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Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Parenting Tips...

Due to the fact that I had never held a child prior to Makenna (yes, that is true), I thought it would be good to brush up on my parenting skills. So, here we go...



Now, I'm not saying that I've ever used an airhorn to wake Makenna up, but the idea isn't that bad. Next time she doesn't want to wake up and eat, maybe a little air-horn-to-the-ear will do the trick. Next...



We have yet to leave Makenna at home with a sitter, so I'm not sure how I will feel about it when it does happen. My problem with this rule is, what's wrong with a hobo? It's not like the guy is going to steal my child. Think about it. He's in my house, which is heated to 70 degrees and has a fridge and pantry full of food. He's not going anywhere. Also, baby's love to play with beards, so it's a win-win. Next...



Ah yes. Pets. Makenna has done great with both Franklin (our Yorkie) and Arlo (our black cat from the streets; no racial sterotypes implied). If we were to have fish, I would have to agree with this picture, because the baby is not wearing any scuba gear, which is required for a prolonged play-date under water. And we all know they don't make scuba gear for infants. Next...



Makenna isn't quite old enough to play games (or even acknowledge that I exist), but once she can sit up, we will probably be playing chess. Checkers is obviously for old men who hang out in New York public parks. But chess is a game of brains and strategy, the perfect fit for her developing mind. Forget Baby Einstein, how about Baby Bobby Fisher? Actually, on second thought, I guess he didn't turn out so well, maybe I should rethink that one....

Saturday, January 24, 2009

First night out!



Makenna was dressed to impress for her first night out on the town! We had to run a few errands in Noblesville, so we brought Makenna along to Barnes and Nobles, Target, and dinner at Qdoba. It was so exciting for her that she...well...slept the whole time, which was fantastic for us!

Makenna and I hung out in the "Current Affairs" section of Barnes and Noble. While I was reading, Makenna just stared at her new kicks...



...they aren't quite Air Jordans, but they are the only shoes that will fit at this point. By the time we got home, she was a little bit upset at the fact that she sat in her car seat for 3 hours while we shopped. Here she is right after we got home, hanging out with the more beautiful, responsible parent...



Because she had an eventful night, we are hopeful that she will sleep through the night (and beyond!) tonight...

Friday, January 16, 2009

Another bath, The Office, and more Sportscenter...



Under normal circumstances, Makenna would not recieve two baths within a few days. But, when a child moves her bowels with the force of a category 5 hurricane, another bath is justified due to collateral damage. So, once again, mom had to put Makenna back in her "Howard the Duck suit" (luckily, i was at work for this one.)

On a lighter note, Makenna watched her first episode of the office with mom and dad and her uncles (+ gretchen). She is already a fan! Actually, she cried through the whole episode and made everyone rethink all the gifts they gave her (just kidding). Other than a few bouts with crying, she has been wonderful!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Bonding Time....



Is there a better way to bond with your baby than to play XBOX while she sleeps on your lap? I think not. Not only do we get to be with each other, but for the 37 seconds that she opened her eyes in the hours that I played, she learned about the proper way to run a street gang (Saints Row 2). Although the ins-and-outs of gang warfare are somewhat important, prior to smashing buttons on the XBOX we had the opportunity to watch Sportscenter, which is quite important. Since she is my daughter, you know she has been blessed with a keen sense and intelligence when it comes to sports and made these great observations:

1) Makeena thinks she could probably make the Hall of Fame also if she played for 87 years like Ricky Henderson.
2) Tony Dungy is a great guy and should have a golden statue erected outside of the "Luke."
3) Makenna wonders how Paul Pierce scores so many points when he is one of the slowest players on the court? Unlike most NBA players, Makenna realizes that he just pump fakes on every shot.
4) Joey Cora has a better shot at the Hall of Fame than Mark Mcguire.

All of these statements made for some great conversation between Makenna and myself. Maybe tommorow her mom will write an entry so that people aren't afraid of the way she is being raised...

Monday, January 12, 2009

A day of firsts....



Today was a day filled many firsts for Makenna. She had her first doctors appointment to make sure she was gaining weight. Although she gained weight, I attempted to explain to her that she would probably grow a lot more quickly with a firm diet of steak and cocoa pebbles (it sure worked for me). It was a convincing argument, but she's going to stick to milk for now.

Another first was Makenna's bath. I think she cried enough to fill the baby tub with tears, but after it was all over, she was happy enough to wear her duck towel (see picture above). While Nicki loves the duck towel, it reminds me a bit much of Howard the Duck,



which is unfortunate because nothing good can come from an association with that movie. At least Makenna is the best looking Howard the Duck I have ever seen.

All in all, everything has been going very well and Makenna has been a joy. We'll keep you updated...

Friday, January 9, 2009

Last night at the hospital...



We will soon be home from the hospital! Makenna will finally get to meet our dog Franklin (aka B. Frank, Benjamin Franklin, Frank Tanklin, Bud). I'm sure there will be some interesting interactions between the two.

I'm not sure how to raise a girl. I have a feeling she's not going to be interested in storming Skeletor's castle with He-Man and She-ra. How about watching Mankind and Undertaker wrestle in a cage match? Probably not. Maybe should can be my partner in Contra and steal all the weapon upgrades and leave me to fend for myself and use all my continues while she blasts through the levels with lightning and spray guns (Jacob always stole my weapons!).

I suppose, in the end, I better start learning about Dora the Explorer (why does she ask such stupid questions?), Barbie (maybe a She-ra doll would work!), and ponies, unicorns, rainbows, and every other girly thing I can think of.

Sounds like I have my work cut out for me!

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Day 2...



Makenna is now a full day old! She was 7 lbs. and three ounces and was 21 inches long (tall drink of water like her father). Nicki is recovering very well from the surgery and I'm, well, overwhelmed! I have been amazed, anxious, nervous, worried, joyful and every other adjective in between. I can say two things for sure; I love my little girl and I'm extremely glad that I am a man!

We had a great number of visitors come by the room today (I know I didn't reply to everyone who wanted to come, I apologize!). Two of the most important people in my life, my Grandparents, came by to see little Makenna.



It absolutley made my day to know how pround they were of Nicki and I and to see the joy in their face. Although, I thought Armageddon may be arriving because my Grandpa held Makenna and even let me take a picture.




Her middle name, Alayne, is my Grandma O'Connor's name. When we moved to Anderson it meant that I wasn't able to see her as often as I would like, but now she will always be in my family, forever. I can't wait to fly to Seattle this summer and show her Makenna.

P.S. In case anyone was wondering, Makenna already told me that she despises the Patriots, Bill Bellicheat, Tom Brady, Phillip Rivers, The Boston Celtics, and Pac Man Jones (although she is a little afraid to admit it due to retribution). So, although she is a girl and girls are a mystery to me, I have her on the right track!

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

The beginning.....


Makenna Alayne Lyon has been born! Here are a few pictures. The posts in the future will be longer, but I wanted to get these up so a few family members could see them. This site is meant mainly for family members, so don't go posting it on facebook or anything else like that!