Cheers 2007

Linus Learns the Fine Art of Taunting

If You Want to Be a Badger....

Linus attended his first hockey game last night. It was a matchup between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Providence College Friars at the Badger Hockey Showdown. The game started with a bang, as the Badgers scored two quick goals in the first 37 seconds. After the first goal, Linus seemed unsure as to why everyone was cheering. Usually, he has to do something to get 17,500 people to cheer. This time, it seems, he just sat there, and the crowed erupted in approval.

Unlike most kids, Linus was not terribly crazy about the zamboni. He did take some notice though.

Linus also asked that we thank Uncle Tony for coming to the game with us and for helping Dad out with the Linus management duties.

Linus' Big Day

Linus and his cousin Owen were out and about today. Given their maturity and clarity of vision, they took on the role of President of the Wisconsin State Senate. This seat, usually occupied by Alan J. Lasse (R-WI) seems to be a better fit for Owen Lynch (D-WI) and Linus Patterson (D-QC). Being 'foreign born' this may be the highest US office attainable for Linus.

Before that, Linus was out with Mom, Dad and Grandma Sheila. We went and looked at cars to see if we might be interested in one (not really). While looking around, Linus found that the back of a Ford Escape makes for a pretty good playground.

Merry Christmas Everyone, From Linus

Pere Noel, Santa, whatever his name, it's good.

One Year

Linus,

Well, you've reached the big 1.0.

In some ways this is only a day on the calendar, like any other. In some other ways, it is an incredibly important day. However, mostly, it was your chance to get some cake. Cake is good.

This has been an incredible year for all of us, and that is for only one reason - you.

You are still only a one year old, and you are small enough to fit in my arms but you have grown up so much in the past year and just amazes me so much. You are standing, and even thinking about walking now. It is the sign that an infant is becoming a young man. You still have a long ways to go, and frankly, we don't mind if you take your time.

You started standing last month, but it was quite haphazard. Recently you have been standing with confidence and even while doing something with your hands. The first steps seem iminent, and that is pretty exciting for all us.

This month mom had a weekend meeting for work, leading to entire days of daddy-Linus time. This, in turn, resulted in multiple trips to Costco, home of samples, cheap sundaes and lots of distraction for Daddy (TV's) and Linus (ceiling fans galore) alike. There are few better sources of free entertainment out there.

This month, after a bit of a hiatus, your enjoyment of bath time returned. You went from kind of dreading the bath to having to be convinced to get out at all. We are both very happy about this development and you will come to enjoy bath time even more, we are sure.

One year ago today we were nervous, excited, concerned, and then we were elated. Since that moment, we have stayed elated for every minute of every day. We are grateful for every smile, every look and even every cry. You have made us happier, healthier better people. Thank you Linus.

We love you,

Mom and Dad

Happy Birthday!!

Christmas Comes Early

With Christmas and a birthday coming up soon, we are a bit perplexed as to what to buy for Linus. We could go with green kids, Madisonian kids, or your mega mart kids.

None of these outlets offer the best toy known to kid-kind. The cardboard box. They are available in bulk and cannot be replaced in terms of infant value. See below for ample evidence.

11 months

Dear Linus:

A month has already passed since the last update. You keep on growing up and you keep on giving your parents fits about the fact that you might one day tap a keg at a freshman mixer. You have made the future both incredibly exciting and incredibly scary.

This month you have continued to grow up and you keep on doing more and more. Crawling through the tunnel has been a favourite activity for the month. Crawling through the tunnel with mom chasing you....... well that is just off the charts.

Your clapping abilities have improved significantly, but your staying-in-time abilities have stayed at the previous Patterson level from last month. I really hope you will improve on that, but the fact is, you may even regress. If the progress of Grandpa Pat's signing voice is any indicator, you are going to regress. However, the slide into rhythmic oblivion will be fun along the way.

This month you developed an endearing habit of taking a huge poop about 30 seconds before we get in the car on the way to day care. This has required mom or dad to abort plans to leave the house and change the biggest diaper of the day. We know that when nature calls you can't take a message, but we are hoping that the pattern starts to stick to more convenient times soon enough.

Speaking of all things diaper related. You are not a squirmy person, except during the times when you are being changed. Your teacher at day care, Melissa, has told us that despite college training in diaper changing as a part of her early childhood degree, she is utterly baffled by you. Mom has found ever more inventive ways to get the diaper on you, but Dad is forced to continue to muddle through and make whatever progress he can during the 1 second intervals when you are lying on your back.

This month, we had two big outings, including our first Daddy-Linus outing to give mom a break at home. Both were fabulous. The hockey hall of fame featured bright lights and mom playing goalie. The museum of civilization featured a less on how to make pasta, and a sample of pasta that you scarfed down in a manner that gave me both great pride and great concern. The old Italian ladies that taught us how to make pasta (and made the samples) beamed with pride in seeing how much you like their product.

The big 1 year milestone is coming up next month. At one time that would mark the beginning of your career as a coal miner, but luckily for all of us, it just means we have an excuse to eat cake and think about how happy you have made us over the past 12 months.

Love,

Mom and Dad

Museum Day

We paid a visit to the museum of civilization in Hull today. First Linus wore traditional Indian clothing.
Then he learned the art of sushi making at the Japanese section.

Then he played the xylophone a little bit.


Followed by spinning the globe.
Then he was off in the rickshaw to play the drums, and finally learned how to make pasta from a sweet group of Italian ladies. Lots of fun for everyone.

Happy Halloween

Linus decorated his pumpkin, 'Maximus' at daycare. He brought Max home to play games with him...L also dressed in his orange outfit to match Max.

Hallowed Ground

We made a trip to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto and took in all the sights. As expected, Dad was considerably more excited about the trip than Linus, although the trip was theoretically for Linus' benefit. As usual, we took some pictures:

Momma faces down a backhand from the Great One. Stopping 3 of 5 shots is not bad at all, and the .600 save percentage rivals that of Dad during his goalie years.

It seems that there is a rule that all trips/pictures/notes must include a Badger reference. Today is no different. The jersey is the one that Dany Heatley wore during his one year at the Kohl Center.

This picture is for Dad's friend Sharpy. Enjoy Paul. Long live the mighty Cam.

(At one point Linus was going to say "Hey Cam, welcome to the Hall of Fame - Congratulations". I then explained that if someone says that kind of thing to Cam he would be liable to throw him over the boards - see Berg, Bill or bash his head into the boards, see Lemieux, Claude.

The Hall of Fame has a very detailed replica of the Montreal Canadiens dressing room from the Forum. Linus sat there and even rested on the mask of the great Patrick Roy.

Dad tried to explain the origins of the Stanley Cup and the history of the bowl. He was interested in its shinyness more that its history. Dad was dissapointed, because he really wanted to tell the story of the Dawson City challenge for the Cup. I guess he will learn from Peter Puck, like the rest of us.

Finally, we saw the real thing. Despite this excitement, it was soon time to change diapers, take a nap and head to the airport.

Good times.

First Plane Trip!

All aboard! Linus awaits takeoff in Ottawa by checking out that his table is securely fastened in the upright position.

Linus looks over Toronto as we descend early Saturday morning.

Lately

First, Li laughs and laughs, playing with Dad.

In his more serious moments, he concentrates on heavy block work. Finally, Linus helps pick out spices for dinner on Saturday...in his weekend leisure outfit.

Coming soon, we're sure you will see shots of L climbing stairs. He doesn't get many chances to practice but when he gets chances, he takes them.

Happy 10 Months

Dear Linus,

Now that you have hit the 10 month mark you have spent one more month outside mom than you spent inside mom. For your mom and I, every minute has been great. I would imagine that womb-time was pretty sweet, but you would never have seen the park, the butterflies or even seen your dad running if you had stayed in. In short, we are glad you have joined us.

Month #10 has had some pretty rough patches. On September 19 you had a run-in with Rocket, and that has left you with some stiches on your forehead. Apart from scaring me silly, this also confirmed my suspicion that you have your mother's toughness. It was a hard night at CHEO and you were the first one to start smiling and the first one to start playing again. You are tough as nails my boy. Being tough is easier when you know how many people are thinking about you and wishing the best for you. We are all grateful for all those people.

Things have been great this month and you started to clap along to music. You did not really keep time to the music, but you are a Patterson, and that is to be expected. This month, we also discovered Noggin, and Jack's Big Music Show. Freeze Dance Rock n Roll has been a lot of fun.

Thanksgiving weekend was supposed to be your first encounter with turkey. However, a little bug had different ideas! You had a rough Friday night, mom had an awful Sunday day and Dad took his turn crouching over the toilet Sunday night! We missed out on Thanksgiving, but we did have some shared adversity to remember back on later.

There is a lot to worry about out there, from Iraq, to North Korea, to Afghanistan to everywhere else. However, here at home you have your health, your innocence and your toys. All is good.

Happy 10 months Linus. It has been the best 10 months of our lives.

We love you,

Mom and Dad

What else in a 2' radius?

You would be surprised at all the things Linus can find to play with without moving an inch. The plug is for Uncle Bill of course.

Escape Route

Thank you to everyone for thoughts and prayers during Linus' recovery in the past week.
While we are a little reluctant to share his face shots from the past week, we will share some of his backside. He has been persistant in getting around all Mom and Dad's obstacles such as 'playpen barricades'.
I'm sure we'll get some more pictures to share this weekend as our schedule levels out for a day...so you'll see his beautiful eyes again real soon.

Linus Sees His First Canadian Team Volleyball Victory

Linus attended an international tournament at Scotia Bank Centre last weekend. He witnessed Canada's men's national teams take 1st and 3rd while Tunisia took 2nd.

What day is it?

Mom and Dad seem to have a hard time keeping track but the little one sure knows which day he gets to stay home and play play play. He likes to chase the big blue ball and once he gets it, either head butts or just pokes at.

Say Ahh Mr. Elk

We paid a vist to Parc Omega today to visit the elk, bears and other wildlife. We brought with us a bag of carrots to feed our new friends, but had to turn back after the first wave of elk

found our offerings insufficient and reached right into the car and took the bag from Cara's lap!

Leaving our friends with an easy 10lb carrot snack. Undeterred, we found other animals, and other pursuits for our trip to the Parc:

Mom and Linus enjoy the moose, while the Ibex enjoys a carrot.

Linus and Dad go on a hike, which in turn, tires Linus out. Finally, Linus checks out the wolves and decides he likes to observe from afar. Overall a good day at the park.

Alfreakinready?!!

Our day care is part of the government of Quebec system, and is subsidized. The first catch came when we were voluntold to sell chocolates this week. Anybody want a $3 box of chocolates? I thought we could put door to door candy sales off until at least kindergarten. Next up: bake sale, bottle drive and any number of other toils to raise a few bucks.