November 26, 2010 · 9:06 am

Thank You Liam


I’ve never had a ton to complain about so Thanksgiving has always provided me an opportunity to simply sit back and thank my lucky stars.

This year a new dimension was added: Liam.

So, thank you Liam for making your parents quite happy, for being a very good boy, for your developing personality and your ability to make others put a smile on their face.

Here is a quick list of what Liam told me he is thankful for this Thanksgiving:

-Nuk. My Nuk is rad. Even Dr. Brown’s has a good quality pacifier.
-Teeth. I have two now. I can’t wait to cash these babies in.
-Gerber. The sweet potatoes are my favorite.
-Exersaucer. This adds a little diversity to my play time.
-Margarita. No, not the adult beverage my babysitter. She’s the best.
-Bath Tubs. I really enjoy these relaxing forays to cleanse.
-My Daddy’s blog readership. It’s nice to hear people enjoy reading this blog. For example, my great Aunt Joan is a blog stalker apparently. Here’s a photo of her holding me–her face has been hidden to protect the innocent.

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I thought you weren't supposed to be held by a stalker...


-Diapers.com. Otherwise, I’d have soiled many-a-things by now.
-My family. Everybody really loves me. Thanks guys!
-Lastly, congrats to Aunt Kelly and soon-to-be Uncle Nick on their engagement. That is very exciting stuff.

Oh, there are some new photos in the SulliAlbum, too. Check it out on the right side of the home page.

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November 11, 2010 · 10:35 pm

Liam’s Life


Yes, yes it’s true. It’s been two weeks since the last post. I’ve received several complaints. Strangely, I’ve received zero donations.

With that said here are some key items of note in Liam’s recent life (does he have a non-recent life? It’s been only six months).

-Halloween has come and gone. Liam made for a pretty solid spider. Well done to SulliMom for finding the costume and finding the deal (through Pottery Barn Kids, I believe). Sadly our residence received just three trick-or-treaters. Not so sadly, a plethora of candy was then left for me.

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Liam promoting pumpkins

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Spider TIme

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Mmmm spider legs

-First haircut. I’ll admit it–it was time. Despite my public proclamations supporting the preservation of Liam’s mullet, it had become out of control and unacceptable. Check out the video of the big event. You’ll notice that it didn’t phase Liam–mostly because there was a mirror in front of him. I think he gets that from his father–Grandma Sully, can you confirm that?

-Tooth Time. Erupting through the bottom gum in the front, a tooth has officially become present. Congrats to Liam. The official blog photographer was unable to capture this event in real time. Sorry for the inconvenience.

-Blog stalker. There is a fan of the SulliDad blog residing in Indianapolis who finally gets her day in lights, er, html code. Steph (and Christine) it was fun to see you–and thanks!

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Steph with Liam, without pizza sauce at Giordano's

-Retirement Party. A great person recently retired as teacher and coach from Bishop McNamara High School–Ken Klipp. Coach Klipp mentored me during my prep years (yes, it was Class A) and his words echo in my mind to this day. He was a damn good coach only to be surpassed by his success as a human. I wish him only the best.

-Liam and the Exersaucer. Liam loves his play center. But he likes chewing on items even more, including the camera…

-Guest Blogger. From the many calls and e-mails spewing disappointment from my lack of blogging, one of the more expected came from my own wife’s father. The accused offered to guest blog and now it’s time for Mr. Stearns to put his laptop where his mouth is and craft some english. This goes for anyone who may be interested. As you can see, I could use the help. Send your entries to [email protected].

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October 30, 2010 · 12:01 am

Catching Up Online


The SulliDad train is slowing down. I’m like a Metra caught behind a freight train because the freight train owns the track the Metra is renting.

It’s tough to keep up with the blogging. But I really enjoy this part of my day (or my week as it has been recently). Maybe some donations from the general public would increase my motivation/time management to post more often…I’m just saying.

But I digress…let’s visit the rundown:

The Script At The Riviera: Last Friday, SulliParents had a chance to capitalize on SulliMom’s Father’s Day Gift–tickets to see emerging Irish rockers, The Script. The Riviera proved to be an excellent venue for this trio from Dublin (right near the Guinness factory, in fact). They we’re really good–sounded solid, were funny, energetic and an impressive presence. I highly recommend them. We started the night at one of my favorite northside spots: Fat Cat. It features great bar food, solid beer selection, chocolaty desserts and Jameson.

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The Script At The Riv

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The Chicago crowd approves.

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Bad photographer. I need the new iPhone camera.

Liam’s Moving Up: Liam turned six months this week which meant it was time to move into the larger car seat. This Britax model seems pretty solid. I wonder why there are options for car seats? I mean, it’s not like Liam can tell me, “Dad, I hate the way this seat handles. The balance is off, I can’t reach my pacifier and my freakin’ toes hit that stupid mirror you hung from the head rest!”

Shots, Shots, Shots, Shots, Shots, Shots: Not those kind of shots–medical shots. Liam picked up a few more shots today–as did SulliDad. We’ve all completed our flu shots–although I think Liam gets another dose at some point. He did quite well; just a short burst of sourness.

Go Flames: Hoops season gets underway next week for most college basketball teams. UIC is no exception as the Flames hit the hardwood Wednesday night for a men’s/women’s doubleheader. I suggest you call 312-413-8421 and buy tickets. It should be the start of something pretty good this year. At least bookmark the new blog of UIC basketball: Flame Throwers. At that link you’ll find several news stories on the Flames. Flex Plans are $99. Just buy one. Or, get some tix to the UIC-Illinois game at the United Center or the Butler-UIC game at the Pavilion.

Cross Country Challenge: It’s time to enroll in the 2010 edition of the Cross Country Challenge presented by Nike and Dick Pond. Get a team together and get it done.

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October 19, 2010 · 11:02 pm

A Big Sunday For Liam


SulliMom visited Buy Buy Baby Sunday and picked up a pretty sweet item for Liam–the Baby Einstein Activity Center–aka–ExerSaucer.

If I was a little smaller, I’d hop in it. My only complaint would be the panda who appears to be in a slightly awkward position on the see-saw. I’m just saying. But it was easy to assemble and I didn’t throw anything.

Sunday evening brought out the high chair for the first time at home. It’s a Fisher Price. It’s pretty sleek. The high chair appearance meant the spoon appeared for the first time delivering some Gerber veggies. He’s adapting well to the spoon. Who wouldn’t? Those spoons with the soft cover are awesome.

New photos in the SulliAlbum.

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October 15, 2010 · 7:22 am

Liam Looking Forward To Halloween


I figure, so not to rot his teeth when they arrive, I should feed Liam candy now.

I mean, what’s wrong with a few melted peanut butter cups? You can’t decay teeth that aren’t present.

Speaking of candy, his first costume arrived–I can’t tell you what it is–you’ll have to trick or treat at our place to find out. My idea was not entertained, sadly. I was hoping to grow out the beard and head to Vegas so I could become Alan and Liam could become Carlos from The Hangover. Next kids perhaps.

OWEN IS HOLY: Congrats to my nephew Owen who entered the church officially last weekend. Throw a little holy oil on his forehead and he starts smiling–love it.

CONGRATS: Nice job to all those who completed the Chicago Marathon. I apologize to all those people who ran by with bloody nipples. Take some precautions people.

BEARS: Remember when I predicted a 10-6 season? It’s not looking so silly now.

UIC FLAMES HOOPS: Are you ready for college hoops season? If not, this will help you get pumped up.

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October 7, 2010 · 10:23 pm

Pressure To Post


To date, this has been the longest blog post hiatus in SulliDad history.

It’s not as remarkable as Roy Halladay’s no-hitter, as significant as the Bears first loss (Liam is no longer undefeated–Welcome to Chicago sports buddy) or as brutal as the traffic I just sat in (thanks Pres. Obama).

But since there was pressure from Kankakee to Indianapolis, from Brussels to Barrington to post, I thought I would oblige. Here are just a few of the events that have occurred:

-Happy 90th B-Day to my Grandma Kelly. Here are a couple of things that happened in the year my Grandma was born: Prohibition and the sale of Babe Ruth from the Red Sox to the Yankees. That’s a long time ago. It was great to be in Kankakee with all of my Kelly-family cousins in the same room.

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SulliDad and cousins.

-Liam eats from a spoon. I still haven’t witnessed it first hand, but apparently it happened.

-Liam is noisy and strong. Lots of shrieks, giggles and gibberish. And he is trying to sit up, scoot and head-bang.

-The MLB playoffs are underway and the Twins are down 2-0 to the Yankees. As SulliMom (facetiously of course) might say if the Sox were playing the Cardinals, “I hope the stadium falls down”. Better the Yanks than Minnesota. Enjoy all of those division titles.

Best of luck to all of those competing in the Chicago Marathon this weekend. Once that is complete, head over to the Cross Country Challenge Web site and enroll in that race. It’s going to be a lot of fun on December 5.

And good news from The Things Unsaid Project. The project is embarking on a new initiative–31 Letters In 31 Days. Check it out now.

New photos have been posted in the SulliAlbum. Go Flames. Seriously, call and buy some season tickets.

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September 25, 2010 · 12:34 pm

Dr. Brown Is Real And Liam Is Undefeated


I inquired to Dr. Brown’s about who is Dr. Brown via Facebook and here’s the response:

Shawn: Dr. Brown is real doctor. Dr. Craig Brown is a family practice physician who recognized the need for a fully-vented bottle. Together with Handi-Craft Company, he helped develop what is today the Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow® Baby Bottle.

So…did you win the bet? 🙂

I guess I didn’t truly have a bet about who Dr. Brown is, but I think were all winners now that we know the inside scoop on Dr. Brown’s. Although I would recommend some more information on the Dr. Brown’s Web site on my guy Craig. But he may be a humble, behind-the-scenes guy not wanting attention. But that is silliness.

Thanks Dr. Brown’s Facebook Wall Replier!

LIAM AND HIS BEARS STREAK: Marathon Man brought this to my attention: Liam hasn’t felt the pain of a Bears loss during his lifetime. At 2-0 it’s been only wins for him. Can the streak stay alive against Green Bay? We’ll find out Monday. I like our chances.

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September 22, 2010 · 10:48 pm

Who Is Dr. Brown? & Project Moves To Kentucky


The doctor is in the house.

If you’re a parent of a newborn/infant Dr. Brown might be in your house, too.

Dr. Brown’s is a popular maker of innovative feeding products which promote good health and optimal nutrition for babies. That’s plagiarism from their Web site. We have bottles, pacifiers, bottle components, etc. made by Dr. Brown’s. Apparently the products are well made. Reviews are pretty positive. And, they’re BPA free. Thank you for pointing that out Senator Feinstein. Plus, way to go Chicago.

But who is Dr. Brown? I have no idea. I googled, I faxed, I e-mailed but to no avail. I did find a LinkedIn company profile and I am tempted to pester one of the employees, but I think I’ll hold off for now. I did post to their Facebook page to see if I can get an answer. By all means, let us know if you know.

IN OTHER NEWS: The Things Unsaid Project continues to make news. This time in Kentucky at UK and the student newspaper, The Kentucky Kernel. Check it out.

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September 15, 2010 · 8:19 pm

Inaugural Feats Of Transportation


Liam has completed a couple of key firsts recently: his first El ride and his first plane ride.

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Hopping off the Blue Line at UIC-Halsted.

He was a big fan of the first El ride. The motion and people made it pretty fun. As he smiled at all the strangers he also enjoyed the bumpy ride. I recommend the Baby Bjorn for public transit.

His first plane ride was fantastic. He was perfectly behaved. Probably because of the stellar parenting. However, his second plane ride was a little, er, choppy. A minor meltdown 200 miles outside of Chicago caused SulliParents to blush slightly but after Molly calmed him in the back of the plane he was fine. My final thoughts on flying with an infant: screw what others think. They may give you bad looks, whisper to their friend or simply tell you to your face their thoughts but at the end of the day you’ll probably never see them again. So there, unhappy airplane passenger!

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Liam contemplating if his Nuk will still work in the air.

And what’s the deal with people when the plane finally comes to a stop at the gate? Nearly each person jumps out of the seat and grabs luggage from the overhead compartments. People, where do you think you are going? And why do people behind you always seem to think they can go before you? With Liam, we simply waited until everyone had passed but seriously. What a bunch of dopes.

A big thanks to the very nice United employee who allowed us to move to our own row for the first flight. She could probably sense the rookie parentals and was kind enough to do that. Now the NY based flight crews…not exactly hospitable.

The most important first for Liam was meeting his awesome new cousin Owen. More entertaining for his Dad was watching old cousin Tess treat her younger family members as she was an adult. Oh, look at him…tickle, tickle, tickle…She is also awesome. Photos updated in the SulliAlbum on the right side of the home page.

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September 8, 2010 · 10:37 pm

Liam’s First Flight


It’s off to New York tomorrow for Liam to see his cousins Tess and Owen.

I’m really looking forward to meeting Owen, talking with Tess and seeing my siblings-in-law Sarah and Tom. What I’m a little leery of is an airplane ride with Liam.

I’m actually not worried about Liam. I’m worried about me. I always get so antsy on planes and I’m afraid that may rub off and sour the son. Any tips for the new parental travelers?

One thing I’m not concerned with is my wardrobe. I have a custom velour jumpsuit to wear on Long Island so not to stand out like a Chicagoan. I wish.

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