I recently bought a 2006 Jeep Commander from Huntington Jeep in June 2010 with 37,000 miles. I’m a first time Jeep owner and we purchased an extended warranty. Since June, the Jeep Commander has 7 trips back to the dealership for numerous issues.
·August: The first issue was the check engine light and the airbag light illuminating and not going off; passenger in the seat or not.Also, tire Gage going off.
·September to present: The car would die over night. There was a draw on the battery.
oI jumped the car and brought it into Garden City Jeep. The problem could not be replicated. I bought a brand new battery and returned home.
oAfter a week, car died again. This time the jeep was flat-bed lifted to Garden City and remained there for a week.
§After a week, I picked up the car.
§A week later, Jeep died again. When my Pregnant wife and my 2 year old son were in the car in freezing temperatures.
§Jeep was flat lifted again to Garden City…after two weeks at the shop (December- today) - the issue was identified as the dash distribution of power causing a draw making the battery die. . This was the draw. The board was replaced. The actual piece needed was called the occupant class module and was replaced
The Jeep remains at Garden city Jeep and I have contacted Jeep Chrysler from the very beginning. My Case #XXXXXXX My case manger is Rosie and she has been in contact with Jim at Garden City Jeep who is the Service Manager. The Computer Module was not covered under the warranty /service contract. After a total of 3 ½ weeks of back and forth- during a very difficult time in my life from my mother recently passing - I’m no longer, after only 6 months of ownership and 3K miles!, selling this Jeep and not looking back.
I wrote a letter to Jeep and will let everyone know what happens! I'm asking for full reimbursement after only 3K miles.
Being a DaddyYO is by far one of the most exciting and enjoyable reasons to live! now I'll have another reason! I'm filled with emotional excitement. I don't know how to begin to describe or explain all these new feelings. Feelings I've never experienced before. A sense of proud responsibility and excitement to be apart of something much greater than myself, my kids future! Today, my future is brighter. I'm happy.
LittleYO has grown to be a little man...Now 2 years old what a special experience, it has been for me. I'm sure he doesn't know how very special our bond is yet......."Someday you will" as my father told me...I will tell him and he will come to learn on his very own how special and important our relationship is to each other; now and in our futures. I can love nothing more than LittleYO....I'm committed to him forever; as my father was for me. I've learned, unfortunately after GrandpaYO passed, that a father and son bond is one of the most important bonds we have in this life. It's pure truth, love, honestly and education....something you wont find outside until you find the wifeyo of your dreams.
This Halloween was a good time. For us both. We dressed in Toy Story costumes and for the first time LittleYO can walk and actually knock on some doors SAY "Trick or Treat"....super excited. It was great. Off we went....
"Buzz Lightyear mission log. All signs point to this planet as the location of Zurg's fortress but there seems to be no sign of intelligent life anywhere. We have to collect all the evil candy turning everyone into ghosts and goblins, and we will not rest until all babies are safe in thier cribs.. Now let's move out!"
We got three doors, counting our own ,before LittleYO was done with Halloween 2010. We had a some fun...and it couldn't of been more fun...for me at least ;o) ...Who said "Youth is wasted on the Young"
About 4 months ago, MommyYO and I did the dirtyYO and a BabyYO was conceivedYO...I cant believe it! NUMBER 2 ......oh man....I'm like a real Dad now...it's funny how the 2nd child is a much different feeling than your first...its like.... I want #2 to just pop out of MommyYO and be here already so we all can play!
We do not know the sex yet, but we'll find...we got our first sonogram last week. It is so amazing the technology that exists to see whats happening inside MommyYO! Our next little buddyYO is in there, maxin-n-relaxin...hands clenched behind the head, legs crossed...straight up...just waiting for that big day in MAY! ...so unbelievable so thankful and boy or girlyYO , no matter as long as baby is healthy!!!! I mean that..not just saying it. Stay tuned for the sex in 2 weeks!
...that's the question. Are we put onto this earth to provide for our families eventually losing site of our own purpose? We gain a new purposes throughout our lives; and if we are lucky, we become family providers. A new purpose is born, a new direction and meaning evolves. Life is the evolution and result of who we are today based on the decisions we make yesterday. Life is is never about who we are right now, or tomorrow.
Our sights are never lost, or buried. Our true purpose in life is just being excavated along the way. Every reaction, both good or bad, digs deeper into our self treasures of who we are and what we are meant to be...
So many questions, so little time. Like seconds in a minute, our days and our purpose is found with each and every living moment. Each connection, in every second, in everyday, both good and bad, is the x , y equation of our lives. The question becomes do you have faith in your decisions and in yourselves to give confident answers to any questions you ask or the answers we give. Our level of confidence in beliefs defines our lives and level of our happiness.
Belief and confidence in our actions based on a hidden purpose we can not equate when we are young. Life is a result of complex sub conscious algorithms beyond self control, to which each and every answer we give is why and reason we are alive. Find yourself in every life, person, connection you make, effected by your actions and decisions. The equation to the infinite result beyond our comprehension is certain and it's alive and dead, it's neither right or wrong, it's no color or definite shape and happiness is not beyond our control or our reach...
Someday my son (possibly my son's or daughter's) will read this and I say... "Believe in yourself. Your a good person, believe in that you embody fate and confidence to ask and answer questions with the utmost certainty; it will be correct...
We are not far from being something we could never have imagined and your decisions and reactions do in fact effect not only your future but the future and happiness of those around you. Do good be good to your carefully select "Family Circle"...and the rest will lead you back again...around you go...your true self and ultimate happiness is certain." - DaddyYO
For much different reasons why & what made me happy two years ago, I sit down today with an enormous amount of new happiness, new reasons... A recent realization that youth is not wasted on the young. The meaning behind my youthful experiences has helped me to appreciate the things I have today, not the things I don't have and the importance of instilling the same in my LittleYO's morals and standards.
It's all about the base. It's all about the foundation we build in our lives. From our own morals, own standards and values we give our own relationships. From more important to less meaningful friendships, they are, nonetheless, all very important and pieces to the puzzle for later on in life.
The good thing about living is that it can always change, without notice. Life is organic, a living and breathing tsunami wave of unpredictability. Only when you respect and understand a power much greater than yourself, can you surf the heart of the wave.
Life is measured by the great things you do for people, not how great you become and I will keep this close to mind. Like the ocean, the undertoe of life can sometimes drag you far from the one thing people will always protect, their hearts. Be kinder, gentler, be open and listen for your life will never be the same again!
When your LittleYO starts making trains sounds like “CHOO CHOO” its symbolic to the LittleYO train ahead that will run over DaddyYO’s head. I see it and hear it....months away from turning two, like a train light in a tunnel, I stand in the middle of the tracks and I brace myself for impact. There is no way or anywhere to run, step aside or leap over. I will get hit....with how much force? I do not know.
MommyYO “ You wanna have another one?” DaddyYO “ Another what?”....endless, breathless and very REAL! DaddyYO has its moments, but I remain excited, very happy and lucky to have LittleYO in my life. He is my life and honestly I don’t know what my life would be without him.
Age 2 is a stage that scares me as much as the day LittleYO was born. Tying to keep in control of my emotions and outbursts, I try to remain calm and teach the important parental lessons that are so inconsistent with life. Like teaching me the periodic table in High School, we raise our LittleYO’s to share with others, “To Be Nice”, “Do Not Hit’ and say "Please and Thank You”. Meanwhile, we, as the parents don’t believe any of nonsense we teach our kids because we as adults don't practice what we preach.
The other day, MommyYO took spill in Manhattan. MommyYO is very hot-yo and yet not one person helped her up from the ground. Not one human offered a helping hand, not one person to ask if she was alright? I was furious, still am. A pathetic (sad) state we live in as adults and place our LittleYO's grow up in. At what age did we all become douche bags? ...and why? ( I live in New York and I pray its not like this everywhere!)
Was it because you were fat when you were younger? You didn’t have a lot of friends growing up? Were you made fun of? Your parents got divorced at an early age? You have one leg? Whatever the excuse...at what age did people give up on people? Its seems we are only interested in people outside of ourselves if it's a reality show on television....I throw up in my mouth!
A culmination of experiences that enables us to think “it’s ok” to be less human. Completely ignoring moments in time where people are in physical need of help and/or attention. We walk by people in need and ignore them, like retarded blind dogs. If you’d say “Oh I would of definitely of stopped” I say “Good! Your Supposed too!” but when MommyYO fell, more than 200 people didn't stop that day!
If its the truth that attracts people to each other in adulthood, than its also the attraction of the unedited truth that kids pay most attention too; in between lessons. Our unguarded and unedited adult behaviors eventually becomes the behaviors our LittleYO’s start to mimic; regardless of the “lessons” we teach them.
Its just so unbelievable to me that teaching my son be compassionate towards not only his family but to others makes him unique in this world. It's a terrible world not the terrible two's!
So LittleYo wrote all over our MicroFiber couch yesterday; by accident and he didn't mean it of course! We looked into our warranty we bought for Lazy Boy Microfiber couch. Of course, it does not cover INK! After a quick online search, I came across a post that says Hand Sanitizer works....WOW! It did....
HAND SANITIZER removes INK from MICO FIBER Couch...easy breezy. I am so psyched right now. So don't bug out...try it.
I wish I took a before picture....here is the after ( Still Drying).....
Today at 1:30, my son was outside playing as he normally does, with his cars and trucks. One of his cars got away from him and rolled underneath the bench. When he got up he found him self stuck in between the bench. After 10 min, he was finally able to get him out but not without some really bad bruises. Going to Dr. tonight.
I was not home, and am livid that the police were not called. I understand there are dangers lurking around every corner, but this is one accident I have not heard or experienced before. I will be reaching out to the company. I am so angry right now...
Please be mindful of your Littleyo's and Garden treasure benches in/out of your home!
Wifeyo is hooked on this camera!!! Since the birth of LittleYO the camera has been a fixture, an extension, of her hand. I get it, it's piece of mind. By theory the camera is great! What is better than seeing and hearing your kid without having to get up, walk into his room and start the whole "nap process" over. again. I have the Summer Infant Baby's Quiet Sounds™ Color hand held Video Monitor Day and Night for the last 18 months.
However, over the last 6 months the monitor which we have relied on, trust and love is slowly deteriorating. In less than two years we now get static, the video not working and the plug that connects to hand held doesn't charge. As of tonight, there is a new problem, a constant buzz (with no other devices close/near monitor) and it CLICKS! I'm about to lose my mind because Mommyyo insists to have it on while we sleep!!!
I reached out to my friends who have a Summer Infant Video Camera's. All of them experienced issues with the device in less than 2-years. It seems to be how long they last. For a camera that costs $179 I e-mailed Summer Infant directly. No response for a week, I followed up with another email and got a response.
"Currently based on the information you have provided me. Without proof of purchase that would put the defective monitor within the 1 year warranty period. Since you are a valued previous customer, I can offer you our 50% off replacement program. We would replace your defective monitor with a refurbished monitor for $7.99. The cost does include shipping and handling and the replacement monitor will have a 1 year warranty also. We will need the following information to go forward:
I called directly and spoke to Summer Infant representative who gave me the new NEWS that the refurbished device is $79.00. I'm "average" smart, not the smartest but what the hell does this mean? I'm being told two different things. Either way, confusing.
"Since you are a valued previous customer, I can offer you our 50% off replacement program. We would replace your defective monitor with a refurbished monitor for $7.99..."
So I'm pretty frustrated... I'm getting heat from WifeyYO to get a replacement and feeling to much PRIDE to spend another $79 or $179 for a new one. My stance on this monitor at $179 is it should last for more than two years!!! I did not buy the refurbished monitor. I recommend you do the same!
DO NOT buy this product either NEW, REFURBISHED or USED. Not worth $179. Works for only two years. ZERO STARS!!! Customer service basically told me those were my options take it or leave it..."That's the cost" - Customer service 1 1/2 stars
This post is being sent directly to Summer Infant. I will let everyone know the response- If I get one.
We went the second week in May, flew American Airlines. There are no TV’s on American, so bring your portable DVD players to keep your little ones occupied. Trust me! From NY its a 3 1/2 hour flight, not including check in...so pack toy and food smart. Remember you have to pass through customs and they sometimes (depending on the day) are strict with the drink and food getting passed, unless for babies. I have found being forthright helps and telling them you have it in your bag before they ask "what is that liquid is in your bag" will get your milk and food through a lot easier.
We landed in T&C on time and I always enjoy exiting a plane directly onto the runway and into the sea-salt air and warm sun. Customs at T&C was a breeze and you are directed, quite effortlessly, to a van that will drive you to the hotel. The drive was roughly 35 min. It did take some getting used to, as a passenger, driving on the left hand side of the road. There is no time difference in T&C.
Upon arrival, your vacation instantly begins. The hospitable concierge attend to your bags right out of the van and someone hands you a cold drink. Our rooms were ready with no delay. The rooms are bigger than your standard “American master one bedroom” and with a little ingenuity we hung some blankets and parked the crib in a cozy corner for littleyo take his daily naps. With our bags unpacked and bathing suites on the "YO" family ventured out to explore all what BEACHES has to offer.
Important Safety tip #1: Bring water shoes!! This applies to all the BEACHES hotels. The tile floor gets VERY slippery from the rain and/or from the wet dripping bathing suites that leave paths in every direction. We all had some close calls, no falls!
There are a total of three hotels on the Beaches property. The Italian village, The French Village and the Caribbean. The all inclusive package allows you freely roam amongst them all so you can enjoy all the restaurants, pools and bar’s in between. As we walked around, it was apparent from the number of strollers that this was a FAMILY RESORT. If you are single and/or married with no kids - do not go to Beaches. This is not the place for you.
Besides being very clean, except for the couch in our room that was “suspect” the food was really good no matter where we ate . Restaurants ranged from places like “Barefoot” - tables in the sand, buffet, pizza and sushi. A very important note to make - no matter where we ate it never left me running for the bathroom! Which is normally the case for me when vacationing at any Island resort, especially an all inclusive! We were very happy with the food. (FOOD - Three Stars ***)
ALCOHOL was apart of the all inclusive package and ranged from Miller, MGD, Johnny Walker Black and Red (my personal favorite) to the local island Turks Head beer (delicious). Of course the standard island drinks like frozen margarita and Pina Coloda’s were also apart of our choices. The one negative, and this could be my own internal NY city clock, was the wait at the bar for a drink, crowded or not. I had to keep reminding myself to relax and wait, we are on island time. They eventually will get to you with a smile and comforting island accent. AHHH!!!! (ALCOHOL -Three Stars ***)
The staff overall was very pleasant and all to accommodating- no matter what the request. For example, LittleYO only ate pizza and strawberries, we eventually ran out of strawberries so we had a staff on strawberry RECON, collecting and gathering all the strawberries from all the various restaurants on the island. They always came through for us with a bowl of fresh strawberries. It was very cool for them to do that! I think LittleYO consumed every strawberry on that island during the week we were there. By Friday, we couldn’t find one strawberry anywhere. ( STAFF and Strawberries- 4 stars ****)
The Famous Sesame Street CAMP that Beaches is known for. Now, before our vacation we discussed leaving LittleYO at the camp. However, we hesitant leaving our 18 mos with people we did not know on some island. However, by Day 3 we were considering it! We stopped by the day care and scoped it out- from the front to the back. We interviewed parents walking in/out of the camp and general census was unanimous. All positive! So we decided to give it a shot. Here is how it works:
You Need a passport to register your LittleYO - The entire process less than 5 min.
Provide a secret code word to pick your kid up.
Register him in the appropriate age group. (Groups are divided up 18-24 months and up to tween)
The camp provides parents with a NOKIA cell phone with a local number- in case of anything. They never call and I think the cell is more for the parents ease of heart than anything else.
You can leave them for an hour or the whole day- just sign them in or out! - NO CHARGE
The entire day, the kids are entertained with sand castle building, swimming in a 2ft pool to crayons with Elmo. They hang out and engage with other kids their own age. After all, it’s their vacation too!!!
The camp staff is beyond anything we could have imaged and very understanding of the nervous parents that keep popping back every half hour to check in (that would be my wifeyo). The camp allowed Mommyyo and I some alone time and some much needed relaxation. Weather to just sit there and watch the water, snorkel or do the dirty ;o) we knew LittleYO was in good hands. (Sesame Camp- 4 stars ****)
Although “they say” they can’t except tips, they do. As long as the tip is left on the bar or table and not handed to them. You are never made to feel you have to tip. The all inclusive package to my surprise included Snorkel gear, Para sailing and other beach rentals. All you need is your room number...not carrying any money added to the relaxation level.
On the last day you are told to report to the Departure Village 2 hours before flight. At the Departure Village you give your room number and Flight # to one of the happiest women I have ever met sitting behind a desk. It was so organized. The room was pretty filled with families leaving the resort ( your portable DVD player will come in handy here). They offer warm cookies and sodas in a lounge type setting and the kids get one last visit by ELMO! Stress level still very low...
The happiest lady you have ever met sits behind a desk in T&C. She organizes the room numbers with departure times and groups them into separate departing vans. As your room number is called, in between an impromptu song, you walk outside where your bags and stroller are loaded into your van departing for the airport. Stress Level still low...(Departure village- 2 Stars **)
We arrive at the airport and its at the time your foot hits the ground outside of the van, your stress level starts to elevate. A man picks up your baggage and strolls to the back of the line that seems FOREVER!!!! Still in BEACH’S MODE I hardly didn’t even notice our luggage helper waiting for his tip almost three min after he dropped them off. I reached in my pocket and gave him a $5 spot.
Important Safety tip #2: Feed your kids before the airport. Feed them again and again and again!
We were on the “OUTSIDE LINE” for an HOUR! Another 45 min on the “INSIDE LINE” ...this is where LittleYO lost it! By lose it, I mean security thought we were beating the crap out of or stealing an 18 mos year old child. He can be heard across the island! Not kidding and I wish I was fabricating. This went on outside of security and continued all the way to the gate. We tried everything....but the kicking and screaming and wailing and tears. We were “those parents” and we sincerely didn’t know what to do. In my mind, I thought of just knocking him out with one punch. Of course I didn’t but its amazing the thoughts that run through a parents head during these “testing times” I sat him down and tried reasoning with him, bribing him anything I can do to make him stop but he wanted nothing to do with me....so we let him cry as loud and as long as he wanted. I was worried for everyone on that plane back to New York....”Now Boarding JFK” ( T&C airport - on the way back home-ZERO STARS)
Stress Level at MAX, it was about this time I was hoping for a plane to crash directly on top of my head! We walked towards the plane on the runway. Looking at MommyYO, our eye contact and silent communication was clear. We were both concerned and scared for the ride back to NY. MommyYO always the optimist “He’ll be fine” I really wanted to believe that... ( MommyYO- Five Stars *****)
We boarded the plane with LittleYO on my hip. The eyes of everyone on that plane was directly on us! The eyes of everyone on that plane with an empty seat next to them I could almost make out the silent lip movements of the “Hail Mary’s” and “Our Father’s”. We found out seats and 5 min later, LittleYO Fell asleep for he 3 hour flight back to NY. Thank you GOD!
Arriving back at JFK on a Saturday, it was empty. Everything moved very quickly. I will most definitely book future return trips on Saturday! It was a good FamilyYO vacation and memories will last a lifetime. I highly recommend visiting T&C with your family sooner than later.
Over the last week with no cell phone or laptop I was reminded why family is so important, its unconditional. My family will always love me and I will always love them. No matter what. I cant say that about my job or anything or anyone else in my life. Take a few minutes a day, a vacation or night out to dinner with your families and connect! Connect with your Wifeyyo, your LittleYo's because no matter how important our silly DaddyYO lives are (which they are not- unless your an astronaut or a Doctor) our family is the basis to which our DaddyYO existence and lives will forever be judged. Our JOB is family, not work. Sometimes going on vacation to some island even for just a week, with mantra's of "No worries", "I'm blessed" and "I'm Happy MAN!" helps me to remember whats most important in this life. FAMILY....The source of love and happiness. Treasure it, perhaps on some island...perhaps Turks and Caicos.
I’m writing this letter for you to read in the future. Its amazing how quick life goes by and watching you everyday is a reminder of how precious life is, both yours and mine. It also reminds me how thankful I am for you everyday and how scary it is for me, like you, to finally grow up.
Your 18 months today. You sing, dance and say “Uh Oh!” when I fart and it’s funny as hell! You know, say and understand a lot of words and ROCK OUT in your crib singing songs like A-B-C! I like listening outside your door. I already know your smart kid. Your fun to hang out with and like me, you like getting your way.
So today, after not getting your way, you had what we call a “S-fit”. This is another first for me as a DaddyYO. I'm learning how to react and to respond to this type of behavior, as a parent. I simply have no clue how to act like a "parent" and its a struggle for me, as I stand there, watching you cry. I feel hopeless... “this sucks’. If anyone understands not being understood, its me. So I hear ya!
It was only recently, after you were born, I realized a temper is a both a waste of energy and time. The sooner you can learn patience in an inpatient world, consistency in a world that is constantly changing and learn that our significance is insignificant but what also makes us so extraordinary; life becomes a little bit easier.
Make no mistake, I understand how you feel. For me, it’s tough to be young at heart. My empathy for you, above love, is what draws me closer into your very extraordinary life and because of this I love you unconditionally.
Trust me, ALL I ever want to do is make you happy...always and forever. It would be alot easier for me to give you what you want, when you want it..but life doesn't work that way. Unfortunately, for us both It's my DaddyYO duty to "not be cool" and to teach & educate you on the messed up ways of the world. Lucky for you, its me who will be your guide, so it should be fun!
I'm watching you right now. Your screaming and kicking on the floor, face down...tears. You are friggin cute and I'm trying not to smile at your cuteness. That be disrespectful. There's a lot going on right now, I'm not giving you what you want and I'm "not being cool". Hang in there, you'll be fine and remember...
Must say, it does get tougher to manage your time. This is the reason why I haven't blogged in a while. This is what this blog entry is about, making time. Making time for the things that are important. Looking back on some of my blog entry's now, I'm thankful I took the time to blog. I sit here today, almost forcing myself to write something because this blog is important to me and someday it will be too for LittleYO.
Even when, I feel not much is going on or I think not much has changed the reality is sitting down and writing and reflecting; I now realize a lot has happened since my last post. My understanding of older parents telling me " it goes by quick, so enjoy it" now makes more sense to me than ever. LittleYO now 18 months, seems like yesterday he was pissing in my face while I changed his diaper. I'm glad we've moved past that stage...
One very interesting story I have to share is in regards to POTTERY BARN. It's so important to share this story because it may mean the difference in buying or not.
LittleYO's Pottery Barn crib, after less than a year and half simply broke. Actually, a little plastic piece that holds the crib's gate up, broke. I called up Pottery Barn, told them what happen. "Sir, the crib has been discontinued". I broke into a panic as the crib, changing table and conversion kit were all apart of set. Same color, blue! I'm going to have to buy everything all over again! All because of a little plastic piece that probably cost cents to make. "Sir, please hold" I wait on the line for less than a minute. They come back online "I checked with my Mgr and we will replace your crib a no cost. "If your online..." (Which I was), "let me know what crib you want"..."are you fucking serious" I replied. They were serious AND they replaced my changing table and ALSO sent me a conversion kit with the new crib, FREE!!! BTW, I picked the most expensive changing table I could find. It was MUCH more expensive than the one I had, by more than $600. Pottery Barn, didn't even flinch when I put in my request for a changing table. it was over $1000. Free S&H...this type of thing does not happen to me- or maybe it just did!
All arrived a week later, it was a dream come true. Pottery Barn will always, with customer service like that, have my business!
I reached out to FLIP few weeks back, to see if there was any interest in advertising on www.DaddysRus.com. The important thing to understand is the last thing I want on my blog is advertising. However, FLIP is a product I simply can not live without and is the only advertiser I would consider having on my website. I recently received the FLIP MINO HD in the mail, an upgrade from my old flip cam. The HD quality, HD sound and how it feels in my hand is enough to make my Blackberry jealous. I love it when a product says what it does.
Having my first flip for more than a year, it never gave me one problem, even after living and banging around in my pocket for most of that time. It never even crashed and the quality on the original FLIP MINO was still better than anything my SONY handy cam produced. FLIP was a 1/4 of the price.
The MINO HD is a WOW product. Love the no nonsense one button technology. Easy one click upload to both Youtube and Facebook is very cool and makes videos easy to share. Plus, no accessories are needed so the baby can still eat! Battery life, when managed, can be as much as 3 weeks without a charge.
It's compatible. I have a MAC air, 3x HP laptops and Dell Desktop and I have plugged the MINO HD into all my computers and have had no problem recognizing the FLIP and playing videos.
I gave it 3 1/2 stars because I like to see the Flip Mino HD made even smaller. It be great to have a cool leather lanyard to pimp around my DaddyYO neck. Are those even available?? Other issues with the camera is the zoom. It's not that good and wont capture anything I cant already see with the naked eye. Also, every time I take out the FLIP cam to shoot video, LittleYO wants to hold it in his hand. It would be a great additional feature to add a LOCK button on the side, to help keep kids from recording 3 second videos of their feet. It's pretty difficult for a kid to delete anything form the cam, but it still can happen. My videos are gold to me.
Live by the FLIP, Share your Flip. For me, there is nothing better than capturing video in HD and those simple moments like your LittleYO sitting outside, playing with his golf club and just singing that we will forever look back on in FLIP HD.
Thank You FLIP!
(Really not happy with how the video was converted on Youtube. It definitely does not do HD quality justice.) I will look into this further.
It can get get hectic! To be true to my thoughts and posts being a DaddyYO is tough, overwhelming and down right confusing at times. It's not all smiles and cute videos. Recently, we went to the store and LittleYO freaked out. These public FREAK OUTS is what I feared most about being a parent. Honestly, when this happens I'm a fish out of water. I don't have a clue what to do, how to handle him or myself. It's a place that reminds me of my college days at 4:20am in the morning where I cant find my way out of the bathroom. I'm lost.
The following week at a different store, the same thing, another freak out! Seriously? What is going on!? I try and talk him down off the ledge in the middle of the store. He screaming and like the incredible hulk he's trying to stretch free out-of-his-stroller. I'm waiting for his seat belt to snap and his skin to turn green! The eye daggers of parents walking by us, stab me in the back and is not helping my mental or current situation.
I'm not lying, I was profusely sweating and like the current situation, the room was starting to spin out of control. I stood up from my "crouching baby hidden tiger" pose to catch my breath. "I think I'm going to pass out"....It was time to leave.
LittleYO now securely in his carseat has already forgotten about what happen inside the store. Looking back at him in the backseat, he's smiling and having a good ol time. I'm left still feeling angry, disappointed, confused and some other emotions I have yet to classify. Driving home in complete silence....
At what point in our lives do we start to hold onto emotions that carry over into our days and our future experiences? It's because of this "carry over" of emotions from previous experiences that the mind has a way of deteriorating moments for what they actually are, positive or negative. As an adult, this effects everything!
When was last time I experienced a situation without the interference of memories of past experiences? Depending on how the current situation aligns with my expectations, that are based on previous experiences, will then interpret the outcome of the current situation; "good" or "bad". I think I may be living in the past....
Damn, I wasn't planning on getting this deep....I'm going with it...
The point to all of this is based on my last two experiences in store "freak outs" with LittleYO I mentioned to MommyYO that "I'm not going to the store ever again with LittleYO". I was wrong. Being a DaddyYO and living through these situations for the first time is closest I will ever get to experiencing what youth was like as an adult. Like LittleYO, we are experiencing something for the very first time, together. That's what's important. It was during this trip to the store I learned more from LittleYO than he did from me.
"For there is nothing either good or bad, thinking makes it so."
- William Shakespeare (1564-1616), Hamlet, II.ii
It’s been a while since my last post. I have found myself experiencing this holiday season from a much different perspective, a DaddyYO perspective. LittleYo, now 14 months things are starting to happen, QUICK! I found myself multiple times saying out loud “Did he just say that?” “Did he just do that?” “Wait, what just happen?"
This holiday season was truly a miracle as I got to watch LittleYo grow like a leaf that once sat on my college dorm window sill. I turn my head for a second and he went from walking to running to climbing stairs and on my final days off he gave my kisses when I asked him. I really don’t know what else I could say….but for all you DaddyYO’s out there, I know you understand what I’m talking about…
The past 16 days included traveling by plane and car, a family door to door holiday tour, a stomach bug, lots of presents, laughter and love. I even had some time to relax. It was during these busy days I started to realize, during our visits with the familyYO’s, that LittleYo took to certain niece and nephew toys more than others. It made me think about my responsibility as a parent to help LittleYo explore the world and all the toys inside that makes life worth living. I'm going to help him find his passion...
For example, during our visit at Aunt & UncleYO’s house and our nephew EadinYO, now three years old, got a drum set from GrandmaYO for Xmas. The drum set was kept upstairs away from the main room downstairs. With all the gifts now open downstairs, I weaved and chased LittleYo around to be sure not another ribbon or bow was consumed. Holding him in my arms, his heads drifted up and eye contact was made with the ol mighty drum set sitting shiny upstairs. Pushing off my face with his hands, his feet off my chest, I placed him down on the ground. He ran over to the stairs and climbed them like a tiger jumping on rocks to get to the top of the mountain. The stairs twisted and turned. LittleYo was on a “mission”. I knew one thing and that was I was not about to disrupt this possible magic moment.
Following close behind, he never looked back at me. He climbed. One step, another step all the way to the top and at the final step he stood up. In front of him was the ol mighty drum set. He stood there for about a min staring at the snare and the cymbal, not moving, just staring. Wanting to say something to LittleYo, I forced my urge to talk and just watched to see what was going to happen next.
As fast as a tiger spots prey, he spotted the two drum sticks lying on the ground. He instinctively picked them up, sat down on the swivel stool and jammed out a beat that I recognized as RUSH Chronicles. That’s what I heard any way….
Could drums be a possible passion, maybe. I'm sure there will be a lot more interests that come his way. I think as long as we DaddyYO's can recognize these magical moments before we can say "NO!" all will be right in the world.
I now present LittleYO's very first Drum Solo to RUSH Chronicles:
