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.

Linus Goes to Georgetown

The car ride is a 'snap' when there is a good book at hand.


Linus hangs out with Grandma and Grandpa.


Oh Bunny, I'm too tired to play! (Bunny looks a little tired too Liny)


Linus and cousins try to get a picture together.

TGIF...sigh

On Friday afternoon, Daddy tells Linus to stay between the lines as part of the pre-game chatter.


Linus eats a hefty dinner of turkey and carrots then relaxes in the bath.


'Mama, I'm naked. Mama, I'm cute. Here I come Mama.'

The Best Toys are Free

Squash Face Matches Orange Shirt

Mom and Dad have no color perception at all but it looks like Baby L can match colours already...best displayed at meal time.

My Photo Journal by Linus

During the past few days I travelled the Niagara Riverway. Dad was working and Mama escorted me around to some of the big sites...the first picture shows my first time on Lake Ontario. Then a scenic view from the bluffs above the river, me with 'stick' at the botanical gardens, some butterflies from the observatory...Horseshoe Falls, me on the bus (public transportation is fun) and of course some shots of me hanging out at hotel. I wish you all could have been on the tour with me. --Linus

Catching Up

With much on my mind lately, I haven't been so good with posting pictures. He's been active though...bathing, napping and helping Mama paint...or just helping it dry. He loves to sport his cow pants sent recently with love from Wisconsin.

Mom's Time to Shine

Last night I was on the phone with my Dad who astutely pointed out that there are a lot of pictures of me with Linus, and not so many of Linus with his Mom. Since Cara is considerably better looking than me, this ratio makes no sense at all. I am trying to help fix the problem with this post: