Year 4, Day 274

When coming up to visit us for Thanksgiving, my dad had only one request (and no, it wasn't "Thanksgiving dinner") -- "Find somewhere we can go on a hike." Today, after much anticipation, Papa, Miles, and I went on our nature walk at Latta Plantation Nature Preserve. All my dad really wants in life is … Continue reading Year 4, Day 274 →

Year 4, Day 264

My high school AP English teacher, easily the most influential instructor I've had in my life, recently passed away. Her class was always about more than analyzing literature -- it was a year spent broadening my worldview and truly developing a personal philosophy (you know, the sort of "indoctrination" right-wing screwballs are always harping about). … Continue reading Year 4, Day 264 →

Year 4, Day 244

Despite creeping into a cooler time of year, Miles is continuing with swim classes, both in small groups and 1-to-1 sessions. Increasing his comfort and confidence in the water is really the main goal right now, but he's still making decent progress. Recently, he even started swimming (i.e., kicking while holding a floatation device) without … Continue reading Year 4, Day 244 →

Year 4, Day 235

And now, a poetry recital. https://videopress.com/v/oenfgqQ5?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata

Year 4, Day 214

Since he learned to string words together, Miles has managed to cycle through quite a few catchphrases. Favorites have included: "I can do it all myself!" "It's not very good!" "Hey, I gotta tell you somethin'!" And now, Miles has another catchphrase to add to his repertoire: "I wanna listen! I wanna listen!" As you … Continue reading Year 4, Day 214 →

Year 4, Day 213

It's been a little while since I took Miles for a ride on his tricycle (he's been more focused on his scooter lately), but we went outside to play catch for a little bit this morning, which then became a quick jaunt to the park. Miles insisted on taking his tricycle and...well, he certainly doesn't … Continue reading Year 4, Day 213 →

Year 4, Day 212

Today was Miles's third day of German school, and it's been going extraordinarily well so far. As reported previously, Miles has been over-the-moon enthusiastic about going to a "big kid school." His teachers have said that he understands everything they're saying and follows directions well.* And at pickup each day, Miles emerges from the classroom … Continue reading Year 4, Day 212 →

Year 4, Day 198

Today, Miles started a weekend German program at the Deutsche Schule Charlotte. Every Saturday morning for the duration of the school year, Miles will attend a German language class (in the interest of achieving our ultimate goal -- sending him overseas so we can finally get a moment's peace). Miles's experience with new environments sans … Continue reading Year 4, Day 198 →

Year 4, Day 190

There was a time, not so long ago, when I was able to talk at my wife in peace. Sure, she still didn't hear half of what I was saying, but at least I could speak without being drowned out by eardrum-shattering screaming. Now, almost any time I start talking to Jaclyn (or vice versa), … Continue reading Year 4, Day 190 →

Year 4, Day 189

When I was a child, one of the first magazines I held a monthly subscription to was Ranger Rick*. Unsurprising, considering that wildlife remains my father's life's passion, second only to making socially inappropriate comments in mixed company**. Well my dad has wasted no time in getting Miles on the bandwagon, recently subscribing to Ranger … Continue reading Year 4, Day 189 →