The Dorris Family is on the move. Natalie, Colby, and I have moved in with Natalie's parents while our new home is being finished. We had given notice at our rental after being guaranteed completion by November 15. As you can figure out, it isn't done and our rental has been rented out to a new family.
Since we are no longer on a satellite internet service, I can experiment with LIVE ColbyCam streaming. On the right where a preview of the ColbyCam usually is, You'll see the heading "ColbyCam LIVE!" Click on that heading and Windows Media Player should open with the streaming video. Let me know how it works for everyone and enjoy!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Look what I came in to find in Colby's room!
In his playpen (below) he was placed in the standing position. This time, he was discovered while supposedly taking a nap.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Where to begin?
Natalie keeps harassing me, "Colby is [doing this], Colby is [doing that], now. Why aren't you putting it up on your blog?" Truth is, I'm a lazy blogger. I've neglected Rooney Ville for so long, there is now too much to discuss.I've finally posted new pictures of Colby. These span 3-7 months of age. Yeah, it's been that long since I put up new pictures.
To catch you up: He is crawling, now. Has been for about a week. He's cut his first tooth. And he has been accepted to Yale. (okay, maybe it hasn't been that long)
We are also in escrow to buy a condo. Our first home to call our own! And it's brand new! We're still waiting for them to finish the building so we can move in. I've posted pictures of it under construction. Our unit is the one upstairs.As always, all of the pictures I post can be seen by clicking the link on the right-side of the blog named "Family Photos"
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Colby Video
It was only a matter of time before I did it, and here it is...
Video online of Colby. I'll ask for your forgiveness now since I am new at this. It's ten minutes long and I don't know how everyone will receive this, espeically those on dialup, so let me know what you think.
Video online of Colby. I'll ask for your forgiveness now since I am new at this. It's ten minutes long and I don't know how everyone will receive this, espeically those on dialup, so let me know what you think.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Happy Birthday, Colby!
Colby is six months old, today. What a milestone. He just keeps on growing! I guess that is a good thing, eh? As you can see, he's sitting up, now. That's his proud Daddy to the right, and I am not even touching him. He is doing that all on his own!
Other new feats: straight-legged push-ups, passing his toys back-and-forth between both hands, shoving EVERYTHING he can reach in his mouth and chewing on it, rolling and scooting from one end of the living room to the other.
He is so close to crawling, it's thrilling and scary at the same time. Once he begins to crawl, we are in trouble. Our house is pretty open and would be difficult to 'cage' him in any one area. With as much energy as he has, he is going to be all over the place! He won't be happy in his play yard (that's what they call a playpen these days), it's too small to crawl around in. He would be doing laps like a hamster in his running-wheel.
I hope to be able to put up some videos of Colby soon. We have been taking them at various stages, and most recently of today when he nearly crawled. I'm working on it, so stay tuned.
Feel free to harrass me when I go a long while without new posts! I'll try to keep you all up to date on Colby's development as well as some exciting events we have developing in the background. Meanwhile, keep watching the ColbyCam LIVE! If you click on the sidebar ColbyCam LIVE! heading, it will open a new window with an even larger image!
Friday, September 01, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
You are watching ColbyCam LIVE!
click on image to open a larger image
I have made some updates. You may need to refresh your browser page for this to take affect. Clicking on the image will open a new window with a larger image. The image should update every 20 seconds. You can also go to http://www.jacknat.com/images/webcam.html. Bookmarking that page will allow you to see the ColbyCam LIVE! without visiting the Rooney Ville Blog.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Colby is a Star!
Look at him now! Growing so fast. He even has his own show. ColbyCam LIVE!
Now the world can see him when he sleeps, when he's happy or sad, and see when he is NOT there, too!
Call me a Big Daddy Dork, but I thought this would be cute for those who can't visit him often enough.
ENJOY!!
P.S. If you see him crying, let me know... haha.
Now the world can see him when he sleeps, when he's happy or sad, and see when he is NOT there, too!
Call me a Big Daddy Dork, but I thought this would be cute for those who can't visit him often enough.
ENJOY!!
P.S. If you see him crying, let me know... haha.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Who is traumatized?
I came across this artice on John C. Dvorak's Blog. Basically, someone had rearranged a marque for a new Barney video at a grocery store to say "Barney's Penis" and this guy FLIPS OUT! He rambles on-and-on about his six year old daughter being traumatized.
He's now demanding an appology from the grocery store and vows to shop elsewhere. Because it's the grocery stores fault, right?
"Since then, she has not stopped mentioning Barney’s p***s. This has shaken the bedrock of our family. I made an emergency call to our church’s pastor about this bombshell in my daughter’s life and he is unsure how it will affect her future."I think he is the one who is traumatized. I got news for you, bub... Half of the people (and animals) in the world have a penis! It's NOT a dirty word. Albeit, the incident was unfortunate and inappropriate, but get a grip! I fear for this little girls sex education in her future, or lack thereof.
He's now demanding an appology from the grocery store and vows to shop elsewhere. Because it's the grocery stores fault, right?
Earthquake!!!
We had a little rumble last night. It woke me up at 1:45am this morning with a BOOM. The house rattled for a second (that I noticed) and it was over. I was the only one who noticed. Natalie and Colby didn't stir. When I woke up this morning, I wasn't sure if I dreamt it or if it was real. So, I had to look it up on the internet. Sure enough, a 3.1 earthquake hit 6 miles WSW of us. It actually hit halfway between my brother Patrick and I in the middle of nowhere. A 3.1 is nothing big, but notable nonetheless.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Child Ban
While Grant thinks we are doomed, I think things are headed in the right direction. Now all we have to do is ban children from G-rated movies and American life can resume.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'
Wow, he keeps us so impressed! Watching Colby learn something new each week and then practicing it is so entertaining. He has rolling over down to an art, now. Front to back, back to front--no problem! Laying on his stomach, he can arch his back high, balance with one hand down and reach for whatever has his attention with the other hand. His hand-eye coordination is always being fine tuned as he grasps things (rattlers, toys, Mommy's hair) and he is using both hands to do things.
He has begun his prelude to crawling where he is on his stomach, scrunching his knees under him, and lifts his upper body off the ground. He'll then shift his legs in opposite directions and flop over onto his back.
His new thing this week is sitting up by himself on his changing table. He needs help getting there, but once he is up, he can balance himself like a little monkey. The cradling of the table matress helps, of course. On a flat surface, by himself, he tends to drift off to one side or the other. But he is getting there!
We started testing him on rice cereal last week and have been slowly increasing the frequency. He's getting two servings a day, now, and LOVES it. He is so smart! It didn't take him long to figure out when the spoon is coming to open his mouth. And as you are scooping the next bite from the bowl, he begins to flap his arms and sort-of giggle in anticipation.
He's pretty messy about it, but as long as he enjoys it we'll clean it up.
He is also becoming a big flirt! I took him to visit his Nana at work and he just smiled big and fluttered his baby blues at all the women in the office. We often catch him smiling at the TV when there is a close-up of a woman's face. That's my boy!
He has begun his prelude to crawling where he is on his stomach, scrunching his knees under him, and lifts his upper body off the ground. He'll then shift his legs in opposite directions and flop over onto his back.
His new thing this week is sitting up by himself on his changing table. He needs help getting there, but once he is up, he can balance himself like a little monkey. The cradling of the table matress helps, of course. On a flat surface, by himself, he tends to drift off to one side or the other. But he is getting there!
We started testing him on rice cereal last week and have been slowly increasing the frequency. He's getting two servings a day, now, and LOVES it. He is so smart! It didn't take him long to figure out when the spoon is coming to open his mouth. And as you are scooping the next bite from the bowl, he begins to flap his arms and sort-of giggle in anticipation.
He's pretty messy about it, but as long as he enjoys it we'll clean it up.
He is also becoming a big flirt! I took him to visit his Nana at work and he just smiled big and fluttered his baby blues at all the women in the office. We often catch him smiling at the TV when there is a close-up of a woman's face. That's my boy!
Monday, August 07, 2006
Go, Grant, Go!!!
Well, I have it! Grant caught on video, dancing on the job. Shame, shame. I don’t know who should be more embarrassed… Grant, his friends, or the customers who had to watch.
CLICK HERE to download. [2.8MB]
CLICK HERE to download. [2.8MB]
Monday, July 17, 2006
Spooky British Car Ad
Strange but interesting....
This is a car advertisement from Great Britain. When they finished filming the ad, the film editor noticed something moving along the side of the car, like a ghostly white mist. They found out that a person had been killed a year earlier in that exact same spot.
The ad was never put on TV because of the unexplained ghostly phenomenon. Watch the front end of the car as it clears the trees in the middle of the screen and you'll see the white mist crossing in front of the car then following it along the road....Spooky!
Is it a ghost, or is it simply mist? You decide. If you listen to the ad, you'll even hear the cameraman whispering in the background about it near the end of the commercial.
Now click HERE to see the ad.
(If you are on dialup, it may take a few minutes to load the video)
This is a car advertisement from Great Britain. When they finished filming the ad, the film editor noticed something moving along the side of the car, like a ghostly white mist. They found out that a person had been killed a year earlier in that exact same spot.
The ad was never put on TV because of the unexplained ghostly phenomenon. Watch the front end of the car as it clears the trees in the middle of the screen and you'll see the white mist crossing in front of the car then following it along the road....Spooky!
Is it a ghost, or is it simply mist? You decide. If you listen to the ad, you'll even hear the cameraman whispering in the background about it near the end of the commercial.
Now click HERE to see the ad.
(If you are on dialup, it may take a few minutes to load the video)
Friday, June 30, 2006
Growing like a weed.
Watching Colby grow and develop is such a treat. I am so thankful that I’ve been able to stay home with him and watch him discover the world and try new things. He’s developing his motor skills and strength. Colby has also had good strength, being able to stand and hold up his body weight (albeit with a little help) since about 3 weeks, and he has been able to hold his head up just as long.
Push-ups are a new favorite of his, doing reps in his crib after waking up and entertaining himself. Natalie and I watch him from afar with pride as he pushes himself up and grins at his new found ability. He is able to entertain himself much more now. He can see greater distances and LOVES to watch television. Natalie and I hate ourselves for that—we’ve talked at length about not using the T.V. as a babysitter—but he is mesmerized by the changing images from anywhere in the room that he can catch a glimpse. I’m not sure how much he can distinguish from it, but it entrances him nonetheless.
He sleeps well through the night, now—going down around ten P.M. and waking around seven A.M. He began this wonderful pattern while visiting my mom in Fresno a few weeks ago. We both didn’t get much sleep the first night because we kept waking up to check on him because he wasn’t making any noise. He usually woke every four hours to eat during the night.
This last wednesday morning, around three, Natalie and I heard him stirring and making some noise. We didn’t think much of it and hoped he would go back to sleep. After about twenty minutes, the noises he was making were unusual so I went to check on him. I found him squirming like a tortoise on his back—he’s a belly sleeper and managed to roll himself over for the third time in three weeks. The first two times were a couple weeks ago during his first week alone with Daddy, but he hasn’t done it since; and he has never done it for anyone to see. So, there he lies, on his back, arms and legs flailing with eyes shut tightly. I went to tell Natalie; but, un-amused, she said, “Roll him back over on his belly.” I did, and he went right back to sleep.
He can almost sit up on his own. He will grasp on to your fingers and pull himself up to a sitting position, but he can’t stay there without something to hold on. We often sit him on the couch between us and talk to him. He’ll stare at us and smile, talking back in his coos and squeals. Whenever one of us is gone for the day, we’ll usually return to a happy baby with a days worth of adventures to tell us.
He has his moments of fussiness, but we can usually account that to being tired, hungry, or teething. That’s right, he’s teething already! I can only hope those toofers pop through quickly, because he’s gonna gum our fingers off in the process if it takes to long. He doesn’t quite have the coordination to hold a teething ring in his mouth, yet; so we resort to our own digits when his won’t suffice.
I don’t have any new pictures, but keep checking back and I’ll try to post new ones whenever I can.
Push-ups are a new favorite of his, doing reps in his crib after waking up and entertaining himself. Natalie and I watch him from afar with pride as he pushes himself up and grins at his new found ability. He is able to entertain himself much more now. He can see greater distances and LOVES to watch television. Natalie and I hate ourselves for that—we’ve talked at length about not using the T.V. as a babysitter—but he is mesmerized by the changing images from anywhere in the room that he can catch a glimpse. I’m not sure how much he can distinguish from it, but it entrances him nonetheless.
He sleeps well through the night, now—going down around ten P.M. and waking around seven A.M. He began this wonderful pattern while visiting my mom in Fresno a few weeks ago. We both didn’t get much sleep the first night because we kept waking up to check on him because he wasn’t making any noise. He usually woke every four hours to eat during the night.
This last wednesday morning, around three, Natalie and I heard him stirring and making some noise. We didn’t think much of it and hoped he would go back to sleep. After about twenty minutes, the noises he was making were unusual so I went to check on him. I found him squirming like a tortoise on his back—he’s a belly sleeper and managed to roll himself over for the third time in three weeks. The first two times were a couple weeks ago during his first week alone with Daddy, but he hasn’t done it since; and he has never done it for anyone to see. So, there he lies, on his back, arms and legs flailing with eyes shut tightly. I went to tell Natalie; but, un-amused, she said, “Roll him back over on his belly.” I did, and he went right back to sleep.
He can almost sit up on his own. He will grasp on to your fingers and pull himself up to a sitting position, but he can’t stay there without something to hold on. We often sit him on the couch between us and talk to him. He’ll stare at us and smile, talking back in his coos and squeals. Whenever one of us is gone for the day, we’ll usually return to a happy baby with a days worth of adventures to tell us.
He has his moments of fussiness, but we can usually account that to being tired, hungry, or teething. That’s right, he’s teething already! I can only hope those toofers pop through quickly, because he’s gonna gum our fingers off in the process if it takes to long. He doesn’t quite have the coordination to hold a teething ring in his mouth, yet; so we resort to our own digits when his won’t suffice.
I don’t have any new pictures, but keep checking back and I’ll try to post new ones whenever I can.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
How your computer works.
If you've ever wondered how your computer works... HERE is a good diagram of what is going on inside your machine.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Surprise!
This past weekend was a most interesting one. Several months ago, my dad asked Natalie and me if we would be able to join them in celebrating his and his girlfriend (Judy’s) birthdays—they both turn 60 this year and wanted to have a birthday party for the two of them. Since their birthdays are a mere couple months apart, they split the difference and had their party last Saturday, June 10th. They were also taking this opportunity to have their house blessed after completely remodeling the inside and new paint on the outside. Our having his fourth grandchild—third this year—it was important that we make it so the whole family would be together to celebrate this auspicious occasion. We, of course, were delighted and promised to attend.
We received our invitation…
…and Natalie thought the wording suspicious. I thought nothing of it.
Since my dad lives about a five-hour drive from us, we don’t get to see him often—once or twice a year—so we were very much looking forward to this trip. We arrived late Friday night to a warm welcome and a wonderfully remodeled home—new carpeting, hard wood flooring with area rugs, new paint, Corian countertops, etc. The house never looked so great!
We visited for about an hour, than turned in for the night. The next morning, my sister Kristen and her fiancé, Wil, arrived and we all helped prepare for the party and decorate to the Hawaiian Luau theme. While I was sweeping off the back deck, I came across what could only be described as an alter. It was then that I realized I was going to lose a bet with my wife. Either there was going to be a sacrifice to the Hawaiian gods that night, or someone was getting married.
The guests began to arrive around two o’clock, and everyone participated in the luau theme. It was beginning to look like a Don Ho concert.
At about three or so, everyone was gathered out on the deck for the formal dedication of the house and blessing, my dad’s friend, Reverend Jay presiding. Jay did his best to not spill the beans, but he himmed-and-hawwed throughout his speech so much, if you didn’t suspect anything before, you were beginning to now. After several minutes of this, he turned the floor over to my dad who began a pouring of affection toward his girlfriend. He then turned to her, got on one knee, and popped the question. It was at this point, I’m sure, everyone was curious as to how far this would go.
Judy said, “Yes,” and we all cheered.
Suddenly, a guest yells, “do it now!”
Jay responds, “I’ve come prepared…”
The next thing you know, the dedication turns into a wedding. This was, of course, planned ahead of time, but surprising the guests was a blast anyway. Those who suspected were not surprised, and those who didn’t have a clue were picking their chins up off the ground.
The ceremony was beautiful, and the party a huge success. Everyone had something to talk about; and my brother, sister, and I were questioned by all whether we knew or not.
I took a lot of pictures and video. My dad was thrilled to see me recording video of the whole thing. He has the video, so I can’t share that with you, but I’ve uploaded the pictures for all to see. Go HERE for the fun!
We received our invitation…
…and Natalie thought the wording suspicious. I thought nothing of it.
Since my dad lives about a five-hour drive from us, we don’t get to see him often—once or twice a year—so we were very much looking forward to this trip. We arrived late Friday night to a warm welcome and a wonderfully remodeled home—new carpeting, hard wood flooring with area rugs, new paint, Corian countertops, etc. The house never looked so great!
We visited for about an hour, than turned in for the night. The next morning, my sister Kristen and her fiancé, Wil, arrived and we all helped prepare for the party and decorate to the Hawaiian Luau theme. While I was sweeping off the back deck, I came across what could only be described as an alter. It was then that I realized I was going to lose a bet with my wife. Either there was going to be a sacrifice to the Hawaiian gods that night, or someone was getting married.
The guests began to arrive around two o’clock, and everyone participated in the luau theme. It was beginning to look like a Don Ho concert.
At about three or so, everyone was gathered out on the deck for the formal dedication of the house and blessing, my dad’s friend, Reverend Jay presiding. Jay did his best to not spill the beans, but he himmed-and-hawwed throughout his speech so much, if you didn’t suspect anything before, you were beginning to now. After several minutes of this, he turned the floor over to my dad who began a pouring of affection toward his girlfriend. He then turned to her, got on one knee, and popped the question. It was at this point, I’m sure, everyone was curious as to how far this would go.
Judy said, “Yes,” and we all cheered.
Suddenly, a guest yells, “do it now!”
Jay responds, “I’ve come prepared…”
The next thing you know, the dedication turns into a wedding. This was, of course, planned ahead of time, but surprising the guests was a blast anyway. Those who suspected were not surprised, and those who didn’t have a clue were picking their chins up off the ground.
The ceremony was beautiful, and the party a huge success. Everyone had something to talk about; and my brother, sister, and I were questioned by all whether we knew or not.
I took a lot of pictures and video. My dad was thrilled to see me recording video of the whole thing. He has the video, so I can’t share that with you, but I’ve uploaded the pictures for all to see. Go HERE for the fun!
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Nintendo Boot Camp
At the request of a dear friend whom only has the best interest of my child in mind--I am starting Colby on a daily regiment of Mario Kart and coffee in the morning, followed by a swedish hand massage, and finishing the day with Mario Kart and tequilla before bed. Monday, June 05, 2006
Center of the Universe
As all new parents experience, your first born becomes the center of your universe. I can’t speak for the second born—and so on—but Colby has definitely taken our full attention from everything else in our lives. We’re not obsessed or anything, but a newborn does consume your everyday lives—between the feedings, cryings, nappings, changings, and diaperings—you don’t really have much time for anything else. I am, or course, speaking for Natalie because I’ve been working most of the time; but everything else we do revolves around him.
Natalie will be returning to work on the 12th of this month, passing the torch to me in becoming the primary care giver. This should be interesting. For her first return to work, she is traveling to the corporate office in Spartanburg, SC, for a departmental conference. There seems to be some restructuring in her department that she needs to be a part of, so she is jumping back in with both feet. She will be gone all week. I’m a little scared, having not cared for him by myself for more than an hour yet, but I am confident that this will only strengthen our father-son bond.
For Mother’s Day, Natalie’s mom gave her a baby photo-shoot. It was pretty cool. The photographer was really patient—she would have to be, specializing in baby and child photos—and really has an eye for great shots.Click HERE to see what she has done. Make sure your volume is turned up, it adds a lot of effect.
UPDATE: The above link to Colby's pictures is broken. The slideshow is down for some reason, but the pictures can be found HERE and are available to order through the end of June--so choose your prints fast!
Natalie will be returning to work on the 12th of this month, passing the torch to me in becoming the primary care giver. This should be interesting. For her first return to work, she is traveling to the corporate office in Spartanburg, SC, for a departmental conference. There seems to be some restructuring in her department that she needs to be a part of, so she is jumping back in with both feet. She will be gone all week. I’m a little scared, having not cared for him by myself for more than an hour yet, but I am confident that this will only strengthen our father-son bond.
For Mother’s Day, Natalie’s mom gave her a baby photo-shoot. It was pretty cool. The photographer was really patient—she would have to be, specializing in baby and child photos—and really has an eye for great shots.
UPDATE: The above link to Colby's pictures is broken. The slideshow is down for some reason, but the pictures can be found HERE and are available to order through the end of June--so choose your prints fast!
Friday, May 26, 2006
Colby Update
I do apologize to all of you. If you think I was inconsistent with posting before Colby was born, you now know how bad it can be. I have definitely had my hands full as of late. But I guess there will always be something, eh?
While Natalie is on maternity leave, I have been working full time. Well, a bit more than full time, actually. The General Manager of my restaurant, Tami, was given the task of overseeing two stores for a while. Unfortunately, she became ill with double pneumonia leaving me in charge of our store with very little help in management. A typical manager works 50 hours or so a week, and there are usually at least two if not three managers per store. However, I’ve been dealing with having only one other manager for two days a week and what we call a Star Coordinator (basically a key carrier) the rest of the time. This has left me with the duties of two managers, a general manager and a restaurant manager. Fortunately, my Star Coordinator—Melissa—is very strong and eager to help.
Anyway, when I get home from work after my 9-10 hour day, I spend what’s left of my day with Natalie and Colby and then go to bed. So I ask your forgiveness in my lack of postings with the promise that I will TRY to keep more current.
Nonetheless, Colby is doing well. He is growing so fast! He’s over 11 lbs. now and 22 inches. He’s getting a red glow about his hair and his eyes are staying a beautiful blue. Here are some new pictures of him and various family members for your enjoyment.
While Natalie is on maternity leave, I have been working full time. Well, a bit more than full time, actually. The General Manager of my restaurant, Tami, was given the task of overseeing two stores for a while. Unfortunately, she became ill with double pneumonia leaving me in charge of our store with very little help in management. A typical manager works 50 hours or so a week, and there are usually at least two if not three managers per store. However, I’ve been dealing with having only one other manager for two days a week and what we call a Star Coordinator (basically a key carrier) the rest of the time. This has left me with the duties of two managers, a general manager and a restaurant manager. Fortunately, my Star Coordinator—Melissa—is very strong and eager to help.
Anyway, when I get home from work after my 9-10 hour day, I spend what’s left of my day with Natalie and Colby and then go to bed. So I ask your forgiveness in my lack of postings with the promise that I will TRY to keep more current.
Nonetheless, Colby is doing well. He is growing so fast! He’s over 11 lbs. now and 22 inches. He’s getting a red glow about his hair and his eyes are staying a beautiful blue. Here are some new pictures of him and various family members for your enjoyment.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Colby Pics
Here are a few new pictures of Colby. You would think we would take more, but all he does it eat and sleep right now, and when he is sleeping, so are we! LOL…
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Colby Pictures are HERE!
Here are the pictures of Colby that everyone has been waiting for...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rooneyville/
I haven't had time to edit or fix any of them, or even rename them. Just enjoy!
WARNING: There may be some graphic pictures in the batch. I tried to not include them but one or two may have slipped by, so be warned!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rooneyville/
I haven't had time to edit or fix any of them, or even rename them. Just enjoy!
WARNING: There may be some graphic pictures in the batch. I tried to not include them but one or two may have slipped by, so be warned!
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Baby Update 3.0
Baby Colby Jack Dorris was born to Jack & Natalie Dorris March 18, 2006, at 7:47 PM PST and weighing in at 7 lbs. 1 oz. and sizing up to 19-1/2" long.
More to come in the near future...
More to come in the near future...
Baby Update 2.1
Baby and Mommy are progressing nicely, albeit slow coming. Natalie has received an epideral and is a good 4cm dialated. We've kicked everyone out and are going to try to take a nap for an hour or so. We are told that she should dialate about 1cm per hour now and Colby has been firmly at zero-station since we got here, so he should be ready to pop right out when she becomes fully dialated. Let's hope this holds true!
Baby Update 2.0
We've made it to the hospital. Natalie has been having contractions all week, but nothing regular until last night. We eagerly timed them as we passed the time playing Skip-Bo until they were 4-7 minutes apart, and then called the OB. That was about 12:30am. Now, here we are, 9:45am and still waiting.
Her contractions have been fairly regular and increasing in strength, but she hasn't changed much in the way of dialating. Nonetheless, her doctor says she is definately in early labor and decided to break her water to speed things along.
Cindy and Randy, Nat's parents, are on their way and my parents are standing by a couple hours away. Our friend Tami will be here as soon as I tell her to come. We are in no shortage of support.
I'll try to keep you up-to-date as best I can... We'll see how this goes.
Her contractions have been fairly regular and increasing in strength, but she hasn't changed much in the way of dialating. Nonetheless, her doctor says she is definately in early labor and decided to break her water to speed things along.
Cindy and Randy, Nat's parents, are on their way and my parents are standing by a couple hours away. Our friend Tami will be here as soon as I tell her to come. We are in no shortage of support.
I'll try to keep you up-to-date as best I can... We'll see how this goes.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Family Introduction
I would like everyone to meet some of my family...
Please say "goo-goo" to Cade and Madison Dorris, born March 10th.
Momma Cori...
And Daddy Ryan.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Baby Update
Less than two weeks to her "Due Date" and still going! Natalie and Colby are doing well. Daddy, too. We're just waiting (im)patiently. If I had a nickle for every time I've asked her, "how are you doing," we would be rich! Everytime I leave the house I watch my cell phone for 'the call' like the phone is going to stand up and do a song-and-dance for all to see.
She's having contractions from time to time, but nothing consistent. The cat has been going nuts lately--I think she knows something. Nat's seeing her doctor once a week, now, and the doctor said she was on call this weekend--so, now is as good a time as any! Any bets?
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Eventful Weekend
I’m an uncle again… and again. My brother Ryan and his wife Cori gave life to twins! A boy and a girl, Cade and Madison. I got the call Friday around 3:00 after they babies were born via C-Section around noon. We are told they are doing well except for some minor lung development for Cade.
Natalie and I are so excited for them. This is their second and third, after their first boy Hunter—now 2 years, 2 months (I believe). Cade and Madison are a bit premature—about 6 weeks or so, I think. I’m not very good at keeping dates straight.
For a little background, I also have a niece and nephew by my sis, Christina (aka: Sissy), and her hubby Greg. Their boy and girl are Sean and Samantha, about 5 years and 2 years respectively (again, not the best with dates). Also, Natalie’s sister, Vickey, has a 3 year old daughter named Kristabelle.
Well, today we thought we were going to add to the mix; but it was a false alarm. Natalie was awakened this morning, about 3am, with contractions. She walked around to shake them off in case they were Braxton-Hicks, but they were persistent and irregular—about 30 minutes apart. I had to work at 6am and Natalie made me go, begrudgingly. I told her to call me with every contraction so I could keep tabs on her.
Wouldn’t you know it, the day this starts up is the one day in history we get snow! That’s right, it snowed at our house; but not until I got to work. Natalie called me a few times at work, having another contraction, and I started to worry about being on the opposite end of the Cuesta Grade—a 15 mile grade uphill from San Luis Obispo (where I work) to our house in Templeton. Not sure what the elevation change is, but it was enough to snow. I was afraid I would be stuck on one side and her on the other, so I called my boss and said I’m heading home. Tami—my boss—was fine with it and she came in to cover my shift. We’ve become very close with Tami, like a sister, and she is just as anxious to be involved in Colby’s birthday as we are. She’ll be there when the time comes.
Turned out to be false labor, but we are poised and ready when the time comes. Today was just a trial run. We did go to the hospital because we weren’t sure if her water broke or not—sounds silly, I know; but sometimes it just leaks out instead of flushing out. Anyway, it didn’t, she wasn’t, and he hasn’t, yet. But we’re waiting……..
Natalie and I are so excited for them. This is their second and third, after their first boy Hunter—now 2 years, 2 months (I believe). Cade and Madison are a bit premature—about 6 weeks or so, I think. I’m not very good at keeping dates straight.
For a little background, I also have a niece and nephew by my sis, Christina (aka: Sissy), and her hubby Greg. Their boy and girl are Sean and Samantha, about 5 years and 2 years respectively (again, not the best with dates). Also, Natalie’s sister, Vickey, has a 3 year old daughter named Kristabelle.
Well, today we thought we were going to add to the mix; but it was a false alarm. Natalie was awakened this morning, about 3am, with contractions. She walked around to shake them off in case they were Braxton-Hicks, but they were persistent and irregular—about 30 minutes apart. I had to work at 6am and Natalie made me go, begrudgingly. I told her to call me with every contraction so I could keep tabs on her.
Wouldn’t you know it, the day this starts up is the one day in history we get snow! That’s right, it snowed at our house; but not until I got to work. Natalie called me a few times at work, having another contraction, and I started to worry about being on the opposite end of the Cuesta Grade—a 15 mile grade uphill from San Luis Obispo (where I work) to our house in Templeton. Not sure what the elevation change is, but it was enough to snow. I was afraid I would be stuck on one side and her on the other, so I called my boss and said I’m heading home. Tami—my boss—was fine with it and she came in to cover my shift. We’ve become very close with Tami, like a sister, and she is just as anxious to be involved in Colby’s birthday as we are. She’ll be there when the time comes.
Turned out to be false labor, but we are poised and ready when the time comes. Today was just a trial run. We did go to the hospital because we weren’t sure if her water broke or not—sounds silly, I know; but sometimes it just leaks out instead of flushing out. Anyway, it didn’t, she wasn’t, and he hasn’t, yet. But we’re waiting……..
Friday, March 03, 2006
The Fast Lane
In my youth, I was always in a hurry to get where ever I was going. I believe Grant confessed to the same habits. My first car was a Camero, albeit a P.O.S. Camero, but a Camero none the less. Then a newer Firebird (stick shift--yahoo), a couple other cars, then a Trans-Am. While I had the Trans-Am, I also had a 'crotch-rocket.' I drove like a maniac and everyone was in my way.
I am a bit more of a conservative driver, now. That is to say I am usually within 5 mph within the speed limit. Often, at night, I nail the cruise control to the speed limit--we live in a rather rural area where it's all highway driving to and fro. I don't do it because I'm that cautious, but rather because I don't want the hassles of a ticket. It doesn't mean I want to spend any more time driving than I did before.
Nonetheless, slow-pokes still drive me crazy! I have trouble understanding why slow drivers insist on driving in the 'Fast Lane.' The only thing I can figure is their parents didn't teach them how to drive courteously. The fast lane--or furthest left lane--is meant for those driving faster than others, regardless of the pace. It is also known as the passing lane.
Cops and Highway Patrol alike do not want everyone driving the exact same speed. This would cause a rather stale traffic pattern. Instead, they prefer one lane move faster than the other to keep a flow of traffic--within reason, of course. Just because the speed limit is 65, doesn't mean you go 65 in the fast lane and anyone going faster be-damned. If someone is coming up on your tail, GET OUT OF THE WAY! You are more likely to cause an accident by making them go around you than staunchly poking-along in their path.
Why am I ranting about something so random? Because we live in an area largely populated by retired folk--typically the most cautious of drivers. And they are forever poking-along in the fast lane at 55 or 60 when the speed limit is 65! Just because they are retired and nowhere to be in a hurry, doesn't mean the rest of us don't either. And if you can't keep up with traffic, GET OFF THE HIGHWAY!!! You are the menace, not everyone else going with the flow of traffic, regardless of the speed limit. If traffic is flowing at 70, you are a danger to us all, so MOVE OVER!
Okay.... I feel better now. Thanks for listening. :-)
I am a bit more of a conservative driver, now. That is to say I am usually within 5 mph within the speed limit. Often, at night, I nail the cruise control to the speed limit--we live in a rather rural area where it's all highway driving to and fro. I don't do it because I'm that cautious, but rather because I don't want the hassles of a ticket. It doesn't mean I want to spend any more time driving than I did before.
Nonetheless, slow-pokes still drive me crazy! I have trouble understanding why slow drivers insist on driving in the 'Fast Lane.' The only thing I can figure is their parents didn't teach them how to drive courteously. The fast lane--or furthest left lane--is meant for those driving faster than others, regardless of the pace. It is also known as the passing lane.
Cops and Highway Patrol alike do not want everyone driving the exact same speed. This would cause a rather stale traffic pattern. Instead, they prefer one lane move faster than the other to keep a flow of traffic--within reason, of course. Just because the speed limit is 65, doesn't mean you go 65 in the fast lane and anyone going faster be-damned. If someone is coming up on your tail, GET OUT OF THE WAY! You are more likely to cause an accident by making them go around you than staunchly poking-along in their path.
Why am I ranting about something so random? Because we live in an area largely populated by retired folk--typically the most cautious of drivers. And they are forever poking-along in the fast lane at 55 or 60 when the speed limit is 65! Just because they are retired and nowhere to be in a hurry, doesn't mean the rest of us don't either. And if you can't keep up with traffic, GET OFF THE HIGHWAY!!! You are the menace, not everyone else going with the flow of traffic, regardless of the speed limit. If traffic is flowing at 70, you are a danger to us all, so MOVE OVER!
Okay.... I feel better now. Thanks for listening. :-)
Friday, February 17, 2006
38 days left and counting!!
The time is drawing oh-so near, and we can hardly wait! Mommy and Baby Colby are doing great. She's gained 38 pounds during the pregnancy (she's gonna kill me!) and she carrys it very well! From the back, you can't even tell she's pregnant except for her cute duck waddle. Everytime she walks past her boss, he goes 'quack, quack.' This picture doesn't do her justice. Her belly has gotten so big and round, I can't keep my hands off it. I just want to rub the Budah belly all the time! I love it!
Her energy level comes and goes, but she keeps on going like a pregnant energizer bunny. I don't know how she does it. I'm working three days a week, going to school four days, and I'm exhausted all the time. She's managing to travel a few days a week for work, do admin work at home, and still find time to cook a WONDERFUL birthday dinner for me this week! (my bday is the day after Valentines day)
The flowers were for her on Valentines day, but the dinner was for me! In case you're wondering, it was one of my favorites, pork tenderloin on rice pilaf covered in a mango salsa with a side of asparagus. YUM!!
Also.....
My boss is a nut! She won't let me forget that I said I was Batman after helping catch a couple of counterfeiters. Shortly thereafter, she decked out our office with Batman Security and a banner that said "Na na na na na na Batman!" This time, for my birthday, she did this...
Batman masks, streamers, gift wrapping, paper plates, napkins, and party favors everywhere! She gave me a Batman Digital Camera, Batman Utility Belt, and Batman Towels. AND a really nice bottle of Don Viejo Anejo Tequila!!! I love tequila.... :-) You may also have noticed the giant Batman card on the mantle next to Natalie in the first picture.
I'm off to Fresno now, where Natalie is already at my Mom's house. We're having a couples baby shower this weekend. Should be fun! See you there?
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Where have I been?
Okay, okay. I’m back. Stop giving me a guilt trip already! Does anyone else feel guilty when they don’t have a chance to post for a while?
Well, where have I been? Let’s see… School semester started 2 weeks ago. Taking Physics and Chemistry. New computers were being installed at work needing my assistance and extra shifts. Natalie started her new job and has been on the road—we had to drive to Bakersfield to get her company car. And what else…? Hmmmm….. Oh yeah! Painting!
We were already planning on painting Baby Colby’s room, which we are almost done with.
The walls are Skylark Blue with Frosted Lemon Yellow trim. The furniture is going to all be white.
Then decided since Natalie will be working from home, we should paint the office before we refurnish it for her.
Office walls are Harvest Brown with Off White trim. We bought two matching desks and filing cabinets and assembled them mirroring each other.
So, that is where I’ve been.
Well, where have I been? Let’s see… School semester started 2 weeks ago. Taking Physics and Chemistry. New computers were being installed at work needing my assistance and extra shifts. Natalie started her new job and has been on the road—we had to drive to Bakersfield to get her company car. And what else…? Hmmmm….. Oh yeah! Painting!
We were already planning on painting Baby Colby’s room, which we are almost done with.
The walls are Skylark Blue with Frosted Lemon Yellow trim. The furniture is going to all be white.
Then decided since Natalie will be working from home, we should paint the office before we refurnish it for her.
Office walls are Harvest Brown with Off White trim. We bought two matching desks and filing cabinets and assembled them mirroring each other.
So, that is where I’ve been.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Monday, January 16, 2006
Drool...
If you don't know me... I'm a geek. And it's gizmos like this that get my motor running. (Well, that and my wife :-) )
According to dailytech.com, Hasselblad's new H2D-39 D-SLR is the first true 39 megapixel digital camera in the world.
What would you do with a 39 megapixel camera? Well, take really big pictures and zoom in on a flee's ass, of course! But at $40,000 it may be a while before I get one. Maybe for my birthday... (hint, hint)
According to dailytech.com, Hasselblad's new H2D-39 D-SLR is the first true 39 megapixel digital camera in the world.What would you do with a 39 megapixel camera? Well, take really big pictures and zoom in on a flee's ass, of course! But at $40,000 it may be a while before I get one. Maybe for my birthday... (hint, hint)
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Here's the Plan
I received this as a forwarded email. Makes sense to me!
Subject: Robin Williams - The plan
THIS ONE SAYS IT ALL! GOD I LOVE THE GOOD OLD US OF A!
You've gotta love his shirt.
The Plan!
You gotta love Robin Williams...... Even if he's nuts! Leave it to Robin Williams to come up with the perfect plan. What we need now is for our UN Ambassador to stand up and repeat this message.
Robin Williams' plan... (Hard to argue with this logic!)
"I see a lot of people yelling for peace but I have not heard of a plan for peace. So, here's one plan."
1) "The US will apologize to the world for our "interference" in their affairs, past present. You know, Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Tojo, Noriega, Milosevic, Hussein, and the rest of those "good ole boys", we will never "interfere" again.
2) We will withdraw our troops from all over the world, starting with Germany, South Korea, the Middle East, and the Philippines. They don't want us there. We would station troops at our borders. No one allowed sneaking through holes in the fence.
3) All illegal aliens have 90 days to get their affairs together and leave. We'll give them a free trip home. After 90 days the remainder will be gathered up and deported immediately, regardless of whom or where they are. They're illegal!!! France will welcome them.
4) All future visitors will be thoroughly checked and limited to 90 days unless given a special permit!!!! No one from a terrorist nation will be allowed in. If you don't like it there, change it yourself and don't hide here. Asylum would never be available to anyone. We don't need any more cab drivers or 7-11 cashiers.
5) No foreign "students" over age 21. The older ones are the bombers. If they don't attend classes, they get a "D" and it's back home baby.
6) The US will make a strong effort to become self-sufficient energy wise. This will include developing nonpolluting sources of energy but will require a temporary drilling of oil in the Alaskan wilderness. The caribou will have to cope for a while.
7) Offer Saudi Arabia and other oil producing countries $10 a barrel for their oil. If they don't like it, we go someplace else. They can go somewhere else to sell their production. (About a week of the wells filling up the storage sites would be enough.)
8) If there is a famine or other natural catastrophe in the world, we will not "interfere." They can pray to Allah or whomever, for seeds, rain, cement or whatever they need. Besides most of what we give them is stolen or given to the army. The people who need it most get very little, if anything.
9) Ship the UN Headquarters to an isolated island someplace. We don't need the spies and fair weather friends here. Besides, the building would make a good homeless shelter or lockup for illegal aliens.
10) All Americans must go to charm and beauty school. That way, no one can call us "Ugly Americans" any longer. The Language we speak is ENGLISH...learn it...or LEAVE...Now, isn't that a winner of a plan?
"The Statue of Liberty is no longer saying "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses." She's got a baseball bat and she's yelling, 'you want a piece of me?' "
Subject: Robin Williams - The plan
THIS ONE SAYS IT ALL! GOD I LOVE THE GOOD OLD US OF A!
You've gotta love his shirt.
The Plan!
Robin Williams, wearing a shirt that says "I love New York" in Arabic.
You gotta love Robin Williams...... Even if he's nuts! Leave it to Robin Williams to come up with the perfect plan. What we need now is for our UN Ambassador to stand up and repeat this message.
Robin Williams' plan... (Hard to argue with this logic!)
"I see a lot of people yelling for peace but I have not heard of a plan for peace. So, here's one plan."
1) "The US will apologize to the world for our "interference" in their affairs, past present. You know, Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Tojo, Noriega, Milosevic, Hussein, and the rest of those "good ole boys", we will never "interfere" again.
2) We will withdraw our troops from all over the world, starting with Germany, South Korea, the Middle East, and the Philippines. They don't want us there. We would station troops at our borders. No one allowed sneaking through holes in the fence.
3) All illegal aliens have 90 days to get their affairs together and leave. We'll give them a free trip home. After 90 days the remainder will be gathered up and deported immediately, regardless of whom or where they are. They're illegal!!! France will welcome them.
4) All future visitors will be thoroughly checked and limited to 90 days unless given a special permit!!!! No one from a terrorist nation will be allowed in. If you don't like it there, change it yourself and don't hide here. Asylum would never be available to anyone. We don't need any more cab drivers or 7-11 cashiers.
5) No foreign "students" over age 21. The older ones are the bombers. If they don't attend classes, they get a "D" and it's back home baby.
6) The US will make a strong effort to become self-sufficient energy wise. This will include developing nonpolluting sources of energy but will require a temporary drilling of oil in the Alaskan wilderness. The caribou will have to cope for a while.
7) Offer Saudi Arabia and other oil producing countries $10 a barrel for their oil. If they don't like it, we go someplace else. They can go somewhere else to sell their production. (About a week of the wells filling up the storage sites would be enough.)
8) If there is a famine or other natural catastrophe in the world, we will not "interfere." They can pray to Allah or whomever, for seeds, rain, cement or whatever they need. Besides most of what we give them is stolen or given to the army. The people who need it most get very little, if anything.
9) Ship the UN Headquarters to an isolated island someplace. We don't need the spies and fair weather friends here. Besides, the building would make a good homeless shelter or lockup for illegal aliens.
10) All Americans must go to charm and beauty school. That way, no one can call us "Ugly Americans" any longer. The Language we speak is ENGLISH...learn it...or LEAVE...Now, isn't that a winner of a plan?
"The Statue of Liberty is no longer saying "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses." She's got a baseball bat and she's yelling, 'you want a piece of me?' "
Saturday, January 07, 2006
28th week picture update
Less than three months to go.
And we haven't even begun on the baby's room yet! Are we bad?
And we haven't even begun on the baby's room yet! Are we bad?
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