Family

As Rita makes her inexorable journey toward the Texas coast, a number of members of my Houston-based family are fleeing. They’re headed North, to the homes of other family members, some of whom are still close enough to have laid in supplies — water, gasoline (for the generator), charcoal, etc. — just in case the power is out for an extended period.I’ve just learned my brother and his wife have … [Read more...] about Unlovely Rita

Callum went to the doctor this week and he’s officially weighing in at 12 lbs and 2 oz. He’s grown 75%, weight-wise, and he’s now 23 inches long. This was also the big visit when he got his first immunizations. He was a brave boy and came home with two Tasmanian Devil band-aids on his chunky little thighs. The doctor commented that he’s very talkative. Indeed, he is. He likes to talk to us, and to … [Read more...] about Milestones

Last weekend, the whole family piled in the station wagon and we cruised out to Pleasanton, a town south of here and a bit more inland. And in this area inland = hot. Despite this very un-Scottish weather, we were off to a very Scottish gathering. The annual highland games in Pleasanton is said to be one of the largest (if not the largest) in the country. While there, we were treated to a wee … [Read more...] about Weekends

I was telling Michael last night that one of the things that’s surprised me about parenthood — though I guess I should have expected it — is how protective and loving I feel towards Callum. For no logical reason in particular, I am completely devoted to his happiness and when he cries… I jump. It’s a biological thing, I guess. Anyway, the whole bonding phenomenon is discussed in this article I … [Read more...] about Baby Bonding

This post is another test to see if the e-mail subscription link (now migrated to Feedblitz, thanks to Gotham Gal‘s example) is working. I was never convinced that the Bloglets list actually worked, mostly because I was on the list and never got an e-mail update.UPDATE: This appears to actually work now, so subscribe away! … [Read more...] about Another Test

I am a complete and total dork (and proud mother). I took pictures of Callum with my camera phone while on my lunch break. I couldn’t resist! BTW, my first week back at the office is going well, though it’s hectic. … [Read more...] about Dorkiness

I want to take this opportunity to thank Aunt Mary, Debby and Aunt Eva for coming to help with Callum these first few weeks. Though we’ve often been frustrated with being unable to replicate the “magic touch” these ladies have used, their help, support and company have been invaluable. It’s also just been great to share our little guy with others who appreciate his cuteness and wonderfulness. … [Read more...] about The Visitors

Here are two videos showing Callum laughing and smiling. (Click on picture to download accompanying video — warning: large files.) It’s wonderful he’s getting so interactive. … [Read more...] about Laughing Videos

We’ve been dying to capture Callum’s precious little noises and facial expressions in a video, and here it is. (Well, it captures some of the sounds but not a certain adorable squeak.) Warning: This is another one of those big files that has to be downloaded before it can be watched. Warning2: Ignore mommy and Aunt Debby blabbing in the background. … [Read more...] about Callum Does His Thing

Well, you might think it’s been quiet in the Caird household, but our neighbors will tell you different. (Just kidding… so far neighbors on both sides claim not to have heard Callum’s cries, but I’m not sure I believe them!) Anyway, here are a few of the news items for the past week or so… Pamela’s publication was bought. After working for Jupitermedia Corp. (in all of its various incarnations) … [Read more...] about Caird Family Update