Sunday, December 30, 2007

Clean bill of health

I seriously dislike doctors (no offense to any doctors out there; I'm sure I would like you as a human, just not on a professional level). I have my whole life. I've never had a doctor that was worth $1.50, but somehow I always end up paying them some exorbitant amount to tell me I'm not feeling well (yes, doctor, that's precisely why I'm sitting in your office naked). I like dentists--they make my teeth feel better when they hurt, and make them all shiny and white after every visit. I like accountants--so far they've always helped me to retrieve some of my hard-earned cash back from the government. In fact, I like most professionals, as long as they're competent and give you what you pay for. Every doctor I've been to, though, has left me with the feeling that I just paid way too much money for an arrogant, glorified guess.

Every doctor, that is, until Dr. Dickey. This guy is truly a gem. We found him just before Tennyson was born, after much research and a little light espionage (all legal). Dr. Dickey is one of the smartest people I've ever met (and, like most brilliant people, is a bit quirky). He could be making tons of money somewhere, but instead he is a pediatrician who serves D.C.'s poor families out of his basement office, often for free. Instead of rushing patients through to make more money or to rush off to his fabulous life, he makes an appointment with you on any day that is best for you (usually Saturdays for us) and spends as much time as you need for the checkup and for any questions and/or conversation. He's excellent with children, quick with the needles, and knows everything. No, really. Suzy has been fretting about lead poisoning for months (it's a not-uncommon problem in the District), and so she got Mr. T's blood tested a couple weeks ago. Dr. Dickey spent half an hour going over the results (Tennyson's fine), telling us the history of lead poisoning in the U.S., D.C., France and the U.K., giving helpful and practical tips for prevention, and calming Suzanne's anxiety. For the service he has given my son, and for calming my wife in a way that I have tried but failed to do for months, I would pay Dr. Dickey whatever fee he asked. Dr. Dickey is emblematic of what the medical profession should be.

See--this blog is about more than just Tennyson Jay. It's about revolution! It's about not paying any doctor more than $1.50 (the going rate for 10 minutes with a fortune teller in D.C.) unless the doctor actually does something, in which case I'm willing to pay an exorbitant amount.

Now, back to Tennyson. At one year, he weighs in at 23.5 lbs. ...

...is 29 inches tall...

...and, other than being diagnosed with diarrhea of the mouth, is perfectly healthy...

My kind of kid

Tennyson is my (kind of) kid. No rush to the presents on Christmas. Nope, he just took it easy, hung out with family and lived how Jesus would want him to. After all, that's what Christmas is about, right? Well, he finally did get around to opening the goods, so a special thanks to everyone out there who took part in providing Tennyson with (at least a year's worth of) noise-making, smile-inducing, lead free toys (we've taken all the batteries out). Seriously though, he loves the gifts and is lucky to have such great family and friends. He loves you guys (or, at least, he would if you would start a blog so the cyber-relationship could be reciprocal). Here are a few shots of the action:




Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Noel!

Our decked halls...

The present I made for Tennyson...

Mother and child...

Three kings: pops, T, and DeShawn at the Christmas luau...

Tennyson steps it up to discover his Christmas loot...

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Happy anniversary to us!

Five fantastic years. Jeremy's been in a library for most of that time, but the moments we have had together have been wonderful. In our five years of marriage we've discovered a lot of things that we have in common, but the two things we both like the most are being together and eating. So, we celebrated today by eating at the best French restaurant this side of the Atlantic, Le Paradou. We renewed our vows over lobster bisque, stuffed quail, rabbit stew, pistachio creme brulee and poached pear. We finished off with a toast to five more years of newlywed status, a lot more good food, and a little less library.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Santa meets the Jolly Plump Fellow


(Seriously, if you can't get Tennyson to smile, there's something wrong with you!)

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Tennyson - 1 year

Tennyson had a great first year. He mostly spent it eating and growing (notice I left out sleeping).
In 365 days, Tennyson grew from this...

...to this...

...to this...

...to this...

...to this...

...to this...

...to this...

...to this...

...and finally to this...

...and this...

At the one-year mark, Mr. T is walking up to eight steps without falling, saying "dada," "bye bye" and "done," and has grown 2.4 teeth. He now uses a spoon to feed himself (and the walls and floor), climbs our staircase all day, impersonates his parents, and, most adorably, snuggles his mom when she hurts herself (which happens fairly often because we have a dangerous kitchen). He's a happy, curious, and fun little boy. He's the greatest blessing in our lives, and he's made this the best year we've ever had. Happy birthday Tennyson! We love you!

Happy Birthday!


Tennyson Jay celebrates his first birthday. It has definitely been the best year of his life.

Tennyson Jay performs the Concerto in T Minor

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Tennyson - 52 weeks

Good morning!



Here you can (almost) see the bedskirt and "bumpers" that Suz just finished sewing for Tennyson's birthday (tomorrow!). Next stop: matching sheets, then drapes for the windows.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Tennyson - 51 weeks

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!



The view from our window.