I can’t say what age I expected it to start, but under 1 year old was definitely not it. Generally when I’m in the car, I listen to books on CD. Last week (not just once, but twice) I had to win the right to listen to my book…and I only won once. Simeon had decided he wanted to listen to music. I tried NPR in hopes of a compromise, but no such luck. I only won when he fell asleep. I thought I had won a little too soon though. I’d look back before starting the cd again, only to hear wailing moments later.
Posted by: ppernick | October 16, 2006
Radio Wars
Posted in Simeon
Posted by: ppernick | October 10, 2006
Birthdays
This past Sunday, with Ari’s mom and her friend in town, we had the first of two birthday parties for Simeon. We handed the camera off to a friend and he went wild.
One of the first things I decided about the party was that the party was really for the adults, so I did minimal decorations and got a cake that Ari and I would like – ICE CREAM CAKE :). Since the birthday boy was starting to get a little cranky (happens when he refuses to take a morning nap), we sang happy birthday when almost everybody was there. We gave people a chance to get their cake and eat it before herding everybody into the family room for presents.
Overall, I think everybody had a good time including the birthday boy. He got a lot of good stuff – and a couple things that the adults like just as much if not more than the kids.
Birthday Shout Out
HAPPY BIRTHDAY J! 30 Years and counting!
Posted in Celebration, Happy Birthday, Simeon
Posted by: ppernick | October 4, 2006
Gmar Chatima Tova
Literally translated I believe it is: may you finish with a good seal
Generally translated I believe it is: may you be sealed in the Book of Life.
Another Yom Kippur has come and gone. Though this year was definately not like those past. This was the first year that we missed Kol Nidrei. While I would have liked to go, Ari wasn’t feeling 100%, services didn’t start until 6:30, and the synagogue we attend is 45 minutes away. That would have made for a late night for both boys who needed to get to bed earlier than services would allow (and if we’re going to drive that far, I would prefer to stay for at least the majority of services).
It turns out that only one parent of 3 little boys (Jacob, Nathan and Simeon) made it to Kol Nidrei. It was also interesting to see how the rest of us compensated. I kept singing the first sentence over and over, Ari hummed the tune to himself all evening, and D listened to Kol Nidrei off a movie sound track.
Every year, my goal is to get to services before the Torah service begins (the earlier the better). This year, as soon as we got to the synagogue, we went downstairs to the Tot Service (0-4 year-olds) which had already begun. After a song, it was time for the Torah Service[1]. Ari turned to me at this point and said ‘See, I got you here in time for the Torah Service.’
We wound up not getting much time in the main services – not that I can say I was surprised. Ari played with Simeon in the babysitting room while I went upstairs for a bit, then we switched places. I managed to find J and L while in the main service, and Ari and L came down when Yizkor (the memorial service) started. The three of us gathered Simeon and his belongings and took a walk to a nearby park — J joined us a little later when services were over. The rest of the day was spent relaxing as much as possible. I fed and played with Simeon while Ari attempted to nap. We eventually parked at Greenlake and did more of the same while waiting for D. We did a loop around Greenlake with D (who had dropped J at daycare for a little bit) then broke the fast a little early so we could get all the boys home and in bed at a decent time. All in all, an interesting look at how Yom Kippur will be for the next couple years.
[1] The Torah Service for the kids is adorable. Everybody sings the prayer that would normally be sung at the start of the Torah Service. The kids go over to the little Aron Kodesh, grab a stuffed Torah, and parade them in a circle. Once the prayer is over and all the kids have a Torah, they sit down for storytime. Storytime is a children’s book following the day’s Torah or Haftorah portion. When the book is finished, everybody sings the prayer for the close of the Torah Service as the kids parade again and put their Torah back.
Posted in Holidays, Judaism, Synagogue, Yom Kippur
Posted by: ppernick | September 28, 2006
The Big Three-Oh
I really don’t know what to write…
I was going to list off things that happened the year I was born or events of this date in history. I did a little searching and discovered Apple was founded April, 1 1976 and Google was born September 27, 1998. But beyond learning that and a couple other interesting facts, I decided it wasn’t worth the effort.
I’ve been thinking about where I am now and where I expected to be at this point. I can’t say that I’m exactly where I wanted to be. Mostly it’s the job. I thought I’d be a writer, an astronaut, or possibly doing something with animals – not sitting behind a desk 10 hours a day. I would have liked to travel more by this point, taken more risks, feel that I had more interesting stories to tell and hidden knowledge to share. At the same time, I don’t think I’d do anything differently were I given the opportunity. I love Ari and Simeon and can’t wait to see how my family grows. I enjoy spending time with my friends and, after a reading a few birthday wishes and seeing people last night, know that I’m lucky to have them in my life. I’m willing to take some risks, but not if that means missing out on family and friends.
So, here’s to the future and whatever is to come. I look forward to the next 30 years and the 30 beyond that. And most of all, I look forward to spending it with family and friends – past, present and future.
Birthday Shout Out
A few days early, but Happy Birthday Mike K.! (Granted I’m adding this a couple days late :s)
Posted in Happy Birthday, Me
Posted by: ppernick | September 26, 2006
L'Shana Tovah
Literally translated – to the head of the year. This weekend was the beginning of the year 5767 of the Jewish calendar. On day 10 of the new year is Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement. This 10-day span allows us a grace period to atone for all the sins we committed (knowingly or not) during this past year before the book of life is sealed for the year. So, to anybody that I haven’t apologized to – if I have said or done anything that hurt or offended you, “I’m Sorry”. I’m not always good with confronting others when I have issues, but I have no problem with others coming to me – so by all means come by if you feel we have some air to clean.
Along with this period of atonement comes reflection (which, as I noted last time, I’ve been doing a lot of recently). Always around this time of year, I begin to look at the level of Judaism I maintain in my everyday life and always find myself saying I want more. It’s easy to say I want to do more, but I haven’t acted on it as much as I’d really like to. So, this year I hope to set more realistic expectations. Rather than preparing to jump into the deep-end of the pool, here’s hoping that I’ll be swimming in the baby pool with Simeon this time next year.
Birthday Shout Out
And last, but certainly not least I’d like to wish Ben ‘happy birthday!’
Posted in Happy Birthday, Holidays, Judaism, Rosh Hashana
Posted by: ppernick | September 22, 2006
2:35:41
That was my time in the Kirkland Tri-iT last weekend. 0:12:39 for the swim, 1:22:11 for the bike and 0:50:18 for the run (which I had to pretty much walk…after attempting a jog with 1/4 mile left to go, my knees/shins cramped up – tho when I saw Ari and Simeon right before the finish line I sucked it up :). I didn’t really prepare like I should have[1][2][3] so I can’t complain for coming in 130 out of 132. The main thing is that I completed my 2 goals: finish the race, but not in last.
I do think I want to do more of these…I just have to figure out how/when to train appropriately.
The other thing on my mind recently…reflection. Next week I turn 30 – wow! I’m not depressed about it in anyway, just find myself thinking about where I am and where I thought I would be. I do find it interestsing that I’ve reached a point where I can’t think of anything I really want other than time to myself or something like a massage or spa treatment. Whenever I’m asked what I want for a gift (be it birthday, anniversary, or holiday) it becomes something for the house or for Simeon. Ari and Simeon do a good job fulfilling my needs.
Simeon Stuff
I know I posted all about him yesterday but I have to share (and I get the feeling nobody will mind in the slightest)…he’s full-fledged crawling! Last night, Ari and I were talking and out of the corner of my eye I see him shuffling along on 4 limbs. I interrupted Ari midspeech and said look down. He looked down and started to ask what when he noticed Simeon racing along the floor on hands and knees toward him. I asked the daycare this morning if they’d seen him crawling yesterday and they said no. Yay!! I have to say I’m really happy we got to see him crawl before the daycare staff :). I expect he’ll be walking in a month or so at the rate he’s been pulling up and pushing things.
Birthday Shout Out
Happy Birthday Aunt C! 🙂
[1] Training prep: I did great practicing for the swim, but that was about it. Biked up a steep hill in my neighborhood 2 or 3 times (no more than 3 miles total) and only practiced jogging once. Never did I train more than one event in one session.
[2] Equipment prep: I trained on my bike but used Ari’s because it is lighter. Wish I had remembered that my seat is extra-cushioned with shock absorbers and his is not. I also should not have bothered with the camelback on the run…I was just thirsty by that point though.
[3] Clothing prep: After itching like crazy when I did the treadmill with a wet swimsuit, I wound up quickly getting out of the suit between swim and bike. That lost me a lot of time in the transition and left me with absolutely no padding on Ari’s bike. A wetsuit probably would have fixed that problem, or at least some biker shorts that could dry quickly.
Posted in Exercise, Happy Birthday, Me
Posted by: ppernick | September 12, 2006
'Disgusted and Disappointed'
That’s the response from Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors conservation group, and I whole-heartedly agree.
Imagine feeling boxed into a corner. There are two creatures coming toward you. One with a machine attached to its shoulder and head and shining a bright light in your face. There’s nowhere to turn. There’s only one way to protect yourself and you lash out. You only mean to express your fear. But your one punch hits a pressure point. Both creatures are stunned. One moves slowly as it pushes your hand away before falling down in a heap.
Would it be appropriate for these creatures to begin searching for and killing your species? Is revenge that sweet that people think it will all be better if we rid the world of a species with the ability to kill – even if only in self-defense?
I feel fortunate to have been swimming with stingrays in the South Pacific while Ari and I were on our honeymoon. I remember feeling quite nervous about getting into the water, but they were very peaceful and pretty much ignored me. They swam about, quite willing to play – especially with the guide who had food for them. They even gave him a kiss to show their appreciation. Their tails are long and sharp, but their bodies are smooth and silky. Amazing creatures who don’t deserve to be treated unfairly.
By all means mourn for a man who has contributed greatly to the education of wildlife. I recently watched a clip of the Croc Hunter crying when he found one of his beloved crocodiles dead. I can only imagine how he would respond if he knew people were killing stingrays in his name.
Posted by: ppernick | August 29, 2006
Mikvehs and Hardware
Ari reminded me last night or this morning about this odd pairing. We passed by a storefront whose sign noted they had a mikveh[1] and hardware. I guess there are a lot of Jews in Brooklyn that get to the store and just feel so dirty they need a cleansing.
On a totally seperate note, an additional bit about our hiking trip this past weekend. Specifically the hike up. Well, the drive up that is. Oh…my…goodness. I don’t think I could have held on any tighter. Apparently the note about the hike was that the car did the climbing for you. 3500 feet in 6 miles on a single lane, gravel road with a number of switchbacks. I’m just glad nobody was coming down as we drove up and that it was still light when we drove down. This handprint was made visible by all that dust we stirred as we drove up.
Just a couple of things I felt like sharing today.
[1] A mikveh is a pool of water used for Jewish rituals.
Posted by: ppernick | August 28, 2006
This Is
This is one of my favorite pictures from this weekend. I was going for just a nice shot of the path, but the shadows in the sunlight just look so cool to me.
When Ari started his paternity leave he had planned to do some nice photography with our digital SLR. Then, his leave was over and he didn’t know where it had gone. Maybe I should look into it. I love finding different shots like this. While we take a lot of pictures (as my cousin pointed out to me last weekend), I’m trying for quality and not quantity – hoping that I might go back through my photos and find the gem. The ‘different’ one. It just so happens that I get snap-happy as I try to find it.
I have definitely gotten braver about snapping photos since the digital camera came. No more worrying how many pictures are left on the camera or how much it will cost to develop them (only to find half of them should be deleted). Now, I just shoot. If I run out of space, I go back through and delete as necessary.
I really need to start printing out pictures and making books. If I can find the time, maybe I’ll pickup scrapbooking. In fact, I’ve also been longing to find that creative writing side of myself again. I think the last thing I wrote was my incomplete song for Ari – part of which is immortalized on our chupah[1]. Maybe a combination of scrapbooking and storytelling or poetry is what the doctor orders…
Simeon Stuff
He’s pulling himself up more and more. As quick as he can be on all fours, I’m getting nervous what happens once he can pull himself up and move.
I believe yogurt (specifically blueberry yogurt) is one of Simeon’s new favorite foods. Went by Costco yesterday – a virtual buffet for Simeon. Perfect portion sizes for him and so much to choose from. He loved the gogurt. He was quite upset when it was gone…and that was after having his and mine. I just bought a bunch of baby yogurt (since it has full fat milk) but I may purchase some of this stuff in the near future. Could be a really nice thing to have on a hike. Freeze it beforehand and it’ll thaw out during the hike.
[1] I’m in a sharing mood today:
Posted in Creativity, Pictures, Simeon
Posted by: ppernick | August 24, 2006
New York Trip
Well, we survived the airports – though I had to mail Simeon’s teether back home from SeaTac and he demanded multiple tours of the airplane on the way home. At least we learned from our last trip and had direct flights each way. Our luggage made it safe and sound – though we arrived at JFK airport so early our 3 suitcases were the last ones off the plane.
I worried before the trip that I would offend somebody for not allowing enough time with Simeon. As I expected, I think worried more than necessary.
I’m also happy to say that I didn’t break our camera as I initially thought. Simeon fell forward from a sitting position on the bed and in a motherly reflex to stop him from falling off the bed, I threw the camera down. Being on and ready to shoot, the lens bent and would not retract; nor would it take any pictures. I don’t regret the move, but I did feel bad that we couldn’t use that camera the rest of the trip. However, I fiddled with it a bit last night and managed to straighten the lens and get the camera to start responding to the power button. This morning, Ari rebooted the camera (took out the battery and put it back in) and it’s now taking pictures again as well. Yay!! Now we just have to offload the pictures from our two cameras and get them up.
Now we prepare for the next couple months of visits. Ari’s dad will be in town over Labor Day weekend, Ari’s mom and her friend come in early October, and my parents will be in town late October. Looks like it’s time to start planning the birthday parties :).
Simeon Stuff
I think Simeon got his hands on a baby development book and read the list of what he should do by 12 months. While in New York for 5 – 6 days, he accomplished the following:
Clapping: it’s so cute! Open-handed clapping.
Pulling up: especially on mommy and daddy. He enjoys climbing all over us and trying to stand up.
Sitting up: laying on the bed he pulled himself to a sitting position. Apparently he was sitting up when my in-laws went to get him after his nap.
Self feeding: he had just started to self-feed big foods before we left, but he is now getting pretty good at cheerios too. Boy did he eat well this trip. So many new foods and so many explosions to prove it :).
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