And…..we’re having another boy!

Well, I announced it on Facebook last month but didn't write about it here.   I want to make sure I have a record of it incase my son … I mean my new son asks.   Tori and I have always wanted a second child.  I actually wanted 3 kids but Tori said no to that.   We found out Tori was pregnant, in July shortly after attending her grandmother’s birthday party in Jackson, MS.   Since then, we’ve gone back and forth about gender.  Tori really wanted a little girl and I, being terrified of life with a daughter wanted to take the easy route with another son. 

Everyone was convinced Tori was having a girl except for two people; her cousin Ondrea and I.  We knew deep down inside that there was another little boy cooking in the oven.   I will say that Tori was so passionate about a girl that I started to believe it at one point and scribbled down a few names I liked for a girl.

Last month, we went for the big 5 month ultrasound.  I was nervous.  This was the ultrasound that would clearly allow us to identify the gender of our baby.  That morning, Tori was letting me have it.  She asked me, “Will you cry when you find out it’s a girl?” and “Do you think you’ll pass out in the doctor’s office?”.    While waiting in the doctor’s office, I started to get nervous and looked at some online tests that claim to predict gender.  Every test was telling me it was a girl. 

We walk into the doctor’s office and they start the ultrasound and about 3 seconds into it, my son rolls over and

spreads his legs, “BAM”.  No doubt about it, the baby was all boy and wanted to make sure we knew.   Tori’s first reaction was to laugh.  My first reaction was a “Yes” with an air fist signifying victory.   Two boys!  How cool is that?    I instantly staring thinking of all the adventures we would have starting with next Halloween.  Three guys dressing up (FYI, Tori doesn't do Halloween costumes) creates a world of possibility for costumes.   

We called out parents and siblings and shared the news.  While the majority of the family was looking forward to another little girl, we’re all excited to welcome another little Moore into the world.  Our son is due March 27^th and Turner is looking forward to being a big brother!  Tori isn't getting a little girl this time around but since she really wants won, maybe I can convince her to try her luck on number 3!

Why we relocated to Atlanta

My wife and I never clearly explained all the reasons we decided to relocate to Atlanta.   We've mentioned it in small talk to coworkers, close friends and family but I want to make sure I document it for future generations and remove any ambiguity. 

Tori and I settled in Philadelphia after school and we've lived there for about 10 years.  Truth be told, I only moved to Philadelphia because Tori was already living and working there but that’s another story.  Tori is from Mobile, AL.  Her sisters live in Nashville, TN and the rest or majority of her family is from Jackson, MS.  In short, she’s from the south.  Me, I’m from New York and have family scattered in Orlando, D.C., Canada and the list goes on.   

In 2004, my mother retired from her career working with the homeless and mentally ill and moved from New York to Atlanta with my sister, Tracie.  Why Atlanta?  Honestly, I think most NYer’s are fascinated by the notion of ‘land’ and having a home bigger than a 2 bedroom apartment.  For whatever the reason, Atlanta was my mother’s new home and as a result, I started traveling down there (or here) more often.

While we were able to travel down to Atlanta, Jackson, MS and Mobile, AL once or twice a year, it wasn't enough for Tori as she is very close to her sisters and parents.  I want to say that it was roughly 2008 or 2009 that it really hit Tori that she wanted to move to the south to get more time with her family.   I had no strong ties to Philadelphia so I was on board.  The next step was to decide on a city and get there.  After checking with our respective employers and weighing the pros and cons of several cities, we decided on Atlanta. For one, my mother is getting older and could use an accessible support system.  Moving to Atlanta also put us in driving distance to family in Jackson, MS, Orlando, FL, Mobile, AL, and Nashville, TN.  On top of that, my half-sister lives nearby in Fayetteville, GA with my niece and nephews.  Tori also has an aunt in Decatur and a cousin in Mableton.    

With one son and second on the way, Atlanta provides us access to our family and more importantly, will allow my son’s to develop relationships with extended family.   I miss my friends in Philadelphia.  I miss them a lot.  I miss winters with snow and pizza.  FYI – Atlanta does not have good pizza.    All of that aside, nothing compares to creating opportunities for my children to develop strong family ties.

As of writing this post, we've lived in Atlanta for about 5 months.  We are still getting used to it all; particularly the traffic.  We've been living with our cousin, Ondrea while we look for a home. Turner is loving his new school and we generally can get around town without getting lost.  We’re happy to be here and look forward to establishing our own roots in Atlanta while being accessible to family and enjoying the close proximity to everyone.

In case you didn't know...

Turner loves his aunts....and stunting in his sun glasses.

Easter Sunday with Turner

This was a great Easter for Turner.   It started with getting Turner into the special Easter outfit.  Tori did all the work to pick this out.  The sport coat was a last minute addition to the outfit.  Turner received lots of compliments from nice old ladies before and after church. In case you were wondering, yes, this is the same church where Turner was baptized.  I’d like to say Turner was quiet and sat still throughout the service but no.  Turner’s still not quite used to a hour long service.  

After church, we came home and gave Turner his Easter basket.  Rather than purchase a pre-made Easter basket with items that we really don’t want Turner to have, I decided to just create one.  I went for a superhero themed Easter basket.   It started with a batman Easter basket.  I stuffed it with a spider-man kite, superman action figure, a DC super friends book, and a DC super friends beach towel because we are going to be at the pool often this summer.  At the last minute, I added a bonus item; a book called, “Every Little Thing” which is based on lyrics by Bob Marley. 

 

 As you can see, Turner was really happy to receive his basket after church.  After church we went to brunch at White Dog Café.  We’ve been there previously and we were glad to be back.   Overall, I think Turner had a great Easter!   



 

Latest additions to Turner’s wardrobe

Tori purchased Turner’s Easter outfit.  You’ll see that in the next post.  I don’t want to spoil the surprise but she did a great job finding a fashionable and cute outfit for him.   I was left with finding some shoes.  I was originally hoping for some Kenneth Cole but didn’t have any luck finding a decent pair for Turner.  Luckily I stumbled upon some Cole Haans and I am very impressed.  He’ll be able to wear these to a few of the formal events we are attending this summer (e.g. weddings).  While out shopping I saw a pair of Polo Ralph Lauren boat shoes that I couldn’t pass up.    I think he’s good for the Summer / Fall with these.   I’ll probably pick-up a pair or Nike or New Balance sneakers for him as well.   The sad part about all this is that toddler's feet grow at a CRAZY rate.  Thank goodness for off season sales.

Happy Easter from Turner

I really like Turner's daycare.  It's not just the meals they provide and the amount of time he spends outdoors but also the photos they send home.  This is just one of the pictures they took at school.   I have many more to scan in and post but it really is a nice treat to receive these from time to time.

So with that said, "Happy Easter" from Turner!  Be on the look out for more pictures from our Easter egg hunt on Saturday and Turner in his Easter outfit on Sunday.

 

What's for lunch?

I'm trying to get back into the swing of things with this blog after being harassed by someone in Atlanta who shall remain nameless. Actually no, it's 2013, let's just drop names; Ondrea.  In her defence, Ondrea does visit the blog regularly (so she says) and seems to find my ramblings about Turner interesting and perhaps entertaining.  She also thinks it will be good for him to eventually read all of these himself.

Anyway, this post is about lunch. Not the most entertaining of topics but still kind of interesting. So Monday through Friday, lunch is provided by Turner's daycare.  It's awesome.  This kid is getting exposed to some really good meals such as Ravioletti, beef stew, pastas w/butter and broccoli and turkey hotdogs. 

Oh, and don't get me started on breakfast.  Sometimes when I drop him off I linger around hoping for a plate or leftovers. 

Back to the topic of lunch.  So I'm responsible for lunch on Saturday and Sunday.  Sometimes we're out and Turner gets to have fast food (a rare treat).  Not ideal but luckily we can get over to Chik-fil-a for fruit and grilled chicken.  As he gets older, we'll have more options.  For the days when we're just relaxing in the house, it's up to me to come up with something.  The bad news is that I'm not that fancy in the kitchen. The good news is that Turner is easy to please.  This is going to sound bad, but peanut butter and jelly is like crack to this kid. I add some combination of two fruits and everyone is happy.  

So for those loyal readers who also double as my go-to babysitters, keep the following items in your home and you'll be set:

1. Whole wheat bread (lightly toasted)
2. Peter Pan Peanut Butter - Creamy style
3. Polaner Fruit Spread (it's not jelly)
4. Two of the following fruits:
1. Kiwi
2. Strawberries
3. Rasberries
4. Mangos

I'm hoping to step my game up soon.  For other parents that are reading this blog or hell, anyone who prepares lunch for a kid, please feel free to add some suggestions in the comments.