The cat.

Eddy is our cat. We got him in 2003 when we were still in an apartment waiting for our house to be finished. Since I've been home with Skyler, Eddy had gotten used to being outside. If he doesn't get to go out or it's too cold, he yowls. I hate it. I also think he hates me and would eat me if I died in my sleep and no one found me for days. Look how pissed!

Also, I got the clock for Skyler's room today too.

10 years!

Today marks our 10 year anniversary of our first date. We went to Texas Roadhouse and the Autoshow. I knew she was a keeper! It's been a wild ride but totally worth it. Right Skyler? :)

Sleeping.

So Skyler is almost 9 months old. That's 9 months of pure joy! Also, 9 months of his mom and me not sleeping worth a damn! He likes to see what is going on ( like his Dad) and doesn't really nap too well. Or sleep at night. Or sleep in. Or sleep when you want him to. Except for now. He's been up since 4 this morning (so have I) and it finally caught up to him. Yay for naps!

EDIT: That lasted 15 minutes.  Awake. Again...

The laundry.

More specifically the washing machine. Skyler is fascinated by the washing machine. It has lights and sounds so who can blame him? He even helps press the buttons! If it is starting up, he can hear it and turbo crawls over there to watch. Laundry baskets also entertain!

Air

We walked up to the cemetery today. You can see how the valley traps all the pollution. It's not haze or clouds, it's pollution. Gross!

Walking.

This past summer, we walked almost every day. It hasn't been as frequent this winter. We usually walk along the canal roads near our house. There's one in particular that I like. It's real rural feeling and makes me think that we don't live in suburbia. At least for a minute or two. Special thanks to Grandma Carmen for Skyler's super cozy snow suit! I can see why my father feels like he's walking a stuffed animal or Ewok in a stroller. People do give you strange looks but, the hell with them, they don't have a Bubbs!

The last of the Fridays.

Altair works long, hard days for a local defense contractor. 12 hour days 4 days a week. This has been a great schedule for me and Skyler because she's off on Fridays. I get a break, and help and we get 3 day weekends! Not anymore. In typical engineering fashion, they are behind schedule on a project and she will be working Fridays.

I'm glad I took advantage of this last one and got to play with my toys in the backyard. Since the weather has been so warm, I dug this old irrigation box out of the garden. It's been laying there underground since we moved in and I kept hitting it with the tiller and plow. I probably didn't need to use two tractors, but I did it anyway.

Snow!

It snowed just enough for a little sled ride.

Maizey.

Maizey is our dog. She can be a real pain in the ass. She can also make you the happiest person in the world! She's part border collie, part pit bull. She loves to chase after toys, chickens, a herd of deer while camping, (almost lost her) and the baby. The last part has been real hard for her. I think she sees Skyler as another animal. He just wants to see what she is doing and she thinks he's there to steal her toy. I can walk over to the dog and whatever I want to her and nothing. Skyler will do the same and end up with a warning bark. I'm slowly training her that the kid is not a threat. Maybe we need some chickens for her entertainment...

Tractors.

I love tractors. Ever since I was a little kid, I've loved tractors. John Deere to be more specific. I remember driving my first real one (a John Deere 60) when I was just 5 years old. I currently own 5 Deere tractors. We live on a half acre. It's a problem. While I can't really explain the fascination, Skylers face can! Ah, just like daddy...

Being home.

I stopped working full time April 28th, 2011.  Skyler was born 2 days later.  At first, I really missed working.  The last 3 years I worked for the local John Deere dealer as a parts guy.  I was probably overqualified, but it was the best and most fun job I had ever had.  Until now. The last 8 months have gone by much faster than I thought they would.  Everyone remembers staying home from school sick when they were young, and time seemingly stopping.   It's just the opposite when you have a baby to look after.  I love being able to look after him and see him change and develop every day.  Many thanks to my lovely wife Altair for allowing me do this!

Happy birthday auntie Karen!

Today is my sisters 32nd birthday. Skyler is lucky to have her, she sews an knits him great clothes! We are all lucky to have Karen in our lives, happy birthday sis!

For the love of God, snow already!!

I can't believe we haven't had any measurable snow this year!  Last year we had something like 20" by now.  Skyler really wants snow too, he's tired of sledding the carpet...

There's also a ridiculous amount of toys, er, snow removal equipment that's just waiting to be used.

Happy New Year!

Happy 2012!  This year will mark Skyler's first birthday, (in only 4 months!) and Altair and my 10 year anniversary.  The last ten years have seen their ups and downs, but that is what marriage is all about.  This year will be the continuation of something special, living with our new son!

What a great year!

2011 was a great year!  We have a son!  Skyler Alan Kaminski was born April 30, at 9:51pm.  He's the most amazing thing both of us have ever seen.