Beaming Mom & Hooting Son
posted by chadu at
7:10 PM
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0 comments
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Avuncular Amore
I’ve delighted in observing my brother Cory’s obvious affection for you. Your Uncle Cory works hard, so hard that before you were born we could hardly find time to visit despite living in the same city. Lately he’s been working for The New York Times on a project that consumes his days, evenings, and weekends. Like most New Yorker’s, he’s always racing to keep pace with the never-ebbing flow.But since your arrival, we suddenly see him more. He comes early in the evenings and he comes to see you, to check up on how you’ve changed since his last visit. And when he holds you he looks at you with the same kind of awe you show back to him. You both seem transfixed by magic, as if wondering how the other one got there, not sure whether the apparition before you is real. He talks about how he’ll lead you astray, take you to football games and amusement parks, introduce you to cotton candy and chocolate and other delights. He reminds me of how many wonderful discoveries you have ahead of you.
posted by chadu at
1:17 PM
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0 comments
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Week 3 And Thanksgiving Day
10 pounds, 22 inches! Already up 1lb, 5oz and 1.5 inches taller. Oliver’s got my appetite and he’s growing so fast that he no longer fits in his hospital clothes.
Olie often emits a sound that resembles a mischievous laugh. He’s not actually laughing, but the sound combines a deep gurgle with a hee, hee, hee and it seems like he’s on to something you have yet to discover. He still rarely cries, preferring instead to express his needs and wants through coos, grunts, and gurgles. He also likes to flex his muscles, clenching his tiny fists and moving his arms as if he’s slow-motion boxing a speed bag. A look of satisfaction comes across his face with each blow delivered to the imaginary bag.
His eyes are wide open now. They were open at birth, but swollen and thus his baby blues were revealed only through small slits. His eyes stayed swollen for the first few weeks. But now, when I hold him he stares wide-eyed up into my face with his deep blue eyes fixated on the contours therein. He’s awake a lot now, no longer sleeping 18 hours (though it doesn’t seem like he ever did). And he certainly likes the early mornings. He gets that from his mama.
We’re having Thanksgiving Dinner with my friend Brenda and her parents. We go back so many years now that it is embarrassing to say. So I won’t. Years ago before I met your mama, I used to share holiday dinners with Brenda and her family in Seattle. I was too poor to travel home and was fortunate to share in their generosity. Some 13 years later (oops) we’ll once again be sharing a delightful holiday feast. Your Grandpa Rob and Grandma Lisa also came to join the celebratory feast. This evening you’ll be dining on tryptophan-laced milk, so perhaps you’ll break your record and sleep for 5 hours straight. That would be something for which to give thanks.
Olie often emits a sound that resembles a mischievous laugh. He’s not actually laughing, but the sound combines a deep gurgle with a hee, hee, hee and it seems like he’s on to something you have yet to discover. He still rarely cries, preferring instead to express his needs and wants through coos, grunts, and gurgles. He also likes to flex his muscles, clenching his tiny fists and moving his arms as if he’s slow-motion boxing a speed bag. A look of satisfaction comes across his face with each blow delivered to the imaginary bag.
His eyes are wide open now. They were open at birth, but swollen and thus his baby blues were revealed only through small slits. His eyes stayed swollen for the first few weeks. But now, when I hold him he stares wide-eyed up into my face with his deep blue eyes fixated on the contours therein. He’s awake a lot now, no longer sleeping 18 hours (though it doesn’t seem like he ever did). And he certainly likes the early mornings. He gets that from his mama.
We’re having Thanksgiving Dinner with my friend Brenda and her parents. We go back so many years now that it is embarrassing to say. So I won’t. Years ago before I met your mama, I used to share holiday dinners with Brenda and her family in Seattle. I was too poor to travel home and was fortunate to share in their generosity. Some 13 years later (oops) we’ll once again be sharing a delightful holiday feast. Your Grandpa Rob and Grandma Lisa also came to join the celebratory feast. This evening you’ll be dining on tryptophan-laced milk, so perhaps you’ll break your record and sleep for 5 hours straight. That would be something for which to give thanks.
posted by chadu at
12:40 PM
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0 comments
Special Thanks
SPECIAL THANKS to all who helped out during Olie’s first weeks home:
Extra special thanks to my Mother who cooked, cleaned, changed, cooed, cuddled and cared for us all week; to Uncle Cory who set up this awesome site, which has so successfully brought together Olie’s far-flung family; to Katie and Kevin who took such good care of our first “baby” while we were in the hospital; to Alison who took care of me twice in the hospital, and who always has helpful new-mom advice; and to all who provided nutritious scrum delicious meals: KT whose homemade frozen dinners will have a short shelf-life once Mom is gone; Courtney who brought a delicious roast beef dinner, complete with mashed potatoes, carrots and beans – so yummy, as well as more hospital swaddling blankets (Yes! We just didn’t steal enough of these ever-so-ugly, yet oh-so-practical items); Randal and Erik, who had a complete meal and breakfast for the next day delivered; Lance who arrived two weekends in a row with meals in tow; Brenda who also brought food and played the role of videographer for Olie’s first bath; & Jen and Luke for the best mac & cheese I’ve ever had!
In one of Gramma Updyke's handmade hats
Extra special thanks to my Mother who cooked, cleaned, changed, cooed, cuddled and cared for us all week; to Uncle Cory who set up this awesome site, which has so successfully brought together Olie’s far-flung family; to Katie and Kevin who took such good care of our first “baby” while we were in the hospital; to Alison who took care of me twice in the hospital, and who always has helpful new-mom advice; and to all who provided nutritious scrum delicious meals: KT whose homemade frozen dinners will have a short shelf-life once Mom is gone; Courtney who brought a delicious roast beef dinner, complete with mashed potatoes, carrots and beans – so yummy, as well as more hospital swaddling blankets (Yes! We just didn’t steal enough of these ever-so-ugly, yet oh-so-practical items); Randal and Erik, who had a complete meal and breakfast for the next day delivered; Lance who arrived two weekends in a row with meals in tow; Brenda who also brought food and played the role of videographer for Olie’s first bath; & Jen and Luke for the best mac & cheese I’ve ever had!
With Gramma Bird
In one of Gramma Updyke's handmade hats
With Dad
posted by Justine at
11:26 AM
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0 comments
Friday, November 18, 2005
A Note from Great Grandma Bonnell
Ten little fingers, ten little toes, peek-a-boo eyes, a cute button nose, an innocent heart, a spirit so dear, welcome sweet child, we’re happy you’re here!
Dear Darling Oliver,
At last you are here and how I wish you lived closer. I long to see you and hold you, but in the meantime, will have to depend on reports from Mother and Dad and all the Aunties, who seemed charmed with you. I’m trying to remember all the songs I used to sing many years ago to the Aunties and your Gramma – meanwhile will be planning everything to introduce you to next summer and to show you off to all the neighbors. I can’t wait!
Love and kisses Pal,
Great Grandma Bonnell
Dear Darling Oliver,
At last you are here and how I wish you lived closer. I long to see you and hold you, but in the meantime, will have to depend on reports from Mother and Dad and all the Aunties, who seemed charmed with you. I’m trying to remember all the songs I used to sing many years ago to the Aunties and your Gramma – meanwhile will be planning everything to introduce you to next summer and to show you off to all the neighbors. I can’t wait!
Love and kisses Pal,
Great Grandma Bonnell
posted by Justine at
4:37 PM
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1 comments
Olie Meets His Uncle Chris
Had a surpise visit from Uncle Chris (from Chicago) last night. With the hope that future visits might lead to baby sitting opportunities, I offered to teach the 2nd eldest surnamed Updyke of my generation (unofficial title) the ins and outs of diaper changing. He seemed game, so off to the changing table we went for a lesson.
Having been the recipent on several occasions of Olie's generosity, it seemed only fair to pre-warn my bro and ex-roomie about the potential hazards that lay ahead of us. Once properly armed, we embarked. And lo and behold, as if on cue, Olie whipped up some magic potion for us as soon as his huggie was removed. Chris was deeply impressed with his talent and timing.
Early on while still at the hospital, I sat Oliver down on my chest and pitched to him just how much more fun it would be if "accidents" occurred only when mom was working the changing table. I introduced the word mercurial to him so that he could dismiss any later accusations of lopsided treatment that might be flung at him. He'd simply say, "It's my mercurial nature, mom. I couldn't help myself." But, as is now evident, little Olie has elected to ignore dad's suggestion. My guess is that this won't be the last time he goes his own way.
Despite, or perhaps because of "the incident," Uncle Chris seemed to enjoy his introduction to Oliver. Later in the evening, he bravely gathered Olie into his arms and I observed how small little Olie appeared against my brother's broad chest. (I regret that I failed to snap a picture of the moment.) It is hard to believe that some day not so far off in the future 'lil Olie will stand eye-to-eye, and maybe toe-to-toe, with both of us.
Having been the recipent on several occasions of Olie's generosity, it seemed only fair to pre-warn my bro and ex-roomie about the potential hazards that lay ahead of us. Once properly armed, we embarked. And lo and behold, as if on cue, Olie whipped up some magic potion for us as soon as his huggie was removed. Chris was deeply impressed with his talent and timing.
Early on while still at the hospital, I sat Oliver down on my chest and pitched to him just how much more fun it would be if "accidents" occurred only when mom was working the changing table. I introduced the word mercurial to him so that he could dismiss any later accusations of lopsided treatment that might be flung at him. He'd simply say, "It's my mercurial nature, mom. I couldn't help myself." But, as is now evident, little Olie has elected to ignore dad's suggestion. My guess is that this won't be the last time he goes his own way.
Despite, or perhaps because of "the incident," Uncle Chris seemed to enjoy his introduction to Oliver. Later in the evening, he bravely gathered Olie into his arms and I observed how small little Olie appeared against my brother's broad chest. (I regret that I failed to snap a picture of the moment.) It is hard to believe that some day not so far off in the future 'lil Olie will stand eye-to-eye, and maybe toe-to-toe, with both of us.
posted by chadu at
2:56 PM
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0 comments
A hug to Olie, Chad and Justine
I was moved to tears of joy when I read the messages the family posted to Olie and the family. I must say I never expected my first blog experience to be like this. Olie is in the best of hands and I can't wait to meet him. With love, Caleb
P.S. I can't wait for Olie to post his own comments. Is this where, "Dad may I borrow the car keys" gets posted?
P.S. I can't wait for Olie to post his own comments. Is this where, "Dad may I borrow the car keys" gets posted?
posted by daddio at
12:50 PM
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0 comments
Olie Journal
(Obviously I wrote the following several days ago, but due to technical difficulties with our computer as well as the busy schedule of full-time new Momhold, I haven’t been able to post til now.)
Yesterday (11/12) was Olie’s first day home from the hospital, and my first chance to see Olie Land “in person” (though Chad had been keeping me updated in the hospital).
Needless to say we are completely overwhelmed with our “bundle of joy” – for that is what he truly is. And we are so grateful that he has been born into such a loving, supportive, diverse, and imaginative community of family and friends. Thank you to all who contributed your thoughts about his arrival on Olie Land, and through your calls and emails. It is clear from your words that he will have a rich and full life.
*****************
While I was pregnant with Olie, my Aunt Stephanie sent a great book called Operating Instructions by Anne Lamott, which Chad and I both read. It is a touching, candid journal of the trials and joys of her son’s first year; and it inspired me to write my own personal journal for Oliver. I’ve posted some excerpts here.
11/12/03
Leaving the hospital – finally!
I’ve never seen Chad drive so carefully as he did for Oliver’s first ride home through New York traffic. I myself was really wishing we had one of those here-to-for, unimaginably gauche “Baby on Board” bumper stickers, and will no-doubt run out and get one and proudly slap it on our new car. Yes, I’m truly a Mom now – safety first! But, really, what else are Volvo bumpers for?
Extra kudos to Aunt Michele, who helped us home from the hospital. I say helped, but I should say facilitated, because we couldn’t have done it without her. Despite being “christened” by Olie in the hospital, she stayed with us the whole day – helping us pack, change, unpack, change, get lunch, change, and run around and change til my Mom arrived. Yes, I think that when (if!) Michele visits again, her spiffy Anthropologie attire will be replaced by some nice baggy sweats.
11/13/05
Olie cocked an eye-brow at me today. I hope he continues to be able to do this.
I think the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen is my husband singing “Down to the River to Pray” as Oliver gazes up at his face.
Took our first walk as a family today. Three short blocks, one life-time journey.
First Walk as a Family (Chad is taking the picture).
11/14/05
Happy Birthday Oliver! One week old.
Oliver’s first checkup at the pediatricians went very well. He’s grown ½ inch and weighs 8 lbs, 11 ounces. He’s feeding so well that we got the go-ahead to let him sleep for 4 hours straight at night – yippy!
Yesterday (11/12) was Olie’s first day home from the hospital, and my first chance to see Olie Land “in person” (though Chad had been keeping me updated in the hospital).
Needless to say we are completely overwhelmed with our “bundle of joy” – for that is what he truly is. And we are so grateful that he has been born into such a loving, supportive, diverse, and imaginative community of family and friends. Thank you to all who contributed your thoughts about his arrival on Olie Land, and through your calls and emails. It is clear from your words that he will have a rich and full life.
*****************
While I was pregnant with Olie, my Aunt Stephanie sent a great book called Operating Instructions by Anne Lamott, which Chad and I both read. It is a touching, candid journal of the trials and joys of her son’s first year; and it inspired me to write my own personal journal for Oliver. I’ve posted some excerpts here.
11/12/03
Leaving the hospital – finally!I’ve never seen Chad drive so carefully as he did for Oliver’s first ride home through New York traffic. I myself was really wishing we had one of those here-to-for, unimaginably gauche “Baby on Board” bumper stickers, and will no-doubt run out and get one and proudly slap it on our new car. Yes, I’m truly a Mom now – safety first! But, really, what else are Volvo bumpers for?
Extra kudos to Aunt Michele, who helped us home from the hospital. I say helped, but I should say facilitated, because we couldn’t have done it without her. Despite being “christened” by Olie in the hospital, she stayed with us the whole day – helping us pack, change, unpack, change, get lunch, change, and run around and change til my Mom arrived. Yes, I think that when (if!) Michele visits again, her spiffy Anthropologie attire will be replaced by some nice baggy sweats.
11/13/05
Olie cocked an eye-brow at me today. I hope he continues to be able to do this.
I think the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen is my husband singing “Down to the River to Pray” as Oliver gazes up at his face.
Took our first walk as a family today. Three short blocks, one life-time journey.
First Walk as a Family (Chad is taking the picture). 11/14/05
Happy Birthday Oliver! One week old.
Oliver’s first checkup at the pediatricians went very well. He’s grown ½ inch and weighs 8 lbs, 11 ounces. He’s feeding so well that we got the go-ahead to let him sleep for 4 hours straight at night – yippy!
posted by Justine at
12:19 PM
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0 comments
Monday, November 14, 2005
Your First Moments
Dearest Oliver,
First and foremost, welcome to the world Oliver. I can’t believe you’re here and yet I can’t believe you haven’t always been here. My life has most certainly unalterably changed course and I simply love the new views.
I wanted to share my perceptions of the first few moments of your life. After nine plus months of cooking inside your mother, you elected to emerge with a respectful roar. You were born at 8:44 and 47 seconds on November 7, 2005, one week earlier than your due date. I know the exact time because your Grandpa Hand had provided me with his watch and was eagerly awaiting the timing of your birth in the hospital waiting room (so that he could immediately begin assessing the mysteries of your birth chart). At your birth, I was sitting beside your mom’s head and I watched as her eyes filled with joyful tears at hearing your voice for the first time. Within a few minutes, I was at your side as the nurses cleared your breathing passages and cleaned your beautiful skin. I began speaking to you, hoping to soothe you and was awestruck when you quieted at the sound of my voice. Next, we weighed you and you came in at a hefty 8 lbs. 8 ounces. You were jackknifed at birth, which is why your mother delivered you via cesarean section instead of naturally. You were beautiful from the get-go and I have pictures to prove it. Within a few minutes you were resting contentedly on your mother’s chest and she was cooing at you and me while the doctors continued working on her behind the sheet. It was a fine beginning.
About 15 minutes passed and the doctors needed to finish with your mother. It was also time for you to head to the maternity ward for further inspection. I left the operating room and your mother to follow you out with a nurse as we wheeled you through the hospital. With some effort, I persuaded the nurse to pause so that I could announce your arrival to those loved ones awaiting your nascency in the waiting room. Along with your Grandpa Hand, your Great Auntie Sheila, your Uncle Cory and Aunt Michele were all eagerly anticipating the first moments of your life. They all rushed out to meet you and joined the procession toward the maternity ward. Once in the maternity ward, we entered the nursing center where only parents, babies and nurses were allowed, but we managed to get a front row seat so that everyone could watch as they measured you and tested your reflexes. You were 20.5 inches long and scored a 9.9 of 10 on your APGAR test. Already near perfect.
Finally, the time came to reunite with your mother. I had spent a frantic hour or so racing back and forth across the hospital announcing your every twitch and turn to your mother who lay under a heated pup tent in recovery. She felt like King Tantalus, unable to partake of your presence as she lay trapped in recovery awaiting feeling in her legs again. At long last she managed to force her legs into action and was okayed to relocate to the maternity ward. We three were then rejoined, accompanied by your Grandpa Hand and Auntie Sheila.
Uncle Cory launched your blog that day with an announcement to all those who couldn’t be present for your arrival. He and Aunt Michele returned that night to bask in the fading glow of your first day. As night fell, you were quiet, content and glowing. We were all tired and complete.
Love,
Dad
First and foremost, welcome to the world Oliver. I can’t believe you’re here and yet I can’t believe you haven’t always been here. My life has most certainly unalterably changed course and I simply love the new views.
I wanted to share my perceptions of the first few moments of your life. After nine plus months of cooking inside your mother, you elected to emerge with a respectful roar. You were born at 8:44 and 47 seconds on November 7, 2005, one week earlier than your due date. I know the exact time because your Grandpa Hand had provided me with his watch and was eagerly awaiting the timing of your birth in the hospital waiting room (so that he could immediately begin assessing the mysteries of your birth chart). At your birth, I was sitting beside your mom’s head and I watched as her eyes filled with joyful tears at hearing your voice for the first time. Within a few minutes, I was at your side as the nurses cleared your breathing passages and cleaned your beautiful skin. I began speaking to you, hoping to soothe you and was awestruck when you quieted at the sound of my voice. Next, we weighed you and you came in at a hefty 8 lbs. 8 ounces. You were jackknifed at birth, which is why your mother delivered you via cesarean section instead of naturally. You were beautiful from the get-go and I have pictures to prove it. Within a few minutes you were resting contentedly on your mother’s chest and she was cooing at you and me while the doctors continued working on her behind the sheet. It was a fine beginning.
About 15 minutes passed and the doctors needed to finish with your mother. It was also time for you to head to the maternity ward for further inspection. I left the operating room and your mother to follow you out with a nurse as we wheeled you through the hospital. With some effort, I persuaded the nurse to pause so that I could announce your arrival to those loved ones awaiting your nascency in the waiting room. Along with your Grandpa Hand, your Great Auntie Sheila, your Uncle Cory and Aunt Michele were all eagerly anticipating the first moments of your life. They all rushed out to meet you and joined the procession toward the maternity ward. Once in the maternity ward, we entered the nursing center where only parents, babies and nurses were allowed, but we managed to get a front row seat so that everyone could watch as they measured you and tested your reflexes. You were 20.5 inches long and scored a 9.9 of 10 on your APGAR test. Already near perfect.
Finally, the time came to reunite with your mother. I had spent a frantic hour or so racing back and forth across the hospital announcing your every twitch and turn to your mother who lay under a heated pup tent in recovery. She felt like King Tantalus, unable to partake of your presence as she lay trapped in recovery awaiting feeling in her legs again. At long last she managed to force her legs into action and was okayed to relocate to the maternity ward. We three were then rejoined, accompanied by your Grandpa Hand and Auntie Sheila.
Uncle Cory launched your blog that day with an announcement to all those who couldn’t be present for your arrival. He and Aunt Michele returned that night to bask in the fading glow of your first day. As night fell, you were quiet, content and glowing. We were all tired and complete.
Love,
Dad
posted by chadu at
9:22 PM
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0 comments
A letter from Mom
Dearest Oliver,
Words cannot, cannot, express how thrilled I am to have you in my life. Only through a life-time of love and support can I hope to show how much you I love you.
The moment you were born I cried with joy. When they placed you on my chest, the first thing I said to your father was, “Oh, he’s so cute.” The second was, “Honey, he looks just like you.” The third was, “His hands are huge.”
When they whisked you away to be checked by the Drs. your father hesitated a bit, not wanting to leave me alone in surgery. I immediately said, “Go with the baby, Hon.” and I knew my life had changed for ever. For the better. For you I will be strong and for you I will be reduced to tears of joy. For you I will observe each little milestone with pride and marvel.
I’m already having so much fun raising you. I can’t wait for it all and yet will cherish every moment.
I love you!
Mom
Words cannot, cannot, express how thrilled I am to have you in my life. Only through a life-time of love and support can I hope to show how much you I love you.
The moment you were born I cried with joy. When they placed you on my chest, the first thing I said to your father was, “Oh, he’s so cute.” The second was, “Honey, he looks just like you.” The third was, “His hands are huge.”
When they whisked you away to be checked by the Drs. your father hesitated a bit, not wanting to leave me alone in surgery. I immediately said, “Go with the baby, Hon.” and I knew my life had changed for ever. For the better. For you I will be strong and for you I will be reduced to tears of joy. For you I will observe each little milestone with pride and marvel.
I’m already having so much fun raising you. I can’t wait for it all and yet will cherish every moment.
I love you!
Mom
posted by Justine at
8:24 PM
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0 comments
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Pictures from the Beginning
Justine Just Before the Big Day...
Jack Knife
Cleaned Up
The Swaddle
First Thumb Wrestling Match...Baby Hand Had Big Hands!
posted by chadu at
5:29 PM
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0 comments
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Dearest Oliver
Dearest Oliver:
This is your Aunt speaking, saying Welcome to the world. I know it didn't seem like much at first compared to all the perks on the inside, but you should know that you must have had first dibs on parents because you got the best. Not only that, you managed to get a big extended family to boot; the various members of which will dote on you, try to run your life no doubt, but above all, adore you.
From the outset, after the initial shock, you seemed to settle right in with a mellow but assertive outlook, withstanding all the routine prodding, poking, and measuring from various nurses/doctors with calm equanimity and though it took forever for Mom recover enough to appear for first feeding, rather than crying, you simply waited like a baby robin with its mouth open, fully confident and assured that something would appear in due time which of course it did.
In the pre-op room, while you were still happily ensconced in your own little world waiting to be born, the attending nurse breezed in and, listening to the monitor hooked up to you/your mother, announced that you were One Happy Baby. Then you appeared, all perfectly shaped and fat and content, your presence so miraculous that you managed to render your grandfather Rob speechless which, as you come to know him, you will realize is no mean feat.
We love you and we love your mother and father and we look forward to you in all the various environments you have inherited along with the rich and varied cast of characters that make up your extended family.
Love to you from your aunt, Sheila
posted by daddio at
12:27 PM
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0 comments
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
GRAMMA HAS PLANS
Hey Oliver, Gramma has plans for you!
As soon as you can say “rhinoceros” I’m taking you straight to the zoo where we will inspect
all the wildlife. Who knows, maybe the tour guides will still be saying, “”Now pretend
we’re crossing the Irriwaddy Rivuh” and “Here we see the deer who has
shedded his antluhs.”
Next we’ll head for the Natural History museum to wander around amongst
the dinosaur skeletons. You’ll be impressed by their hugeness, and will
soon know the difference between a “Tyrannosaurus” and an “Ankylosaurus.”
Make sure your parents leave you at my house a lot
so that you can read every “TinTin” cover to
cover. You’ll love Snowy and Captain Haddock.
We’ll go see the Herring Run, dig for clams,
shout for joy in the cold surf, eat rhubarb pie, and more.
So now that you are no longer drumming on your mother’s ribs, it’s time
to settle down to brass tacks and grow. Because Gramma has plans for you!
As soon as you can say “rhinoceros” I’m taking you straight to the zoo where we will inspect
all the wildlife. Who knows, maybe the tour guides will still be saying, “”Now pretend
we’re crossing the Irriwaddy Rivuh” and “Here we see the deer who has
shedded his antluhs.”
Next we’ll head for the Natural History museum to wander around amongst
the dinosaur skeletons. You’ll be impressed by their hugeness, and will
soon know the difference between a “Tyrannosaurus” and an “Ankylosaurus.”
Make sure your parents leave you at my house a lot
so that you can read every “TinTin” cover to
cover. You’ll love Snowy and Captain Haddock.
We’ll go see the Herring Run, dig for clams,
shout for joy in the cold surf, eat rhubarb pie, and more.
So now that you are no longer drumming on your mother’s ribs, it’s time
to settle down to brass tacks and grow. Because Gramma has plans for you!
xx
Gramma Martha
posted by daddio at
2:00 PM
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0 comments
A letter from Grandma Linda
I actually believed nothing would inspire me to get on a computer until you came along Oliver. Now, after seeing your olieland blog, I'm hooked and will be spending my spare time trying to figure the thing out. You have truly inspired me and you will always inspire me. You are so very cute and I am happy to have you in my life!
Love you,
Grandma Linda
Love you,
Grandma Linda
posted by daddio at
8:03 AM
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0 comments
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
A letter from Grandpa Updyke
Oliver
As everyone that I’ve come in contact with since I got the news knows, I’m now a Grandpa!!
What a “GREAT DAY”.
Life has a way of rewarding all of us with things that are precious.
I continue to bask in the glow created by your arrival and warm myself with the thoughts of your presence.
Of all the things that I’ve looked forward to in my life, a grandchild is one of the major milestones for me.
This time for me is proof that life should be rejoiced as well as lived.
Your arrival in the world will always stand out as one of the bright days in my life.
Welcome to the world, the family and the start of your life!
Love, Grandpa Updyke
As everyone that I’ve come in contact with since I got the news knows, I’m now a Grandpa!!
What a “GREAT DAY”.
Life has a way of rewarding all of us with things that are precious.
I continue to bask in the glow created by your arrival and warm myself with the thoughts of your presence.
Of all the things that I’ve looked forward to in my life, a grandchild is one of the major milestones for me.
This time for me is proof that life should be rejoiced as well as lived.
Your arrival in the world will always stand out as one of the bright days in my life.
Welcome to the world, the family and the start of your life!
Love, Grandpa Updyke
posted by daddio at
1:01 PM
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0 comments
Justine's phone number at the hospital
Justine has a directly line in her room. The number is 212.585.7293.
Justine has a new number. It is 212 585 7294.
Justine has a new number. It is 212 585 7294.
posted by daddio at
11:47 AM
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0 comments
Warmest Congratulations Chad & Justine!!
Warmest Congratulations Chad & Justine!! The news of Olie's birth this
morning made our year! We're thrilled that you're finally able to hold
him close to your hearts. We're sure he's absolutely adorable! Give
him lots of extra hugs & kisses from us. Can't wait to see some
pictures. His arrival will bring special happiness thru the holiday
season. He's lucky to have such wonderful parents. Cherish each special
moment together & the life-long memories you'll share We love you all
very much!
Hugs & love from Olie's new favorite Great Uncle Steve & Aunt Debbie.
morning made our year! We're thrilled that you're finally able to hold
him close to your hearts. We're sure he's absolutely adorable! Give
him lots of extra hugs & kisses from us. Can't wait to see some
pictures. His arrival will bring special happiness thru the holiday
season. He's lucky to have such wonderful parents. Cherish each special
moment together & the life-long memories you'll share We love you all
very much!
Hugs & love from Olie's new favorite Great Uncle Steve & Aunt Debbie.
posted by daddio at
10:47 AM
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0 comments
Congratulations Justine and Chad!!!
Congratulations Justine and Chad!!! We look forward to buying many plastic trucks and loud, noise making, toys for the little guy.
From Katie and Kevin.posted by daddio at
10:37 AM
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1 comments
Congratulations to Mom and Dad! Olie is truly a lucky little boy to have such wonderful parents, and I should know! Uncle Kevin and Auntie Katie have been dogsitting me this week and I'm being treated very well! (Walks and dog treats galore, although Uncle Kevin wakes me up with his snoring at night.) Well, once they told me the news that I had a little brother, I just couldn't contain my excitement. Here's a picture of me, a new big sister!
Love, Bella
posted by daddio at
10:25 AM
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0 comments
Monday, November 07, 2005
Oliver Welcome
Welcome, lad, to this strange place called earth,
Your family is one which will cause you much mirth
New Yorkers, your parents, all through and through
The Cape and Salt Lake combined to make you
Salt water to swim in, a beach of fine sand
The Utah high desert a workingman’s land
Lucky you be, with parents like these
Listen and learn and always say please
Grandfathers three you have in your chart
An Updyke, a Hand, and a Sheldon to start,
Cousins galore all ages and types
Great aunties to visit and teach you your rights
Great grandparents you have, one with tattoos,
And three homes on the Cape where you can snooze,
Oh, hours will you ride on I-ninety-five
Weekend road trips to the Cape to survive
Just know when you’re able a brat you must be
A boy like all others, wild and free
You’ll drive your folks crazy but love you they will
“Some day he’ll grow up I know he just will.”
So sleep now and feed and rest while you can
Soon enough you’ll start racing to beat all the band
You mom and your dad exhausted will be
But love you they will tho’ wish they to scream
Soon lad I’ll meet you and hold you up high
Pretend with my arms how high you can fly
Sandcastles we’ll build, empires of sand
We’ll dream our own empires all through the land
And later, all tired and covered with sand
The beach we’ll depart for Dairy Queen land,
There to buy ice cream all you can eat
As your grand-dad I’ll always buy you a treat….
Charlie Sheldon November 6 2005
Your family is one which will cause you much mirth
New Yorkers, your parents, all through and through
The Cape and Salt Lake combined to make you
Salt water to swim in, a beach of fine sand
The Utah high desert a workingman’s land
Lucky you be, with parents like these
Listen and learn and always say please
Grandfathers three you have in your chart
An Updyke, a Hand, and a Sheldon to start,
Cousins galore all ages and types
Great aunties to visit and teach you your rights
Great grandparents you have, one with tattoos,
And three homes on the Cape where you can snooze,
Oh, hours will you ride on I-ninety-five
Weekend road trips to the Cape to survive
Just know when you’re able a brat you must be
A boy like all others, wild and free
You’ll drive your folks crazy but love you they will
“Some day he’ll grow up I know he just will.”
So sleep now and feed and rest while you can
Soon enough you’ll start racing to beat all the band
You mom and your dad exhausted will be
But love you they will tho’ wish they to scream
Soon lad I’ll meet you and hold you up high
Pretend with my arms how high you can fly
Sandcastles we’ll build, empires of sand
We’ll dream our own empires all through the land
And later, all tired and covered with sand
The beach we’ll depart for Dairy Queen land,
There to buy ice cream all you can eat
As your grand-dad I’ll always buy you a treat….
Charlie Sheldon November 6 2005
posted by daddio at
10:27 PM
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0 comments
Congratulations Justine and Chad
Chad and Justine would like to invite you all to join them in celebrating the birth of Oliver (Olie) Updyke. He was born this morning at 8:44:47 AM. He weighs 8 LB 8 OZ and is 20.5 inches long. The delivery went smoothly, as planned, and both Oliver and Justine are very healthy. Justine will be staying at New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York Weil Cornell Medical Center (phone #) until Thursday evening or Friday morning. She can by reached by phone by calling the main hospital phone number and asking for her. Chad and Justine have also created a website which I will be updating with news throughout the week. The URL is http://olieland.blogspot.com.
Once again, everyone is in good health and we are overjoyous about the addition to the family!
Best Regards,
Cory Updyke
P.S. If you would like to post a message, pictures, etc. on this site, you can either a) send it to me at coryupdyke@gmail.com and I will post it for you, or b) let me know and I will create an blog account and you can post it yourself.
posted by daddio at
10:34 AM
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0 comments