The January Archives
January 31, 2005:
  • It was an eventful evening for Josh tonight. During tummy time he SCOOTED several inches so that he was at the edge of his blanket, then ROLLED OVER from front to back all on his own! We are very proud.
  • Chris was sad because he missed all of the excitement since he was at work. To make his daddy feel better, Josh decided to have his first poopy diaper in three days before Chris got home. He's such a considerate little boy.
  • At Staples, Chris had his own share of drama, as a would-be thief was thwarted while attempting to sneak out of the store with four printers. Evil-doers, beware! Super Daddy is on the case.
  • Chris and Josh had a 'manly morning' today, watching X-Men together while Renée slept late. A good time was had by all.
  • Not much else happened today. Chris brought home Taco Bell for lunch. We approve of the new grilled stuft burritos with enchilada sauce.
Daddy says this hat makes me look wise.
I'm just so darn adorableJanuary 30, 2005:
  • Yesterday we were caught in the foul clutches of WINTER STORM 2005, as the news channels so colorfully named it. As a result, Staples was closed and Chris got to stay home all day. We amused ourselves by watching a couple of Saturday Night Live DVDs: The Best of Christopher Walken and The Best of Chris Farley. More amusing than either of those, however, were the efforts of a little red car attempting to drive up the icy hill outside our house. It kept driving up and sliding back. Driving up, sliding back. Finally, it went all the way to the cul-de-sac and got a running start that allowed it to escape our little section of Deshong Drive.
  • Then the power went out, and we had to find new means of entertainment. We sang songs from the Elmo's Jumping Jukebox book and acted out the first forty minutes of Jerry Maguire. Then, when the power came back on, we tried to watch Jerry Maguire to see how accurate our version was, but the whole family fell asleep in front of the TV.
  • We woke up to find that most of WINTER STORM 2005 had cleared out, though not without first knocking a large limb onto our neighbor's roof. We took advantage of the frigid weather to make a frosty treat: Porch Jell-O. It's basically the same as regular Jell-O, except that you chill it on your porch instead of in your refrigerator.
  • Josh has discovered an exciting new game. It can be found at the Fisher-Price website and rewards him for banging on the keyboard. He seems to be greatly amused by it, as was his daddy.
January 28, 2005:
  • It's been a yucky two days around here, folks. Last night Chris was throwing up repeatedly, perhaps because of some leftover pizza he ate at work. Josh, seeming to sense that all was not well with his daddy, decided he did not want to go to sleep. He wanted to scream. A lot. Trying to calm the screaming baby and giving wide berth to the vomiting husband, Renée did not get the website updated. However, she also did not throw herself out the window, which felt like a major accomplishment at the time.
  • Today Josh had to go in for his 4 month vaccinations. Four big shots in his cute little chubby legs. :-(. He seemed to take these better than his 2 month shots, and was in a relatively good mood afterward...for the first 3 or so hours. Then the injection areas swelled up and the shrieking began. After some baby Tylenol and lots of cuddles, he is now sleeping soundly.
  • Chris and Renée took advantage of Josh's slumber to watch Napoleon Dynamite while eating a tasty Shipwreck Dinner (macaroni, beef, peas, tomatoes, and cheese all mixed together). An odd but amusing movie and an easy but scrumptious meal.
  • Pertinent stats from Josh's doctor's visit: he now weighs a whopping 15 lbs, 6oz and is 25.5 inches tall! He has also been given the green light to start trying solid foods. Let the splattering begin! Twinkie shall rejoice!!
How can that mean nurse give four shots to someone this cute?
I'm tired and drooly, but still cute.January 26, 2005:
  • Happy birthday to Nick! Chris's big brother turns 28 today.
  • Tonight we went to the Conyers Carusos' for one last dinner with Bumpa before he heads back to Massachusetts. We also took the opportunity to show off our Josh's First Three Months in Pictures video and Baby Monkey Jeb's Mozart to the family. Then we turned on American Idol and were all entertained and horrified by tonight's delusional contestants.
  • Lately, Josh has found a new source of amusement: Twinkie. He sees her approaching and breaks into a giant grin, then starts laughing! Twinkie does not know quite what to make of this and responds by backing away and growling, a sound which elicits more delight from our baby human. We have a video of this, but unfortunately it's far too large a file to post.
  • While looking through her usual mommy message boards this evening, Renée stumbled across someting we found.....indescribably weird. It's called Infant Elimination Communication. It basically involves waiting until you think your baby is going to poop or pee, then yanking off the diaper and holding them over the sink or toilet. Repeat as necessary for two years. Thanks, but no thanks.
January 25, 2005:
  • Apologies for yesterday's lack of an update. Chris worked very late and when he got home Renée, Josh, and Twinkie all promptly fell asleep cuddling him on the couch. Unable to update the website, Chris was pinned in place and forced to watch Carson Daly.
  • Not much activity around here yesterday anyway. While Chris was working, Renée read some of her old Sesame Street books to Josh. She then watched a new episode of 7th Heaven in which Lucy gave birth in an elevator.
  • Yesterday was also Josh's 4-month birthday! Yay Josh! To document our little guy's current cuteness, we had professional pictures taken today. We are getting the top hat picture shown in several different sizes, but there are 8 other stunning Josh poses that anyone can order from Sears. We emailed everyone the necessary info.
  • Today was also Josh's first trip to the mall. Since it was midday on a Tuesday, there were no sneezing, grimy children to poke at Josh and send Renée into a germphobic tizzy. After the Sears photo session, we stopped by Zales to put a new battery in Renée's watch (which had been battery-less for over a year), then got Orange Julius treats. Josh behaved beautifully, and the excursion was enjoyed by all.
I like this outfit!
Four generations in one roomJanuary 23, 2005:
  • We arrived back at home this morning to find the power back on and the box of Kleenex on the floor. Apparently Twinkie had a runny nose while we were out and decided that she needed to shred a tissue or two. Other than that, though, the house was in good shape, and we didn't have to empty our refrigerator like the last time we lost power.
  • Not much to talk about today. Josh and Chris watched much football today, with one good result (the Patriots won) and one bad (the Falcons lost). In two weeks Josh will experience his first Superbowl, though he will miss out on the joy that is cheese puffs. Maybe next year.
  • Curse the ABC network and their shows that run a minute too long! We were taping the end of Desperate Housewives because Josh was being fussy, so when he fell asleep we went back to watch the last few minutes of the show. However, our VCR stopped taping at 10:00, but the show didn't end until 10:01 -- so we missed the last minute of the show, which is usually where the big twist occurs. Grrr.
January 22, 2005:
  • Tonight the page is being updated from the Tingles' house, where we are sleeping over because our street lost power in the freakish wind storm we're currently experiencing.
  • One plus to updating here -- the groovin' 70's picture of Renée at Josh's current age. See any mother/child similarities?
  • Earlier, we had dinner with Renée's parents, Mike, Papa and Mama Tingle and aunt Bobbie. Everyone oohed and aahed over Josh and he posed for many a picture, which we'll surely be posting later this week.
  • Mike brought bad news from Athens - apparently Guthrie's is closed as the result of arson. This comes as a shock so shortly after the news that Hunan is closing, and Blue Sky's closing last month. Oh yes that's right, HUNAN, home of the spectacular lunch buffet and site of many lobbyrats gatherings, IS CLOSING!!!! Athens has nothing left for us...aside from siblings, friends, and those professional wedding pictures that we still haven't picked up. At least Josh got to experience the joys of Guthrie's and Hunan while still in the womb.
  • The sad events in the Athens restaurant industry aside, this has a been a happy couple of days for Chris. We cooked up a huge batch of mashed potatoes last night, then had even more mashed potatoes at the Tingles'. Bliss.
In 25 years, I'm going to have a really cute son!
Don't interrupt me! I'm doing important stuff here!January 21, 2005:
  • *Cheesy cute couple alert* Chris surprised Renée with a little at-home date tonight, complete with virgin margaritas, candy, and a viewing of 13 Going On 30. Josh chaperoned until falling asleep.
  • We went on a fun family shopping excursion earlier today. Chris's parents gave us a Target gift card for dog sitting several months ago, and we finally decided to spend it. After waffling between multiple high chairs, we settled on a little feeding seat/booster for Josh, who'll be starting solid food within a month. Alas, upon unloading it at home we discovered it wouldn't work with our chairs. So Chris took it back and got another...which also doesn't work with our chairs. Guess we'll try again. That's ok - we also got other fun stuff such as a bubble ducky faucet cover, a ducky bath mat, and Taco Bell quesadillas.
  • In the spirit of family shopping, we also ordered a convertible car seat online, since Josh is about two inches away from outgrowing his infant seat. We got a Britax Roundabout on sale in a not-too-hideous gray dotted pattern. Had to pass on the ones in the Cowmooflage and leopard print.
  • Time to turn in for the night. Chris has to work early tomorrow and Renée will have relatives visiting from Alabama.
January 20, 2005:
  • Another fascinating evening of H&R Block training for Renée. Whee! At least she got out an hour early tonight.
  • Chris had a more eventful day at work, scoring free leftover pizza from a meeting and 50 cent clearance wrapping paper. He also powdered his face with instant hot chocolate first thing in the morning, a mishap allegedly due to faulty packaging.
  • We were going to try to put some of our short Josh videos on the website, but the files are too large. Don't worry - when you see us in person we'll be more than happy to treat you to extensive video footage of our wonderful little guy performing such feats as giggling, playing with his learning table, and...thinking....very..hard.
  • We heard that a woman in Brazil gave birth to a 16 pound baby. Wow. That's like two and a half newborn Joshes.
  • Chris was thrilled to find an episode of The Baby Human on Discovery Health today. It was all about how kids learn to talk. They have other shows about subjects such as how kids learn shame and pride. We enjoy the little experiments (i.e. how will the baby respond to a happy voice with a sad face?), and Chris covets the electrode hat.
  • That's all for today, folks. Josh is teething and cranky, and we're all pretty worn out.
The pig is holding up admirably, don't you think?
Check out my giant foot!January 19, 2005:
  • More American Idol tonight. Josh squealed with delight during the David Hasselhoff song, so perhaps he does not have the discerning ear we'd thought.
  • Today Josh had the biggest, smelliest poop of his entire life. Hooray for the size 3 Cruisers, however, which kept it well contained.
  • We watched an early 80's episode of Full House as a family tonight, and Josh seems to have a little crush on baby Michelle - he kept smiling at her. Must we break his heart by telling him she's (they're)already 18 years too old for him?
  • Renée talked to Kevin on the phone today. He's back in Georgia but brought a sinus infection with him as a souvenir from the Big Apple, so he probably won't be able to come visit Josh until next week. Get well soon, Kevin!
  • A pretty uneventful day otherwise. Chris worked, Josh and Renee stayed home playing games and battling curds and poop. Twinkie continued her removal of the pig's stuffing. A freecycler came and picked up some infant formula (Josh is nursing beautifully, but the companies keep sending us free samples!). That's about it.
January 18, 2005:
  • Tonight was the long-awaited premiere of American Idol! We had to tape it since Renée had her first night of training at H&R Block, so we didn't get to start it until about 10:30 or so. By that time, Josh had fallen asleep in Renée's arms. There was one singer who performed a horrific rendition of "Tomorrow" from Annie, finishing up by holding out the final note for about 30 seconds. Midway through this note, Josh woke up, made a very sad face, and started crying. As soon as the guy stopped singing, Josh went right back to sleep. We may have the new Simon Cowell on our hands....
  • Not a whole lot else to report today. We did our weekly shopping trip and picked up a tasty box of Iced Raspberry Fruit and Oatmeal bars, which will make a nice treat. Other than that.....nah, not a real busy day.
I'm ready to drive!
Like the 'fro?January 17, 2005:
  • Sad event tonight - we attempted to tape 24 because Chris was working, but ended up with an hour of blue screen instead. If anyone taped the episode and could let Chris borrow it, he'd be much obliged.
  • Not much news today - it was really chilly, so Renee and Josh spent much of the afternoon snuggling in the comforter napping, snacking, and singing silly songs. Josh was in a great mood today - he seemed exceptionally ticklish and giggled a lot for both Mommy and Daddy.
  • Chris brought home Sonic for dinner, so we gorged on chili cheese Coneys, tater tots and cream pie milkshakes. Mmmm....we do love Sonic.....
  • The only other thing we really did today was make a grocery list - we are going to be daring and buy potatoes again, despite the fact that the last batch we bought rotted and liquified in our pantry, causing a thoroughly disgusting fruit fly/maggot infestation with accompanying foul odor. Yum!
January 16, 2005:
  • One thing we forgot to mention yesterday - during an episode of Fairly Oddparents, we were treated to a song called "Icky Vicky," which we thoroughly enjoyed for reasons the lobbyrats will understand. You can download it at Chris Kirkpatrick's website - that's right, it's performed by none other than a former member of N*Sync!
  • Today, however was pretty uneventful. Chris worked at Staples while Josh and Renee ate, slept, and had tummy time. Josh played with his Bow Tie Bear and Kissy Bear, and petted Twinkie.
  • While visiting the "new mommy" message boards, Renee snuck a peek at the "Advanced Babies" message board on Babycenter. This consists of posts by people who claim their week-old infants are crawling, sitting up, and reciting the alphabet. We have one question for these parents - have you read Mutation?
  • When Chris got home, we bundled Josh up and went for a family walk. Alas, we returned to discover that Twinkie had been a very bad girl. She had upended the big kitchen garbage can and scattered the contents.
  • Tonight, we watched the Simpsons, Desperate Housewives, and part of the Golden Globes. Twinkie continued her streak of badness by gnawing open the leg of her squeaky pig and scattering pig fuzz across the floor. Perhaps some puppy Prozac is in order.
Ready for outdoor expeditions!
Look how strong I am!January 15, 2005:
  • We had a very nice Saturday morning today. We watched silly cartoons (Inspector Gadget and its spinoff Gadget Boy), made tasty smoothies, and had an enjoyable stroll around the neighborhood. Too bad Chris then had to go spend the next nine hours at Staples.
  • On the subject of smoothies, anyone who likes these creamy concoctions would enjoy the book Jamba Juice Power. We got it from Amazon.com for $4.99, and it's filled with recipes for delicious drinks. Today's treat (forgive me -- I'm on an alliteration kick. It comes from a lack of sleep): Orange Oomph.
  • Exciting moment at the Caruso house tonight -- Josh discovered that he has feet! It doesn't sound like much, but it's quite the developmental accomplishment. He's also getting so good at his mini push-ups that he will be scooting any day now, we're sure.
  • It seems like there was something else that we were going to write about, but it's very late and it's time for bed.
January 14, 2005:
  • Busy day today. The Tingles gave us a gift membership to Sam's Club as a Christmas gift, so we had our first expedition to that fascinating place today. We got bulk diapers, bulk toothpaste, and (are you seeing a theme?) bulk cereal. So now we're all set to have a tasty meal, brush our teeth afterward, and change a poopy diaper for our entertainment. Sounds like a date to me!
  • Josh is getting so big! He has now officially graduated to the size 3 Pampers Cruisers, designed for babies ages six months and up. We always knew he was an advanced child! Also, we finally took out the headrest from his car seat, since he holds his head up so well. Quite the far cry from the floppy baby of sixteen weeks ago.
  • Tonight was Chris's dad's birthday, so we all sojourned to the other Caruso house for an evening of Italian food, cake, and embarassing stories. Josh was so tuckered out from the earlier activities that he spent much of the night asleep in Nana's arms. What a cute little guy.
For the baby on the go
What a good girl!January 13, 2005:
  • WOW! Updates two days in a row! How exciting!
  • Part of the reason for this sudden upsurge in updates is that Renee has left her full time job with WEDA in order to spend more time at home with Josh. From now through April 15, she will be working part-time for H&R Block. She is hoping to find a somewhat more fulfilling part-time job thereafter.
  • So what else has been going on in the Caruso home since September? Well, David moved in for a month, providing much needed babysitting services and much underappreciated broccoli smoothies. Courtney and Sandi recently visited on separate occasions, bearing Christmas gifts. And lo and behold, we have received news that Kevin is returning to Athens from the great frosty north on January 20! Welcome back and come see our kid!
  • We have a recommendation for everyone: freecycling. It's a fun way to get rid of your extra stuff, and get some free stuff in return.
January 12, 2005:
  • Happy New Year! And happy first web page entry for 2005. All has been well in the Caruso household for the past three months, more or less. We have been captivated and entertained by Josh and his new tricks. We celebrated the end of 2004 with Chinese food, Elmo party hats, and unfortunately, Regis Philbin.
  • Many people have asked about a website all about Josh. We're working on it. Hopefully it will be up soon. It's a rather large task going through the 900-odd pictures we've taken of him. No, we won't subject you to all of them, although they are all absolutely ADORABLE!
  • Josh's newest pursuits include teething, doing mini-pushups, and sitting up alone for extremely brief periods. He's also quite a babbler. Josh loves his Baby Einstein DVD, and we made our own "Baby Monkey Jeb's Mozart" DVD for him as well. This is perhaps the best use yet of Chris's film school education.
  • Speaking of Chris and film, Trois 3: The Escort was recently released on DVD. Look for Chris in the credits under "Second Assistant Camera!"
Happy New Year!
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