Mike, Kirsten and Miriam

My well-read daughter

2009-06-17T21:53:00.009-05:00

This is how I found Miriam yesterday morning. She had woken up and was sitting quietly on her bed, reading. And no, this isn't posed!

Snow!

2009-03-02T20:26:00.006-05:00

Well we got about a foot of snow and Miriam was so excited about it! She was just mesmerized by looking outside at all of it. We took her outside last night when it was just starting to cover the ground and she thought it was fun to watch it fall. Well, we woke up this morning to a winter wonderland! The second she saw it she wanted to go outside, she kept saying "outside, yes, snow, outside, yes!" So we ate a quick breakfast and got her all bundled up. We don't own any super cold gear for her since we rarely need it, so no gloves or hat or ski-type stuff. So a pair of tights, 3 pairs of pants, a onesie, 3 jackets, and 2 pairs of socks later she was outside! Well as you can see it didn't go so well

After that we figured that she would not want to go out at all anymore, no snow for Miriam. Well, at about 4 this afternoon after her nap she asked to go outside again. So we dressed her up and tried for a second time. This time was better! She was still hesitant about it all and she just wanted to walk up and down the sidewalk where the snow had melting a bit. We were only outside for about 10 minutes and she said, "cold, all done."

To see the rest of the pictures click here.

Playing in the Leaves, or not

2008-11-08T22:10:00.004-05:00

We raked up a pile of leaves for Miriam thinking she would LOVE it. Not so much. She was worried about them getting stuck to her clothes and in her hair, such a girl she is! Despite the non leaf love we got some cute pictures. If you would like to see all of them click here.

Its a girl and her name is Nora!

2008-10-30T12:22:00.004-05:00

Well, baby #2 is a GIRL and we picked her name! Nora! No middle name as of yet, but we're working on it. We had the sonogram this week and she is growing and developing perfectly. She really showed off way more than Miriam did at her sonogram. We saw Nora yawn, suck her thumb, move a bunch, and though at moments she looked a bit like Skeletor she was super cute! We are just thankful that she is healthy and perfect, she apparently has a "boy heartbeat" of 130-ish but that is normal the tech said. Here are some sonogram pics!

Miriam washes her hair

2008-09-03T16:03:00.003-05:00

Miriam has started to help us wash her in the bathtub...she particularly likes to wash her hair!

Cat tolerance test #1126A

2008-08-30T23:17:00.004-05:00

Miriam's changing table often doubles as Nixon's mid-morning napping spot. When it's time for a diaper change, he usually protests by refusing to move. So, we simply lay Miriam down on top of him. What amazes us is how long he tolerates her squirming, squealing, fur-grabbing and other cat irritation techniques. Sometimes he'll last the entire diaper change and then continue with his nap. I suppose it's something of a victory.

Squeaker Shoes!!!

2008-08-21T19:14:00.004-05:00

Well, these are a huge hit! Nana Claire bought Miriam some Wee Squeak shoes and they are fun! The squeaker is easily removed (by an adult) when we are tired of hearing the squeaking. For anyone who is curious, the squeaker is located on the side of the sole. They are really well made shoes too. Enjoy! And please excuse my disastrous house.

Miriam at the playground

2008-08-17T21:39:00.003-05:00

Saturday we took Miriam to the playground for the first time! We have been to playgrounds with her before but it was just for the swings. This time she was really able to climb all over the jungle gym! This child has no fear! She went down the slides all on her own many times and then slowly realized that they were a bit scarier than she thought. The first couple of times she just went for it and then gradually she got a bit more timid. But, she really enjoyed herself. It reminded Mike and I of the wonders of small spaces, climbing, and tunnels. I guess we forget these small wonders as we grow up.

For all the photos you (the Nanas) can visit our new and improved shutterfly site

sesame street

2008-08-12T07:15:00.003-05:00

i am loving this new season of sesame street! i always appreciated how they included celebrities and bits of humor that only adults will catch. the new season started yesterday with "texas telly and the search for the golden triangle of destiny" (a take on indiana jones) complete with a giant boulder. loved it. then to top it off feist sang "1, 2, 3, 4" but changed the words to actually be singing about counting from 1 to 4. then as i woke up this morning i discovered neil patrick harris as the shoe fairy! so far its genius. after watching the dr. horrible series (back when it was free) i have found a new love for the old doogie, he's hilarious!

sesame street is not allowing embedding on youtube so you have to go over there to watch these clips

texas telly

feist

neil patrick harris

preview of the whole season (you must watch this)

Miriam's new shuffle dance!

2008-07-14T16:11:00.001-05:00

Nana Claire's front porch

2008-07-01T08:26:00.005-05:00

Our first visit to Augusta since Christmas. Miriam is now 14 months and officially a "toddler."

Miriam playing at Regency Mall

2008-06-26T15:05:00.003-05:00

Yes, Augustans we have a Regency Mall here in Richmond, VA. It feels weird saying we are going to Regency Mall, strange I know but this mall is alive and thriving! Its not the best mall in town but its one of two that have indoor play areas. Our nice malls are all outdoor malls and it was 100 today! So no outdoor mall for us today.

miriam's new chair and walking

2008-06-10T13:24:00.002-05:00

please oh please excuse my messy house! mike, it will be cleaned before you come home (mike is the tidier half of this marriage) and she has been carrying around mike's keys all around the house lately, i don't know why. she seems to pick a toy/object to be obsessed with for a week or so. last week it was the little giraffe that came with a "little people" set one of our friend's gave us.

by the way, she is watching sesame street which she loves. there is a skit with bert and ernie and ernie sings a song about patting your head and rubbing your tummy and she will pat her head along with the song. so every time she sees ernie now she looks at me a pats her head! too cute! she also really loves elmo's world. i was feeding her lunch yesterday and elmo's world came on and she could hear the theme song and wanted down from her highchair to go watch it. i promise i don't have the tv on all the time, just sesame street. although its on during breakfast, lunch , and dinner! i don't need a dvr because its always on!

We moved!

2008-04-16T12:54:00.000-05:00

The blog has moved...check us out over here!

10k

2008-04-05T15:56:00.005-05:00

Kirsten and I ran the Monument Ave. 10k today! Well, actually, she ran it - I cheered from the sidewalk with Miriam, Dan and Claire. Not even the rain stopped her and 31,000 others from crossing the finish line after 6.2 grueling miles. I think her time was an hour and twenty minutes - not bad for a first 10k. Way to go babe!

Bathtime!

2008-03-26T08:14:00.002-05:00

Kirsten won 1st place!

2008-03-24T20:45:00.002-05:00

Kirsten entered one of her craft projects (a dog bed made from an old suitcase) in an online contest. Out of 500 entries, she took top honors. Not only is this a big boost for her craft business (hersheyismybaby.etsy.com), she also gets more than $700 in prizes. Sweet! See her entry here.

Baby torture

2008-03-22T06:09:00.002-05:00

Who knew a seemingly innocuous piece of playground equipment was actually a high-tech baby torture device developed by the CIA?

Bagel eatin'

2008-02-27T00:06:00.001-05:00

Please to enjoy...

Christmas

2008-02-23T23:40:00.008-05:00

A fews shots of Miriam's first Christmas. Late I know, but you've got to admit the hat is cute.

Look what I did!

2008-01-23T16:19:00.001-05:00

I found Miriam today after her nap like this...

Fabulous. She's learning to undress herself.

Blabber mouth!

2007-11-15T19:28:00.000-05:00

Well this might just be the best video ever. Miriam will be telling you about her day and how much she enjoyed her sweet potato dinner and about her favorite animals...Hershey and Nixon. She is also pulling herself up on her knees. She has seemed very impressed with her new skills lately. OH! by the way...she pulled herself up on her FEET today!! Yes, she is only 6 1/2 months old! (oh, and don't worry about the beginning of the video, it looks funny but its ok)

Miriam's cornucopia of plenty

2007-11-07T22:56:00.001-05:00

Kirsten came home from the grocery store yesterday with this veritable vegetable feast. She makes most of Miriam's food from scratch (using pictured ingredients), and for that, she gets big props. If Miriam's nutrional needs were up to me, she'd be surviving on those $1 pizzas in the frozen-foods isle at Kroger.

Artic-ready

2007-11-07T22:32:00.000-05:00

Remeber Ralphie's little brother from "A Christmas Story?" Nana Claire (Kirsten's mom) sent us this very fashionable Gap snowsuit to keep Miriam warm during Richmond's chilly winters. It's rated to -50 F...
Thanks Nana Claire! We love you.

Guess who can sit in a highchair?!

2007-11-03T13:39:00.000-05:00

She also sat in a highchair when we went out to eat last night!! Who is this big girl???

She's so spooky!

2007-10-31T21:08:00.001-05:00

This is Miriam at Mike's work Halloween party. We put a wig on her and man was it funny! She ended up trying on lots of wigs after that. By the way her adoring friend Ashley is holding her.

ahhhzvzvzvzvzvz......ahhhhzvzvzvzvz

2007-10-29T19:20:00.000-05:00

we have a new talent...

new video time!!

2007-09-26T22:39:00.000-05:00

here is a better jumping video...we're crazy jumping!!! and finally an eating video..i give you...avacadoes!! enjoy! (oh, and today is my 5 month birthday!! happy birthday to me!)

Bouncing

2007-09-19T07:11:00.000-05:00

Here is Miriam in her Jonny-Jump-Up! She loves it! Lately she has really started jumping in it, she even seems to think that jumping to music is fun. I'll try to get a video of that, its cute!

Insert foot into mouth

2007-09-10T12:02:00.000-05:00

Miriam found her feet this week. Initially, she was content to simply grab them with her hands, but quickly learned they're even more fun to snack on.

Coming soon: video of Miriam eating her first solid food, rice cereal - YUM.

Green eyes?

2007-08-22T11:20:00.000-05:00

Kirsten and I are wondering what color Miriam's eyes will be. They seem to be drifting toward green. Any guesses?

I want the hairbrush!

2007-08-16T21:17:00.000-05:00

Well it has begun. She has decided that she wants to add "protesting" to her repetoire of emotions. Its cute...for now. It will only get worse and we will actually have to start teaching/disciplining her! Wow, I didn't know you had to deal with "I want my way!" at 3 1/2 months! I knew it was coming, but so soon?

Mesmerizing

2007-07-21T20:46:00.000-05:00

This video was taken for Mike while he was traveling. We were borrowing this bouncy seat from a friend of my mom. Miriam was fascinated by the bubbles and moving stuff. Disregard the George Myers mention...long story.

She started sucking her thumb this week and also sleeps 10+ hours at night!

Multi-tasking mommy

2007-07-08T20:27:00.000-05:00

Kirsten demonstrates the genius of the "baby-sling" while cooking a tasty meal. Also known as: "How to keep a fussy baby happy while making dinner."

Miriam talking

2007-07-07T09:34:00.000-05:00

Here is Miriam's newest thing...the ooh ooh ohh game. Its the most adorable thing ever! Turn up your speakers.

Passed out

2007-07-05T20:13:00.000-05:00

I slept through the night for the first time on Sunday! That's right, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., and I didn't wake up once. Even better, I've done it every night since - that's five times in a row.

(This is a shot of me passed out at grandma's, but you can use your imagination.)

Holding my head up

2007-05-31T18:06:00.001-05:00

Happy happy morning!

2007-05-25T13:16:00.001-05:00

Playing and Crying

2007-05-17T19:21:00.000-05:00

Hands and feet... and Hershey.

2007-05-16T20:59:00.000-05:00

Please to enjoy.

Waking up

2007-05-09T21:36:00.000-05:00

I see you...

2007-05-05T12:37:00.000-05:00

Mom and Dad took me for a walk in something called a "Baby Bjorn," a popular infant-toting device that our friends Candace and Jamie graciously loaned us. Unfortunately, I don't think it's made for newborns like me, even though the manufacturer claims that it is. This is a shot of me looking through the hole my arms should fit through. What a crock.

One week old

2007-05-04T21:40:00.000-05:00

And still sleeping...

Sleeping with Dad

2007-05-02T21:28:00.000-05:00

Miriam Elizabeth Schueler

2007-04-30T19:37:00.000-05:00

Born at 6:34 p.m. on Thursday, April 26th. 7 pounds, 12 ounces, 19 inches. Both baby and mom are heathy, though the latter is somewhat sleep deprived. Stay tuned: more videos and photos to come!

Momma and Miriam.

Proud daddy.

Swaddled and sleeping.

So small.

Dog meets baby.

Pregnant or coach potato? You decide.

2007-04-17T20:48:00.000-05:00

We've scheduled an induction for Thursday, April 26th! In the meantime, Kirsten will remain firmly planted in the living room. Note the remote poised for optimum channel surfing.

18 days, 23 hours, 56 minutes...

2007-04-08T21:30:00.000-05:00

This bun's nearly cooked! Doc says Kirsten is 2cm and 50% effaced. We're hoping to induce a few days before the 28th, Miriam's official due date. Stay tuned, more details about my wife's internal anatomy to come!

We can rebuild it - we have the technology

2007-02-04T19:37:00.000-05:00

I wish I had a shot of what this room looked like before! Feast thine eyes on "Bart" - part "baby" room, part "art" room - all business. And not a moment too soon, I might add. Only 83 day till Miriam arrives.
A beautifully refinished rocking chair will fill the corner under the shelves, courtesy of Dan and Claire.

For those safety conscious readers, fear not.
We realize some changes will have to be made as Miriam becomes more mobile!
See if you can spot Hershey and Nixon in one of the three shots.

Injured... bad!

2007-01-13T11:54:00.000-05:00

A genuine advocate for universal health care.

I am a home-improvement wizard

2007-01-12T14:32:00.000-05:00

My friends, have you ever seen anything so beautiful?
This past weekend I successfully installed an exterior exhaust vent on the outside of our cozy little home, thereby completing my bathroom fan project!
While installing the fan was a feat unto itself, I'll admit that the prospect of carving a perfectly round, 4-inch circle through my attic to the outside world was frightening.
However, summoning all my courage and cunning, I was able to slice through aluminum siding, ceramic shingles, plastic insulation and a 1/2" thick sheet of plywood in order to install the vent.
Now, perfectly sealed and completely water-tight, we are protected from the elements once again and will never be forced to deal with another shower-fogged mirror or stinky bathroom odor!
Victory is sweet.