The Bridenstines -- Random Rants, Daily Dish and Seriously Silly Stuff

Sunday, December 6, 2009 --- Sunday with Dad and Nicholas

While Mom ran downtown to see a movie with a friend, Nicholas and Dad went on a little local adventure. It entailed the following; swinging in Bennett Park, getting cookies at 181st street, walking down to Wiggles & Giggles only to see it closed, then walking down to the Little Red Light House, playing with NJ's new bus on a deserted tennis court, walking up to the Psychiatric Hospital and taking their elevator back to civilization, sticking our head into the Track & Field Museum, taking the choo-choo back to 181st Street, getting a slice at George's pizza, grabbing two donut holes at Dunkin Donuts, making it home hours later to have NJ crash on my shoulder while watching "Wall-E." I'm tired too, especially as I didn't take the stroller. What a day! Here are just some simple video moments of fun. Enjoy!

Labels: 181 street, Nicholas, pizza, psychiatric hosptial

Monday, November 9, 2009 --- The Fall Leaves

Lori, Nicholas and I took a walk down the West Side on Saturday, all the way from 185th Street to 125th. Along the way, we had beautiful sunshine, a quick look at the famous Little Red Lighthouse, a kick through fallen Fall leaves and lots and lots of laughs. Take a look at some video and pics! [Notice how I kick a few too many leaves on Lori's face. Sorry honey!]

Labels: fall, Little Red Lighthouse, Nicholas, West Side

Tuesday, September 15, 2009 --- Tickling on Governor's Island

We all went to Governor's Island on Sunday and got this great clip of Mommy tickling her little man, Nicholas. The man loves to laugh. Hear the giggles!

Labels: Governor's Island, Mom, Nicholas, tickle

Monday, June 8, 2009 --- 100th Post

Blogger.com tells me that this is our 100th posting! So, in tribute, I have attached first-hand pictures of Nicholas' battle yesterday with a soft-serve ice cream cone. It was a tough fight, but I believe the little man came out victorious. Next stop - FROZEN CUSTARD!

Labels: ice cream, July, Nicholas, summer

Friday, May 22, 2009 ---

Nothing is as cute as a little boy eating his ice cream cone. Now this little boy is a bit scratched up, with a forehead marked up from flipping off his changing table, and the remnants of a bloody nose from the previous day's fall. And his mother says he had no desire to share his cone. So all that said, maybe NJ was a bit on the blue side that day. But I'm sure the cone helped, nonetheless...

Labels: ice cream, Nicholas, sad, son

Sunday, May 3, 2009 --- Kickin Daddy

Even though you can't see Nicholas laughing his head off, believe me, he was. I guess kicking Daddy in the head/chest is just hilarious to a 17 month old!

Labels: Dad, kick, Nicholas, swing

Tuesday, April 14, 2009 --- Easter Trip 2009

The whole Bridenstine clan set out to the Midwest for Easter 2009, starting with a trip to Grandpa and Grandma B. We were lucky enough to stay at Uncle Tom's, as he was out of town, and we got a chance to see how Grandpa B is doing. The report? A+ and straight on till mornin, if we can mix our metaphors. Then we hit the train to Chicago and got a chance to spend one fun night with cousins David and Lisa. Right in the heart of the Big Second City. Nice! We also got a visit from good friends Aaron and Diana, and their lovely daughter Sienna. A full day at Navy Pier and the Children's Museum made for a ton of fun. From there, we hit the suburbs and stayed at Aunt Stacey and Uncle Larry's, and got to hook up with the whole family; Grandpa and Grandma M, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Julie, the three girls, and cousins Seth and Ava. Six kids reeking havoc all around the house - and we wouldn't have it any other way. Take a look at some our our pics.

Below we see Dad and Nicholas playing Wii. Dad has that clueless look on his face of someone who doesn't understand advanced gaming, or maybe even multi-syllabic words, while Nicholas is doing the best thing you can with a microphone; eat it.

Below Nicholas is practicing his licks for "Rock Band 2." Jam man!

Here's Grandpa B, smiling for the camera.

Below you see Uncle Steve and his very large paddle for rowing with his French Nature club, whose name escapes me. [Actually, I don't speak French, so I'm off the hook.] Nicholas looks up in amazement, hoping his stern looking Uncle has no plans for the paddle and NJ's behind. Below that is a pic from Uncle Tom's porch of deer, looking for a handout. Tell Ted Nugent that only thing we shot them with is a digital camera.

Here's a really cute picture of Nicholas and Siena, sitting on the Chicago grass in a park.

Below you'll see Nicholas was NOT happy about riding Thomas the train at Navy Pier.

The two kids play in the background at the Chicago Children's Museum while Aaron talks to a really hot Mom. Or not. I forget. But it sounds funnier when I write "hot Mom."

On Easter Sunday, all six of the kids looked for eggs in Uncle Larry's backyard. Here Seth frantically looks to add up on his total haul, while NJ works the yard with Mom as Isabella uses her bunny ears to sense exactly where the hidden eggs may be.

Later at Grandpa and Grandma's, NJ works the kazoo.

Isn't NJ styling in his cute new hat? You go girl!

Another egg hunt? Yes, that's right people. Grandpa's backyard had almost 200 eggs hidden in it's many nooks and crannies, and the kids had a very fun time searching and gathering.

With a little help from Mom, NJ finds one under a branch.

When you need help finding hidden eggs, call for Dudley, the super sniffing dog! [Master Uncle Corey, out of frame, is gladly keeping Dudley from eating all the egg's contents.]

What a cute couple! Mom and son, happy on Easter day!

Labels: Chicago, Detroit, Easter, family, Nicholas, vacation

Monday, March 30, 2009 --- Nicholas in the park from 3/16/09

This is a little old but thought it was cute. We rotate parks that we go to and this is a new one for the wee ones. He was practicing his walk/run! You will see his friend Nicolas chasing after him.

Labels: Nicholas, park

Monday, March 23, 2009 --- First Bike Ride

Nicholas and I hit the streets of Manhattan yesterday for the first time ever - ON A BIKE! NJ's seat came in from amazon.com, along with his cute blue Bell helmet, covered in fishes and turtles and other sea life. Mom went out with a friend so the boys were on their own. It all started out well, but when I saw that it was too cold to go along the real bike path along the Hudson, we had to hit Broadway. So it was sidewalk city, from one street to another, which was kind of annoying, but nowhere near as annoying as the seat to Mom's bike (which I was riding), which kept falling down after being reset. I mean, I know I need to lose some weight, but this was ridiculous! And given how far down I was, it was like riding a clown car. We did, however, manage to hit the Harlem bike shop, the Burger King and tried desperately to find the red velvet cupcake place to bring a treat home to Mom. You can see how much NJ loved his carseat in the shot below - so much so that he feel asleep. Nothing says "A day out in the city" like sleeping in your bike seat. Afterwards we hit Gideon's, our local Jewish bakery, to get our shared cinnamon roll. Ah...the weekends.

Labels: bicycle, Dad, Manhattan, Nicholas, sleep

Sunday, March 15, 2009 --- Saturday in the Park, I think it was the Fourth of July

Well, it wasn't quite the 4th of July, but it was a fairly warm Saturday in March. Lori, Michael and Nicholas all headed downtown to go shopping, and fit a lot of fun in between the purchases.

Here we are at the subway station at 181st St, where Nicholas decides to throw some strange looks at the resident accordion player. The guy got a dollar, despite.

Here's Nicholas going down a big slide with the help of Daddy.

Here's Nicholas going down the twisty slide with the help of Mommy.

Now Nicholas going down the big cone slide alone!

Labels: Dad, Mom, Nicholas, park, summer

Wednesday, February 25, 2009 --- Nicholas Wishes

A personal note for Grandpa B from Nicholas B!

Labels: Grandpa B, Nicholas

Saturday, February 7, 2009 --- Michael's 40th Birthday

On February 5th, Michael turned 40! [So did Whitney Houston's ex-husband, crazy man Bobby Brown, but he's got nothing to do with this blog.] The day was spent in a very mellow, but fun fashion. Lori made blueberry pancakes for her Bridenstine boys, and then we all headed off to meet friend Claire and her son Nicolas at the playroom at St. John the Divine. $6 gets you tons of fun for the kids and that's exactly what we did; tumbling around with NJ, riding a bike, getting into all kinds of mischief. Then it was off to Dive Bar where you can get one free chicken wing for every year you're on the planet. [Seems like a fair trade to me...] Michael only got about 20 wings in his system, but fun and many calories were had by all. Then it was back home for some homemade cake - almond cake with green tea frosting - that crumbled right before our eyes. It didn't look like much, but it tasted yummy. Then a gift or two, some more hugs and playing around, and finally the day ended. Family and fun - what more can an old man ask for! See the pics below.

Labels: birthday, fun, lori, michael, Nicholas, NJ, playground

Monday, January 19, 2009 --- Super Birthday Party Weekend

We had four birthday parties to attend this weekend!

1 - Nicholas Eugene Collura, who turned one, and had a great party on Long Island. Pablo from "The Backyardigans" showed up and we had lots of fun with other kids. Particularly cute was Aidan, who as you can see as he holds his balloons, doesn't come to the smiles easily.

2 - Jen Bencivenga, who turned the big 5=0, and our friend Mike had a big party that was a cowboy party, with hats, bandanas and fun line dancing. We saw old friend we hadn't seen in a long time, but unfortunately, had to leave before we could get any cake.

3 - Nicholas Langella, who turned one, and had an intimate gathering up in Washington Heights. Lots of French was spoken, but the two Nicholas' just spoke the language of fun.

4 - Lori Lynn Bridenstine [aka Mom]. who turned 38, and we just had friends Amy and Dave over for some cake. Dad made a large Geman Chocolate cake, which despite following the directions, was a tad dry. Damn! Oh well, Mom seemed to like her silly gifts from Dad, NJ and the cats. Favorite gift - shoes from Amy and Dave. You can't win them all...

Special bonus Video - a lame rendition of "Happy Birthday" for Mom's 38th!

Labels: Bencivenga, birthday, collura, lori, Nicholas, Nicholas Langella, parties

Wednesday, January 14, 2009 --- The Cleaner

My son will sweep your son under the rug! Seriously. Take a look.

Labels: cleaning up, fun, Nicholas, NYC, sweeping

Wednesday, January 7, 2009 --- HE WALKS!

SHOW, DON'T TELL! TAKE A LOOK!

Labels: Nicholas, TV, walking

Sunday, December 14, 2008 --- Nicholas' First Birthday Party

December 14th 2008 is Nicholas' first birthday, and we had the party to end all parties. [Well, that's not true. Just a few good friends and some fun times.] In attendance were two other Nicholas' - Nicholas Collura and Nicholas Paul. Their parents came as well, of course, and Uncle Dave and Aunt Amy from next door joined us as well. So we had three Nicks! [Unfortunately, the fourth Nicholas, Nicolas Langella, no "h", was not feeling well so we were short one for a Nicholas round of doubles in tennis.] Daddy made yummy homemade banana birthday cake and mommy personalized it. We hung up some banners and had an Elmo/Sesame Street theme going. Pretty low-key, which was the recommended path by our accountant. The 3 Nicks played together and NJ got lots of nice gifts, from Grandparents and friends and many others. I'd say he's truly a spoiled little monkey. And although NP eventually fell asleep, and NC took a major face plant on the floor after popping a balloon with one of his two teeth, and NJ got super cranky, a fun time was had by all. The good news is that Nicholas tells us that this birthday thing happens every year, so we're gonna have to do it again eventually. Ugh... Check out the video of "Happy Birthday" being sung by non-professionals, and some fun pics below that.

Labels: birthday, fun times, Nicholas, NJ, presents

Friday, December 12, 2008 --- Final Music Class

Nicholas had his final music class this week, and both Mom and Dad were lucky enough to attend. His good friend Nicholas Langella is in the class and there was lots of dancing, singing and general silliness. Dad even lied on the floor under the parachute for the "parachute song" and snapped some pics. Take a look.

Labels: class, Mom, music, Nicholas, Nicholas Langella, NJ

Friday, December 5, 2008 --- Playground Peek-a-Boo

Just playing with NJ out on the playground on a sunny December day. Take a look!

Labels: December, Nicholas, NJ, peek-a-boo, playground

Sunday, November 23, 2008 --- Little Carnivore

Today was Nana's 61st birthday, and in celebration, we all went to Dinosaur Barbeque in Harlem for some ribs, corn bread and good times. Nana introduced Nicholas to the joys of chewing on bones, and as you can see in the pictures below, he's got a million years of evolution behind him and loves it like the caveman he is! A slice of cake for Nana, a single candle and some laughs put an end to a very fun day. Lots more adventures as Nana spends turkey day with the Bridenstines in NYC! [Let's just hope the pics aren't quite so graphic....]

Labels: breakfast, brunch, fun, Nana, Nicholas

Thursday, November 6, 2008 --- Nicholas' First Halloween

Our little community in Washington Heights put on a Halloween parade! 600 families showed up to march from the public school to our little park nearby with a banner and lighted jack o lanterns. We paraded around the park with our little 'cowboy' while Michael was teaching Nicholas how to trick-or-treat. Surprisingly he was the only cowboy we saw. Dad was Clark Kent and Mom was a tired mom!

Labels: cowboy, Halloween, Nicholas

Sunday, October 26, 2008 --- Sunday fun in the park

What a beautiful day to get out on this gorgeous Sunday! After some super scrumptious chicken and waffles, the three of us hit the 110th Street Central Park playground. My tummy was full, but my camera was out, and I captured some really cute pics of mother and son at play. What a pair of cuties!

Labels: chicken, family, fun, Nicholas, Sunday, waffles

Sunday, October 19, 2008 ---

Apple picking in New Paltz, NY, with the Pauls. Yeah! What a great way to spend a beautiful October day. Anthony drove, Jen and Lori watched the two Nichlolas', and I rode in the open trunk. Steerage I think is the formal name. But I'm happy to do it anytime, as we made it up there with no problems, and actually saw a black bear on our drive up. Happy, he was far off from the expressway. A nice 1:30 p.m. brunch filled out tummies and then we spent several hours at the apple orchard, picking, eating, playing, buying, riding, laughing, etc., until lots of traffic and tears on the way home. All worth it, and we look forward to doing it again. Take a look at some pics!

Labels: anthony, apple picking, Dad, fall, Mom, new paltz, Nicholas, pauls

Sunday, September 28, 2008 --- Rad Dad and Fun Son

Just a few pics of father and son, horsing around in NYC in the summer of 2008.

Labels: Dad, fun, Nicholas, pics, summer

Friday, August 29, 2008 --- NJ in NJ

Check out some great shots of NJ down in South New Jersey, taken by his favorite Aunt Amy!

Labels: Aunt Amy, beach, Nicholas, NJ, smile

Sunday, August 24, 2008 --- Nicholas finding jingle bells!

We were invited to go to Jersey for the weekend to Nicholas' Aunt Amy's Mom's place (that's a lot of 's!) to enjoy the sun and sand one last time before the end of summer. On the way, Nicholas was playing Jingle Bells! Look at him go with those bells we bought him. [FYI - even though it's a musical entry, so to say, the audio is really low, so find the cuteness in the look, not the listen.]

Labels: amy, Jersey, Nicholas, sun

Monday, August 11, 2008 --- Rich Cousin Sails into NYC on Private Yacht

The headline reads well, right? Caught your eye? Like something from The New York Post? Well, like so many things in the Post, it may be catchy, but it's not exactly true...

The truth is that cousins David and Lisa Dincolo, out East for a New Jersey wedding, came to join us this past Saturday for a bit of food and fun. We all got a late start on the day, but had a very nice Southern comfort food lunch of jambalaya, chicken and waffles, puffed yucca, etc. Stomachs full, we then headed south to catch the Governor's Island ferry, but as the train's were whack, taking us to Brooklyn and then back, by the time we got there that ship had sailed. Or at least the boat had. So we decided to hit that old standby, the Staten Island Ferry, and lost land and hit the seas for a little air. NJ was a tad touchy, or cranky, but we did manage to get a few smiles nonetheless. It was great to see the Dincolos and we look forward to seeing them at Christmas time in South Bend. Or wherever else we all find ourselves.

Labels: David, fun, Lisa, lunch, Nicholas, Staten Island

Wednesday, July 30, 2008 --- Like Father - Like Son!

I found some old Super 8 footage from late 1969 of me - Daddy Michael Bridenstine - on the changing table with Mom. Now, 39 years later, we get Nicholas James on the changing table with his Mom. You be the judge? Like Father, like Son? Or should I get the kid DNA tested?

Labels: baby, changing table, compare, Dad, michael, Nicholas, video

Wednesday, July 9, 2008 --- 4th of July Fun

The 4th of July holiday was a big one here in NYC for the Bridenstines, mostly because there was lots of family in town. Nana, Uncle Tom and his three awesome kids, Johnny, Maggie and Sarah joined us for the American festivities, and what a festive time it was. Things done include - walking through Central Park, riding the Beast in the Hudson, grabbing lunch in Chinatown, going to see the Yankees play, having high tea, perusing through Grand Central Station, hitting the Museum of Natural History, eating at Carmines, seeing "Wall-E" - the list goes on. Here are just a few pics of our great adventure.

Labels: Brooklyn, Brooklyn bridge, family, July 4th, Nana, Nicholas

Monday, June 30, 2008 --- Swingin in the Summertime!

A great picture that Lori took a week or so ago when NJ was out swinging. Look at that tongue sticking out. If this doesn't make you smile, you're a stone-cold bastard. No, really, you are.

Labels: fun, Nicholas, playground, summer, swing

Thursday, June 26, 2008 --- NJ up high

Just another shot of NJ up on Daddy's shoulders. Clean. Simple. Fun. God Bless America!

Labels: Daddy, fun, michael, Nicholas, shoulders, store

Thursday, June 19, 2008 --- Not Sesame Street - K Street!

Looks like Nicholas is showing his television viewing habits early. On C-Span, you may see mindless, boring talk. He sees blazing excitement! This is the kind of viewing that can make for a serious wonk...

Labels: C-Span, fun, Nicholas, television

Saturday, June 14, 2008 --- Late Night with Nicholas Bridenstine!

Come celebrate Nicholas' 6 month birthday - today, Saturday, June 14th - by taking a look at a clip of him in his new talk show. Hear him go on about the current state of the world, particulary the bouncing on Mom's tummy, and then at the end of the clip when he receives a smart-ass comment from his Producer [and in this over-long analogy, that would be Dad], notice the look he gives. IT'S PRICELESS! Happy 6 month birthday little monkey! The world is your oyster. Time to start shucking.

Labels: bed, funny, Late night chat, look, Nicholas

Friday, June 13, 2008 --- Sandman 1, NJ 0

Nothing is more fun to watch than a sleeping baby. So peaceful. So magical. So nice to not hear him scream....

Here NJ is sleeping with his newest gift, from Uncle TK, all the way from Paris, known as a "doo-doo" (my spelling). As with all things French, the name is being horribly mangled by me, and even though it appears to be a simple stuffed animal, I cast upon it great importance and cultural relevance for no discernable reason. Again - it's French.

Labels: doo-doo, French, Nicholas, sleep, stuffed animal

Sunday, May 25, 2008 --- Street Sounds

What a day for little Nicholas and the whole Bridenstine clan! We started off with a big breakfast made by Mom, then back to bed for a power nap [even though the only thing we really did was breakfast...] After getting ourselves cleaned up, we headed out to the fine Borough of Brooklyn. We met up with the Colluras and hit Prospect Park Zoo. Unfortunately, Nicholas Collura, one month NJ's junior, was not having a good weekend and cried more than his Mom and Dad wished for. A lot more. But we all stuck it out together and hit a great Mexican restaurant in Park Slope, where we took over the whole tented back porch area and managed to have some great food and great conversation. On the way home, with homemade ice cream cones in hand, we came upon a street musician. Needless to say, Nicholas was transfixed by the accordion's unique sound, as you can see in this clip. Look at his intent stare and "What are you, strange sounding thing?" look at the jolly musician. Hey, if we can't find new joy in this world by being a part of our children's life discoveries, then there's no music in any of our lives, right? VIVA LA BROOKLYN!

Labels: Brookln, ice cream, music, Nicholas, zoo

Thursday, May 1, 2008 --- Nick goes South!

The whole family went down to see Nana in The Villages and had a ton of fun. But we're crazy as usual and have been very bad in not updating the blog. Here are some pics for you to enjoy!

Labels: Florida, Nana, Nicholas, The Villages

Friday, March 21, 2008 --- The Dincolo legs

Look at those chunky Dincolo legs! We believe Nicholas James has his Great-Grandfather James Dincolo to thank for those moving tree trunks. What they lack in subtlety they make up for in power. I think I sense an offensive lineman. 36 Wham on set. BREAK!

Labels: Dincolo, football, James, Nicholas

Wednesday, March 12, 2008 --- Mommy's New Haircut and Nicholas Paul

I wasn't going to be one of those women that cut her hair short after becoming a mother; but once again something you find out only AFTER going through such a life change....Your hair can fall out in clumps after having a baby! Another lovely change with hormones! So I decided to let the locks go for now and in a split second my hairdresser had cut off my ponytail before I could change my mind! I think HE was tired of seeing me with my hair in a ponytail! Nicholas also had a big week last week with getting his first shots at the Dr's office! Daddy was there to go with us and has the video to post.

We also have another Nicholas that's our friend and he is 3 weeks younger than NJ. He weighed in at 9lbs 10oz! Lots of big boys lately!!!

Labels: Daddy, Dr., hair, Nicholas, shots

Tuesday, March 11, 2008 --- Nicholas Squared

There you have - Nicholas James Bridenstine and Nicholas Eugene Collura. Two boys who lay next to each other solely because some poor sap decided over 20 years ago to stick their two fathers in the same dorm room. NJ is just one month older than NE, but both enjoy breast feeding, sitting in their own poop and drooling. America - lock up your daughters. And if you look at the close-up pic below, you'll see that both truly are the red-eyed spawn of evil men.

Labels: babies, collura, Nicholas

Friday, March 7, 2008 --- SPLISH SPLASH!

It's time to get clean, and Mr. Nicholas James Bridenstine, 100% chunk of chocolate, does it in style...

Labels: bath, Bobby Darin, kitchen, lori, Mom, Nicholas

Friday, February 22, 2008 --- Let it Snow!

The snow is coming down! Looks like today is the most NYC has gotten all winter, stranding Dad, Mom and Nicholas inside. But not for long! Nicholas has a date with Aunt Amy, Mom is gonna run downtown and do something as long as it doesn't involve a small child and once Dad ends his two hour conference call out of L.A., he's hitting Starbucks and getting out.

And look at how cute NJ is sleeping next to Mom this morning! What an angel (or devil, if that's your thing!)

Labels: lori, Mom, morning, Nicholas, snow

Sunday, February 17, 2008 --- Take a look and I dare your heart not to melt. Really. I dare you.

LOOK AT THE FACE! LOOK AT THAT SMILE! YOU COULD DRIVE A TRUCK THROUGH THAT MOUTH! [This verifies without a shred of doubt that Nicholas is, in fact, the spawn of Michael's loins. Call Maury and tell him we're canceling our appointment.]

Labels: child, dimples, michael, Nicholas, smile, truck

Wednesday, February 6, 2008 --- Two Men Enter, One Man Grieves!

Nicholas Bridenstine, young American, is given the opportunity to exercise
his God-given right to vote, and as you can see, he's not very happy about it!

Labels: civic duty, cry, michael, Nicholas, Obama, vote

Thursday, January 24, 2008 --- Eye on I

Just a little reminder to myself - and all other men of the world - to never forget that they are watching. The wives, that is. You can see mine eyeing me and thinking "I'M WATCHING YOU BRIDENSTINE!" Thank God the kid distracts her from time to time...

Labels: blah, eye, husbands, lori, Nicholas, wives

Sunday, January 13, 2008 --- "DON'T SHAKE THE BABY!!!!!"

ALERT THE MEDIA! NICHOLAS HAS HICCUPS!

Labels: hiccups, Nicholas

--- Dad and Mom get a night out - without the little man!

As Grandma and Grandpa Bridenstine were in town to watch Nicholas, Mom and Dad got a rare chance to hit the streets of NYC and have some fun. With our good friends and neighbors Amy and Dave, we rode the "A" train downtown, just like The Duke Ellington Orchestra suggested, and had dinner and a movie. Dinner at Food Bar, a fun and very yummy restaurant in Chelsea, and then seeing Atonement, which Michael gives "Seven Burp Clothes" out of 10 and Lori gives "Two and a 1/2 Binkys" out of 4. Great looking, good performances, but a bit awkward at times in its storytelling and somewhat jaunty. But hey, now that we're parents, we're just glad to get out, especially when we don't have to pay a babysitter! Extra thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for watching little Nick. Now, back to the laundromat, unfinished work around the apartment and the crushing debt of misfortune that is our lives. Good times!

Labels: dinner, Grandpa and Grandma, lori, movies, Nicholas

Saturday, January 5, 2008 --- NEW PARENT LESSON #1

NEW PARENT LESSON #1

It is possible for something this cute to turn into a vomiting nightmare?

Yes, Virginia, it's true. New Daddy Michael learned this NEW PARENT LESSON [the first in what I'm sure will be a never-ending series] at about 6:30 a.m. this morning, while holding young Nicholas. All was calm, and well, and right with the world. Daddy had just given a bottle to young Master Bridenstine, gotten a nice burp, and was rocking him gently in his room, glider moving father and son slowly back and forth, when suddenly a God-awful mix of half-digested formula and infant stomach bile shot across the bow of the glider, clearing Dad and his night-time boxers and landing all over the blue IKEA carpet. The word projectile, or better yet the verbal conjugation of the word, to project, is really the best way to describe it. After the initial horror of the moment dissipated, I looked at Nicholas and thought of those Dyson hand-held vacuums, "How do they get so much power in such a small thing?!" Nicholas clearly has some umph in that gut, and I'm sure his future fraternity brothers will find some humor in his Exorcist-like spewing, but this young Daddy doesn't need to see anymore of that behavior anytime soon. I like simple - in the hole on top, out the hole on bottom.

Labels: Exorcist, New Parent Lesson, Nicholas, puke, spewing

Wednesday, January 2, 2008 --- "You're in Daddy", or more appropriately, "Urine Daddy!"

The Bridenstine Blog would like to make a simple point. Notice how while Mommy gets cute looks while giving tummy kisses [see video below...]

...Daddy gets both puked and pissed on [see picture below...]

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Michael, what's with the ridiculous orange boxers?", and to that, all I can say is I wasn't thinking. Of being photographed at least. And for the purposes of full disclosure, I must say that these two events listed are not concurrent as the Daddy Incident happened several days ago. But we're not looking to do 60 Minutes here people. We're looking for the greater truth, or the higher narrative, so to say [or at least just something funny!] We find the two incidents to be indicative of the future which very well may lie ahead for both of us. Mommy, all smiles and kisses, raising her beautiful new son in a warm envelope of unconditional love and compassion. Daddy, just trying to get through the day without getting defecated on. Ah, parenthood... If I knew all this beforehand, I would have worn tighter undies for 20 years and kept the boys a bit too hot, if you know what I mean. Too late now.

Labels: Dad, Nicholas, video, warm tummy kisses

Tuesday, January 1, 2008 --- FLASHBACK: Art? Hidden Message? Bad Joke?

Is this Michael's idea of art? Has fatherhood driven him mad and he now thinks a bottle is really a fungus? Do you even care? The answer is that this is what a NYC restaurant brings you when you ask for some hot water to heat the baby's bottle! Or at least that's what we got this past Sunday when we went to an old deli on the Upper West Side. Hey, they've been around since 1908, so they must be going Old School. It just struck me as being so very random and funny. Mushrooms?!

Superhero-in-training Nicholas Bridenstine was accompanied by his mother, Grandpa and Grandma Matthews and tag-along Daddy this past Monday as we all treked around NYC. Here's a pic of them shooting a pic of us on the subway!

This is their first trip together to NYC and it's safe to say they're converts! [Not that they're gonna buy a summer home here or anything, but at least they don't think it's the NYC of Taxi Driver.] It was a busy three days, with trips to Equinox at Columbus Circle (Lori's work), John's Pizziaria, Times Square, Macy's, Empire State Building, etc. And Mr. Nicholas was pretty darn good the whole time. See him being very composed within the crazy confines of Macy's Cellar Cafe.

And below is a nice shot of lovely Lori, who by the way, has lost all but 5 lbs of her pregnancy weight! Wow-za! No more cankles, people, this woman is ready to go and rumor has it can get into her pre-preggo pants, if she doesn't button them. One more week of my cooking and she'll be a regular Karen Carpenter. I, on the other hand, don't think I'll see my tummy exit so easily. I'm thinking of a cross between an intense diet of broccoli rabe and a high colonic. Whatever it takes. Really. I'm serious. That or I'm gonna just get pregnant. Whichever is easier...

Labels: Grandpa and Grandma, mushrooms, Nicholas, NYC

--- HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A simple "Happy New Year!" from the entire Bridenstine clan in New York City! It was a simple, humble beginning, but we still expect to have tons of fun and exciting moments in 08! Best to all!

Labels: Bridenstines, Dick Clark, New Year, Nicholas, toast

Thursday, December 27, 2007 --- Baby and Breakfast!

See the eggs in the bowl! See the cheese on the board! See the turkey links in the pan! See the helpless Nicholas on "Daddy-Cam"! IT'S TIME TO ROLL CAMERAS AND THEN TIME TO EAT!

Labels: blah, breakfast, Dad, film, Mom, movies, Nicholas

--- Christmas 2007

Here's some photos from our first family Christmas!
Nicholas' first Christmas was spent with Nana's cousins from Puerto Rico. We ate a wonderful dinner at Alouette and received lots of gifts from friends and family. Nana left today for her home in Florida. Now Mom's on her own with Nicholas and her other two babies! Sidenote: Mom was very happy to fit back into her prepregnancy clothes - at least her winter coats right now!

Labels: Christmas, Nana, Nicholas

Tuesday, December 25, 2007 --- MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

Our newest addition to the family - Not-such-a-Saint Nicholas Bridenstine - says "MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL! I WISH UPON YOU AND YOURS THE BEST OF THE XMAS SEASON!"

And for some Christmas Eve fun, Lori and I got a chance to see our friends Vanessa and Alf, who were up in the NYC for the holiday. A nice full moon stroll through through Fort Tryon park, followed by some tasty Italian, capped off with a nice ride on the "A" train. Who could ask for more? Nana watched the little peanut, Mr. Nick, so us young adults could do as young adults do - eat too much and chat until we were the only ones still in the restaurant. Oy!

Labels: Alf, Christmas, holiday, lori, Nicholas, Vanessa, Xmas

Sunday, December 23, 2007 --- "A" Train to PoopyVille!

Nicholas James Bridenstine, native New Yorker, can scratch one "must do" off his list - taking the subway [and making it out alive!] Check out pics of NJ, Mom, Dad and Nana as they roam the catacombs of the "other New York", the one underneath. Other firsts have been achieved this week - first time spraying Nana in the face with urine, first time projectile vomiting on Mom, first time freaking the cats out - but for reasons of sheer mercy, we will spare you photos. Enjoy!

Labels: first, lori, michael, Mom, Nicholas, subway

Sunday, December 16, 2007 --- What Evil lies behind the curtain?

Here is Lori, lying in her hospital bed, with Nicholas snug as a bug in a rug. But notice the curtain, just next to her bed. You may think that it's a simple, nylon curtain allowing two new Moms to have some sense of privacy. What you can't understand is that this curtain hides the face of true evil...

Lori's roommate, who will remain unnamed for legal reasons [i.e., she'd kick my ass if she read this!], has to be the worst roommate that any human being could ever NOT hope to sleep next to. Lori wakes up at 2:00 a.m. to the sound of WWE wrestling blaring on the television, even though ER [Evil Roommate for the sake of brevity] is snoring her 5 ft. 11 in. ass off. Her friends and family use the room's bathroom, even though it is clearly marked Patient Bathroom, too lazy to make the trip down the hall to the public bathroom. Her boyfriend and her argue at 2:30 a.m. over the nature of their fractious relationship, despite the presence of another Mom on the other side of the curtain who's been cut into. She chomps on bag after bag of chips, despite being morbidly obese and diabetic. She yaps on the phone at the top of her lungs, hangs up and then continues the conversation with herself. She picks food off of other patients' trays, after they've been returned to the Pantry tray and are set for the garbage. And her baby is 10 lbs., 5 oz., making Nicholas look like a pip squeak. All we can say is "Wow!" and pray that Lori and Nicholas will truly be released tomorrow morning by 10:00 a.m. Washington Heights will have never looked so good to Lori, and I'm with her 100%. Other people can suck!

Labels: curtain, hospital, lori, Nicholas

Saturday, December 15, 2007 --- NICHOLAS & MOM - IN MOTION!

See him move! See him gesture! See him sneeze! Nicholas James Bridenstine's first viral video!

Labels: C-section, Nicholas, sneeze, video

Friday, December 14, 2007 --- HARK THE HERALD ANGLES SING! GLORY TO THE NEW BORN KING!

YES, HE HAS ARRIVED!
NICHOLAS JAMES BRIDENSTINE

Born: December 14, 2007 - 1:10 a.m., 9 lbs. 4 oz. - Length - 20.5 inches

Mom and Nicholas are fine, but both are exhausted! The day started with Nana [Mary Anne] and Lori going to her regularly scheduled Doctor's appt., after which they immediately sent Lori to the hospital due to her high blood pressure. Michael, meanwhile, was in Boston at the Celtics' practice ready to start doing interviews. But due to the impending storm, the interviews got canceled and the whole production started the move down south. 10 hours later, through sleet and snow and horrible traffic, Michael arrived in NYC at the hospital. After that, Lori had lots of pain, got diolated to 8 cms., finally got an epideral (OK, my spelling is off, but it's 3:49 a.m. and I'm exhausted, so give me a break! Lori pushed and pushed, but NJ got stuck, and they had to do a C-Section. 30 minutes later, Nicholas joined the world and his first act of life was to pee on the Doctor. Good boy!! But he's got 10 fingers, 10 toes, a big head, cute light hair (Towhead!), a beautiful pink color and a killer dimple. Note to Dads - LOCK UP YOUR DAUGHTERS! Lori did great, was completely beautiful throughout the whole night and is more exhausted than I have ever seen her. She's resting now and we'll see her in the morning. But in the meantime, take a look at some pictures and check out my beautiful, soon to be hilarious son! - Proud Daddy Michael. P.S. - The kid is really quiet. Must take after Mom!

Labels: baby, C-section, insanity, Mom, Nicholas

Monday, December 10, 2007 --- December 10, 2007- STILL NO BABY!

Just a follow up to last night's attempt to induce labor. NADA,ZIP, NOTHING! Up all night long and no contractions! Nicholas already has a stubborn streak! I am going walking today some more. SOOO the saga continues.....

Labels: baby, Nicholas

Sunday, December 9, 2007 --- DESPERATE TIMES CALL FOR DESPERATE MEASURES!

Lori has walked the walk - but still no baby. She's eaten spicy Mexican - but still no baby. She's even seen "The Golden Compass" - and still no baby. [Personally, I was thinking he was gonna pop out about halfway through the film and scream, "YOU CALL THAT CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT?!"] So, in a desperate attempt to bring Nicholas into the world, she's going "old school." Under the advisement of Nana, aka Mary Anne, Lori did as Mary Anne did the night before I was born and downed almost 2 oz. of castor oil. YUCK! Watch the event for our yourself below! And if you smell something a little off, turn your nose West...

Labels: birth, castor oil, lori, Nicholas, the golden compass

Wednesday, December 5, 2007 --- December 5, 2007

So I just got home from my weekly checkup with the Dr. I am still 1 cm dilated but 80% effaced! Yeah! She said that was just as important as the dilation. So essentially if my water breaks (which I've been hoping Nicholas would hit in the right place- since he's been punching his mom in the bladder) or start the real contractions I will finally have this child! She is estimating that he is 8lbs now! ALL baby! Michael was supposed to go to Boston for the day tomorrow for work and after they had me on the fetal monitor she suggested he stay home! I hope I win the bet we made as to when Nicholas would be born! I said the 6th. Michael said the 10th. I am so ready. My swollen feet scare me and I am really sick of maternity pants!

Labels: baby, belly, lori, Nicholas

Sunday, November 25, 2007 --- The Bridenstine do StoryCorps!

On this past beautiful Saturday morning in New York City, I took my lovely wife to Grand Central Station to be a part of the "StoryCorps" project. There's a picture of the booth above, along with a shot of Lori getting ready to be interviewed by me. So what is "StoryCorps"? Well you can go here - www.storycorps.net and find out what they say, or take my short version. They're an organization that allows regular people to interview other regular people and have a copy of that interview go into the Library of Congress. It's Oral History - on tape! [Which seems a bit oxymoronic...] It's been around for several years now and I always thought it would be fun to take Lori to the booth and find out where she's at mentally, emotionally, etc. and what better time than just days before she is about to become a Mom!

We covered a lot of territory - some fun, some serious - and Lori did great! As someone who has interviewed hundreds of people in my life, from Oscar-winners to Average Joes, I can say with confidence that she was engaging, succinct and very interesting. It was from the heart and when that's where it's from, you just cannot lose.

In fact, I've posted a 2:00 segment where Lori talks about exactly when she found out she was pregnant. Take a listen and enjoy!

Labels: fun, interview, library, lori, Nicholas, storycorps

Thursday, November 15, 2007 --- The Coolest Baby Room in NYC!

It may no longer be the office for Towhead Productions, but that doesn't mean the Big Blond Brain doesn't still loom large....

Check out this amazing addition to Nicholas' room - a handmade Towhead Productions baby quilt! See the logo smack dab in the middle of the quilt, hovering over the company's future incarnate, looking super cool, super silly and super warm. This one-of-a-kind product is from the artistry of one Ms. Destiny Winters, oldest child of Jim and Laura Winters, and budding star on the fashion scene from TLC's "Kids By The Dozen." Didn't she do an amazing job? Now, I know most of you are probably rolling your eyes at my request for her to create this, but I'm used to it. Most everyone rolls their eyes at what I say anyway. But that doesn't change how cool it is, and it's hanging right about his crib, perfectly fitting into the box. How about that? This is once again proof of what can happen when you surround yourself with talented friends. Destiny - great job! And if you want to see more of Destiny's great work, go to www.wintersfamilystore.com and buy her girl's dresses, skirts, jammies, etc. If you ask her lots of annoying questions over and over in front of a camera like I did, she may even make you a custom quilt! But for now, there is only one TOWHEAD!

Labels: baby, destiny, Nicholas, quilt, towhead, winters

--- Blog Update News...from the blog administrator.

From the desk of The Butterfly a.k.a. Vanessa

Dear Faithful Bridenstine Fans,

Just wanted to let everyone know about a cool new update to The Bridenstines -- Random Rants, Daily Dish and Seriously Silly Stuff -- the sidebar music player now includes LORI'S LABOR: A collection of 6 unique playlists with varying intensity and mood for your listening pleasure! [NOTE: Clicking the left-right arrows on either side of the current playlist at the top of the player will switch between playlists. You can drag the scroll up-down arrows to see the songs on the current playlist. And of course, clicking on the play button or the song name itself will start the music!]

Lori and Michael asked me if I would prepare some music mixes for use during the birthing of Nicholas...a request which I was very honored to fulfill! Since Michael called yesterday to announce that the special CD package had arrived, it is now safe to share the music mixes on the blog without ruining any surprise for them. I hope you will all give a listen and enjoy!

Also, if you would like any information about any of the songs, playlists, etc. -- please feel free to contact me via my blog.

Labels: baby, blogging, butterfly, email, family, friends, lori, michael, music, Nicholas, readers, sidebar, updates

Wednesday, November 14, 2007 --- Listening to Nicholas' heartbeat

This was from yesterday's doctor's appt. Relaxing in a comfy chair and Nicholas' heartbeat being monitored. I had to click a button every time I felt him kick. It was supposed to only take about 20 minutes but Nicholas choose to sleep during that time! The nurse gave me some cold apple juice trying to get N to wake up and start kicking me again in the ribs like he does most of the day! Chief Towhead got cranky waiting for his son to hurry up and kick so that Dad could go get some lunch!

Labels: heartbeat, kick, lori, Nicholas

www.towheadproductions.com

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