Evil Album?

After reading and hearing some pretty mediocre reviews and Laura telling me she hated the new album, I thought I'd try and defend My Morning Jacket's new album Evil Urges.

I have to admit I'm probably a little biased. First, once I decide I like a band I tend to give them an extremely long leash. My ears get a little less critical. Second, my first two listens to Evil Urges were during my private morning time with Noli during my paternity leave. In fact, the "Facebook" photos from a couple of posts ago most likely were taken with Evil Urges playing in the background. Let's just say I was in a good place.

Here's my secret to enjoying the album: skip the first 3 songs. Just delete them from your ipod. Two of these songs, Evil Urges and Highly Suspicious, were the first singles I had heard before I got the album. Jim James' Prince impersonation does not work.

But after those tracks, I still think the album is pretty good. The fourth trck, I'm Amazed, might be one of my favorite MMJ songs. (It was probably helped because it followed such an awful song.) Thank You Too! and Sec Walkin both have a smooth, 70's AM radio vibe. In fact, Thank You Too! even has a little Eagles feel to me. Woops, probably shouldn't have included that in a defense of the album, but I have a soft spot for the Eagles thanks to my dad.

Another MMJ favorite of mine is Look at You, a great song for those of us that love Jim James' voice. The chorus reminds me of a church worship song in the best possible way. (Is this the worst defense of an album ever?)

Then there are a few tracks that have that unique MMJ take on southern rock as well (Two Halves, Aluminum Park, and Remnant). I also like all the places that Smokin from Shootin goes.

The album as a whole gets a B-. Ignoring the first 3 tracks, a B+.

Big Week

Week 5 was a big week for Noli.

As far as the government is concerned, she's officially official. We got her social security card in the mail (her first piece of mail ever) and Mon picked up her birth certificate from the courthouse. Ahh, her first forms and paperwork!

We also snagged the only opening at the day care we were looking at. It's very prestigious but her test scores were stellar. ;)

And in this corning, weighing in at 9 lb and 4 oz, at a length of 22 inches, the Battling Belle, the Pretty Pugilist, Baby Boom-Boom... "Steel" Magnolia!

Noli had a great one-month check up on Friday. She was 50th percentile for weight and 75th percentile for length. We're both hoping that ratio keeps up.

Last, but definitely not least, I got my first social smile this morning! Next time I'll have to remember to check for dimples.

Face Book

3 songs

Since I've been home 3 songs have played in my head when looking at my little girl:

Colin Meloy: Weird but Wonderful, specifically the line "It was only me and you that made this three come out of two"

Stevie Wonder: Isn't She Lovely?

The Penguins: Earth Angel

They have come to me and are my sound track for now.

Family Traits

Now that we've had a few days to stare endlessly at Noli, we've started taking credit for some of her physical features. I'm still undecided as to who she most looks like (please vote on the right), but here are some specifics:

Eye color: blue must be from Mon
Hair color: dark, but not as dark as mine--this one goes to Mon
Hairline: Mon, high widow peaks
Cowlick: Justin, she has a swirl on her forehead that might be a nice cowlick
Skin color: Justin, hopefully this will prevent some sunburns in the future
Feet: apparently the big gap between her big toe and rest is mine

Tuft of hair on her lower back: Justin

Sweet Magnolia

Noli arrived on Jun 21, 2008! 7lb 2oz and 21.5 inches long. Everyone is healthy and happy. Mon was truly amazing through the whole labor.

We're having a lot of fun in this honeymoon stage, mostly staring and smiling at each other. I'm having trouble sleeping even when I should be; I'm too excited to be a father.

Here are a few pictures of our new one. We never imagined she would be this beautiful.

The Things You Do For Babies

As we approach 41 weeks of pregnancy, we are pretty ready to get this show on the road. We had false labor about a week ago and it has made me very interested in getting this baby to the other side of my tummy. We have tried all the wives tales and internet possibilities of inducing labor. We have tried taking castor oil twice, yeah that is right, I made Justin take it, it is his baby too. Plus walking, sex, red raspberry leaf tea, eggplant parmesan, acupressure and every other idea anyone has floated our way. Now the standard response is, you just need to relax. What in my whole life history suggests I can do that? Plus it helps to pass the days.