One Fun Weekend

Even though it rained *all* weekend, we had a great time. On Saturday, the Chabots came for dinner. It's been a long time since we've been able to catch up with the Chabots, and it was really nice to introduce Sydney to Mr. Chabot and share a good meal. We heard all about the Chabot's grandchildren, Owen and Evan, and even talked about coming to visit the Chabot beach house in Bethany Beach, Delaware. On Sunday, we went to church, had a nice nap , and then went to Grandma Drumheller's house for lunch with Aunt Lorraine and Aunt Christine. While we were at Grandma's house, Sydney played a couple tunes on the piano.

Syd Vicious meets Avian Friends

Hidey-ho, everyone! As some of you may know, Syd and I went to the mall yesterday while her mother did something ridiculous (like try to earn a living). On our way into said shopping establishment, we met some new feathered friends! (Note the safe distance maintained between Syd Vicious and her new buddies. Auntie Lolo did not want to be responsible for any violent Syd/Goose altercations.) Also, in the last close up of Syd, I think you can clearly see her considering a future in avian conservation. So if she turns out to be a biologist, we'll have me to thank.

"Reading" in Bed

This morning, around 6:00 am, Sydney was crying in her room. She usually sleeps until 7:00 am or so, and so I decided to check on her. When I went into her room, I discovered that she had pulled a book into her crib. It appeared as though she had been reading in the dark. Nice. I removed the book, replaced the binky, and put her back to bed.

Back to the Pool

Sydney hit the pool again today for more mommy and baby swimming lessons at Ida Lee. I use the term lessons pretty loosely. She learned how to splash, kick her legs, and jump to mommy. Splashing was definitely a hit. Sydney and her friend, Dylan, were splashing while the teacher was trying to issue instructions. Overall, it was a good class. Sydney was definitely the most stylish baby there with her cherry bathing suit.

Happy 28th Birthday to Jodi!

Even though she did *not* want to celebrate her 28th birthday - we had a birthday cake and even a present or two - and so Jodi really didn't have a choice. We had a nice barbecue with chicken and baked beans, pasta salad, fruit salad, and even a homemade ice cream cake! After all, a girl's 28th birthday only comes once!

Made-Up Songs by Grandma Bergeman

Pony Boy
Pony boy, pony boy, won't you be my pony boy.
Here we go, singing low, all around the park.
Don't say no, we will go riding high today.
Giddy-up, giddy-up, giddy-up - woah!
My pony boy - hey, hey!

Dukie Bergeman
Who's the cutest dog in the world - Dukie Bergeman.
Who's the cutest dog in the world - Dukie Bergeman.
He's so fat and he's so sweet, but oh my gosh - what stinky feet!
Dukie, Dukie, Dukie Bergeman - Yeay!

Bergemuda Prepares for a Party

Those of you who are close to the Bergeman family may know that there's a certain birthday this weekend. Unfortunately, there's been a moratorium issued on discussing said birthday. We were granted permission to host a party; however, I believe that was simply an attempt to thwart any plans for a surprise party. Anyway, we're getting ready. Everyone has their potluck assignments, and if the weather cooperates, it may be the first official Bergemuda barbecue of the season. We are looking forward to celebrating - even if the birthday girl is not. Maybe there will be a special surprise for her anyway. Stay tuned for pictures.

1-Year Checkup

Syd visited Dr Plescia today for her 1-year checkup. Here are the vitals:

Weight: 21 pounds and 4 ounces (according to the big girl scale - not the baby scale)
Height: 31 inches
Head Circumference: 18.3 inches

She's in the 50th percentile for weight, 75th percentile for height, and 90th percentile for head circumference. Yes - she's a member of the big head club (it's all those brains)!

Unfortunately, the visit ended on a sour note with two shots and a heel prick. Syd made it known she was unhappy. When we left, the receptionist asked if she had been the one screaming. Oh well...

Better Than Take Out Egg Rolls

Makes 10

peanut oil

1/2 pound boneless chicken breasts, diced in very small pieces

2 teaspoons ginger root, grated

3 cups shredded cabbage and carrot mix - the kind used for cole slaw

3 scallions, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons oyster sauce

1/2 of a 16-ounce package of egg roll wrappers

canola oil for frying

Heat a large saute to high. Add peanut oil. Add chicken and ginger root and saute until almost cooked through. Add shredded cabbage and carrot mix, and scallions. Saute for about 4 - 5 minutes or until the cabbage begins to wilt. Remove from heat and add the oyster sauce and stir to combine. Let mixture cool.

On a flat surface, place one of the egg roll wrappers with a corner pointing toward you. It should look like a diamond shape. Place about 2 heaping tablespoons of the filling horizontally across the center of the wrapper. Fold bottom corner over the filling and roll half way to cover filling. Fold both sides snugly against filling and moisten top corner with water. Roll over flap to seal. Lay flap-side down until ready to cook.

Heat a large saute pan to medium high and fill with about a half inch of canola oil. When the oil is warm, carefully add a few Egg Rolls. Fry until golden, about a minute or two. Turn once to brown on other side. Drain on paper towels.

Recipe from http://dinnersforayear.blogspot.com/ (slightly adjusted by me)

Tom and I had these egg rolls and chicken and broccoli for dinner tonight. The egg rolls were fabulous and easy to make too. I actually halved the recipe and started with cooked, cubed chicken. It was easy to quickly warm the chicken with the ginger and finish the recipe as stated.

Happy St Patty's Day

Happy St Patty's day! In celebration, Sydney and I attended a St Patty's day playgroup with several of her wee little baby friends. Everyone was wearing green, and Mommies were provided tortilla rollups, green cookies, mint brownies, and cupcakes with green frosting - YUMMY!

In other news, we took Sydney out to eat for the first time. Of course, we've taken her to restaurants before, but I've always brought her meal with us. This time, she ate restaurant food. We went to Sweetwater (Mom's favorite restaurant), and Sydney dined on steak, broccoli, cauliflower, and applesauce. Nice! Tomorrow is Sydney's one year checkup. Stay tuned for an update on her vitals - I have a feeling she's going to be a tall one!

Sydney Walks!

This morning, Sydney took her first official unassisted steps!

Check out the video proof.

Sydney Hits the Playground!

I took Sydney to the playground for the first time this week. She seemed to really enjoy the swings and the slide. She was giggling nonstop on the swings, but I thought this picture of her on the slide was pretty cute. Anyway, Syd's working on her dad to buy her a swing set for the backyard.

****A SydNews Exclusive Press Release****

January 14, 2009

Stinky Diaper Receptacle Missing; Police Question Suspects

The large, white, alien-looking bin known officially as the "Stinky Diaper Receptacle" was first discovered missing from the Bergeman nursery on the morning of January 14 thanks to a police tip from an unnamed source. Although the tip alerted investigators to the theft, the informant did not provide any details on the supposed perpetrators. "Gah!" exclaimed a frustrated Sydney Bergeman, the most frequent user of the apparatus. "Brrrrrrg," she noted.

Although no one has been formally charged, many nursery inhabitants believe the stolen bin to be the work of the Horse (who is brown and neighs). "I didn't take no $%*#'in poop holder," claimed the Horse in an interview this afternoon. Currently the Horse is also facing charges for lewd and indecent public behavior. "That Sheep wanted it!" he was heard to whine as police led him away from the interrogation room. SydNews was unable to reach the Sheep for comment. The Horse will go to trial in just a few weeks, where he will have to explain his actions to a jury of his peers—in this case, a school of Baby Cheddar Goldfish.

Some nursery residents claim the receptacle burglary is only the latest in a recent spate of crimes afflicting the area. "Every day I look for my balls," claimed the Giraffe thingy who has holes in his arms and head, "and every day I'm like, WTF?" Others say the mistrustful environment is detracting from what was once a welcoming neighborhood. "Chhhhhhg... Whirrrrrr, " grumbled the yellow tower with flashy lights and music, a suspicion shared by other residents. "Good grief!" responded the Lion from the upstairs playset, "Just look at him—it takes one to know one. Actually, is he single? And check out that new half-sheep half-cow contraption; you can't tell me that's natural."

Meanwhile, police are directing any and all stinky diapers to the small, green plastic bags located in the cabinet of the changing table and then to the large rubber garbage can in the garage. When asked if the smell was distracting, residents' reactions were mixed. "Check my lid, yo," said the Bee from the downstairs playset, "I'm all drool for real!" "Holy sanitization light, Batman!" countered the Music Bear on top of the new stand-up toy thingy, who shook his tambourine and horn for emphasis. (He then asked if the Lion had mentioned him.)

Copyright 2009 L Naga

Welcome to Bergemuda!

Welcome friends and family! Another summer at Bergemuda starts April 30, 2009.

Background: When our pool was built several years ago, we decided we needed to name our new backyard oasis. After rejecting several less catchy names, we decided on Bergemuda. Now, we joke that Bergemuda is it's own sovereign country (requiring passports and everything). Jodi claims to have her hands on the first official pool pass of Bergemuda (number 000-00000-01). Anyway, that's how Bergemuda came to be. Lorraine suggested that it would be a good name for our family's blog. I've never really blogged before, but I see this page as a place to share pictures, stories, recipes, and other fun stuff. Lorraine just recently sent me a story she wrote about Sydney and her toys. I think that will be the next official post. Enjoy!