G-Pops

Don't let Chuckles' stern exterior fool you. He's ready for the lil' G to make his appearance in the north woods. In the mean time, he's honing his skillz on making sure his grand-dogs are well-behaved. Rest assured these same dog-rearing skillz were used on us, girls, growing up. We knew how to listen and sit on command just like Garret will when around G-pops. (Ask Chuckles the same question, though, and he might give you a different answer - especially when it comes to Erin and Missy in their teenage years.)

The Sling in time for a Spring Fling

For her birthday Erin received a baby sling, which was handmade by me. (Therefore, she had to sign a disclaimer releasing me of any legal obligations before using it.) Slings can be a tricky thing if you aren't sure how to use. HOWEVER, once you have them down the can be extremely useful and convenient.

From the picture Erin posted on facebook, it looks like she needs a tutorial. Luckily the internet is full of useful information--even how to use a sling. If you make it down to visit Erin & Jim see if she has mastered the sling yet. If not watch the info and share a few pointers. Lil' G will surely be ready for a spring fling walk outside this weekend if the sling features are mastered!

They say it's your birthday...

The 7ths (and 17th) seem to be the day to remember in our family - for birthdays anyway. Of those, Erin turns 27 today! And, not to be forgotten, Garret is 4 months.

Some of the Dallman clan is heading down to Milwaukee to spend some quality time with Erin. Maybe they'll get in a game of cribbage or scrabble. Our attempt at wishing Erin birthday wishes is posted here. We purchased a piano yesterday and this is our first duet...we definitely need to practice a bit more before we hit the road. At the very least you can enjoy our ridiculous behavior and ogling over Sparky.

Happy Birthday Erin! We love you.

more about "They say it's your birthday...", posted with vodpod

In like a lion, out like a lamb?

To continue with my weather metaphor to life: as March begins many following the Darling clan may be beginning to wonder if the month will go out like a lamb?

All signs point to "we're not sure yet, but the progress is promising." Lil' G is well over the 7 pound mark and LOVES to eat (just look at those cheeks?). In fact, he has been eating orally so well that they are decreasing hi j-tube feeds to every 8 hours AND he's been able to actually do a little breastfeeding. He is still receiving the stockpiled, frozen milk, but I bet he really enjoys the fresh stuff.

Garret's pod is still on lock-down and his visitors are limited to Erin, Jim and grandparents. However, if you happen to be in the Milwaukee area they'd certainly love guests. (You know if you're stranded at the airport and can't catch the connecting flight to Bean-town or something like that.) Erin has taken some adorable new photos of Garret posted on picasa for the spring and has some nice shots of all the helpful doctors holding him. Enjoy the longer days and look for "calmer, lamb-like" weather.