Team Coffin

Family Pics by Courtney Dec

2009-12-03T13:08:00.005-06:00

Our good pal Courtney took some family pics for us at Loose Park. They're pretty good - I think she really captured Tyler's "awkward smile" phase. Love it :) Mini Tim Tebow... taking a knee! Nice...

Judo CHOP!

Mama's little boy.

Is it December already??

2009-12-03T12:02:00.013-06:00

We've taken quite a break from the blogging business... much has happened since this summer. Back in August, Mom & I took a mini-vaca to Hoboken to visit Miss Kathryn. Lots of wine, food & shopping!! The subway still freaks me out, but fortunately we had our tour guide with us!

View of NYC from Hoboken.

Kathryn lives on Seseme Street!

The American Museum of Natural History.

Central Park inside the big city.

Max Brenner's... YUMMY!!!!! Chocolate everything :)

Our sailbot (booze) cruise on the Hudson River, from Chelsea Piers.

Coney Island.

The view down the street from Kathryn's house. Gorgeous!

A lot of fun things went on in October... trips to the zoo, the Red Barn Farm in Weston, and of course the Yankee's in the World Series!

Dave Matthews concert at the Sprint Center.

Kansas City Zoo.

Trip to Columbia to watch Hudson's last flag football game.

Pumpkin Patch at Crown Center.

Our favorite! The Red Barn Farm in Weston. Tyler and his new pal Bullseye :)

Pumpkin donuts are the BEST! Me & my little man at Mark McFarland's wedding. He stole the show - Mr. Dance Fever!

Let's go ROYALS!

2009-06-04T20:18:00.008-05:00

Tyler's a big fan of Kauffman Stadium & the Royals - he can name just about every starter and even tell you some of their positions. It's a toss up everyday between John Buck & Coco Crisp as to who's his favorite! Now... if we could only get some more "W's"!!!

Checking out a game with the Belcher's.

Our lil' slugger taking a few hacks at the "Little K"

Hilarious - caught in the act. Tyler couldn't resist the urge to dig for gold any longer!!! Some of the renovations made in the outfield kids area

Baby Kaya

2009-05-31T09:41:00.008-05:00

Our sweet little niece Kaya was baptized a few weeks ago, out in Columbia, MO. She was spoiled by her Godparents, Chris & Kathryn :) Kaya is getting so big - she was born on St. Paddy's Day, so she's almost 3 months old. Kathryn got to come in town from NY... we tried to kidnap her & keep her around, but she's getting strong in her ripe old age (she celebrated the big 25 while she was in town!). Oh well, we can always try!

Tyler loved spending time with his Auntie!

Maverick ;)

Kathryn & Chris... Kaya's Godparents... let the corruption begin!

She loves me. HA!

Who's kid is this??

Ahhh, what a scary thought ;) Auntie Kathryn with 3 kids!

Nothing better than a campfire in May - bring on the s'mores!

Hudson & Tyler

Kathryn moonlights as an art teacher.

Lions & Tigers & Bears... oh my!!!!

2009-05-16T07:30:00.006-05:00

We took a trip to the KC zoo a few weeks ago - it was still a little chilly out, but we were able to see a lot of the animals. Tyler loved the elephants & lions. Can't wait to go back this summer!

Tyler... roaring like the lions! We saw Mufasa :)

Cashed after a long day at the zoo!

Birthdays, bathrooms & babies

2009-04-19T19:45:00.011-05:00

Once again I've failed miserably at keeping this thing up to date. Looks like I have a few months to catch up on! So much has happened since February... Tyler turned 2 & we had his birthday at Airzone. It was wild & crazy, but so much fun. The kids had a blast!!! (As you can tell, we only invited a FEW. HA!)

We were lucky enough to have Mema & Tyler's cousin Jaiden visit from Orlando. They boys were a riot... we'll definitely need to keep our eyes on these two! Jaiden experienced his 1st snowfall, I guess they don't see much of the white stuff in sunny Florida :)

Chris & I also decided since we won't be selling our house anytime soon, then it's time to start remodeling. The bathroom was 1st on the list - it took a bit longer than anticipated, but it turned out AWESOME. I think some outdoor projects are up next.

More fantastic news... my little niece Kaya Marie was born on St. Patrick's Day!! She's healthy & beautiful, and mom & dad are doing great with the new addition :) Hudson is quite the rockstar in the big brother department.

I never thought I'd see the day.

2009-02-15T16:21:00.006-06:00

Elmo LIVE.

Yes, we are now certified Elmo LIVE attendee's. Chris decided on a whim to buy front row tickets to see the hairy red monster and all his pals, live at the Sprint Center. I was less than excited, but once we got there (having talked about nothing but Elmo for the past two days with Tyler) it wasn't too terrible ;) I've never seen my son so excited for anything... he even got hugs & high-fives from a few of the furry beasts! Good times.

We had to gear up with some cool (ridiculously expensive!!) Elmo toys!

Getting ready for the show.

Tyler & Daddy up by the stage.

The little man was so excited for the show, he couldn't stand still!

Chef Coffin(s)!

2009-01-30T15:00:00.005-06:00

The other morning I woke to a glorious smell coming from my kitchen... Chris & Tyler had decided it was a perfect day to bake banana nut bread!! I'm not kidding - Tyler was the best assistant chef, taste testing everything before he dumped it in the KitchenAid :) I think his favorite was the walnuts... that gave him a nice "grill" effect!

Thanksgiving 2008

2009-01-18T19:58:00.005-06:00

Thanksgiving this year was fast & furious. Chris' sister Allison visited from Orlando (who by the way, is the greatest Christmas-tree-helper-putter-upper there is!!!). Tyler had a blast with his Titi.

We packed a ton of stuff into the week she was here - probably the most notable being 4am shopping the day after Thanksgiving!! Plus we got to check out the Plaza lights & of course enjoy some glorious FOOD!!!

Tyler & cousin Hudson kept everyone entertained as usual :)

Christmas 2008

2009-01-18T19:56:00.008-06:00

So, I'm incredibly behind with this blog business... but very thankful to have such a great, healthy & happy family in this new year. Tyler continues to bless us everyday with his smile & we look forward to every new adventure with him :) The boys playing with their new toys!Christmas this year was unlike any other, getting to experience everything for the 1st time through our little man's eyes. We stayed in KC this year with the Dercher clan - lots of presents, good food & fun times. Tyler REALLY enjoyed ripping into all his presents!!

Baby Kaya will be here soon!

Fortunately Tyler slept in until 7:30 Christmas morning - I hear horror stories of 5am wake-up calls, of kids wondering if "Santa" has been there yet!!! I guess we have another year or two before that happens.

Kathryn got to come in for a long visit from the east coast. We kept trying to convince her to stay for an extended vacation!!

We stopped at Grandma & Grandpa's house for New Year's Eve... The boys enjoyed their whistles & noise makers!!

Trip to New York

2008-11-23T22:38:00.009-06:00

Unfortunate circumstances took my boys on a short trip to New York last weekend. Chris' oldest Uncle passed away - he & Tyler were lucky enough to say good bye and see the rest of the family as well. It was Tyler's 1st time meeting most of the Parker clan, along with a bunch of Chris' old friends from Long Island.

On the plane to NY - the Clifford DVD was a lifesaver!

Taking time out to practice his skills! Mr. Comic Relief

While in NY, Chris, Mema & Tyler met up with Aunt Kathryn at the Bronx Zoo. Of course, Tyler had a blast seeing all the tigers, seals, gorillas, monkeys... I think he's ready to move to the zoo!

Heading back to Kansas City... and blowing Mommy a big kiss ;)

Mema in Kansas City

2008-11-15T11:39:00.009-06:00

Chris' mom (aka Mema!!) gave up sunny Florida and came to Kansas City over Halloween weekend. We had a blast and actually squeezed quite a bit of activity into a few days. Penguin Park is always a hit... We decided to head out the Deanna Rose animal farm too - fortunately we went when we did, because it was the last open day of the season. Very cool - can't wait to check it out again in the spring. Never trust a goat with one horn! Tyler wouldn't take his eyes off this one. The boy loves his slides! The one room school house - my little man looks so big here!! Uh oh, someone's in trouble! Tyler always wants to be like daddy... We still aren't quite sure where Mema learned how to milk a cow ;) Bottle feeding the baby goats. And of course Halloween & trick or treating!! Tyler wore his fireman costume (that he wishes he could wear everyday!). We went to Weatherby Lake to meet the Dec's - little Madalyn was a cute KU cheerleader.

Dec'd Out Photography

2008-11-15T10:19:00.007-06:00

My friend & collegue, Courtney Dec, recently took pictures of our family. She did an awesome job, and actually made Team Coffin look pretty good :) These are all taken outside the Nelson-Atkin's Museum of Art in Kansas City. Courtney's a very busy woman, but I'd definitely recommend her services!!! Check her out at: http://www.decdoutphotography.com/

Tyler taking a snack "time-out" with his buddy Madalyn

Tyler lovin' on his new pal Trent

Halloween at the Farm

2008-10-26T13:57:00.007-05:00

We drove out to Louisburg, KS last night for the Kalcic's famous Halloween party on the farm. Lots of good costumes, especially my nephew Hudson with his Popeye get up :) Tyler got into the action & even did his own trick or treating. He made quite a cute little Fireman!

Megan (Olive Oil), Hudson (Popeye) & Mom (Alice the Goon)

Chris & my straight-from-the-trailer-park brother, Philip :)

So wrong, but so funny!

Hudson liked Grandpa's bloody heads. Ewww!

All bundled up for the hayride.

Ending the night with some "Quick Feet"!!

Go Chiefs

2008-10-18T13:11:00.008-05:00

Chris & I are going to our 1st Chiefs game of the season tomorrow. Usually we eat, breath & sleep everything that is Kansas City football, but this year has been a bit rough to say the least. Damn re-building. Anyway, I'm pumped to enjoy a little tailgate business AND about getting to see TG still in red :) Good thing our little man is keeping a smile on our faces. Coloring is the "it" thing to do at the moment. Tackling, is #2 on the list. Here's Ty telling Aunt Kathryn "I own you"!

A trip to the Wolverines football field to watch Daddy coach the 7-8th grade boys. I think Daddy spent more time chasing Tyler than coaching that day :) Our good friend Pete Walker was married a few weekends ago - it was nice to see a lot of old familiar faces. Here's a good pic of the big boys - Philip, Ronnie & Chris.

Kathryn & I

Megan and her cute lil' baby bump!!

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-17T00:07:00.003-05:00

Fall is the best! I can't get enough of this 60 degree weather, falling leaves, Halloween decorations & the return of Grey's Anatomy, duh! And my son is obsessed with "punkins". We went to the Red Barn Farm in Weston this past weekend, to check out said punkins. Tyler wanted to adopt them all.

Wedding's are cool...

2008-10-03T21:37:00.009-05:00

Tyler attended his 2nd wedding EVER a few weekends ago (and wouldn't you know, tomorrow night he's going to his 3rd). Lots of single toddler chics. He thoroughly enjoyed himself! Cousin Hudson was there too, who Tyler can't get enough of.

Always practicing his football moves!!

Monkey see, monkey do. Jumping off stairs is fun. My little stud muffin! All the kids... Riley, Hudson, Gabby & Tyler

The BIG kids...

It's hard work having this much fun!!

Can I please just be home already?!

2008-10-02T12:02:00.003-05:00

I'm sitting in the Nashville airport, wondering why any self-respecting individual would think skin-tight, nearly painted on Wranglers would ever be attractive?!?! Come on people! Work has taken me to this lovely city, and don't get me wrong, it really is lovely. I wish I had more time to sight-see, but I was stuck inside a printing plant the majority of the time. I did however stumble across a taping of "Rock of Love w/ Brett Michaels" and someone who I swear was Tim McGraw at the Noshville Cafe. And yes, it really is NOSHville. I'm just going to pretend it really was him. Anyhow, I miss my boys terribly & cannot wait to get home. Just a few more hours. Tyler is growing like a weed - in 2 days he has probably learned to drive a car & started studying for his SAT's. Actually, he's loving books right now - if he doesn't have one in his hand, he's for sure holding a football. He's OBSESSED with footballs. Hmmm, wonder where he gets that from ;) Chris has been spending his evenings coaching little league football, trying to get a fix any way he can since he didn't play arena ball this year. Sweetheart, I won't say this to your face, but I do kind of miss watching you play! ;) Ok, back to people watching... I just saw a lady in a bedazzled hot pink denim ensemble. Wow.

My Dad's a Rockstar!

2008-09-02T20:16:00.007-05:00

This past weekend we headed up to Zona Rosa to watch my Dad's band play (The 13th Hour). The rockers put on quite a show at the outdoor venue, in front of screaming fans & die hard groupies. Ok, so Mom & I were probably screaming the loudest, but ANYWAY... it was a great time. Tyler also got to enjoy the fountain although it took him a good 15min before he decided to get his feet wet. Quite the inquisitive young soul. He's almost as cool as his Mom!

We saw the Belcher's up there - TJ, Laura & baby Trent. I think I'm in love with the lil' squirt & his big, squeezable cheeks :)

Whether he knows it or not, Tyler has Chris wrapped around his little pinky... the boy is destined to play football, and his Daddy couldn't be happier! Here's Tyler practicing his "Hut, Hut, HIKE!"

But, like any typical toddler, he never does the same trick twice. SEE YA!!

GO ROYALS!

2008-08-15T07:28:00.006-05:00

We met up with the McKillip's at the K, to check out the Royal's take on the Red Sox. The boy's in blue put on a good show (it didn't hurt either that we had front row seats!). Tyler & Landon were talking stats between Cheerio's - the little men surprisingly toughed it through the entire game.

Hanging out with Leslea, Brady & Landon

The next generation of ball players :) Snack break - Cheerio's anyone? Brady & Landon, Chris & Tyler

(my, how things change!!)

Birthday Party

2008-07-06T12:38:00.005-05:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to help me celebrate my 30th. It was a great surprise (I can't believe Chris kept it from me!). Chris & I had drink & appetizers at Piropos (my favorite!) then headed downtown for sushi at Nara (my other favorite!) I was greeted by a bunch of friends when we walked in - good times :) I can't wait until Tina's next birthday, so I can treat her to as many glorious shots as she bought me that night!! Haha.

Summer Fun

2008-07-06T12:14:00.006-05:00

It's been a wet summer so far in KC, with some hot-humid-mugginess I'm sure not too far behind. We've squeezed in a bunch of lake & pool time, our little fish Tyler can't get enough of the water!

We spent the 4th over at Gma & Gpa Dercher's. The Columbia Dercher's came in town - Tyler & Hudson had a blast doing "boy stuff".

Tyler's also gotten some time in with his gal-pal Madalyn.

Shear Madness

2008-03-31T22:22:00.005-05:00

Tyler, Angie and I ventured up to Zona Rosa this evening to visit Shear Madness for Tyler's first haircut. It's actually a neat little haircut spot that caters to the little ones. Each haircutting station has a flat panel tv for the kids to watch, while they sit in the booth of their choice, which can be anything from a plane, train, or cool car. Angie and I were tired of Tyler emulating the hair style of Frank Barone (the father on Everyone Loves Raymond), so we saw it fit to at least get him in for a trim. It was actually rather uneventful. He sat still, behaved, and was done in a few short minutes. How boring! The little wild man before picture. Tyler chose to get his cut in the Hummer.

He also chose to watch Elmo. Beep if you like Elmo!

Oblivious that he is getting a haircut. Elmo is that good.

Half way through he demands to inspect the utensils.

The finishing touches.

Party Time!

2008-03-16T11:38:00.006-05:00

We had Tyler's 1st birthday party last weekend. It was great to see all the out-of-towners (Mema, Papa, Titi Alli, Auntie Kathryn, plus the Columbia crew - Uncle Philip, Aunt Meg & Hudson). Tyler had a blast tearing into all the presents, as well as his cake! There wasn't much left after Captain Destructo got his hands into it. I still can't believe he's already 1 years old. Happy Birthday to my favorite little man! MMMMMmmmm, CAKE!!! Going for a spin in the new wagon

2008-03-03T22:29:00.003-06:00

Happy birthday, Tyler. Every day has been an adventure, and every day we love you more.

Our little carnivore

2008-02-22T11:36:00.004-06:00

It was a happy day at the Coffin household yesterday... after 11 months & 3 weeks of protest, Tyler finally ate (AND ENJOYED) a meat product. Of course it was Gerber vegetable beef dinner in a jar, but we were psyched all the same! The little man is the pickiest eater ever, so this is quite an accomplishment :) The other day we got him to eat peas, which has also been on the NO-WAY list for a while now. Lately he's been wanting his own spoon to feed himself... time to invest in some heavy duty cleaners!

We've had quite a long, chilly winter, and are hoping for sushine here soon. Tyler's 1st birthday is right around the corner, so that gives us something to look forward to!

Firsts

2008-01-25T23:06:00.000-06:00

First things first, this is my first post. Angie has been so diligent in keeping the blog updated, it was surely time for me to help out.

About a week ago, I brought Tyler home his first wiffle ball bat and tee. The next few nights we would go downstairs for a little bit of practice. I'd line him up and help him take a cut. He'd laugh and smile big every time we hit the ball, ever so proud. After a few cuts each night I'd leave him be to see if he would get to work on his own. Unfortunately, he found more fun in picking the ball up off the tee and throwing it at the dog. After four nights of practice, he finally started taking his own hacks. It was a Tuesday night and mom was out playing volleyball, so we had to try it again the next night so mom could see. Angie snatched up some video. Sportscenter highlights if you ask me. Tiger Woods started golfing at 5 and we all know how good he turned out. Tyler has a 4.2 year head start on him... I think he'll turn out just fine.

If you pay close attention to the video you can see another first. It's Tyler's first haircut. The sides and back of his hair were so out of control that it appeared Angie and I were pro-baby mullet. I had to bust out the clippers and give him his first light fade. He sat well and was very cooperative. For that, he was able to keep both of his ears.

Tyler was also able to play in the snow for the first time a few days ago. After jamming his hand deep into the snow and learning how cold it was he decided that he wasn't a fan at all. Once I spray some pam on the bottom of his saucer for the first, he'll be wishing it snowed every day.

Tyler's Walking - 10 months

2008-01-13T15:54:00.001-06:00

It's official... Tyler has figured out how to coordinate those little legs, to get him from one place to another. It's amazing what the extra few inches between sitting & standing can get you into :)

Christmas in KC

2008-01-13T15:18:00.000-06:00

Last weekend we finally celebrated Christmas with the Dercher side (and Dad & Chris' birthdays) - Kathryn was in from NY and Philip, Meg & Hudson drove in from Columbia. We had a great time with the family... lots of food & presents :)

Happy Birthday!

2008-01-10T13:45:00.000-06:00

Chris’ birthday was this week (I’ll have to let him share which one it was!). We celebrated it just right – back in December I surprised him with tickets to see his man Billy Joel at the newly finished Sprint Center in downtown KC. It was an amazing concert, especially from the floor a few rows back from the stage! The Long Island boy put on quite a show, and I’m pretty sure Chris had a great time singing EVERY song played and drinking EVERY beer he could find! I love birthdays… except maybe not my own this year, as the big 3-0 is looming just around the corner. Dum-da-dum-dum-DUM!!!

Great News for the Belcher's

2008-01-03T09:29:00.000-06:00

So this isn't exactly NEW news, but us Coffin's are so excited for our good friends TJ & Laura Belcher. They found out not too long ago they're expecting their 1st child. Tyler is pumped to have another little buddy (even if it's a girl, he can teach her how to throw a football!!!!). Love you guys :)TJ & Laura giving newborn Tyler some love

Kathryn's coming to town!

2008-01-02T13:46:00.000-06:00

Well, I've been counting down the seconds until my east-coast-fabulous-sister Kathryn arrives in KC tomorrow. It's been way too long since we've seen her, and not having her around for the holiday was especially rough. Fortunately we get to celebrate Christmas with her & the rest of the Dercher clan this weekend.

I think everyone will be surprised to see Tyler walking around, inspecting every nook & cranny with his curious little pointer finger. He loves to find & point out all my inconspicuous dust bunnies! Daddy has also taught his mini-Quarterback to "throw" a ball. Of course Tyler now sees EVERYTHING as a ball, and in turn throws whatever he's holding. Aside from walking & hurling things, Tyler's also been practicing (albeit way too much) his new "pout face". Unfortunately for him, this prompts more laughter from Chris & I than anything else. I'm not exactly sure where he learned this new look, however our recent trip to Florida & spending tons of time with his Titi Laila just might have something to do with it ;)

Christmas in Florida

2007-12-28T21:33:00.002-06:00

What a trip! Chris, Tyler & I just returned from 6 days in beautiful Florida. While the cold & snow pounded KC, we enjoyed shorts & palm trees in the Sunshine State.

The Coffin clan at Universal Studios

Tyler posing with his favorite characters...

Curious George & the Man in the Yellow Hat

Steph, Ally & I with Tyler (I was having a Britney Spears moment!)

It was a whirlwind trip - Sea World, Universal Studios (Tyler was introduced to the big purple dino, Barney), Christmas dinner with the family, and to top it off... our little man was cutting a new tooth AND came down with double ear infections. Good times ;) He was a trooper though. Mikey, Aaron, Laila & Jaiden kept him well entertained. It was pretty fun watching all the kids on Christmas morning. Santa was definitely good to everyone this year.

Chris & Tyler with Steph, Jaiden & Allison

Mema & Papa

All the Grandson's - Mikey, Aaron, Jaiden & Tyler (and yes, those are his Halloween jammies!)

Chris & all his nephews

The Coffin kids... Laila, Chris, Steph & Allison

Learning to Walk

2007-12-19T11:59:00.000-06:00

Tyler's getting to be pretty agile with his walker (only 9 1/2 months old!)... he even throws in a little dance move here & there. Not even Charlie the big old Lab can throw off his mojo!

Santa at Union Station

2007-12-19T10:47:00.001-06:00

Tyler & I visited Union Station this past weekend, to check out the Polar Express exhibit & meet SANTA! Grandma Margie & cousin Hudson were along for the ride. It was cold outside, but the little man was quite the trooper. Unfortunately he hit "sleepy town" before he met jolly old St. Nick!

Ready for the holidays

2007-12-18T13:09:00.000-06:00

Chris, Tyler & I are anxiously awaiting our trip to Florida, to celebrate Christmas with Mema, Papa and all the aunties & cousins. Tyler's had an action packed last couple of weeks... he started cutting his 1st tooth (FINALLY) and also took his 1st steps!

Teething has been rough, especially around the 3am hour. Imagine that! Walking is still pretty wobbly, but his balance is getting better & better each day. He's ironically stingy when it comes to WHO he'll walk for - as of now, he'll only hobble along for mommy or daddy. Even with all the changes, Tyler is still quite the happy, curious little man. At his 9 month check-up earlier this month, he weighed in at 21lbs 10oz, and measured 27.25". That's a whopping 75th percentile for weight, and only 25th for height :) He doesn't miss many meals - he packs away the Gerber puffs like a champ!!