The Addition

You may recall when we started this blog that we wrote about the background image. It's a painting titled 'Morgan and Kataneh' and we were promised that as our family grew, the painting would be updated to reflect that. 

Brendan kept to his word, took the painting back, and added a little blob to represent the addition of Emerson to our family. The painting now happily hangs right next to our TV - the most prominent wall in the house. Speaking of TV, did anyone else out there feel shorted on Mad Men's season finale?!

1yr 2wks and we're walking

Take 1:

Take 2 (solo flight):

Emerson Turns One

It's incredible that only one year ago, Emerson was brought into this world. It has been the most challenging yet rewarding year of our lives. I felt like the first 3 months were in slow-mo; maybe because of the sleepless nights and the fact that I was just a milk machine to him. But every month that goes by, Emerson's personality comes out more and more and being a mom has sunk in as the greatest reality. If I had to describe Emerson in one word it would be 'aware.' He is just so in-tune with what is going on around him.

Emerson had his first birthday party. We had it at Vasona Park in Los Gatos and the theme was Cowboys and Indians. When people told me that the first birthday is completely for the parents, they are so right. We got a taco truck and a keg. People went ALL out with their costumes. We had a costume contest (Ettie was the judge for best cowboy and my friend Carrie was the judge for best Indian since she is actually half Native American!). My dad was the best dressed Indian and my Uncle, Shahi, won for best dressed cowboy.

We had plenty of fun outdoor games (boccie, horseshoes, water balloon toss, ladder ball). It is funny that Emerson couldn't care less about any of it! He had his serious poker face on the whole time (just trying to take it all in and being 'aware'). He was probably wondering why people were wearing all the crazy outfits! He didn't go crazy with his cake. He took his pointer finger, poked it in the cake and licked it ever so carefully. He is so over the whole messy cake business. That's for amateurs. We appreciated all our friends and family that came to celebrate the day with us (especially Morgan's parents who flew from ABQ to be there!)

Aunt Janet and Uncle Jason were kind enough to create this awesome video which pretty much captures the whole mood of the party:

Oh, and check out how Emerson has grown in 12 months!

First shoes are Soft Star Shoes

Since getting his new toy, Emerson has been walking a LOT. We have typically just put socks on him to keep his webbed toes warm, but now that he is actually cruising, we thought we'd start putting shoes on him.

Of all the shoes that people have given us, my sister's Soft Star Shoes seem to be the only ones that will fit on Emerson's fat-pads. Here they are in action:

Time to Walk

Megan and Darrin gave Emerson a walker toy a bit early for Emerson's first Bday. They were in town for various reasons, so it was great to see them.

Within 5 seconds of playing with the toy, Emerson was off!

A box, a string, and a baby

We are in full planning mode. We just bought tickets to go to Nashville to kick off our east coast trip for our friend Mari's wedding. We'll hang in Nashville for a few days, drive to Virginia to visit the Red Door Farmhouse, will then fly up to Albany, NY to head to the wedding spot near Catskill, NY.

This is some of the plans for 1 wedding. We have 8 this season. As if planning for the weddings isn't enough, Kataneh is in a few of them meaning there is bachelorette and bridal showers to plan as well. My god!

So, if we aren't planning for those, we are in full swing getting things in order for Emerson's first Bday next month. We have locked in the location, food, his outfit, and some games. We still need to get our outfits, music, and decorations in order. We are really excited. If you happen to be coming to his Bday, please bring any outdoor games you may have.

Speaking of Emerson, his girlfriend and him have been having serious talks about the future. He also has a new method of getting around town the house:

RIP Uncle Ronnie

I got a call Easter Sunday morning from my mom with the news that Uncle Ronnie had died at home. Ironically, some of my fondest childhood memories were swapping Easter visits between my cousin's house in Tucson and ours in San Diego.

We were fortunate enough to see Uncle Ronnie this past Christmas. In fact, over that holiday break, we discovered that Ronnie and Emerson were Toe Brothers!

One time, we were visiting my aunt and uncle in Tucson, and I had brought my guitar. Uncle Ronnie looooooooved to sing tunes. I was shocked when he was able to free-style a verse about each of the 10 or so people sitting around the table as I played a blues standard. He loved to sing along when we played guitar.

I wasn't lucky enough to catch that on video, but this past Christmas, I did get a few songs on tape. Ronnie, my dad, and I stayed up late and played a few tunes into the night. Here are the two songs I captured. In the videos, you mostly see dad, but Uncle Ronnie is off to the right.

Long Black Veil:                                                               

Mercedes Benz:                                                                

We clearly didn't know all of 'Mercedes Benz'. In fact, I hadn't ever heard it! Behind dad to the right, you can see a pile of pillows and blankets which was Emerson's Rat's Nest.

Ronnie will be missed. At only 63 years of age, he was too young to go.

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Obituaries

Ronald Friberg (1948 - 2012)

Ronald Dean Friberg

September 16, 1948

April 8, 2012

Born September 16, 1948 in Reno, NV, to Morris and Vivian Friberg, and passed away peacefully on April 8, 2012. Ron is survived by his wife Bobbie, son Derryl, daughter Natalie (Eric) McEntaffer, grandson Trevor McEntaffer, and beloved dogs Snickers and Suni. Ron is survived by brothers Ed, David (Ettie), sister in law Ann, and sister Maureen (Lloyd) Hopkins, and several nieces and nephews. Ron is preceded in death by parents Morris and Vivian, brother Richard, and nephew Eric Friberg.

Ron spent much of his childhood in Alturus, CA, where he attended Modoc County High School. Ron served in the United States Army in Vietnam, and attained an Honorable Discharge. Ron retired from Union Pacific Railroad after 42 years. Ron was an avid San Francisco Giants fan and enjoyed gardening and reading.

Published in Reno Gazette-Journal on April 13, 2012

Source

Ronald Dean Friberg

Ronald Dean Friberg Born September 16, 1948 in Reno, NV, to Morris and Vivian Friberg, and passed away peacefully on April 8, 2012. Ron is survived by his wife, Bobbie; son, Derryl; daughter, Natalie (Eric) McEntaffer; grandson, Trevor McEntaffer and beloved dogs, Snickers and Suni. Ron is survived by brothers, Ed and David (Ettie); sister-in-law, Ann and sister, Maureen (Lloyd) Hopkins and several nieces and nephews. Ron is preceded in death by parents, Morris and Vivian; brother, Richard and nephew, Eric Friberg. Ron spent much of his childhood in Alturus, CA, where he attended Modoc County High School. Ron served in the United States Army in Vietnam and attained an Honorable Discharge. Ron retired from Union Pacific Railroad after 42 years. Ron was an avid San Francisco Giants fan and enjoyed gardening and reading. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel. Source