Emergency 911, May I Help You??

Actually, mommy did not call 911- she just called the fire department directly! Last night, as I was eating my dinner, mommy and I heard a beeping sound. She walked through the house to try to find the noise and she finally located it as the smoke/carbon monoxide detector in my bedroom. Well- there was obviously no smoke that she could see or smell- so initially she just thought it needed new batteries. After replacing the batteries with new ones and putting the detector back in my room- she thought we were in the clear. Not so fast, mommy!! A few minutes later she heard the beeping again. Well now she was a bit worried because what if there was carbon monoxide gas up there?? I mean- that is where I sleep!!!!! She called daddy to see what he thought we should do- and he advised her to call the fire dept. After doing that and explaining what was going on- they showed up to our house within about 4 minutes!! They are soooooo speedy!!! There were tons of lights and sirens and TWO big red trucks pulled up in front of our house. Not only that- but a police car was there too. Well- then 3 big guys in huge uniforms, boots, hats, and tons of tanks & gadgets walked in!!!! I was not even scared- even though I had never seen anything like them before! They used their instruments & said that we had no potentially deadly gases in our house...Whew!!! They said maybe one of the new batteries mommy put into the detector was a bad one. They even replaced some batteries in the other detectors in the basement and on the 2nd floor. So- after they leave and mommy put me to bed, safe and sound in my carbon monoxide free room...she hears the beeping again!!! Well- up to my bedroom she runs to get the detector out so it does not wake me up. She brings it downstairs so she can monitor it & figure out the defect- and then a few minutes later she hears the beeping again- only it is not coming from the monitor in her hands!!!! Looks like there was a smoke detector in the stairwell that mommy forgot about and the firemen did not see and it IT WAS THE ONE THAT NEEDED NEW BATTERIES!!! I tel ya- mommy is not a blonde anymore- but sometimes she still acts like one!!! Hope that ditsy trait is not hereditary!!! Well, anyway- better safe than sorry- especially when it comes to my well being!!

First Words

So...Poppy headed out to San Diego to visit Miles, Annie, Paul & Susan on Monday. Because of this trip- I actually made out like a bandit!!! How?? Well, not only did I get to visit with Poppy because mommy and I drove him to the airport) but I also got to go down to the cabin and visit with Mommom. We could not leave her down there in that remote house without someone to keep her company, could we?? I think not!! when Poppy got to our house Monday morning, I was just getting ready for my nap, but I had just enough time to show him my new 50's Diner!! (This toy is actually a 1st Birthday present from mommy and daddy, but mommy could not wait the month until my b-day to give it to me...LUCKY ME!!) He played with me for a bit and as I sat in my comfy booth seat, he made me a burger and some ice cream. Tasted a bit plasticy, but overall I give Poppy an A+ for his burger flippin' skills!!

Our visit with Mommom was a very monumental one. She & mommy just gabbed & gabbed a lot and boy did I want in on the action!! So- this morning I interjected into the conversation. I actually said HI & BYE to Mommom. Mommy thought she was mistaken when she heard me first say HI (more like Hhhhhhhhuuh) when Mommom entered the room- but Mommom confirmed it- she did hear it too clear as day...Then, a minute later- Mommom walked out of the room into the kitchen and I said BYE (more like Bbbbuuhhh)and waved. Mommy was floored and, again, asked Mommom her opinion to make sure she was not simply hearing things or being a too proud mommy. Nope...the consensus was that I spoke, with knowledge of what I was saying, and was understood! The other word I also say is "Ahhhhh"- I do this every time mommy and I are stacking blocks and they fall over. Mommy always says "Uh Oh!!" I know that what I say is not exactly what she does- but I consistently say "Ahhhh" each time- so mommy is thinking this is my version of "Uh Oh."

Last thing we did today was to stop in and see Mommom's dad, Pipop. He is my one and only Great Grandfather. We called him last minute and he had plans- but we hung out for a few minutes before he had to leave.

All in all- it was a great few days. So- thanks to Poppy for going to California- because his trip meant me seeing lots of family and having a great start to my week!

Play Date..And I Stress DATE

I am not too sure if Antonella would consider it a date- but I sure did!! I might not have been on my best behavior, though- so I am not too sure if she will say yes to another one! I entered like a true "Thunder" storm- stealing her toys, walking up to her and bonking her on the head, drooling everywhere, and babbling very loudly. I think I must have scared her a bit because she was more docile than normal. She had just had surgery 2 days prior to our "date" so I guess I should have taken it a bit easier on her! Maybe the constant pushing of her baby carriage through the family room and kitchen for about 30 minutes was a bit excessive. I was just trying to impress her because she is such a gorgeous little girl. Mommy and daddy decided that they have to get me involved in some music or tumbling classes STAT, so I can gain some socialization skills with other kiddies. Up to this point in our lives, I have not been able to get together with Antonella too much because her mommy works- so weekdays are out. But I just found out that Miss Andrea is going to work part time- so maybe we can get together a bit more often...I promise I will indeed be on my best behavior for all future play dates! So- give me a chance to redeem myself- OK, Antonella??

A Ryan Rendezvous

I could not be "down the shore" in New Jersey without stopping in to see Nana & Papa. It is not fair for CiCi & Bud to be the only ones graced with my presence due to bad plumbing, is it?? Well I thought not!! I told mommy that I wanted to make sure we made time to stop by and spend some quality time. We were not able to hang out for too long, because we went in between nap time- but it was definitely time well spent. We got there, had a nice lunch, played up a storm, and visited!! I even got to learn a lesson from Papa while I was there- and that lesson is to ALWAYS wear my sunscreen. Papa had just the day before had to have surgery to remove skin cancer from his face due to sun exposure. I fought with mommy and daddy last summer when they put sunscreen on me- but after seeing what Papa had to go through because of his skin cancer- I am going to try to be real good this summer and not squirm or cry when it is applied to my unblemished, untarnished & unburnt baby skin. Thanks for the lesson, Papa- but next time let's use someone else as the example and keep you nice & healthy! Thanks for having us over!! Hope you feel better soon. As always I enjoyed the visit and can't wait until this summer when we can all take a nice dunk in the pool!

Kitchen Capers

As only a grandmother is allowed to do, CiCi let me explore her kitchen cabinets today. At first mommy was against it, but then she just went with the flow and let me have some fun. I mean- you are only a kid once, right?? I cannot tell you how awesome it was. It was quite an eye opening experience. I have always seen the cabinets in our kitchen (even though there are way fewer of them than CiCi & Bud's kitchen) but have never given them, nor their contents a second thought until today! Now mamma better get up to speed on her baby proofing or I will be in some real trouble! Colanders, pots, pans, lids, tupperware, olive oil, cutting boards, and my personal favorite, the measuring spoons, are just way to awesome for words. CiCi does indeed spoil me!! I know the next time I go back she will probably have kiddie proofed some of the cabinets and drawers because I did try to get into the chemicals (but was so rudely stopped by mamma before I had even gotten my hands on anything) but I sure do hope she leaves some of them unprotected for me. Please CiCi- don't child lock all the cabinets- I beg you!!!

Share And Share Alike

I know that mommy is very upset about our plumbing problem back in Pennsylvania- but I am having a blast here in new Jersey!! Today was a fun day filled with playtime, naptime, good eats, and tons of CiCi and Bud lovin'. I raided the paper recycling can and had my fair share of flattened boxes to play with. I think my favorite was, by far, the organic macaroni and cheese box. It sure did make some loops around the kitchen with me- I was a walkin' fool today!! Uncle Sammy claims that kids ONLY need boxes to play with- but this does seem a bit extreme to me. Although I had a great time playing with my boxes- I do indeed like having my toys as well. More important than the boxes, I learned a very important lesson in sharing today. CiCi was kind enough to share numerous sips of her seltzer water & ice with me- and because one good turn deserves another- I decided to share my paci with her. I just took it out of my mouth and handed it towards her. Then I kept sticking it in her face until she had to put it in her mouth!! It was too cute!! As you all know- my paci is my #1 prized possession- so me sharing it with CiCi was totally a big deal!! I think she recognized the gravity of my generosity- because she seemed really touched by my offer. Hey- she was kind enough to share with me- so it was the least I could do!! I just hope she did not mind a bit of Jack spit!!

Knit Night Extravaganza

Due to a minor (or maybe major) plumbing issue at our house that left both of our bathrooms unusable, mommy and I headed down to seek refuge with CiCi and Bud in Avalon- where there are bathrooms a plenty! Didn't really matter to me that we had no potty- because my diaper is my bathroom, but I will take any excuse I can get to visit Avalon! Little did we know that CiCi was hosting a party for her knitting group that night- but CiCi did not mind that we were going to crash her party! For most of the party, I was the only male there, because Bud stayed upstairs- letting the many women take his house hostage for the evening! I got to try some yummy food, including the phenomenal dip made by Mrs. Keyser and also some chopped up liver that even though it sounds disgusting- was very very yummy!!! I was on my best behavior and made mommy very proud with my exceptional attitude and party boy demeanor. I was just walking around, showing everyone my snack trap and trying to be a charming little guy. I got to stay up past my bedtime so I could party with the ladies and it was fun. When bedtime did finally roll around, I went down without even a peep. This made mommy very happy- and I think the ladies were impressed by this. It seemed to me like CiCi threw a good party, everyone had fun, and I had them all in "stitches"...get it??? Knitting, stitches...I know, I know- leave the puns to CiCi!!

Gimme Some Sugar!!

Since I have been much better about being flexible with my nap/sleep schedule recently, mommy decided to take me on a trip up to see Nana & Grandpa today! I got to take both of my naps in the car- and was still a well behaved and pleasant boy!!! I wore myself out showing off my walking skills to Nana & Grandpa George. I seriously only sat still while I was eating my lunch.Other than that I was constantly on the go! Nana's house is great for doing laps. ..the whole first floor is an open layout and setup in a big circle/figure eight. I was just a boy on a mission, exploring and learning all day. I think I gave Nana a workout because she was the one following me around, giving mommy the day off!! It was so good to spend time with them and I had a blast!! On top of the wonderful visit with Nana & Grandpa, I got an extra special treat...actually 2 special treats!!! Daddy's God mamma, Aunt Jane, took time out of her day to come see me. Auntie Jane was the extra special treat- but the other treat was something she brought with her, something I have never been exposed to before, and something that I now love with all of my heart...Cupcakes!!!!!!! Mamma was a good sport and let me have some of the icing off of the delicious Elmo cupcake. It was pure, sugary, sweet, delectable, vanilla heaven! Mommy & daddy- what have you been hiding from me these last 10 1/2 months?? Aunt Jane- with her animated faces, has always been one of my favorite people- but now she really ranks high in my book! I loved all the "sugar" I got in the form of kisses from Nana and also those cupcakes from Aunt Jane. Thanks for the confection prefection!!!

Dapper 'Do

Sometimes I think mommy wanted a girl (even though she claims that she has ALWAYS, even before she was pregnant with me, said that she wanted her first child to be a son) because tonight in the tub we had a hair show. I was sitting there letting her do whatever she wanted to me, but in my mind I was wondering if she was next going to bring out some lipstick and nail polish to satisfy that daughter craving!! At least she did not put any barrettes or hairbands on me!!! The styling party remained pretty masculine with mohawks, spikes, and the good old "Alfalfa." Even if it had not, to be honest- I would not have minded. I just like it when we spend time together...regardless of what we are doing! The only real problem with my tubby time this night was that I actually tried to "happy hide" and put my face down right into the water. Needless to say- that did not go to well and I will not be doing that again! So- in comparison to nearly choking on a bunch of water, the hair parade was actually pretty enjoyable!

Sunday Funday

Today was a fun day for me. First fun thing was that I got to run some errands with mommy and daddy. Mommy broke her camera last night trying to get her computer & camera away from me- so since Circuit City is going out of business due to this cruddy economy, we went there to look for a replacement so mommy can continue to take pics and help me blog. Well- no camera fit the bill- so unfortunately the search continues. We then went to another store that is going out of business and got daddy some cool duds. Next was the all important naptime so I could re-energize for a visit from Mommom and Poppy!! They got here around dinner time- so lucky them, they got to see me eat some grub! Before I got my dinner, though- I was in the kitchen and decided to make the food/eat "sign" for Mommom. She was very impressed and called for mommy to quick make me my dinner. After I was done- we did some visiting, I showed them how I throw/bounce my ball, and then Mommom and Poppy invited Mommy, Daddy (and of couse me) out to dinner at an Italian restaurant up the street. Well- I was pretty excited about the invite because as many times as I have been out to lunch- this was my first restaurant dinner excursion!!! I was also excited because I got to stay up a whole hour after my bedtime. I was very well behaved at the restaurant. I drank my water, ate some puffs and bread (even though I had just eaten a full dinner at home) and shredded about 3 napkins onto the floor- keeping me occupied while the adults ate. Don't worry- mommy cleaned up after me so we would not leave a mess for the waitress! Good thing she got that cleaning practice at the restaurant- because both mommy and daddy had to use those skills once we returned home. Once we were in the door it was time to strip me down and get me ready for my bath. Well- once I was totally nakee, I got to play with my toys for a minute or two- and during that time (***If you are squeemish or faint of heart, you should stop reading now!!!!!!***) I decided to poop on the floor! Yeah- you heard me right...I pooped on the rug!!!!!! Mommy quick scooped me up and ran to the bathroom to clean me up & plop me in the tub while daddy got the pleasure of cleaning up my "business" and sterilizing the carpet. No way mommy and daddy are ever letting me be naked in the family room again, though!!! Pretty silly way to end a Sunday Funday!!!

Happy Valentine's Day

I just wanted to wish everyone a very happy day filled with hugs, kisses & lots of LOVE!!! Mommy and daddy say that this holiday is Hallmark holiday, whatever that means- but I think that any day set aside to tell the ones you love how important they are and how much you care about them could not possibly be a bad thing! So- Happy Valentine's Day to all...I LOVE YA!! (Oh- and to all my ladies out there, check out my t-shirt...am I a little heart breaker or what??)

Separation Anxiety

This is a term that mommy has been throwing around lately...I am not 100% sure what it means- but I have a pretty good idea. When she leaves a room that I am in- I just kinda freak out and SCREAM until she returns. (Which, I might add, she does not always do very promptly!!) I used to only do this a little bit- but the tears have been getting progressively worse and the screams progressively louder. I don't only do it when mommy leaves, I also do the same thing when daddy leaves for work in the morning. I much prefer when they just spend ALL their time with me. I sorta wish I could go back to the days when I was not aware of their comings and goings. Ignorance is bliss, huh?? I betcha anything mommy and daddy think so too!!!

I Can Communicate!

Your eyes are not deceiving you...I am really communicating now!!!! I know, I know...crying and babbling are indeed a form of communication- but through this sign language, I have taken it to the next level! I can sign 2 things- both of which, of course, involve nourishment!!! I sign "milk/drink" and also "food." When mommy sits me down in my high chair...I know what is coming but I just get so excited that I can now tell mommy and daddy what I want!!! I mean, mommy already knows that I want my food since I am in my highchair and it is mealtime...but I still feel pretty cool that I can now, in no uncertain terms, let my parents know that I understand when they speak and sign to me and I can reciprocate!!! Way too cool!!

Norf Joizee

So- after 3 weeks and 3 rain dates- we FINALLY got to go see Auntie KK, Evie, and Greta!! Mommy packed me into the car first thing on Monday morning and we headed North! We stopped in to see Aunt Andrea first and I got to show off my walking skills for her. I literally did not sit still for more than 30 seconds at her house. I think I wore her out just watching me!! So then Mommy and I got to Auntie Katie's house and it was FUN FUN FUN from that moment on!!!! I could not have been happier to see my god sisters and we just had a ball. The amount of toys that they have puts my measly collection to shame. They have this cool kitchen that I really enjoyed playing with . I played with all the utensils, food, pans, and all the knobs and gadgets!! I really liked it and sure do hope that mommy and daddy will get me something cool like this!! (Hint hint** my Birthday is in less than 2 months, oh so kind parents!) Not only did we play hard- but hanging around with the "big girls" made me want to do some big kid stuff too. So- I slept like a champ, both at naptime and bedtime- and I ventured out and drank some milk from a sippy cup!! Mommy conferred with Auntie KK because she was worried about my fluid intake. I am only breast feeding once in the morning and taking one bottle of formula at night, mommy and Aunt Katie decided that I needed to have one sippy cup of cow's milk a day too. I watched Greta drinking her milk and decided I wanted to be like her- so I drank it all down in no time flat. I think that hanging out with these lovely ladies is a good thing for me and we really need to see them a lot more! I had a blast, girlies- and can't wait to hang out with you again soon!

Date Night

Mommy and daddy have started to have "Date Night" once a month and, can you believe it...they leave me at home?? Mommy has wanted to have some nice adult time with daddy for a while now- but is never one to ask people to do anything for her, so there has not been anyone to watch me and facilitate this date night. Mommy's first sentence when she was a little girl was "All by self" and she definitely lives by this. Since CiCi knows her so well and knows that she will not ask anyone to do anything for her unles it is an emergency- she offered to watch me once a month so mommy and daddy can have some time to hang out with their friends, or to just go enjoy being with each other, without little old me barging in on their "together time."

Mommy has been preparing me all week for a visit from CiCi and Bud so I was not surprised when they showed up at our house...but I think they might have been a little shocked to see me because I was naked on my bottom half, with mommy was chasing me around the house trying to get a diaper on me!! I have started fighting the diaper changing process now that I am so mobile- and I just like to walk away from her. Mommy is trying to perfect the "stand up" diaper change- but it is harder than it looks because I just do not like to hold still!! CCi did not m,ind my nakee hiney, though- she just scooped me up and gave me kiss after kiss after kiss!!! Bud was a little more subdued- but I got tons of smiles out of him when I was wearing his hat and strutting around showing him my cool moves.

As always- I had a GREAT time playing with my grandparents. I REALLY appreciate the monthly commitment they have made to watch me. Not only does it make me happy to see them- but I like seeing mommy and daddy get some time to themselves- because I know I am a handful! Thanks, guys!! I'll be in touch to see what date works for you for OUR date night in March!!

Home Depot

Apparently, going to Home Depot for the first time is a rite of passage that, unbelievably, I had not accomplished yet in my life as of Saturday morning. Mommy and daddy are getting some projects done in the house so we journeyed over to the local "Depot" so I could get a taste of home improvements in all their glory! My goodness...there is a lot of stuff to look at in that store! I was dumbfounded and intensely mystified by everything. Shiny lights, dull wrenches, sockets, large boards, small nuts & bolts, colorful paint, wires, tubular pipes, sinks, tiles, plumbing, grills..the list goes on and on. I did not know where to start looking so I just stared everywhere & took it all in! No wonder mommy and daddy bought a fixxer upper house- that way they get to come here all the time! Looking forward to the next project I can hep daddy with so we can come here & buy lots of goodies!! Home Depot- you have made a friend for life!

Bull In A China Shop

I would love to say that I am a graceful little boy, gliding over the floor with great ease and agility now that I am walking...but I would be lying. I am much more like a bull in a china shop...falling, hitting things, walking sideways, stumbling over toys that I have left in my path, and constantly stepping on my pant legs (even though it seems as though mommy rolls them up so high it looks like I am either wearing shorts or expecting a flood.) So..along with the fun of walking comes the downside of being wounded quite often. (See pic above- might not have shown up too well- but I am sportin' one large red bump on my noggin.) These large red goose eggs have become part of my typical day- along with the occasional crying fit when I really plunk down hard. I can brush it off sometimes- but other times I just really need to get a little lovin' and encouragement. My walking skills have been likened to a zombie from Michale Jackson's "Thriller" video, a caveman (thanks cousin Miles!) and Frankenstein c/o mommy and daddy. What can I say...I am still getting the hang of this! I just hope that I progress quickly, because I don't want to be one big black & blue bruise for too long...

Snow Day

Even though it is the third snow storm we have had this year, it is the first time I have really gotten to experience it. The first one melted before mommy and I could even get out of the house. The second one, I was to sick and was not allowed to go play. Today, however...I got to explore and get acquainted with this soft, glistening, fluffy (and VERY COLD) white stuff!! I gotta be honest...I am not sure that it lived up to my expectation. First of all- mommy insisted on bundling me up in my snowsuit- which is not something I really like to begin with...so right off the bat we were not doing too well. Then she put on my hat & mittens. The hat- not so bad...but those darned mittens. I get upset just seeing them come towards my little hands. Then- we had to put real shoes on me instead of my soft soled Robeez- and since I prefer my toes to have movement- again not to my liking. I suffered through all of this, though- because I was just so excited to get outside and rumpus in the snow. What a let down. Mommy plopped me and a ball in this cold stuff...and then I just kinda sat there. I mean- I could not even play with the ball because I had my mittens on. Then, a bit of snow crept in between my pants and shoes and I did not like this one bit- too cold and wet! Around that time- even though my snowsuit had many layers- I started to feel cold on my bum too. "Get me up from here, mamma!!!" Then I tried walking in it- but my shoes are still a size too big and it was slippery- so I could not even do that. "I am ready to go back inside, mamma!!!!" Unbundle me and let's go in the warm house and play with my toys. OK?? Let's just agree that this will be our last attempt in the snow this year (so as to avoid permanent mental scarring) and we can just attempt it again next year! I do admit that it is indeed very pretty, but that is about it. Let's just wait until winter 2010 before I make my final judgement.

IT'S A...

BOY!!!!! Uncle Sammy and Jenna are having a boy!!! I am so excited I could spit! (Actually, now that I think of it...I did drool a bit when mommy told me the news!) I am so excited to know that I am going to have another boy cousin. Here is all the stuff that I have been picturing about you, Luke (this is going to be your name, at least the last time I checked with Uncle Boog it was) now that I know we are gonna be a couple of tight like brother motleys!

1. Running on the beach fast as lightning with you tagging along behind me, yelling for me to wait up!
2. Digging in the yard for worms and bugs and then daring you to eat one.
3. Playing the repeat game where whatever you say I will just repeat it and drive you crazy.
4. Playing skee ball at the Avalon boardwalk (is that arcade even still there??)
5. Reading books together and fighting over who gets to hold the book, and who gets to hold the flashlight, since we are huddled under the covers way past when we should have been asleep.
6. Helping each other up when one falls down and needs some lovin'.
7. Learning how to ride bikes together and learning how to get up after skinning our knees.
8. Sneaking into the kitchen to have a tasting of as many sweet treats we can get our hands on.
9. Sharing our iPod music and making fun of the stuff that our parents listen to.
10. Watching football with our dad's- since this will become a Sunday tradition!

Goodness- I think I could go on for days and days about all the stuff I am looking forward to doing with you in our lifetimes. But to start- I just cannot wait to meet you and give you that first high five!! Get here safe & healthy little buddy, so we can tear it up!

Here Comes Trouble

Terror at Ten Months!! This is the theme for this month of my life, according to my mommy. I am gonna have to disagree, though. What mommy calls getting into trouble- I just call a bit of curiosity!! I am just trying to learn about my surroundings and gain as much knowledge as possible!!!! Apparently, grabbing mom's soda off the table (of which she did not think I could reach) dumping it all over myself and the newly cleaned carpet , and then trying to drink from the can, is not looked upon well. The way I see it, however- is that mommy is always pushing my sippy cup into my face telling me I need to drink my water- so I was just heeding her advice and drinking my fluids!! She also got a bit upset with me when she thought she was leaving me in a safe room while she did some cleaning in the back of the house, only to return when she heard an eery silence, to find me rifling through her purse (which, again she thought she had left out my reach.) I KNOW she keeps the Gerber Puffs her purse when we go out of the house, so can you blame me for looking??? A boy has to eat, ya know!! I guess the lesson here is that mommy is just going to have to deal with the fact that I am a precocious little kid with the thirst for knowledge and adventure. I mean- what is she gonna do?? Strip every room bare for me so I do not get into trouble? We both know that is unrealistic and I would somehow still find something to get into...so my recommendation would be to not get too upset and just roll with it!! Kids will be kids, and I am no exception! Bet your NOT glad I started walking so early now, huh??

Super Bowl XLIII

I was so excited to get to watch "The Big Game" today. Our plans included going to Jersey, to Aunt Lois & Uncle Steve's house and partying with the Devines!!! Well- in preparation for this fun day I was supposed to take a good nap so I would be all spunky and in good spirits. This sadly, was just not to be. I decided that I did not want to take my second nap of the day- so mommy and daddy were pretty darn worried that I would not be a well behaved boy. I sure did prove them wrong, though! At first- I was a bit clingy. As the evening progressed, though- I got passed around to everyone at the party and had a smile on my face the whole time. I even got to stay up a whole hour past my bedtime! The coolest thing of the day (besides getting fawned over by mommy's cousins, aunts & uncles) was getting to meet Braydon Richard Heister. He is my pseudo cousin (actually mommy's cousins son- but we don't know what relation that actually makes us little kiddies.) He is named after mommy's grandfather, Richard "Dick" Devine- who, befitting of a Devine, passed away right before The Super Bowl 4 years ago. (Sorry I never got to meet you, Great Grandpa...but I have heard stories about you and I know I woulda liked ya!!!) Braydon has the fair skin and reddish hair of the Devine/Heister's Irish roots. He is a big guy and he is definitely going to keep me on my toes when he gets just a little bit bigger. Maybe we can play some football together one of these days. As I do with all babies- I wanted to attack & tackle him- but was not allowed! One day soon, hopefully we can play some football together. I liked Braydon and I can tell we are gonna get along really well! I can't wait for the next family gathering. So much for the Big Game when such a cutie is around, huh?? Maybe next year I will concentrate more on the sports aspect of the day and can hang with the guys instead of chatting with the ladies at the dining room table.