Nalani Joy Kearney

Pictures from Las Vegas

2012-02-12T13:08:00.000-08:00

Our little family is currently in New Mexico after spending a bit of time in Malibu. Hammie is feeling a bit under the weather but hopefully the sickness will soon pass. Here are a couple pictures from our brief stay in Las Vegas.

Hammie slams a doughnut hole. If she knew they were all-you-can-eat we never would have left the restaurant

Flower from a display at the Bellagio

A cool roof that had us mesmerized for a period

Hammie shows Lina around the casino

Ice-cream!!

Lina, Hammie and our good Swedish friends Silja and Flemming with their daughter Miriam

Best friends

Stickers

2012-02-09T21:47:00.000-08:00

Check out our sweet tats

Showing off her stickers

Prairie walked by Hammie and became a human canvas

An artist at work

Life's a Beach

2012-01-18T15:53:00.000-08:00

Hammie takes a stroll

Life on the beach at Malibu

Walking with Farmor

Big footprints

Feeding the pet seagull

Hammie goes down, learning that even life on the beach can have it's rough spots

Cracking Up

2012-01-01T15:14:00.000-08:00

I've got 10 days left until I see my girls again. It feels like a long time and I can't wait until they arrive.

Here is a photo I found on an old sd card. Hammie obviously finds something Chris just said hysterical.

Hammie cracks up

Missing My Girls

2011-12-10T07:53:00.000-08:00

I'm several days into my annual winter escape to the States and I'm missing my girls terribly. Fortunately there is Skype but it will certainly be a long month.

My girls rocking 'staches and showing their guns

I'm a little jealous that Hammie can grow a better mustache than me

Waffles

2011-11-27T11:46:00.000-08:00

Waffles are pretty popular with our little family and we try to treat ourselves once every couple weeks. Our last waffle feast was shared with friends and Hammie demonstrated how one should eat a waffle.

Open mouth....

insert waffle.

Hammie likes her waffles with jam and whipped cream

Ingelin needed no help in waffle eating as she proudly displays her next morsel.

Winter is Coming

2011-11-17T13:15:00.000-08:00

The trees have shed all their leaves and we are enjoying some splendid fall weather. Unfortunately we know winter is just around the corner, whether we like it or not.

Hammie carefully selects a single leaf from the thousands available.

Hammie and Mira

2011-11-13T23:31:00.000-08:00

A little over a week ago Hammie was reunited with one of her friends that we haven't seen for awhile. Mira and Hammie had a fun-packed day of mushroom gathering, swinging, BBQ, and cats. Good times.

Mira and Hammie take a ride on a cool swing

You don't find as many mushrooms on the road but it's way easier for little legs to walk

A cool mushroom we found. This one is not for eating

Mira takes a ride with her mom Klara

Michael shows the girls how to BBQ

Good friends know how to share

Cats provide tons of enjoyment

A Couple Aunties

2011-11-08T23:34:00.000-08:00

Hammie hanging with two of her aunties this September in Colorado

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-30T07:37:00.000-07:00

They had a Halloween party at Hammie's day care and she went as the cutest pumpkin ever.

Happy Halloween from Hammie and her parents

A hug from a pumpkin? Yes please

Pumpkins need hugs too

Back in Sweden

2011-10-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

Our little family is now back in Sweden. It was a great trip and we are already missing our friends and family in the USA. We'll spend the next few days trying to get our jet-lag under control and thinking of things we can't get in Sweden.

Hammie takes a bite of her first Twinkie. Mmmmmmmm, tastes like freedom

My father (aka Don, the Don, Dad, Fart-fart, Doc, Donk, the Man, the Myth, the Legend......) teaches Hammie there is more to life than just Twinkies, there are also Ding-dongs, Ho-hos and a variety of other Hostess products

Hammie and Tio Toe-Toe

2011-09-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

Antonio joined our little family for a week. Hammie took pretty good care of him and dubbed him Toe-Toe.

Hanging in the dirt

Hammie teaches Antonio how to be a hourse

Enjoying refreshing beverages

The Cutest Little Pie Baker

2011-09-15T08:40:00.000-07:00

We spent our first week State side in Pie Town hanging with friends and family. Hammie decided if she was going to be in Pie Town she would take it seriously and took some pie baking lessons from Farmor. With a little help Hammie baked her first pie (blueberry of course) and next year she might might enter one in the baking contest. Here's a couple pictures of the worlds cutest pie baker.

Hammie learns to "crimp" the crust

Attention to detail

Putting in the blueberry filling

My mother the pie baking queen with her new protege

Hammie and Dut-Dut

2011-08-29T09:57:00.000-07:00

It has been great for Hammie to have her very own playmate. I think Dut-Dut is the new favorite and it will be a rude awakening when she leaves and Hammie is back to hanging with her dad.

Hammie riding her favorite horse

Hammie shows Dut-Dut how one should pretend to be a puppy

Dancing in the Streets

2011-08-24T12:29:00.000-07:00

It's always a party when Hammie is in charge and nothing livens the mood like spontaneous street dancing.

It all starts with a little twirl for two

But street dances are always better when others join in

Hammie leads Dut-dut, Mormor and Mom in a dance circle

And the crowd loves it

Aunt Dut-Dut

2011-08-22T13:18:00.000-07:00

Autumn came to Sweden to visit Hammie for a couple weeks. It is great to have Aunt Dut-Dut, and Hammie loves giving her personalized tours around Gothenburg. The tours don't go very fast, require that you occasionally carry the tour-guide, and must allow for a one hour nap in the middle of the day, but you're guaranteed to have a good time.

Hammie guides Autumn down a busy Gothenburg street

Just in case you have a hard time seeing the tiny tour-guide Hammie carries a balloon to help you stay on track

A Big Fall

2011-08-20T03:52:00.000-07:00

Last week Lina and I were given a pretty awesome surprise. Håkan presented us with a cards that informed us we would be skydiving the following morning. I was psyched and after Lina harnessed her apprehension so was she. Hammie didn't really know what was going out but after Lina came down from her jump Hammie was very concerned that her mother had "fallen". Hammie didn't however seem the least bit concerned that her dad did the same.

Lina gets geared up

Tobias ensures Lina everything will be ok

Hammie hasn't yet realized what is going to happen

Lina just before liftoff

Who you calling a sucker?

2011-08-09T14:35:00.000-07:00

Hammie got to try her first lollipop this summer and it's safe to say it was a big hit. The lulling effect was incredible as Hammie simply sat down and barely moved until the entire sucker was gone. We generally deprive Hammie of candy but it was a special time to share with her friends. And now if I ever need 15-20 minutes of partial silence (sucking noises being the only audible sound) I know how to get it.

Good stuff!

Hammie and her friends Mira and Miriam enjoying a sweet summer

Hammie Update: Two years old and life is good

2011-07-29T14:56:00.000-07:00

On July 25^th Hammie doubled in age. Despite my earlier reluctance to have a party for a two year old I realized nothing I could say or do can keep grandparents from pampering their only grandchild. So it goes. Hammie once again was the honored guest at two different parties, each with presents and strawberry cake. The cakes were delicious and I've decided as long as I get some strawberry cake Hammie can have as many parties as she wants.

We’ve heard stories of “terrible twos” but it’s hard to imagine the word terrible or any of its synonyms being applied to our little girl. Mood swings can happen, the worst of which are complete with face-to-the-floor wailing, but they are short lived and do little more than provide chuckles for her loving parents. Yes, I think it’s ok to laugh at your kids sometimes.

Talking is Hammie's new favorite thing as scarcely a minute goes by without a comment or question, intelligible or not. She deftly navigates between Swedish and English and it’s safe to say that folks in the States better brush up on their Swedish if they don’t want a frustrated little girl repeating the simplest of phrases in a progressively louder voice until eventual breakdown. Guessing works well and I’ve gotten pretty good at it as everyday brings new words that are not quite pronounced properly or best described as Swenglish.

The potty-training that went so well in February has taken a serious setback as the folks at daycare (we call it dagis here in Sweden) don’t have the manpower to follow Hammie around and tune into her bowl movements. With dagis closed for July we’ve taken strides forward once again but I fear it’ll be back to square one with the return to dagis. She is beginning to get the hang of it and certainly understands the concept so we’ll see what happens.

One of the perks of Hammie being older is she now has an added independence and I don’t feel like I need to have my eye on her every minute. If she needs help she will tell me and she will often entertain herself for long periods. Of course Hammie’s every improving mobility is literally taking her to new heights and a lack of supervision has ever growing consequences. I’d like to think Hammie processes decent risk analysis but it is better to not leave things to chance, and she is after all my daughter. I have my eye on her every other minute.

All in all things are moving forward as they should and I still contend that we have the greatest kid ever. Hammie can’t wait to see all her fans and show all her new skills/tricks. For those in the USA, Hammie will be making an appearance State-side in September.

Big hugs from the cutest 2-year old ever.

Officially Two

Hammie better not get used to cakes or her dad is going to gain 20 pounds

Presents

Flower Girl

2011-07-05T13:39:00.001-07:00

Another picture from Midsommer

Glad Midsommar

2011-06-30T11:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Midsummer!!

Check out this link and scroll down for another picture of Hammie that a local reporter took.

What's that on my Belly?

2011-06-20T13:46:00.000-07:00

One day Hammie came back from daycare with some body-art.

Check out my belly!

Hammie points out that her belly now has eyes

The belly-art was so cute we left it for 3 days before bath time washed it away

The Åland Trip

2011-05-30T11:38:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago we joined our friends Kalle, Frida and Isa for a week of climbing on the Finnish Islands called Åland. This was Hammie's first time in Finland and after the week she decided it would be ok to come back sometime. Here are a few pictures from the trip.

Hammie takes a break from her artwork to enjoy the scenery

The cabin we rented for the week was perfect for two little families.

The crew in Åland. Lina, Kalle, Isa, Frida and Hammie

Hammie could go on swinging forever but I think dad is getting bored

Hammie discovered dad's stash of dried fruit and proceeded to stuff her face

Taking a stroll

The flowers were in bloom and those outside the cabin we rented felt the wrath of Hamzilla

Swinging is a big hit

Hammie tries to find a hiding place

Leaving a Mark

2011-05-25T23:28:00.000-07:00

Hammie is very into drawing at the moment. When out climbing we bring along some chalk and Hammie proceeds to mark up the landscape. She occasionally offers lessons where she hands us the chalk, directs us to a blank piece of rock and tells us what we should draw. Fortunately her vocabulary is pretty basic so I get away with mostly drawing animals (dogs, cats, cows, horses, etc), plants (mostly trees and flowers), and a few random objects (bicycles, cars, houses, the sun). I reckon it's only a matter of time before I will be unable to field her requests and she realizes that her dad is a horrible artist. I just hope she hasn't inherited my drawing skills.

Lina takes art lessons from Hammie

Hammie in France

2011-05-23T08:13:00.000-07:00

I'm putting together some climbing videos from our time in France this March. While the videos will be mostly climbing Hammie makes some cameos so I thought I'd post them on this blog as well as my climbing blog.

Here is the first video. Those non-climbers may just want to search out the Hammie footage.

Our Little Monkey

2011-05-22T12:48:00.000-07:00

Hammie is getting pretty good at imitating different animals. One of her favorites is the monkey.

The Hammie Crane

2011-05-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

When Chris was here in Sweden he invented an amazing device that eliminates the need to bend over when picking objects up off the ground. His invention is pretty easy to work and comes in a compact size but it does require a fair degree of maintenance. Here are a couple pictures of Chris demonstrating his "Hammie Crane"

You carry the Hammie Crane just like a 6-pack

A closeup of the carrying mechanism

The Hammie Crane has two grippers that are capable to picking a variety of objects and has a built in sensor for detecting things with a high sugar content

The release mechanism is voice activated and can be set to either Swedish of English.

Riding in Style

2011-05-05T10:43:00.000-07:00

Even though Hammie is fully capable of walking, her little legs make the going slow and she gets tuckered long before mom and dad. Fortunately her parents double as pack-mules and she spends the lion's share of most hikes on her dad's shoulders. Of course when we go bouldering our crash pads make a pretty cozy place for a little person.

Hammie always rides in style. You can't beat the vantage point and it's the optimal position for applying encouraging whacks to her dad's head

Rock Art

2011-05-02T23:19:00.000-07:00

Hammie has been showing her artistic side. Every time we go out climbing she grabs a piece of chalk and proceeds to draw on everything within arms reach. This form of ephemeral art is really catching on as copycat artists are already emerging.

Anne takes art lessons from Hammie, the master of chalk.

Day Care

2011-04-26T09:09:00.000-07:00

It has been a few weeks since Hammie started day care. She adapted to this drastic change in her little life like a champion as her teachers saying it was the fastest adjustment they had seen. She sometimes cries a little when we leave her but that's generally it. I'm sure she's psyched to be hanging with people her own age instead of with her dad all the time.

The chaotic scene at day care

Hammie on her first day did a lot of watching

Lewis, one of Hammie's classmates, shows the new girl around

Our little champion

The Godfather

2011-04-21T12:10:00.000-07:00

We have had the luxury of a two week visit from Little Chris. During his stay we toured him around some climbing areas and had him sample Swedish cuisine but I think his favorite thing was being woken-up early by Hammie every morning. Chris returned to the USA a few days ago and is sorely missed. We look forward to the next trip.

Here are some pictures of Hammie and her Godfather.

Hammie give Chris "fika" lessons

Hanging around the apartment

Hammie can't believe what just happened in the book we've read to her 100 times. Must be because Chris doesn't read Swedish.

Chris really wanted to get Hammie a kitty. While Hammie loved the idea Lina and I had to keep our eyes on Chris so a cat didn't "mysteriously" appear in our bags.

From a Few Weekends Ago

2011-04-11T08:50:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the lack of posting as of late. I'll try to be more on top of it.

Here are a few pictures from a couple weekends ago when we drove down south for some bouldering at Kjugekull.

Mormor shows Hammie some sweet shades

The weather wasn't as good as we wanted it to be so Ingela brought along a personal mini-heater to fight off the cold

Going for a walk with Mom and Mormor

Peeking over the shoulder

We stayed one night at a castle and Hammie had her run of the place.

Hammie really wants to get to that grass on the other side

The First Spring

2011-03-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

We are back in Sweden after a great time in France. Hammie enjoyed the warmth and we saw spring unfold during our two week. Now it is time for our second spring as Sweden is starting to warm up and i reckon flowers will emerge in the next week or so. Here are a couple pictures from France

Hammie hangs up her warm beanie for her sun-hat

Those flowers don't stand a chance against Gozilla-Hammie

Our Little Climber

2011-03-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

Lina returned to Sweden a few days ago while Hammie and I stayed on in France for an extra week of wine and stinky cheese. This round of dad camp is a bit more hygienic than the one in September as we are staying in a house, but that doesn't mean we aren't playing in the dirt. Hammie has actually started "climbing" as she find her own little problems to scramble up as she tries to mimics mom and dad. She'll be giving me beta for my projects in no time.

Hammie feeling a sandstone sloper

This one is a bit over Hammies head but it's nice to have projects

Chris imparts his climbing wisdom to his God-daughter

Hammie Just Franced in Her Pants

2011-03-15T01:05:00.000-07:00

Hammie loves France. Spring has come and the warm sunny weather is a welcome change from Sweden. She has taken to chocolate spread and French pastries and is shopping around for a beret. Fortunately we are in a gite (vacation home you can rent in Franch) packed with American and try to keep Hammie from becoming too French.

Lina and Hammie taking a morning stroll to the boulagerie for some baguettes

Hammie helps collect firewood for the evening

French pastries are good

Hammie catches up on her reading

New Necklace

2011-03-10T23:57:00.000-08:00

On the last laundry day Hammie found a new necklace.

Kitchen Helper

2011-03-08T05:20:00.000-08:00

Hammie is ready to help out with dinner.

Poopy in the Potty

2011-03-02T13:23:00.000-08:00

One of the major steps to becoming a big girl is learning to poop in the potty. I've been taking this undertaking pretty serious, following a bare-butt Hammie around the house and logging countless hours reading to Hammie while she sits on the potty. Waiting around for a little one to poop is a lesson in patience and while there has certainly been a few accidents, more and more poops are making it into the potty and Hammie is becoming more accurate when she declares "bajs" (the Swedish word for poop). I'd say we are still a good bit from the goal but strides have been made in the right direction and I can imagine a day in the not to distant future where Hammie is diaper free.

And for those of you not familiar with the Swedish language, good luck pronouncing "bajs".

Hammie catching up on some reading

Her expression is telling me it's soon time to get off the potty

And a side note.......How much is Hammie going to love this blog when she is 13 years old.

Moffe Comes to Town

2011-02-27T10:13:00.000-08:00

Moffe came to Gothenburg for a couple days with Ida and Anna. Good times were had.

Hammie shows Moffe where his nose is

Chillin'

Where's Hammie?

2011-02-21T12:15:00.000-08:00

Hammie has always been a big fan of "peek-a-boo" and I'm pretty sure she is going to love hide-and-seek. The transition from one game to the next is gradual as she can't quite wrap her head around the idea of one person remaining hidden while the other person seeks. For the time being we play some odd hybrid game but it will all come with time.

Hammie's carefully selected hiding place isn't fooling anyone

Dental Hygiene

2011-02-16T14:20:00.000-08:00

Hammie is learning the importance of dental hygiene. Her favorite part is sucking the toothpaste from her brush but she does manage to do a little brushing as well.

Heart Shaped Rocks

2011-02-13T23:17:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from a couple weeks ago.

Hammie checks out Mormor's rock collection

by spreading the rocks around the room.

then taking each piece

and arranging them as desired.

It was actually Dad that made the heart. Hammie is more into destroying form and letting people interpret the scattered remains

Hammie the Friendly Ghost

2011-02-10T13:17:00.000-08:00

Mormor showed Hammie how to be a ghost. She wandered around the house trying to scare us but her cuteness got in the way. It's hard to be a ghost when no one takes you seriously.

Hammie wails and moans

Our terrifying ghost

Hurray for Mormor!

2011-02-08T22:55:00.000-08:00

Mormor is coming to Gothenburg for a couple days and Hammie is jazzed. Hammie is looking forward to lots of play time and using her cuteness to get tasty treats.

Hammie and Mormor the last time they met up

A New Hat

2011-02-01T06:48:00.000-08:00

No sooner had Auntie Heather finished knitting a hat than Hammie decided she wanted it. Fortunately Heather is quite taken by Hammie and willingly released it into her possession.

Hammie was psyched on her new hat and modeled it while dad took some pictures. Many thanks to Heather for knitting it and the originally intended recipient who never new what a sweet hat they could have had.

Funny thing is that the hat is actually a bit big for Hammie and her interest has diminished down to not wanted to wear it. Looks like dad has a new hat until Hammie's fashion sense comes back to her.

Awwwwww!

Peek-a-boo!

Hammie getting crazy

Body Guards

2011-01-31T06:52:00.000-08:00

Hammie has been collecting an army of able young men to protect her from whatever perils life may throw at her. They are attentive and loyal and roughly 12 years from now I'll be calling on them to intimidate any prepubescent boy that steps within 10 meters of Hammie. Here are a few of the recruits.

Hammie shows David around the beach at Malibu

Antonio protects Hammie from the blood thirsty seagulls

Hammie enjoys a stroll with her Godfather Chris

Sweden and Aunties

2011-01-28T20:30:00.000-08:00

We have safely landed back in Sweden and are getting reacquired with our cozy apartment. The snow I left piled on the streets in early December is still there but the days are getting longer and I'm looking forward to watching the white stuff slowely disappear as Spring approaches.

We stayed our first night back in Sweden with Hammie's Swedish grandmother in Helsingborg. The reunion went well as Mormor and Hammie didn't seem to skip a beat, playing until 2 o'clock in the morning while Lina and I got some sleep. Ingela is a hero.

We are going to miss all our family and friends in the States and hope they all stay safe until the next time we get to bombard them with hugs. I get the feeling Hammie will really miss her aunties and I reckon the many hours of playing logged in will make for a smooth reunion whenever it may happen. Maybe next time she sees them she will have polished off pronouncing their new names.

Here are some auntie pictures

Hammie shows Auntie TCB how to blow kisses. Hammie calles Heather B or BB as the T and C prove difficult to say

Auntie Man-Arms keeps Hammie warm. Hammie calls Prairie "Peeree" or "Preepree". I guess dad's nickname isn't going to stick

Auntie Dut Dut. Hammie actually does a pretty good job of saying Autumn's new name

Kiss attack from the Aunties and cousin Mariah

Tutu turns 90

2011-01-22T09:08:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday Tutu had a 90th birthday party. The theme was "the roaring 20's" and the partying went on long after our little family went to bed. It was great being in Malibu for such a special occasion and celebrating my amazing grandmother.

The birthday girl with one of here grandchildren, Autumn

Hammie dancing with her dad the paperboy

Party like it's 1920

The lucky paperboy and his princess

Happy Birthday Tutu!

Puff Puff

2011-01-17T12:31:00.000-08:00

Hammie wonders why "cool" people smoke

She decides that maybe smoking is not that cool

The O-face

2011-01-15T16:17:00.000-08:00

As Hammie ages she continues to add to her repertoire of expressions. Her new favorite as of late is the O-face, which she uses frequently and it can be triggered by strange noises (like farts). At this point I think she likes it because she gets most adults to mimic her and then proceeds to crackup.

Leaving Las Vegas

2011-01-14T22:41:00.000-08:00

Hammie really likes Vegas. At first it was all the flashing lights but soon she was lining up for all you can eat buffets. When Hammie started hitting the slots new we had to leave Las Vegas.

Playing the slots

Auntie Man-Arms

2011-01-10T21:21:00.000-08:00

Hammie has been spending lots of time with her Auntie Prairie (aka Auntie Man-Arms). We were hoping that none of Prairie's bad habits wore off on Hammie but after a couple days we noticed it was the other way around. It's only a matter of time until Prairie is speaking gibberish and pooping in her pants.

Here Hammie teaches Prairie some slight of hand to use in high stakes poker

Hammie wishes Prairie would get serious

Protecting here Auntie from a wild beast

Reunited with My Girls

2010-12-31T18:54:00.000-08:00

My girls have arrived. I certainly missed them and I think they missed me too. Hammie missed me so much in fact that she has decided to stay awake through much of the night just to spend more time with her dad. Needless to say, I won't be getting much sleep until Hammie's jet-lag wears off. At least she's happy during her late night escapades.

My girls

Hammie is so happy to be in the USA she gives a kiss to David

Hammie Reminders

2010-12-14T09:31:00.000-08:00

I miss my girls. It has been about a week and everything reminds me of Hammie. I get to skype with Lina and Hammie pretty regularly which keeps me sane and the other day I got to play with a baby. Here is a couple pictures of Sierra. She let me play with her for a bit, providing a fix and making me miss Hammie even more.

Stocking Up

2010-12-09T18:16:00.000-08:00

I'm once again escaping the Swedish winter. Leaving the dark and cold behind is easy but I'll also have to be away from my girls for 20 days. It's going to be rough but I stocked up on hugs before I left. I just hope it's enough to gut through these coming weeks.

Hammie and I exchanging hugs in the airport

Ahhhhhh, she'll miss me

"OK Dad! Enough hugs already."

Friends

2010-12-04T03:49:00.000-08:00

Hammie has a very diverse collection of friends. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors but their shared love for Hammie compels them all to get along. Sworn enemies like cat and dog have put aside their differences and even the three eyed alien has found acceptance. This tight-knit group has been through a lot, from pee accidents to extended time alone of the floor and they only grow closer.

Here is a picture of Hammie and her friends.

A Fly on Our Wall: Dance Party with DJ Hammie

2010-11-28T04:18:00.000-08:00

This is the first of what I'm hoping to be a regular segment for Nalani's blog. We will share moments with a "fly on the wall" perspective, giving folk a brief glimpse at life with the Kearneys.

For this first video Hammie is the DJ of a bumping dance party.

Enjoy

A Fly on Our Wall: Dance Party with DJ Hammie from Walker and Lina on Vimeo.

Hammie and Mormor

2010-11-26T12:26:00.000-08:00

Universeum

2010-11-10T05:58:00.000-08:00

With the weather being consistently crappy Hammie and I have to find indoor places to go. Fortunately there are a slew of places that Hammie can run around in and one in particular is going to be a favorite. Universeum has an indoor rainforest complete with exotic birds and monkeys as well as a giant aquarium and a playground. Needless to say the place is sweet and Hammie and I will spend many hours there.

Here are a couple pics

That's the place

Riding the horse with Mira

Hammie's world

Fish

Happy Halloween

2010-11-01T02:10:00.000-07:00

Our little pumpkin has grown a bit since last year. Happy Halloween everyone!

Super Heroes

2010-10-23T22:53:00.000-07:00

Having a little one is a full time job with ever changing requirements and long hours. I can remember when Hammie first came along and Lina and I plunged into the crash course that is parenthood. Fortunately it was two against one and the exhaustion could be kept at bay by tapping out and having the other parent take over (Lina of course took the brunt of the work at the beginning due to being the food source). Having the numbers in our favor was a huge luxury that we have a whole new appreciation for after visiting our friends Johan and Sara last weekend.

Johan and Sara have twin girls that are around 8 weeks old. I reckon it will be awhile before either of them managed to feel well rested as it is a non-stop circus of changing diapers, feeding, burping, comforting and sleeping (if they are lucky). They are heroes. Johan even managed to make it out climbing, throwing one of the kids in a crashpad for a trip to the boulders.

Here are a couple pics from that visit.

Johan holding Hedda while Tova is wrapped up with Sara

Hedda....or is it Tova. The twins are already playing tricks on Uncle Walker

Getting a taste of being outnumbered. Looks like this battle was a draw, which is all a parent can hope for.

Johan, the super dad

Hammie, Hammie Everywhere

2010-10-20T00:25:00.000-07:00

Hammie can be hard to keep up with sometimes. She can really motor and seems to bend time and space to get from one place to the next. Hoping to further understand Hammie's abilities I set up a camera to help keep track of her and was amazed by what I found. Hammie seems to have the power to duplicate.

Hammie tricks: Multiplying Hammie from Walker and Lina on Vimeo.

Hammie is the Big Girl

2010-10-11T08:38:00.000-07:00

Hammie has a new friend. Isa is 4 weeks old and Hammie has tons of cool things to show her, but it may have to wait until Isa gets better at holding her own head up.

Hammie explains to Kalle the proper way to hold his daughter

Papa Kalle with his little girl

Hammie officially declares that Fall is here

Eggs

2010-10-08T22:22:00.000-07:00

Hammie displays the glory that is a hard boiled egg

Stink Bug

2010-10-03T08:26:00.000-07:00

Hammie is a curious girl. Nothing is safe from her little fingers as she wanders around poking, lifting, shaking and squeezing things that catch her attention. She does display a degree of caution when confronting larger animal (dogs, humans) that comforts to her parents but when it comes to smaller creatures she jumps right in. Fortunately she no longer feels the need to taste everything she touches, saving many a bug from an unpleasant demise and her parents from undue stress.

Here are a couple pics of our little biologist inspecting a recent find in the desert Southwest.

Hammie shows her dad her new friend. "I named him Stinky. Can we keep it?"

With a gentle pat, Stinky is returned to his natural habitat

"Where did Stinky go"

Airports

2010-09-30T22:54:00.000-07:00

Hammie and I got pretty cozy in airports. With lots of room to runaround and plenty of distractions Hammie had no problems with the multiple layovers. Here's a couple pics

Hammie finds something of notice in Minneapolis airport

Poll dancing in the middle of an airport

Taking a stroll and killing time in Amsterdam

Parting Shots

2010-09-30T12:29:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple pics from Hammie's farewell to some family from the States. Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Autumn, and Godfather Chis met with us in Socorro to say goodbye. After eating Hammie was in a splendid mood and showed off her running skills to appease her adoring fans.

Guess who's the center of attention

Doodle and Hammie looking crazy

Hammie begins her training for the Boston Marathon 2015

Hanging with Farmor

USA in the Rearview

2010-09-28T07:33:00.000-07:00

A full day and three flights later Hammie and I are back in Sweden. Hammie continued her stellar travel record and received a slew of compliments on how good she is in plans. I wish things went as smooth for me as my cold (Hammie gave it to me) left me we a stuffed head and a left ear that just wouldn't pop. Despite the pain I made it through with minimal whining and we are once again united with my princess.

It's great being home but we'll certainly miss the States. Too bad freedom is hard to find here in Sweden as we've traded the open road and the cozy confines of the Motherload for a warm apartment and hugs and kisses from Lina. Good trade.

Hammie will miss all her new friends and is concerned that she won't be dirty enough here in Sweden and her immune system will suffer.

Cruising in the Motherload

Hammie hanging with her new friend Lisa

Saying goodbye to the Motherload with affectionate pats

Two Dudes and a Baby

2010-09-27T06:30:00.000-07:00

I posted a little something on my other blog that is Hammie related and we thought we'd share.

http://kearneyjourney.blogspot.com/2010/09/two-dudes-and-baby.html

A Dirty Girl

2010-09-22T12:48:00.000-07:00

There is a spanish word for that layer of filth that builds up on a person's skin. That word is "roña" and in the right settings can appear in a day. With Lina absent our little girl has embraced the filth and become a "roñosa", gleefully wallowing in the dirt and emerging a shade or two darker. We've been going through wet-wipes at a rapid rate but out at these climbing areas it's like fighting a grizzly bear with a BB-gun. Fortunately some friends in town offered their home to us and yesterday Hammie left her "tan" in the murky bathwater. She is once again clean but it won't last long as we plan to go out climbing tomorrow.

Here's a couple pictures of our dirty little girl.

Dad Camp

2010-09-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

We dropped Lina off at the airport today and for the next week Hammie and I will be living in the dirt, eating raw meat with our hands, working on cars, and doing other manly stuff. That's right, Dad camp. Without Lina to keep tabs on us there is no end to the trouble we'll get into. Hammie is already prepared as a recent spill left her with a mouth full of asphalt and a gnarly scab on her face. It'll maker her look tough when we walk into the biker bars.

Hopefully this week will be great for everyone but we'll certainly miss Lina. And all that stuff about being dirty and reckless is mostly untrue as Hammie is pretty responsible and fully capable of keeping her dad in line.

Here's a couple shots from the airport.

Hammie with some face wounds offering flowers

Hammie and Lina get some last cuddles before the week long separation

Bye bye! We'll miss you

American Girl

2010-09-16T07:28:00.000-07:00

It only took a week in the USA for Hammie to embrace the goodness that is American. Despite being exposed to communist propaganda over the past few months she has managed to thrown off the shackles of socialism and rally around the stars and stripes. From here on out it is fast food, firearms, and freedom. Hammie is hoping to join the ranks of the obese and drive a Hummer to conservative political rallies. God Bless America.

Oh say can you see........

Laundry Day

2010-09-03T01:48:00.000-07:00

Being productive around the house is considerably more difficult with a 1 year old. Certain things are almost impossible (like keeping the apartment floor free of Hammie toys) and other take considerably longer than they should. Which brings us to "laundry day".

Those that know me probably realize that if left to my own devices laundry would be an infrequent event. Barely having enough clothes to fill a machine coupled with the fact I wear the same thing everyday (sometimes for over a week) means that I don't have to do laundry very often. Of course now I've got a little girl and a princess with way higher standards than me. There is now plenty to wash and fortunately Hammie loves to help.

Laundry is incredibly enjoyable with my little girl as she insists on shorting the clothes at every stage of the process. Piles get rearranged, clothes get put in and out of the machine and nothing gets hung in the drying room without Hammie's approval.

When laundry day is finally over I start to wish that I had more dirty clothes to clean. Fortunately that is a wish quickly granted by a certain 1 year old with an affinity for dirt and messy eating. Life is good.

After careful inspection Hammie hands newly washed clothes to dad.

Large items pose a problem for my little girl but she is adamant about taking them by herself

Until Hammie is taller dad will have to do the hanging.

Making sure everything is in order

Helping out

2010-08-29T09:21:00.000-07:00

Hammie met a new addition to the world and extended a hand, imparting her expert knowledge about on subjects from the best foods to how to walk. She is looking forward to being a roll-model.

Mushrooms

2010-08-25T04:54:00.000-07:00

We try not to encourage Hammie to eat random things she finds in the forest. Of course that has become increasingly difficult as we are constantly sampling the wonderful treats the Swedish forest has to offer. We've been hitting the berries pretty hard (blueberries are still tops) but now we are getting into mushroom season. Our most recent handpicked indulgence was some Chanterelle mushrooms so we now have to keep a close watch on our little mushroom hunter as she doesn't seem to be a discerning expert of the field.

Hammie inspects her find

Hammie is excited about her delicious Karl Johan mushroom

Kicking back on the ride home

Hangin' with da Boys

2010-08-16T08:31:00.000-07:00

I realize that Hammie will eventually attract the attention of teenage boys that will follow her around and compete for her attention. I'm already preparing for the day when I'll screen dates while simultaneously cleaning a shiny gun.
Fortunately for me I will have considerable backup to fight off the droves of suitors as Hammie is collecting a large number of "uncles" to help intimidate and threaten every pimple nosed male that comes within a mile of my little girl.

This last weekend a few "uncles" showered Hammie with attention and planned various torturing techniques that could be put to use in about 12 years.

Anders, Peter and Lars make for pretty good body guards

New Wheels

2010-08-13T11:23:00.000-07:00

Moffe, Tina, Ida and Anna payed us a visit here in Gothenburg and held an impromptu birthday bash for Hammie since this is the first time seeing her since her big day. Her cake was of course blueberry and I'm pretty sure blowing out the candle (which she did herself) made her wish come true as she was soon behind a new set of wheels. Hammie is not spoiled, doesn't everyone get double birthdays and a ride at age one.

Hammie blows out the candle on her cake

A thorough inspection of any vehicle is important before hoping behind the wheel.

Ready to go cruising

A Work of Art

2010-08-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

Hammie has discovered her creative side. Her abstract works of art are a "symbolic representations of humankind's struggle to overcome their animal instincts without compromising their own existence" (her words, not mine). She is sooooooo deep. Next she will be hanging in jazz clubs and snapping her fingers for beat poets in dark shades and berets. I personally think the whole thing is a charade to get clueless socialites to buy her pieces at exorbitant prices to show they "get it".

Here is the master at work.

"You just don't get it Dad"

Being ambidextrous mean you can crank out drawing in record time.

On the Road

2010-08-07T22:03:00.000-07:00

Blueberry Addict

2010-08-03T22:28:00.000-07:00

Hammie's blueberry habit has gotten out of control. Her voracious appetite is never sated and keeping her supplied with her "happy berries" has become a full time job. When Lina and I weren't picking fast enough Hammie decided to take things in her own hand, grabbing a couple buckets and heading to the forest. We think she has a problem but she is reluctant about enrolling in "blueberryaholic anonymous".

Hammie sprints into the forest looking for a fix

Blueberries located

Small fingers are great for picking

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Hammie really likes blueberries

2010-08-01T16:32:00.001-07:00

Yet another picture of Hammie devouring blueberries

Hammie eats as fast as she can when there are other little people to compete with

Hammie displays the velcro properties of diaper s

Birthday Blast

2010-07-26T13:04:00.000-07:00

Uncle Peter and Grandma Ingela visited to help celibate Hammie's birthday. The party lasted two days and included piggyback rides, ice cream, one candle, big fish, golden pillows, a rib dinner, and of course blueberries.

Birthday cake

Ribs are Hammie's new favorite food

Princesses lounging on golden pillows

Fish

Peter makes a pretty good horse

Happy Birthday Hammie

2010-07-25T00:52:00.000-07:00

One year ago after an exhausting 22.5 hours of labor Hammie came into this world. She came out the color of a blueberry before a few tiny lung fulls revealed a more natural hue. Incapable of lifting her little head, we took an immediate liking to our worthless ball of meat and discovered a level of love and affection we previously couldn't fathom.

It took three weeks of getting to know Hammie before she received her legal name but she continues to go by a different moniker and will until she tells her dad she doesn't like it. We've watched Hammie become her own little person, possessing a shining disposition with occasional lapses were she becomes the little monster princess (or Hamzilla, Velocihammie, Hammisaurus Rex, etc, etc..).

A lot has changed since we first met our little girl. Her dark hair lightened and her toothless grin has slowly gained a few pearly whites but her blue eyes and kissable cheeks have remained intact. Special little mannerisms seem to come and go, enriching our lives and getting their own names (frog face, skruntchy face, drama queen, etc...) before being replaced or out of fashion.

At one year old Hammie is quite mobile with a sable walking style that has been compared to zombies, robots and sumo wrestlers. She walks best when she's calm and collected as over excitement tends to break her rhythm and sends her to the floor. In no time I'm sure she'll harness her exuberance and be running on her little legs leaving mom and dad scrabbling after.

Hammie talks a lot but is only understood when she resorts to grunts and hand-gestures. Nothing says "I want what you're easting" like aggravated grunts and outstretched arms, fingers raking the empty air in the direction of dad's icecream.

The year has flown by, marked with countless milestones, a few scares and lots of smiles. We feel extremely bless not only to have our wonderful little girl but to have wonderful friends and family who reciprocate our love and enrich our lives. Thanks you many times over. We are looking forward to the many years that will follow and the memories and joys collected along the way.

Happy Birthday Hammie and Happy Birthday Lina (it is after all her birthday too and mothers should remembered on there occasions).

Hammie on the day she was born

Hangin' with the Jutfelts

2010-07-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

Our good friends Fredrik and Ida recently bought a house an hour north of Gothenburg in the Bohuslan region where we are hoping to move in the future. They invited us for the weekend and after Hammie got a taste of country life she didn't want to leave and opted to stay for an extra day. I tagged along with her to keep things from getting out of control while Lina went back home for work making it the first night mother and daughter have been apart. Both my girls dealt with it quite well.

Hammie and Siri take a break from country life to be wowed by Fredrik's Iphone

Fresh blueberries. Mmmmmmmmm

Siri stands on her grandmother while Hammie seems puzzled

Blueberries

2010-07-20T12:36:00.000-07:00

Blueberries are magnifique!

Hammie and Miriam

2010-07-12T12:42:00.000-07:00

A week ago we took a trip to Stockholm and Hammie got to hang with her good friend Miriam.

Nothing says BFF like matching clothes

Hammie stalks the elusive bubble on the open Savannah

The moms enjoy some girl time with their daughters

Holy bubble!

World Cup Fever

2010-07-12T12:29:00.000-07:00

Hammie caught the fever this World Cup. She's got four years to train for the next one but since she isn't super mobile at the moment she had opted for playing goalie. Here she is getting some pointers from Hedda

Midsummer

2010-06-29T12:03:00.000-07:00

Midsummer has come and gone but here are a couple pictures.

Hammie wonders if there will be enough food for her

Our little girl can't find her left hand

Flowers

Hammie in Austria

2010-06-22T03:03:00.000-07:00

Last week Nalani (Lina is writing) flew to Austria to spend time with her mormor while her parents tried to go out climbing in a somewhat rainy Zillertal.

Calling home from the airport.

Nalani enjoying the view, before she realizes she's scared of heights.

Breakfast is sweet, especially with entertainment from mormor.

Mormor is awesome!

A Growing Girl

2010-06-11T13:23:00.000-07:00

Within the first week of returning to Sweden we took Hammie down for a scheduled checkup. These regular checkups are to ensure that our little girl is growing normally and to give other kids something to measure up to (she is the world's greatest girl). Hammie clocked in at 8.96 kilograms and proceeded to throw her weight around the nurses office, establishing her territory by chewing on everything she could get her hands on.

Hammie shows the nurse how much brains she has

Hammie munches on valuable medical equipment

Briefly distracted so we can get her height

Skrunchy Face, Good Hair, and Cool Rocks

2010-06-10T08:33:00.000-07:00

A few photos

Skrunchy face is Hammie's newest way of showing her discontent. It has replaced the "throw my head back in disgust" maneuver. Occasionally she'll employ both signals when she's really frustrated.

Nothing like the feeling of wind in your hair

Rocks are cool.

Getting Clean in Pie Town

2010-05-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

Hammie takes a Poop

2010-05-19T15:28:00.000-07:00

The nice thing about wearing diapers is that you can go to the bathroom where you want and when you want. Here is a video of Hammie enjoying her license to poop.

See if you can spot the exact moment when Hammie decides to relieve herself.

Hammie takes a Poop from Walker and Lina on Vimeo.

The Truitt Family

2010-05-12T11:55:00.000-07:00

We hung with the Truitts for a couple days after returning from Jersey. Hammie had a blast hanging with the boys and harassing the menagerie kept at the house. It was awesome to spend some time the the Truitts and we can't wait until next time. Thanks to Heidi and her four boys for the hospitality and great times.

The boys gear up for a nerf-war and instruct Hammie on strategy. Apparently Hammie's size gives her an unfair advantage and she'll have to grow a few inches before she is an adequate target and is allowed to play.

Hammie meets the bird

Hammie and most of the Truitts. We missed the photo-op with the entire fam as Andy was at work

Jersey

2010-05-12T11:51:00.000-07:00

It has been roughly 12 years since I have paid a visit to my family on the east coast and seeing as how Lina has never graced the eastern States with her presence we figured we'd make a stop. Furthermore, Hammie wanted to meet some more family and see where Fart Fart came from (Fart Fart is a bastardization of the Swedish for grandfather and is my Dad's official title).
The trip was a bit short but in our 3 days there we covered all the bases, from hanging with (Great) Grandma Kearney and meeting the rest of the fam to eating a cheese steak in Philly.
Here are a couple pics

Hanging are Grandma's house in Jersey. Hammie has now met both her Great Grandmothers.

Cousin Monica and Hammie. It has been so long since I've seen my cousins that it would have been hard to recognize them. We got to link up with almost the entire eastern contingent amongst feasting and merriment.

Eating at Grandma's. In out 3 days we ate plenty and it was all delicious.

Great Grandma teaches the newest family member how to make it on the mean streets of Philly.

Grandest Junction in the West

2010-05-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

Our little family stopped in Grand Junction to visit Heather. We stayed several days, climbing rocks, grilling, eating sushi, and having a great time.

Hammie takes flight

We keep our distance from the ferocious Hammie Beast

Auntie Heather and Hammie

Flower Girl

2010-05-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hammie and Kristen

2010-04-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

A couple pics from a serendipitous meeting with Kristen while we where in Berkeley.

"Look at that"

Taking a walk

hand in hand

Hammie and Beasty

2010-04-16T16:23:00.000-07:00

Hammie recently met the 2nd of her two god fathers and she already has Beasty wrapped around her little finger.

Who's cuter?

Hammie stays warm in her new outfit, made by the one-and-only Beasty

Rainbow Booties

2010-04-13T17:04:00.000-07:00

Hammie received a sweet pair of booties from one of her aunts (guess which one) and they so captivated her that 30 minutes passed before she would look at something other than her feet.

Hammie takes a second to look up for a picture

Nice booties