Matching Dresses

I have a cool sister.

The other day we received a package in the mail from Michelle. When we opened it we discovered that Michelle and sewn Julia and B matching dresses. Hilarious. I can actually picture Michelle holding up the little dress and laughing to herself.

Thanks Michelle...what a great idea and very cool that you actually made these yourself! They both fit perfectly. They have been a big hit with everyone.

Love,
Aaron, Stacey, Julia, and B (Jonathan gets a pass)

The Real World Cup

...and then there were 8...or more appropriately for this audience, the elite 8. With Spain's victory this afternoon, the field has been set for the final 7 (not counting the third place match) games. For those who haven't followed the World Cup closely in the past, this is when the real tournament begins. Now are when the big boys come out to play.

Some interesting patterns have developed when looking at the brackets. With the exception of Ghana, every other fixture is South America versus Europe. If it weren't for a poor showing by England, it could have very well been all 4 matchups. Additionally, all group winners have advanced to the final 8 except 1...again, Ghana is involved (USA). From what I've heard, it's the first time 7 of the 8 group winners have advanced (i.e. it's the highest number of group winners ever). With the exception of Italy and England, all of the seeded (i.e. the top ranked) countries have advanced. Conspiracy theorists start your engines. If by some chance all 4 South American teams win, we'll not only have one continent represented in the final four, but it'll be a backyard brawl. The 4 countries (Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay) are only separated by about 200 miles (you could draw a 200 mile line on the map and go through all 4 countries). That should be interesting. From the start, I picked Brazil to win the World Cup and it's looking pretty good so far. At the very least, they should make it out of their bracket and be in the final. Reason: they are the only country left that doesn't have horizontal stripes on their flag. If that isn't a sure sign they are going to win, I don't know what is.

I did some quick math, and thanks to some high scoring games we're only seeing the lowest scoring World Cup by 0.01 goals per game now. Whether or not this will be a memorable Cup will be decided in the next 12 days though. No one will really remember much of what's happened up to this point a few years from now. This is when it all really begins.

Baby Bunny Is Hungry

For awhile now Julia has taken care of "B" (aka her bunny stuffed animal) in the exact same way we have taken care of her. I made a post last month entitled "B, Julia's Alter-Ego" explaining some of the things she does.

Well, now she's taken it to another level. Apparently, her stuffed animal "B" gets hungry "just like baby Jonathan". You can guess what comes next. Up comes the shirt and "B" latches on to Julia's "nipple so B can get some regular milk, not chocolate milk". Those were her words, not mine. I'm not so sure about this one...

This girl doesn't miss a thing. In the next few days I'm sure "B" will need to be burped and will spit up too.

Ice Cream 5K

On Thursday night Stacey took Jonathan with her to Bible study. I stayed at home with Julia and had planned to finish up some yard work, put Julia down for bed, and then relax a little bit. Over lunch I had played soccer so sitting on the couch sounded like a great idea. When Stacey left for Bible study Julia and I were outside watering the flowers. We waved goodbye and continued our little "project" together. After finishing that part up, I got out the hose and Julia helped me spray some Revive soil treatment on the lawn.

About halfway through the Revive the ice cream truck turned onto our street. A few doors down he stopped for some neighborhood kids. Julia had seen the ice cream truck many times before but as far as she knew the truck's sole purpose was to play music for everyone's enjoyment. That night the "music truck's" magical secret was revealed to Julia. You should have seen her face when she found out that the "music truck" was handing out ice cream. She lit up.

Of course, I didn't have any cash (I never carry cash) so I couldn't buy her any ice cream. She kept asking and asking for ice cream until the truck drove away...to which she said, "awww". For some reason she couldn't comprehend that the "music truck" takes a different kind of money then what I had at the time. She kept asking and asking for ice cream from the truck until I finally gave in and told her that after I finished with the lawn we could drive by Dairy Queen and get some. Of course, she got really excited about getting ice cream. I figured since Stacey was meeting the girls at an ice cream shop a little father-daughter ice cream date would be fun. About 5 minutes passed (Julia was still excited) until I realized that Stacey had taken both car seats with her.

Obviously, I couldn't take Julia to get ice cream without a car seat. I guess ice cream was going to have to wait until tomorrow night. I crouched down to Julia's level and explained to her that we couldn't go get ice cream after all since Mommy had taken the car seat. I suggested that I make her something chocolately tonight and that I promised we would get ice cream tomorrow night. Julia was crushed and broke into tears. "But you said Dadda..." I tried to explain to her that we didn't have a car seat, but through her tears she suggested that "I sit in your lap". She cried and cried. I had to think fast. No neighbors were around so I couldn't leave her and drive to the store and I certainly couldn't drive to the store with Julia in my truck. Then, I noticed the jogging stroller. Despite it being the last thing I wanted to do, it was my only option.

So, I told Julia we could still get ice cream tonight but she'd have to ride in the stroller. At first she still wanted to drive but finally accepted my offer. Since it was getting late and it was already her bedtime, I put her in the stroller and took off running to Baskin Robbins. As a Dad, I just couldn't let her down especially since I said we would get ice cream. My legs were tired but Julia kept saying how much fun the ride in the stroller was. Yeah, fun for you, I thought. Round trip it was about 3 miles, but she was happy. In the end, it made me happy too.

USA 1-2 Ghana

Well, the USA is headed home for a second straight World Cup at the hands of Ghana. I really don't have a lot to say about the match...it wasn't what I expected. In all honesty, the first half was as dull and as uninspired a half of football you'll ever see. Once again, we spotted the other team a goal early on. In the second half we completely changed the personality of the game. I felt we could have scored the go-ahead goal during that stretch but it didn't happen. In the end, our lack of firepower and organization in the back finally caught up with us.

I was a bit surprised that Clark started instead of Edu in midfield. I'm not just saying that because Clark gave up the ball that led to the first goal and was subbed after 30 minutes. I honesty felt that the team was going to stay the same from the last game - if anything, maybe a different player at the striker position (but that's it). From the get go something just wasn't right. We either had the wrong personnel, wrong strategy, or wrong formation because Ghana were all over us. I don't know what it was just yet, but something in the gameplan wasn't right. Maybe that's another reason why we used our first substitute uncharacteristically early...to fix that problem. We looked really good when we kept possession and took what Ghana gave us rather then forcing the issue with the long ball to no one. However, I'm not sure whether it was us who changed in the second half or if Ghana got more defensive, allowing us to press the issue....or a combination of both.

This game was played in the same stadium as the England USA game...which is really unfortunate for the casual viewer. During the England game a few of us watching it noticed that the pitch size was extremely small. I mean, the 18 yard box practically covered an entire half. The field is narrow and short, which didn't work in our favor (in my opinion). There are minimum and maximum requirements by FIFA, but field sizes vary. A small field means a short and compact game, with very little space to work with. It also means a much less open and entertaining game. Since suitable stadiums are at a premium in South Africa, I think this one found its way into the tournament by default. I think this might be one area Bob Bradley made a mistake (in who he started up front). He also started Findley against England, and, like two weeks ago, Findley did nothing in this game. He is a speedster - and his game is entirely built on getting the ball played in behind the defense and running on to it. This field size makes that impossible. I would have liked to see Buddle, more of a possession striker, start in this game. In addition, we never really had any counter attacks or streaking runs by Donovan or Dempsey because there was no space to run around. There was a lot of congestion on the pitch tonight. Believe it or not, I think Howard didn't play well either...and if I had to list all of the players that I think had a good game I'd probably only mention Feilhaber. We really didn't play well like we did against Algeria, but Ghana are a much better team.

At the end of the day I'm happy with what the team accomplished and would definitely call this World Cup a success. Not only did we meet our expectations on the pitch, but I really think this team and this World Cup captured the interest of this country more then in the past. I think it's due to ESPN and their coverage - that is, we've really been exposed to the World Cup (and the sport) this time. It's just different then previous tournaments and I get the sense the sport is slowly making its way into consciousness of America. I feel in some ways this could be the turning point, the time we look back on and say "that was when it all began". It will never get bigger then our standard sporting lineup, but it seems poised to join the group.

Awkward Family Photos

As if today couldn't get any better... http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com

Like Mother Like Son

USA 1-0 Algeria

I don’t even know where to begin… It doesn’t get any more dramatic then it did today. We were 3 minutes away from being eliminated from our group for the second time in a row until the ball finally went in the net. From eliminated to group winners with one kick of the ball. We had a goal disallowed AGAIN, although in full speed I called it offside myself so I can’t fault the linesman at all. We could have scored 7 goals and the game should have been over in the first half if not the second.

As the game progressed and chance after chance was missed, this game was shaping up to be a heartbreaker for the U.S. A hit post here, and wide open goal missed there, shots sent right at the Algerian keeper all pointed to the fact that we weren’t going to get the job done. All we needed was ONE, just ONE to go in and it wasn’t working out for us even though it would have 9 times out of 10. Finally, thanks to Tim Howard (our keeper), we counter-attacked with advantage in numbers with about 180 seconds to spare. He won’t be on the official score sheet with an assist, but his perfect throw to midfield started our last break that resulted in the goal. We may not be the best team in the world, but we sure have shown some character. Kudos to the team for not getting frustrated and continuing the fight. If this game wasn’t an example of the American attitude, I don’t know what is.

Tactically speaking, we played very well. I’m referring mostly to the defense. Although Algeria are hardly an offensive powerhouse (they failed to score a single goal in the tournament) our defense still had some work to do…and almost got scored on after 5 minutes. To be fair, that was one of probably two chances they had all night. Algeria were a totally different opponent, but I have to give myself at least a pat on the back for calling for Onyewu to be benched. In my previous post on the Slovenia game, I faulted him for both goals. At work I was explaining what happened on those two goals we conceded against Slovenia and said that I would probably bench Onyewu after that performance. Well, he did get benched (for Bornstein) and the U.S. recorded it’s first ever shutout in group play since the 1-0 win over England in 1950 (I believe). We also won our third group match for the first time in history and won our group for the first time since the first ever World Cup in 1930. Speaking of, I don’t count the pathetic 1930 stat that says we finished third in that World Cup. It was the inaugural World Cup and there were only 4 teams that made it to the knockout round. We lost to Argentina 6-1 and there was no third place game…so we tied for third place. I digress.

ESPN’s motto this tournament is “one game changes everything”. Based on what I watched today in all the games (both Groups C & D), one GOAL changes everything. The other day, a coworker who likes the sport stopped by my cubicle wondering why (for ratings sake) they had scheduled both of the final group games at the same time. He thought that was a bad idea until I explained to him the equality/fairness and drama it creates. Today we witnessed some serious drama. At one point in the afternoon games in Group D, one goal would have completely changed who advanced…just like in Group C. All 8 teams were within 1 goal of advancing to the next round today…and that’s why today was so exciting and yet so exhausting. As I mentioned yesterday, this tournament has really heated up as it has progressed. Today was a great day to be a soccer fan…I guess unless your team didn't advance.

At the end of all the craziness we ended up being matched up with Ghana. The game is on Saturday at noon (kickoff noon-thirty). Did you know that Ghana eliminated us from the previous World Cup? They beat us 2-1 in our final group match…meaning we’ll have a chance to even the score against them. If we would have won that game in 2006 we would have advanced. As far as their team goes, they are physical monsters. Some of the guys look like they should be playing safety in the NFL. They are fast, strong, and will attack anyone. This should mean a wide open, entertaining game. I think we match up well with teams like this – mainly because we’re very similar. I think we struggle against the more tactical, skillful sides but can go toe to toe with anyone in a slugfest. I won’t predict the outcome, but it should be an entertaining one to watch. Coincidently, at the Confederations Cup last summer in South Africa, we also just barely squeaked by the group stage and then we beat world #1 Spain in the next match. Since we did the same thing today, I hope we can take this emotional rollercoaster and once again use it to our advantage in the next game. USA!

World Cup Hitting Its Stride

My my my - how quickly things change. Last week I was singing the praises of the referees and lamenting the lack of entertaining football and goals scored. In the past few days we've seen some crazy scores (7-0 and about 3 goals a game) and some even crazier refereeing decisions. This is still currently the lowest scoring World Cup in history (so far) but the drama has been turned up a notch. In addition to that, the final group games started today. Since all teams in the same group play their final games at the same time, it means the tournament has effectively reached the "knockout phase". Teams know what they need to do at the start but it also changes on the fly depending on what's happening in the other game at that moment. It all adds up to an exciting end to the group phase.

Speaking of which, the USA plays tomorrow in its final group match against Algeria. It's a must win...well, a must tie as long as England also ties but doesn't score 3 goals or more then we do. You can see where this is going. At any rate, if both games end in a tie but England score 2 more goals then we do (e.g. 0-0 and 2-2), then I believe all 6 tie-breakers will be even between the USA and England and to determine a winner they will have to draw a name out of a hat. Can you imagine?

As far the USA is concerned, I really don't know what to expect anymore. We're good enough to win, yet we're also not good enough to lose. We let teams score for fun in the first minutes of a game then make a World Cup record comeback (if that 3rd goal would have been allowed). Point is, I don't know which team is going to show up. I'd like to think we can beat Algeria but I can also see us getting a 1-1 draw. Will the real slim shady please stand up? Regardless, I will be watching the game live win, lose, or draw.

Gone With The Wind

Over the past few months the wind here in Colorado Springs has really started to get on my nerves...probably because I spent so much time and effort on the backyard and we haven't been able to use it because of the weather. I brought this up at work and suggested that this year seems like the windiest year I can remember - at least since I moved back. Well, I don't think many people agreed with me and if they didn't disagree with me the response was that it's always windy here in the spring.

So, I set out to find out whether or not this year has been the windiest year since 2007 (when we moved back). I've been thinking about this for awhile but couldn't find the statistics online until last night. I know, I'm a complete nerd...but when I have a hunch I really want to find the answer. Thanks to Weather Underground, I was able to find historical data for the Colorado Springs Airport for every day I wanted. In addition to the normal weather, it listed daily statistics for these 3 wind categories (in mph):

1) High Wind Speed
2) Average Wind Speed
3) High Gust Speed

I copied the weather data from January 1 - June 21 for each year (2007-2010) into Excel and did a few summations and averages...blah blah blah...yadda yadda yadda. Long story short, the results are:

Overall Windiest Year

1st - 2008
2nd - 2009
3rd - 2010
4th - 2007

Surprisingly, 2010 was only 3rd on the list of windiest years. However, this really doesn't answer the question that I was asking...that is, more appropriately, has this spring been more windy then previous years? In all honesty, I would have no idea how much wind we get during the winter months of January-March because I'm inside all of the time. However, April - June is when the weather warms up and everyone wants to be outside. This year, every time I've been or wanted to go outside it seems like the wind was annoyingly blowing. So, what does Spring 2010 look like?

Overall Windiest Spring

1st - 2010
2nd - 2008
3rd - 2009
4th - 2007

Basically, Spring 2010 is 1st in total/average high wind speeds, has the most days where the average wind speed has been higher then all other years for the same date, 1st in total/average wind gust speed and has the most days where the wind gust speed has been higher then all other years for the same date. 2008 is a very close second in the first two categories, but 2010 is head and shoulders (I refrained from using the phrase "blows away") above every other year in wind gust speed.

So, if you feel like it's been really windy this spring, it's because it has. Well, at least compared to the previous 3 years. As a side note for comparative purposes, year to date Colorado Springs has only had 2-4 mph more average wind then Spokane (the airports anyway).

Happy Father's Day

Yeah, I got a haircut. I love it even if it doesn't look good. But hey, I'm a Dad now so it's the least of my concerns.

The Towns Where People Live The Longest

Okinawa, Ovodda, and Loma Linda

USA 2 - 2 Slovenia

I took an early lunch this morning and stayed home to watch the USA in their all-important match up against Slovenia. It was a game of two halves, both in how we played and where I watched them. In much the same fashion as the England game, we came out flat and gave up a very early goal. I can’t explain why we’re doing this other then it’s down to unfamiliarity between the players and lack of confidence (i.e. our mental approach). Is this a sign we don’t really have a leader in the locker room and/or on the field? Possibly.

As the first half progressed, it was clear to me that our weaknesses were being exposed. Again, our defense looked shaky and our offense proved to be no threat to the opposition. The second goal went in and before the official scorer had noted it on the television I was already off the couch headed to work. Going down 0-2 against a very organized team who only gave up 4 goals in total in their 10 group qualifying matches was enough to head to work. Based on that, the way we were playing, and a likely England victory against Algeria coming later that day, our tournament looked all but over.

Before I get to the second half, let me give you a quick tactical insight into the sport and show you how we gave up two goals. From the highlights, it is clear to me that my less then favorite defender Onyewu (who was injured for 7 months before this World Cup started) played an extremely large role in our country conceding 2 goals in the first half. You’ll have to view the highlight video to see what I’m talking about.

First Goal
We were playing in a standard 4-4-2 formation. Slovenia had 4 players forward, all marked individually by our 4 defenders. We were in a man-marking situation, not a zonal-marking situation. We also had all 4 midfielders back, who had contained the 3 other players in front of them. The play happened in the space between the midfield and the defense. The Slovenian player, who was being marked by Onyewu, checked back and showed for the ball into the space between our midfield and defense. In this situation (man marking), Onyewu should have followed him and closed down the space. There was no threat as we had everyone marked. Instead, he stood still in the middle of our box. The Slovenian player received the pass in space and was allowed to turn and shoot the ball from the very center of the field without being challenged. In short, the goal was scored by Onyewu’s man that he let roam free at the top of our box. Just like in basketball, if a player underneath the basket makes a move back out (behind the 3 point line or wherever), his defender HAS to get out their and close down the space/contest the shot.

Second Goal
Slovenia hit us on the counter attack. Even though we had 2 defenders near the player carrying the ball, Onyewu got caught ball-watching and in no man’s land. He completely ignored the other Slovenian attacker and turned to face the player with the ball as if no one else was there to mark. He stood there flat footed and the pass was easily slotted past him and then tucked away into the back of the net. He wasn’t trying to play the offside trap as he didn’t make any movement forward…he just made the wrong decision especially as the last man back. He left the pass AND the other player open as he stood in the middle of our zone all by himself.

Not surprisingly, he was subbed in the second half as we chased the game. I really think we should start someone else on Wednesday against Algeria especially since they are adept at passing the ball all around big players like Onyewu. He might not be able to keep up. Fortunately (but unfortunately in terms of accurate analysis of the game) we decided to wake up in the second half and scored two goals of our own on mistakes by Slovenia’s defender/keeper and their midfield (by not not staying with Bradley on our second goal). Despite the referee having a terrible game and disallowing a legitimate 3rd goal, I have to agree with Alexi Lalas’ post game analysis. All of the talk will be about what a great comeback this was and how the referee robbed us of a win. This is very true and we should give the players the credit for fighting back. However, before we point the finger at the referee we have to point the finger at ourselves for such an abysmal first half performance. I tend not to take a game like this one as a positive…ESPECIALLY since this has become a pattern with this team (playing from behind, not being up for the game from the start, etc) even during qualifying. Ahem, Manager Bob Bradley. It was a great comeback and turnaround but we dug our own grave and the first half should have just enough attention paid to it as the second half. Of course, at halftime between England Algeria the highlights started in the second half after we were already 0-2 down. That’s NOT the entire picture…and based on what I saw today in the England Algeria match a win over Algeria is not going to be as easy of a task as many people might think.

England and Algeria tied 0-0, essentially blowing this group wide open for the last set of games. Except for one outside possibility, a win by any of the 4 teams will guarantee advancement for them into the second round. There are so many combinations that involve the tie breakers of goal difference and goals scored that they are too long to list in this post. For now, the easiest and simplest solution for the USA to advance to the next round is a simple win. Heck, a win and the right outcome in the other game would mean the USA would win the group. But let’s not get carried away – Algeria have proved to be a worthy opponent.

Quarter Pint Patio Set

Silly Putty Ambush

Josh shouldn't have taken that Friday off... Happy Monday! Next up, the stapler in jello.

(the phone was moved to the left before the picture was taken. At the time of "ooze", it was directly in the lava's path. No company property was damaged in the making of this mockumentary.

USA England Goal Highlights

...it's not what you think... Well done!

An Interesting Point About the World Cup

I've pretty much watched all (or part of all) of the World Cup so far. I've either seen every match to this point or at least seen large portions of each match in between getting ready for work in the morning. Yesterday, after having viewed enough games, I realized that this tournament (as far the level of sport being played on the field) so far hasn't really been that great. There haven't been many goals, and the overall quality of what I'm seeing isn't the best. However, the coverage by ESPN has been outstanding - dare I say "world class". We are finally getting a dedicated effort by a broadcaster in this country.

There are many reasons you could explain the level of the competition so far. Many of the reasons are valid. First, the teams are cautious as this is their first game. Second, the much publicized ball. Third, some of the games are being played at altitude - some approaching the level of Denver but most about half that and some at sea level. Fourth, those amazingly annoying vuvuzelas that drown out even the communication between players and players with their managers.

The WFD podcast today interviewed Martin Tyler (you may have heard him commentate a few games). Besides confirming what I've said above about the goals scored and the level of play on the field, he made an interesting point about the World Cup. Top to bottom, the 32 teams in the Champions League are probably better then the 32 teams in the World Cup. He is exactly right...I've just never thought of it that way before. Growing up I always thought that the World Cup was supposed to represent the best of the sport. In reality, it's not. Compare this to the NBA and Olympic basketball. It's the exact same. The NBA is where the best play basketball and where the best basketball is played. Every four years, each player leaves his team to represent his country. Top to bottom, Olympic basketball (and every other team sport in the Olympics) is not as strong as the NBA. The competition isn't as good and the teams aren't as good. Just as in the Olympics, these countries get limited time together to develop a chemistry despite the each being a very talented player individually.

This is not to say that the World Cup should be overlooked. It's just different. I'm not sure that many people here realize that when they watch a World Cup game they are still not watching the sport at its best or highest level. However, just like the Olympics, there is something more pure about a competition where professional athletes pause to represent their country. Attempting to bring glory to their country goes much farther and is more important then how well the game is played. It's respectable, it's noble, it's more pure, it's not necessarily about watching the game at the very highest level. Add in the fact that this is a global spectacle, and the World Cup takes on a different level of importance despite what happens on the field.

I know that in later rounds when the better teams play each other the quality will vastly improve and some games may even be played at the highest level. I just never realized until now (since I now have seen the sport played at the highest level in Europe) that the World Cup isn't the pinnacle when it comes to quality performances on the pitch. It is the pinnacle, however, on a national scale (like the Olympics)...and that's what makes it worth watching. Entire countries stop when their team takes the field. Some are just happy to be there. Some want a good showing. Some want to win it all. Regardless, there are many other things besides the game being played that make this world tournament for the world's game special.

USA 1-1 England

Well, we got quite a gift in our first World Cup match. It was one of those matches where if everyone took their chances, England probably would have won 3 or 2 to 1. Although the game was somewhat even in the middle of the field, we never looked like we were going to score except for the one run by Altidore where it deflected off of the goalie and then hit the post. I was impressed with the USA's resiliency after giving up a goal 4 minutes in and the general performance. I'll take the point. I got what I expected from our team: a few mental lapses in defense, a midfield and goalie that kept us in the game, and not much threat of scoring a goal. On the other side, I was a bit surprised how lackluster England played. It's the first game though, so teams are still getting up to speed (based on the other games I've seen). I'd say a good way to sum things up is the USA played well, England slightly underperformed, and the majority of the breaks went our way. All those added up to a draw...which before the game I would have taken without hesitation.

I'm writing this after watching the other game in this group between Slovenia and Algeria. In short, that game was one of the poorest games I've seen in a very long time. Neither team did much but give the ball to the other team. Two cheap yellow cards by the same substitute for Algeria and another terrible save attempt by the Algerian keeper gave Slovenia the win and 1st place. This isn't a good result for either England or the USA. However, after watching the game, I just don't see how either England or the USA will lose to either team. Although the USA Slovenia game Friday will be huge, I don't believe it is a must win for us. I still think a draw and then a win in our last game against Algeria (assuming England beat Slovenia) will advance us 5 points to 4 over Slovenia. A win against Slovenia though would all but put us through to the next round unless Slovenia beat England...which I just don't see happening.

A final quick shout out for the referees. They have done an outstanding job so far. I'm looking forward to seeing some of the latter first round group matches in the next few days...that's when we'll see the big guns.

Let Me Hold Him

Julia Gives JD Kisses & Lovies

Let's Get This Party Started

I'm like a little boy on Christmas Eve! The sooner I go to bed, the sooner the World Cup will come tomorrow. I just finished watching ESPN's special World Cup preview show and I must say that I'm impressed with the level of coverage they are giving this tournament so far. This sport has come so far in this country just in my lifetime. I remember growing up when our regional Fox Sports channel started showing games. Usually it was a game every other week and usually it was about a week or two old. Now I can see pretty much any game I want, live. ESPN appears to have committed serious resources and are going to give this tournament their best shot.

Here's my prediction/observation: this sport will be accepted by my generation and future generations in this country. Whenever I meet someone who is really outspoken against the sport, they are from an older generation. My generation has given the sport a chance, and now it's available for viewing at its highest level. An open mind and in-depth exposure will only grow the sport here...maybe not to the levels of other sports, but at least to the point of acceptance and respect.

So it begins tomorrow. I feel slightly behind in all the build up since I haven't been able to watch much TV. However, that stuff is all talk and speculation so I'll be able to hop in now that games are starting and probably won't miss a beat. I'm really excited...but with the combo of ESPN, HD, football, and U2, how could I NOT be excited? This is really the only global sporting event in the entire world, and, because of that, it's not just about the sport. The world is watching (literally)...so don't miss out on the party.

What Julia Did Yesterday...

...while we were waiting to be discharged from the hospital.

We're Home

We made it home today at about 3 in the afternoon. Everything's going well - we're just glad to be out of the hospital and back home. So far, Jonathan has been a very quiet baby. He's hardly cried at all. Here are some of my favorite pictures from my parent's camera.

Julia Says Jonathan

Welcome Jonathan David Sudduth

Born June 6th, 2010. 6 pounds, 9 ounces, 18.5 inches long...

Mommy and baby are doing well. Stacey popped out another baby "au naturel" with relative grace. Although this labor was slightly longer (6 hours) and more intense, Stacey was once again an all-star. A few pushes and JD came right out.

We had them induce Stacey (start Pitocin) at about 8:45 a.m. The doctor perforated her water at about 12:15. Two and a half hours later he was born. Because Stacey was GBS positive, we have to stay in the hospital for 48 hours after giving birth. So, we won't be able to leave until Tuesday afternoon at the earliest.

We think he already looks like a Johnson. As with any little boy, it was hard to hide his boy parts in the pictures - so, fair warning. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.