Showing posts with label watson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label watson. Show all posts
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
17 Months: Phone and Dog
Mostly phone, but there's a sweet dog moment at the end.
If kids imitate what they see around them, August's telephone behavior is telling. Usually when he plays with the phone, in addition to walking around with a purpose, he also chatters (often rather aggressively) in an incoherent baby babble. This must be what he sees us and/or strangers doing when we talk on our phones... walking around, head down, blathering loudly on as we go.
This also documents one of Watson's weirder behaviors, which is to sleep with his head propped up against a wall... it looks terribly uncomfortable, but he does it all the time.
If kids imitate what they see around them, August's telephone behavior is telling. Usually when he plays with the phone, in addition to walking around with a purpose, he also chatters (often rather aggressively) in an incoherent baby babble. This must be what he sees us and/or strangers doing when we talk on our phones... walking around, head down, blathering loudly on as we go.
This also documents one of Watson's weirder behaviors, which is to sleep with his head propped up against a wall... it looks terribly uncomfortable, but he does it all the time.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
16 Months: Vacation - Part 2
Well, we're back now, and have sifted through some of the photos and footage. Plenty of great pictures of August, his mother, and the whole famn damily. A sampling:
Hiking was the central activity of our trip. Here's me and August, loaded up for a hike at Dodge Point in the Damariscotta River region of Mid-coast Maine.
Watson came along too, and I think it was the best vacation he ever had. Here he is exploring a swamp at Dodge Point (great photo by Mary... most of the good photos on this blog are by Mary, I think. She calls this one "Black Creature of the Lagoon"):
Here he is again, letting his fur down at Fort William Henry, in Pemiquid:
Mary with her baby:
August & his Mom, atop Mount Battie, overlooking the town of Camden, to which we will probably soon relocate despite its being a good 3.5 to 4 hours from Boston:
Outside of Camden (past Belfast) we stumbled onto Moose Point State Park. Mary and I had fun exploring the views of Penobscot Bay...
...and August had fun exploring his belly button... a favorite obsession for a few weeks now:
Our ultimate destination was Bar Harbor, where we spent a few days hiking some of the trails and famous carriage roads of the Acadia National Park. It was here that August began his own career as a hiker, forgoing the comforts of the kid-pack in favor of the rugged trails of Acadia:
If you've been to Acadia, you know that the trails are anything but rugged. They're the most amazingly well-kept wilderness trails I've ever seen or heard of. However... as we were walking 'round Jordan Pond, as we were finding our way along the back of the pond, August tripped and fell on his face. There was a little bit of blood, and a lot of drama. I had to sacrifice my T-shirt to the task of sopping up the blood because we weren't well prepared... it was supposed to be a short 3-4 mile hike. The baby was upset for a while, but then got back into the spirit of things and insisted on going it on foot (reluctantly accepting my help for the more challenging parts):
This one shows off the lake a little better:
Shortly after that shot was taken, the baby melted down and we found ourselves trapped on the back side of the lake, walking on a weird, never-ending walkway of half logs, raised above the delicate ecology of the pond's shore. I found myself carrying the baby in my arms, unable to find a good place to stop and re-pack him. He was screaming mad—no doubt disturbing the peace of any other hikers around the lake. The dog had trouble maintaining his footing on the wet wooden logs and, rather awkwardly, fell off the raised walkway more than once... nearly taking Mary with him, since she was holding his leash. The last third of that walk was un-fun, and our poor baby, in addition to being well pissed off, now had a wound on his nose and lip which didn't look nearly as bad at the time as it soon would. Poor kid.
Next day we had beautiful ocean-side walks. But sometimes the family portrait just doesn't go as you hoped. Sometimes you get an angry, wounded, uncooperative baby and the wrong end of the dog:
Next day took a six mile walk along the carriage roads around Eagle Lake. August held his own (and the dog) for parts of that walk, especially the downhill runs:
On the way back we stayed one night in Camden, then stopped off again at Ferry Beach (a nostalgic spot for us) near Prouts Neck. Same beach where we took the pictures for the previous post. Here are Mary's two favorite pictures of the trip (and the final two). August & his dad:
And August himself, wounded but dashing. Looking awesome!
Hiking was the central activity of our trip. Here's me and August, loaded up for a hike at Dodge Point in the Damariscotta River region of Mid-coast Maine.
Watson came along too, and I think it was the best vacation he ever had. Here he is exploring a swamp at Dodge Point (great photo by Mary... most of the good photos on this blog are by Mary, I think. She calls this one "Black Creature of the Lagoon"):
Here he is again, letting his fur down at Fort William Henry, in Pemiquid:
Mary with her baby:
August & his Mom, atop Mount Battie, overlooking the town of Camden, to which we will probably soon relocate despite its being a good 3.5 to 4 hours from Boston:
Outside of Camden (past Belfast) we stumbled onto Moose Point State Park. Mary and I had fun exploring the views of Penobscot Bay...
...and August had fun exploring his belly button... a favorite obsession for a few weeks now:
Our ultimate destination was Bar Harbor, where we spent a few days hiking some of the trails and famous carriage roads of the Acadia National Park. It was here that August began his own career as a hiker, forgoing the comforts of the kid-pack in favor of the rugged trails of Acadia:
If you've been to Acadia, you know that the trails are anything but rugged. They're the most amazingly well-kept wilderness trails I've ever seen or heard of. However... as we were walking 'round Jordan Pond, as we were finding our way along the back of the pond, August tripped and fell on his face. There was a little bit of blood, and a lot of drama. I had to sacrifice my T-shirt to the task of sopping up the blood because we weren't well prepared... it was supposed to be a short 3-4 mile hike. The baby was upset for a while, but then got back into the spirit of things and insisted on going it on foot (reluctantly accepting my help for the more challenging parts):
This one shows off the lake a little better:
Shortly after that shot was taken, the baby melted down and we found ourselves trapped on the back side of the lake, walking on a weird, never-ending walkway of half logs, raised above the delicate ecology of the pond's shore. I found myself carrying the baby in my arms, unable to find a good place to stop and re-pack him. He was screaming mad—no doubt disturbing the peace of any other hikers around the lake. The dog had trouble maintaining his footing on the wet wooden logs and, rather awkwardly, fell off the raised walkway more than once... nearly taking Mary with him, since she was holding his leash. The last third of that walk was un-fun, and our poor baby, in addition to being well pissed off, now had a wound on his nose and lip which didn't look nearly as bad at the time as it soon would. Poor kid.
Next day we had beautiful ocean-side walks. But sometimes the family portrait just doesn't go as you hoped. Sometimes you get an angry, wounded, uncooperative baby and the wrong end of the dog:
Next day took a six mile walk along the carriage roads around Eagle Lake. August held his own (and the dog) for parts of that walk, especially the downhill runs:
On the way back we stayed one night in Camden, then stopped off again at Ferry Beach (a nostalgic spot for us) near Prouts Neck. Same beach where we took the pictures for the previous post. Here are Mary's two favorite pictures of the trip (and the final two). August & his dad:
And August himself, wounded but dashing. Looking awesome!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
14 Months: Child and Labrador
I heard once (maybe through Mary?) that "every boy needs a dog... and vice versa". Watson may be the best kids' dog I've ever seen. But for Watson, August has been a mixed blessing. See for yourself:
It is a two way street, though. In exchange for Watson's tolerance and patience August puts up with hard-waggin' tail in the face, accidental knock-overs, and the constant threat of snack-theft. It's a strong bond they're building.
It is a two way street, though. In exchange for Watson's tolerance and patience August puts up with hard-waggin' tail in the face, accidental knock-overs, and the constant threat of snack-theft. It's a strong bond they're building.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
13 Months: Return to Dog Mountain
Because it's there...
Watson has been an amazingly good dog with this boy. See, Sara? Good for something!
Watson has been an amazingly good dog with this boy. See, Sara? Good for something!
Monday, January 19, 2009
12 Months: August vs. Watson
We've had a child gate for years. We use it to keep Watson out of the kitchen when we're not around. Today, Mary used it to keep the baby contained in the living room. He immediately did what Watson has never once done on purpose: test the premise that the gate is sufficient to the physical task. He pulled the gate down. Watson has never tried that.
Thus did August demonstrate that he is now smarter than the dog. Prior to today—for the past couple of weeks—I'd have said they were more or less on par. They both know their names. They both know a few words (August actually has the edge, can communicate with signs, but Watson knows several words/phrases related to balls, sticks, and food).
So let's compare these two on a number of different measures—August vs. Watson
Intelligence: August
As noted above, there has been evidence that August has had the edge for some time now. Verbal acuity alone should cover this, but if it didn't there's plenty of evidence to suggest that Watson is dumber than a box of hammers.
Obedience: Watson
Watson only ignores a command when he's in super-focused hunting mode. That is, when he's chasing a ball, or, for example, approaching another dog at high speed from a hundred yards away across the Boston Common. Otherwise, Watson handles "no" much better than August, who still pretends not to understand what it means, even though he almost certainly does (see "Intelligence", above).
Generosity: August
It's quite simple: August is willing to share his food. Our dog will not. Or rather, it's not that he wouldn't share, it's just that he'd eat something before he had the chance to evaluate the possibility of sharing it.
Coordination: Watson
Watson is a very graceful athlete, and has been since he was a tiny little puppy. Anyone who's had the pleasure of watching Watson in action during a game of fetch will allow that he's gifted in that way. August, who can take about 3 steps before falling over, has a long way to go in this department. A challenge for any of us... the dog's got skills!
Fine motor coordination: draw
August has the ability to pick up little objects with his pincer grasp, so you'd think he'd be a shoe-in for this category. However, Watson once moved a mug of coffee, three quarters full, from a coffee table to a spot on the floor several feet away, without spilling a drop.
Tug-o-war: Watson (but it's close)
August is surprisingly persistent in a game of tug-o-war, but Watson has the edge. He's dedicated, and focused, and has a technique that has been honed over the years in dog runs and parks in two major cities, and down on the farm vs. other dogs. Plus, he out-weights August by at least a factor of 4.
Cuteness: August
Few things are cuter than a lab puppy, and Watson was a particularly cute one... and I'd say he was cuter than a vast majority of babies in general! But not cuter than August. Sorry, Watts.
Appetite: Watson
The only time I've ever seen Watson full was after he had devoured several pounds of dry dog food, having torn the corner off a new bag I had carelessly left on the kitchen counter. The kibble must have rained down in a glorious, miraculous shower of plenty, the like of which had never been seen before, and never has since (see opening paragraph re: baby gate). August can give him a run for his money though, especially on his "hungry" days.
Mess-making: August
Watson sheds like no other dog, but August can really make a mess. His favorite pastime is removing objects from tables and putting them on the floor. And with food, though he's much more fastidious than certain other babies I've seen, he still has the ability to make quite a mess. And then there's the fact that Watson actually removes mess. A symbiotic relationship has developed between these two competitors—Watson doing the cleaning from below the high chair (see "Fine motor coordination", above). The one caveat to this award: back when Watson had access to the kitchen (prior to baby gate days, see opening paragraph) he could spread the contents of a garbage can quite evenly across a kitchen floor.
Ball-toss: Watson
As of today, Watson is a far more reliable partner for a game of toss... it might be his only real "trick".
Sleeping: Watson
No contest!
I feel lucky to have them both. Hang in there Watson... long run, you don't stand a chance, but I can't resist an underdog!
Thus did August demonstrate that he is now smarter than the dog. Prior to today—for the past couple of weeks—I'd have said they were more or less on par. They both know their names. They both know a few words (August actually has the edge, can communicate with signs, but Watson knows several words/phrases related to balls, sticks, and food).
So let's compare these two on a number of different measures—August vs. Watson
Intelligence: August
As noted above, there has been evidence that August has had the edge for some time now. Verbal acuity alone should cover this, but if it didn't there's plenty of evidence to suggest that Watson is dumber than a box of hammers.
Obedience: Watson
Watson only ignores a command when he's in super-focused hunting mode. That is, when he's chasing a ball, or, for example, approaching another dog at high speed from a hundred yards away across the Boston Common. Otherwise, Watson handles "no" much better than August, who still pretends not to understand what it means, even though he almost certainly does (see "Intelligence", above).
Generosity: August
It's quite simple: August is willing to share his food. Our dog will not. Or rather, it's not that he wouldn't share, it's just that he'd eat something before he had the chance to evaluate the possibility of sharing it.
Coordination: Watson
Watson is a very graceful athlete, and has been since he was a tiny little puppy. Anyone who's had the pleasure of watching Watson in action during a game of fetch will allow that he's gifted in that way. August, who can take about 3 steps before falling over, has a long way to go in this department. A challenge for any of us... the dog's got skills!
Fine motor coordination: draw
August has the ability to pick up little objects with his pincer grasp, so you'd think he'd be a shoe-in for this category. However, Watson once moved a mug of coffee, three quarters full, from a coffee table to a spot on the floor several feet away, without spilling a drop.
Tug-o-war: Watson (but it's close)
August is surprisingly persistent in a game of tug-o-war, but Watson has the edge. He's dedicated, and focused, and has a technique that has been honed over the years in dog runs and parks in two major cities, and down on the farm vs. other dogs. Plus, he out-weights August by at least a factor of 4.
Cuteness: August
Few things are cuter than a lab puppy, and Watson was a particularly cute one... and I'd say he was cuter than a vast majority of babies in general! But not cuter than August. Sorry, Watts.
Appetite: Watson
The only time I've ever seen Watson full was after he had devoured several pounds of dry dog food, having torn the corner off a new bag I had carelessly left on the kitchen counter. The kibble must have rained down in a glorious, miraculous shower of plenty, the like of which had never been seen before, and never has since (see opening paragraph re: baby gate). August can give him a run for his money though, especially on his "hungry" days.
Mess-making: August
Watson sheds like no other dog, but August can really make a mess. His favorite pastime is removing objects from tables and putting them on the floor. And with food, though he's much more fastidious than certain other babies I've seen, he still has the ability to make quite a mess. And then there's the fact that Watson actually removes mess. A symbiotic relationship has developed between these two competitors—Watson doing the cleaning from below the high chair (see "Fine motor coordination", above). The one caveat to this award: back when Watson had access to the kitchen (prior to baby gate days, see opening paragraph) he could spread the contents of a garbage can quite evenly across a kitchen floor.
Ball-toss: Watson
As of today, Watson is a far more reliable partner for a game of toss... it might be his only real "trick".
Sleeping: Watson
No contest!
I feel lucky to have them both. Hang in there Watson... long run, you don't stand a chance, but I can't resist an underdog!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
12 Months: Photo(s)
Nice photo Mary took yesterday. I've been all alone here in Boston—Mary & August having stayed behind in Idaho following the Christmas season. I'm told he's become much more confident on his feet, and I can see from this and other photos that he's already changed, in just the two weeks since I saw him last. He changes every day, and I've been missing out.
Meanwhile, we've been working hard at my office, several late nights this week. Without resident dog walkers (Mary and August) I've been forced to retrieve the dog in the early evening and bring him with me to the office. He's become a fixture with the team, and is quite comfortable hangout around there. Photo below, by Sam Brelsfoard, who runs our QA team.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
5 Months: The Giraffe
The day after we brought August home, I made an outing to the high end maternity shop in search of a few over-priced staples. While there I overheard one patron say to another, in reference to a particular toy, "see that giraffe? You have to buy one for [insert child's name]. It'll be [his/her] absolute favorite toy. Kids go crazy for this giraffe".
I made a mental note of it and departed. When I chanced to be back there several weeks later I hunted down the giraffe and purchased it, because any toy that captivating must be in my child's collection.
It's actually pretty cool. It's a flexible, rubber giraffe who squeaks when you squeeze him. This is what it looks like:
August does like the giraffe just fine, but it doesn't hold for him the fascination I was expecting given the hype (which I had, of course, confirmed by checking anecdotes online). To him it's another toy. But not one of his top favorites, like his parrot, which has entertained him for months.
More recently, he loves the little orange monkey who clings by its tail and can be grabbed down off its perch.
And lately he's been digging this cool wooden puzzley thing which August's honorary Auntie Andrea brought for him all the way from Germany (thanks Andrea!).
But the giraffe rates a consistent "meh".
Weeks ago we told the story of the giraffe to our upstairs neighbors who have a little one of their own, one month younger than August. The other day, Mary ran into the mother-half of this couple who informed her that they had acquired the rubber giraffe and that it was a huge favorite with their girl.
What's up with our kid!? Is this an early indication that his preferences will be outside the mainstream? Is he somehow lagging behind the others?? Is this why he "doesn't get it"? We don't know what it means. We keep hoping he'll learn to love the giraffe.
Meanwhile, there's one in the house who is completely mesmerized by the giraffe.
The dog has been transfixed by this thing from the first squeak. He'll sit and stare at it, only restraining himself from grabbing it because he knows it's not for him. But that doesn't stop him from menacing it constantly, even if I repeatedly warn him away from it. "Damnit, Watson, leave that effing giraffe alone!"
He just can't resist it. It has to be put away when we leave the apartment or we know we'll return to a shredded (likely eaten!) giraffe.
I made a mental note of it and departed. When I chanced to be back there several weeks later I hunted down the giraffe and purchased it, because any toy that captivating must be in my child's collection.
It's actually pretty cool. It's a flexible, rubber giraffe who squeaks when you squeeze him. This is what it looks like:
August does like the giraffe just fine, but it doesn't hold for him the fascination I was expecting given the hype (which I had, of course, confirmed by checking anecdotes online). To him it's another toy. But not one of his top favorites, like his parrot, which has entertained him for months.
More recently, he loves the little orange monkey who clings by its tail and can be grabbed down off its perch.
And lately he's been digging this cool wooden puzzley thing which August's honorary Auntie Andrea brought for him all the way from Germany (thanks Andrea!).
But the giraffe rates a consistent "meh".
Weeks ago we told the story of the giraffe to our upstairs neighbors who have a little one of their own, one month younger than August. The other day, Mary ran into the mother-half of this couple who informed her that they had acquired the rubber giraffe and that it was a huge favorite with their girl.
What's up with our kid!? Is this an early indication that his preferences will be outside the mainstream? Is he somehow lagging behind the others?? Is this why he "doesn't get it"? We don't know what it means. We keep hoping he'll learn to love the giraffe.
Meanwhile, there's one in the house who is completely mesmerized by the giraffe.
The dog has been transfixed by this thing from the first squeak. He'll sit and stare at it, only restraining himself from grabbing it because he knows it's not for him. But that doesn't stop him from menacing it constantly, even if I repeatedly warn him away from it. "Damnit, Watson, leave that effing giraffe alone!"
He just can't resist it. It has to be put away when we leave the apartment or we know we'll return to a shredded (likely eaten!) giraffe.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
5 Months: Monthiversay Photos
Here's August in his big boy jeans. Today he turns 5 months old.
This last one gives me an excuse to bring Watson back into the conversation. At first August pretty much ignored the dog. I speculate he just couldn't see such a completely black, non-contrasty object as Watson. But suddenly, about a month ago, August started to take great interest in the dog. Watching him walk around; reaching out to touch the dog's coat; grabbing at floppy ears if they should present themselves within his sphere of grabbiness (which they rarely do, you can imagine how Watson would keep a wide margin between the baby and himself). He really started to take notice.
Looks like my plan to have Watson become August's archetypal dog is off to a strong start—on August's part, at least. And once the child starts dropping/throwing food around the apartment, the attention, if not love and respect, will be mutual.
This last one gives me an excuse to bring Watson back into the conversation. At first August pretty much ignored the dog. I speculate he just couldn't see such a completely black, non-contrasty object as Watson. But suddenly, about a month ago, August started to take great interest in the dog. Watching him walk around; reaching out to touch the dog's coat; grabbing at floppy ears if they should present themselves within his sphere of grabbiness (which they rarely do, you can imagine how Watson would keep a wide margin between the baby and himself). He really started to take notice.
Looks like my plan to have Watson become August's archetypal dog is off to a strong start—on August's part, at least. And once the child starts dropping/throwing food around the apartment, the attention, if not love and respect, will be mutual.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
3 Months: Birthday Boy
On or about this day in 2001, our dog Watson was born. We recognize April Fool's Day as an apt birthday for him, so today he turns seven.
Watson came to me a few months before I met Mary. I thought it was something of a shame that he should live with me, a bachelor, when he would clearly be a perfect family dog—one that can be trusted with the kids, no matter what kind of abuse they might accidentally dish-out.
When we found out we were having August I was happy that Watson would get to fill the role of Family Dog, even if only for a while. He's seven today. If he lives to age 12, which is a fairly long life for a big Lab (Watson's 100lbs), he'll live until August is five. I'm hoping that'll be long enough that our son will be impressed with an image of a big, happy, loving Lab as his "prototypical dog". Our family had a wonderful yellow Lab who served that role for me, and it resulted in a life-long love of dogs in general, and Labs in particular. I think we're richer for having these friends in our lives, and I hope this gentle introduction will set August up for a future of happy canine companionship.
So today it's all about Watson. A couple of pictures are here, and he has his own page, as well.
Hang out on the lawn mode:
Chase ball and swim mode:
Watson came to me a few months before I met Mary. I thought it was something of a shame that he should live with me, a bachelor, when he would clearly be a perfect family dog—one that can be trusted with the kids, no matter what kind of abuse they might accidentally dish-out.
When we found out we were having August I was happy that Watson would get to fill the role of Family Dog, even if only for a while. He's seven today. If he lives to age 12, which is a fairly long life for a big Lab (Watson's 100lbs), he'll live until August is five. I'm hoping that'll be long enough that our son will be impressed with an image of a big, happy, loving Lab as his "prototypical dog". Our family had a wonderful yellow Lab who served that role for me, and it resulted in a life-long love of dogs in general, and Labs in particular. I think we're richer for having these friends in our lives, and I hope this gentle introduction will set August up for a future of happy canine companionship.
So today it's all about Watson. A couple of pictures are here, and he has his own page, as well.
Hang out on the lawn mode:
Chase ball and swim mode:
Monday, January 14, 2008
Watson: Snow Dog
Proof that Watson, perhaps no longer the central focus of our lives, is still a happy dog.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)