After the cog railway in the morning, everyone came over in the afternoon for some barbecue, cupcakes, and presents. Julia and Jonathan both loved the party and the company. We set up the dining room in a similar fashion to Julia's first birthday party.
Julia was ready to go. She was the first person to put on the party hat and dig into dinner. She already knew the routine - the faster she ate, the sooner the cupcakes and the presents would come. Here she is showing us how old she will be on her next birthday. Before we sat down to eat, she put her party hat on backwards. I had to tell her that it was on backwards and she needed to turn it around, to which she asked, "Why? Is the number one not in the front?" She's so smart it's scary.
Jonathan actually kept his hat on for awhile - at least plenty of time to get a handful of good pictures and videos. Considering his size, nickname, and the shape of the birthday hats, I couldn't help but call him "Buddy the Elf". SANTA!!!!! He was his usual smiling self when Stacey brought out his cupcake and candle.
Surprisingly (or not, when you stop to think about his eating skills), he didn't really eat much of the cupcake. Julia chowed down, but he preferred to mash and squeeze the cupcake in his hands. I think he absorbed more of it through his skin then he actually ate. It's funny the difference between the two - one daintily ate while the other played with and obliterated the cupcake. I bet you can't tell which one was the girl and which one the boy.
After everyone cleaned up we headed to the basement to open presents. Julia "assisted" with the opening of the presents. She and Jonathan both liked the school bus and workbench toys that they were given. They were a big hit, only slightly more then the boxes they came in and the balloons from the party though. A few times I had to pull Julia back so that Jonathan could play with his own toys and so we could get a few pictures. Her enthusiasm was pretty funny to watch. I love the concentration in these shots - so serious.
After everyone had left for the night we realized it was all over. I guess if we don't have another child then we're through with our first birthday parties. We're still eating from the extra paper plates and napkins from the party - you know, only because it would be wasteful to just throw them away...
On Saturday we all headed up the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Stacey's family is in town for Jonathan's first birthday celebration. I think I've taken the train once before, but it was a long time ago when I was a kid. Stacey and everyone else had never taken a ride on the train nor been to the top of Pikes Peak.
Jonathan really liked watching the scenery pass by. He frequently had his nose pressed up against the glass. Although the quarters were a bit cramped for two young kids, both of them did great. In the morning Julia wanted to wear her snow boots because she thought we were all hiking up the mountain (like I had done a few months ago). She was concerned with my footwear decision until she understood we were taking a train to the top.
Group hug, following another car up the mountain, and the Julia touching our ride
This was Julia's second 14er...although technically both were done while riding to the top (the first, on my back and the second, on the train). Jonathan was a bit fussy at the top, so it was hard to get a good picture of him at the top. This was his first trip up a 14er.
Yesterday evening, while Stacey and I were sitting on the back patio, I noticed that the leaves blowing in the wind were slightly blurry. As the light faded, it seemed to get worse. So, I had Stacey hand me her glasses. When I put them on the edges of the leaves were noticeably (although only slightly) crisper. Later I looked in the mirror and saw what seemed to be a few gray hairs. Upon closer investigation, they looked more white or perhaps very sun-bleached blond.
Jonathan saved up another first for his birthday. Yesterday, on his birthday, he took his first steps. My parents had stopped by to pass on their birthday wishes, so there was a large crowd of witnesses. For months he has been walking along the wall, furniture, toys, etc. We've been trying to get him to walk between Stacey and I, but today he decided he wanted to do it on his own.
He was holding a sippy cup while seated next to me. I saw him try to stand up (push off with his legs), so I helped him up. He took a few steps over to me and then the glass door. A few times he balanced and took a few steps, all while having the sippy cup in his mouth. My Mom made the point that he probably thought he was holding on to something, and that was enough to get him to walk. Physically he's ready but maybe he just needs a distraction.
Although it wasn't on video, here's who witnessed his official first steps:
We are so thankful for the laughter you've brought us this first year. You have made us all realize just how precious a new life is. We feel so blessed to have such great kids. I'm grateful that I have been able to spend almost the entire first year of your life with you. Here's to many more happy, healthy, and loving years.
We're going to celebrate his birthday next weekend. Almost all members of Stacey's and my family will be coming together to celebrate. Check back in about a week for pictures and videos of his first party.
...I'm out. Well, I guess that answers that question. I'm not at all surprised that I was not recommended for promotion. I haven't done anything with the Reserve since I left Active Duty almost four years ago. Considering I separated under a program designed to decrease career fields and year groups already over requirements, they probably have enough people. However, I'm surprised that they actually manage the Reserve Officer Corps in the same way (twice passed over means discharge).
This letter was a surprise. As I read it, I felt as if I had broken up with my girlfriend only to have her write a few weeks later to tell me it's REALLY over. Right. In today's world, the Air Force finally unfriended me and changed its status to single. Before today, it was a bit awkward since my status had been single for a looooong time.
One day, my kids will stumble across a box with all my ribbons, medals, and uniform in it. I guess then I can tell them I spent almost 7 years of my life serving our country. Until then, they will probably have no idea.
Here's a short video of Jonathan pushing the lion around the house. You can see just how close he is to walking on his own. I'm surprised we didn't think about using the lion sooner. Julia is a really good helper - watch how she steers for him. I'm really surprised that he hasn't started walking sooner. He'll already be a year old in a few days.
On the medical side of things, the past few days we've been able to get in him the required number of calories. It's taken some time, but his little tummy is now large enough to handle the amount he needs. We're finally there. He's already packing on the pounds in his barrel chest and thunder thighs...
AP - Scientists have recently discovered a new species of grass. Colorado Springs Bluegrass appears every spring in the northeastern part of town, most notably around the Sudduth's property. Most experts agree that the schizophrenic local spring weather is to blame, especially the constant warming and freezing cycles. This causes many native lawn species to hop in the Buick and relocate to sunny Florida. Practically overnight, Colorado Springs Bluegrass appears in its place, ready for whatever comes its way. This phenomenon, known to locals as "weliveinabarrenwastelandwindtunnelwherenothinggrowsitis", gets the local folk all bent out of shape. Farmer Bob says, "Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of the above condition is that it seems to effect the grass that comes out of dormancy first, typically the blades on the healthier side. If I wanted to live in Kansas, I would have moved there." In a few weeks the new species will disappear, only to be seen again next spring.
I'm very excited about a potential job lead. I'd be able to work full time from home or wherever I can find a secure internet connection. I'm still not sure if it's going to work out yet, but I'm really hoping it will. I'd love the opportunity to telecommute to work every day. I could work from home or the library or a coffee house or even be in a completely different state or country. I know it's not going to be all glamor. If anything, it will allow me to see more of the wife and kids. During this time in our life, that's something money from a paycheck can't buy. Here's to hope.
