Rockin' Roan

Christmas holiday 2009

2009-12-29T15:20:00.000-08:00

First image: Roan's boots got dirty - didn't even need to tell him to clean them or look far for a microscpoic waterfall to clean them with.

Second image: Roan looking for Chickens in the chicken coop!. Too bad he forgot to look behind himself!

ThirdImage: Roan, Deer, my big nose.

Christmas weekend we went down to Bunratty Castle in Clare. I had never been in the castle before but had visited the little town next to it. Its a great place to get an introduction to what a irish village might have looked like in the 1800s.

There are loads of animals there for the kids and one of Roans favorite haunts is the chicken coops and ducks area where he gets to burn off a little energy trying to imitate Rocky Balboa (chasing greased lightning aka a rooster).

Christmas Day 2009, Galway Ireland

2009-12-29T15:00:00.000-08:00

Top image: Looking out the side window over the bay at the sunrise.

Next images: Looking out the front window.

Awoke to (relatively) frigid but stunning conditions Christmas Morning. The differences and subtle beauty of Ireland never cease to amaze me. Too cold and treacherous to head outside, but wonderful to look out the window at!

We got the fire roaring early and enjoyed a day of messing about in the house and opening thep presents. Roan didn't have too many to open because he had already opened most of the them the few days before - I think the concept of 12 days of christmas is better than blowing your wad all at once - more excitement for your buck :-)

I met a guy a few days later who reminded me how christmas is filled with hypocracy because we spend all this money giving eachother stuff we dont need rather than feeding the poor starvign masses. DOWNER! (but very true and worth thinking about)

2009-08-17T14:11:00.001-07:00

Near most of the fortified houses or tower houses in Ireland there is usually a stream or river for obvious reasons - why build a castle 2 miles from something you need every day! Be nice to your women ;-)

Anyway, here are some shots from one of the first day trips we took when we got here of the surroundings around Augnanure castle. The stream is along side the outer wall on one side. There were a group of horses roaming just outside the grounds as well.

The images give a sense of the kinds of special details of the forest surroundings here.

Barna Woods

2009-08-15T00:32:00.000-07:00

We like to take walks through Barna Woods a few times a week with Roan.

It is a true elfin forest, and a great short little journey for Roan to learn about the mosses and ferns. He sometimes says goodbye to every tree we pass on the way out, or decides that he needs to kiss the leaves of the bushes.

We have taught him to pat the mossy trees and to feel how soft and fluffy they are - everything in the forest is carpeted in thick moss.

For father and son its kind of a little dream journey through times past, to be able to see a little bit of the world the way it looked before bulldozers and track housing.

PAris J'tiame

2009-08-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

Yes we are in love. We saw new parts of the city we'd not seen before, found the most charming streets and architecture and parks with the aid of Marie Christine our host, and even Roan had a great time.

It helps so much to have finally figured out how to work with Roan in a city like that. We were afraid it would be difficult but after the 2nd day it started to fall together. The french kids regardless of age were really good with him as well - there was none of the big kid snobbery we see other places.

Prices are quite a lot less than Ireland, the food in general is much better, and the Bastille Sunday Market WOW! Definitely a city where just walking about is a joy - and there is so much to explore.

Jacqui and Roan visited a long time family friend Veronique up in Belgium and had a great time seeing Veronique's family there.

We just arrived back in Ireland today and it must be said that we are happy to be coming back here for home if anywhere. The weather was fantastic today, everyone out in the city and on the prom (beach walkway), beautyful views outside our window, and we got to top the evening off with Harry Potter through which amazingly Roan stayed seated with us the whole time - what a treat!

Paris

2009-08-10T08:04:00.000-07:00

Wow we had forgotten how fantastic paris is. Saturday we've went on a cruise from tour d'eiffel to Notre Dame and back, and along the way the building you see on either side create the most fantastic impression. Especailly near the Ille de'Cite (think it's called), the buildings are like a giant-like version of Venice, and one gets the impression they are going through a more grandiose version of that canalled city.

Even Roan is enjoying it here. We've found lots of playgrounds and in general the kids have been great with him. He's running a lot down the greenways and pathways along the boulevards...

Its funny. the other times I've been in Paris, the city never really impressed me so much, but this time for some reason. perhaps because of the information our friend Marie Christine keeps giving us about all the neighborhoods and buildings, the place obviously has so much rich history and architecture. Funny that JAcqui and I now want to try and find a way to live here for a while. We've noticed almost no pregnant women here though... Hmmmm.

Anyway, we will try to come back more often.

pictures to come.

New Neighbors

2009-06-28T14:10:00.000-07:00

We went for a walk soon after we arrived to discover we had some breand new neighbors! They were only probably a week or two old but already taller than Roan ;-)

Roan was kind of entranced by the one of them that got close to us.

A Walk in the Woods

2009-06-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

A few days after we arrived Mommy and Roan went for a walk in the woods just over the stream...

The woods next door

2009-06-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

Here are some shots of the woods next door. Roan and Mark do some little walks in there, or along the bay side.

Roans New Friends

2009-06-28T13:20:00.001-07:00

So we've been visiting a lot of pastural environs in the past weekends (save a trip to Dublin). We've enjoyed getting Roan to recognize the "Moos" from the "Baaas". It feels so nice to get him exposed to such a wholesome environment early on. We even bought him a collection of little farm animal toys to play with (because all the other toys are too expensive here!).

Sadly, all the cute Moos and Baaas in Ireland can dissuade him from his first passion - the DAAGEE - i.e. cars.

Anyway, here are some shots of Roan appreciating the environs and some of his new friends.

Dunguaire Castle

2009-06-28T07:29:00.000-07:00

Stopped by Dunguaire Castle about 30 minutes away from our house on the opposite side of the bay. We had a picnic on the grounds and took Roan for a walk around the outside of the castle. It is actually a "fortified house" form the 1400s, not a castle per se, but a great backdrop for a picnic none the less ;-)

In the bay in front a swan showed up eventually, and there were some beautyful photography subjects in the surroundings.

Corcomroe Abbey

2009-06-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

Drove about a half hour south of the house yesterday and happened across a wonderful old abbey ruin. set idylically in a valley surrounded by the Burren, it was a super exciting find. We have had this happen so often - were just driving down a road here and POW - a stunning castle or abbey or ruin is right off to one side.

This place is an active graveyard now.

We stayed there for probably 2 hours introducing Roan to the local Bovine community, and appreciating the amazing old stone structure and feel of the place.

Moved to Ireland

2009-06-28T04:59:00.000-07:00

Welp, we've moved to Ireland and have been here for 4 weeks now.

In short, the amount of exitement and appreciation we have for our our surroundings in our daily life now is far beyond how we felt in Mission Viejo. Just being in Europe is already a great experience, but the Irish Landscape, the wildness of the west, the activities and culture here in Galway, and all of the history we are surrounded with has been wonderful.

The open space and friendly people have made time with Roan so much nicer for Jacqui and Roan. Lots of meet ups for moms here, and she has made friends with a wonderful girl Maeve that ha sa son a little younger than Roan.

The need to drive more than 5 minutes is pretty much gone, except on the weekends, and on the weekends, to get somewhere with stunning scenery and ancient buildings, you dont need to drive more than an hour at most.

The city of Galway is fairly rich in old architecture, and wonderfully compact and quite scenic. It seems that in time we will get to know many familiar faces when we walk through town. It is steeped in history, which is best learnt about by old gentlemen at the pubs. The farmers market is great. It has the feeling of a small town, which in truth it is, even though it is the 4th largest in Ireland.

We have the sea in front of our house, a bay to the east and a fairy tale forest behind. 3 different places for Roan to experience nature and see critters all within 1 - 10 minutes walk. Horses and cows on 2 sides of us as well. There is a little stream that runs out back.

Jacqui has continued her tradition of taking Roan to the sea almost daily for fun in the sand.

Many pics to come, just waiting on a decent computer to work on them with.

Cheers!

Roan's Fist Birthday

2009-02-15T10:16:00.000-08:00

Well big boy turned one on Feb 9, but we celebrated a bit earlier. It was a fine turnout, with Grandma Mirta,Granpa Pito, Titi Lili,Titi Rosie,Titi Ellie, Titi Artemis, and all the way from France, Titi Marie and many of our good friends and .
When it was time for cake we all sang to Roan, and when he turned around to realize everyone was singing to him he started clapping and screaming out of excitement. The boy is a real ham.

Roan is almost one!

2009-01-24T09:14:00.000-08:00

Roan and Molly

2009-01-24T09:10:00.000-08:00

Luckily Molly is a patient dog, cause Roan really tries it. If she is in the room, he chases her, pulls her fur, yells at her, grabs her tail, and whatever shananigans he feels like.Luckily she is a patient dog that one!

Morning walk

2009-01-11T22:10:00.000-08:00

Everyday after breakfast Roan and Mommy take Molly the dog for a walk. Its been chilly here (of course not today its over 80, and smells like fire-what a surprise)
so Roan has to wear his hat and mittens. The mittens dont last long, but we try. Here he is in his monster pajamas ready to torment Molly.

Breakfast Time, Roan 11 months

2009-01-11T22:06:00.001-08:00

Roan can and enjoys feeding himself. Every morning he feeds himself some cherrios, some bananna, juice and whatever else I put on his high chair. He likes people food way more then baby food. Here he is enjoying banannas and pancakes.

Pictures with Santa

2009-01-11T21:56:00.000-08:00

So Roan wasn't exactly thrilled to sit with Santa, but with a bit of help we got one good shot-out of 20 screamers.

Roan 9 months

2008-11-28T14:48:00.000-08:00

Little man is a tall and lean. He can now crawl,stand with one hand holding on , clap,say hello, and get into trouble.

Happy Thanksgiving.

2008-11-28T14:44:00.001-08:00

So just for giggles we dressed up Roan as a chicken, for turkey day. Get it?
He wasnt too happy with this outfit, but we sure enjoyed ourselves.
Gobble Gobble

Oktoberfest and Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-31T11:46:00.000-07:00

Well, it was fall here in Orange County for all of two days. Since then its been hot , hot , hot! But we did enjoy a bit of cool weather at the pumpkin patch and at our friends Oktoberfest. Check out my German dress and Roan's fly fidora.

Roan turns 8 months!

2008-10-09T17:28:00.000-07:00

Wow time has gone by quick. Big boy can now wave hello, clap, scoot,roll around and lift himself. He is very curious and very active. Here are some pictures of the family on our weekend trip to Mammouth Lakes, CA. We had a great time, but mom and baby got a cold , so we had to come back early.

Roan has teeth!

2008-09-08T10:54:00.001-07:00

Little guy has two mini teeth coming in on the bottom, here he is eating breakfast and being goofy as usual. Video soon to come!

Roan is 6 months!

2008-08-17T21:05:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? Big boy is 6 months and growing every minute. He can now sit up on his own-for a while, then topples over, but he likes doing that. He can roll onto his tummy , and scoot around a bit. He has ALOT of energy-I think this guy is going to be pretty active to say the least. Here are some pictures of Roan eating his fave food -squash and peas,playing with his friend Zebraface,sitting in his "car", and playing on his mat.

2008-08-03T22:44:00.000-07:00

Sepia Roan

2008-07-28T20:32:00.001-07:00

At LACMA...

Heres a shot of Roan at Bolsa Chica...

and at the Moca...

Already a Ladies Man

2008-06-24T14:26:00.000-07:00

Here is Roan with his girlfriend Leah. Her mommy (Amy) and I shared an office together at Oneill, and were pregnant at the same time.

mommy and daddy pictures

2008-06-17T22:46:00.001-07:00

Roans milestones-4 months

2008-06-17T22:23:00.000-07:00

Milestones this month-Roan can now roll from his back to stomach, he loves to laugh and smile, and he is a major flirt. Also he is starting to eat cereal at night, and he started teething. Enjoy!

Grandpa Visits

2008-06-17T22:11:00.000-07:00

David flew from Hong Kong to see his grandson this month and we took a trip up north to Santa Barbara. Here are some pics of the boys hanging out.

Roan 4 months

2008-06-17T22:07:00.000-07:00

As you can see from this picture, Roan is pretty much half my size, also got a new haircut, like it?

2008-05-31T19:33:00.000-07:00

2008-05-31T19:18:00.000-07:00

2008-05-31T19:13:00.000-07:00

Roan visits Hoboken

2008-05-31T18:23:00.000-07:00

This kid so far is a jetsetter, first San Fran, now New York-dear god, what Paris next? (hopefully!)
Here are some pics of the little guy with Grandma Roxanne, Great Grandma Wackenhuth,Great Aunt Clare (who is 91!)Grandpa Pito, Tia Rosie,and friends Jennifer, Aurelia, Sherwin, Frankie and Jackie.
Milestones this month are moving head around and grabbing what he sees-including my dinner! He also discovered his feet which he grabs on occasion.

Roan goes to San Francisco

2008-05-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

Grandma Visits!

2008-05-07T20:27:00.000-07:00

Roan 10weeks

2008-04-27T16:32:00.000-07:00

He's getting really big! Roan really likes getting out of the house and walking around. We take him in the baby bjorn and he loves looking around and hearing people talk. Yesterday we went on a walk around Newport -see pic with Mark. Roan also has become a big fan of Disney Land, especially at night with all the lights for him to see and explore. Here are some additional pics too-we especially like the one of him and Mark-which I titled "what sad is" -enjoy!

Lift Off!

2008-04-17T22:01:00.000-07:00

Roan lifted his head yesterday , which in babylandia is a big deal. Every afternoon we have tummy time, where Roan practices his moves-lifting his head, crawling, turning. But most of the time there's alot of grunting and drooling, but alas his head went up, followed by some spit up and down went his face (right into his lunch).

like so cute

2008-04-17T21:52:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of Roan, he loves to be carried in his snugli by Pappa, and he loves to look at himself in the mirror on his playmat-can you blame the guy, he's cute!

smiley face

2008-04-14T22:13:00.000-07:00

aaah oooh

2008-04-14T22:02:00.001-07:00

Roan's first somewhat word was this week," aaah oooh", and he's been chatting up a storm ever since. He can mimic our facial expressions now, laugh and make lots a squeeky sounds and cooing.
Heres a pic of him on his playmat

2008-04-02T17:39:00.000-07:00

Roan is Growing!

2008-04-02T17:31:00.001-07:00

At 7 weeks, he is 4.5" longer then the average baby. Good grief!
He is now wearing 6-9 month clothes,instead of 0-3 and as you can see from the bathing pic-he's out growing our sink. Roan has started smiling, cooing, grabbing things, swinging at his toys and tracking objects. He's a very happy baby (so far) , loves to hang out on his chaning table and smile.

Its A Boy!

2008-02-19T15:26:00.000-08:00

On Feb 9, at 1:30 pm Roan William Leatheam was born, weighing in at 10lbs , 2oz and 22 inches long!! Now don't forget I'm only 58 inches, so he's a big guy. Here are some pics of us after delivery.

Labor Day!

2008-02-19T14:48:00.000-08:00

On Friday Feb 8 we went in for a regular check up,and doc was concerned that baby wasn't moving that much-and I was pretty huge. See pic below! So she told us to go across street to Hoag Hospital to get an ultrasound, once there the nurses said I was in labor. I felt fine, but an hour later started having contractions, and then was admitted. We weren't prepared so Mark drove home to get the his camera equiptment (most stressful drive ever) and I was put into the delivery room. I was in a slow labor for about 6 hours, then asked for an epidural. Both the contractions and the epidural weren't as painful as I thought it would be. I slowly dilated, but after 12 hrs of just laying around, baby only dilated to 5cm, so had to get a C-Section.

5 day countdown

2008-02-05T10:54:00.000-08:00

So 5 days before due date! Last night I had contractions from about 3pm to 2am-but irregular-baby is getting me ready for take off. My mom slept in her clothes,and Mark got all his equiptment ready, but alas, they went away. Guess labor day will be as scheduled.

Baby's room

2008-01-13T16:43:00.000-08:00

We're so ready,now we're just waiting for the little pooper to arrive.

9 months, and still keeping it real

2008-01-13T16:35:00.000-08:00

So since I am a disaster in the kitchen-xmas dinner included breaking 2 glasses, cutting myself, and giving myself 3rd deg. burn on my shoulder, all for a mediocre dinner-Mark enlisted his two friends Dana and Tom to help out . Here is a picture of the boys cooking up some grub, as I lay around watching them serve me.

Pregnancy Picture, 7 months

2007-12-10T10:38:00.000-08:00

Mark has started a photo studio in the garage, here is a picture of me at about 7 months pregant.
Baby is kicking alot , especially at night or when music is played. Sleeping has been a challenge because of my size, heat and the cats are still very cuddly and don't like moving as much as I need to in the night.

Almost Here!

2007-12-10T10:14:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from our 18 weeks ultrasound. Baby has the Linares smile!