All I Want For Christmas Is A Playoff Run

I fear this post may be received like the Mitchell Report -- long overdue and not very interesting -- but at least I'm trying.

Much has changed, though, since the last time I posted. Most notably, the cellar dwelling Vikings are now national media darlings and in control of their own playoff destiny. (Okay, the most notable thing that has occurred is that I will have to share Mom's and Dad's attention with a new arrival in about six months, but until I meet this new person I'm not sure how I feel about that, so I'm reserving judgment.)

I write this the day of the Viking's Monday Night showdown with the Bears, so I may feel completely differently in 24 hours, but at least there is hope on the frozen tundra. If you can run the ball and stop the run, you have a chance in any game you play. Anyway, as you can see, I've already started tailgating for tonight's game.

What else is new? Dad and I have advanced to the championship game in fantasy football. It's not a team you'd ever want to see on a real field (Kurt Warner as your starting quarterback?), but it works for fantasy football. We caught a break this past week by going up against Brady and Moss the one (and probably only time) they came up empty. That's why you've got to go with indoor/warm weather game sites come playoff time (see also Derek Anderson and Braylon Edwards).

Dad continues to train for triathlons next summer; although, the biggest challenge might be convincing Mom that even an "entry level" triathlon bike costs over $1,000. Some fantasy football winnings would help to defray some of that expense, so go Fighting Amish!

I've been adjusting really well to moving up with the older kids at daycare -- especially when it comes to eating. I'm still not the best eater in the world, but at least I've expanded beyond goldfish crackers and cheese. I'm also on a fairly predictable one-nap schedule, so that Mom and Dad can plan to get things done.

As you can see from the pictures, we've put up our tree. Nothing under it yet, but I'm sure that will change soon. I've got to run -- enjoy the pictures and vote in my new polls.

Cardinal Salvage Football Season

After the abysmal performances of my favorite teams over the last few weeks, I was this close to retitling my blog "The Nick Factor -- A No Sports Zone." That was until the GREATEST UPSET IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL HISTORY -- STANFORD 24 University of Spoiled Children 23! Now I realize that to pull off the greatest upset in college football history, you have to be bad enough to be a 41 point underdog in the first place (and how a team ends up a 41 point underdog in a conference game is beyond me), but I'm taking my victories wherever I can get them at this point.

Of course, we will continue to speak nothing of any teams from Minnesota or Iowa. They are all dead to me.

I apologize that it's been awhile since my last post. My current five second attention span makes even blogging a little bit challenging. But I decided to buckle down and try to bring everybody up to date on what's new:

1. If I walk up and try to head-butt you, that's a sign of affection. Just ask the dogs.

2. By the way, did you know that the dogs have tails you can pull on?

3. "Mama" and "Dada" might mean "Mom" and "Dad" -- but they could also mean "I want someone to pay attention to me!" Depends on the context. Also, "baba" probably means "bottle," "dodo" means "dog," "dis" means "what's this," and "dat" means "what's that."

4. I have to know how everything works and fits together. If I take something apart, don't worry -- I actually will (try to) put it back together again, if you give me enough time.

6. I'm still learning how to count.

7. I introduced Mom to something called "night terrors" a few weeks ago (mine not hers). I may be over that now.

8. Did I mention something about the greatest upset in college football history? Take that Appalachian State!

9. The building where I go to daycare just celebrated its 100th anniversary. They dedicated a time capsule to be opened on October 10, 2107, and it has my picture in it. Mark your calendars.

10. I'm still mostly into the yellow carbohydrate food family, but I have expanded it to include cheese, grilled cheese, eggs (with cheese), and macaroni (with cheese).

11. Mom and Dad got new furniture and drapes for the upstairs family room. You'll have to come over and see it sometime. The only rule is no licking of any body part while you sit on the couch. (So far that's only applied to Emma and Marta, but it's not necessarily limited to dogs.)

12. Oh yeah, Emma cracked a tooth and had to have it pulled. That makes three surgical procedures in the last 12 months. And you thought having kids was expensive.

13. Dad continues his training regimen. It's going to be a little hard to do a triathlon without a bike, but I'm beginning to think he actually may pull this off next summer. He also said something about playing golf like a "choking dog" and "giving up the game."

14. Mom's keeping in good shape, too. She's also had a lot of important stuff going on at work. Apparently she is becoming a "litigator," again -- whatever that means. I think it means more stressed out.

15. Fair warning, if you look away for 10 seconds, I can slide down two flights of stairs feet first on my stomach.

That's it for now. Next time I'll try to include some pictures. I enjoy reading your comments, so please don't hesitate to leave me a note, even if just to let me know you were there.

Defeat! Defeat! Defeat!

Much like appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated, it seems that having your team's mascot or logo pictured in my blog carries a jinx. How else to explain the heartwrenching losses suffered by the Gophers, Hawkeyes, and Vikings last week? So this time around, we're going to try it without pictures. But first a few concluding thoughts about last week:

Since he is still getting paid, maybe the Gophers could get Glen Mason to coach the first half of the game and Brewster the second? That team would win every game by 42 points.

Clearly the Hawkeyes are not the best college football team in Iowa (and haven't been for 7 out of the last 10 years). At least they are the most loved college football team in Iowa. Are the Gophers the best college football team in Minnesota?

It's either the scheme or the players, but the Vikings offensive line continues to underperform (at least on a per salary basis). I realize the quarterback is a lot closer to the defense when only taking three step drops, but no quarterback seems to have less time and less room to throw than T-Jack. That still doesn't excuse the inaccurate throws when he does have time, though. Game management and decision-making can be learned, can accuracy?

Fortunately, these disappointments have been offset by the fact that Dad and I are 2-0 in fantasy football this year. Thanks to Edgerrin James and various Indianapolis Colts, we have been able to overcome two very subpar performances from LT. We expect LT to break out this week, however, and lead us to another victory for the winningest regular season team in Skippy Fantasy League history.

As for the Gophers, Hawkeyes, and Vikings, my predictions are as follows:

Gophers 24 Purdue 52
Hawkeyes 16 Wisconsin 19
Vikings (Defense) 21 Kansas City 6

At least Tiger is still number one. Some things a sports fan can rely on.

Now on to non-football related items. Over the past week I have learned (with Dad's help) how to walk up and down stairs (sort of) -- and boy do I look for any opportunity to practice. I'm eating more and different things (including dog food when Mom and Dad aren't looking). Of course, having a few new teeth helps (especially for the dog food). I've been sleeping in a bit later, which Mom and Dad seem to like. I've also learned that if I throw up at daycare, I get to go home and spend the rest of the day with Mom or the grandparents, which seems to me like a no-lose situation.

Last Friday, Mom and Dad took me for a run in my new baby jogger. I liked it; although, 5 miles may have been just a little too long for me. Dad continues to train to do a triathlon next summer; although, that is still along way off and I'll believe it when I see it. Mom works hard at the office and at home, and I try to help her out by putting things in the refrigerator or under the kitchen sink. Of course, it would probably be more help if they were things that actually belonged in the refrigerator or under the sink.

Oh yeah, that reminds me, I just discovered the joy of unrolling toilet paper. I don't know what to do with it once I have it all on the floor -- I'm still working on that part. I'm open to suggestions.

Victory! Victory! Victory!

Wow, what a great weekend! I was so excited for the Vikings season opener that I couldn't sleep and had to wake Mom and Dad up at 5:30 am on Sunday morning. I had a bottle to calm my nerves and went back to sleep for a little bit before church. I even got to wear my new Vikings jersey to church (it never hurts to have God on your side)-- everyone in the nursery loved it! Finally, it was game time. Mom and Dad left to go somewhere called the "Metrodome" and Emma, Marta and I got to watch the game on TV with Grandma Marsha (apparently our local Fox affiliate read my last blog and decided to buy all the Vikings tickets to avoid something called a "blackout"). And for those of you who missed it, the VIKINGS WON! (Sorry to whomever thought they might lose...was that you Auntie Arica?)!

And you might think that I just jumped on the Vikings band wagon this year (I guess that would make a total of ONE new fan this year, right?) -- but no, I have been a Vikings fan for a VERY LONG TIME. To prove it, I have posted some pictures of me supporting the Vikings throughout my life.

Here's also a couple of pictures showing my support for two of my other favorite football teams -- the Hawkeyes and the Gophers -- both of which were victorious this weekend as well (although one more resoundingly than the other). My other favorite sports star, Tiger Woods, also won this weekend, but Dad won't let me wear any Tiger paraphernalia.

After all the excitement, it was back to school again this morning. We're learning more sign language this week (I already know the sign for milk and NO). In addition to all this communicating, I have decided to expand my meal plan. So far this week I have eaten a grilled cheese sandwich (Mom tricked me and said it was just bread), half a chicken nugget and a pot sticker (amongst other things). No more Gerber's for me!

Don't know what exactly, but something strange is happening around here. I had to wear long pants and new shoes (no more sandals, I guess) today, and I got new pajamas with long pants and long sleeves (see how cute they are). And it seems like it is night time a lot longer now (either that or I am going to bed really late). Probably no more trips to the pool for a while...

Where Has All The Football Gone?

Here I am, with my new Vikings shirt, getting ready to do the thing I like most -- watch football on TV -- when I hear something about the Vikings game not being on TV this week? Then I learn that Comcast doesn't carry the Big Ten network, which means I'm unlikely to see a Gophers game for at least 3 more weeks. Now that swimming lessons are over and birthday party season is behind us, I was really looking forward to football to fill up my weekends. While I enjoy watching the Packers lose as much as the next person, it isn't quite as satisyfing as seeing my two favorite teams win. So, please consider buying some Vikings tickets to help out all the little kids like me.

As for what else is new with me, I am officially a biped. You'll almost never see me crawling. I used to be able to crawl faster than walk, but then I learned this thing called "running," and now I'm from here to there in a flash. I've also learned that the dogs are fun to play with (at least Emma is). She'll sit there and let me pet her, pull her ears, and bang on her with my hockey stick. Of course, I do toss her a piece of food off my high chair tray from time to time, so I guess she thinks it's worth it.

What else? I've got a few more teeth. I'm about ready for another haircut (I know someday I'll appreciate having this thick head of hair, but right now I wish it didn't grow so fast.) I'm making a lot of new sounds, not quite words yet but I'm really trying. I'm also really into giving and getting hugs and being picked up right now.

And last, but not least, I'm basically off bottles. I may still have milk in a bottle first thing in the morning, because it's easier for Mom and Dad, but otherwise it's nothing but milk and water in sippy cups.

Let me know what's up with you. Hope to see you soon.

French Fries Galore...and Abba?

After my crazy weekend, you'd think that I'd want to take a load off-- but no-- my busy social calendar continues! We had dinner at Applebees (the french fries and ice cream weren't bad) on Tuesday night for my cousin Mae's birthday. Then last night we had to go out to dinner at our golf club with some people from Mom and Dad's work. They were nice people and the french fries at the club were good (as always). But, after a lengthy game of peek-a-boo with the wait staff at the club, I was ready to head home!

Despite the late night, after a bath, I was ready for more fun with Mom and Dad. I finally got Dad to play that CD I have been eyeing. Really, now, who doesn't love ABBA? I think "Dancing Queen" is my new favorite song. Much better than the classical lullabies that Mom and Dad make me listen to at night. Enough with Baby Mozart... I am ready for the Baby Abba CDs or DVDs to come out!

Wow, I have to tell you, the world sure moves at a faster pace now that I can walk (almost run) everywhere. Too bad Mom and Dad can't keep up (I constantly have to turn around to make sure they are still watching what I am doing)! Luckily, Emma (my big gray dog) is always around to keep tabs on me. And my new favorite thing is to play outside-- so I head out the back door every chance I get. Whenever Mom or Dad open the back door, Emma, Marta (my littler orange dog) and I race to see who can get out first. They usually win....but some day!

Greatest Party Weekend Ever

Wow. I can't remember the last time I partied this hard. I started Friday after work (can you say happy hour?) and didn't stop until Sunday afternoon.

On Friday, Mom, Dad, and I went to my friend Clare's house for a BLT party. (Yes, literally a bacon lettuce and tomato sandwich party.) While the adults were talking, Clare and I took turns riding her tricycle and pushing her toy lawnmower. I partied so hard, I don't even remember how I got home. Next thing I know, it's already Saturday morning.

I went to my last swimming lesson at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday. I guess I was a little worn out from the previous evening's festivities, because I wasn't as happy about it as normal, particularly when they dunked me underwater for several feet. Still all and all, I got my certificate from Teacher Kyle, which I guess means I'm ready to learn how to surf.

Right after swimming lessons, Mom and Dad rushed me out to meet my friend Heather for breakfast at the Good Day Cafe (our regular spot). She lives in Atlanta, but the last time I saw Heather was in South Carolina. Mom and Dad like her too, so it was good to see her again.

I thought that might be it for the day, but as soon as I woke up from my late morning nap, we were on the road again. This time to my Cousin Mae's birthday party; she's five. We played at the Little Gym in St. Louis Park. I ran around with all the other big kids and then ate cake. My Cousin Ella was there, too. They gave me lots of hugs.

Just when I thought things couldn't get anymore exciting, Sunday morning came and Mom and Dad dressed me up extra nice for church. Already, that's a little out of the ordinary. When we got to church, Grandma Kathy, Grandpa John, Grandma Marsha, Aunt Tara, Uncle Mark, Aunt Amy, and Mae and Ella were there waiting for me. Okay, getting stranger.

Mom and Dad didn't drop me off at the nursery but actually took me into the big room with them, and the whole family sits together right up at the front. Now I'm confused.

In the middle of the service, Mom and Dad stood up with me and introduced me to everyone else in the church. Now I'm anxious.

At the "end" of the service, everybody marched outside and down to the edge of Minnehaha Creek. Now I'm worried.

Then Mom, Dad, Mark, and Amy carried me into Minnehaha Creek where the Reverends Neil, Lou, and Mary are standing ankle deep with their white robes on. The next thing I know, I'm hanging upside down with Reverend Neil pouring water on my head. I like the Reverend Neil, but now I'm mad. Boy did I let out a scream!

I guess everybody thought what was happening to me was funny, because they started laughing. Now I'm really mad! Whatever was going on, though, seemed to be making Mom and Dad really happy, so I decided I would only cry for a little while.

After family pictures on the bank on Minnehaha Creek, everyone came back to my house for yet another party. My clothes were still a little wet, so I got to run around with just my diaper on. I played with my cousins. We were a marching band.

After everybody left, I finally had a chance to take a good long nap!

More Interactive Features

I've added a new feature to my blog -- a visitor's poll on important events of the day. I'll update the question periodically, so check back and vote often.


Today's poll question has to do with my favorite sports team. Let me know what you think!

Nap Time and Bath Time

Well, I was having so much fun at daycare yesterday that I decided to skip my afternoon nap. Seemed like a good idea to me at the time, but apparently Mom and Dad didn't think so. I guess they don't like fussy babies that refuse to eat dinner.

Fortunately, I got my second wind after bath time and Mom and Dad had fun chasing me around the living room. They seemed to like it when I looked back at them and then laughed and ran away, so I entertained them like this for almost an hour. I was thinking it might tire them out, but turns out I was the one who got tired. So it was a quick bottle and then right to sleep around 8:00 p.m.

Speaking of baths, I have my last swimming lesson this Saturday and then a splash this Sunday morning in Minnehaha Creek. I'm not sure what that is all about, and I haven't decided whether I'm going to laugh or cry about it. So, you'll have to be there to find out.

Another Wednesday

I slept in later than usual today -- about 7:30. Nobody noticed when I woke up, which was fine. I just played with the toys in my crib for a while. Mom eventually picked me up and gave me a bottle. We got ready quicker than usual -- Mom had to get to her workout but first we had to drop the dogs off at doggie daycare. We dropped Mom off before parking the car and then Dad took me to baby daycare. I was so excited to be there that I took off for the toys as soon as Dad put me down and didn't even see him leave!

I've got a lot of work to do today -- playing, napping, eating (the usual). I can't believe how fast the day goes before it's time for Mom and Dad to pick me up.