The Adventures of Zachio and Daddio

Cetlics - in the new year

2009-01-03T07:42:00.000-08:00

Let me introduce...

2008-10-25T18:49:00.000-07:00

Captain Jack (o'lantern)
Scary Sid

The little monkey that supervised the whole carving experience!

Not a big surprise but a great saturday afternoon!

Momentous Event!

2008-10-25T13:02:00.000-07:00

There are multiple firsts in ones life. There is the first bike ride, first day at school, first crush, etc etc. Not sure where this one fits in the order of importance. But nonetheless it is pretty cool.

Presenting Zachio and his first clipon Tie!

So it beginnings!

2008-10-23T17:22:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Zachio had his consecration service! He got his own little Torah and got to dance in the Sukkah! AS you can imagine smiles were the main facial expression!

Challah making!

2008-10-20T19:28:00.001-07:00

The only thing better than eating fresh challah for the new year, is making it with the best little baker ever!

Gearing up for Halloween!

2008-10-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

Sir Zach (part 1 and 2) and his fearless steed Sharpie!

What to do when there is no school!

2008-08-13T18:13:00.000-07:00

Knight Zachio! So Z doesn't have school this week and since i am slightly crazy and like to ignore the tenure clock I decided to enjoy my time with him. Instead of getting a babysitter, Z and I have spent the last week playing knights complete with card board armor, tin foil swords and stuffed dragons. The only injury to date is the smithy stapling his finger during the making of the armor (and by smithy I mean me!).

Think I may use this as my new faculty photo =)

Mmmm...Mmmm...good

2008-07-12T12:31:00.000-07:00

Adorable picture!

2008-07-03T13:45:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-03T13:39:00.000-07:00

As part of Zachio's schools 4th of July celebration the kiddeos were suppose to go on a parade thru their neighborhood. Unfortunately, it rained - so they just marched around their school. It was very very cute! Here is some pics of the little patriot!

Belated Birthday Pictures!

2008-06-24T17:47:00.000-07:00

The loot!The Cake
The birthday boy with the dad day dog Playing with the loot inside

Playing with it outside

Happy Father's Day! (The best Dad day present ever!)

2008-06-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

Traditionally, father's day presents are lame (see above). Dad - before I continue on with this post I like to apologize for all of the not so fashionable ties, shirts, sweaters, not so artistic pictures and all the other not so great gifts. Although this year I had high hopes - I got my old man raffle tickets for Celtics tickets. Well it didn't pan out - so instead of great seats at the game - I ended up making a chartiable contribution to the Shamrock foundation in my Dad's name. (The card that explains this years gift is on my kitchen table waiting to be mailed =)

Well after seeing my dad and his dad before him get not so great gifts I decided to take matters into my own hands. Keep in mind that Zachio is newly 4, and I am a single parent so any presents he gives for me are at the mercy of his teachers. He did give me a very nice place mat that he made at school. (I guess his teachers are not very impressed with my eating cleanliness - maybe I will get a bib next year!)

Anyway - I have been contemplating what I should get for myself. For a while I was think a Wii but decided I dont need any more excuses to act like a 12 year old. So I got myself a dog for father's day! Yes I know - dogs are a big responsibility - they will take up some of my minimal free time, cost money, poop, etc, etc...but I really want one. So on Friday - Zachio and brought home the best father's day present ever - Sharpie!

Sharpie is a 1.5 year old lab-chinese sharpie mutt. So Sharpie has been here for almost 2 days and he is the best behaved dog I have ever been around. He is crate and potty trained. Will play for 15 minutes and then lay down and take a nap! He lies NEXT to the bed when I go to sleep and has been great with Z. So keep your figures crossed - that Sharpie stays as good as he is.

And Happy Father's Day! May all of your presents be as good as mine and my the celtics give us reasons to wear green tomorrow to work!!

Birthday Question?

2008-06-14T13:01:00.000-07:00

Zachio has reached the ripe old age of 4 years! He honored me with this question during his birhtday breakfast.

Daddy, why don't cows have penises?

Of course this was asked with my mouth fill of cereal...leading to multiple repetitions of the question. Each one slightly more humorous than the last. Lucky I was able to swallow my mouth full of cereal quickly and replied ...cause cows are girls and girls dont have penises. This seemed to satisfy his 4 year old curiosity. Luckily the presents covering the living room floor where enough of a distraction so there where not any follow up questions.

Don't worry B-day pictures will be coming quickly. =)

Question of the Day! (aka why I love being a dad)

2008-06-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

Daddy, why don't dogs use toilet paper?

How to keep a nearly four year old occupied and clean!

2008-06-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

One word answer - sprinkler! Here are some pictures to prove it. I write more but a picture is worth a thousand words!

Somersaults!!!

2008-05-24T07:14:00.000-07:00

As most of you know - Zachio has been enjoying gymnastics throughout the spring. Last week was his "show-day" - which really meant all of the kids brought their parents onto the mat. Zachio has mastered somersaults, monkey jumps (cartwheels), donkey kicks (hand stands) and the balance beam! He gets better every class - it is really amazing to see! Unfortunately, my camera battery died 2 minutes after the show started. So I don't have that many pictures to share - but atleast there is this action sequence. And Yes that is a Celtics shirt he is wearing!!

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to wish all the mothers out there a happy moma's day! Here are your favorite midwest boys!

The Best Good Friday!

2008-03-22T06:25:00.001-07:00

Well Spring has finally shown itself in central Illinois. Z got his first 2 wheel bike when Bub and Zade were visiting. So we have been ripping up the Myra Ridge sidewalks and bikepaths. Added in a visit to the humane society, a fire truck, a few hundred slide rides and we had an excellent weekend.

So a lot happens in a month!

2008-03-18T18:07:00.000-07:00

A very short list of our adventures over the last month. Zachio and Daddio went to our first (of hopefully many Illini basketball games) accompanied by Z's first face paint (Crazy Uncle Joe watch out) and cotton candy. And Bub and Zade came for there 354th visit since thier favorite son turned down the job at Harvard medical school to take a job at the University of Illinois. Brett Favre retired, the sub-prime credit crunch continued, Zachio went to the dentist, got his first big boy bike (pictures will be coming soon), and the University forgot to take into the inceasing cost of gas when compiling their utility bill (a 117 Million dollar oopsie!).

Hopefully my next post won't be in April!

Happy Valentine's Day to those I love!

2008-02-14T12:52:00.000-08:00

Zachio is passing out his first valentine day cards at school today! Hopefully Zachio is making out better than me - so far I have gotten a pencil, coffee cake (rasberry), rice krispy treats and the flu for valentine's!!

Hugs and Kisses to everyone!

Happy 100th Day!

2008-01-29T20:10:00.000-08:00

Today was Zachio's hundredth day at school. They had a party at school and he brought a bag of 100 things to school! (My junk draw is very empty at the moment!)

While getting dressed this morning, Zachio told me he wanted to wear a pretty shirt to impress his teacher, Ms. E! 3.5 years old and already dressing to impress the ladies!!

Happy B-day Cousin Hub!

2008-01-17T18:57:00.001-08:00

In honor of Zachio's cousin Hub birthday Zachio decided to wear a cupcake! Did I mention that I turned 30 last week? Did I mention college students offer me their seat on the bus now!

Here is a picture of Zachio and I opening a present! =) (Don't worry thats Big Zade - not me!! )

This is what Zachio and I are going to be looking like this weekend. It is suppose to be -15 with the wind chill!

Rose Bowl Parade - 3 year old Style!

2008-01-06T05:56:00.000-08:00

Zachio and I were back East for new years. (Happy New Year!). As we were enjoying our lazy day - Zachio caught a glimpse of the Rose Bowl Parade and was fasinated by the marching band. Always looking for a way to improve my cool daddio status - I eagerly told Z that I played trombone when I was little. (Maybe "held a trombone in the school band" is a more true description of my trombone experience!!) . After my mother mentioned that my old trombone was in the "Daddio Shrine" (i.e. a closet where all of my important childhood memorbelia is stockpiled) Z and I quickly pull out the trombone and start jamming.

Well as you have probably guessed - my trombone skill is still at its peak and Zachio is my equal! Trombone today - tube tomorrow!!!

Dad I have to go potty!

2007-12-18T18:06:00.000-08:00

There is a unwriten rule in parenting - the more layers of clothing the child has on (each layer they can not remove by themselves counts twice) - the quicker they have to use the potty! =)

We had our first real snow fall of the season last weekend (6 inches or so). Z and I spent the day shoveling, sledding, and of course removing multiple layers of clothing the second we were ready to go out.

I highly recommend sledding with a 3 year old if you get the chance. Not much else makes you feel that good while battling frost bite!!

Happy Hanukah or Chanulah or Hanukkah or ...

2007-12-10T17:29:00.000-08:00

The best way to celebrate Hanukah is with family and friends. Thanks to everyone who made it the best Hanukah. Bub and Zade make the 1600 miles seperating us seem really really small - and thats a good thing!

Start with lighting the menorah!

Bub and the boys!

Nothing says Hanukah like an alligator on a leash! Watch out Bub!

Z got his first train set! Geo Trax is a lot of fun and D had the joy of putting it together with the help and guidance of Zade and Bub. Where would he be without them.

The biggest surprise of this years Hanukah was that Zade's latkes were really good!

Thanksgiving Highlights!

2007-11-23T08:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Here are my top ten from this year Thanksgiving...definately better than last year! =)

1) Having my first turkey in 6 years
2) Making a pumpkin pie (only had to call my moma once!)
3) Eating pumpkin pie with home made whipped cream
4) Talking to Zachio on the phone for 5 minutes about Curious George and tofurkey (thats long phone call for him)
5) Spending it with friends
6) Driving the corvette to get a pie shell
7) Watching Brett Favre throw 17 complete passes
8) Talking to my family and good friends
9) Sleeping on the coach
10) Spending 6 hours at Merryann's diner (no its not where I had T-day dinner- its a long story...) and learning not to trust out of order signs!

Hope your Thanksgiving was spectacular

Picaso or Emril?

2007-11-18T06:07:00.001-08:00

Zach got his first paint with water book. And he loves it!

And we made cupcakes with strawberry frosting! Zachio enjoyed eating more than making - but who can blame him.

(Think Z was going for the plumber-cook look!)

Just got to smile!

2007-11-18T05:59:00.000-08:00

Its been a while since I posted - apologies on that - but I got a few stories and pictures to share. So check back soon!

Last night Zach went to the potty. A relatively common occurance in the Zachio and Daddio household. After he rose from the toilet seat and I performed my fatherly duties (i.e. wiping is such a fun parental task =). Zach turns to me and comely states:

"I poop bigger than you!!"

I just smiled back at him trying not to encourage his potty humor or discussion. And I figure if I do a good job fathering, get him to eat all his veggies and ruffage - maybe one day he will poop bigger than me - for now I have that title!

Survining Halloween!

2007-11-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

Zachio and Daddio had a great Halloween! We started at 8 am - the folks I work with are great - there is something so wholesome about walking around your place of employment wearing a zorro mask flanked by your adorable son dressed in a cute cute tiger custome and getting your colleagues to give you candy!

Here is a photo journal of our Halloween.

To be honest the jackolaterns really didn't survive - but the mold and decay made them even more menancing!

Zachio trying out his Tiger claws on the wall!

He had a pretty imprssive growl - must be the Nittany Lion coming out in him!

The loot!!! (He was very impressed with it!)

Thanks again Bubbe for the best Tiger get-up!

Z says the darnest things!

2007-10-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

Zachio has started to play me. Whenever I ask him to do something that he doesn't want to do he replies "Mommy doesn't make me .....[action verb]" or "At mommy's I ..... [action verb]". Tonight over dinner was classic.

Daddio: Zachio, what you do at school today?

Zachio: Played with Iris and calcus

Daddio: Cool! Calcus is fun. Could you please sit on your bottom

Zachio: Mommy says I can stand during dinner. (as he sits down)

Daddio: You excited about Halloween tomorrow?!

Zachio: Yeah, I am gonna be a scary Tiger! Are you gonna be spooky?

Daddio: I am gonna be spooky - dont worry! Could you eat some tortelli?

Zachio: Mommy says tortelli is not healthy? Candy bars are healthy, right!

Daddio: Ummm...your organic spinach tortelli is ok to eat. Pretty sure its healthy.

Zachio: Peas are not healthy. Mommy told me peas are not healthy
_______

Hope you all have a wonderful Halloween! Watch out for unhealthy peas and tortelli!!

He can dress himself!

2007-10-18T18:01:00.000-07:00

It doesn't seem that long ago that all I could say about Zachio is that he could fill his diaper really well! While in a short manner of time (luckily), my little man can dress himself. This morning he demanded that he wear his oshkoshbagosh overallswith his Thomas the train t-shirt (i.e. his train engineer outfit). When I told him he needed to put on some shoes - he rain to his closet and put on his rain boots. Me being the draconian father that I am - told him that he couldn't wear his boots - he retorted - "Your majesty, train engineers wear boots!" (alright he doesn't call me majesty - I added that for rhetorical flair). He had me beat - train engineers do wear boots! So I let the 3 year old lawyer to wear boots to school!

I didn't manage to get a picture of the train engineer - but I did manage to catch a tiger in my living room. (Thanks Bub for the bestest tiger custome)!

It

Sometimes being an adult Rocks (especially when u got Zachio around)

2007-10-17T18:24:00.000-07:00

Not gonna write much - Just say that being a dad is the best gig in the world! Case in point:

Take a 3 year old

Add 65 lbs of Pumpkins!

Add a 29 year old cool daddio

Get a great Saturday afternoon!

Sometimes it sucks to be an Adult!

2007-10-17T18:02:00.001-07:00

Well sometimes you take a chance and it doesn't work out. Starting to realize that as I get older. So Charley went from a good dog to a bad dog relatively quickly. He was a little mouthy to start with, but as time went on he wanted to "play". Play to Charley meant biting my arm and leading me around the house. Well that be cute and all if it wasn't for the fact that he weighed 130 lbs. I talked to the dog trainer and she suggested that I distract him with treats or commands when he gets mouthy. I did at first but then for some reason it got hard to tell Charley to sit when he was gnawing on my arm. The proverbial last straw happened when I was taking him for a walk with Z and he jumped up and bit the back of my arm - hard enough to make me squeal. So all though it was hard I decided on the spot to take him back to the humane society. I wish I had the time to train Charley - he will be a good dog with some training. But realistically, I dont have the time to train him sufficiently. So no dog for now. My friends have suggested various animals - cats, hamsters, gerbils, fish etc. For now I am content with Zachio and I.

The good news is this dog only ate me and didn't eat Z! So maybe my next pet will not eat anyone I care about.

We will see what ends up on our doorstep.

Fun with Charley

2007-09-29T19:44:00.000-07:00

So Charley has been in the Zachio Daddio household for about 3 days now. This short amount of time has allowed me to make so observations.

1) Charley is tall enough to eat cereal out of a bowl sitting on the kitchen table.

2) Charley can and will grab the banannas off the counter.

3) If you sit in the recliner,Charlie will join you -regardless if he fits.

4) Placing a blanket over Charley will result in approximately 15 minutes of entertainment

5) When you get the camera out because he is doing something really cute, he will instantly stop whatever he is doing.

He really has turned out to be a super dog. Hopefully, my opinion won't change over time.

5 Ways to have fun when visiting family

2007-09-26T19:49:00.001-07:00

1) Jump on Zade!

2) Read the local paper with Uncle Joe

3) Wear fancy clothes

4) Determine that little boys do not go through doggy doors.

5) Fall asleep while reading the safety guide on a airplane

Charley's Home!

2007-09-26T19:36:00.001-07:00

Today was a good day. Went to the humane shelter after work and got Charley. Sat down in the man chair and Charley climbed into my lap! He has been following around the house ever since we have been home. Sometimes happiness comes in four legged slobber machines.

Just so no one thinks he is perfect he has had 2 accidents(great danes dont have small accidents!) and there is a good chance he could have a thrombotic embolism at any moment for the next month (side effect of heart worm treatment). Just makes me realize that no situation is perfect and sometimes you just got to take a risk. We will see if this one works out.

Sometimes you got to be a little crazy.

2007-09-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

For the vast majority of my life I have been relatively logical in the choices I have made.
Overall, it has worked in my favor. I got a top-notch job, a great group of friends, an excellent family, a sweet house and the world's best kid. But sometimes even I -mister logical decision maker - need to make a leap of faith. Logically, a single father with an intense full time job should not do anything that will consistently take time from each and everyday. But sometimes you got to be a little crazy, do something that isn't the most logical - simply take a leap of faith.

So after going to the human society for the past 9 months with Z, I/we are getting a dog! I have visited him 5 or 6 times now and each time I see him I smile like a little kid in the candy store. To make matters worse,Charley is a great dane - my favorite dog growning up was a great dane. He is laidback, gentle and sweet. Not sure I could find a better match for me.

Here are some pictures of the big guy!

New House Rules!

2007-09-16T10:25:00.000-07:00

As I am writing this post - I am sitting in my recliner my feet up, watching football, working on a manuscript ("The Adaptive Range of 1/f Isometric Force Production" - fascinating huh!), drinking coffee from my favorite coffee mug and surfing the web (a nearly perfect Sunday morning). I came across the following article on MSN. I think I am going to implement these as house (or life) rules for Z and I.

I added my comments cause it beats working on "The Adaptive Range of 1/f Isometric Force Production". Did I mention I got a really wierd job!

21 Big Lessons from Little Kids
"Little gems you may have forgotten." By the Editors of Men's Health

1. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Even when there's not a prize in the bottom of the box.
In other words Grape Nuts rule!

2. Sometimes it's best to be completely blunt with people, as you used to be with relatives who wanted you to do something embarrassing or tedious for a shiny quarter.
Just say it.

3. Asking questions is how you figure things out. Lots and lots of questions -
Z has this one down pat.

4. An older, wiser Gordie Lachance says in Stand By Me, "I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was 12." Lachance is right. The trick is to try to be the friend you were when you were 12: fun-loving and loyal, with no strings attached.
No much to add to this one - except who is Gordie Lachance?

5. Playing is work. Approach your downtime with all the seriousness of a 5-year-old with a secret treasure map.
Anyone want to go play?

6. Real guys don't dip their toes in the water. They jump right in.
You gotta trust the water is warm enough or if its not you are tough enough to deal with it.

7. Girls have cooties. Well, the ones you meet in certain bars do, anyway.
Yep

8. You hated it when a grown-up told you, "We'll see." It's still unacceptable. Don't say it yourself.

9. The only way to know how something works is to completely disassemble it. (This is still good advice when tackling a complex problem. Your plasma TV? Not so much).
With my mechanical skills - I dont think I am going to take anything apart!

10. There's a reason they don't give credit cards to 8-year-olds. You're supposed to save up money before you buy a new toy.
Duh

11. Your body was designed for throwing baseballs, shooting hoops, and jumping off diving boards and stuff. In the secret language of children, the word "fitness" doesn't exist. It's called "having fun."
Sometimes I think my body was designed for chilling!

12. Your world can be half-real and half-imaginary.
Just make sure you know what half is which.

13. Homework blows. Bring work home with you and it'll ruin your night. And your marriage. And your family. And your life.
Figured this one out the hard way.

14. Too much of anything will give you a tummy ache. Like, say, bourbon.
But it tastes so good.

15. If there's even the slightest doubt, hit the potty before you leave.
And when you get there...

16. The coolest adults were the ones who took the time to listen to you. You still want to grow up to be a cool adult, right?
What was that, I didn't hear you! The more important question is can a non-cool kid become a cool adult.

17. Treasure Island, Dracula: The best books are consumed after dark with a flashlight.
Not sure the last time I have read a book in the dark. Does reading an owner's manual count?

18. Use adrenaline as your drug of choice. You don't need beer, pot, or cigarettes to have a good time.
And adrenaline is free!

19. Kissing a girl on the cheek is a big deal. Kissing her lips is an even bigger deal. Seeing her naked for the first time is a major, life-altering event.
Hoping I don't need to tell Z this for a few more years!! Although he already has a girlfriend at school!!

20. Going after a target in the urinal makes the time whiz by.
I need to stress in the urinal part to Z!

21. Seeing a thunderstorm roll in is better than watching TV. And rain isn't something to curse, but to enjoy. Hurry up, before it clears.
Yep

Ever see a dog that can fit in a burger king bag?

2007-09-13T15:29:00.001-07:00

Well now you have! Hope that put a smile on your face and made you laugh outloud - (embarassingly so!)

L'shanah tovah

2007-09-13T15:18:00.000-07:00

As most of you know today marks the beginning of the Jewish year. Its a time to reflect about the past year. I won't bore you faithful readers with my reflections. But I wanted to thank everyone who has reminded me about the important things in life: family, friends and happiness! May everone's new year be as happy as Z is eating "gummies" in a cool new shirt.

The difference of 26 years.

2007-09-03T16:10:00.000-07:00

Take eight markers

Add a smiling three year old

Get a magic marker rocket ship.

Take a 29 year old man (contemplating life)

Add life (and or a bowl full of yiddish magnetic poetry=)

Get a slighty different version of a rocketship!

Thanks to all of the rocketship builders!

More kid friendly lyrics

2007-09-02T15:18:00.000-07:00

The first CD that I ever bought was greatest hits of the Grateful Dead. For what ever reason this was one of the few CDs to have travelled to my new house. Anywho (thats midwest phrase - people actually say it out here!), i had to change a few lyrics for Zachio.

"Driving the train high on cocaine" is now "Driving my train filled with propane, Kasey Jones better watch your speed"!

Good thing I am easily amused!

Children's Lyrics

2007-09-01T18:22:00.000-07:00

There is a country song that has been playing on the radio as of late (Don't freak out that I listen to country - I am still a bleeding heart liberal). The chorus is something to the effect " all my friends say I started shooting doubles When you walked in". For whatever reason, I managed to get that line stuck in my head and found myself absent mindedly singing it outloud. That in itself is fairly annoying, but when you have a three year old - singing lyrics once under your breath is enough to get an incessent repeatin return. And the more inappropriate the lyrics are the quicker and louder Z seems to pick them up.

Realizing this, I quickly changed the lyrics to "All " all my friends say I started Blowing bubbles When you walked in". Zachio thought that was the best song every! I beat money he is going to be singing that at school on Tuesday!

In case you need proof that Z and I are living in the midwest. He is having a tornado drill at school on Tuesday. How come back home we never had a blizzard drill?!? That be awesome - I think it would essentially everyone staying at home for 3 days and pray that you dont lose electricity.

Completely, unrelated check out this website kiva.org It enables you to lend money to a enterproneuar in the developing world in an attempt to fight poverty. Its a pretty sweet idea. Thats my public announcement for the day.

Whats her name?

2007-08-31T18:41:00.000-07:00

Zachio has started back up at school. He just finished his second week and is enjoying it greatly. Seems to have a new friend every day! The other day I was trying to figure out how to pronounce his new teachers names. I was looking at the handout provided by the school and one of his teachers names was incomprehensible. Mrs. Alexandooooooooruuuuuu or atleast that is what it looked like to me. So I did what any sane person would do, I asked my trust side kick (Did I mention that he is only 3). He looks up at me with his big brown eyes and screams:

Mrs. Isaacalexanderdo!

"What? Mrs. What?" I ask?

Mrs. IsaacAlexanderdo! Isaac Alexanderdooo!

"Her name is Mrs. Alexanderdo" I reply as a small light goes on in my head.

Zachio's middle name is Alexander. So in his mind, Alexander always is preceed by Isaac!!! I wish the world was that simple!!!

Some pictures just need to be posted!

2007-08-24T04:23:00.000-07:00

Secret Recipe?

2007-08-21T19:30:00.000-07:00

Zachio and I took it upon ourselves to make this child-hood favorite? Any guesses to what it is? You all played with it as children. Some of you, me included even ate it on a regular basis.

Here is the pot after we cooked it. I learned that one should not use new pots when playing chemist with a 3 year old. (Brillo pads are magical!)

The proud baker/chemist.

Playdo! Homemade Playdo that is. 5 minutes of cooking and countless hours of fun.

Dressing himself: Erkel in the making!

2007-08-19T08:10:00.000-07:00

Zachio insisted on getting himself dressed. Think he takes after Zadie (his grandpa).

My loving fatherly response!!!

Back in Action (or atleast the Country)

2007-08-19T05:18:00.001-07:00

Unfortunately, the weather was only nice for the last 2 hours of my visit to Brazil. But I had a great time with a great friend! The conference was even good ! All in all it was a great trip - well worth the 10,000 miles and 23 hours of travel!

Daddio and Gina, together again at last! (Whats a decade between friends!)

The View from Gina's apartment.

How do beat the heat.

2007-08-07T07:17:00.000-07:00

Currently it is over a 100 degrees with the heat index here in central Illinois. So in order to beat the heat this weekend, Zachio and I played in the sprinkler! Now if I can figure out a way to mow the lawn while keeping Zachio entertained I'd have it made.

So after cooling off with the sprinkler in the backyard. Zachio and I headed in. In an effort to keep the majority of the water outside and off the hardwood flowers, I covered Z in a towel and removed his suit while outside. Mind you with this technique there is absolutely no nudity- just a small child in a towel. Zachio - who can stand for none of this - quickly throws the front of the towel over his head - reminding everyone of the success of his Bris! With his head (and eyes) completely covered he bolts into the house in a full sprints. Until this point in time I never knew little boys ran on sprinkler water! After several minutes of me chasing the naked blind wonder through the house I finally get some undies on him (What does that say that it took me several minutes to catch a blind 3 year old.....hmmm....).

After I get him dressed, Zachio declares he wants to play hide and seek inside. I quickly agree (beats doing any chores). He volunteers to hide. Zach is at the developmental stage that if he cant see you - logically you can't see him. Check out the his hiding spot! Keep in mind that he is bellowing "YOU CANT FIND ME" as he is standing in the middle of the hallway.

As a mature adult I beat the heat in a completely different manner. Tonight I am flying to Brazil, where it is the dead of winter. It even got into the 50s last week!!!!. True when I started planning this trip 10 months ago, I had no idea it would be winter there now. So the only people in the tiny bathing suits that eveyone associates with Brazil will be Americans and European tourists. Such is life! I am going to Brazil to visit my good friend Gina and... go to a conference - for work - yes of course - you go to Brazil to work!

Good luck beating the heat - my suggestion is to hang out with a toddler - they always seem to know how to stay cool!

When you give someone a Mezuzah...

2007-08-04T18:51:00.000-07:00

First they are going to hang it in their doorway.

Go for a walk to the park...

Play on the swings, slide down the slide...

Play fireman (there is a fire engine in the park), climb the ladder...

and go on a fire fly hunt!!!

PS - If you need a fire fly catcher - I know a really good one!

Thanks for the mezuzah!

Shelves

2007-08-03T18:47:00.000-07:00

Before - you read this be forewarned - there are no pictures of Zachio and he is not mentioned!!

This past weekend I decided to clean out my garage. It being the recipient of the vast majority of moving casualties. Which I found out that when you move from a 23oo sq foot home to a 1500 sq foot home you generate a lot of them. So I started with putting the folded up cardboard boxes in the 200 degree attic. (Whoever thinks hell is subterrain has never gone into an attic in late July in central Illinois!) After developing a thick layer of protective sweat (ewww), I started on the rest of the "moving casualties", I nicely moved everything to the three sides of the garage. The yard stuff on the left, the old furniture on the back wall and the tools on the right. On right wall of the garage I inherited shevles that were attached to the wall. Being the organized individual that I am, I stacked a lot of my tools and junk on these shelves. After a few well spent hours I was done. I walked out into my driveway looked back at the garage and was pleased. This is good, I said to myself It looked like a garage should. Crap on the sides and room for 2 cars (The observant reader will note that I only have 1 car...keep tuned - Daddio will be living up to his name Cool Daddio - before you know it) .

The next morning I am eating my breakfast (a bowl of grape nuts) and I hear a loud crash. I cautiously open the door to the garage, and to my horror see that the shelves have fallen off the wall. Not only fallen but the screws that kept them attached to the wall had been ripped out- leaving gaping holes where shelves use to be. Although everything had come crashing down – the vast majority of stuff survived. Even my gold fish bowl survived the fall. I pick every up and move it away from my truck and went to work. Great way to start a work week!

After work I went to Home Depot and bought a box of 100 lb rated draw wall anchors. I spent the next 3 hours rehanging the shelves. Even got to use my drill and laser level.! Miraculously, when all was said and done all the shelves were level and sturdy. AnI when I say sturdyI mean STURDY. In fact, next time there is a tonardo, no cellar for me- i am huddling under these shelves.

As I was marveling at my first home improvement job at my new house, it dawned on me how similar my life these shelves are (No I haven't been drinking). When everything falls down around you - you have 2 choices - bitch and moan or go to home depot, buy bigger and better dry wall anchors and build it again. Sturdier then before!

To all of you who helped with the “new shelves” - a million thanks!

Cooking with the master!

2007-07-29T18:01:00.000-07:00

Usually on the cooking shows the various hosts tell the viewers how important it is to have a clean cooking area. Luckily, Zachio and I don't watch those shows! Pudding anyone?

Tour of the new House!

2007-07-25T20:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome

This is the hallway.
This is my bed with the 3 blankets that Bubbie made.

The man chair.

Proper use of the man-chair

Bunk Beds

2007-07-16T19:02:00.001-07:00

After my 27th rendition of ABC's (yes that is my nightly lulaby to Z-man), Zachio looks up with his big brown eyes and declares that he wants a bunk bed. Well actually, he said he wanted a bed above him in the sky - I interpreted that as a bunk bed. I nicely told him that you need to have more than 1 kid in a family to have a bunk bed. Unfortunately, that didn't deter him. He know wants a brother or sister (or multiple) so he can get a bunk bed! I told him that he could have a bunk bed when he gets older. That seemed to appease him for the moment.

Zachio's new bathroom!

Favorite shelf in new house!

2007-07-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

3 Amigos. (Please, no dumb jokes about mail planes!)

We moved!!

2007-07-11T19:32:00.000-07:00

For those of you don't know Zachio and Daddio have officially moved (in the real world - not cyber space). I even mowed the lawn on Monday - which I have decided is the marker of home ownership!Equipped it with a bunch of new furniture and art work. It feels good to be home!

Luckily I had the best moving crew imaginable - although for some of them it might have been thier last move! Thanks Bub and Zade for all of your work. The unpacking crew was also outstanding - and assures me everything matches (first time for everything!)

Zachio has started school and is doing great! Got his first school ear infection and everything!

I put up move pictures soon!

Jeopardy!!!!

2007-06-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that Z's Crazy Uncle Joe is going to be on Jeopardy tomorrow (June 27th).

Check out his intro!
http://www.sonypictures.com/tv/shows/jeopardy/showguide_thisweek.php

Beautiful People!

2007-06-22T07:44:00.000-07:00

Here is a recap from a converstation between Zachio and Little Zade:
Zade Zade - Guess what - Zachio screams
Zade looking from behind the newspaper - "what's up Z"
Zachio - "I got a WOODY" at this moment his pants fall down. He was talking about the woody station wagon that I brought back from San Deigo with me. But the 13 year old potty humor that grown men never quite out grow - took my Dad and I completely over - we literally were crying we were laughing so hard!

Here are some pictures! (No woddy's)

2007-06-18T20:27:00.001-07:00

Drumming Zach!

2007-06-18T19:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day!

2007-06-18T18:42:00.000-07:00

Zach did the dishes on Father's Day!

Acted like a monkey!

Even tried being a hippie

Mainly we clowned around!

My little man is 3!

2007-06-14T18:44:00.001-07:00

As all of you know today (June 14th) is flag day and more importantly (atleast to me) its Zach's 3rd b-day! Wish all of you could have been here for the mad paper ripping extravaganza! It was complete with presents, sugar cookies, cake, pizza, friends and whole fat milk! Here are a bunch of pictures. Enjoy! (I sure did!). Zach thanks everyone for all there gifts, thoughts and love.

Happy Birthday Zachio!

2007-06-14T07:54:00.001-07:00

Today marks the day 3 years ago that the Lakers lost the NBA championship (I don't remember who won - the sixers?).

More importantly Zachio came into this world 3 year ago! Life hasn't been the same since!

I am having a small party for him this afternoon and will post pictures tonight.

For now - here is an old but incredibly cute picture!

PS - Happy Flag Day!

Like Father and Like Son!

2007-06-04T19:18:00.001-07:00

I remember thinking how comfortable my dad looked falling asleep in his recliner. I recently got and recliner and realized how nice it is! There is something about falling asleep in your very own recliner. A combination of pure relaxation, fatherhood and manliness.

I know that Zach is a fast learner but I was surprised he has already learned the bliss of the recliner!

Z wants to be a photographer

2007-06-03T17:46:00.000-07:00

Zachio's self potraits

I learned it from watching you!

2007-05-22T07:29:00.001-07:00

Some signs that Zachio is getting older. He can now push the crosswalk button all by himself! He might even be taller than his baby cousin Hub! And perhaps the biggest testiment is that we have begun the wild adventure of potty training complete with big boy underwear!

For the most part he has already mastered this skill! Already has a favorite pair of big boy underwear (Fireman Emo - Thanks to Bub). He has also decided that he prefers to pee alone. Lately he proclaims:

"Daddy I have to go potty!!! I'll do it myself" and with that he darts to the closet bathroom, grabs the stool, down go his pants and elmos and he pees away. I stand in the doorway ready at a moment notice to save him in case he falls in or more likely decides to empty the entire roll of toilet paper into the toilet!!!

The other day he bolted into the bathroom after his potty declaration - with absolutely no hint that anything would be different. As I peer into the bathroom to make sure that nothing is amiss, I see him standing barebottom on the stool looking out the bathroom window. Now any of you who have potty trained a child now that this is a not good. There are few firm rules in potty training, but 1 g-d given rule is that you should always face the tiolet when peeing (as long as you are a boy - don't want to confuse any of you)!

"Umm Zachio," no sooner had I started to offer some advice on his tiolet centric coordinates, I hear an unmistakable sound! Pzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, dribble, dribble, Pzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

Zachio is definately my son, distracted by a passing squirrel he had peed on the wall! Not only on the wall but on a roll of tiolet paper! The worse is that he turned to me with a big grin - "Daddio, I peed on the wall! Its like peeing on a tree!" Unfortunately, I started laughing! And between guffaws, did my best to explain that we can only pee on trees when we are outside in the woods and when we are inside we have to pee in the tiolet. Not sure if that lesson got thru to his genius mind. Only time will tell.

Best Excuse Ever!

2007-05-21T06:31:00.000-07:00

Now before I begin, I just want to make it clear to everyone that I am not in favor of excuses. But I feel compelled to share this story with you.

I am trying my best to have Zachio "help" around the house. True "help" is debatable since he is not even 3 yet. One of the things I ask him to do is to clear his plate after super. On Saturday night when I asked him to clear his plate, he looked up at me with his adorable brown eyes and said:

"Daddy, I am not going to clear my plate, I am busy...sitting in my chair!"

Is it alright if I use that excuse at work...Sorry boss, I am not gonna teach today, I am to busy sitting in my chair!

This picture is unrelated to the post but I figured I share!

Zachio self-portrait!

2007-05-17T19:38:00.001-07:00

Be advised - an almost three year old can use a digital camera!

Mornings are Hectic!

2007-05-17T18:51:00.000-07:00

It might seem obvious that getting ready in the morning is a little hectic with Z running around. Luckily Zachio loves to read. So in the morning after he consumes his 0-6 bowls of cereal (the amount he eats depends on some unknown alignment of the planets that I am still trying to decipher), I give him a piggy back to my bedroom and plunk him onto the bed. I then hand him a three foot high pile of books that lives next to my bed. He dives into them right away. I quickly jump into the shower and wash my 3000 body parts. The pile of books usually buys me a solid 6 minutes to shower! For some reason, yet to be determined, the other day Z wasn't interested in his books. Of course, his lack of interest into his books didn't happen until I was in the shower.

Z walks into the shower, calmly opens the shower door, sticks his head into the shower and exclaims: "Daddy, don't poop or pee in the shower!". After these words of wisdom he calmly closes the shower door, walks into the bedroom and starts reading.

Here are some pics of our morning shaving ritual!

Bub and Zade came and Conquered!

2007-05-09T18:03:00.000-07:00

Z's Bub and Zade came and visited last weekend! They were a tremendous help in every way possible! Not surprising that there mid-western grandson is such a good kid - he comes from good stock! Thanks B & Z!

A Monkey Clock!

2007-04-25T18:20:00.000-07:00

The other day it dawned on me that I probably need more than 1 set of sheets. (For the last several months I have just washed the set I have and put them back on the bed when they are dry!) So Zachio and I went to Target to get some sheets. While I was trying to decipher the difference between a 450 thread count and a 300 thread count fitted sheet, Z noticed a clock shaped like a monkey.

Z: Daddy can I get it. Daddy I need a monkey clock! As he is begging he is dragging the clock behind him.

D: Z why do you need a clock?

Z: Ummm, its a monkey clock! (As if everyone has a basic need of a monkey clock.)

D: No, you can't get the monkey clock maybe some other time - I told him. Luckily at almost three he still buys that line!

So after much humming and hawwing Z and I get out of the store with a set of sheets and a no monkey clock. Later in the day, after Z has gone to his mother's I think to myself - everyone does have a need for a monkey clock, specially an almost 3 year old boy! So I drive back out to Target and get him the monkey clock! (Am I still a softy if I wait a few hours before I give in?!?) . When I get home I hang it up in his room.

As always my time without Z flies by and before I know it he is back at home with me! (It always seems that he comes home as soon as I the house is clean!!!) By this point in time I being myself have completely forgotten about the monkey clockk. Z and I spend the day playing, reading and have a good old time.

At some point during the day he runs into his room and sees the monkey clock.

Z: Daddy, a Monkey Clock! A Monkey Clock! Daddio, there is a Monkey Clock! You got me a Monkey CLOCK! He screams at the top of his lungs and is literally bouncing of the walls! It is the happiest I have seen the happy guy!

D: "Zachio, do you know why I got you a monkey clock?"

Z: CAUSE YOU LOVE ME!!!!!!!!

My heart instantly melted - not that I want him to associate things with love, but because he knows I love him. Better yet he verbalized it! It is so sweet- in his world giving a monkey clock can signify so much. We should all go out and give monkey clocks to those that are special to us!

The Clock!

How I looked when Z told me he knows I love him

The ironies of Parenting!

2007-04-19T18:14:00.001-07:00

Every week Z goes to the library and gets a bunch of books. Being the child of an academic he dutifully devours the books (don't worry he reads them too!). This past week one of the books was a Berenstein Bears classic - "A case of the Gimmies". This thoughtful, awe-inspiring text revolves around how Ma and Pa Bear handle Brother and Sister Bears' tatrums.

Yesterday Z literally had a full out tantrum, he was on the floor kicking, slapping his hands and screaming at the top of his lungs. You know what he was screaming - "Daddio, Daddio READ ME THE GIMMIES! READ ME THE GIMMIES! DADDIO DADDIO THE GIMMIES THE GIMMIES!

Probably didn't help his tantrum that I had an uncontrollable case of belly laughter! I laughed so hard I started to cry! Finding to laugh at in the everyday is pretty easy in my world! =)

(This pic goes with the last post I am just to lazy to put it there. )

He is the best - hands down!

2007-04-15T19:04:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend Z and I made some chocolate chip cookies - well at least we tried. For some reason when you add twice the amount of baking powder the cookies come out funny (did you know there is a slight difference between Tbsp and tsp!) !!! After we have put the last batch of cookies in the oven I start washing the various baking instruments and Z quickly disappears into the bathroom. I figure (hope) he is acting out his new indepence and using the potty by himself. I hear the facuet in the bathroom turn on. I slowly count to 10 - thats enough time for a toddler to wash his hands right!!! I sprint to the bathroom and to my surprise Z is standing on his stool washing the mixing spoon!!!!!! He was doing dishes! I literally pinched myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming! My almost 3 year old son was doing the dishes - LIFE IS GOOD!

A cute picture of Z and L (his nanny)

A sign that Zachio is now a boy, no longer a toddler!

2007-04-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

There are vast stages that mark a child's development. Some are more common than others. Some are so rare they are rarely acknowledged. Today Zachio entered into boyhood - diapers and all. I will tell you since I don't want the suspense to build to much - that would be just cruel.

He got his cereal out of the cupboard all by himself. Walked it over to the table, climbed up into his seat and tore into the new box of cereal. He plunged his hand into the box and pull forth his first cereal box toy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! On Friday the 13th in the fourth month of 2007, my son Zachio became a full fledged boy! (True he asked to eat it - but it was his first cereal box toy).

The only thing that made this moment any more joyious for me, the proudest of proud daddios, was that prior to getting the cereal Z told me "Daddio, passover is over, we don't need to eat Matzah, passover is over. No more special food, we can have CEREAL!". Not only is he a full-feldged boy, but he is a mensch!

Hope everyone survived Friday the 13th with out any mishaps!

Is almost 3 to young for coffee?

2007-04-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

Don't worry I didn't give him any coffee - its hot chocolate! We went for a tricycle ride and froze our buns off! I am sure if I gave him coffee he'd look like this! Happy thoughts out to Z's bubbie who is 1 appendix ligther. =)

Z's big Zadye!

2007-04-06T18:21:00.000-07:00

File this under family history. Zachio great-Zadye has a patent on a Wheelchair tilting seat conversion kit - not sure why you need one - but Z could get you a good price on one if you need it. I figured I should pass it on. If nothing else it shows that google scholar rocks!

Father, son and a horseraddish root!

2007-04-06T17:58:00.000-07:00

Anyone ever make horseraddish from scratch? Z and I did! Of course we had to sample the horseraddish root! Some of us liked it better than others! It was hot hot hot! Which begs the question what or who is as hot as a horse raddish?

Bub and Zade thanks for the new rain jacket and boots. Z loves his turtles - Daddio loves people who love turtles or something like that =)

Day at the Farm - UI Style

2007-03-31T10:39:00.000-07:00

Today Z and I went to the open house at the College of Vet Medicine on campus. Highlights included putting my hand inside a fistulated cow (don't worry i didn't eat it), milking a cow, a police dog demonstration, seeing kosher piglets =) and waking up at 5 am (oh wait that wasn't a highlght).

Best Question of the Day:

Z: Daddio, Whats coming out of the cow's wee-wee?

D: Um thats not the cow's wee-wee its umm its umm - teet. (Regaining exposure) Milk is coming out of the cow's teet.

Z: Daddio, do you have a teet? Does milk come out of your teet?

D: Look! Sheep! Z you like sheep! Sheep are fuzzy. When I was younger I saw sheep get a hair cut. Maybe we'll see them get a haircut.

Z: Baa Baa Black Sheep!

D: (thinking to self - phew avoiding anymore questions on teets!).

Here are the accompanying pics.

Super Zachio!

2007-03-30T21:43:00.000-07:00

Remember when you were little and wished you were a super hero with a cape? Well not that I mean to brag or anything but I live it! For some reason the neighbors look at me odd when I tuck a towel in the back of my shirt and run around! (That was a joke - I don't wear a cape outside of the house!) . And mom - don't worry I haven't taught Z to but his underwear on his head and run around the house. Think that skill is best taught once potty training is mastered!!

My Godfather has A PhD!

2007-03-27T17:08:00.000-07:00

As Zachio Would say Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!

Well all good things come to an end. Yesterday at approximately 2:30 pm EST Zachio's godfather took of his student hat and donned his PHD hat. He successful defended his dissertation! Rumor has it that he took a few nasty blows but would not succomb the evil committees blows! Congrats Dr. Jon. We are proud of you!

Shabbat Shalom - Zachio and Daddio Style

2007-03-24T13:03:00.000-07:00

So today Z and I went to the supermarket in town to get our Passover munchies.
Believe it or not there was a selection of Matzo – 4 different brands – did you know that there were that many? As I am putting all of the goodies into the cart, Z is pointing at the shelf asking what is that? I did my best to explain Passover candy, chips, potato noodles, etc to the little man. He points at Shabbas candles and asks “Daddy what are those?” When I tell them they are candles – his eyes light up. Daddy can we light the menorah?! So I add the candles to our cart of Judaic.

Prior to dinner Z and I decided to have our own little Shabbas – complete with Challah, grape juice and the candles. Although Z wanted to use the menorah – I knew that wasn’t what we were suppose to do (9 years of Hebrew school taught me something!). Unfortunately, I do not own candlesticks. So I was in the quandary – how was I suppose to light the candles without candle holders. I thought back to all my years of religious school training and had a faint memory of making candlesticks out of clay. So I made candlesticks out of playdo (McGuyver eat your heart out!)! Z picked the color so don't comment on the pink candlesticks. Just to warn everyone playdo will catch fire or atleast burn if exposed to flames! =)

Other highlights of Friday with the little man – he used the potty by himself – wouldn’t even let me in the bathroom! After doing his business he came out all proud of himself – the best part he didn’t even know his pants were on back words! Ignorance is bliss!

Here is Zachio with his pants on backwards and a matching face!

Like Father Like Son!

2007-03-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is having a good spring break. (For those in the real world - sorry!). Mine is going really well so far - had the my first weekend without Z in 6 months. Big thanks to Jodie for helping me out with the hotel - I owe you - big time! I learned a bunch of things over break - Union Station is a common name for a train station (sorry Worcester), if your spedometer is broken there is a good chance your odometer does not work either - opps =), Mapquest has no qualms with telling you to drive thru a building - don't worried I stopped (but I did think about it)!

There is a story behind this picture (chik 'in head!) - but luckily I am to sober to tell anyone! (The photographer of this picture is the best! ) And for all of you wise guys out there - it is a chicken not a rooster! No rooster jokes! If you still don't get what I am alluding to you have a pure mind or you are very slow (no offense Joe!)

May everyone's break be as good as mine!

Z's favorite picture from my Spring Break Trip!

Anyone remember when we took the family vacation to Cancun and I entered the push-up contest at the pool. I think I came in a respectable 4th place which isn't bad for a 15 year old unless you take into account that Uncle Steve came in 2nd! Ah Spring Break memories!

Best Answer to "What is that?"

2007-03-09T05:59:00.000-08:00

Zach and I were playing with playdo this morning. I was making my specialty - snakes and Z was creating his playdo master piece. After several mintues of intense concentration and skillful use of playdo scissors his creation is complete. I as a dutiful parent ask my artistic son what his playdo creation is. His response is...a bean bag! And to be truthful it, the playdo mass, looked exactly like a bean bag. Sorry no pics of his creation - just a good story!

I am the King. I can talk on the phone in my diaper if I want to!

2007-03-08T18:53:00.000-08:00

I wanna Puppy!

2007-03-07T06:21:00.000-08:00

So 2 weekends ago Z and I went to the human society. It was a very eventful visit. First Z didn’t want to go into see the puppies – they were to “barky”. So instead we watched the bunnies (yes the shelter has bunnies). No offense to bunnies but they are not that exciting to watch especially when there is a room full of puppies to play with. Z was enamored with the water bottle and the gray bunny drinking out of it. After some gentle coxing Z and I finally got to go into the puppies. Unfortunately there were a lot of dogs at the shelter. I always let Z choose the dog(s) we play with. He finally decided for us to play with a smallish black lab mix named recycle. Recycle reminded me a lot of Austin – my first dog. Anyway we took him outside and ran around for awhile. Z even told me that recycle had soft hair. After running around for awhile with Recycle we headed back in and got another dog. Think it was named Neppers or something like that – a Jack Russell mix. So we took him out and played with him.

While we were playing with him, Z stepped in a puddle up to his ankles. Luckily he was wearing his boots – so his little footsies didn’t get wet. But he did manage to get stuck! Z being Z just looked up at me – not worried at all – and says – Daddy my feets not moving. I just leaned over and picked him up with the biggest grin on my face. After I pulled him out we decided to take Neppers back in.

On the way into the shelter Z manages to face plant on the sidewalk. He starts to cry instantly I go over and pick him up. He managed to bang his lip pretty good and was bleeding freely (alright gushing but I don’t want to upset anyone). Being an experienced Dad I pick him up and reassure him that he will survive (You can’t die from a bleeding lip right?). So I had Z in one hand gushing blood and Neppers leash in the other. I manage to get Z inside. The lady at the front desk takes one look at us – and shrieks “OH MY GOD!” (believe it or not it didn’t calm Z down at all). I assure her that Neppers did not attack Z, a sidewalk accident – I think I repeated that 20 times. She nicely directed me to the bathroom and handed me the first aid kit. Luckily it only took a few wet paper towels to clean Z up. So I figure that Z is done playing with dogs and start getting us ready to go back to the car. I go to put on Z’s hat and he looks up at me – “Daddy, can we play with another doggie?” My heart leap for joy (that might be a little overstated – but I was happy)!

So we went back into the kennel and Z picked out another puppy to play with. Penguin was his name – an 8 mos old black and white pitt bull mix (yes I know). I decided to stay inside so we took him to one of the “getting acquainted rooms” – little rooms you can take the dogs into and play with. In the room there were a few tennis balls and a pull toy. So I threw the ball around and Penguin played fetch like an 8 month puppy does! The next thing I know Z has taken the pull toy and given half to Penguin. And they start playing tug of war!!! Z is all smiles and giggles! After we wear all of us out, we take Penguin back to his pen.

As we are walking out of the shelter Z turns to me: “Daddy can we bring the puppy home! Please Daddy! I wanna Puppy!”. I was as happy as a clam!

This was the first time that Z had wanna to bring a puppy back from the “puppy store” as he calls it since I had to put Petey down. Needless to say it was a good day!

You check out all of the puppies here http://www.cuhumane.org/adoptions/adopt_frame.html

Good Luck Uncle Joe!

2007-03-05T20:54:00.000-08:00

My little brother, Z's crazy uncle Joe is in LA today. Beleive it or not here is going to be on Jeopardy! So Jose good luck. And remember we will love you even if you are the guy who is negative at the end of double jeopardy and doesn't get to do compete in Final Jeopardy! But We will love you more if you win!

So do your best and pull your pants up for goodness sake!

Parenting Advice?

2007-02-27T18:36:00.000-08:00

What is the appropriate response to a toddler asking: Daddy why do you have a fuzzy wee-wee?

a) Laugh uncontrollably
b) Laugh uncontrollably
c) Grown-ups have fuzzy wee-wees
d) Start singing a song and hope he forgets

The joys of parenting!

Mop Boy and Bub and Zade

2007-02-27T17:54:00.000-08:00

Music Class Mishaps

2007-01-28T20:03:00.000-08:00

Another wonderful weekend has come to an end. Hanging with the little man is so much fun. I almost forget that I have to plan 2 lectures, write a grant or two and analyze a boat load of data. It will all wait!

Saturday started off with Zachio waking up at 5:30 am – which would not be that bad if we were going fishing, or had to get to milk the cows, but we weren’t. I nicely asked if he go back to bed – NO daddio – breakfast. I still haven’t figured out how I can justify giving him food before the sun raises. So I opened 1 eye and carried him downstairs. You think that someone who was so eager to eat would be willing to help get breakfast ready. NOPE! Zachio refused to let go of me. So I had to get breakfast ready 1 handed and 1 eyed! True – all I had to do was grab a bowl, a cup and a box a cereal!

After he ate breakfast – pretty sure he had 2 bowls of cereal (guess he was hungry). I offered to read to him. So we climbed onto the couch, pulled up the blanket and started reading. A few books into our reading marathon, I passed out (mid story =). I woke up 45 minutes later and Zachio is still reading (looking at the pictures and telling a story)!!!

After getting showered (daddio only) and dressed we headed to the bakery – our normal Saturday morning ritual. Zachio got a frog and cow sugar cookie, I got a coffee – trying to fight the fatigue. He spends the whole time flirting with the attractive women who works there. Actually he spends the first 45 seconds devouring his cookies then spends the rest of the time flirting!

So after the bakery we head to the long awaited music class. Zachio took music class last spring and had a ball. The didn’t offer music class over the summer and since life wasn’t normal this past fall – this was the first time he could take it again. Class mainly involves singing kid songs, banging on drums, and the parents making fools of themselves dancing around =)

I have a confession – as we drove to music class I realized I had no idea when class started. I signed him up in the beginning of the month – and I have had a couple things on my mind – so I completely forgot. I am sure that I wrote it down on one of my infamous scraps of papers – but I couldn’t find it! So I figure I play it safe and get there at 9 am – ask at the desk and go from there. Seemed like a good plan. I pulled up to the cultural center and the parking lot was empty. Not a good sign.

I get Zachio into the center and nicely ask the receptionist. Oh yes class is at 9 am in room 109. Zachio and I head down the stairs – and once we get to the basement (yes room 109 is in the basement) I realize the lights are off. I find the light switch, turn on the lights and we go to room 109. Guess what – nobody is there. I look at my watch and its 8:50 am. So I figure maybe we are just early. Now the entire time this is going on Zachio is chanting MUSIC CLASS! MUSIC CLASS! MUSIC CLASS! So it takes a little persuasion to get him to leave the room. I double check with the receptionist that class starts at 9 am – she assures me it does. Zach and I take a seat on the couch facing the entrance. With the idea that when we see little kids – will know that class is on. Well the only kids we see walk thru the door are 5-6 yr old little girls wearing tutus. (There are not tutus in music class – at least none that I have seen).

To make a very long winded post short – it turns out that class starts at 10:15. I was 1.5 hours early – better than late! Good news is that Zachio loved class. Only slightly awkward conversation after class with the teacher Miss Teresa – re: Mommy won’t be joining us.

After class we went home had lunch – Z refused his nap. Out of the blue he asked if Petey could come home (Most of you know that can’t happen =( SO we headed out to the humane society to play with the puppies! I tell that story in another post! Needless to say we had a blast!

PS - Bubbie thanks for the aprons!

Weekends rock!

2007-01-22T21:10:00.000-08:00

Zachio and Daddio silliness over the weekend. Had a really good, action packed weekend. And we watched football! Z was a happy camper (even though the Pats lost - Joe you owe me lunch!)

Highlight of the weekend was that it snowed. Actually got 2 inches of the white stuff. I attempted to make a snow man. My attempt was hampered by 1) I forgot how to do it; 2) anytime I rolled a ball of anysize Zachio squahsed it! Yes I actually had to think about how to make a snowman. Proof that I have been in the midwest for entirely to long!

Also had a snowball fight. Believe it or not I won. True Zachio didn't know we were playing but we had fun! And we even made a snow angel!

When you ask a Toddler to Smile they Stick out their tongue!

2007-01-18T21:00:00.000-08:00

Got Zachio this morning. And I figured I try out my new camera!

Check out Z-man!

The best is the nanny takes it on herself to take random pics of Z. So when I get home I have a daily pictorial of my favorite little guy!

Unrelated but funny. I got my teaching evaluations yesterday. Definately not the greatest - lets just say I have plenty of room to improve. Most hilarious comment - Dr. S should get a mohawk!!! The rest of them were a little more mean spirited.

Another Day, Another Phone Conversation!

2007-01-17T11:20:00.000-08:00

So I called Zach this morning and had another delightful conversation. Guess what he asked me...

Daddio: "Morning Little man, How are you doing?"

Zachio: "Daddio (he actually started calling me this - on his own - no prompting. He is ultra-cute!), what ya doing?"

Daddio: "Eating breakfast. What you have for breakfast?"

Zachio: "Cereal. Daddio you watching football?"

Daddio (laughing): "No buddy, I am not watching football. What are you doing?

Zachio: "Talking on Speaker-phone with you. Daddio, you should watch football"

Daddio: "Um, okay Zachie - I'll try to watch football, today"

Zachio: " Bye - Bye Daddy. Love you! See you tomorrow!"

Daddio: "Have a great day, miss you, love ya"

Its a good thing I didn't tell Zachio I was going drinking, to the bathroom or some other fun activity after I dropped him off. Every morning - I have him ask - Daddio you drinking... you going to the bathroom... you ... =)

Other highlights of the day - survived first lecture (Red-eye - expresso mixed with coffee - helped tremendously) and someone ( a very cool person - I might add) from Brazil checked out the blog! I am international - or atleast the blog is =)

Best news - is I get to have Zach tomorrow morning!!!

Phone calls with Zachio

2007-01-16T08:52:00.000-08:00

On days that I don't have Zachio at the house - I call him in the morning before work and after dinner. Now having a phone conversation with Zachio is always a crap shot. Most 2.5 year olds are as of yet not skilled phone conversationists. But this morning was classic and perhaps the best phone call yet!

Here is a line by line recap -

Daddio: "Good morning big guy. Did you sleep well."

Zachio: "Hi Daddio. What ya doing?" - notice he ignores my question

Daddio: "I am eating breakfast and talking to you, Little man. What are you doing?"

Zachio: "I'm reading a book. Daddio, whatcca doin? Are you watching football?"

Daddio: "I am talking to you on the phone, big guy, what book are you reading?"

Zachio: "Why aren't you watching Football? Daddio, are you in the phone?"

Daddio: "No buddy, I am not in the phone. I am talking to you on the phone?"

Zachio: "You watching football? Daddio you should watch football."

Daddio: "Um, ok, little man - I will watch some football. Have a great day. Be good for mommy and Lindsey (the nanny)"

Zachio: "I going to Library with Lindsey. No old books, new books. Daddy, new books at library!"

Daddio: "Make sure you get good new books. Get ones about Franklin!"

Zachio: " New Books! New Books! Love you, Daddy. Goodbye. See you soon"

Daddio: "Bye, buddy. Love ya to"

The end!

Alright so most of you are probably a little confused why Zachio insisted that I watch football. I was for a while too. Then it dawned on me. on Sunday when I dropped him off at his mom's in the afternoon he asked me what I was going to do - and told him: watch football. So in his mind when I am not with him - I am watching football! Makes perfect sense to me now.

I did buy a digital camera yesterday! Just haven't had taken pictures of Z yet - you don't want to see pics of me! Especially self potriats!

The adventure begins!

2007-01-15T10:25:00.000-08:00

So this weekend was the 2nd for my new family. Zachio and I had a blast as usual. Spent a good deal of time hanging out at home playing. Sung our theme song - Ziggy Zachy Ziggy Zachy - Oy Oy Oy (Man Show anyone?). We invested in more little people (toys not midgets)! We added a medic and a fire truck, a leapard, hippopatomus and a little kid. Slowly rebuilding our little army. Not sure why but Zachio had the hippopatomus serve as the pilot but he did. I'd thought that perhaps the leopard would be a better pick - but nope. Hippopatomus is the pilot - I was told.

Not nearly as cool as toys but we also bought a stereo. Zachio actually help pick it out. "Dat one, That one - the black one daddio". Who am I to argue, it is going to play his "wheels on the bus" CD so he should have a say. Well be the frugal shopper that I am - we purchased it at the Super Walmart. We get it home and take it out of the box. Luckily my skills as an A/V expert (one summer i built a speaker with my grandfather) enabled me to connect everything without the instructions. Now this stereo has 3 CD changer - well changer is a misnomer (although it was on the box), rather it has 3 places to put in a CD. Once I get it set -up I quickly put in 3 cds (toddler tunes, farm songs and Tom Petty). Guess what - CD player 1 makes an awful racket and stops spinning 10 s into Old MacDonald! My brand new stereo is dysfunctional - I definately pissed off the powers to be. =) Luckily I am getting wise in my old age and actually saved the packing material. Even more surprising I got it back into the box. Will see how returning it goes!

Two main highlights for this weekend. Zach has a new best friend and they started a band! Zach was playing bass and Dorin was playing lead guitar, vocals were shared! I got a pic on my phone - but haven't figured how to get it off yet. (Don't worry the digital camera is coming). And to Zachio's delight Dorin's couch cushions come off and he knows how to make forts. oh I wish I was 2.5 again!!

Second highlight, which I dedicate to my dad (aka little Zade), Zachio and I went car shopping - alright it was browsing - the dealership wasn't open - but we were looking. So I have decided I need to get a sports car - I know I am to young for a midlife crisis - but post divorce I need to reinvent myself. So I have been looking at sports cars - or as Zachio says - Race Cars! The main limitation to this dream - I have to fit a car seat in the sports car - not that many models.

This weekend we spent some time at a Dodge dealership. No real reason except it was on the way home from Toys R Us. So we perused the cars - thinking the dodge charger might be it. check it out. So the best news it won AAA car of the year! Not only is it a muscle car, but its practical - and it has a back seat. Vrrrmmmm - Zachio and Daddio agree.

So if you folks have any suggestions for Zachio and Daddio's mobile - think were gonna call it the DZ-mobile (just like the batmobile - but no tights!) - feel free to post.