Inch Worm Kisses

In the above video you will see that I was being seriously accosted by wormus gigantus nicoleus.

Four Months of Firsts

I'm almost four months old already. Can you believe it? So old... so old. I feel like I've accomplished quite a bit, though.

I celebrated my first Jewish Holiday called Rosh Hashana (the Jewish New Year) when my grandparents were still here (The G-PU's left a few weeks ago but will be back soon).

From Teldyn's First Photo Album

I celebrated my daddy and grandpa's birthdays. They keep track of their ages in years--are those long? They've collected more years than I have fingers and toes, so that's a super lot. For Daddy's birthday we went to a restaurant with an aquarium inside. A funny lady with a strange face was in the water with a sign that said "Happy Birthday, Chuck." Is Chuck my dad's secret identity? 'Cause if so, that lady blew it.

I went on my first boat ride and swam at the sandbar in Kaneohe Bay. Nonna took me in the water in my "Coast Guard Approved" life vest which I was not a fan of. Then Nonna took it off and just held me in the water, which was much better. Auntie Nikki held an umbrella over me because Mom was really concerned about my skin in the sun. I'm excited to learn how to swim. I got to watch infant swimming lessons. The babies were crying the whole time, but they sure could move in the water.

From Teldyn's First Photo Album

I started going to daycare on Mondays now. Auntie Nikki drops me off and Mom or Dad pick me up. It's fun there. I like to watch the other kids play.

I went to see a show with Shaolin monks. There were bright colors, fast movements, and loud noises. When I wasn't eating or sleeping, I liked it. After the show, we met up with Auntie Carin and Emalee at a restaurant that served Egyptian food. The PU's sure seemed to like the stuff. I wasn't too happy with it, so I fell asleep on Auntie Carin's shoulder.

I'm talking a lot these days. Sometimes I shout too, but the PU's don't seem to understand what I'm saying either way.

I really enjoy books. They're fun during tummy time. It's strange, though, even with the different colors, each page tastes the same. I'll have to find more books, I guess.

It turns out that I. LOVE. DOGS!!! They are even more fun to watch than the glow screens that the PU's stare at sometimes. The doggies make me laugh and laugh, which makes the PUs laugh too. It's a little weird when Hoku licks my face, but the PUs say it's slobber/drool karma.

I got to meet Grandma Dee from Oregon on Skype. I like her. Mommy says that I'm gonna see a bigger version of her when I go to Oregon for Thanksgiving. I'll also get to meet the people who've been sending me cool gifts like my cousin Payton!

I like to grab things these days--like both my feet at the same time and pull them over my head. Can you do that? I also like to grab onto the PUs' hair and gnaw on fingers; actually, I'll pretty much gnaw on anything I can get my mouth on... but I hear that's normal for Americans.

From Teldyn's First Photo Album

I'm supposedly "getting heavy," but we'll see what the doc says at the end of the month. I think that about does it for this update. See? Only four months and already I've done so much!

A Poem From Grandpa Mike

Dear Teldyn,

Your first name came from Mommy and there's likely none the same.
Your second came from Daddy, and its had its share of fame:
The man who made the cotton gin and the school we know as Yale
Were both named Eli just like you, each one a special tale.

Your father's name is Charles, and this he got when he was born.
It is my father's father's name so the strand would not be torn.
We name our sons and daughters after those we cannot see
To be a sure reminder of the ones who used to be.

There is another Brodie and she loves you very dear.
She's living here beside you and you bring each other cheer.
You make her smile and bring her joy, and she gives it back to you.
She's Auntie, and her name's Nicole; but she has another, too.

Her middle name is Vera, and it was my mother's first.
And though I speak it rarely it still satisfies my thirst
To know that all the special things she was to me from birth
Are carried in a soul so rare, of caring and great worth.

When she was born my father, Eli, thanked me for her name.
He loved his Vera dearly and I would not bear the blame
Of breaking faith with either one and so I carried through,
And therefore gave the name to her which, happily, means 'true.'

The woman who I've known so long and proudly call my wife
Still makes me glad of what she's done to build our married life.

To see her love you as her own is such a special joy,
And you, sweet Teldyn, are so blessed and lucky, baby boy.

You hear us speak of "Nonna" and I also say "Nanou."
She makes me smile and makes me laugh to see how she loves you.
The love she gave to Daddy and then Auntie Nicole,
Now flows to you unbounded, still pure and sweet and whole.

Your father, Charles, is quite a man who served his country well,
And now serves you and Mommy better than mere words can tell.
He loves you so and this I know for I see it in his face
When he looks at you his eyes do shine, and he's in a special place.

You put him there because you're you, there is no other reason,
But time will pass and you will grow from season unto season.
I'm sure he feels as I did once that he couldn't love you more,
But you both will feel the blessings that tomorrow has in store.

And then there's Mommy, sweet and strong, I see it when she feeds you.
You cannot do without her, but I also know she needs you.
You once were safe inside her, but now take your chances here;
But she can see and hold you now. Each day you are more dear.

She talks to you and in her voice I hear her love and pride.
I watch her turn your pain to laughter after you have cried.
So many things she has to do to make it through this life,
And all done well, I'm glad to say, great worker, mother, wife.

We don't know all the things we should that get our children set
To sail life's troubled waters, but when we repay the debt
Of precious love that came to us from the ones who gave us life,
We have the chance to laugh and love and lessen others' strife.

I hope we're all together when at last these words you read,
But if that doesn't come to pass at least my mind is freed
That all who still remain on Earth with all their "don'ts" and "dos"
Won't have the strength to steer you from the path in Life you choose!

Grandpa Mike

And we're back!

Sorry again for the delay. My biographers haven't been around as much. Plus this whole growing thing (constant eating and sleeping) takes up a lot of my day.

Things around the house have changed recently. The grandparents, Nonna and Grandpa Mike, showed up August 13th. (That's a total of five PU's for those of you keeping track.) The original PU's have all started school now, so they're around in shifts. Mom goes to work four days, Dad goes to school three days, and Auntie fills in the gaps--of course, the two additional PU's help a lot. This also means that I'm on the bottle now during most days of the week.

Nonna bought a new sling in Guatemala for Mom to carry me. I like it. It's roomy and quite colorful. It's made going places easier.

I went to a work picnic. I wore my networking onsie but spit up on it before I could meet many people. Don't you hate when that happens? I've been shopping a few times, checked out a restaurant called Genki Sushi, and went to more movies.

From Teldyn's First Photo Album

At my two month check-up, I weighed 12lbs 8oz and was 25.25'' long. My dad tells me that I may want to hang onto those quarter and half inches while I can.

The PU's have nicknamed me thunder pants. They laugh about something called "Thunder Cats," and when my diaper rumbles, they say "Thunder... thunder... thunder... thunder pants Uh-OOOOOOOOHHHHHHH!!"

Nonna and I hang out a lot. She's always holding me, except when I'm sleeping, .... I think. She's funny, she's constantly moving, talking, making noises that I've never heard anyone make (French as well as various sound effects) and making me smile. Oh yeah, I smile now. Nonna's fun. I hope she sticks around.

I've discovered my hands. I realize now that they are in fact mine, and also that they taste good. I'm still getting the hang of controlling them, though. I scratched my face. They cut my nails. Oh yeah, and my neck is stronger, so my head's not so floppy--that's cool.

I'm starting to learn what I like and don't like. I don't like my swing as much anymore. I like to be carried--not held while people are sitting down, but carried while they're standing. Unless I'm being held in a way that allows me to stand on my feet. We call this "lap surfing." I still dislike "tummy time "--can't do anything in that position--although, I can accept it if I'm lying on the yoga ball and being rolled back and forth (Nonna discovered that game... love it). I dislike getting my diaper changed but like being dry. I enjoy baths more now; reminds me of the warm place from before, and its just fun. I really only like being in my carrier seat if it's being bounced on the yoga ball or in the running car. The PU's all seem to be quick learners about my preferences, so we're all glad for that.

Sleeping, eating, playing, smiling, getting what I want... I think I'm gonna be pretty good at this life thing. Again, sorry for the delay in updates, but thanks for stickin' by me. There were some techinical difficulties with my photo album, so those of you who posted comments on them in the past, they've been lost. I'm sorry. I do hope that you're all doing well, and I can't wait to read your new comments--I won't delete them this time.

More pictures posted

Mom, Dad, and I had fun getting these pictures. Hope you like 'em. (They're at the bottom of Teldyn's First Photo Album)

From Teldyn's First Photo Album

Takin' Off

Hello all. Long time no blog, eh? Sorry about that. I've been so terribly busy... actually, I joke. That's basically the opposite reason of why I haven't written--there's not much to write about. But I'll think of stuff...

I'm gaining weight--even outgrowing some of my diapers.

From Teldyn's First Photo Album

Mommy and Daddy have been giving me flying lessons.

Oh, and I have moved into my own room... I think. I don't know how I get in there, but sometimes I wake up and I'm in my crib; at least until I cry for Daddy. The most I've slept at once is seven hours, but usually I don't like going that long without eating.

Daddy and Nikki went to the "beach" today. I don't know what that is. I hear it's nice. The docs say I'm too young for SPF (whatever that is) and Mom is worried about me being in the sun. I'll make it out there one day, though.

Grandma and Grandpa from Connecticut are coming to stay with us for a while. I've met them on the computer, so I already know I like them.

Well, like I said, not a whole lot new to tell. Just wanted to give a hello. Hope all's well with you folks.

Getting Out There

Today was fun.

First, Mom, Dad, and I went to the doctors again, and now I weigh 10lbs 1oz! A little more than when I was born and 10oz. more than last week. Whoo hoo! Mom and Dad are happy and relieved.

I got a new fancy onesy in the mail last night from my distant-aunt Fara. It's got a picture of Stitch (of Lilo and Stitch fame) and my name on it! Dad managed to get a good picture of me in the new suit. Auntie says with my name on it, it will come in handy for networking events. I'm not sure what that means...

From Teldyn's First Photo Album

The PU's took me to my first movie (is that considered a networking event?) There were lots of other people there. It was more of that Harry Potter they like. I didn't really watch it. I was hiding out under some blankets, eating most of the time. At one point, I was announcing myself, and Auntie rushed me out into the hall. I didn't want to tell people out there anything. I soon got over my desire to say, "I'm Teldyn and I'm at your event," so that's when we went back inside. I slept until I was hungry again. I can't say I actually saw the movie, but the talking and music was pretty good.

This weekend I'm going to my first birthday party--ninjas on ice. I've gotta find a good ninja suit... and learn how to ice skate... all before Saturday. Wish me luck. (Do ninjas wear powder blue polo shirts with their names on them?)

Weight and Water

Not a whole lot to say these days. Don't get me wrong, I'm diggin' my life, but I wouldn't exactly say it's filled with ground breaking stuff.

Mom, Dad and I went to the doctor's again for a weight check up. Last time, the doc was concerned that I had stagnated for a week. But now that Mom and Dad came up with a feeding schedule where I eat every 2 hours for about an hour, I'm gaining weight... And losing sleep. They wake me up and make me eat! Now, don't get me wrong, I love eating--I'm as American as the next guy--but I really love sleeping. Then they wonder why I'm cranky later on. Sometimes I'm so busy complaining about how tired I am that I forget to sleep. Ha ha! The PUs must love that. At least at night they let me get two full 4 hour blocks of sleepy time.

Dad has started reading "Harrig Podder" or something aloud to Mom and Auntie supposedly for some movie that's coming out soon... I don't really like it. I don't understand what he's saying. Plus, it means they're not paying attention to me. Luckily, I've learned how to remedy that. WAAAHHHHHHH (Pause for emphasis...Are they looking yet?) WAHHHH... (Yes!! A finger to suck on. Numm numm numm numm nummm. Workth effwy time.)

I also had my first bath. The PUs put me in a bowl in the sink. It wasn't so bad. I like the water, which is good because Dad's already found a swimming class for me that I can take when I'm 6 months old. I hope I'll swim as good as this guy:

To learn more, click here.

I now have a funny little ditch on my stomach. My black belly button fell off earlier this week. The PUs seemed pretty happy about it. I wonder if that means I should try to make other parts of my body fall off too. I'm not sure what I should go with next. I don't really get these little nubs at the end of my feet. I seem to have a lot of them, so I can probably spare a few. Plus, sometimes they kick me in the face. I don't like that.

Ups and Downs

Not much happened this past week. Lots of sleepin', feedin' and... well, that's about it. I went out a few times: hospital for Mommy's check up (all's well), shopping at the mall, and dinner with friends Lee and Connie. Those two must be funny because even though I was asleep most of the time, there was lots of laughter. For dessert we all went to an ice cream shop. It smelled pretty good there, but I prefer my milk straight, warm, and from the tap.

The PU's (Parental Units) have started something they like to call "belly time." They place me on my stomach and watch me squirm. It's weird and sort of uncomfortable. I don't really get what I'm supposed to be doing. The PU's just watch me and giggle until I let them know that it's not all that fun for me.

Dad also holds me up so my feet can pat the floor. My legs seem to react on their own, flexing and straightening when they touch the ground. As usual, the PU's are very entertained by this. They seem a simple bunch.

These days, I love my motorized swing. It either puts me to sleep or gives me time to stare at the ceiling. I know the answers are up there. It doesn't matter which ceiling; they all speak to me. They know something. I'm gonna find out what.

From Teldyn's First Photo Album

The doggies are around me more now. I don't mind so much. Sometimes, I'm so surprised by their tongues' wet stink that I stop crying. I have to be careful, though, the PU's might think that means I like it.

Once in a while, Dad leaves for a few hours to go "surfing." He comes back quite a bit happier, tired-er and saltier. He says he's gonna take me one day.

Oh, whoa! The ceiling... gotta go.

A Whole Week

I'm a week old today. In that time, I've been to see 3 doctors. No worries, I've heard it's routine. The first time was two days after I got home. Diagnosis: "everything's great!" (I coulda told 'em that.) I'd lost some weight (again, that's normal) and weighed in at 9lbs 1oz. Then we saw the doctor who pulled me out of Mommy's belly. He, too, said I looked great. (Mommy does too.) Then yesterday Mommy and Daddy took me back to my doctor--frankly, I could do without the cold waiting room and being stripped down in front of strangers, but I trust they know what they're doing--same diagnosis: Great! I was 9lbs 3oz. that time.

I'm super good at sleeping. Mom and Dad have to wake me up every two hours during the day to make sure I'm eating enough and every four hours at night. Luckily, I heard the doctor tell them that in about a week they can just leave me alone to sleep as long as I want to. Can't wait.

Mommy doesn't lie around as much as she used to. Maybe I’ll start moving around on my own soon too.

I think it's great that babies get three parents. What a good idea! I like mine. They're a real team with feedings and changes.

Those three furry, 4-legged beasties are kinda funny… sometimes. They get right up in my face which I appreciate ‘cause my eyes don’t focus that well (also normal). But then they lick me! Sometimes right on my eye! It’s gross. Other times they just lick my hand which is kinda cool I guess. Their fur gets in mouth.

Daddy's teaching me how to skype. I got to meet Grandpa Mike and (distant) Aunt Fara. Both were excited to meet me. They're cool.

Well, I'm hungry so... WAAAAAHHHHH!!!

Sleepy Time

Daddy's like a bed. Mommy picked me up off of him when I needed to eat. I fell asleep after eating and when I woke up, I was back on his chest. He didn't even know I had ever left. I hear that my ability to sleep through anything comes from Pops.

Later, we were watching My Fair Lady. The man and woman on the TV kept saying "aaayy" over and over. When I tried to repeat them and said, "ay," Auntie and Daddy laughed so hard, they started tearing. I didn't really get the joke, though. Is "ay" a bad word or something? Did I say it wrong?

(Oh, just to let my fans know, "my first web album" contains even more pictures than my slideshow. So click on the picture of me on the left-hand side to check it out.)

Home Sweet Home

They tell me this is my new home. I'm not sure if they mean the couch, the other couch, my crib, or their bed. But as long as I'm wrapped in my blue blanket, I don't care. Mom and I have been having napping competitions--I'm winning.

There are three big furry things that like to sniff my head. Mom, Dad, and Auntie don't like them to stay too close to me, though.

Oh, they also told me I need to thank all of you for your well-wishes and words of welcome. I don't know any of you, but I look forward to meeting you. (Is that good Mom? Can I go back to sleep now?)

My first slideshow (Only First 24hrs)

So this is it...

I have offically joined this cold, bright, complicated world you all live in.

There are many more unique sounds now. Mostly, I hear the same words repeated like "Teldyn", "9 pounds 15.7 ounces", "22.5 inches," and "big baby". I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that I'm a big baby. I guess, this makes me a different species because I've been told that I'm a linebacker and a basketball. Those sound like two different animals, so I'm not sure which one I am yet. The nurse who mentioned basketball was looking at my hands when she said it. I like my hands. They're cool. They can grab stuff... like my dad's fingers.

Turns out that Grandpa Mike was right (see last post's comment) and that "in here" was inside my mom. Is that normal? Does that mean I have a linebacker inside me posting blogs too? How did Mom know I was in there?

She seems pretty cool. She just lies around all the time. Love her style. Dad is fun too. He lets me suck on his finger; although, he doesn't seem to understand that I'm hungry 'cause no food comes out of it. What's up with that?

As I haven't slept in the past two minutes, I'm exhausted. Later.

Darn it, they've found me...

So it looks like they're comin' in to get me. Something about a z-section or t-section... I'm not really sure, it's hard to hear in here. But I got the idea that I'm not gonna be in here much longer. From what I could make out, at around eleben o'dock on Duesday, they're taking me outta here.

I'm not sure where I'm going, but it better be as good as this place: constant food, warm gel, cozy tight... pretty hard to beat. No matter what, this trip will answer some questions for me... like where "in here" actually is, and I finally get to find out who these voices are. Besides, I can always come back if I don't like it out there, right?

Well, see you on the flip side.

Still Holdin' On

I like it in here. It's warm, dark, and there's a constant steady beat flowing. It's good stuff.

That voice I hear sometimes, the one that says "I'm your daddy," well, last night he was talking about my "due date" and that I should "hurry up". I'm not really sure what that guy's talkin' about, though.

I do have to admit that it's starting to get a little tight in here. I'm upside-down all the time and don't have the room to move around like I used to. The voices say that I'm over nine pounds.

I'm a little curious to know where these voices are coming from, and I might as well head in the direction that I'm facing... We'll see. For now, I'm just chillaxin'.