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April 25, 2006
Banana Appeal
Naomi and I made my favorite banana bread today. It was a perfect activity to keep us busy while it rained cats and dogs outside. Nomi was more interested in her reflection in the bowl than mixing the batter... until I brought out the chocolate chips!
And another sisters photo for the fans:
Posted by calley at 05:00 PM | Comments (3)
April 23, 2006
Sisters
Posted by calley at 08:55 PM | Comments (6)
April 20, 2006
So Far So Good
I wasn't sure what to expect with Matt back at work today but so far things are going surprisingly well. Signs that we're making it:
1. Naomi has only watched one episode of Sesame Street today
2. Nomi has been especially affectionate with Selah even though I've been holding her most of the time
3. I managed to run an errand that required getting both girls out and back into the car
4. Selah received her first bath while Naomi took a nap
I couldn't get a shot of the actual bath but here's a picture all cozy after tub time in her handmade hat and booties. Thanks Jen!
Posted by calley at 02:20 PM | Comments (5)
April 19, 2006
Zoo Blooms
We ventured out to the Cincinnati Zoo yesterday to enjoy some fresh air, over 80,000 tulips and of course see the animals. Fun family times!
Here are a few unique animal shots, too. The gorilla pictured, Jomo, is a relatively new addition to the Zoo.
On a separate note, Matt goes back to work on Thursday and I can't say I'm looking forward to adjusting to taking care of both girls by myself. It's been great having him home for a few weeks!
Posted by calley at 02:30 PM | Comments (3)
Egg Hunt
Naomi had a blast searching for Grandma & Grandpa Rambo's hidden easter eggs on Sunday... especially when she discovered that there were "goodies" inside! Selah watched from the sidelines and will give Nomi a run for her money next year.
Uncle Jon and soon-to-be Aunt Kori also came for a visit this weekend to meet their new niece.
Posted by calley at 01:40 PM
April 16, 2006
Toy Master
So many of Naomi's toys make noise or talk that I thought I'd start reprogramming them to be a little more, um, accommodating. Click here to listen.
Posted by Matt at 10:12 AM | Comments (2)
April 15, 2006
Ears Ringing
Saw Editors and Stellastarr* in concert last night in some hole-in-the-wall club that I was surprised they played. Great sets. My ears are still ringing this morning.
Posted by Matt at 07:30 AM | Comments (3)
April 12, 2006
Selah Photos
We're continuing to adjust to life with a fourth member of the family, and also enjoying time together outside in the sunny spring weather. Naomi continues to warm up to Selah, or at least appears resigned to the fact that she's not leaving, and even gave her a couple of unsolicited kisses and 'hellos' today.
The above pillow picture may remind some of our faithful TC fans of this picture, taken right after we brought Naomi home from the hospital.
Posted by Matt at 08:36 PM | Comments (5)
April 11, 2006
A Fix For The Grandparents
There are lots more pictures coming very soon. I'm mindful of spreading out the ratings. Stay tuned!
Posted by Matt at 07:50 PM | Comments (7)
April 10, 2006
Springtime Sunshine = Fun
The weather today was gorgeous and Naomi and I spent a lot of time playing outside. Even the new baby and the old lady next door couldn't resist being in the sunshine.
And I swore I'd never have any of those tacky plastic toys in my yard, but after seeing how much fun Naomi has had playing in these with friends, I bought her a playhouse for the yard today. It was grossly overpriced, I had to deal with headaches at the toy store and I needed to enlist Tony to help with transport and assembly (thanks, T!), but it was all totally worth it to see her face and watch her enjoy it. And this, dear readers, is just another example of how life changes when you have kids.
Stay tuned for a Selah mega-post!
Posted by Matt at 08:20 PM | Comments (9)
April 09, 2006
Obsession
Can you guess Naomi's favorite Sesame Street character? This photo was not staged. Seriously.
Posted by Matt at 09:28 AM | Comments (3)
April 07, 2006
Day 2
Everyone's doing great. Cal is feeling more and more like herself today. Naomi's interest in her little sister, on a scale of 1-10, was about a 3 today (that's up from a zero yesterday). I know what you want - here are a few more photos from the hospital today:
Posted by Matt at 09:30 PM | Comments (5)
April 06, 2006
Please Welcome...
Selah Elisabeth
born: 4/6/06 @ 5:45am
7 pounds, 6 ounces
20" long
Both Calley and Selah are doing well. We had been scheduled to come into the hospital this morning for an induction, anyway, but late last night this little girl decided she was making her entrance on her own timing. We arrived at the hospital by 3am and our doctor arrived at 5:30 - just in time to deliver by 5:45. The day has been a blur of doctors, nurses, tests and (a few) visitors ever since. We're all just tired, but doing great.
Naomi came to visit briefly this afternoon. She was excited to see Mom and Dad, and appeared only mildly intrigued by this new baby for a few minutes. She gave her a kiss, but then was far more interested in the view of the city from the window ledge (that she could walk on!) and the snacks in grandma's purse. I went home to read her some bedtime stories tonight and all was right with the world. We'll see what she thinks when this new curiosity comes home and doesn't leave.
For the etymologically curious, Selah (pronounced 'see-lah') is a Hebrew name meaning "pause, reflection." The word has musical connotations, as it was a direction used throughout the psalms, likely to stress the importance of the preceding passage. Cal and I like the meaning of the name, and we also just really liked its sound and uniqueness.
Naomi's name, by the way, is also Hebrew and means both "pleasant" and "beautiful." Click here for a blast from the not-so-distant past.
More to come - we've got wi-fi at the hospital...
Posted by Matt at 10:15 PM | Comments (10)
April 04, 2006
Toes
Naomi and I enjoyed a beautiful day together. We walked outside, watched a little Sesame Street, colored in her Elmo coloring book, read books and even painted our toes. Actually, my toes were painted already and Nomi wanted hers to be the same. She was SO excited when she saw the nail polish! We had so much fun I just had to take a picture. Tonight when I put her to bed I realized this is one of our last nights with just Nomi. Sigh.
In the past two days Naomi is exploding with new words like blanket, cookie, juice, truck, car, whoa and hat to name a few. It makes conversations quite entertaining. Here are a few sweet pictures from our day yesterday. She's saying "Coco"(aka cookie or Cookie monster) in the first one and giving dad hugs in the second.
Posted by calley at 09:00 PM | Comments (5)
April 02, 2006
Hospital Mix
Many of my friends, like me, are music nerds, so I thought this might be of interest. I wanted to make something for Calley and me to share at the hospital. Tracks for a good mix should be chosen strategically (and played in order) to evoke certain ideas and emotions, and these all have a specific rationale. So because life should have a good soundtrack, here's my hospital mix:
The One I Love [David Gray] - this one's for Calley. Because she's just that. The next couple of songs are for her, too.
I Just Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You [Colin Hay]
Closer [Joshua Radin]
Soul Meets Body [Death Cab For Cutie] - witnessing the birth of a child is the closest thing I've seen to these things intersecting in plain view. I want to live where soul meets body...and feel what it's like to be new.
Chicago [Sufjan Stevens] - this guy's music just blows my mind. Brilliant and truly original. All things grow, all things grow.
Till Kingdom Come [Coldplay] - with all these trips to the hospital, it feels like this is how long we've been waiting. I never felt this way before...I hear you laugh, I heard you sing - I wouldn’t change a single thing.
Miracle Drug [U2] - an ode to the epidural (just kidding). A beautiful song with numerous meanings for me. Freedom has a scent, like the top of a newborn baby's head.
Follow The Light [Travis] - this one's about the birth canal (again, kidding). It’s alright, just follow the light and don’t be afraid of the dark.
Naked As We Came [Iron & Wine] - I lay smiling like our sleeping children - one of us will die inside these arms - eyes wide open, naked as we came.
First Day Of My Life [Bright Eyes] - obvious birth connotations, right? Simple, beautiful love song. Yours is the first face that I saw - think I was blind before I met you.
Original Of The Species [U2] - Please stay a child somewhere in your heart...you are the first one of your kind.
Sweetness Follows [R.E.M.] - It’s these little things, they can pull you under - live your life filled with joy and wonder.
Golden Slumbers [Ben Folds] - normally a good mix tape (uh, playlist) should never include back-to-back songs by the same artist, but A) this is really a Beatles song (duh), and B) it's so short that this and the next song are kind of a Ben Folds medley. Sleep pretty darling do not cry, and I will sing a lullabye.
Gracie [Ben Folds] - this one makes me think of Naomi. Certain lyrics catch my heart in my throat. If you ever have a daughter, you'll understand what I mean.
Daughters [John Mayer] - fathers, be good to your daughters. I'm gonna do my best.
Posted by Matt at 11:15 AM | Comments (5)