New Arrival

Arthur Gabriel Rish 9 lbs. 22 in. born @ 12:15pm

Sibling Training

Henry is preparing for the arrival of his brother.

In other news, the words are coming fast and furious, often in strange combinations. We're having a little trouble with the "iPotty," so far we've avoided any mishaps.

The Wiggler

yIt's never relaxing sitting on the couch with Henry.

Erin's I Am Poem

Since Colleen posted her I Am poem, I asked Erin to compose one in the hopes that more of our family would as well. She had fun writing (dictating) this, we hope you have fun reading it.

I am tired and huge.
I wonder if our house will ever sell.
I hear too much traffic.
I see not enough of the inside of my eyelids.
I want to have this baby.
I am tired and huge.

I pretend I can do everything.
I feel overwhelmed.
I touch my son's hair (whenever he will let me).
I worry I'm aging too fast.
I cry when I crack.
I am tired and huge.

I [don't] understand anything anymore.
I say I'm fine.
I dream of more time.
I try and I try and I try.
I hope that 4 years is really 4 years.
I am tired and huge.

Many of you may not share our sense of humor, but know that we were laughing the whole time Erin was writing (dictating) this.

Kitty's Revenge

For all of you cat lovers who were distrubed by the original.

I Am Poem

Yesterday, I observed one of my pre-service teachers. During the course of introducing his students to the Harlem Renaissance using Langston Hughes' "Theme for English B," he had his students write an I Am poem using a template of line starters in stanzas. I decided to break from taking observation notes, and filled out the form poem myself:

I am a husband and a father;
I wonder if I am a good one.
I hear toy trucks crashing on the floor.
I see my son standing on the kitchen table.
I want to meet our new baby.
I am a husband and a father.

I pretend to be in control of my life.
I feel joy when my family laughs.
I touch my wife's belly.
I worry our new baby will breathe.
I cry at the thought of our children in pain.
I am a husband and a father.

I understand having children changes everything.
I say that you need to be tough.
I dream of family bike rides.
I try not to lose my temper.
I hope that I am a good one;
I am a husband and a father.

I know, pretty cheesy. I'm always encouraging my pre-service teachers to participate in the activities they assign, so I felt a need to do so as well.

I'm posting it here in hopes that you write one too; if you do let me know.

Hippo & Dog

We're (Henry included) new fans of Pat & Stan; thanks Steve P.

The fact that we don't know what they're saying is probably a good thing.

What mom doesn't know...

This is what really happens while Mom is at work.