O'Toole Odyssey

Update

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:51:00 +0000

The last couple of weeks have been eventful. Steve's parents came to visit (more pictures to come), Thanksgiving was enjoyed by all, I went to England, and Christmas is fast approaching. Emerson is gorgeous (as always) and he seemed to enjoy the ten days with his daddy.

The O'Tooles arrive at the airport!

Leo. Nothing more needs to be said.

Bathtime has become much less painful. For everyone.

Hello from Emerson,Steve and Pets!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:12:00 +0000

As Jenny is in England for a few days, I have been put in charge of updating our Odyssey. Mum and Dad visited for ten days and it was really good to see them. They flew back to England yesterday (30th November). Jenny flew to England too, as she will be doing her viva for her phD at Essex University on the 8th December. Therefore, me and Emerson are holding the fort, along with Jack, Tilly and Leo. Everyone is fine. Emerson is snoozing at the moment and I'm sorting out the laundry! When I get a moment, I will sort out some photos and put them on the Odyssey for all to see. Once again, it was really good to see Mum and Dad and I will go into their visit in more detail on the next blog.

4 months!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:55:00 +0000

Time has flown - it's almost Thanksgiving, the semester is almost over, and Emerson is 4 months and 5 days old. His doctor's appointment went well yesterday. He's happy, healthy, and perfect (which we all knew). He is 25 inches long, has a 17" head circumference, and weighs in at a whopping 13 pounds 10 ounces. He's the size of the turkay in my freezer, but he's much cuter and not frozen. He loves to chatter and play with his toys. He has also discovered his feet and thinks they're the best toy EVER because they go everywhere with him! Luckily he is sleeping through the night, which has made everything much easier. He's excited about meeting his O'Toole grandparents tomorrow when he picks them up at the airport (4 months isn't too young to drive, right?).

More cuteness.

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:40:00 +0000

Daddy and Emerson being silly.

Long time, no post.

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:15:00 +0000

So I've been SUPER busy and have finally found some time to post some Emerson pictures!! I'll try to do a big post sometime this week, but I'm making no promises...

It's tiring being so darn cute.

All dressed up for Halloween.

Slightly confused about what exactly Halloween is...

See how big I've gotten!!

All smiles and giggles.

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:05:00 +0000

A couple of videos of Mr. E...

Playing with Daddy

All smiles and giggles

So much to do, so little time...

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 04:04:00 +0000

So, in the past couple of weeks we've celebrated my birthday (yes, there was cake), had a baby shower (which the baby got to come to), and hit the State Fair (corn dogs and funnel cake). Thanks to my parents for looking after Mr. E so Steve and I could have a "date day" and see the fair and Mary Poppins. Here's some cuteness of Emerson...

Emerson LOVES to watch the Wonder Pets.

But not as much as he loves his daddy.

Emerson wouldn't let anyone but Steve hold him at the baby shower.

Thanks to everyone for the great gifts...big thanks to the music department at HC for putting it all together for us!!!

The biggest pig I've ever seen...4 feet tall and 1100 pounds.

Big Tex would like to welcome ya'll to the State Fair of Texas!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:49:00 +0000

Well, I thought I'd update a bit more while Emerson is busy playing with his giraffe and listening to music. He LOVES music - any genre, any artist. I've got pictures, pictures, and more pictures, so get ready for an Emerson Extravaganza!

Yesterday was my Dad's birthday, so Happy Birthday to you! He got some golf balls, some clothes, some books, and a dvd of 1776 (that one is from Emerson). Emerson LOVED that movie - even though he saw it through the bellybutton window - and he decided that he and his grandaddy should watch it together. Lots. All in all, a good day with a lovely chocolate fudge cake. I forgot to take pictures though. Does that mean I get to have another lovely chocolate fudge cake in order to recreate the moment?

Two Months

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 04:38:00 +0000

Two months old! Time flies when there's a baby in the house. Emerson had his two month checkup today. He's perfectly wonderful...but we all knew that. The shots were over and done with in a flash - almost before he had time to scream. He has adjusted really well to my work schedule and I look forward to our weekends together. Steve and Emerson really love to have their father-son time on Wednesdays. I can't believe how much he's grown and how much he learns and changes every day.

Seven Weeks

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 04:22:00 +0000

I can't believe that Emerson is seven weeks old! I got home from work today and was greeted with a lovely smile. It's hard to leave him in the mornings, but coming home to a happy, lovely little boy is worth it! We're all busy sorting out our new schedules - mornings aren't much fun! But Emerson is sleeping through the night (more or less), so that helps the days seem smoother.

School is an adventure, as always, and I'm enjoying the new students in the drama department. Other than that, things are just ticking along nicely in O'Toole land!

Six weeks old and wondering what to do with these toys...

Sleeping.

Just had a bath

Getting ready for bed

Everyone loves story time!

This made me laugh....

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:09:00 +0000

This is the lovely face that greeted me when I got home from work. It made the day worth it.

Steve's Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 04:22:00 +0000

I'm afraid that Steve's birthday has usurped Emerson's five week celebrations. I have lots of pictures of Steve, and only a couple of Mr. E - I guess it's about time that Dad got the spotlight! We kept it low key for the birthday celebrations Tuesday night. Emerson stayed with my parents while we went out to eat (thanks guys!), then we returned to the parental abode for cake and presents. Steve got some shirts from Emerson and me (Emerson picked them out), a picture frame from Oberon and Bear (the parents' dogs), and a tea strainer/steeper thingie from my parents. Then came the surprise - a bicycle! I'd managed to keep this a secret for AGES - Emerson didn't breathe a word either. Steve was thoroughly surprised and happy (I hope). He rode it home today and looked thrilled to have the wind in his hair and the bugs in his teeth.

The artistic shot of cake, presents, and Steve. Happy Birthday!!

Surprised Steve and sleeping Emerson.

The surprise!

I'm not looking forward to going back to work on Monday. I'll miss Emerson and his silly faces and our morning cuddles before we start the day.

Sleeping Emerson at my parents' house. Happy 5 Weeks!!

FOUR WEEKS!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:35:00 +0000

Mr. E is four weeks old as of yesterday. He even had a four week birthday cake, which I will happily eat for him. Maybe I'll freeze a piece for when he's older and can eat it. Or maybe not. Not alot has been happening. I go back to work on August 24 (boo). Anyhoo, here are the 4 week pics and a couple of videos.

Emerson's cake...lots and lots of chocolate

Hanging out with Dad watching TV

In my crib and wide awake

Emerson and his Elephant from Auntie Mel

My new Australian friends...thanks guys!!

Emerson chattering and crying

Making faces

Three Weeks Old

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:06:00 +0000

Emerson is three weeks old today, so I thought I'd post some more pictures. He had his first doctor's appointment last week - he's grown a whole inch and is almost back to his birth weight! He's holding his head up for short bursts, rolling from side to side, cooing, and eating all the time. We're awfully proud of him! His great-grandmother came for a visit over the weekend - I think she approves of him! We're all looking forward to Steve's parents coming over for a visit in November to meet Emerson. He loves talking to them on the phone, so an in-person conversation will be even better!

First story time with Daddy. They read Where the Wild Things Are and both enjoyed it, as you can tell! We're going to have story time every night - it makes all of us sleepy.

Goodnight, little boy.

Being three weeks old is exhausting!

The grumpy face - evidently I make the same face.

Lookin' cute.

Stuff that has been happening...or not

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 13:14:00 +0000

So our router imploded during one of the storms this week, leaving us with no internet and therefore no means of updating. I shall attempt to rectify that now! Emerson has passed the two week mark and is fast approaching THREE WEEKS! He's changing every day (and not just diapers!) and it is fascinating to watch him learn about the world.

Steve went back to work on Tuesday, which has been a big adjustment for me and for Emerson. Emerson gets excited when he hears the back door open - he knows Daddy is home! Then they bond over a nap while dinner gets made!

We've had lots of visitors over the past three weeks. My aunt, uncle, and cousin came to meet Emerson the first Saturday we were home, then my other aunt came over last weekend! Our friends (and Emerson's godparents) Matt and Jeremy appeared last Sunday to play with the baby - I'm not sure who had more fun!

Mindy, Kate, and Emerson

Cathy and Emerson

Jeremy and Emerson

Matt and Emerson - both very happy boys!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:28:00 +0000

Emerson had his first bath at home Monday afternoon. As you can see, he wasn't thrilled with the idea. He's really a bashful boy who prefers to be fully clothed!

Leo was very worried about Emerson and sat out in the hall waiting. When the bath was finished, Leo had to make sure Emerson was still in one piece (which he was!) before he could go about his business.

One Week Old

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:11:00 +0000

Emerson was one whole week old yesterday - a monumental occasion!

My mother and grandmother made Jenny Bears when I was born, so we decided to continue the tradition and make Emerson Bears to celebrate his arrival!

I finally got a picture of him with his eyes open!

Can I help you with something?

More pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:19:00 +0000

Emerson will be ONE WEEK OLD tomorrow. How time flies when you're having fun (and no sleep!). I thought I'd post a few more of the pictures from the hospital - I'll post some one week pictures tomorrow. Steve is a fantastic father - he and Emerson watch classic movies while I get to have a nap. The cinematic and musical education has begun!

Proud Grandfather (or whatever he'll be called) getting to feed Emerson.

He's on his way to play golf, minus his new caddy!

Thr Froggy Bottom Boy and Mom are ready to GO HOME!

Travel-tastic.

Two days old and having a good sleep.

Emerson Bennett O'Toole

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 07:16:00 +0000

We went to the hospital at 1am Sunday night/Monday morning to get everything started. We welcomed Emerson to our family at 8:27am on Tuesday, July 14. He's 8 pounds and 20 inches and practically perfect in every way! I am amazed every time I look at him. He came home on Thursday afternoon and has been settling in beautifully. Leo has taken the role of big brother to heart and loves to look after Emerson - I will try to get a picture of the two of them up soon. I am so proud of my boys and nothing makes me happier than seeing Steve and Emerson together!

Home from the hospital and tuckered out!

Steve welcoming his son to the world.

Steve and Emerson - the proud papa and his son.

Dr. Ford (you are GREAT) and Emerson.

Our brand-new boy about ten minutes old.

Thundercats are GO!

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 12:32:00 +0000

Well, we are scheduled to head to the hospital this morning at 1am to get things going. I'm not sure why it has to be at 1am, but that's what the doctor wants me to do, so that's what I'll do! We've tried EVERYTHING to get this baby moving on his/her own, but Bean seems to be awfully comfortable in Hotel Uterus - or just stubborn. The next time I post, there will be real baby pictures, a knowledge of girl or boy (place your bets now, people), and a name (which we've managed to keep pretty quiet, all in all).

We hope we're ready for Bean to come home...and that the dogs are ready for Bean to come home. We're nervous, excited, happy, and about 80 other emotions rolled into one. I'll try to get some pictures of my 40-week self taken today, but I promise nothing.

37 weeks and growing.

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:21:00 +0000

37 weeks - I'm a big green blimp! Dr's appointment on Wednesday, so there will be sonogram pictures up soon. Hopefully there will be BABY pictures up soon...

Stroller

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:47:00 +0000

Thanks to Steve's parents, we are now the proud owners of a "travel system" - otherwise known as a stroller and car seat. It was really easy to put together and I've even practiced with putting a Cabbage Patch Doll in. I assume that's much easier than actually getting a REAL baby in there! We'll soon find out.

The stroller.

The infant seat thingie in the stroller. (I don't know all the technical names for these things)

Infant stroller just waiting for Bean!

Bean

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:32:00 +0000

An update on Bean. We're making progress on the room, which probably isn't too clear from the pictures! We've procured a crib, a stroller (thanks O'Tooles!!), a bouncy thing, and lots of clothes and cute stuff. I like the cute stuff!

Underneath all that stuff, there really is a bed! My personal favorite is the piggy bank that's shaped like an elephant (the yellow thing on the table).

Stroller and changing area - I love the dresser/changer!

Crib, bouncy thing, mobile, and lots and lots of Pooh Bear. The blanket was handmade by a friend of my Steve's mom - it came all the way from England to welcome Bean home!!

Me, large and in charge at 36 weeks.

I take up the whole hallway!!!!!! The het and humidity plus the 36 weeks is making summer not so wonderful - at least it'll be over BEFORE August gets here!

Boys

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:03:00 +0000

Here are some pics of the boys. Leo is mastering sit and stay, while Jack has somehow managed to forget all that learning he had so many years ago!

Learning how to sit...

STAY!

Good boy!!!

Jack - our special boy. Leo - cute face.

A boy and his dog.

noreply@blogger.com (Jenny and Steve) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:57:00 +0000

Our big almost grown-up dog looking rather intelligent.

Here's Leo the day after we got him. He's cute and cuddly!