Dillon has Arrived!

2009-11-27T18:31:00.000-08:00

Happy Easter!

2009-04-13T08:09:00.000-07:00

Dillon and the family came up to San Francisco to celebrate Dillon's first Easter. We had a blast! We read his new books and he was reunited with his monster friend. We had an Easter egg hunt in the back yard, ate the traditional 'heart attack' breakfast with the roommates, and went on a long walk through Golden Gate Park. We ended up on Haight Street for some ice cream at Ben and Jerry's and hitched a ride back on the tram. What a fun day! We got our fix of Dillon, and we can't wait for his next visit. Scroll down to see more photos of Easter Sunday.

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Video: Dillon saying 'Mamma!'

2009-02-19T08:52:00.000-08:00

Dillon is here! This morning as Nissa was feeding him, he started saying mamma! Check it out! Now we are off to grab some breakfast and a toy, then it's off to the Academy of Sciences to visit his fishies.

More soon.

Love,

Dillon, Nissa, and Candice

Christmas Day: Helping Auntie and Mommy make breakfast

2009-02-16T08:34:00.000-08:00

Christmas Morning with Groggie (and my pet cricket)

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I'll be a good boy, I promise!

2009-02-16T08:26:00.000-08:00

Dillon is Seven Months Old!

2009-02-15T11:11:00.000-08:00

Dillon's first Christmas tree...

Dillon is 7 months old! (in the photo at left, he is five months old). I have not seen him since Christmas, and I feel like a horribly neglectful Aunt. Also, this blog has needed an update for a few months now --Aunt Candice needs to get with it!

Thanksgiving and Christmas were wonderful. Having Dillon in our lives really made the holidays that much more memorable. Christmas shopping was a blast, and Dillon loved tagging along. There are many photographs and videos to share.

Dillon will make his third appearance in San Francsico tomorrow! How lucky we are to be graced with the little prince's presence. My roommates are extremely excited. My Japanese roommate, Junko, who will be leaving for home in a couple of weeks, is ecstatic to meet Dillon.

During Dillon's last visit, we went to the Academy of Sciences, which is steps away from my flat, in Golden Gate Park. He loved it so much, I decided to get a membership. So Dillon will be reunited with his favorite fishies.

The three newest photographs were taken at Thanksgiving.

More to come!

Love,

Candice

Five month old Dillon

2009-02-15T11:04:00.000-08:00

Bath Time!

2008-12-08T21:23:00.000-08:00

Baby Dillon is over five months old! His favorite past time is taking baths. He has an extremely busy life and usually uses his daily tub-time to contemplate life and help solve the worlds problems. Here is a video of him in the tub, multi-tasking: doing his daily aerobics, scrubbing up, and throwing some ideas out there.

P.S. Auntie Candice has been a slacker, however, that's not to say that she doesn't have loads of material to post. I will dedicate a portion of my Christmas break to catching up on Dillon's blog. We have a plethra of photographs and videos to share, but most of it will have to wait until after final exams. Oh, the anticipation of it all!

*Video taken on Sunday November 30, 2008

Dillon and his Auntie at the Blue Grass Festival in S.F.

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This little boy makes me so happy!

Dillon Lounging in Aunt Candice's Bedroom

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He was so happy at my house! And he loved hanging out in my room listening to the Classical station. Also, Dillon LOVES looking at photograph and even laughs and smiles at photographs he particularly likes. We spent a good amount of time allowing him to point out his favorites.

On our way to the Blue Grass Festival

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Here's a photograph of Nissa and Dillon. Dillon was so comfortable in his Baby Bijorn, he fell asleep within minutes of our walk through the park, however, he woke up as soon as we entered the festival.

Video: Dillon at San Francsico's Blue Grass Festival

2008-10-09T20:58:00.000-07:00

Dillon loved the Blue Grass Festival so much, he didn't want to take his nap. Here he is, fighting the 'sleepy time', during a performance. He is such a good baby. Scroll down for the blog entry.

Three Month Old Dillon Hits San Francisco!

2008-10-09T19:58:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Dillon made his first trip to San Francisco to visit his Aunt Candice. We hadn't seen each other in 26 days! We had so much fun. Nathan was kind enough to drive Dillon, Nissa, and all of Dillon's necessities (including his butterfly toy) up North last Friday night. Thanks Nate!

Dillon has perfect timing; The city of San Francisco was gearing up for its the annual Blue Grass Festival, which is one of the biggest music festivals in San Francisco, and is held in the woods in Golden Gate Park. Dillon enjoyed every minute of the fun. We headed into Golden Gate Park on Saturday morning -- one block away from where I live. Dillon was snuggled up to mommy in his Baby Bijorn. He looked like a baby joey in his mama's pouch, and received so much attention. :) I think that he naturally likes Blue Grass music. Even during his nap time, he was fighting to keep his eyes open (see video above).

He really enjoyed being in a new place. We couldn't get his attention away from the molding on the walls of the Victorian flat that I live in. He also really liked the chandeliers. He adores my roommate, and good friend, Ardena. She made him giggle the most, as we jammed out to Jack Johnson. Oh! And he had his first city bus ride and first train ride early Sunday morning. I was sad to see him and Nissa go, but am looking forward to their next visit.

Yes. Dillon has been around, it's safe to say that he is eager to see how this world works, and I believe that this one is a true city boy. He takes after his Auntie. :)

We miss you already, Dillon. A room will be available to move into this January. You interested? .... :)

More soon,

Candice

P.S. We took so many pictures this weekend, and I have countless video clips. Check back often, as I will start posting new photos and video (of Dillon's weekend in S.F.) every couple of days. The video above is the first installment.

He Loves His Uncle...

2008-09-08T08:52:00.000-07:00

What an eventful weekend for Dillon! Not only did he experience his first party (Nathan's B-day celebration), but he also met his Uncle Greg! They're buddies now, and he is already in training (see photo below).

Dillon is two months old, and he is growing like a weed. His smiles are less gas related, and more related to the fact that our little boy is acquiring a sense of humor. He loves long hair, his toys that make noise, and having his hands clapped. But what he loves the most is being kissed. You're sure to get the biggest giggle out of him by simply giving him a smooch on the lips.

Thanks for visiting Greg. We miss you already. :)

Love,

Candice

...And Video Games

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Nissa and Dillon combine powers to kick some bad guy butt.

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and he smiles too! :)

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Man Returns To Place of Birth To Mate

2008-08-23T15:30:00.000-07:00

I must say that this article is, by far, my favorite article ever published by the hilarious publication that is "The Onion".

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/man_returns_to_place_of_birth_to

This piece reminds me of the Cultural Anthropology course I took last semester.

I can safely say that the professor of the course, Hank Shultz, is my favorite professor to date, as he lectured in a way that forced one to 'connect the dots'. My hope is that as least one professor of my future 'offspring' might have an ounce of the passion and dedication that Dr. Shultz exudes in each of his lectures.

Thanks Hank.

Candice

P.S. To the left is a photograph of the light of my life (and Nissa's offspring), Dillon Porter.

Dillon is a Healthy Boy!

2008-08-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday Dillon had his one month check-up and he is doing fabulous! He now weighs 9lb.5oz. and has gained almost three pounds since day one. The pediatrician was impressed at how well he is 'tracking' and it looks as though he is 'beyond his months'. :)

I spent last weekend in San Jose where I was able to hold him for 6 whole hours and even had the privilege of baby sitting while Nissa ran some errands. He watched me prepare my morning coffee and we proceeded to we watch the first day of the Olympics together. He was very much interested in swimming but really seemed to perk up during women's volleyball. Hmmmm... Already a lady's man.

Attached is a photograph of Nissa, Dillon and me in the front yard. Nathan took this photograph. Great job Nate!

I start school tomorrow so it's going to be especially difficult to continue heading down to San Jose on the weekends. I'm so sad about this as I feel like I'm missing out on so much of his growth. Maybe I should kick out one of the roomies and make Dillon his very own nursery. Ok. I get it. I am officially the crazy Aunt. See you soon Dillon. I love you very much.

Aunt Candice

Wake up Dillon! (Video)

2008-08-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

Mommy? Is that you?

2008-08-06T21:34:00.001-07:00

This is a little snapshot of Dillon doing what he does best: Spotting mom. If someone other than Nissa is holding him, and he hears Nissa but can't see her, his eyes immediately go in the direction of her voice. Very cute.

It scares me how much I miss you Dillon.

Love,

Aunt Candice

2008-08-01T08:07:00.000-07:00

Dillon Update: I haven't seen Dillon in almost two weeks and I'm afraid of how much I've missed. Little pieces of Dillon's personality are starting to come out. We now know that he is offically a night owl, keeping his mommy up to hang out and party while everyone else has the luxury of sleep.

He went to the doctor for a check up ten days ago and had already gained 5 whole ounces!

Here is a photograph of Dillon with his Uncle Nathan.

See you this weekend Dillon!

Cat Nap on Mommy

2008-07-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

Dillon is Finally Home!

2008-07-19T15:05:00.000-07:00

Dillon is finally home! Nissa came home with him from the hospital last Wednesdsay evening and he has become the sole entertainment of the house. When Nathan comes home, the first sentence out of his mouth is: "Where is Dillon and Nissa?" When my father arrives home from work, within thirty seconds after crossing the threshold, Dillon is whisked away in his arms to be shown off to the neighbors.

Yes. We are proud -- and protective.

It shows in our concern for how secure the car seat is, how much he is eating and sleeping, and how loud we are when trying to wake him up to 'play'. We are all looking out for our little guy.

It's incredible that with the amount of entertainment available, the highlights of the day- the events that give us the biggest laughs from the depths of our bellies- are the hiccups and sneezes from our ten-day-old baby boy. Welcome home Dillon.

Video of Dillon

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Grandpa Cole and Dillon

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Out of Intensive Care Unit

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Dillon is out of the NICU and in a room with Nissa! Seeing that Nissa is spending 12 hour days there, the nurses decided to put her in a room with him. He still has to stay in hospital until he's done with the round of antibiotics (Tuesdsay or Wednesday), but Nissa says that he's doing very well. He's eating a lot more too.

Good job Dillon! You'll be home in no time...

Photo: Nissa in the NICU with Dillon

Day 2

2008-07-12T21:21:00.000-07:00

Dillon is doing well, although he has been in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for four days now and will stay there until Tuesday at the earliest.

About four hours after he was born we found out that he has a low grade infection. The doctors haven't pinpointed exactly where the infection is located, but seeing that he has been progressively improving over the course of four days, the physicians aren't tremendously concerned.

Because he is receiving antibiotics, they are keeping him in the NICU to be closely monitored by the nurses. The pediatrician comes in every morning to check his progress -- so far so good.

Nissa has been a trooper, to say the least. She was discharged from the hospital yesterday evening. She made so many trips from her room to Dillon (who was two floors down), her poor legs were swelling so much. Determined mommy! The maternal instinct has definitely kicked in.

Get better Dillon. We love you.

Dillon Porter Has Arrived!

2008-07-09T22:53:00.001-07:00

Nissa was induced into labor yesterday afternoon at approximately 2:30. After 11 hours of labor (with an epidural) and 50 minutes of pushing, out came Dillon Porter. Dillon was born a few hours before sunrise at 3:05 a.m. weighing in at 6lb. 6oz. He did not hesitate to open his eyes immediately. He looked up at me and I made sure to tell him that I was not his mother, but merely the aunt that would spend the next 20 years spoiling him. He looked at me with relief and was reunited with his mom, who he recognized straight away.

'Coaching' Nissa through her labor and delivery was laughable as there wasn't much coaching necessary. The experience left me with a deeper understanding of Nissa's incredible tolerance for physical pain. She did not scream once and was cracking jokes throughout her labor as well as immediately after delivering Dillon. Honestly, she didn't need her big sister, but I was honored to be standing by her side. She very much enjoyed the narcotics which were administered via IV before the epidural. Unfortunately, I failed at convincing the nurse that I needed some as well. :)

Dillon came out looking flawless (no cone shaped head) and immediately grabbed my finger with his little hand. There is an immense resemblance between him and his mommy and he seems to be a rather peaceful baby -- so far. Minutes out of 'the oven' and after being place in his mother's arms he looked up at her, and with familiarity, he smiled.

Welcome to this world Dillon.