The Adventures of Big D

Time to Meet My Sister! - Oct. 1, 2009

2009-11-22T15:10:00.000-08:00

Today started out as a quiet day for Mommy & Daddy.

Mommy started the day out by snuggling with Baby Caitlyn.

Daddy knew that Mommy had been craving a cheeseburger all during her long labor, so he ordered one for her as a surprise.

Daddy had time for Caitlyn Cuddles while Mommy ate.

SURPRISE!!

It's finally my turn to meet my Baby Sister!

PopPop held me over her crib so I could get a good look.

She sure is tiny!

Grandmom was very excited to meet her new granddaughter.

It's been over 20 years since she held a baby granddaughter!!!

PopPop's turn!

Check out the time---Caitlyn has been alive for exactly 12 hours!!!

I brought my Baby Sister a present....her very own POOH BEAR.

This way, she won't have to even THINK about taking mine!!

She's pretty amazing! : )

I wonder where Baby Caitlyn's blonde hair is????

Grandmom, PopPop, and I wore special badges in Caitlyn's honor.

Here's a closer look.

Aunt Bet came to meet my sister, too. I'm pretty sure it was love at first sight!

Aunt Bet calls her KatieBug.

It's been a very busy day for my little sister. It's time for her to rest.

Zzzzzzzzzzzz.....

I love you, Baby Caitlyn!

IT'S A GIRL!!!! - October 1, 2009

2009-11-22T14:10:00.000-08:00

It's very early on Wednesday morning, September 30th.

Daddy took Mommy to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital to check in.

Mommy still felt good enough to take a picture on the way in.

Here's Mommy in the Labor Room. She passed the hours by posting lots of updates on her Facebook page. I sent my favorite train with her so she would always have company.

The Phillies were playing a really big championship game during Mommy's labor, so she wore her lucky socks. Guess what? They worked! The Phils clinched their division!! :)

Well, it's almost midnight....still no Baby Russell...

Looks like his or her birthday might be October 1st!!

Finally, after a very long labor, my baby sister made her grand entrance!

At 12:14am, October 1st,

Caitlyn Elizabeth Russell

was born!

She weighed in at 8 pounds 6 ounces and was 21 inches long.

Here's Daddy giving her lots of love. She was only about 20 minutes old!

Here's Mommy holding her precious baby girl.

Life is good!! : )

September 29, 2009 - The Day Before....

2009-11-22T14:01:00.000-08:00

Tonight I hung out at Grandmom and PopPop's house for a little while so Mommy and Daddy could go out for a nice dinner together at Tortilla Press in Collingswood. They wanted to go out and celebrate the fact that tomorrow (at least we think it will be tomorrow...) our family will be growing by two feet!! : )

When they came to pick me up, we took a few pictures.

We'll see you very soon Baby Russell #2!!!

The Transformation of my BIG BOY ROOM!

2009-11-15T12:28:00.000-08:00

It's been very busy in the Russell household lately. In just a few short weeks, the newest member of our family will be arriving. We don't have much time to get me moved out of my old room and into my new BIG BOY ROOM!

Let's get started!

I will be moving into the old office. Here are the before colors.

Time to prime and paint.

Thomas (my favorite train) rode the "tracks" while Daddy got to work.

Here is the new color!

Check out my new rug. It's so soft!

I took a minute to check out my new view.

Here's Daddy putting together my new bed!

I LOVE IT!!!!!

Check out my cool comforter and pillowcase.

I love my new room!

Now if you'll excuse me, I have a train catalog to read....

September 13, 2009 - DAY OUT WITH THOMAS

2009-10-18T15:36:00.000-07:00

You only have to spend about 5 minutes with me to figure out that I absolutely, positively LOVE trains. One in particular has really peaked my interest--THOMAS THE TANK!!

When we heard that Thomas was going to be visiting the Strasburg area, we bought tickets right away! Here are some highlights from my special day.

We were only in the parking lot, but things were already exciting!!!

The first thing I saw was the huge water tower!

Then, we saw this cool caboose.

And then......look who we saw chugging down the track!!!!

We had some time before our scheduled train ride,

so we stopped to meet Sir Topham Hat. He's a little less scary on TV!!!

THOMAS!!!!!!!!!

Peek-a-boo!

ALL ABOARD!!!

Mommy and PopPop were almost as excited as me!

Time to get the tickets ready to hand to the conductor.

CHEESE!

My ticket is ready!

I LOVE THOMAS THE TRAIN!!

There were so many sights to see.

Boo hoo....our ride on Thomas is over.

Now it's time to go on another train ride on the Strasburg Railroad line.

ALL ABOARD!!

We passed Thomas as we were pulling out of the station.

Check out this huge engine we passed.

Grandmom and PopPop were having such a great time.

I got some new trains at the Thomas store before we boarded.

Look at all the smoke and steam that the big engine created!!

MOOOooooooo!

Here is the engine that was pulling us.

Here's the conductor.

It's time to head home.

It's time for sweet dreams about trains, tracks, and THOMAS!!

What a great day! : )

Summer 2009 House Project

2009-09-23T04:57:00.000-07:00

So.....as most of you know by now, I'm going to be a BIG BROTHER pretty soon!

Throughout the summer, we've been doing a lot of demolition around the house to get ready for our new family member.

First order of business.....move the office UPSTAIRS!

In order to make that happen, we had to add insulation, knock down walls and rebuild them differently, prime, paint, etc. etc. etc.

Here are some pictures of the process.....

There used to be a full wall here. A half-wall is more functional for this space.

Originally, there was no insulation up here...not anymore!

Sheet rock is up. Ready for MUD!

Half-wall is complete.

Goodbye Blue....Hello Neutral!

Finished (yet still unvacuumed) room!

Let the moving of computers and furniture commence!!

MOVING ON.......

Now that the office has been moved upstairs, the old office is ready to become my

BIG BOY ROOM!!!! I am soooo excited!

Here are the BEFORE colors.

While Daddy primed the walls, Thomas and I chugged along the "track".

Isn't this a great color??

Carpet has been installed. It's soooo soft on my piggies!!!

I have a room with a view!

My BIG BOY BED!!!!!

My new bed is a great place to get some reading done.

I LOVE my new room!! : )

Thank you Daddy, PopPop, Uncle Al, and Uncle Albert (Builder Al) for working together to get our house ready for me and my new Baby Brother or Sister.

Your hard work is VERY appreciated!!!!

August 11, 2009 - Camden Riversharks Game

2009-09-08T16:51:00.001-07:00

Tonight Daddy, Mommy, and I were invited to spend the evening at the Rivershark Stadium with the Eckenroth family.

Emma, one of my favorite girls, won SUITE tickets!!

We had our very own area to hang out in.

Check out the view!

CHEESE!!

I watched the game with 3 pretty ladies.

Am I one lucky dude or what?

Finley surprised us with a visit.

I wasn't too sure about him.....

After Finley left, we headed downstairs for a ride on the Merry-Go-Round.

Thank you, Emma! We had sooooo much fun! : )

Aug. 3, 2009 - Visit with the Brights

2009-09-08T16:38:00.000-07:00

Today was so much fun!

I got to hang out with my friend, Abby Bright.

She lives all the way in South Carolina so I don't get to see her very much.

I showed her all around my cool playground.

Of course I had to show her my awesome sandbox crane!

We both enjoyed riding on the swings.

I showed her how strong I am by climbing UP the sliding board.

I think she was pretty impressed! : )

Abby liked my playhouse.

Doesn't she look angelic here?

I'm pretty sure she was checking me out here!! : )

Time for a climb across the bars!

Thanks for visiting, Abby!

I can't wait to see you again!

July 19-23 - Our Family Vacation

2009-09-06T07:58:00.000-07:00

Today we checked into our timeshare in Atlantic City. After we unloaded all our stuff, we drove over to Ocean City to spend the day on the beach.

Here's me checking out the world's largest SANDBOX!!

Catch me if you can!

Eeeek! Look what Daddy and I found when we were digging in the sand!

Poor Bear liked hanging out on my chair.

After a long day on the beach, we went on the boardwalk and watched this cool fountain and light show. It was loud, but really cool!

Today started with another trip to the beach.

I loved every minute!

Here is Mommy's view.

I love building sandcastles with Daddy.

After my nap, Mommy and Daddy took me to the Steel Pier.

I got to ride the BIG RIGS! It was awesome!

I also rode the Merry-go-Round twice.....

....and finally, the boats.

Today it's a little bit cloudy out. I miss the sun....

We went to the Ripley's Believe It...Or Not Museum.

I was not really a fan of this place, but the parts that had trains were pretty cool.

Time for a nap!

(Mommy Note: Do they look exactly the same, or what?)

After our nap, it was time to head back to the O.C. Boardwalk.

I love the rides!

Mommy wasn't allowed to go on anything, so she patiently stood and watched

Daddy and I have lots of fun on all the rides.

To thank Mommy for being a good sport, we treated her to some

Mack and Manco's Pizza...her favorite!

YUMMY!!!

What do you mean I can't have another piece?!?!?

Peek-a-Boo!

Today is our last beach day.

I have to get as much digging time in as I can.

Break time! I just love those fresh, hot donuts from Brown's!!!

Time for one last ride on the BIG ferris wheel...my favorite ride ever!!!

Here is the view from all the way up at the top of the ferris wheel.

I'm sad that we have to leave.

I can't wait for next year!!!

July 18, 2009 - Sean Jr.'s 3rd Birthday Party

2009-09-06T07:37:00.000-07:00

Today was so much fun!

Mommy and Daddy took me to my cousin Sean's Birthday Party!

It was a PIRATE party!!

First on the "to do" list was swimming.

It was my very first time on a sliding board.

Here I go!!!

Weeeeeeeeee!!!!

SPLASH!!!!

Time for the pinata.

I gave it my best shot!

Here's the birthday boy. Check out his cool tatoo!!!

Aunt Laura made this awesome cake. It had all kinds of candy on it and it was covered in chocolate. YUMMY!!!!

Time to blow out the candle!

Yummmmmmmm....cupcakes!!

Here is Sean opening the present I gave him.

Here's Sean telling his Daddy about the day.

Family Shot!

Time for more swimming.

Gotta go....there's buried treasure to find!!!!

July 5, 2009

2009-08-10T12:09:00.000-07:00

Today we hung out over at Grandmom and PopPop's house.

It was a busy day full of swimming, eating, and playing!

I LOVE the noodle!

Daddy, can I try on your cool glasses?

CHEESE!!

Time for fun on the playground.

Playing is serious business!

Meeting Ella Violet Myhasuk - July 7, 2009

2009-08-10T12:02:00.000-07:00

Today, Mommy and I got to meet someone very special for the very first time....

Ella Violet

She was born on June 17th.

Look how tiny she is!!!

Precious Baby Girl

Is doesn't get much cuter than this.

Look at her little piggies!

I love her already!! : )

Happy Fourth of July!!

2009-08-10T11:36:00.001-07:00

Mommy, Daddy, and I all LOVE the 4th of July.

What better way to start our day than with an awesome parade!

I waited patiently for things to start.

The police cars were first in line. I LOVE to hear sirens!

This float was really cool. These men did an excellent job of

recreating the scene from Iwo Jima.

I was soooooooo excited when I saw this big, beautiful, shiny MACK dumptruck.

I wonder what's next!!

There were TONS of cool sports cars. This was one of my favorites.

God Bless the U.S.A.

More construction trucks....WOO HOO!!

Check out this string band. Mommy LOVES them. Daddy just doesn't get it.

I'm somewhere in between.....

Mommy tells me that this car was in a TV show she used to watch when she was growing up. Do any of you recognize it?

A cool car decorated with colorful balloons......LOVE IT!

This was Mommy's favorite car in her favorite color!

There were TONS of firetrucks---old ones, new ones, LOUD ones!!

This one is from our town....Clementon!

Just about every car threw out candy.

It was amazing!

I was soooo sticky by the time the parade was over! : )

MORE FIRETRUCKS!!!

MORE CANDY!!!!

The parade was about an hour and a half long. By the time it was over, I was exhausted!

Time for sweet dreams of trucks and candy....zzzzzzzzz

My First Time at the Movies! - July 2, 2009

2009-08-10T11:30:00.000-07:00

Today was so exciting! Mommy and Daddy took me to see my very first BIG SCREEN MOVIE!

We went to see "UP".

I made Mommy and Daddy VERY proud because I was soooooooo good during the whole movie. Even the ladies sitting in front of us commented on how well-behaved I was.

I can't wait to go back to the movie theater. Maybe next time I'll get some yummy popcorn to munch on during the show.

7.3.09 - Daddy's Birthday Breakfast

2009-07-15T07:10:00.000-07:00

Today is a special day for my Daddy....It's his 32nd birthday!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

We met Grandmom and PopPop for breakfast.

They bought Daddy this cool Phillies stuff!

Since we go to this diner all the time, the people there know us pretty well.

The owner had a special piece of cake sent out as a special treat for Daddy!

I helped him blow out the candle!

I love Daddy and Mommy!

Thanks for breakfast Grandmom and PopPop!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!!

7.1.09 - HAIRCUT!

2009-07-15T07:03:00.000-07:00

We're getting our family pictures soon.

Mommy wanted me to look extra handsome for the pictures, so she took me for a haircut.

Lookin' good!

Hmmm....I think maybe my bangs need a trim.

All done! Time to brush off any loose hairs!

Beach Day with the Stewarts - June 25, 2009

2009-07-15T06:37:00.000-07:00

Today, Mommy, Daddy, and I headed down to Ocean City to visit with some of our

favorite people....The Stewarts!

We headed straight to the beach....otherwise known as the biggest sandbox ever!!

Cole likes to play in the sand just like me!

My feet are getting so big...just like Daddy's! Check out my cool tattoo.

Cole found a seashell in the shape of a "C"--Isn't that cool?

Digging big holes is so much fun!

Time for a Boogie Board Break.

After dinner, we headed to the boardwalk.

I am fascinated by ferris wheels. Isn't this one pretty?

Cole and I went on the race cars. It was awesome!

Then we went on the hot air balloons.

Daulton joined in on the hot air balloon fun too!

We love the Stewarts!

June 9, 2009 - BABY SHOWER

2009-06-22T15:37:00.001-07:00

Today was a very special day for my Mommy.

Her students and co-workers at school threw her a

SURPRISE BABY SHOWER!

One of Mommy's students made this cool sign.

Another one of Mommy's students and her Mom made these cool lollipops.

Mommy said that the SNACK BUFFET was PERFECT!

Mommy had a little taste of everything.

Notice she put everything on a BLUE plate,

but then chose a PINK lollipop. Hmmmm.....

Here's Mommy with her co-teacher, Lisa.

Mommy wanted all of her students to predict whether Baby Russell will be a

BOY or a GIRL.

Here's what she came up with.

Hmmm....looks like PINK is in the lead.

What do YOU think??

A Collection of Big D Moments - May and June 2009

2009-06-22T15:06:00.000-07:00

Mommy and I were going through some pictures today.

We decided to present you with a smorgasbord of pictures from recent happenings.

Prepare yourself---you may begin to experience "CUTENESS OVERLOAD!!!!"

This was taken after a trip to our brand new LOCAL Sonic! Daddy shared his HUGE drink with me...and by "shared" I really meant "gave". : )

This was taken at IKEA---one of our favorite stores. Even though I didn't look very happy, I was actually just hammin' in up for the camera. I was having a ball!!

Our pool is finally opened!! Here's a pic of me and my kitty cat, Chic, during

my first swim of the season.

This picture was taken shortly after I came in from swimming.

Hmmm...I think I was tired.....

This was taken on Gloucester Township Day. The rides weren't opened yet, so I had lots of time to play!!

Like my haircut?? : )

Here I am at Rita's Water Ice.

I told Mommy I didn't want anything, but as soon as I tasted what she got,

I made her fork it over!

Here's me playing out back on Father's Day.

I was keeping an eye on Daddy while he mowed the lawn.

Why Daddy was working on Father's Day I have NO idea.....

I hope you enjoyed the update!!! : )

20 week Ultra Sound Pictures - 5.13.09

2009-05-14T18:24:00.000-07:00

Today, 5.13.09, we are 20 weeks away from meeting our newest family member.

Mommy and Daddy got to see my new brother or sister move around on a TV screen today!!

Since I couldn't be there, they brought home some pictures so I could catch a glimpse.

Check them out!!!

Here is the baby's profile.

Even though the baby looks kinda big, he or she only weighs 13 ounces so far.

This one shows the baby looking at me. You can see the eye sockets and stuff.

It's all a bit too scientific for my young mind to wrap itself around.

These 4D pictures are soooo cool!

Here's the baby sucking his/her thumb.

Mommy says that's something I never did.

Here's another profile picture. You can see the baby's eyes, nose, lips, chin, chest, arm, and hand (which is in a fist).

We love Baby Russell #2!

So do you think this looks like a boy bump or a girl bump???

Leo, the ultra sound tech, said he knows, but we made him promise he wouldn't tell!

You can make your prediction on our BABY POOL.

Log onto

www.expectnet.com

In the upper left hand corner, type in RussellBaby2 for the game name.

Then follow the directions for making your guess.

We look forward to seeing your guesses!

Mommy loves her BABIES!!! : )

The Grand Opening of the Pool!! - 5.09

2009-05-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

Today was an exciting day.

I got to help Daddy open our pool!

Mommy took this picture right after her and Daddy pulled the cover off.

After a closer look, I decided that there was quite a bit of work that needed to be done.

First, I inspected the cover to make sure it was cleaned off.

Next, it was time to check out the diving board stand.

Has anyone seen my saddle? : )

Hmmm....still dirty.....

Time to skim!

While I was busy helping Daddy with the pool, Mommy was inside making something special for me to reward me for all of my hard work.

COOKIES!!!!!

Still warm and gooey...just the way I like 'em!

Do you think Cookie Monster is jealous?

BIG NEWS!!!!! - 4.14.09

2009-04-14T05:12:00.000-07:00

BIG RUSSELL FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!

That's right! I'm going to be a BIG BROTHER!!!

I can't wait!!

YIPPEE!!!!
Here is a picture of my new brother or sister. (from about 8 weeks)

Personally, I hope it's a sister, but I'd be okay with a brother, too.
Here's the baby's profile. Isn't technology amazing??

Mommy got to hear the baby's heartbeat yesterday. When she asked the Doctor if it sounded like a "girl heartbeat" or a "boy heartbeat" Dr. Scott said, "It sounds like a healthy heartbeat." We'll take it! : )
Mommy is about 16 weeks along now and she has been feeling pretty good...although I must confess.....SHE IS MOODY!

(Don't tell her I said that!)

Before we know it, our family will be 2 feet bigger!! I can't wait!!

Stay tuned for more updates!

HAPPY EASTER!!! 4.09

2009-04-11T13:40:00.001-07:00

HAPPY EASTER EVERYBODY!!!

Easter Egg Hunt - April 5, 2009

2009-04-11T13:14:00.000-07:00

Today, Grandmom and PopPop invited my friend, Eva, and me over for an Easter Egg Hunt.

We had so much fun!

I was pretty good at finding the eggs.

Eva spotted some eggs right away.

I found that the "shovel method" worked really well.

Eva liked putting her eggs into her bucket.

She also liked taking the eggs OUT of her bucket!

Hey...blue and orange...BRONCOS colors!! My Daddy will be excited! : )

There's still plenty of shoveling to do.

Eva was trying to figure out how to get to the candy!!

Hey...look at my new hat!

Time to check out my loot!

Uh oh...Eva found the chocolate...

..and the jelly beans!

After we found all of the eggs, we went inside for some more surprises.

Check out all this cool stuff!

There's just enough time to blow some bubbles before we head home.

Did we have fun????

I think Eva's smile says it all! : )

THANKS EASTER BUNNY!

THE GREATEST PLAYGROUND IN THE WORLD!!!!!

2009-03-22T17:02:00.000-07:00

Today is going to be a great day!

Right now I'm standing in the spot where my new playground is going to be built.

I can't wait!!!!

Here's one pile of wood.

Here's a 2nd pile of wood.

And...finally...here's the 3rd pile of wood.

This is going to be a lot of work!!

Things are finally underway!

Trust me....I know what I'm doing!

Time for a quick break!

My AWESOME neighbors helped my Daddy every step of the way.

We would have been lost without them!

Check out the cool 2nd floor!

Here's my Daddy and my AWESOME neighbors again.

They're putting on the finishing touches to the first floor.

Things are really coming along.

Check out this amazing progress!

Time for a JELLY DONUT break.

I love my new picnic table!

YUMMY!

Looks like this wood pile is getting a little lower....

I'm on top of the world!!

I love to climb.

Peek-a-Boo!

This is SOOOO AWESOME!!!

I told PopPop he could borrow one of my swings for his coffee break.

He's been working hard.

HOORAY! The slide is on!! WEEEEEEE!!!

After many, many, many hours and LOTS of hard work from the crew, here's the final product.

~Side View~

~View of the picnic table and my future sandbox.~

~Front view. There will be a rock climbing wall to the right of the slide.~

~Side View~

~Check out my look-out tower!~

~Back View~

~Back Windows~

~THE FINAL PRODUCT~

HEY....WHEN ARE YOU COMING OVER TO PLAY?!?!?! : )