Thursday, June 28, 2012

We interrupt these updates...

This just in to our blog...well, just in a few days ago...

The Tooth Gnome has struck again!
You'd think he has it out for our Mr. Man the way he brings teeth in groups. Or he likes hockey, because we've got a hat trick this time. Yep, 3 teeth–two on the top and one on the bottom.

But, Gannon is handling it in stride with only a few minor complaints. We may reach the "whole mouthful" mark on the Tooth Tracker much faster than anticipated!

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Bless this Boy

Saturday, June 9th was a very special day for our family. The clear blue sky, the warm sand and the support and love of our closest family members all created a perfect day for Gannon's Blessing. 

We gathered in the morning at Foster Beach with the lake and city skyline surrounding us.

The head of the family, Big YiaYia, arrived in her chariot, escorted by two strapping Greek men.
Big YiaYia said this photo better not end up on Facebook. She didn't say anything about our blog...

The big sister was ready to splash and play. And honor her brother, of course.

A very captive audience.

Uncle Michael is Gannon's godfather. He bestowed a very moving blessing upon Gannon, who paid close attention to every word. Gannon knows when Uncle Michael speaks, it's going to be something good! 

We used representations of the four elements (water, air, fire and earth) to bless and welcome Gannon to his existence and to our family. We started with the (obvious) water of the lake, to celebrate his purity.

It was a little chilly, but he kicked up his little Fred Flintstone feet and splashed away!

Big Yia Yia offered Gannon a rose to smell, representing the air and breath of God, to fill him with great health and wonderful ideas.
Gannon promptly snatched the rose and put in his mouth,
and relished in this precious smooch from his great-grandmother.

We soaked up the sun's powerful rays, representing fire, igniting the passion in Gannon's spirit. 
Uncle Michael then treated Gannon to a little syrup, made from the earth, symbolizing the sweetness of life. Let's just say the syrup make the rose taste that much better.

This is our amazing officiant, Darrell from the Bodhi Spiritual Center. His passion for the value of life and the beautiful gifts it brings is like no other.
And he certainly gained a new friend in Gannon.

Mr. Man was a happy man as usual through the whole ceremony.
"Now let me get in that sand like the rest of you!"

  
We're honored to have Michael as Gannon's godfather. His knowledge, support, love and humor is sure to greatly enrich Gannon's life.

And thank you to our dear family for sharing this day with us. Your presence made it that much more meaningful and we appreciate all of you more than you know.

I think this excerpt from the ceremony is a great summation of the day:

Gannon, we see you for the perfect expression of life that you are. Thank you for coming to bless us.
We are so very happy. Our life is expanded and blessed because of you.

You are a miracle, you are magnificent, you are capable of all that you came to accomplish.

We love you, Mr. Man.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Rocking Horse

Update #4:
When Gannon turned 10 months old at the end of May, he seemed excited to sit in the big yellow chair with his good ole horsey buddy. But, Mr. Man is a very busy little man and it took more effort than I anticipated to get this Babe Magnet to stay put!

"Hurry up mom, I've got places to go and ladies to meet!"

"Plllbbbbb. Pllllbbbbb. Plllbbbb."

There's my handsome boy. Good thing you couldn't see the amount of effort behind the scenes to get this shot. I quickly gave in to the shenanigans.

Apparently, horsey is training for an Olympic equestrian event judging by the way he was catapulted off the chair multiple times. Hilarious!

Horsey finally had enough and got the upper-hand. We're set for a rematch next month!

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Tennessee Pride

Update #3:
Over Memorial Day weekend, we took a road trip to the home of the blues, the birthplace of rock n' roll, Justin Timberlake's old stomping grounds, where the ghost of Elvis might roam and most importantly, the hometown of our beautiful niece, Persephone! That's right, ya'll...Memphis, TN!

The kiddos were strapped in and armed with food, drink, toys and movies to endure this 9 hour adventure. Away we go...

It was a beautiful day for a long drive...how many more miles is it?! 

"Welcome to Missour-ah! 'Show me' your biggest smile, Betsy!"

 
I'm not sure if driving through Arkansas for 40 minutes counts as visiting a state. But, it counts enough for Isla and Gannon's scrapbook, I suppose.

We made it! And just in time before Gannon figured out how to get out of his car seat by himself!

And what a treasure to arrive to! Miss Persephone is as sweet in person as she is in pictures. I'm not sure who has better hair, her or Uncle Zab!  

These weary travelers were more than ready for bed that night.

Gannon: "Good morning, cousin! Let me give you a big squeeze!"

Persephone: "He's not going to eat me, is he mommy?"

Isla loves having another girl in the family. I think Persephone is looking forward to sharing hair styling tricks with Isla.

Oh, to hold a little baby again! It feels like a long time ago when Gannon was this small. Or was he ever really?

Our big boy is ready to explore The M! A three hour tour?

All aboard the Trolley...mommies and babies on one side, 

and daddies and nervous nellies on the other.

Welcome to historic Beale Street. If you plan to eat here, say at a restaurant called Dyer's Burgers, go early and not hungry. It may take a long time to never get your order even though the place has cleared out significantly and the cooks are standing around waiting for orders to prepare. Our "pleasant" waitress could only provide us with old, soggy fries to tie us over. As another sweaty server put it so elegantly as we gathered our things to leave without eating, "hey, it's Memorial Day weekend!" 

My mom is lucky I'm not a fan of ribs. But, poor Gail!

Hot but happy on the Trolley again as we took a quick ride around the city and down by the Mighty Mississippi.

"Mmm, child! That little family even looks good from behind!"

Look who got to join us for the weekend? Yay, Cadence!

Those popsicles were melting faster than the girls could eat them.

Ah, to have the life of these young ladies. Run, laugh, rest and repeat.

On Sunday, it was time to check out the Zoo and meet some relatives. ;)

Sundresses? Check! Pink hats? Check! So much sunblock? Double check!

Buddha, meet Buddha baby. Great bellies eat alike.

The definition of Lazy Sunday.

Gannon: "Now that is the life! Can I get my meals that way, mom?"

We were in awe of the amazing and entertaining animals at this zoo.
The elephants were all about seeking the shade. We followed their lead.

This polar bear was doing some water aerobics. His feet were massive.

He was really sticking his neck out for this picture. 

A beautiful giraffe family.

And a beautiful Kapellas family!

Memphis Zoo-1, Isla-0


Cadence really knows how to make her little sister happy. And Persephone always makes her big sister smile. So cute!

Gannon: "I really gotta get started on my beard week!"

The Arcade Restaurant, a Memphis institution. And the site of our final meal of the trip.

"Where's the bacon? I thought that was a package deal with eggs?"

"I've got your bacon right here, bubba!"

It was great to meet you, Persephone.

Thank you, Uncle Michael and Aunt Jenna for hosting us this weekend. 
"I know I look tired but everything's fried here in Memphis."