tonight:

...and he's spent. We're sorry we got this greeting out so late, but we just had to send our love to such special grandparents. We miss you Grammie, Granna, Grandpa, Grandpa Dave, Grandma Paulette, Grandpa Chuck, and Grandpa Russ...and we love you bunches!

Is there anything the boy won't eat (or try to eat)?!

2009-09-10T19:35:00.002-05:00

We don't know if it's the teeth or just a new thing, but Ridley is very interested lately in food (especially food he can't have yet). He was eye-balling our Rosa's after Sunday school last week, and he was almost more interested in my pizza than I was last Saturday. Here are a few pictures evidencing Ridley's ravenous appetite:

The little guy is still smiley, even with chompers coming in. Oh, and ignore the outfit...daycare combined his shorts from the morning with a backup onesie for an interesting ensemble.

Green beans went over quite well. Tonight, we try PEAS!

Desperate to chew on anything.

Still desperate.

This is just a picture of Ridley chilling in his bouncer chair. He can be an early riser from time to time, but most days (like this one) he's good hanging out in the bathroom doorway while we get ready for work.

And this was game day for Tech's first football match of the season. We listened to it on the radio, but Ridley still dressed out. His outfit was red and white instead of red and black, but it did have a pretty cool pirate bib that went with it. Coach Leach would have been proud.

Cousin Emmerie's Visit, TEETH, and more...

2009-09-04T20:05:00.006-05:00

Wow! "They" sure were right...time DOES fly when you're having fun. This post could probably be three different ones, but we're going to go ahead and cram it all into a single fun-filled, action-packed post.

Our best weekend in a long time passed two weeks ago when the Kennah-Ricketts family made their way to Lubbock for the first time. We had a wonderful visit! Everyone (but especially Annukah) got to see the Texas Tech campus, we all had fun hanging out, and Emmerie and Ridley were able to have lots of quality cousin time. It was so hard to select the best of the best pictures, but here are a few of the highlights:

Auntie Amy, Emmerie, and Rid at Orlando's.

Annukah and KaCi enjoying some down 'n' dirty tortellini.

Fun cousin time

Ridley giving Emmerie directions around Lubbock.

Emmerie telling Ridley like it really is.

Ridley offering Emmerie his thumb. When she actually took him up on the offer, he was not pleased!

A fresh new day of smiles.

Aw...feel the love!

Told you everyone enjoyed just hanging out! As quickly as the kids are growing, we're looking forward to the next time everyone can get together.

And now for some random pictures of life in general...

Mommy and Ridley before school.

Daddy and Rid reading Star Wars stuff or something.

The kid loves his oatmeal!

We didn't have the heart to tell him the oatmeal was all gone!

...he really didn't seem to mind though.

Ridley still loves bathtime. This was the first time we tried him out free-floating in the big tub. He has gotten so tall that there just wasn't room for good splashing in his infant tub.

What a sweet face!

Auntie Amy said that this funny face could only mean one thing...teething!

...and she was right! On Sunday night (August 30), I was sitting behind Ridley supporting him on his blanket. He randomly grabbed my index finger and stuck it in his mouth. I just about shot off the ground to flip on the overhead lights...something sharp was in Ridley's mouth! The crazy kid went and sprouted two teeth without letting us know! Click on the picture to see them bigger. So crazy, but so exciting. What a whirlwind the last few weeks have been!

Rice Cereal Videos and Pictures!

2009-08-16T19:11:00.009-05:00

Here's the promised footage of Ridley eating his first "solid" food:

We shot over 20 minutes of this, so here are the remaining parts if you'd like to see all the fun:

Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

And here are some pictures of the event:

He started out with clothes on, but we thought better of it and got him down to his diaper.

Looking dubious early on.

But always enjoying himself.

Eventually he started anticipating the spoon coming. What a great eater!

Blowing bubbles.

All done!

In the week since, Ridley has continued to impress with how naturally he took to eating cereal. The doctor says we can start him on other foods any time we want, now.

Not only was this last week Ridley's first experience with rice cereal, Monday was also his first day of day care. Here's the obligatory "first day" photo:

Day care went just fine, but Ridley was usually pretty worn out at the end of the day with all those new experiences and friends. We're looking forward to getting a little more used to this new routine.

Also, you can keep checking my robo.to feed for short videos of Ridley, Beth, Jewel, and I. Who knows who else might show up. Updates will be on both facebook and twitter (see my feed at the top of the blog).

Finally, people have asked, so I'm here to tell you: at his 4-month appointment, Ridley was in the 50th percentile for weight at 14 lbs. and 11 ozs. and "off the charts" for height at greater than the 97th percentile for height at 27½ inches.

He's a long, lean, eating machine!

Why Star Wars is So Much Fun (or, Why I'm Such a Nerd)

2009-08-12T14:42:00.002-05:00

Next Tuesday, a book called Star Wars: The Essential Atlas comes out. I've been looking forward to this ever since I heard about it years ago. Visit this webpage and bask in the glory that is this book. Also, if you watch even 10 seconds of one of the YouTube clips on the page, you'll find that I'm not THAT big of a geek!

Just Enjoy

2009-08-04T22:07:00.002-05:00

Look Who's... Laughing

2009-08-02T18:55:00.004-05:00

Well, it's not Ridley "talking", but I shot this yesterday and just had to get it online ASAP.

July was a long, long month. At work we had the most and biggest new student orientations in... well, ever. But coming home to Ridley made it all better.

Some More Pictures to Tide You Over

2009-07-26T22:00:00.007-05:00

I know it's been a while since we last updated the blog (not as long as some other blogs in our blog roll over there... I'm just sayin'). A lot's happened since July 6th! Work has picked up like crazy with new student orientation. Ridley's met three new-new friends: Kendi, Caitlin, and Alexander (all born in last few months/weeks/days). He rolled over (back to front)... once (he likes to stay perched on his side most of the time). And we got tile put in (the kitchen/dining room and the two bathrooms... THAT was fun!).

Tonight I imported the most recent mini-DVD of Ridley footage: 30+ minutes of us trying to get Ridley to talk with the camera on. Since it will take some time to edit it out all of the silly baby talk from us, in the meantime, here are some non-moving, silent pictures...

This is Ridley in the outfit I picked out for him: cargo khaki's from Old Navy and camo socks!

He's always an easy mark for a smile (and even some laughs of late!).

But sometimes, being this cute is serious business.

Here he's snuggled up in the blanket our fellow advisor Linda crocheted for him.

This is the super-cute Classic Pooh outfit our good friend Jackie got for Ridley.

And this is one of Ridley's monster friends, Muno.

Occasionally, he finds a thumb.

But mostly, he just sticks his fist in there.

You might have noticed that Beth has taken to spiking Ridley's hair when she lotions him up after baths.

I guess she thinks he looks tough or something.

Chillin' with his dawg.

And, when we get a chance, we nap like nobody's business!

'Til next time... (I promise it will be soon)

Ridley's First 4th (and Other Smiles and Zzz's)

2009-07-06T18:59:00.004-05:00

Is he a smiley guy?

Of course he is!

He's SUPER smiley!

And still smiley...

All that smiling can really wear a guy out...

Is it wrong to stalk my kid while he's asleep? I don't think I'll ever grow tired of watching him. He is such a perfect, little miracle.

The three of us had a very busy holiday weekend. We had a fun Friday night with friends over. Ridley pretty much smiled and slept through the duration of the event (big surprise!). On Saturday, I visited our friends Sean and Laura at the hospital. Their precious baby girl (Caitlin Beth) was born early Friday morning. Another friend for Rid!

And speaking of friends...we spent the evening of the 4th with Ridley's friend, Sofi. They enjoyed a little gabfest before taking turns...smiling and sleeping.

And more smiling...

Ridley has definitely found his hands. He is constantly gnawing on his fists. Sometimes he likes to try to fit both of them in his mouth. And guess what else he does while his fist is in his mouth? That's right...he smiles.

Someday, the kid will learn to smile without showing his tongue to the world. But in the meantime, we think it's pretty darn cute.

Tummy Time Workout!

2009-07-02T21:32:00.007-05:00

We've been trying to get a good "jabber session" on video, but Ridley's been clamming up right when we get the camera out. Here's something for the time being...

We shot this using the iSight camera on my new work laptop (a sweet 13" MacBook Pro), that's why the video is titled "My First Project". Enjoy!

New Ridley Pictures!

2009-06-25T20:46:00.005-05:00

Ridley likes hanging out with Mommy and Jewel!

But even the sweetest little boy can only take so much!

Ever get that feeling like you're being watched?

Zonkered!

So smiley!

Mommy's so funny!

Ridley's Fathers' Day shirt.

Junction and Some Ridley Pics

2009-06-18T19:47:00.003-05:00

NOTICE: At the end of this post is the best picture of Ridley ever (so far). Skip ahead if you must, but you may not ever come back to read the rest, so... whatever; just give the rest of the post a chance.

Ridley was having fun smiling at mommy.

Ridley and Jewel have gotten a little closer.

Told ya'!

So, I drove down to Tech's Junction campus to meet with grad students and stuff. As you may have seen on the Twitter feed, I stayed up with the peeps down there. Above there's a pic of one of the gas blowers that couldn't quite pull the kiln up to 2300°F (I guess it was F, maybe C... not K, though, that's for sure... probably). There was a fun part when this particular blower slipped off its supports and nearly singed the burn-ban grass (and Kenny!).

When I trekked back to the room Jeff graciously let me crash with him in, this THING flew in. Yeah, I killed it... killed it real good. Look at them chompers!

These guys probably could have eaten for a week on the carcass of that demon bug, but they weren't quick enough to catch it before it got into the room.

On the way back to the LBK, you can go past the Sweetwater and Buffalo Gap (I think) wind farms. There are always people stopped on the side of the road taking pictures. It's stunning.

This one looked like it was in the road.

It wasn't.

Okay... here's the picture I told you about...

My Idea for a Store

2009-06-15T10:23:00.002-05:00

As I wait for the new freshmen to come over for advising, I thought I'd answer another plinky prompt. Today they ask, "If you owned a store, what would you sell?"

I've had this idea for a store stuck in my head for a long time. My wife, our friends and family, and I really like to play games, but not your traditional card and board games. We play games like Imaginiff!, Loaded Questions, Five Crowns, Quiddler, UnoSpin, Whoonu, etc. Over the years, we've bought and tried (and been given) a lot of different games and I think it would be cool to own a game store.

More specifically, I've kicked the idea around so much in my mind that I've got a name (GameKnight), a layout (different kinds of games in "towers" at the corners of the store with the customer service/checkout in the middle surrounded by a moat painted on the floor), and a multiple-streams of income approach that includes retail sales, rentals, and room reservations. People could come in and rent a game to try it. We'd have demo versions of all of our games that they could open up and see. Customers could rent one of our game rooms for birthdays and such. The only rule: no video games. We'd carry all sorts of games, including the more advanced role-playing games and customizable collectible card games. It'd be a blast!

Yeah... I spend too much time in my head. ;-)

Fun and Busy Saturday!

2009-06-14T16:18:00.008-05:00

Saturday was a fun- and activity-filled day. Ridley slept from 11:00 p.m. until close to 8 a.m. We are loving the 9-hour nights! Wish they were every night! Ryan made breakfast burritos, and we all took our time getting ready. I had to snap some shots of Ryan and Rid during happy time (which means AFTER the morning face bath). I tried to warn Ridley not to pull Daddy's finger!

After Rid's (very brief) morning nap, we headed to Trenton's 3rd birthday party. Ridley slept for the first part, but he woke up in time to meet his first clowns. He didn't seem at all scared, so perhaps we will avoid that phobia later in life. The other kids had a great time with the water activities, but Ridley is still a bit too little. Maybe for Trenton's 4th...

Mommy and Rid got to be honorary clowns. So did Ryan and Ben!

After the birthday party, we got to have lunch with the DeCesaro's (Genevieve, Patrick, and Sofi) and the Franks' (Kristi, Michael, and Cas). I ate my first turkey burger, and you know, it was pretty darn tasty! Ridley enjoyed Sofi's bouncy chair.

I left lunch early to go to Stephani's baby shower. Sometime in the next couple of weeks, Baby Biggs and Ridley will get to meet (and Rid will know for sure whether his new friend is a boy or a girl)!

After a busy morning and afternoon, Ridley went back to Sofi's house while Ryan and I saw "Vanities" at the theatre. We're so glad Summer Rep is back, but it is challenging to make the shows now that Ridley is here. Many thanks to Genevieve and Patrick for taking on a second kid for the night!

Things were so crazy, we didn't even get to talk with Kelli on her 13th birthday. Happy late birthday, Kelli! We're thinking maybe we'll take things a little slower next Saturday! Or at least leave some time for a nap!

2-month Appointment, Videos, and More!

2009-06-10T14:45:00.002-05:00

Well, today Ridley had his two-month doctor's appointment and that means... SHOTS! He did great, through (man, our nurse was fast!), and he and Beth only cried a little. He's about 11 lbs., 3 ozs. (30th percentile) and just over 25 inches tall (97th percentile). The doctor says he's eating plenty, it's just that his body's choosing to grow taller instead of wider (I wish that were still the case for me!).

This is also the first week that Ridley's been staying home with our friend Vicki. She'll be rooming with us for the next couple of months and taking care of Ridley while we go in the work for new student orientations, which start tomorrow... yay... =|

Anyway, here are a couple of videos Beth shot and I put together with, that's right: music! Enjoy!

Pictures of Ridley

2009-06-08T21:45:00.006-05:00

Woo hoo hoo! (my, my) Woo hoo hoo!

2009-06-04T16:52:00.002-05:00

The last time I "went 'woo hoo!'" was on my way home from work yesterday. The Eagles' song "Already Gone" was on the radio and, while I know it's a break-up song (see previous plinky prompt answer here: http://www.plinky.com/answers/30469), I was "already gone" from work, so it just fit.

Anyway, the part of the song that I was singing to goes like this:

But I guess you felt like you had to set things right
Just remember this, my girl, when you look up in the sky
You can see the stars and still not see the light (that's right)

And I'm already gone
And I'm feelin' strong
I will sing this vict'ry song, woo hoo hoo (my, my) woo hoo hoo

Well I know it wasn't you who held me down
Heaven knows it wasn't you who set me free
So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains
And we never even know we have the key

But me, I'm already gone
And I'm feelin' strong
I will sing this vict'ry song
'Cause I'm already gone
Yes, I'm already gone
And I'm feelin' strong

So, there I was, headed home to see my beautiful bride and my baby boy and I really meant it when I sang, "woo hoo hoo!"

Ridley's (not so exciting) Day at the Museum

2009-06-02T15:58:00.011-05:00

On this, his 2-month birthday, I figured Ridley ought to do something cool. So, he and I went to the Texas Tech University Museum today to check out their dinosaur and sword exhibits. Here's the video (the first half is of our visit to the museum, the second half is Ridley smiling away):

I promise that the next Ridley video will have a soundtrack (I can see where iMovie will let me do it, I just wasn't brave enough this time).

The fancy Sony Handycam also takes still photos. The quality isn't so great, but I don't know if that's the camera or the fact that there wasn't a flash. Anywho... here's some other stuff Ridley slept right through:

A Double-Edged Weapon: The Sword as Icon and Artifact

This sword was described as "ceremonial only". I can see why!

I bet you could mess somebody up with this thing!

This mean dude was called "The Sword of Justice"!

The picture doesn't establish scale: this two-handed sword was at least 5 feet long!

I would hate to be cut by this nasty customer!

Spectacular Spectacles!

This exhibition was about, you guessed it, glasses in all their historical and functional variety.

This pair look like a set of rotary-dial phones.

Super-sweet aviator goggles from the '20s.

These are, like, ancient sun glasses.

These very old eye glasses had strange, mostly opaque borders but were nothing like these...

Weird!

Here are some shots of Ridley in the historic Lubbock Gallery:

Here Ridley helps out with one of the cattle drives that used to tear through the area.

South Plains pioneers in their wagon and Ridley in his.

Down-town Lubbock back in the day.

Finally, from the Southwest Indian Art Gallery:

How did the Hopi know that hip-hop spacemen would be so cool?!

I know that Ridley had a really good time (as did I). We both hope you enjoyed it, too!

'The Iron Giant' deserves to be watched over and over

2009-05-31T21:44:00.002-05:00

I can only echo Scott Wegner's sentiments about Monday always getting here too soon. Where did the weekend go? Well, before I give up the ghost and go to bed, I'll answer a plinky promt...

While the movie doesn't follow the book very closely (which I'm fine with; the book sounds weird!), this little flick was a pleasant surprise. Beth and I saw it in the theater because I was sort of intrigued by the preview (maybe? It's been a while). It's a ton of fun, the characters (and their voice actors) are great, and the story is super pulpy and super touching. Go watch it!

Ridley's First Video!

2009-05-31T18:35:00.003-05:00

So, I've been playing around with the Sony Handycam my parents sent us (thanks, Mom and Chuck!) and, now that we have the camera, iMovie. Here's my first attempt:

Decoration/Memorial Day Order (edited)

2009-05-25T09:54:00.002-05:00

I. [This day], is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country... and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but Posts and comrades will, in their own way, arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

We are organized, Comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, "of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together... soldiers, sailors, [airmen], and Marines..." What can aid more to assure this result than by cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead? We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security, is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.

If other eyes grow dull and other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us.

Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains, and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledge to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon the Nation's gratitude—the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.

II. It is the purpose of the Commander in Chief to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while... survivor[s] remain to honor the memory of [their] departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to call attention to this Order, and lend its friendly aid in bringing it to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.

III. Department commanders will use every effort to make this Order effective.
—General Orders No. 11, Grand Army of the Republic Headquarters

This is an image from Black Hills National Cemetery, where so many - including my Grandma & Grandpa [U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant George] Kinsinger (my mom's parents) and my Uncle [U.S. Army Specialist] Brian Kinsinger (my mom's brother) - are buried. I know that my family went there this weekend to decorate their markers. One year, Ridley, Beth, and I will have to make it up there for a Memorial Day weekend to do the same.

We thank all who have served and sacrificed.

What's New?

2009-05-24T21:25:00.012-05:00

Well, since our last Ridley-related post, a lot's happened:

1. We celebrated Beth's first Mothers' Day! Ridley got his mom one of James Avery's "remembrance rings" with his birth stone. Oooooh, pretty!

2. Beth and I celebrated our 10th Anniversary on Friday the 22nd (and here I was posting about Lizard Lacrosse!). I got Beth a water cooler (I know; romantic, huh?). It's got hot (with a safety feature), cold, and room temperature options. Oooooh, convenient!

I also got her remembrance rings for her birth stone and mine. That way, Beth can wear representations of all three of us (sorry, Jewel, I don't know your birth stone!).

(aquamarine for March/me)

(peridot for August/Beth)

3. Ridley's been out on a bunch more adventures. Here he is sleeping at Hobby Lobby with one of the newest additions to his crew.

4. Ridley's gotten a lot more expressive:

He's started smiling in response to us (as opposed to gas!).

He's shown he can react to scary, loud noises (like my Hawaii Five-O ring tone).

Here he rages against the machine.

"Hey! You wanna' knuckle sammich?!"

5. Ridley's started sleeping longer. Last night, he slept for just over 8 hours, which was great. It's just too bad that means he's messing with the little routine we've gotten used to.

This wasn't one of those long sleeps, but it certainly was nice!

6. Ridley keeps on enjoying his blankets:

This one's from Ryan's Business Manager at work, Connie and her husband David. Ridley loves how super-soft it is (as does Jewel!). Also pictured is the cute little puppy dog rattle our friend Heather brought all the way from New Orleans and the rattle phone Grandma Paulette and Grandpa Chuck gave Ridley. I promise he's working on calling y'all!

Lacrosse should be more popular

2009-05-22T10:15:00.001-05:00

What's not to like about lacrosse? It's sort of like hockey mixed with soccer mixed with football mixed with basketball. I only wish the legal hitting were more like rugby. I mean, what professional sport lets you see the Long Island Lizards take on the Rochester Knighthawks, huh? Okay, that wouldn't happen 'cause they're in separate leagues, but it'd be pretty cool to yell "Let's go Lizards!"

I can't travel without an astro-droid

2009-05-12T10:57:00.002-05:00

Don't judge me... ;-)

Hey, if Artoo was Luke Skywalker's co-pilot in that classic X-Wing, then I can sure use one of those Swiss Army knives of a droid helping me make a trip someplace. Since I've started collecting them, I've taken one everywhere with me; to Honduras, L.A., South Daktoa, etc.

The Blanket Buffet Continues...

2009-05-11T19:22:00.003-05:00

Beth's mom has been in town for a couple days now and is soaking up all the Ridley time she can get. I'm posting tonight as we all watch Big Bang Theory/How I Met Your Mother with our good friend Jackie (who cooked us her wonderful Cornbread Mexican Casserole). And the blanket buffet continues...

This fuzzy blanket was given to us by our friends the Foleys: Adam, Bianca, Jessica, and Allison. It's personalized and super comfy!

You might also notice Ridley's onesie. It reads "Hello My Name is Turd Ferguson". The name comes from a sketch on Saturday Night Live and I've always thought it was the funniest and awesomest name I'd ever heard. I joked a lot with Beth that we would name Ridley Turd Ferguson instead; it didn't happen. It was given to us by our friends the Shavers: David, Sarah, and Liam and Ridley can't wear it enough.

Here's a blanket with a ton of character! The squares were hand-drawn by attendees of our "work shower". I'll post some of the individual squares later but, suffice it to say, we'll be explaining it to people (including Ridley) for a long time to come. Yes, there's one that mentions arson.

Here are two other fun pictures:

I call this one "turkey head". Ain't he cute?

I've been staying home on Tuesdays and Thursdays while Beth goes into the office. I took this picture one morning as while we were cuddling in bed after Beth went to work. As long as Ridley isn't moving or making noise, Jewel's pretty cool with him.

Later!

If only Sturgis, SD were closer to Pearland, TX

2009-05-08T09:10:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since I've answered a Plinky prompt! This one seems to fit nicely with what's going on right now. Beth's mom (Granna Sera) is in town for a while, loving on Ridley, and we've been talking about visits and cousins and such.

Ridley's cousins live in these two cities. His grandparents live in near-by places also, so if Pearland and Sturgis were closer to each other, they'd get pulled along as well.

If you drew a straight line between the two, the midpoint would be somewhere in the western half of Kansas. That would be 8 hours away from where we live and would make visiting the two families so much easier! It would be even better if they were pulled within 6 hours of Lubbock!

I grew up with cousins around for summer vacation and making visits to see cousins and I really cherish that part of my childhood. And though most of Ridley's cousins are 10+ years older than him, little Emmerie down in Pearland is two days older than him, and that's just too close to not be... well, close!

More Blanket Buffett

2009-05-06T19:26:00.003-05:00

My mom made this awesome blanket. It's got a super-soft, fuzzy side with raised stars on one side and an amazingly-varied, quilted side with a multitude of patterned fabrics and personalized, cross-stitched panels. It is fantastic!

The Blanket Buffett

2009-04-30T22:05:00.003-05:00

Finally! A blog update! A lot has happened since the last one, I know.

Ridley's Grandma Paulette (my mom) from South Dakota came down to visit and brought him quite a few things, including his first Easter basket.

Ridley has turned two, three, and now four weeks old!

He's been to work with us a couple of times and has had many other outings with Mom and Dad (including an art night out in Slaton and the Department of Theatre & Dance banquet).

Ridley even had a video conference with Grandma Paulette and Grandpa Chuck via iChat!

One of the really cool things about Ridley coming to live with us was that he was given a bunch of blankets, all with their own personality. Over the next few days/weeks/months/whatever, I'll show you some of them...

My coworker Gena made this jungle-themed quilt that Jewel and Ridley hung out on for the first couple of weeks.

Beth's Uncle Thom and Aunt Jami out in Florida sent this Sock Monkey-learn-your-numbers/birdie reversible quilt that Ridley cuddled up in a couple of nights ago.

There are tons of other pictures to post later, but I wanted to at least get these started.

Is it Tuesday Already?

2009-04-07T20:56:00.005-05:00

Today we went to the pediatrician (all is well) and then Wal*Mart (for hats and formula). It was a big day for our little man!

Ridley shares April as a birth month with many in our family: my mom, Beth's Grammie, both of our sisters, Beth's father, and probably some others I'm forgetting. Beth's Grammie has a Presto account that delivers emails in a printed format to people who don't use a computer and Ridley wanted to send her a message:

Here are some more fun pictures:

First bath at home (he was not loving it!).

The cute little hooded towel says, "Little Squirt".

All of this excitement is wearing everyone out, including Jewel.

Mommy, Ridley, and Jewel settle in for a quiet night at home.

Again, I want to thank everyone who has dropped off goodies or electronically wished us well. My mom will be down Friday through Sunday and we can't wait for her to meet her newest grandson.

Life at Home

2009-04-05T12:30:00.003-05:00

Last night, Kevin (who just got back from San Fran the night before) and Katie (who visited us in the hospital but whose picture wasn't on the memory card) came by to see Ridley.

I think Kevin had gas.

Katie was telling Ridley not to listen to anything Kevin tells him.

Jewel likes Ridley's boppies (this one has cool rocket ships and was hand-made by Sue!) and has laser-beam eyes!

That crazy dog!

This morning, Ridley got a mini-mani from Mommy!

Ridley's 1st Car Ride/Coming Home

2009-04-04T15:18:00.005-05:00

Today was the (next) big day: Ridley was going home!

We didn't have to, but we wanted to put some non-hospital clothes on him. Beth chose the "Little but Tough" outfit our friends the Gibbs' gave us (thanks Ryan, Raynie, Gabriel, and Graham!).

He looks good in blue!

Then we get Ridley in his car seat. He's such a good boy; so calm and patient!

He's ready to roll!

Other than a little fussiness getting into the seat and a bit of a shocked face when the infamous Lubbock wind hit him in the face, Ridley rode home half-way to fully asleep.

Daddy played chauffeur while Mommy rode in back with Ridley.

Meeting Jewel was a fairly calm experience. She sniffed him a couple of times, then sniffed his car seat, then wanted Beth to pay attention to her. But when we took Ridley out of the car seat and he made a few noises, that got Jewel's attention! She still doesn't know what to do with him.

Just a note to the makers of the Boppy Cradle In Comfort bouncy chair: don't make a part fit into a place it isn't supposed to fit! I accidentally slid a pipe into a slot that wasn't the slot the pipe was supposed to slide into. Consequently, I had to take the reclining devices completely apart. An hour later...

That's one heck of a yawn! The chair works! Thanks Andrea and Richard!

Mr. Elephant and Ms. Zebra couldn't coax him from his sleep.

We fed and changed our new roommate and put him to bed.

And Jewel went right to her "spot" in the trundle drawer full of blankets!

It's nice to be home! Marc, Kathy, and Aiden decorated the house welcoming Ridley home. Jackie brought us some goodies this afternoon. The Greenes are bringing us Pei-Wei tonight (yum!). Jane is bringing us dinner tomorrow night (thanks, Jane!). Vicki and Rose have Tuesday and next Saturday. *Whew!* We feel so blessed! Thanks, everyone!

Hospital Stay

2009-04-03T15:36:00.003-05:00

In the past, we've stopped by to visit friends who've had kids when they were staying in the hospital but that doesn't prepare you for actually staying two nights after having a kid yourself.

All in all, things have been wonderful here at University Medical Center. Our nurses (Angie, Amalia, and Claudia) have all been super sweet and helpful and not at all pushy or intrusive. We didn't even have to ask (really), we just got one of their "VIP" rooms (it's basically just a corner room that is bigger because of the turn from the doorway to the slightly longer room part) and it has great light and a good view. We'll be checking out tomorrow morning and are super excited for Mr. Ridley to meet Ms. Jewel. Those pictures ought to be fun!

In the meantime, though, here a few pictures from our stay in the executive suite:

Ridley living the good life.

Oops! He spotted me!

Beth's recovery is going well and is helped along tremendously by the love and adoration she gets from her little boy.

Pictures!

2009-04-03T08:54:00.004-05:00

The wi-fi here at the hospital is not necessarily conducive to documenting a delivery on the web but, as promised (alebit later than I'd have liked), here are some more pictures of little Ridley Scheckel:

Mommy and baby after he was all cleaned up.

Daddy and baby after his first bath!

Couldn't keep the paparazzi away even minutes after entering the world!

His "not-so-tiny" tiny little feet.

We had lots of visitors on his first day in the world. Here's Rose catching a little "baby contact high".

And here's Vicki after snapping a shot of Ridley with her iPhone. What did I say? Paparazzi!

Thanks to everyone who's stopped by so far: Andrea, Katie, Jackie (thanks for dinner!), Tara, Richard, Kathy, Helen, Sean, Laura, Scott, and Chuck. It was great to see y'all! And thanks to everyone who has posted comments here, on Facebook or Twitter, and those who've sent emails. We appreciate all of the wonderful people who are going to now be a part of all three of our lives. If Ridley weren't sleeping off a small procedure from eariler this morning, he'd surely agree.

We'll be here through the night and probably got home sometime before lunch tomorrow (Saturday), so if you want to stop by, just call Ryan (806-577-2274).

Ridley Dean Scheckel

2009-04-02T13:40:00.002-05:00

Born at 9:43 a.m. on

Thursday, April 2nd, 2009

Ridley Dean Scheckel

to proud parents

Beth & Ryan Scheckel

weighing 7 pounds & 15 ounces

measuring 22 inches long

Thanks to everyone who encouraged us with your help, prayers, and positive thinking. As I post this, mom is sleeping and baby is squirming under his swaddled blanket in the hospital bassinet. Ridley has eaten twice now, has gotten two shots, and is coping with life on the outside quite well. Beth and I will be open to seeing visitors after 4:00 p.m. today but please call my cell in advance (806-577-2274) for room number and just to make sure all's clear. More pictures later...

Where the Wild Things Are and childhood nostalgia

2009-03-28T21:33:00.003-05:00

Today Beth and I slept in late (we're gonna' milk that as long as we can), had a late lunch at Subway (there was an older guy surfin' facebook there... it was odd), then spent the afternoon shopping for little odds-n-ends we needed. We got a couple of essentials at Babies R Us (like a little stuffed dragon that says "blah!" when you squeeze his tummy), some "window scarves" at Target (our living room windows have been naked for far too long), and everything else at Wal*Mart.

After getting home and unpacking everything, we had pb&j's for dinner (aren't we fancy?) and watched some basketball. My mom called (Hi, Mom!) and asked if we could convince Ridley to come while it's snowing in South Dakota (where she lives and works... at a lawn-care service). Beth says she's ready but we'll see what the doctor says Tuesday. The sonographer from Thursday didn't take any good pictures (sorry) but thinks he's about 8 pounds.

As I type this, the window scarves (think flowing, draped, sheer fabric) are up, Beth is getting Ridley's bath stuff put "where it should go", and I've settled in to answer a Plinky prompt I'm actually interested in answering: "name a children's book that makes you nostalgic".

The first book I remember reading was "The Berenstain Bears and the Missing Dinosaur Bone". I read it in kindergarten and I recall my teacher having a problem with the fact that I had learned to read outside of the formal, state-supported education system. I look back upon that book fondly and won't spoil the twist at the end! ;-)

I had a lot of books growing up: Star Wars movie storybooks, a series of biographical illustrated books on influential people from the past (like Marie Curie & Louis Pasteur, the Wright Brothers, Helen Keller, and many more), the Chronicles of Narnia, and on and on. I love to read and, looking back, I now know why.

But the one book that has recently jumped back into my mind and stirred up all sorts of nostalgic feelings is "Where the Wild Things Are". That was the first book that I can remember that really got me to use my imagination. The reason it's popped back into my brain is that I recently watched a trailer for the upcoming film. Check it out:

In past bloggings, I've shown you the fun little weird toys we bought for Ridley. Recently, I bought a kooky guy off of etsy that I just know Ridley's going to love...

In my mind, what draws me to kids' toys are their ability to get me to use my imagination. Where did these creatures come from? Why does the dragon say "blah!"? What can I build next? I owe that, in part, to "Where the Wild Things Are". I hope the movie can deliver on decades of imaginative promise.

Superman, Dr. Manhattan, Jedi, and Zombies, oh my!

2009-03-26T08:36:00.001-05:00

If you believe that zombies could be real, then you also have to believe that other fictional beings could be real. So, what I will do when the zombies come is get my lightsaber and Jedi things up a bit. Then, Superman and Dr. Manhattan would show up and we'd rid the world of their pestilence.

Internet Fun

2009-03-25T08:27:00.006-05:00

There's a guy on the internet who runs explodingdog.com. I love his work, especially his little dogs. Some of it is a little, um, off but it's all in good fun... I think. His name is Sam Brown and he draws pictures. If you send him an email with an interesting title or, in my case, twitter any thing else you want to talk to him about, he might choose it and draw a picture inspired by what you send him. I've been trying to get one chosen for a while and it finally happened.

Priceless!

Work is getting really crazy and it's not much fun to go home and get back in front of the computer, thus, the lack of updates. But all is well. We have a weekly appointment today with Dr. Yeomans (or doctor, Dr. Deriese, is out of town this week) and an ultrasound Thursday (I'll post the pictures ASAP).

These three songs can help you through a break-up

2009-03-13T09:08:00.002-05:00

Some of the recent plinky prompts have been kind of lame. I mean, really, Bears vs. Sharks?! But I felt like answering this one about break up songs and I felt like working in the wonders of media on teh intertubes. Enjoy...

What It Takes by Aerosmith

One of the early steps of the grieving process is Anger and I'm a firm believer in allowing oneself to fully grieve the loss of the relationship. When broken up with, we almost always get to anger pretty quick, so this song can serve well. Some break-up songs ruthlessly rails against your ex (see: I Hate Everything About You by Ugly Kid Joe), but What It Takes expresses pain and anger without getting too bitter and hurtful.

Listen here: http://tinyurl.com/cn4zh8

There's such wonderful anguish behind the lines "Tell me how it is that you can sleep in the night / Without thinking you lost everything that was good in your life to the toss of the dice".

I've not broken up a lot in my life, but this song has always stuck in my mind as how I felt when I did.

I'll Think of Something by Mark Chesnutt

This could very well be my favorite country song of all time. Talk about baring one's soul! The first time I heard it, I think I'd actually been broken up with, so that's probably why it really stuck with me.

Listen here: http://tinyurl.com/anvj7o

Just try not to cry when you listen to it.

I firmly believe that, for a break up to be overcome, there's got to be a productive depression period.

Somebody's Crying by Chris Isaak

Did you think I was going to find a song about the final step in the grieving process (Acceptance)? Heck no! We broke up! I'm devastated!

The summer after my freshman year in college, I found Chris Isaak's CD "Forever Blue". I hadn't been dating anyone. I hadn't been broken up with. But I was secretly pining for someone, which is like a weird, dragged out kind of breakup.

"Forever Blue" is amazing. The entire CD is break up song after break up song. Some are mad, some are sad, some deny the break up, some are bemused by it. But, in Somebody's Crying, Isaak's haunting, soaring cry of "So please, return the love you took from me / Or please, let me know if it can't be me" comes from a soul that's aching.

Listen here: http://tinyurl.com/al4jyr

As ol' Neil said, "Breaking Up is Hard to Do" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbad22CKlB4), but music sure helps sometimes.

Oooh, pretty!

2009-03-11T14:58:00.003-05:00

I took this picture last night as I was leaving work. It looked like the leaves were bioluminescent.

A Little More "Putting Together"

2009-03-07T13:18:00.000-06:00

I put the "Travel System" (stroller, car seat, and base) and the "Laugh & Learn Jumperoo" together this morning. Thanks to the family from South Dakota (Mom, Chuck, Dad, Sara, Jim, Kelli, and Blane) for the travel system and thanks to the hostesses (Dana, Heather, Sarah, Kathy, Bianca, Christa, Kelly, and Laura) for the jumperoo! We can't wait for Ridley to get here so he can sit in those awesome seats!

My favorite movie quote was spoken by a green puppet

2009-03-06T08:13:00.001-06:00

It's Friday!

"Do or do not. There is no 'try'." is often cited by Star Wars fans as their favorite movie line, but for many different reasons. Personally, I like it because Yoda is really challenging Luke's self-defeating dialogue. The words we use are heard by others, sure, but they carry even more power with us, the speakers. Luke was basically saying, "I guess. Whatever. I don't think I can do it." And Yoda pretty much said, "Either do it or don't, but quit whining about things." A lot of people should listen to the love child of Kermit and Ms. Piggy.

What Does THAT Do?

2009-03-05T18:53:00.001-06:00

This came in the mail today!

What does it do?!

This:

It will make posting pictures to our blog so much easier! All we do is click the pic, take out the memory card, and pop it in the laptop.

See? I had pretzels and spicy mustard for a snack tonight:

Yum!

That Crazy Dog!

2009-03-04T18:00:00.000-06:00

Lately, when we've been in Ridley's room getting things organized, Jewel follows us in but acts kind of antsy; like she's not comfortable with us all standing around in there or something. The other day, Beth was doing her first load of Ridley laundry, and Jewel decided to make herself comfortable in his bedding.

Then, the other night, Beth was finding places for some of the great gifts we were given by all of the wonderful people who've blessed us with their generosity, and Jewel climbed into the trundle drawer that came with Ridley's crib. Beth had put some blankets in there and Jewel just couldn't resist a little "nesting" herself.

That crazy dog!

I also finally put up the hanging-post-stars in Ridley's room. Take a look:

Let's hope he doesn't read this blog and get the idea to use them as monkey bars when he gets older!

A healthy dose of reality might set this country straight

2009-03-04T10:20:00.003-06:00

Middle of the week. Dinner with the Simmonsessseses tonight. Looking forward to that. Trying to get work in order since registration starts when Ridley's supposed to come. Yikes! Will I see all 400+ students in time?!

busted by zappowbang

This country could use a healthy dose of reality. And not the brand of "reality" shown on "reality television". I just can't stand how disconnected from the real world we can be as Americans. Nearly everything about our current culture encourages this discouraging disconnect from really thinking about, feeling for, and doing something to help what's going on around us. You name it: poverty, illness, conflict, politics, the economy... we're being sold stories and some are more fairy tales than documentaries. The exception to the rule are people and groups who challenge others to engage, to empower others, to elicit change. Man! I'm cynical today!

Testing... Testing... 1, 2, 3

2009-03-03T20:56:00.000-06:00

This is me testing out some new layout options.

My handiness requires pre-fabricated furniture

2009-03-03T19:55:00.001-06:00

What is the most impressive thing I've built? Does prefab furniture count? We've got tons of that in the house. Ridley's crib, changing table, and shelves as well as our TV stand, some shelves in the living room, and our entire guest room/office. So, you could say that I've "built" a lot... no? I guess you could say I've "put together" a lot, then. =p

I wish I could get rid of the carpet in the bathroom

2009-03-02T07:15:00.001-06:00

University Day today: answering questions, giving tours, etc. Usually pretty fun, but hectic.

If I could change one thing about my "living situation", it would be to get rid of the carpet in the master bath. Honestly, who puts carpet in a bathroom?

When we took down the wallpaper, textured the walls, painted, and installed new fixtures, we stopped at the toilet because, if we were going to pull the toilet up, I wouldn't want to put it back down on the carpet; I'd want to pull that up, too. So, someday, we'll put in tile, get a new toilet, and finish the wall behind the toilet.

Life doesn't need an 'undo' button

2009-03-01T11:37:00.001-06:00

The 2nd Annual School of Art Community Open House was pretty fun yesterday and, it would seem, a big hit with those who attended (which was quite a lot). Today, Beth and her mom are going to Ridley's shower and I'm prepping to teach tonight on Abundant Thinking vis-à-vis parenting children for true greatness.

Tom's Restaurant by Shelley Panzarella

This question ("Which moments in life do you wish you could do over?") reminds me of the Seinfeld episode in which George is at a meeting heartily shoveling shrimp down his throat. One of the execs says, "Hey, George! The ocean just called: they're out of shrimp!" Poor George couldn't think of a snappy comeback right away. Then, hours later, he thinks up, "Well, yeah? The jerk store called and they're out of you!" =D

We can all think of moments that we wish we could go back in time and respond better, not go shoplifting with our 8th-grade friends, etc. But that kind of thinking can be, in my opinion, one of the most destructive forms of emotional self-harm out there.

These moments we wish we could do over are part of us. They can make us better people (ideally, that would always be true) or they can serve to further entrench us in counter-productive attitudes and behaviors. But, either way, they are part of us and to wish they weren't is to say something like, "I wish I wasn't me."

And that's just not the case!

I'm glad I'm me.

I'm glad Beth's Beth.

And I'm glad Ridley will be Ridley (thanks, in part, to all of the little moments he might wish he could do over).

'National Lampoon's European Vacation' was a memorable theatre-going experience

2009-02-28T09:18:00.001-06:00

School of Art Open House day today; giving tours, answering questions... working... on a Saturday!

I was nine, my sister was twelve, and I don't think my dad knew it had as much nudity in it as it did. I mean, c'mon! It had Chevy Chase as the star for goodness' sake! Needless to say, we just kept looking forward and pretended not to notice those... uh... parts. ;-)

Rosa's Tortillas would go in my care package to a homesick friend

2009-02-27T23:03:00.001-06:00

Today was crazy! Beth's mom is in town for the shower and I had a billion things to wrap up at work. This is the latest Plinky prompt I've answered in a long time. Today they ask what I would send to a homesick friend...

Fresh Rosa's Tortillas

If you're a friend of mine, you'll likely have been to Lubbock. And if you've been to Lubbock, you'll likely have been to Rosa's. If you've been to Rosa's, you have to love their tortillas. They are the Tortilla Factory after all. Whether you take your tortillas with honey and butter or salsa verde, they are fantastic comfort food!

A Mix CD

I think nothing says, "I'm thinking of you," more than hand-selected music to fit your many moods and help you recall the people, places, and times you're missing.

Our Favorite Picture of Us

It would just finish off the experience to gaze upon a snapshot of the two (or more) of us and imagine everything back the way it was... or better (thanks to nostalgia).

It's too complicated to say when it's okay to lie

2009-02-26T08:37:00.001-06:00

I'm feeling a little better today. Last night, I rushed out an bought a Dyson Ball (vacuum cleaner) before Bed, Bath, & Beyond closed. That thing is awesome! Being sick for part of the week has made things fly by and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with trying to keep up with it all. This weekend doesn't slow down, either: Beth's mom comes in town tonight for Beth's shower on Sunday, I teach class Sunday evening, and University Day (the big recruiting event) is Monday morning! Whew!

The question posed to us today is "When (if ever) is it okay to lie?"

The choices given are too simplistic for me to use: "to protect someone's feelings" (maybe), "when no one's looking" (not a good reason, but possibly), "about my age" (that's just cliché), "when I feel like it" (probably not), "never" (probably the best of the options in my mind, but unlikely).

So, in the "other" blank I answered: "It's too complicated."

I think knowing when it is "okay" to lie is like Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart's "definition" of pornography: You'll know it when you see it.

The opportunities to lie a many and varied on a daily basis. From small things to big things, to strangers and loved ones, if you're looking to lie, there's a chance just around the corner.

But when is it okay? Here are some criteria:

1) Will you benefit from the lie? If so, you better see if there's another option.

2) Will someone be hurt by the lie? If so, you'd be well-served to explore a different path.

3) Do you feel fear for being caught in your lie? If so, you better be sure your motives are pure.

4) Will you likely have to lie again to protect this first lie? If so, it's probably not worth the effort.

If you don't benefit from the lie, if nobody will be hurt by the lie, if you don't feel guilt-ridden fear when telling the lie, and if you most likely will only have to lie that one time, it MIGHT be okay to lie in that one instance. Maybe.

More often than not, honesty (with a loving, grace-filled heart behind it) is the best policy.

Devil's Tower is one of the oldest places I've been

2009-02-25T11:13:00.001-06:00

I went home early yesterday with a killer headache and nausea, sleeping most of the afternoon away. I woke up this morning exhausted, with chills. After some more sleep, a little oatmeal, and working some from home, I guess I'm feeling okay enough to sit and answer this Plinky prompt.

I used to live an hour-and-a-half (about 80 miles) away from Mato Tipila (as the Lakota Sioux call it) and have been there five or six times (I think). Scientists figure is was formed between 225 and 65 million years ago. I'd say that's pretty old! Some people climb it, some just walk around it, but all are awed by it.

Growing up in the Paha Sapa (Black Hills) area, I was lucky enough to spend time in some places that were old before the wica ska (white man) came with their buildings and monuments. From the Needles granite structures deep in the hills to the Badlands out east in the plains, Western South Dakota is a great place to grow up.

Am I'm turning into my parents?

2009-02-24T08:38:00.001-06:00

My mom has always been very generous and giving and I love to give as well. My dad has always been pretty easy-going and laid-back and I think I'm a pretty chill dude. My step-dad could always see something funny in most situations and I feel like I can find something to laugh about (even if it's "gallows humor"). These three people (Paulette, Russell, and Chuck respectively), are "my parents". Having the three of them to learn from, be loved by, and looking after me, I was very blessed growing up. Are they perfect? Nobody is! But I sure learned a lot about parenting from each of them, and that's worth more than I can say.

The scar the bus gave me

2009-02-23T07:37:00.001-06:00

Ah... Monday morning... always a little sad when the weekend's over. I've got a committee meeting today and the Summer and Fall schedules to enter, but probably a pretty quiet day ahead.

School bus by Kevin Dooley (kevindooley)

In junior high, I was running to catch a bus. I jumped off of the second to last step, landed on ice in front of the bus door, and busted my butt right in front of everyone else. When I slipped, my left leg kicked up and my shin struck the bottom of the bus extremely hard. So hard, in fact, that the force of the swelling split my skin and muscle down to the bone. 'Course, this was the late 80's, so I was wearing pants with very skinny ankles and I wasn't going to pull my pants down to inspect my leg, so I rode the bus for 30 minutes before getting in my mom's car and riding the rest of the way home (another 15 minutes). Luckily, it was cold and I was wearing knee-high socks (yeah, I was super stylish), so I didn't bleed that much.

20-something stitches on the inside and 40-something on the outside and a leg brace for 30 days, and I was all better. Now, I have this very smooth, U-shaped bald spot on my left shin and a great story.

Songs I changed my mind about

2009-02-22T13:00:00.001-06:00

On this, a lazy Sunday in a lazy weekend, I reflect back on songs that I've changed my mind about. I tend not to think about music that much, but I could identify these three...

Macarena by Los del Rio
When it first came out, I thought it was funny and had a good beat. After the billionth time I heard it, though, and had to see people dancing in public who had no business dancing in public, I had had enough... haven't we all?

Barracuda by Heart
I still love the song, but I changed my mind about wanting to learn how to play it because of Guitar Hero III -- I just can't get the rhythm right on the "galloping" riff. The song rocks, but I can't rock it.

March Gradioso by the Goin' Band from Raiderland
My high school band played March Grandioso, too. So, this song had a lot of sentimental value for me and, when I came to Texas Tech, the Goin' Band played it too, I was pumped! But, then, a little "tradition" sprang up: during the part of the song when most schools spelled their mascot name, Tech also did, which was fine. But the band started playing something of a intro to March Grandioso between plays. It's something like a short version of the song, the part just before you start spelling. Well, Tech students would start spelling even when the band stopped playing the short, intro version. So, here's the student body, spelling R-A-I-D-E-R-S in the middle of the game with no musical backing. I think it's stupid, ergo, I hate the song now.

Horse-drawn carriages should make a comeback

2009-02-21T10:05:00.001-06:00

Caring for one's means of conveyance has become a lost practice. We treat our cars pretty crappy most of the time and they're returning the favor (not intentionally, mind you). If we were all to go back to horse-drawn carriages, I believe we would think more about how we get from point A to point B, all the while cutting back on our dependence on foreign oil, developing a better sense of ecological stewardship, and reducing traffic fatalities by the thousands. It would take a lot of infrastructure change, but the cost of a good horse (or two) and a good carriage would be comparable to the cost of a good car.

I don't know... maybe I should have picked swords...

Beth's First Post

2009-02-21T08:52:00.000-06:00

Yikes. I'm getting the feeling I should wait until Ryan wakes up before I do this. But since I will soon be entering the world of motherhood, I suppose one has to begin taking risks sometime or another. So, here it is...Beth's first-ever post to a blog. I hope I do this right. I think I'll keep it simple this time around!

I was up early again on a Saturday. It's just getting a little more uncomfortable to sleep. I feel like I roll over about every 45 minutes throughout the night. I think I might need new hips. I bet that won't be the last time I think that either!

I tried to be a little more Facebook-responsible and check in this morning. I certainly had amusement throughout the duration as I watched my belly jumping around every now and again while I typed. I think that crazy feeling of life inside has been the best part so far. More to come, I'm sure! But I will miss that feeling when God decides Ridley is ready to join the outside world!

Whew. Now let's press that magic "Publish" button and see if I succeeded. Fingers crossed...

The things usually in my pocket.

2009-02-20T22:15:00.001-06:00

My Wallet
People need wallets, I guess. I used to have a full-blown, folding wallet, but I didn't really need it (no cash), so I took out the ID folio and that's all I use.

My Phone
I need a new one. Two years ago, I thought I'd use this thing for everything. Now? Not so much.

My Keys
They've got little skulls on them to tell them apart. They're called skeleton keys.

Daybreak Coffee is great for catching up with an old friend.

2009-02-19T07:22:00.001-06:00

It's where we would hang out and talk and pretend to study when we were undergrads and, if "an old friend is coming into town", that's "where [we would] meet up for a chat over a beverage".

I can't believe I did that

2009-02-18T16:07:00.001-06:00

I've definitely repressed more embarrassing events, I'm sure, but the best story I can remember is the day I was at Target and I thought I saw my 4th Grade teacher (on whom I had a little bit of a crush). Yeah, it wasn't her, but there I was waving my hand all stupid and the poor woman just looked at me with pity and waved back. That was pretty embarrassing even though I was all by my self.

Ridley's Room Update

2009-02-17T22:18:00.001-06:00

Here are some pictures of Ridley's room getting ready:

Beth's only set of painting clothes didn't quite fit, but we made them work with some inventive scrunchie use. She only did this for a little bit and Jewel helped by holding the ladder.

You've seen the bedding, so you know that stars and stripes in blues and browns is the "theme" we're going with.

Here are some stars hanging above the changing table.

Once we get the crib mattress and wash all the bedding in Dreft®, we'll get post some "finished" pictures. We've had our "work shower" Sunday before last and a lot of really sweet friends gave Ridley some really nice clothes and toys and blankets and other cool stuff. Thanks to everyone!

Beth and I have gone to three of the four "Childbirth 101" classes, one of the two "Baby Care Basics" classes, and a Breastfeeding class so far this month. We have one more 101, one more Baby Care, and a one-time "Breathing & Relaxation" class next week.

49 days to Ridley's due date. We know those things are just guesses, but 7 weeks is 7 weeks!

I tend to want McDonald's when I'm stressed.

2009-02-17T08:31:00.000-06:00

McTrooper by Sherman Tan (Shermeee)

Whatever's close, really. But I often get a craving for McDonald's when things are hectic.

Reading 'The Road Less Traveled' opened my eyes a little wider.

2009-02-16T20:43:00.001-06:00

Regardless of what one may think of M. Scott Peck, he got two things absolutely right: 1) miracles happen and to think any less demonstrates ignorance and arrogance and 2) the work of truly listening exhausts and is rarely attempted, less frequently achieved.

Cardio & Weights keep me in shape... when I do them.

2009-02-15T16:53:00.001-06:00

I like to play basketball but, most recently (when I do work out, which is rare lately and should be changed immediately), I do some cardio on an elliptical machine, stretch, more cardio, stretch, more cardio, then weights.

You'll find "Reader's Digest" atop my toilet!

2009-02-14T19:39:00.001-06:00

"Reader's Digest"
What's "behind the cover" of Reader's Digest? Gold, that's what! From jokes and funny anecdotes to media reviews and vocabulary quizzes to excerpts from books and interviews... it's awesome and still totally relevant. Thanks to Beth's grandmother (Grammie) for giving me a subscription each year for Christmas!

Our trip from Texas to Colorado to South Dakota to Indiana and back to Texas.

2009-02-13T07:24:00.001-06:00

The options plinky gives to answer this question doesn't do justice to the road trip Beth and I went on during the month of June in 2001.

We left Lubbock for Houston to see Beth's family and drop off Jewel (or miniature schnauzer). We then went back to Lubbock for a night. We went to a wedding in Sterling, CO. Then we went to South Dakota to see my family. Then we headed east to Indiana to see Beth's father, Grammie & Poppie, and others. We then went back to Houston to pick up the dog and visit a little more. Finally, we drove back to Lubbock. *Whew!*

We made a big ole' circle in the middle of the country and it took us the full month of June with week-long stops in South Dakota, Indiana, and Houston (if you combine the front-end and back-end visits).

A day without a cell phone is no big deal.

2009-02-12T07:20:00.001-06:00

I frequently forget my phone at home or leave it in the car. Nobody calls me anyway. It is no big deal to go without my phone.

My advice to the world

2009-02-11T16:14:00.001-06:00

Retired homeless fisherman by Pedro Simões (pedrosimoes7)

Mark 12:33b: "to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."

Regardless of your beliefs, whatever acts you offer up for public consumption, if you don't care for your fellow human beings, are worthless.

Watch "The Empire Strikes Back" next time you're home sick

2009-02-10T08:20:00.001-06:00

A) It's Star Wars.

B) It's the best of the six (IMO).

C) There's nothing better than snuggling under some blankies and watching poor Luke freeze half-to-death.

D) "No... I am your father!"

My nicknames and their origins.

2009-02-09T15:29:00.001-06:00

Scheck - shortened version of my last name; many people

Schmeckel - a Yiddish version on my last name; Myrick (and others)

Dauber - I was tall and had long(ish) blond ahir; the guys on my first dorm floor

Ryan the cross-eyed lion - fatherly goofiness; my dad

Hint: A trip to Las Vegas would be nice this Valentine's Day

2009-02-09T15:26:00.001-06:00

Vegas
You can do anything there... ANYTHING!

America needs these people on Obama's cabinet.

2009-02-04T20:42:00.001-06:00

John Q. Taxpayer
Credibility

Jane X. Straightshooter
Straightforwardness

Elmo
Positivity

Stevie Wonder
Vision

Ridley's Bedding and More

2009-01-31T21:58:00.000-06:00

Here's a peek at the bedding we got for the lil'un:

That's the "bumper". It's supposed to keep him from, well, bumping his head on the crib.

That's the comforter. The best I can tell, it's more of a decorative thing than a useful thing at first. All of the crib-bedding-in-a-bag kits show the comforter hanging on the side of the crib or on the wall.

And here's the sheets we bought.

We also bought the stripey sheets that go with it and a dust ruffle (for a crib, I know) and a blanket online since they weren't in the store. Of course, we registered for matching extra sheets, sheet savers, receiving blankets, etc.

And, today, we went to Home Depot to get matching paint for his room (light blue, dark blue, and the dark brown). We think we'll paint to accent walls light blue. Then, at Hobby Lobby, we got wooden letters to paint and hang that spell his name as well as some wooden stars to paint and hang, too. It'll be cool!

With Beth's help, I put the changing table together. Soon as we get the crib, we'll be well on our way to having Ridley's room ready.

On top of all of that, I finally turned in my first professional book review for NACADA. It was on a book that was really for psychologists, therapists, etc. But I chose the book and, six months and 432 pages later, I turned in a 600-word review from the perspective of an academic advisor. Now I have to wait a year to do another one.

It was a busy day. And it's going to stay that way for a while. Every Tuesday and Thursday night in February, we'll be at classes getting ready for Ridley's arrival. Birthing 101, Care and Feeding, Baby Basics, etc.

Best get used to it, though!

Toys for Ridley

2009-01-30T09:24:00.000-06:00

One day, when Beth and I went to Old Navy to shop their maternity section, I saw some awesome toys I just had to buy for Ridley.

This is Stubby Stuberson. That name just cracks me up! It's the kind of name I've often called Jewel (Doggy Doggerson, Stupey Stuperson, Stinky Stinkerson, etc.). Stubby looks like a nice enough of a guy, but I get the feeling there's the heart of a warrior burning under that plaid exterior.

There's also been some debate about the pronunciation of his last name, but I prefer "stub-er-son" (as if it were spelled Stubberson). He's also the colors we're going with in Ridley's room. Nice, huh?

This guy's called Mr. Mouthy and I think you can see why. He seems to be the tough guy of the group. Let's hope little Ridley doesn't pick up any mouthiness from him!

This is a picture from some footie pajamas. The pajamas had Stubby Stuberson and the third toy we got at Old Navy. For some reason, I can't find an image of the actual Dr. Poopsie... he's THAT enigmatic. All away teams need a medical officer, and Dr. Poopsie fits the bill. Or is he a Ph.D., not an M.D.?

I can't wait till Ridley's all slobbering and chewing on these guys. The four of them are going to conquer the world... starting with the crib... that may or may not be delivered next week.

He Sues Jedi

2008-11-21T09:31:00.000-06:00

AHAHAHAHAAAA!