Notes From the Couch, Part Two

My Olympic Spectating continues (part one here)

1) This may just be the BEST thing I have seen so far in the Olympics.  It's the parents of gymnast, Aly Raisman (they are from MA - woot!) watching her perform her routine. 

They are so invested, so involved, and so hysterical.

I love that the parents of these Olympians are getting some attention on camera.  After all the money and time they spend helping their children get to this level, they deserve a little recognition.  And I love watching how awkward they are!!

2) Missy Franklin.  America's new swimming sensation.  She won GOLD in the 100 m backstroke, and she's only 17 (she attends a Catholic high school)! 

She is such a sweetheart in all her interviews (she got emotional seeing her parents reaction to her race) and seems like a normal teenage girl who likes to have some innocent fun.  I wish I could find something snarky to say about her, but I can't.  Moving on....

3) Synchronized Diving.

 Who came up with that idea? 

Hey, you know what would be sooooo funny?  Let's convince some guy to wear his underwear, and have him jump from a high ledge into a pool without making a splash. 

Yeah, but let's make him do twists and turns and all sorts of scary stuff on the way down. 

Haha, and how about we make two guys do it together?  You know, double the fun.

So....they not only have to do a perfect dive, but they have to do it in unison with another guy?  

Uh-huh.

Dude, I don't think anyone would go for that...

Oh, but they did. 

And it's crazy.

4) The Olympics Logo:

It took me about 3 minutes to figure out that those puzzle pieces "say" 2012.

And the font they use is very ummmm, unique:

I would call it hieroglyphics meets masking tape??

#Not.a.fan.

Stay tuned for more Olympic style uninsightful insights....

Finally!

We finally received our family portraits in the mail.  I *detest* the one of me but want proof that I actually am part of the family.  

The photographer was not very bossy, which meant we didn't get a lot of good shots.  I love when the photographer steps up and makes the magic happen.  Work it girl!

 But hey, I only paid a portion of what I should have because it was a Groupon deal.  Now that I have done my research, I can say that it's true that you do actually get what you pay for.

Notes from the Couch, Part One

We have been watching the Olympics a lot.  A lot a lot a lot.  We are watching at home and recording to watch with the kids the next day.  I go to the gym, it's on tv.  I watch the news, it's Olympics recaps.  I can't check my phone because TMZ is trying to spoil my Olympics watching by telling me who wins in real time.  I may as well be in the Olympics if they had a spectator category because I think I would medal at Olympic watching.  I'm that good.

Now for my notes from the couch.

1) A word to the American women who play beach volleyball (I'm looking at you Misty and Kerri).  I love that it is chilly enough in England that you have to wear these shirts:

 in place of the skimpy bikinis you usually wear:

 However, could you please wear bottoms that cover more than your, ahem, bottoms?  

Like these Australian women, perhaps (minus the sports-bra-over-the-shirt look):

 If you have to adjust your briefs after every play, then THEY ARE TOO SMALL!!

The men can play like this:

So I'm sure more clothing won't impede your talent.

2) Michael Phelps.  You poor thing.  You didn't even know what to say after you came in 4th place in the 400 IM:

But victory sure was sweet for your teammate, Ryan Lochte:

I mean he's cute, he's handsome, and he's good-looking.

Oh, and he's talented.

I'm glad he finally gets a chance to shine after being in Phelp's shadows all these years.
I got your back, Ry Ry:

Hey, thanks, girl.

Phelps, you can still get 3 medals to be the top decorated Olympian ever, just don't do it at Lochte's expense, ok?

3) What would ever, ever, ever compel someone to ride a bike for over 5 hours?  I take one spinning class and can't walk right for 3 days.  How do these guys do it?

And it's not only being on the bike for that long.  It's being on a bike for that long and staring at another guy's bum the whole time:

Plus look at what happens to your legs!!!  Here is Robert Foerstemann of Germany:

I'm all for muscular legs, but oy vey!

4) How about the Opening Ceremony?  I thought it was pretty good.  Lots of stuff going on, and the English highlighted what they were the most proud of, which, turns out, is the stuff nightmares are made of: 

healthcare:

and big babies:

The dancing and music were seriously fun.  

But then the Americans outfits:

U-G-L-Y, you ain't got no alibi.  

I'm no fashion diva, but I think Ralph Lauren could have given them something more updated and simple.  And maybe actually made the American outfits on American soil.  Oops!  Small oversight, I guess.

Stay tuned for more Olympic insights from your untalented Olympic spectator's notes from the couch.

It's Starting! It's Starting!!

7 Quick Takes: Summer Wish List

1) Eat ice cream for dinner:

(We had dinner for dessert!)

DONE!

2) Go to the beach:

DONE!  Plenty of times.  I love where we live!

3) Swim in pool:

DONE!  Thanks to our nice babysitter!

4) Go on vacation:

NOT YET!  In August we will be going to MD and Williamsburg.

5) Spend time with family and friends:

DONE! (But never enough!!!)

6) Go to the movies as a family (minus Alexander)

ALMOST! 

We are waiting to see Ice Age 4 when Gammy comes home from vacation!  

The kids have seen Brave, and Phil and I saw The Amazing Spiderman.

7) Run a race:

Not I!  Unfortunately my knee hasn't let me run too much this summer.  But my kids run plenty at track club.

How are your summer vacation wish lists going?

First Birthday, Full Day

Oh Alexander Blaise, how can it be a whole year since we finally met, face to face?  You were my biggest baby:

And exactly the dark-haired little brother Andrew prayed for (so at least one sibling could look like him):

 You loved to eat and sleep then, and you love to eat and sleep now:

At 3 months, the exersaucer was your hang-out place:

You loved the high chair at 6 months, because of course, that meant food:

At nine months, being in Phil's arms was the best because you are definitely a Daddy's boy:

Your siblings fell in love with you from the moment they saw you:

and haven't stopped adoring you since:

You love to play peek-a-boo:

And of course, you love balls:

This morning we took you out to eat for breakfast, and you chose your bottle as an appetizer.  Then you ate some pancakes and eggs and toast and sausage.  Mmmmmm, you definitely love to eat, as those chubby arms and cheeks will prove!

After your morning nap, we headed to the wading pool so you could splash around with your siblings and some cousins:

When we got home, you got your birthday balloon:

  We ate spaghetti and meatballs for dinner and then tried your first sweet treat for dessert - chocolate cake!!

Turns out you are not a fan of the cake after all!!!

But you did love making a mess!

We love you so much baby boy, you have added nothing but sweetness and love and joy to our family.