Kaleb (Aug - Dec 2011)

Here are some more recent pictures of Kaleb... and our very first Christmas tree. It's real! We fashioned the star from a few bright sheets of white paper. This might be the start of a new tradition for us.

Kaleb (Aug - Dec 2011)

The Cost of Ignorance

A few weeks ago the SRS airbag light on our Honda Civic remained lit. I didn't think much of it until Julie opened the car manual and read that it means the airbag is disabled. Although I don't plan on getting into an accident soon, I figured it was still best to get it fixed. Some online sleuthing revealed that its a common thing and that for some makes/models the warranty has been extended on the parts. A number of online sites also suggested a way to resolve it yourself using nothing more than a single piece of wire. I'm all for the DIY kind of task, but figured if it happened to be under warranty I'd let the dealer handle it. So I contacted by local dealer to set up an appointment. Dealer: You'll have to bring in your car for the entire day and it may cost up to $107 to diagnose the issue. Me: Really?!?! An entire day? And risk shelling out $100+ only to have you tell me, "Sir, there's an issue and we know how to fix it for another $$$." No thanks. The exchange actually happened via email so my response was more tactful. Anyway, I still needed to fix the car so I went with the DIY approach. Armed with nothing more than a paper clip it took all of 5 minutes to reset the airbag computer so the light shut off and the system was reenabled. As I was walking back to the kitchen to tell Julie, I was struck by how large the disparity was between outsourcing the fix versus doing it myself: $100+ and 8 hours without a car versus $0, 5 mins of my time (less than it takes to drive to the dealer), and an irreparably bent paper clip. The cost of ignorance can be very high.

The Scowl

Recently the cash register attendant at our grocery store taught Kaleb a new expression which he quickly added to his repertoire. He's no respecter of persons when it comes to his new favorite expression. Innocent bypassers, old, young, and even those who approach with a smile saying, "You're sooo cute!" Especially them. They get the scowl and a long stare of disapproval. It causes quite a reaction. They wish they could take back their initial compliment.

We find ourselves trying to explain that he really is a happy, kind and well adjusted child. At least we believe it despite receiving the scowl ourselves.

The Scowl

Kaleb (June - July 2011)

There is a counter on each picture I post to track the number of views and it's always interesting to see which picture receives the most attention. One thing is clear, more people are interested in cute pictures of Kaleb than they are in pictures of me or Julie. Julie and I are learning to cope with it. I find a small amount of solace everytime someone comments on how cute Kaleb is. After all, part of that is thanks to me. :) Anyway, here's some recent pictures of Kaleb. Most of them are from July 4th when we went with some friends to see a parade.

Kaleb (June - July 2011)

ragnar relay

This weekend I ran in the Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage. What is it? Basically, it's an 190 mile overnight relay race you run with 11 other people. I ran a total of 13 miles over 24 hours with about 2-3 hours of real sleep and I feel more tired today than I did yesterday. Given the opportunity I'd do it again. I have to admit that I lucked out this year. My friend who organized the team let me have some of the easier runs on the course with a 10k and two 5k legs. Next time he probably wouldn't let me off so easy. I might actually have to prepare.

Ragnar Relay 2011

Seattle by Sea and Air

One of the perks for winning an EE award was money for the morale budget. In April, after waiting almost a year to use it, we decided to tour Seattle via helicopter and boat.

Helicopter & boat trip

Kaleb's many faces

As I was looking over many of the photos we've taken of Kaleb it struck me how varied his expressions can be. Perhaps other babies are as well, but I'll be honest... I don't pay attention to other people's children. Anyway, here are some of our favorite shots of Kaleb from the past 5 months.

Kaleb (Dec 2010 - May 2011)