Exactly two months old

Olivia is now two months old. And she isn't any happier about having her photo taken or wearing this dress.

Breakfast at the Volkmann house

Thanks to Mindy, this is what Benny and I are now eating for breakfast.

Reporting from Tokyo

A few weeks ago, Tammy emailed me a Los Angeles Times column written by Steve Lopez. Lopez was apparently on assignment in Tokyo. In my opinion, his piece is an accurate description of the life in Tokyo, and even Japanese society as a whole. His column was most interesting to me personally because the things that surprised him about Tokyo are the same exact observations I had when visiting Japan's capital a year ago.

It's clean, even the bathrooms in the subway. The Japanese celebrate beauty in nature, despite the fact that they live in a densely populated country. People respect their elders and delight in babies and children. And there is deep sense of pride that was lost somewhere along the way in the United States.

So yes, Steve, L.A. could learn some lessons from Tokyo.

Can You Spot Olivia's Split-Second Smile?

First person to put down the correct time (within two seconds of elapsed time, without going over) wins a prize. No purchase necessary. Leave your guess in the comments section, in whole seconds only. One guess per person, first correct response is the victor. Judges ruling is final. Winner will be notified by mail.

The management is not responsible for anyone reprimanded or fired for doing this at work.

Good night and good luck.

Eight Weeks into Olivia's Rookie Season

Olivia is well on her way to a breakout rookie season as a utility player for the V-Team. She displayed her pregame jitters and hurling skills today in front of the sold-out waiting room crowd of six people. Mom was catching for Olivia, and displayed her own all-star moves by keeping it all on the blanket. (Olivia doesn't spit up often, and this case was likely due to an unplanned call for a relief pitcher without any warm up in the bullpen [limited burping time] so she wasn't late to her pediatric appointment.)

After a little cleanup and a miraculous catch by Mom (nothing on her pretty dress OR Dad's uniform--yes, my wife is amazing), it was time for a talk on the mound with the coach (Pediatrician).

"You're doing great kid, you growing right on target," said the 40-something doctor. The statisticians had her listed in the program as weighing 4.55kg, 57cm long, and a 38cm noggin (9 lbs 15 oz; 22.4 in long; 15 in circumference). That put her in the 54th percentile for weight, 70th percentile for length, and 51st percentile for noggin circumference. Besides the numbers, she's smiling, looking at us, finding her voice, filling her britches regularly, and developing on par with the fancy dancy growth charts.

After a glowing review after an impressive eight weeks into her rookie season, the doc came out with the hard truth. "We need to send you to the minors, seems like you are going to need a little rehab after we give you these three vaccinations."

Then the nurse proceeded to give Olivia her three vaccinations, and she's currently upstairs recovering (sleeping). She's been a bit fussy with being downgraded to the minors and all, but who would be a little upset. Even with the sore little legs, she looks as though she is going to bounce back tougher than ever.

The Corn Verdict

Because inquiring minds want to know what the judges think:



The Verdict:

Sweet Corn in May?