Winter is here! Now what do we do?

"What's on the docket today, Ma-Na?"

I've been seeking out indoor activities for Miles and I on the winter days we have together. A couple months ago, a friend (with a daughter just a few weeks younger than Miles) suggested the Butterfly Tent inside the amusement park at the MOA. With a heavy sigh (by me), Miles and I packed up and headed to the biggest mall (is that still true?) in the USA for some indoor fun.

Surprisingly, it was not so terrible on a Monday afternoon and the butterfly tent was spectacular. Plenty of room to crawl around (for Miles), many colorful butterflies to chase, and other kids to watch.

In fact, it was so much fun that we returned this past Monday - and we brought friends.

Miles chasing butterflies

Can't talk, crawling...

"Whoa!"

Miles' friend T with butterfly.

Clearly I hadn't watched the local news in the last couple days because I wasn't aware that the meeting place we had chosen was the exact location of Sarah Palin's book signing. Although crowded and chaotic, I have to admit the people watching was second to none. Big cheers were heard when Sarah's husband and finally, Sarah made an appearance. As we walked though the amusement park, the line snaked all the way around with people clutching their newly purchased copies of "Going Rouge" (along with a receipt proving purchase at the mall that very day, which was required to meet the "real American" author).

Unfortunately*, we missed the attempted assault with a tomato... From the great distance we were required to keep without recently purchased book in hand and a VERY, VERY long wait in line, the best photo I was able to pull off is this fuzzy one below...


After visiting the butterflies, we made our way to Legoland, where Miles and friend built a couple of impressive structures.

Sleepy guy near the end of an action-packed day...

All in all, a successful trip. My search continues for more fun activities for an (almost) toddler in the winter in MN. Suggestions are welcome.

Ma-Na

*We do not wish harm on anyone, but I imagine it would have been quite a scene to witness...

For the love of peas...

Miles likes peas. Excuse me, Miles loves peas. Any doubt was officially put to rest at 5:50 p.m., Saturday, November 21, 2009.

While waiting for his dinner, I grabbed a frozen pea out of the bowl of goods waiting to be heated up and handed it to him to see what he'd do with it.

Without even minor hesitation he promptly put it in his mouth. I anxiously awaited to see his surprise, or even disgust; but instead he eagerly chomped it down and ate it. Then, he immediately turned to me and said, "mar!"

He ate 10 frozen peas before dinner. I'm convinced, he's not a baby boy. He's a pea monster.

Overheard on a Saturday morning...

I'm in the living room, enjoying my last couple of moments of peace.

Miles is hanging with Ma-Ma in the bedroom.

The usual morning interaction is taking place and I mostly just hear random, sporadic gibberish; until Ma-Ma says, "Miles, what can you say? Can you say Da-Da?"

Miles responds, "Da-d.."

"Can you say 'more'?"

"Mar"

"Can you say 'clock'?" (the kid is fascinated with the alarm clock and most things with red lights)

"Clook"

"Good job. Can you say Ba-Ba?*" (*bottle in the Team Tepley language)

"Baa..ahba"

"Very good. How 'bout Ma-Ma"

"Maa. Ha.."

"Can you say 'Chloe'?"

"Aaaaaaggghhhh!"

Guess I can't argue with the logic, Chloe is pretty crazy.

She may never leave us alone again

Last weekend, Katy spent most of her time working at a trade show, which meant I spent most of the weekend as the solo provider of parental support and guidance for Miles.

I'm happy to report we made it through the weekend with Miles' health and well-being still intact.

When I got home from work the following Monday, I asked Katy how the day went, to which she responded, "fine.. did you scream a lot in the car over the weekend?"

I could tell there was a motive here, but what?... "You mean like, yell at other drivers?"

"No; like scream, scream."

Hmm.. my quick jog through my poor excuse for short-term memory turned up no recollection of random screaming in the car... "No, why?"

"Miles did a lot of random screaming everytime we were in the car. I thought maybe you guys were playing a game."

Right at that moment, as if on cue, Miles looked up from his Cheerios and blurted, "baah! ya! ya! ya!," in a loud sort of happy scream.

And, without even thinking I responded with, "blah! blah! blaaaah!"

"Aaaaagghhhh!"

"Blaaaaahhhhh!"

"Eeeeeeeee haa!"

What can I say, it's a groovy kind of love.

Coffee and a Song

I know we haven't been as diligent at updating the blog as we should be. It's sometimes hard after our full days to sit down and write... even if it is just to recount the day. Today, though, I wanted to reflect.

This morning, I had coffee with a new friend. It was so wonderful to sit down with another mother, with a child, right around Miles age, talking about our lives. I didn't realize how much I missed that. I think a lot of new parents feel like I do. Like we have to re-establish who we are - re-invent ourselves to "fit" into our new roles as parents. We adjust, but often, I think that we neglect the experiences that shape us as individuals, not recognizing or nurturing the reality that we all play many roles (parent, spouse, professional, child, sibling, etc...)

It was amazing to me how my coffee partner and I followed similar paths in some ways and made very different choices in others. It's always a gift when someone shares their life stories with you - it made me realize how much of an impact that we all make on each other. Whether it is our friends or family, or a brief exchange with strangers, every interaction that we have the potential to make a difference in a person's life.

After coffee, I thought a lot about the effect of our choices when it comes to our kids - what an incredible responsibility it is to raise these little humans through childhood and into adulthood. Parents are so powerful, but I think that most of us are really quite uncertain, second guessing ourselves and worrying about little things (or everything).

At one point in our conversation, I admitted that I really didn't see the "grey" in life before Miles. Black, white, right and wrong always seemed obvious to me. But now, everything is "grey" different shades, mind you, but still grey.

This evening, when I picked Miles up from daycare, I looked at him and realized that he had grown... it seemed, since the morning (I had been suspecting that he was having a growth spurt - and this was my confirmation, he is getting so big, so fast!).

His teacher, Miss Amy shared the activities of the day, a picture that Miles had colored and the songs they sung in circle time. All of the sudden, Miles made a request "row, row row..." (They had sung Row, Row, Row your Boat" and he had taken a liking to the song.) Honoring his request, we sang it for him to his smile and when we finished he clapped.

After we got home - while dining on enchiladas, and through bed time, Miles repeated his request, "row, row, row..." his Da-da and I gladly performed (in a round, no less..)

It is so awesome to watch him grow and learn, to see the impact that we all have on his life and the awesome little person that is emerging.

Thank you Grandmas and Grandpas, Great-Grandmas and Great-Grandpa, Aunties and Uncles, new friends and old friends, Miss Amy and Miss Dee (and all of the teachers at Artisticrats) and especially, my dear, dear husband the most INCREDIBLE Da-da, for being a part of shaping who our little guy is and who I am too.

- Ma-na

MILES ART GALLERY SUMMER/FALL 2009

Just a little sample of his artistic point of view...

Finger Paint on White Construction Paper

"The Flower" - by Miles


"Letters"

Three Cheers

We just found out that Sarah and Jeremy passed court.

Congratulations!

We're looking forward to meeting Hirut, Helen, and Binyam in person soon!

Read all about their journey here: http://13monthsofsunshineinmn.blogspot.com

Happy Halloween from Miles!

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Say, what a revolution...

We recently celebrated Miles’ first birthday. The party was held on Saturday, October 10. One day before his first full revolution around the sun was complete.

One year ago, he was our revolution. Since then, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing all the revolutions he’s made through one year of life. Incredible and indescribable. Here and gone in an instant with another more advanced to take its place.

He’s gone from a squishy little guy who could hardly move to a busy boy who loves to crawl around the house in "hot pursuit" of Chloe. From making nothing but occasional gurgling noises to chanting “Da-Da! Da-Da! Da-Da!,” as I leave for work in the morning and return in the evening (the greatest goodbye and greeting, ever). This, of course, hardly scratches the surface.

The party was held at his Grandpa Mike’s and Grandma Becky’s house. All of his grandparents, aunts and uncles, only cousin in the states, and tons of additional family and friends were able to make it. It was a grand celebration of his life to date on all accounts.

The pinnacle moment was everyone gathering to sing “Yellow Submarine” to him. It's been his favorite ever since Grandpa Mike sang it to him on one his first days of life. A mainstay throughout all three hundred and … days of his so far revolution filled life.

Happy First Birthday, Buddy.




(Note: meltdown at end is a Miles' classic. He doesn't like sudden load noises.. makes it hard for Da-Da to be a Vikings' fan..)

Damn you Pooh; you warm, fuzzy bear of cold, hard truth

My parents didn’t read Winnie-the-Pooh stories to me as a kid. It’s not that they didn’t read to me, the Pooh collection just didn’t make it to the list. It’s okay; I grew up and became a relatively well adjusted adult without ever spending any imaginary time with Christopher Robin and crew. Until recently.

Katy and I got the whole collection of original stories in one book for a shower gift. Since Miles was born, I’ve had the privilege of reading this collection to him. Kind of a nice first to share together.

Honestly, my fondness for the author and story started pretty lukewarm. After reading the first chapter my initial thought was: ‘Hallo! Hate to bother! But who let this pass without hiring an editor to help you express a concise thought every once in awhile? Geesh.’

Upon reflection, I think most of my frustration stemmed from not reading a book out loud since story time in Mr. Beck’s 6th grade class.

It was harder than I remembered; especially when captain run-on hits you with a five line sentence full of Old English phrases and made up words. I’m no grammar Nazi, but on a couple occasions I was so out of breath I started to see spots.

However, after I stumbled through the first couple of chapters, it got better. Much better actually.

I became fond of the phrases, Pooh’s poems and the characters’ come-as-you-are eccentricities. I actually took pride in being able to rattle off paragraphs (written as single sentences) full of confusing statements, purposeful misspellings and round-about logic.

Mostly I fell in love with getting swept away in the naivety, innocence and wonderment of youth captured so well by the author, told through stories of a little boy and his motley crew of stuffed animal friends.

But just when I couldn’t wait for another ridiculous adventure to unfold the final chapter hit me like a ton of bricks. Funny now to look back at how naïve of me it was to think that a little boy could lead a crew consisting of an Owl, Piglet, Tigger, Bear of Little Brain,…, on “expeditions” forever.

As the last chapter went on, it finally dawned on me Little Christopher Robin was growing up and putting away his stuffed animals for good. And, as I looked down at my soon to be one-year-old son, the story of this little boy growing just a little bit older became very hard for me to read out loud again.

Thanks Pooh. While reality can sometimes be a bother, I know I’ll cherish sharing the stories more and more every time through.

Two Teeth and a Big Smile

A few new photos of Miles - these were taken last weekend.

Two-tooth Tepley

"What?"



Serious Miles

He can't help himself - he's a smiley guy...

Father's Day 2009

A few new photos - Miles' 1st Twins game!

"i like baseball" - Miles P. Tepley

The Wave


The Wave coming...


Rally Time!

Pooped!

3 Generations Tepley Men

By popular demand...

Here is the much requested photo of Miles' 1st tooth. Enjoy!
(double click image to enlarge)

Everbody wants some...

Miles learns to share...

Exploring...

The Tepley family has been enjoying the warmer days of June, working on lots of projects around the house and enjoying many new firsts for Mr. Miles.

His list of warm weather favorites are as follows:

1. He loves to be outside - Miles has been dining "al fresco" with Mama and Papa on the deck. Some of his new favorites are: sweet corn; peas; carrots; whole bananas; cantaloupe; berries; lentils; parsnips; alphabet pasta.

2. Long walks around the lake or the falls. Well, he rolls; we walk. But, we're enjoying the exercise as much as he's enjoying the new sights. He loves watching airplanes, birds, dogs, cars and other people - especially other babies. Other babies make him laugh and giggle. All this excitement usually leads to another favorite passtime, napping in the stroller outside in the shade.

3. Miles votes for playgrounds on every block. He's a big fan of swings and slides. To date, his favorite slide buddies are Mama, Papa and his older cousin, James. Also, Miles seems pretty sure the only thing cooler than running his fingers through grass, is running his fingers through sand.

4. Helping in the yard. Miles likes to pick flowers and grass. Watching Chloe chase the birds and bunnies makes him giggle wildly!

5. SWIMMING!! Based on his enthusiasm for bath time, we fully expected him to be a fan... Here's Miles' 1st dip in his new pool:


All in all, this family is incredibly happy to bust out of the house after a long cold winter and spend more time exploring our neighborhood and city with a new perspective - through Miles' eyes.

There is lots to do and see and it is a blast to watch Miles experience everything for the first time.

It has also been a busy several weeks professionally for Papa with the PGA drawing near and Wolfgang in town... Miles decided to check it out for himself:

"What you talkin' 'bout Wolfy?" (Miles & Wolfgang Puck)

Best Impression

As I sit alone at home for the first time - I can remember anyway - in a long time, I'm going to pound out a blog entry for the first time in long time. (Enter: "choose your witty comment about how this isn't a coincidence.")

You see, as we're discovering, growing into parenthood is a wonderfully overwhelming experience.

As any parent will tell you, parenting truly runs the gamut of emotions, experiences and responsibilities. All of which normally leaves me speechless* by the time Miles goes to bed each night. (*And, by speechless, I mean totally mentally spent.)

But, never before have I felt so speechless*. Likewise, never before have I played a significant part in the life of a developing eight-month-old.

Furthering my bout with speechlessness, I can't seem to find the words that would do justice in explaining what it's like to bear witness to growth of my Lil' Man.

To shed some light on how this currently tongue-tying journey makes me feel, last week marked a watershed week in my professional career. I lead a couple high-profile media days for the upcoming 2009 PGA Championship on Tuesday and for celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck on Friday. Exciting and fun work that, when all said and done, will accumulate more than 5 million consumer impressions.

(Miles and Wolfgang Puck)

Yet, the best impression of the week in the Tepley household, in our opinion, was still made by its smallest member. Miles finally cut his first little tooth this past Sunday. Quite the memorable moment.

About last night...

Last Thursday night, that is...

It was about 10:30 p.m. when Miles woke up a very unhappy baby. And, anyone who knows Miles personally, knows "unhappy" is out of character. At 6.5 months old, teething was the first suspect, often the cause of tears. A little Tylenol, mommy's kisses and a good nurse later, our little man was not soothed...again, out of character.

He showed very little interest in the usual Miles tantrum tonics; nothing was working.

Three hours later, I realized that he was not getting better. Honestly, I started to worry long before - he wouldn't look at us or react to our voices. I started to think something was really wrong. My heart started beating hard and I tapped Troy on the shoulder and blurted, "Honey, something is wrong - I want to take him in."

I realized, as we were getting our very sad baby boy into his car seat, covering him with a blanket, that this is one of the things that we heard about from more experienced parents. The emergency room visit in the middle of the night is sort of a rite of passage for new parents, I think - but what I am speaking of is the fear, the worry.

It's amazing the places our mind goes when we are scared. I felt helpless that I couldn't make my little guy feel better, that I didn't even know what was wrong.
I started thinking about the what if's:
What if I waited too long?
What if I had reacted more quickly? Why didn't I react more quickly?
What if it is really serious?
What if he's not ok?

Fortunately, it was not serious. Miles had his first ear infection.

I think back and realize that it all seems a bit silly. I almost didn't write about it, but did, if for no other reason to have a record of the experience. I figure that that someone out there might be able to relate.

Mama

Weekend Breakfast Time

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones were in the air, and Harvest Vegetable Medley was dripping down his chin as he was madly gumming the spoon. He gave that special look of pure joy.

We danced, dined and talked gibberish.

Sunday morning with Miles is a good time.

Miles has 3 New Cousins!

Miles will be welcoming 3 (yes 3!) new cousins into our extended family in the very near future. My sister, Sarah and her husband, Jeremy, have been matched with a sibling group from Ethiopia.

Hirut is the oldest child and she is 8 and a half, followed by Helen, 5 and a half, and then Binyam 2 and a half. Two big sisters and a little boy...why does that seem familiar to me...?

We could not be more excited for our growing extended family! If you would like to check in on the process from now until they travel to Ethiopia to bring their kids home check out their blog.

Miles was so excited he wanted me to share the good news.

Six Months

Miles turned six months old on April 11. In honor of this occasion, here are the top-six things I’m going to miss about his first six months of life:

6.) Being able to lift him and hold him in the “flying position” with one hand as I take him flying around the house

5.) The not too stinky, stinky diapers

4.) Sticking his whole hand and arm up to his elbows in my mouth while saying, “Miles, you taste like chicken,” to his grins and laughter

3.) Immobility

2.) Dancing on the kitchen countertop (So far, I think his favorites are James Brown*, the Beatles* and the Beastie Boys*)

1.) The best damn toothless grin in the history of mankind*



*So says this bias daddy

Overheard in the Team Tepley house

On Sunday morning, Katy was sitting on the couch, holding Miles in a standing position in her lap when she said, "who's my handsome man in his nightgown?"

Since I was in pajama pants and a t-shirt, it became painfully obvious she was referring to Miles.

Good to know my wife can find bald, diaper-wearing, toothless men in nightgowns handsome for my senior years....

A first major Miles-tone

Miles started eating solids last week.

We think he likes bananas.

D-Day for Daddy

I recently got back from my first business trip since Miles was born. Before I left, I dreaded it for weeks.

Most days I miss him by noon, which made me wonder how the hell I was going to make it four days without seeing the world’s best toothless smile in person. Not to mention, knowing my departure was going to create even more responsibility for Katy certainly didn’t help ease my anxiety about the situation.

My imaginary fears envisioned coming home to a wife in a three day old, coffee stained t-shirt, with the hair she hadn’t pulled out pointing in all directions, cursing me over a screaming baby wearing nothing but a dirty diaper….

But, since business travel is an occasional fact of life, I knew this would come, and like it or not, it was time for me to get this “first” over with.

The trip kept me quite busy, so I had little time to fret and think about what I was missing at home.

I was in Dallas, and during my last evening there, our entertainment was provided by a cowboy who was a ropin’ and bullwhippin’ expert. As a part of the fun, he pulled a young boy from the crowd and mock hogtied him. Hey, when in Rome…

The thrill of experiencing something so exciting and foreign was painted all over the kid’s face. And, for the first time I got the sense of how seeing that must have made his father feel.

As I choked up over a mock, modern day cowboy tying up some kid, I decided I’d had enough whiskey for one evening. When I got home the next day, I shared a long hug with Miles.

Oh, and Katy was well groomed and in good spirits...

So, this is what it's like to get old

A couple weekends ago, a friend threw us a sip-n-see party to show off Miles that got insanely wild. It didn’t even really get rolling until 12*. And, while parties like this usually wrap up around 3*, we kept partying until well past 5*.

(*All references to time are in the p.m.)

It really was a great party that mostly consisted of friends I’ve practically known since I was Miles’ age. Amazingly, that’s just a mild exaggeration.

With such history, to state we haven’t been strangers in getting together in a celebratory capacity through the years would be a mild understatement. But this was truly a first.

All of a sudden a baby in a baby carrier became the new twelve-pack as practically everyone was carrying one into the party. Brunch with fresh fruit and stinky cheese replaced the late night frozen pizza. People were sprawled all over the floor…playing with babies.

At one point in time, I entered the living room and reality hit me with the sight of Miles as only one of four babies poking, or laughing at, one another in the room. My first thought was whoa, whatever happened to, never mind, I was told there was need of a diaper change…speaking of change…

Big thanks to Casie who threw a killer baby bash. And, to all the friends, loved and wee ones who joined.

Pictures to come.