He Eats!

After much anticipation, Luke has ventured into eating solid food. Well...actually just rice cereal for now (and occasionally some banana). But he seems to like it a lot which surprised me because he refuses to drink formula. He must be a Stacey...we love food. So far the biggest struggle is that he really wants to feed himself. It's a wrestle for the spoon. Here are some pics and a video (I hate when I re-watch the videos and realize what a dork I sound like. It's amazing what babies can make you say).


Here is Luke with one of his favorite animals. He likes to fall asleep with his froggy.





This is just Luke eating a banana (we have about 10 videos of him eating...Andrew said I could only post one).

Creativity

My friend posted this video on her blog and I thought it was really inspiring. I often whine about not being very creative. I think after watching this I need to stop whining and just try more. My definition of 'create' is definitely too narrow. Enjoy.

Original link to video

Cowboy Up Brother Miller!

This is dedicated to our friend, Chris Miller, who is being deployed to Iraq in a few days. Chris - you had my respect when you were the only guy to chug a gallon of milk in less than 15 minutes and not throw up (you also won the heart of my roommate, Jane). But now, my respect is tenfold. You've always been willing and excited to serve your country...no matter who the Commander-in-chief is. Hopefully the rest of us can learn a thing or two from your example. Good luck. We're praying for you, Jane, and the girls. We look forward to dirt bikes in Idaho, The Scarlet Pimpernel, black fireworks and more milk chug contests again soon. I promise that t-shirt is on the way.

3^3

Cheers to Lauren McCann Stacey.
Cheers on her 3^3rd birthday.
Cheers to the woman raising two boys.
And to the Californian toughing it out in consistently cloudy, constantly cold Columbus.
Cheers to her fiery flare
And especially to her curly hair!

Happy Birthday Lauren!

February 24, Joint Session of Congress

[Andrew]

It was Tuesday evening and I was excited to hear another engaging speech from our president. I turned on the TV and saw Obama’s 45 minute red carpet entrance, vaguely reminding me of a certain Hollywood awards show that took place not too many nights ago. But then something terrible happened! I don’t know how or why the networks decided to do this, but they cut from the live speech and starting showing reruns! I am sure you all had the same problem.

Just like that, they began showing reruns of the 2008 presidential debates and from Obama’s 15 other prime time speeches. No one mentioned that this next installment in Obama’s monthly all-network prime time gig was going to be a rerun of all his other speeches. I was under the impression that he had something important and novel to say. After all that pomp and circumstance all they broadcast was a rerun…disappointing.

Valentines Day

I have never really liked Valentines Day. It all started in elementary school. I was so shy and being forced to give boys valentines was pure torture for me. I was always afraid that they would think that I liked them. Oddly enough, the more I liked them, the more I dreaded giving them a valentine. I didn't want them to know. As I got older, it just seemed like an awkward day when two people were forced to behave more romantically then they actually felt, all because flowers and chocolates and heart-shaped cards were expected. It's a weird situation to be in when you are in a new relationship or a relationship that hasn't really been defined as anything celebratory. Even more of a bummer when you aren't dating anyone.

But as I've matured, I've met people who have a completely different take on the day. Friends would give me cards or bake heart-shaped cookies, just to say that they care. I came to realize that Valentines Day isn't just for couples, but for anyone to express how much they love and appreciate the people in their lives. That made me respect it a little more. Then, I got this boyfriend named Andrew my freshman year of college. I told him I didn't want to celebrate valentines day. He retaliated to my "bah, humbug" attitude by putting a nicely wrapped package outside my door. I woke up, opened the door, unwrapped the package (secretly happy that he ignored my request) and found a pickled bottle of pigs feet. I guess it served me right. But he ended the day by giving me flowers and cooking me dinner.

We've had some interesting valentines days since then (even when we weren't dating). This year, he truly outdid himself and made ravioli from scratch. It took him all day long. In the end it was sausage and vegetable stuffed ravioli in a butter sage sauce. mmmmmmmm. Thanks love muffin! (Andrew read this and begged me to delete the "love muffin" remark. Sorry sugar lips, although your objection has been noted).

We do our best without a tripod or 3rd person to take pictures...sometimes we cut off foreheads...oops!

The Best 6th Man Ever

[Andrew]
My beloved Cavaliers finally lost a home game. After 23 straight wins at the "Q" they let a game slip away to the evil, evil Lakers. In the wake of the defeat I have been left wondering....'what can I do to help Cleveland finally win a championship?'

Tonight, I found my answer.