Sorscha the Serious

We’re starting to see a more wakeful baby now. She’s staying awake during longer periods of the day – only to nurse relentlessly upon her mother. She has gained a good amount of weight and shows all signs of being a very healthy girl. Of some uniqueness, she’s quite grunty. We get the impression that… Continue reading Sorscha the Serious

A Baby Changes Everything

Remarkably, the biggest change at the Gradin household is simply in our perception. There are all sorts of things that change when a new child is born into your family. Your free time dries up, your bank account empties, you become more selfless. But when you already have an older child, the thing we noticed… Continue reading A Baby Changes Everything

Birthday Cheers. Skål!

…And upon the third decade of life, such an elaborate scheme was laid upon the woolen eyes of their victim. Never before have I been so bewildered and pleased in the same breath. Here’s the skinny on one of the greatest sting operations of all times. Jeff calls me early in the month of February… Continue reading Birthday Cheers. Skål!

Fire Bubbles

Children explore the world around them with such innocence and wonder. I am reminded of this daily by the fact that Balthazar brings every little minor detail to my attention. Most of the time it’s a plea for me to notice this most magnificent discovery of his. As parents – and even some of our… Continue reading Fire Bubbles

‘Twas the Night Before Yule

‘Twas the night before Yule, when all ‘cross the heath, not a being was stirring; Pagan, faerie, or beast. Wassail was left out & the alter adorned, to rejoice that the Sun King would soon be reborn. The children lay sleeping by the warmth of the hearth, their dreams filled with visions of belov’d Mother… Continue reading ‘Twas the Night Before Yule

Make Sure You Have Clean Underwear

Balthazar received his second backpack in life – this one more official than the diaper bag/backpack we taught him to carry. He perked awake this morning with the clear intention of this backpack accompanying him to daycare (a.k.a. school). All morning he held onto said pack and eagerly considered the jealousy in his friends’ eyes… Continue reading Make Sure You Have Clean Underwear

Federal Bureau of Inefficiency

A romantic notion in the recesses of my mind really loves the F.B.I., C.I.A., and the like. I like spy novels. I like James Bond. I like super heroes fighting super villans. However, the real world of federal investigative services is far different than the portrayal delivered through metaphor and myth. I read today in… Continue reading Federal Bureau of Inefficiency

Lady in the Water

M. Night Shyamalan has created yet another masterpiece to add to his considerable titles so far. I know I’ve heard some poor reviews on the film, but I’m hear to tell you that M. Night fans will not be dissappointed. My wife and I decided he creates films that appeal to his artistic vision first… Continue reading Lady in the Water

RACE: Enter Personal Politics

We went to Athens’ Athica art gallery to see the RACE show. It’s a bit of an anti-whitey display, but I’m not going to say that the white man hasn’t done some malicious racial activities in the past and present. I’m sure that it will continue into the future, possibly as a result of displays… Continue reading RACE: Enter Personal Politics