Year 5, Day 109

Today, after enduring three days of escalating hell-like temperatures, our AC was finally serviced. The house was still cooling back down when I left to pick up Miles from daycare, but I still enthusiastically relayed the news once we were in the car. "Buddy, I've got good news," I started. "The air conditioner is working … Continue reading Year 5, Day 109 →

Year 4, Day 307

As I was leaving for trivia, I tried to say goodbye to Miles as he was watching TV. I said, "Bye Miles," a few times, but he didn't break his unblinking gaze from the television or even acknowledge me. "Miles, the house is on fire," Jaclyn tried. "Yeah," I said, leaning in close to him. … Continue reading Year 4, Day 307 →

Year 4, Day 298

All season long, I've wanted to reach a point where we could sit down as a family and watch some holiday classics -- movies, TV specials...anything that we could experience with Miles. And tonight...well, it still didn't happen, on account of Jaclyn's current holiday crusade (if you know, you know). But that didn't stop me … Continue reading Year 4, Day 298 →

Year 4, Day 148

When I was three years old, one of the most pivotal television shows of my childhood debuted, one that dominated my life and fueled my imagination and interest in action figures and accessories (until the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon showed up in '87, at least): He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. It seemed … Continue reading Year 4, Day 148 →

Year 4, Day 146

I arrived home from my trivia show last night to find someone up way past his bedtime... Miles was just peering out of his window, waiting for me to pull up in the driveway. I quickly made my way upstairs to find the other half of my family was at least fast asleep. Miles was … Continue reading Year 4, Day 146 →

Year 4, Day 92

Tonight, as we were winding things down for the evening: From the staircase, I called, "C'mon, buddy! It's time to get ready for bed!" Miles was silent and motionless in front of the television, sucking down some juice. "Hey," I said, a bit less playfully, "I'm looking at YOU." Miles pulled the cup away from … Continue reading Year 4, Day 92 →

Year 4, Day 65

While trying to 1) find something we could watch together as a family and 2) find ANY alternative to Miles's requests for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, I discovered that an animated adaptation of one of his favorite books -- Margaret Wise Brown's The Runaway Bunny -- had dropped on HBO Max sometime this year. Mission accomplished … Continue reading Year 4, Day 65 →

Year 3, Day 289

There have been a lot of musical specials airing on TV over the last couple weeks, and tonight's gave Miles his first real exposure to Broadway musicals. He was so into it that he ran into his room and retrieved "instruments" for the whole family to play. From left: Daddy on "trumpet," Mommy on "guitar," … Continue reading Year 3, Day 289 →

Year 3, Day 191

We clearly need to start regulating what Miles is watching on TV more heavily. I don't know what exactly is going on here, but it certainly doesn't look appropriate for toddlers.

Year 3, Day 138

Mommy: "Well I'm going out for a little bit. Make sure Miles goes potty and takes a nap." (Miles and Daddy watch Mommy drive away.) Daddy: "Time for popcorn and DuckTales."