Life of the Atom

2011! a little late....

2011-04-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

Okay. Many of our previous viewers probably don't even look here anymore. Which is understandable. okay, so without further delay, more pictures!

There are also pictures rounding out 2010 and entering 2011 on atom's flickr page.

But what is new?
Atom is 'reading' books to himself now. He's able to speak in complete sentences and ask for things from time to time. Atom really enjoys Thomas the train, but his favorite movie right now is actually Ratatouille. It scares me to think how many times he's watched it as he quotes the movie along with the movie. haha. What else can I say? He's growing more every day and is one really smart cookie. Hope you enjoy all his pictures and video.

Love, Mikee

Play time and Dinner time!

2010-03-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

I've got two fun videos for everyone. First off is one of Atom's favorite pastimes. Riding the carousel! The second video is very special as well. Without any prompting or trying to teach him to do so, Atom started using a fork. Two little fun videos. Through flickr I can only post 2 movies per month, so I will make a habit of doing that monthly. Enjoy!

Little conductor

2009-12-26T13:54:00.000-08:00

Hello all!

we're here feeling full from all the holiday food! Atom is still full of energy, running around and playing with all his new toys. This is the year of transportation for him. Planes, Trains, & Automobiles (big trucks!). He has been having so much fun with all his toys, so thank you for the gifts.

now for a video!

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas, Hanukkah, Festivus, or what every you and yours celebrate!

Love, Mikee

Happy Halloween!!

2009-10-31T19:35:00.000-07:00

Spooky greetings everyone!
This week before Halloween I needed a Hawaiian shirt for a work group costume, so we went to the Goodwill to find it. While there we found the cutest dragon costume for Atom. We weren't planning on it, but when you see what we found, and for Five Dollars? Come on. You would have bought it as well!

As always these are on the flickr page as well:Life of the Atom Photos

Hope you are all having a safe and happy holiday!

~Mikee

fall park play

2009-10-24T17:19:00.000-07:00

we took atom to the park today. there were some large dry leaves on the ground that atom was having fun playing with. sorry the video is on its side.

Look who's 1!

2009-08-10T15:04:00.000-07:00

Oh man it's been a long time. Sorry about that.

So. Atom turned 1 year old this weekend. We had a really great time. Saturday we had a nice little family party. Then on Sunday Grandma & Grandpa Versoza took Atom, Darb, & myself up to Seattle for a mariners game. Atom got spoiled. We got a certificate that shows he was there for his birthday with family, he got a bag of goodies with a hat and ball, and he got his name up on the big screen:

We also have video to show you guys as well. The game was good. Atom got a little antsy before the end of the game so we did leave a little early. The mariners did win though 11-2. So way to go team! After that we had a birthday dinner at the cheesecake factory and then back to the hotel to check in for the night. This morning we had a lazy start, walked down to post alley and pike's market for a bit and then got back in the car and came home. It was a lot of fun but we are all very tired.

So, the rest of life. Atom is getting bigger every day. We have finally gotten control of food for him that don't cause him dietary issues. His skin looks great now and he is gaining good weight! He likes to eat a lot. Some of his favorites are avocado, blue berries, and banana. Atom can now stand on his own and will even bend down to pick something up. But he's not walking... yet. It's real close. He has taken a step a couple random times, but the second step gets him. He hasn't quite figured out how to shift the weight. He is very mobile though, crawling very fast. No comprehensible words yet, he does talk baby talk quite a bit.

I think that's about it. I didn't post to many pictures on here but I will upload them to the flickr account. Hope you are all well and staying cool.

Mike

it's been too long

2009-04-05T14:57:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has been a really long time since we last posted. I'm sorry about that. Life has a way of getting away from you. But! I have something to make up for it. We decided since we take way too many pictures to post in the blog we would set up a photo account for everyone to look at the pictures we take. This way you can have your own favorite pictures even if they aren't ours. So our new posts will have the normal blog content and a link to the new photo set's uploaded. For example there is a new set for our trip to the zoo today!

What a perfect day for a trip to the zoo. It was Atom's first time at the zoo, it was also the first time we used our year long pass to the zoo. Darbie and I both agreed that it was a very good trip. Atom was awake the whole time and didn't cry at all. His favorite seemed to be the sea lions. He was waving his arms and kicking while he looked at them. He also seemed to enjoy the tide pool with sea urchins and fish. Maybe he just really liked the water? Over all it was a really good trip.

So without further ado, here is the link to the photos. This site will be updated more often as it's very easy to throw more pictures on there. There is also tags to search for certain content and the ability to make comments on individual pictures so it should be good:
Life of the Atom photos!

that's about it for now, I'm going to update the rest of the pictures. Hope everyone is well!

Mikee

Save hand made goods, and other stuff

2009-02-12T15:50:00.000-08:00

Please take note of the adorable little "Save hand made" bear to the left of the screen. Read below, and then click the link to save home made goods!!!

I just went ahead and stole my friend Katie's explanation of this:
Some of you "may have heard about the law going into effect this February that will basically make it impossible for anyone but big manufacturers to sell items that come in contact with children. It seems reasonable in theory - protecting kids from lead - but it basically requires everything that goes into any item that's going to be used with or for children to be tested for lead. Every part of every item. This will absolutely kill the WAHM (work at home mom, for those not internet-acronym-savvy) industry, as well as many others, including all small craftspeople that make kid's toys."

Also

"It will devastate small manufacturers and home businesses who create children's products such as clothes, handmade goods and toys for children, beautiful Native American artifacts, children's books, adaptive products for children with disabilities, and classroom and homeschool materials. These small businesses simply cannot afford the $300-$4,000 price tag per product that Third Party testers are charging."

This could greatly effect many of my friends lives, as they rely on the products that they make, for children, at home to help provide an income for their family. I think I should be able to buy Atom any beautiful item I'd like. Be it at Saturday market, craft fair, Goodwill, or online. If this law goes into effect I won't be able to do that - BOO!

EDIT: Check out this link to see how this new law has effected children's books. Quality children's literature is something I'm very passionate about, and this just breaks my heart.

Please follow the link. They make it very easy to get in touch with the right people. It'll take 5min of your time, and a little copy and pasting.

In other news:

We are doing well. I'll have Mike post another update this weekend. As I type thee baby is asleep on my lap. He's growing, teething, and has a cold. He's also rolling over and doing this like magic roll/crawl/wiggle thing to get across the room. He isn't trying to get to anything particular. He just likes to move. Wooden spoons are his favorite teething toy!

We got a Wii. So far I've played tennis. I'm not a very good tennis player. lol But it makes Atom laugh when I jump around, so I guess I'll keep it up. It is also very hard to play tennis w/a baby on your hip!

Now I'm off to try and nap w/the babe.

xoxo
Darbie

Almost 6 months!

2009-02-01T14:59:00.000-08:00

Our little baby is getting so big. But you could have guessed that right? So what's new. Baby had his first real cold. It was really sad. He was uncomfortable and it made Darb and me sad. But then Darb and I caught it and oh was that fun! not really.

Let me think what else is going on... Oh, if you are ever in Portland and you need a quick breakfast snack before an early lunch or what not, may I suggest to you the Waffle Window. A little off-shoot of the Hawthorne Cafe'. It's a pleasant surprise. For around 4 bucks you get either a savory or sweet waffle with many different toppings. I ended up getting the 3b. Brie, bacon, and basil. It was really good, the waffle had a sweet taste too that really rounded it out. Darb ended up with a berry medly. It had strawberries and blueberries and whip cream. She commented too that it was a little too sweet. Speaking of the whip cream we seem to think that Atom has a dairy allergy. Which is not even slighty surprising figuring that I can't handle dairy and Darb doesn't frequent it. But he had the rash and spots on his face and behind his knees and a red little butt. It was sad.

But now we are heading out the door for a super bowl party. So I'll leave you with the highlight picture of this weekend. You can see atom's two little teeth in the picture. Okay I need to go, everyone is waiting on me! bye!

splish splash I was taking a bath

2009-01-19T09:43:00.001-08:00

Hi there!
How are you all doing? We're doing good. Every day is a little more new with Atom. He is now noticing a little more around him & he is trying to touch more things and put them in his mouth. Right now he is laying on the floor near where I'm typing and he is trying to crawl. He hasn't got the hang of it down yet, but can move around by rolling around, which he is quite great at doing. He has been able to get his legs to bend but doesn't put the pressure down on them yet to start going, but we know soon it will happen. What else is new with him? He is starting to actually laugh more than just his little squeaks, more like full belly laughs. Oh, hold on the baby isn't happy.

(I had to stop here and entertain the baby until Darb got done in the shower)

Okay, now I'm back. Yeah, here is one of our favorite new things: Last bath Atom got, Darb was giving it to him and I was playing a game. I could hear Darb laughing quite a bit and then starting asking for more towels in between laughs. I got into the kitchen (where Atom was getting his bath) to find our little baby has discovered that when he swings his hand into the water it splashes. The kitchen was already drenched and Atom was moving towards getting everything (darb and myself included) soaked.

Here is atom splashing.

Get everything wet!!!

Atom also is starting to respond to his name.

So bath time has become a ton more fun. He is growing so fast that he is too big for his sink tub deal. I think the next bath may have to be in the tub.

What else? I think for Darb and I, one of our favorite things is trying to find clothes for Atom to wear. He has a couple clothing items that I wish were in my size so that I could wear them. Anyways here is one of our favorite things:

They are just plain old socks but they have little dinosaur toes. He also has a hat with horns on it just like a dinosaur.

The rest of these don't have a story they are just cute:

I think that he might have been watching me as I was preparing to cook dinner. NOTE: the stove was not on.

This is what happens if Atom is not wearing any pants. He loves to suck on his little toes.

I think that's about it. I need some breakfast and by the sounds of the baby, he's ready to get into the car and fall asleep. Bye!

If he knew what a sugar plum was, it might dance in his head.

2008-12-21T16:31:00.000-08:00

Whoa. It's almost Christmas now. Time is just jumping right by us. Right now we are in the midst of a big snow storm. Today is Sunday and we have been covered in ice for a couple days and the weather forecasters are telling us that it might stay this way for the rest of the week. We have been staying warm by invading Grandma & Grandpa Burns for some warm weather and food.

Anyways, how have we been doing? Good. A resounding good. Atom rolled over for the first time the other day. The sad part was that we didn't see him do it. I was at work and Darbie left Atom on his stomach for a minute and when she came back he was on his back. Well the other night when we first came over to the Burns' we tried to get him to do it again. He did it twice! It's funny though that it's not just a gentle roll-over, he drops his arm in on one side and shifts his weight and FLOP! Then he is on his back, which defiantly makes him happier. Atom's teeth have come out and then gone back in, but now he has one and it's a sharp little bugger.

I think that's about it. Well now I've got what you have been waiting for. Pictures. Included are some pictures of Atom in the snow. So here we go:

"Hey Atom, you wanna go play in the snow?"

"Papa, this is WAY too cold!"

Darbie wasn't having that so she took Atom away from me.

So I went stomping through the ice and snow.

Atom thought this was hilarious!

Thanks for reading. We hope you are all safe and warm during this holiday season. We look forward to seeing you all when we can!

Mikee

But what is the baby thankful for?

2008-11-30T08:50:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving was easy for us because we knew exactly what to be thankful for. We had a lot, as so much good stuff has happened to us this year, but we knew.

This weekend was spent with some of both families. Oh the joys of being a newly wed couple and having mulitple Thanksgivings. It worked out though as the two we went too were only about 5-10 mins away from eachother. I guess when I last posted I also failed to note that I had a birthday. This also went well.

In other news: My ipod died and the first time I sent it in for repairs, apple sent it back telling me they could find nothing wrong with it. Well now they are replacing it.

I think that's it for that kind of stuff. We took Atom to see Santa and he did really good. I know when I first saw him I cried and then pooped. Anyways, here are some pictures from this long weekend:

This is Atom in his first thanksgiving outfit. At our first stop this outfit lasted about... 30 seconds before he had a blowout and needed to be changed.

We had just woke atom up for a picture in front of this tree. The right side of his face had lines on it from sleeping in the sling.

Atom and Santa! This picture is hard to tell but Atom is wearing a reindeer outfit, which right now is still a little too big for him. We took the hood off and this was the best picture.

This is a funny little hat that Grandma found for Atom, it has little matchin mittens too. I think it's supposed to be a reindeer?

So there was a little photo journey through our weekend. Now we are gearing up into getting back home and back into the grind. Thanks for reading!

~Mikee

where sleeping babies lay

2008-11-23T09:58:00.000-08:00

Hey! How is everyone doing? Our little family is doing great. Atom has been getting bigger every day. He is now into putting everything he can in his mouth, also he is drooling on everything, and has a jaw stronger than I would have expected from a baby. I have actually said ow a couple times when he has gotten ahold of my thumb.

Other than his teething, things are good. I can't really think of anything that really jumps out in my mind of being huge or needing of note. We are mostly gearing up for holidays. I'm not sure Atom is quite prepared for all the people, but I'm sure he will love it.

I guess the one big other point I can make is that Atom seems to really love being at home. We tend to have a really quiet house and he always relaxes a little easier when at home. When we are driving and he is crying, as soon as he is back in the house, he will calm down.

So I guess that's really about it, Darbie is off to get our family photo stuff arranged Monday. I can also assure you that we will have some fun pictures coming from the holidays... hint hint.

Family photo.

2008-11-09T14:26:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Not a lot of news. Atom is becoming more aware. Loud noises startle him now, he also enjoys being in a quiet area later at night. He is also smiling more and plays. The best is that he has started holding things and most of what he holds goes in his mouth... Oh and he drools non-stop.

As for Darbie and I. I just got a new phone... same number, just a new phone, exciting!

but I think that's about it... so I will leave you with the cream of the crop. This is our favorite out of the family pictures we took, ready? GO!

(this is a proof, that is why it's low resolution and has a water mark across it.)

Toil is stupid.

2008-11-03T18:59:00.000-08:00

I'll start this off with saying that we haven't updated in a while because of lack of good coffee shops in Salem to post at. We are unfortunately back where we started... but it works I guess. So here's some pictures!

Atom hangs out with dad.

Atom at the beach house in his new sweater

Here Atom shows that we can hold leaves with his toes.

As much as we tried to keep him from, Atom slept straight through Halloween. But we are happy to note that he is now a beautiful butterfly.

Things have been going well for us. We have both been pretty busy. We had a great weekend at the beach a while back. Also you can be sure we are eating regularly as the gal who works at the pizzeria we purchase our food from recognized me without the baby and asked how he was doing... in fact she asked me how the baby was and I almost said what baby, because I was in fact not holding the baby. It was a funny moment. Anyways we want to get home, so off we go!

Loves!

The Smile Brigade!

2008-10-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

Hey there. It's time for more pictures of your favorite baby! Atom! This week's post is just some fun from us being out and about and a couple from visiting grandparents in West Linn. Next week we will have some fun Halloween themed pictures in a post from the beach, permitting that we are able to find a coffee shop that offers internet. So without further ado... pictures!

"Hey grandma, where did that camera come from?"

"Are you going to let me have some of that food?"

"Come on, tell me you don't think I'm the cutest baby, I dare ya!"

So, things are going well for us. We are preparing for our trip to the beach next weekend. We are looking forward to some good fun relaxation! Anyways, that's all, thanks for reading!

Oh wait, I forgot!

2008-10-12T17:57:00.000-07:00

I forgot to note something funny that happened on Saturday.

Darbie and I were out to breakfast and while we were sitting waiting for our breakfast I was holding the baby in the sling so that Darbie could read the paper and drink her coffee. I had no paper. But I had no paper, so I was working on a project, which was sewing. I just had to laugh. There was quite a bit of role reversal going on. Darbie got a kick out of it as well.

good times

2008-10-12T16:47:00.000-07:00

Hello! Let me start off with a picture, then we will get to some blog stuff.

This is atom with night time baby. It's actually a cool little doll. It flips inside out and becomes day time baby... but day time baby is ugly... so It always stays night time baby. ha.

So, how have you been? We've been good... Let me tell ya:

Atom: He has had a toasty little head. Thank you to everyone who purchased us hats, gave us money for hats, made us hats, or used magic to make hats appear for us. We have more than enough hats now and atom has been warm AND stylish. which is just great. He has been fun just as every day. He smiles and talks with us, it's really great. Oh on a fun note. We found a cabbage patch doll for Atom to enjoy eventually and it looks just like the one I had when I was a kid!

Darbie & myself: We had a really romantic surprise dinner the other night. We were both just thinking of going out to eat somewhere and ended up going to Marco Polo. It's an Asian food joint that recently moved into a new location. We were seated in this nice little table over looking the park area with fountains, but it was dark and nice and we had some candle light. It was really really nice. I have Monday off so we are smack dab in the middle of a 3 day weekend. It's been great to have the extra time. AND we go from one 4 day week to another. As we have a beach trip a week from next weekend! YAY!

So I guess that's really about it. now Great grandma Kronser, Uncle Mike & Chelsea (hope that I spell that right!), Grand Burns, and your favorite Versoza's are going to have Pizza!

~Mikee

YAY!

2008-09-30T18:38:00.000-07:00

I don't have anything to say. Well, except for the fact that Atom had a doctor appointment today He is super healthy!

anyways... Pictures!

We're all smiles

2008-09-28T15:28:00.000-07:00

Let me start off by saying sorry. There are no pictures in this post. But this cloud does have a silver lining. Darbie, Atom and myself all went to get some pictures done. Yup professional family pictures. Darbie and I are very excited. We think there will be some really good ones in there. We did take it seriously, I even got a hair cut. Which if you know me, you know that I hate getting my hair cut.

What else happened this weekend? Well. We had big plans... but they fell through. We had planned to go to OMSI. We held off though because we were going to go to the zoo. Which we did drive out to. But it was so crowded that they were shuttling in visitors from another parking lot up the free way. So instead we went down to Saturday market. Which in itself was quite an experience. While walking around, carrying the baby none the less, we were hit up to buy some pot. I really can't do anything but laugh about it. It was pretty rediculus. Another person was petitioning us sign to legalize pot. Darbie and I had a good laugh that we both must look like the "type". We also saw Elvis of the Church of Elvis.

Not a whole lot else has been going on. It seems like we have been busy with plans for the last couple weekends, but this next weekend we don't have solid pre-planned plans. It may be nice to have a weekend like that.

So with that I'll leave ya, thanks for reading!

-Mikee

They sold earplugs at the pirate fest.. yup. they cost a buck-an-ear

2008-09-21T16:26:00.000-07:00

It just started raining. wow.

Things are going good for us. We have spent the weekend in Portland hanging out with my parents. Mostly because the Portland Pirate Festival is going on this weekend. We went and had a really great time. We got out of there right before it started raining. We had some really good birch beer and got a cool bottle for it. Good food, good entertainment, and I got some pirate pants. Yay!

Okay, here are the normal updates -

Atom:

He is doing really good. Getting big. We got him a swing, which you can see in the 2nd picture. It has been a huge help for his evening collick. Not a whole lot else to say. He's been smiling. But he is still a baby.

Darbie and Myself: We are doing good. The weather has been reaking havock on my alergies. Darbie has been watching a lot of Buffie the vampire slayer and I have been playing a lot of castle crashers. That's about it. So, yeah... until next time!

Bye.

:)

2008-09-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

Hello!

This weekend we are in west linn/beaverton/pdx areas. We are staying at my parents house so that later today we can meet up with Versoza grandparents. We are all very excited. Okay, updates!

Atom: This kid is amazing. We have been toting him around everywhere and he just goes with the flow. Sure sometimes he cries. But I would to if I needed to be changed. Atom got a bunch of clothes this last week. I'm not sure if any of you saw, but old navy had a baby clothes sale. We got him some halloween jammies, some little hooded sweatshirts, and a couple owl themed onesie things. We have been getting a ton of compliments on him, (which isn't a surprise). The funnest thing happened yesterday after we were done at powell's we were packing him into the car and talking to him while we were doing it and he smiled at us. It wasn't a quick, just one side of his mouth, but he full on smiled. It was one of the greatest things I've ever seen in my life. It made me feel like a dork because he was smiling at Darbie and I... but all I could do was cry. Color me a proud papa.

Darbie and I: I'm going to make this quick as I need breakfast and a hit of caffiene. Darbie and I are both doing well. I think the items of note for us would be that pound puppies, cabbage patch dolls, and care bears are all releasing 25th anniversary lines. We were just giddy last night when we found them, Quickly both recounting our collections of cabbage patches, pound puppies and kitties, and then both teaming up to note how ugly the anniversary care bears are. They look like an accessory that would go well with a gold or silver purse rather than be a fun doll. All these things still hold only a close second to the yo-gabba-gabba toys that were just released... at least in my opinion.

Anyways that is about it. Hope you are all doing well. sorry for the lack of pictures. He is getting bigger every day. next time I post pictures you probably won't even recognise him.

~Mikee

if you eat a hot pocket cold, is it still a hot pocket?

2008-09-03T12:17:00.000-07:00

So I was really sure that I would have something fun to post about last weekend. Don't get me wrong, We had a really great weekend, just nothing out of the ordinary happened ya know? So I'm sorry that I didn't post over the weekend, even though I promised.

So, what is new then?

Atom: It seems that he is trying to smile. It's fun to catch him taking naps. You can tell when he is dreaming about eating which is fun. But sometimes, just barely, it looks like he is trying to smile. Goofy kid.

Darbie: She is doing really well. I think she is tired, which is to be expected. Atom has been crying almost routinely every evening. Last night we took a drive before he could start and that seemed to help. Darbie also is trying to make him go to bed earlier, which is hard on her because I know she wants to stay up, but probably also needs the sleep.

Mikee: Me? you don't want to know about me... you do? okay. fine. Things are good for me. My recent mantra has been: "stay busy"... maybe mantra isn't the best word. Maybe it's just a voice haunting me... Overall, everything is good. Oh, and I might be getting a tattoo tonight!

let's see. Wrapping things up... Next weekend is a wedding, weekend after that is Versoza great-grandparents, weekend after that is portland pirate festival, (look for the cutest baby pirate, he will be with us), the weekend after that is when we will most likely be taking our first professional family photo! So there you go, a little glimpse into the future. If I can control it, your next story on here will have photos of something. Take care everyone.

<3 - Mikee

It's just one of those days.

2008-08-28T12:58:00.000-07:00

okay okay.. just a quick post while I'm on a lunch break. I promise that this weekend I will make some kind of post with at least one photo, but this will have to do for now.

Atom: He is doing well. He's a little sleep viking. I really can't get over how cute this kid can be. He got the chance to come in and see where I work. I don't think there was one person who got by him without exclaiming how cute he is. The spaced themed pajamas he was wearing was of some help, but it's not like he needed any. Other than that I think it's just the same old same old for him, eat-poop-sleep-repeat.

Darbie: She is doing well. She has gotten the hang of taking Atom places. I'm really glad to see that she can get around and is not cooped up in our house all day unless she so desires.

Me: Well, I feel like a could use a vacation. Nah, just kidding. Work is good. The only complaint I had within this last week would have been the guy who flicked his cigarette into the air vent of my car during rush hour traffic. My advice to this guy: "don't yell at someone, then expect them to let you into their lane... also, yelling please might help." And just to note, I did get his description and call the local police to report him.

Anyways that's about it from our camp. Hope you are all doing well and enjoying the weather where you are! Take care.

Mikee

About to get kicked out of a coffee shop

2008-08-23T18:07:00.000-07:00

Yay! we made it two weeks! As far as we can tell he doesn't hate us. At least not yet. Haha.

Also, We are pretty sure he is already used to camera flashes. Yup barely flinches.

How is baby? He is good, still holding onto all that hair, which is wonderful. He has started regularly leaving the house and going out into the world, (my how they grow!) Today in fact we took him down to the Saturday market and I got to carry him around in the sling that fits me. SOOOOO many people were stopping us and asking about him. Probably the closest to being a celebrity I've felt like in a while. Oh, for everyone who has been asking about the hats that Darbie posted a while back, (the kit ones with the little bill), We found a gal at the market that sells them at a much more affordable price, but still keeping in the quality. So we would be happy to take hat donations if you were thinking about getting one of these for us. This way we can support our local artisans and their work.

Great-Grandma Sandy & Great-Grandpa Bud both came to visit today. It was nice to see them. It really means a lot to Darbie and I that you have all taken time out of your lives to make the trek to see us. Near or far it means so much to us, and to Atom. Also on that note, everyone who think that bringing us food only made our lives a little easier are wrong. This has been a gigantic help. I know that just for myself, being able to come home from work and be able to spend time with the family rather than making food is a true gift, so thank you.

This is Great-Grandma holding Atom.

Darb and Atom have found a niche with their sleeping. Darbie has what seems like a sixth sense with him and wakes up and starts Atom feeding before he can even cry. Sometimes I don't even wake up. It's really pretty amazing.

Tomorrow we are set to meet with Pam, our midwife. We have total confidence that everything will go smoothly. Atom seems to be back up to his birth weight now. He sports the cutest little gut. I will have a to post a picture next time, I'm sure you will agree.

Darbie wanted me to put in about how on friday Atom must have been feeling vindictive, Durring a diaper change, (which was a mess in itself), then before a new diaper got on he started peeing, so darbie had to cover him with a blanket, she figured at this point she would just give him a bath. But on the way to the bathroom wrapped in a clean towel he pooped. The little guy likes going when he is not wearing his diaper.

In non-baby news: Darbie got a new tattoo this week. It's a little drawing that an artist did for us while we were on our honeymoon in Seattle at the comic-con. I myself managed to find a guitar hero guitar at goodwill of all places, man was that a steal, brand new in box!

The time has come!

2008-08-11T14:09:00.000-07:00

On the perfect night of August 9th, 2008... quite near 8:12 pm. A life was brought into the world. Atom Christopher Andrew Versoza was born to us, 9 lbs. & 20 in. He shares birthday with Sam Elliott, Gillian Anderson and David Steinberg just to name a few. Also in in 1944 the US forestry service used the Smokey the Bear posters for the first time. History on your day my son, History!

But, back to the baby, He is absolutely perfect. He has a little hair and the cutest smirks. Well, I guess maybe I should just show him to you...

This picture is from this morning. We gave him his first bath to clean him all up. He is a little grumpy because he had to go without being clothed, (he hates that so far).

The Birth went amazing. I won't put a bunch of pictures of that up because we don't need those pictures floating around the internet yet. But Atom has been sooo good. He hasn't been too fussy. We really have been incredibly lucky.

Here is mama and the baby. So far the last couple nights he has slept really well through the night, only waking up a couple times. He has been really patient with Darbie and I while we try to figure out how to do this parenting stuff.

He has had a couple visitors so far and is very excited to meet his family, and we are very excited to show him off... But I guess we need to get down some of those basic needs things. So keep us in your thoughts, and thank you all for reading and being patient while we updated again.

Love from the Versoza's.

Mikee, Darbie & Atom. <3

Pictures of Mama

2008-08-03T15:51:00.001-07:00

Here is a picture taken 7/26/08:

And another taken today, 8/3/08:

That's it, see... no baby out yet, but any day now!

Mikee

Geocache adventure!

2008-08-03T15:36:00.000-07:00

Today, Darbie, Atom (still in mama's tummy), and I drove up to West Linn to meet with the Versoza Grandparents for a little outdoors trek. We were out geocaching, and for those who don't know what Geocaching is, simply put: "Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunting game in which the participants use a GPS receiver or other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers (called "geocaches" or "caches") anywhere in the world. A typical cache is a small waterproof container containing a logbook and "treasure," usually toys or trinkets of little value." (thanks to wikipedia for that definition)

We went out with 3 locations, found one, gave up on one (a lot of hills for our group), and one was out of our area, (lunch became a bigger goal at this point).

Here is a picture of the one we found, full of trinkets:

It was a lot of fun and we ended up having a great time tromping through the wilderness, and what a great day for it too.

-Till next time!
Mikee

Yes, we're alive. No, Atom isn't here yet.

2008-07-31T11:53:00.000-07:00

I wish I had lots of things to report. But, I don't.

Everything has been going well the last few weeks, we're getting settled into the house, and working on the yard (sort of).

I haven't been working this week so I've taken the opportunity to rest, meet with friends, and whatnot. Both things that I'm sure I won't really be able to do right away once this lil man gets here!

Speaking of which Atom and I are both very healthy and doing great!! We met with Pam, our midwife, yesterday and everything is looking and sounding good! Hes dropped a bit as well. So he really could be here any day. Could be tonight, could be in two weeks. Who knows!! We're not *to* anxious for him to get here yet. Theres no rush - he'll show up when hes ready :)

In other news we've been into watching the 1st season of Heros. Totally awesome!

This weekend, if Atom doesn't decide to show up, we'll be going to a soccer game out two and maybe try and make in out to WAPI.

Thats about it tho....We'll be sure to let you know once this little man decides to make an appearance!

xoxo

Darbie

A call to all of the crafty people I know

2008-07-14T11:15:00.000-07:00

I am in LOVE with these hats (a basic beanie, but with a short brim). I would like for Atom to have like 2 or 3....or 9 of these in different sizes for when the weather gets cooler. Could any of you make some for me? I'd GLADDLY get all of the materials for you, and somehow compensate you for your time (coffee, cupcakes, a good book, baby sitting, my never ending love and adoration? Any of those plus a little extra $$?).
I just can't afford the $25 + shipping that people are asking for these (although i think they are totally worth it!)
If you think you'd be able to help just lemme know!!!Thank you!!xoxoxox

Free slurpees!! My fave day of the summer!

2008-07-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that I am doing well!!

We're getting our crib and dinning room table & chairs tonight. Also, Pam (my midwife) is coming over for our 1st home visit! yay! We're picking up the stroller + other baby things tomorrow, and plan on spending some fun time up in Portland!

Today is free slurpee day at 7-11, and I plan on taking full advantage of that as soon as I get done with this post!

And because I like making post that include pictures, and I don't have any other pictures at the moment - here ya go:

Very sweet.

xoxo

Darbie

post from a coffee shop

2008-07-08T18:13:00.000-07:00

So, here is the first post, post move. See what i did there?

Ha, anyways. I think I should start by saying we are not dead, we just don't have internet, so making updates to the baby blog can be a little difficult, so I'm sorry. BUT! Things are good. Darbie and I are settling into our little house. I've decided that I'm going to war against all paper blinds that have no easy way of use. Other than that, the house is good. It got a little too hot last night, but that could happen anywhere ya know?

We were planning on going up to Ikea this weekend to pick up the crib (which I need to say a huge thanks to Grandma Kronser! and everyone else for that matter, you all have been amazing in the progression of our new lives together, thank you) but unfortunately is out of stock at the moment and apparently the gal who Darb spoke to on the phone has no idea when they will have them again, or why they have been sold out for so long.

Speaking of people who don't know what they are doing at their jobs, don't go to the Taco Del Mar at the Keizer station, those girls there couldn't make grass grow if their lives depended on it, much less take an order and keep it in order. blah.

So that's really it... I've been working the new job now for 2.5 weeks. Darbie and I are making cute little menu's for our meals so we can plan out enough food and over all just enjoying our new home too it's fullest.

Till next time,

Mikee

Now we have a place to sleep!

2008-07-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

Darbie and I have keys for the house! yay. It's really cute, but is screaming for us to put our stuff in there. We are really excited. yup.

~mikee

Atom has a place to sleep!!

2008-06-30T21:05:00.000-07:00

We were just going to have him sleep in the dresser drawer, but I guess a real bed will have to do :)

Collette finished the sheet, and the bumper! Okay, how dang CUTE is that bed?? I'D sleep there, thats for sure!

It came together exactly how I thought it would, and the red bows add -just- the right touch! I know Atom is going to just love sleeping here!!

Tomorrow we sign the final papers on the house and get the keys! Finally! It seems like we've been waiting so long, and now that moving day is almost here, I'm not sure we're quite ready. But I can work on stuff durring the day while Mike is at work. My goal next week will be to get 90% of everything put away and organized so then for the next few weeks I can try and relax and get last minute baby stuff all taken care of.

Tonight Mikee and I went to Wunderland. That is always mucho fun! We won lots of tickets...we're saving them all to get something really good...like one of those pictures where it looks like the water is moving - lol. Now we're watching Harry Potter and winding down for the night.

Hope you all got outside and enjoyed the nice weather today! It wasn't 1/2 bad!

xoxo

Darbie

time for a shower

2008-06-28T10:26:00.000-07:00

Today Baby and Mama are at the baby shower! yay!
Which is great for me because that means I get some time today just to my self. Which after my first week of work, will be nice. Now I'm not saying by any account that work is bad. It's the exact opposite of that actually. My only... and I mean only complaint... is that some patients call in their own refills, which requires them to try and pronounce their medications. I can deal with people having a hard time, I have a hard time... but hydrocortisone and hydrocodone are two very different medications.

anyways, there is awesome weather out there and I'm sitting inside watching soccer, I need to get out!

Loves!

Mikee

quick post

2008-06-27T16:11:00.000-07:00

Got a pedicure today - yay for feeling pretty!
Going out to dinner tonight w/the family.
Baby shower tomorrow. Should = mucho fun!!

Thats it for now!

xoxo
Darbie

"hey, didn't you want to blog today?"

2008-06-23T21:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes I did... Here we go:

Today I started the new job. and that's it.

Haha, that's really not it. It was really good, I got finger printed today, something that I've never done before. It was kinda fun. I mean crash test dummies and dogbert... I really thought I knew ethics.. but apparently I was wrong.

No, it was just a video.

Now I change gears on you!
I gotta tell you, I'm really happy. Things are just going so well. Yeah, we are both very lucky. Someone rub a lottery ticket on us or something!

~Mikee

blog blog

2008-06-22T15:53:00.000-07:00

Today; Mom, Dad, & Atom packed up the cars with a couple handfuls of clothing and set off for Salem, Oregon.

Why? Well, tomorrow I start working at the new job. So we are taking the first couple steps towards being in the house... our new home.

Yup, so there it is, short and sweet. We are off to go put a deposit down to hold the house.

~Mikee

sock monkeys

2008-06-21T14:12:00.000-07:00

Had some fun times with the MIL and DIL (mum in law & dad in law) this morning. We got breakfast at Bob's Red Mill which was delish, and then made our way over to Mill End Fabric who boasts that there is "no bigger display of fabrics in America". I think they are right.
We got fabric to make a new sheet, and bumper for the bassinet! What we ended up with might surprise you...but then again, maybe not -
SOCK MONKEYS!!! The fabric the monkeys on it will be the bumper, and the fabric that looks woven like the actual sock (even tho is not) will be the sheet!! TOO cute!!

Now don't worry...we haven't abandoned the 'rockets and robots' theme! They just didn't have any good fabric for that, and we all sort of fell for the monkeys. But, really, who wouldn't?? His 'big boy' room will be all spacey, but his baby bed will be filled with crazy monkeys :)

Also: I have done laundry today. Now I have clean clothes to wear and clean sheets to sleep on! I think I lucked out because Mike likes to do his own laundry - what a great guy! Speaking of which he is on his way home right now after hangen' out w/the guys all day...I should go get ready so we can get some dinner - yum!

xoxo
Darbie

oh, Portland...

2008-06-20T11:28:00.000-07:00

This morning (we're talking like 9:30am) a drunk guy shouts at me and Mike while we're crossing the street.
"hey! when are you due?" and then proceeds to run over to talk to us. I quickly half step behind mike and whisper "don't let him touch me!" This dude looked like he wanted to rub some baby belly. YIKES!
He told me I looked like I was about to pop....which, I guess I kinda do...? I'm wearing a tight shirt today, but I told him I still have six weeks left.

Overall he was a nice guy...nice enough for being completely drunk at 9:30 in the morning. He just told us good luck, and told Mikee not to faint when the baby comes LOL

At least breakfast was good!

xoxo
Darbie

Its Wednsday

2008-06-18T21:58:00.000-07:00

But thats pretty much it.
We got coffee this morning and wandered around target for a bit.
Spent some time at home being lazy. Mikee is loving not having to go to work tomorrow.
Went to value village, but didn't find anything good.
We had yummy pizza for dinner.
I got all of the 'prizes' ready for my baby shower next Saturday.....

Now I think I"m going to head to bed...I'm meeting my G ma for breakfast down in Salem tomorrow at 9:30 am, which means I have to leave here by 8:30, which means i have to be -up- at 7 to get ready to go.
Then don't even get me started on what kinda crazy stuff is going on Friday!

xoxo
Darbie

Diaper Cake

2008-06-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

Good morning!
We have the day off today! Mike only has two more days with Payless, and 7 days he'll be at Chemawa! This week will be a crazy mix of packing, working in Salem (for me), and baby showers. One is for me, and the other for a friend from church. I was inspired last night and got crafty....I made a diaper cake! It is very cute, and we'll be going to the craft store today so I can get ribbon to finish it off! It was super fun and easy to make....people are charging like $50-200 for these things....dang!!
Alrighty off to run around before the A/C guy gets here!!

xox

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Okay, so the diaper cake is complete!
-The base has about 40 infant diapers
-Second layer has (in the middle) a bottle
of baby lotion, and a bottle of baby wash.
-Around that are 10 washcloths (from IKEA),
and 5 bibs (also IKEA)
-the goodies that I put on are as follows:
Orange teether, blue fishy rattle (IKEA), rainbow caterpillar rattle, pair of booties (lion & elephant), and a sun shine wrist rattle. There was also a lot of rubber bands (to roll the diapers) and ribbon involved! I found a really nice video on youtube that pretty much walked you through most of it....there were a few things I had to figure out on my own tho.
Over all I'm quite proud of it!!

The best part was that it didn't cost much!! Well, normally it would have...hehe

I used a pack of diapers that I got from a friend, and the booties and wrist rattle I already had. Over all the total cost was about $10 or $12 maybe? Plus time..but it didn't really take that long considering it only has two layers...and I've never done anything like this before!!
So if you want one just let me know! I wouldn't mind making more....for a small fee :)

OH! I almost forgot....we ordered slings today! Ya know...the things ya carry yer baby around in?! We got a GREAT deal on them from the hot sling web site. Pretty much 2 for 1! That was pretty dang exciting!

Okay, off to find some dinner for me and this baby!

xoxo,

Darbie

We're moving/New house

2008-06-15T23:24:00.000-07:00

We've been approved to rent an adorable little house over in West Salem. We haven't taken any of our won pictures yet, and won't move in until July 1st, but here are the pictures from the original craigslist add, so you can at least get an idea of where we'll be calling home.

The front of the house...
Its on a corner lot, and has a NICE sized yard (fully fenced). Lots of room for running around, and plenty of room to grow and get ready for next summer. Can you say garden, kiddie pool, BBQ...

The backyard...
It doesn't have a porch, but there is a patio. Also you can see the lovely new arbor. What sort of climbing plants do you like?? The three windows that you see are in the dining room, and the smaller one is actually in the closet of the master bedroom. the house actually has LOTS of windows, so there is natural light in every room - wonderful!

The kitchen
It has new(ish) pergo floors (ooo aah), new tile on the counters, and the back splash, new cabinets, and appliances. Thank God for the dishwasher! I cannot wait to get all of my new dishes, pots and pans, and other baking items in here! We'll finally have enough counter space to have the coffee maker, and the microwave out at the same time!! lol

Here is the bathroom
Yes, it has a claw foot bathtub! Its kinda small....as is the whole house, BUT it does have that classic 'charm' just oozing from all over! Can you just see Atom taking his baths in there? I can, and its ADORABLE! Not a whole lot of storage in here, but I think that will be good for us. We'll keep what we need, and get rid of the extra 'junk' that Mike and I tend to keep around.

As soon as we get into the house I know we'll be posting lots of pictures to keep everyone up to date.

1st Fathers day

2008-06-15T22:54:00.000-07:00

Well, today is Father's day. We actually ended up doing things that I wanted to do....but thats just because we usually end up running Mikee's errands when he has time off.
We went to IKEA and got a really fun rug for Atom's room...its actually REALLY huge and very cute!

Atom is about 33ish weeks right now! He has been moving a lot, but is quickly running out of room! Here is a more articulate update:

"This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.)"

And:

"If your uterine walls had eyes, here's what you'd see: your fetus acting more and more like a baby, with his or her eyes closing during sleep and opening while awake. And because those uterine walls are becoming thinner, more light penetrates the womb, helping your baby differentiate between day and night (now if only baby can remember that difference on the outside!)."

Atom likes to rest during the day...all of the walking I do puts him to sleep :) But as soon as i can get home and relax, and especially when we get settled down for bed all bets are off! Its like we've been apart all day, and now he finally has my attention and has SO much to tell me! LOL "Mom did you know this..", and "mom did you see when that happened.." It is nice because those are the times that Mikee can see and feel him move. He'll talk to Atom and ask how our day was, and what we did. In the mornings before he leaves Mikee will talk to Atom and tell him to "take care of mama today". I think its just about the sweetest thing ever!