Odom Stuff

Ollie's Growing Up

2009-05-02T08:37:00.000+02:00

We're as shocked as Ollie that he is growing up. And he's also a little disappointed that we haven't been blogging this more. Last you left us was at Christmas, Here is New Years up to February. Enjoy!

First Dr. Visit

2009-05-02T08:34:00.000+02:00

There comes a time in every man's life where he has to go to the doctor. Probably multiple times. Anyway, Ollie had to go and get his first round of immunizations. An thus begins the Pavlovian association of doctors and pain. Next....dentists!

Real Ollie, meet virtual Ollie

2009-05-02T08:31:00.000+02:00

If you try and think like a baby, which is remarkably hard, you begin to have a facination with flat things with images in them. Computers, picture frames, and mirrors are an entire virtual world. If you didn't know how they worked, the world would be facinating.

I'm not so sure about this

2009-05-02T08:29:00.000+02:00

According to my calculations, it is not my bedtime.

A Few of My Favorite Things

2009-05-02T08:27:00.000+02:00

Alas the days when you could have all of your favorite things within your grasp...

Hare of the Dog

2009-05-02T08:25:00.000+02:00

You never get tired of staging photographs with a baby. They're the ultimate prop.
Also, staged photographs are great. The king of which, is, of course, the pushing over of the leaning tower of Pisa.

Wild Stuffed Animal Attack

2009-05-02T08:22:00.000+02:00

Yet another wild stuffed animal attack. He's getting pretty good at fending these off.

Baby 2009

2009-05-02T08:18:00.000+02:00

Ollie's first smile of 2009. He really wanted to stay up. It took me till I was probably 25 to realize that grownups really don't do anything interesting after you, as a child, go to bed.

Rubber Duckie of Censorship

2009-05-02T08:16:00.000+02:00

Since we've had Ollie, we've occasionally bathed him. He generally likes this.

Little Things

2009-01-27T21:03:00.000+01:00

You would think that living in Europe would make you miss the big things about America. The Statue of Liberty, Baseball, and California just to name a few. Well, let me tell you, Wendy's frosties are way up the list of the things we long for. Speaking of Frosty, here are some more frosty pictures of our Christmas in France. Enjoy!

Ollie Incubator

2009-01-27T21:00:00.000+01:00

Although these pictures look like they were clipped out of an Eddie Bauer catalog, this is Zac and Lisa pushing an adequately sheltered Ollie on a "le (really) froid" day

Le Cowgirl

2009-01-27T20:55:00.000+01:00

Life in the wild west. Western Europe that is.

Rubber boots never looked so chic!

2009-01-27T20:51:00.000+01:00

Uneasy Arrangment

2009-01-27T20:49:00.000+01:00

Ollie looks a bit...uneasy.

What's wrong with this picture?

2009-01-27T20:48:00.000+01:00

What's with this gigantic, two dimensional strawberry?

Lend me your ear

2009-01-14T22:03:00.000+01:00

Hello all! We're back with another installment about our lives in Europe and with little Ollie. Here is part of what we did over the Christmas break. Enjoy!

Puke Art

2009-01-14T22:01:00.000+01:00

An Oliver Odom original, on black fleece canvas.

Lisa in mouse ears

2009-01-14T22:00:00.000+01:00

I knew she had a fondness for cheese but I never expected this.

A wacky bunch

2009-01-14T21:58:00.000+01:00

Apparently, something is pretty interesting to the right.

Another First

2009-01-14T21:53:00.000+01:00

Ollies first "riding a stuffed hippopotimus with two French girls" photo.

Pascal Convention

2009-01-14T21:51:00.000+01:00

It may not seem odd that Pascal is a relatively common name in France. I get to be in the club because my paternal grandmother's maiden name was Pasc(h)al. The Pascals above are of the French variety, which are easily identified by having their hand stuck to their face.

Chirstmas Eve

2009-01-14T21:48:00.000+01:00

Here are Lisa and I on Christmas Eve.

Le Grub

2009-01-14T21:46:00.000+01:00

One internationally recognized thing about France is "Le Grub" or "The Food". These are just some of the delectible offerings that were paraded before us on Christmas Eve. This is the picture before either a)one bite was taken out or b)the desert was smashed between the thumb and forefinger to "see what's in there".

Santa walked right by...

2009-01-14T21:43:00.000+01:00

No 3am Santa sightings for these two. All of the reindeer could be in the room and they wouldn't even know.

Christmas Dinner

2009-01-14T21:42:00.000+01:00

For Ollie, milk was Christmas dinner...again.

Dog keeps a lookout

2009-01-14T21:38:00.000+01:00

French Buddies, or Copines

2009-01-14T21:37:00.000+01:00

These are some of the French Buddies who relentlessly took care of Ollie during is first, extr-German trip.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2009-01-05T21:50:00.000+01:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Ollie and Dog. One of my new year's resolutions is to blog more, or at least give Lisa permission to. With Ollie growing every day, we're never at a shortage for material. We hope that your holidays went well and that 2009 is going well for you so far. Enjoy!

Mommy's two men

2009-01-05T21:45:00.000+01:00

Lisa and I (and Ollie) celebrated our 10 year anniversary by eating stuffed pig stomach at Kusel Castle. After 10 years and more than 50,000 miles, I'm happier than I was at day one.

Welcome to the North Pole

2009-01-05T21:41:00.000+01:00

Ollie and Santa

2009-01-05T21:40:00.000+01:00

We took Ollie to see the military Santa. Ollie dressed the part and was even mistaken for Santa in line.

Leading Contender for Best Friend

2009-01-05T21:37:00.001+01:00

Of all the stuffed animals that have been paraded in front of Ollie, this one is the only one that has caught his eye, or mouth. We cleverly refer to him as "dog". Ollie even bought the "dog" t-shirt.

Inquiring minds want to know

2009-01-05T21:34:00.000+01:00

Likely Story

2009-01-05T21:33:00.000+01:00

Just before Christmas, I was able to go back to the states for a week or so. This is me checking in with the "boss".

Ollie on the town

2009-01-05T21:31:00.001+01:00

As part of the Christmas celebration, often we are able to go out and eat with friends. This was Ollie's first chance to wear the faux tuxedo/bib. Next time, we'll write about our trip to France over Christmas break. Things you have to look forward to: French people on horses, assorted animal livers, and beacoups of cheese.

Please stop taking pictures of me

2008-11-17T19:33:00.000+01:00

After being born, Ollie continues to change. These are just a sampling of the thousands of pictures that have been taken of him during the past few weeks. We've taken more pictures of Ollie than we took of water on our cruise. I didn' t think that it was possible.

Lamb Thief

2008-11-17T19:30:00.000+01:00

Is it me, or does that lamb look like he's trying to steal Ollie's wallet without him waking up? Maybe he's the black sheep.

First day at work

2008-11-17T19:29:00.000+01:00

Ollie came to work to visit daddy. I was disappointed because I didn't have anything cool like a tractor or jackhammer at my job. Only a keyboard and a mouse.

Rubber Ducky

2008-11-17T19:27:00.001+01:00

Rubber Ducky...Get me outta here.

Elvis Baby

2008-11-17T19:27:00.000+01:00

We thought he looked like Elvis in this outfit. This was after his first bath. Well, he does have one adoring female fan there.

Large head or tiny baby?

2008-11-17T19:25:00.000+01:00

You decide.

Big Hands

2008-11-17T19:23:00.000+01:00

This is not an especially flattering picture but it gives you a good look at his hands. Definately not square.

Hand Grenade

2008-11-17T19:22:00.000+01:00

It's like pulling the pin on a hand grenade.

2008-11-17T19:21:00.000+01:00

Ollie has officially submitted his US Passport papers. Up until then, he was just a litte German baby. He freaked out a little when he realized it wasn't going to be back until the 28 of December.

Two of a kind

2008-11-17T19:19:00.000+01:00

I knew an "L" shaped couch would be good for something.

Dramatic Face

2008-11-17T19:18:00.000+01:00

This is Ollie's face after watching a dramatic turn of events during a football game.

First Church Visit

2008-11-17T19:16:00.000+01:00

This is Ollie and Lisa at our church. This was his first church visit. He slept through the whole thing, like a good Tennessee Baptist.

Up all night!

2008-11-17T19:14:00.000+01:00

Me and baby Oliver signing off. This was taken during one of our many late night football watching sessions.

Lisa Tres Pregnant

2008-10-27T22:29:00.002+01:00

This is Lisa about 8 months pregnant, or Schwanger, as they say here. This is the story of the birth of Robert Oliver Odom, who was born October 21, 2008 in Germany. Right now he's still German till we can get the paperwork sorted out. This blog is mostly about our travels but the journey of Oliver, or Baby O, down the birth canal is the greatest journey we've experienced. Enjoy!

Doctors and Nurses

2008-10-27T22:25:00.000+01:00

This is the Doctor and Nurse that delivered Oliver.

Going Home for the First Time

2008-10-27T22:24:00.000+01:00

Video of Baby Oliver

2008-10-27T22:17:00.001+01:00

Ready for Action!

2008-10-27T22:15:00.000+01:00

First Walk

2008-10-27T22:14:00.000+01:00

Baby Oliver on his first Sunday afternoon walk. The road sign above my had translates "Little Man".

Cute Picture

2008-10-27T22:12:00.000+01:00

If it were a real bear....

2008-10-27T22:07:00.002+01:00

I doubt that he would be so calm if that were a real bear.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

2008-08-07T21:52:00.000+02:00

Since we found out Lisa was pregnant, we've had to make some changes. One such change is selling our first car here, the Saab. We have purchased a more "family friendly" car so that Baby O can ride in style.
Since Lisa won't be able to fly much longer, we decided to take a trip home to the states. Below are those adventures........

Old Friends, New Location

2008-08-07T21:49:00.000+02:00

Bobby and Belinda Duncan and the boys lived over in Germany with us for 2 years and we grew to love them. Bobby was away but Belinda and the boys came down to visit us in Memphis. We all got antique bubblegum and fake tattoos.

Mrs Mildred Watson

2008-08-07T21:46:00.000+02:00

Mrs Mildred Watson grew up in Lisa's hometown but has lived in my hometown for years. Lisa met her at church in Woodbury and they discovered their shared heritage. We were able to visit her while we were in and it was a great visit.

Knuckleheads

2008-08-07T21:45:00.000+02:00

Baby O is going to have his hands full with cousins like these two.

Family Picture - Odom Branch

2008-08-07T21:43:00.001+02:00

Baby O with all the assorted uncles, aunts, cousins, and granna and grandad on the Odom side.

A Tie

2008-08-07T21:41:00.000+02:00

Tied for comments on these pictures are "Would you buy a used car from these guys?" and "They call us a barber shop quartet because we all need haircuts." Double your pleasure.

The Whole Crew

2008-08-07T21:39:00.000+02:00

This was the family portrait from the reunion. Whoever isn't pictured was in the kitchen getting a head start on the food line.

A Family Affair

2008-08-07T21:38:00.000+02:00

Although the 4th of July reunion is usally an Odom affair, I was glad that my grandmother and some of my relatives from my mom's side were able to come up and visit.

Baby Shower - Odom Branch

2008-08-07T21:36:00.000+02:00

My family was nice enough to throw Baby O a shower when we were in. When Baby O gets a present, Daddy O plays with the Ribbon. Lisa's family also threw us a shower when we were in Covington, but for some reason, I can't find pictures of that one.

From the Roman Forum to the Roman Candle

2008-08-07T21:34:00.000+02:00

Baby O's future buddies

2008-08-07T21:30:00.000+02:00

These are the sons of our good friends back home. Since these two turned out alright, Lisa and I decided to try the baby boy route. We had big fun playing "dog of the sky" (shadow puppets) and swimming. This family was recently blessed with the arrival of a baby sister. I believe the balance of power is shifting.

EnSafe Crew

2008-08-07T21:27:00.000+02:00

These are the guys that I used to work with in Memphis at EnSafe. If I grew a goatee, I'd be right back in.

Unexpected Visit

2008-08-07T21:26:00.000+02:00

My parents and one of my brothers came down to see me off and also to look at backhoe parts. This was one of the ligter moments. Even after this endearing portrait, the guy still wouldn't come down on the price of the backhoe parts.

The whole crew - Covington Chapter

2008-08-07T21:24:00.000+02:00

This is Baby O with all the assorted aunts and uncles and grandparents in the Covington branch.

Take her into custody

2008-08-07T21:22:00.000+02:00

Lisa and my picture in Covington. I'm pretty sure I've seen Walker, Texas Ranger use the move I have on her hand to take people into custody.

On the way out the door.

2008-08-07T21:20:00.001+02:00

This was our "last supper" before coming back to the land of schnitzel and kraut. I had catfish, again. I don't remember what Lisa had but I'm pretty sure it gave her heartburn.

Lisa is Preggers!

2008-07-14T23:57:00.000+02:00

Our beloved Lisa is pregnant with a baby boy. We knew she was pregnant but we didn't know the sex when we took this trip. The following posts chronical the road trip that encompassed 3,112 KM.

Some "you had to be there" pictures

2008-07-14T23:51:00.000+02:00

We ended up driving to Pompeii and back which was no small feat. To cut down on costs, we did pic nics for meals long the side of the road. This Swiss Army Knife really came in handy. We also did A LOT of driving/riding, hence the fatigued looks in the back seat.

Mother's Day

2008-07-14T23:48:00.000+02:00

I was fortunate enough to have my mother over here for Mother's day. We asked her what she wanted to do and she mentioned going to church. We assumed this meant the vatican but, in fact, she meant first baptist Rome. We went and the service was very nice.

Prison

2008-07-14T23:45:00.000+02:00

This is where Peter and Paul were held prisoner in Rome.

St. Peter's

2008-07-14T23:44:00.001+02:00

No visit to Rome is complete without dropping in on the Pope.

Things I took pictures of while Lisa bought a purse

2008-07-14T23:42:00.000+02:00

Rome Coliseum

2008-07-14T23:40:00.000+02:00

The Coliseum, as always, is an awesome sight.

Arch

2008-07-14T23:39:00.000+02:00

The Romans built this arch to commemorate the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. Boy, did that come back to bite 'em.

A funny thing happened......

2008-07-14T23:38:00.001+02:00

Here we are in the Roman Forum. This was the strip that Roman teenagers used to cruise in their chariots, from what I'm told.

Scrubbin' Bubbles

2008-07-14T23:34:00.000+02:00

This was a giant bathtub that was in the Vatican Museum. The emporer used to get "prune hands" in this puppy. Soap scum is hard to get out of marble.

The Pantheon

2008-07-14T23:33:00.000+02:00

If you've ever toured Europe with Lisa Odom, you're no doubt familiar with the "mutiny point". Lisa is such a tour guide and she wants you to experience all that Europe has to offer. Some people (me) don't always have the stamina for this. The "mutiny point" is the point at which you're so tired of walking and so tired of seeing whatever it is you're looking at that you consider a mutiny. Also, if you've ever toured with Lisa, you realize that just as you reach that point she shows you something so cool that you've never heard of, and you feel bad. Well, my friend, the Pantheon is that way. Totally unexpected.

Trevi Fountain

2008-07-14T23:24:00.000+02:00

Rumor (or Legend) has it that if you throw a coin (or two) into the Trevi fountain, you will return to Rome again someday. Worked for me because I threw one in about 10 years ago. That is way better return than the can of coke that I usually receive for two coins.

Weekly Column

2008-07-14T23:21:00.000+02:00

This must not have been a very good column because whatever it was holding up is gone.

Stylish footware of Pompeii

2008-07-14T23:19:00.000+02:00

A little stiff

2008-07-14T23:17:00.000+02:00

At Pompeii, they found cavities in the ash where bodies had been. Someone had the bright idea to pour plaster of paris in the cavities so we could relive the unbelievable agony these unfortunate souls endured. I believe that this guy died in yoga class.

My Idea

2008-07-14T23:14:00.000+02:00

Your first reaction upon seeing the leaning tower of Pisa is: "Oh Crap!, That's reeeaaalllyy leaning!". Then, you take this picture.

Mediterranean Sea

2008-07-14T23:12:00.000+02:00

While we were around Pisa, we weren't too far from the coast so we decided to go and stick our toes in. On the way out, we drove by what appeared to be a prison but was in fact an American army base. It was a great trip and this was a good way to end it.

Vienna, Austria

2008-05-31T08:19:00.001+02:00

On our trip east, we visited Vienna. Famous for music, schnitzel, and sausages.

Something we look for

2008-05-31T08:03:00.000+02:00

Something we look for when we're in a foreign country is our names written in signs. Vienna didn't let us down. I'm also something of a sunglass collector here as I buy them on trips when I need them but never have them with me. This is my Vienna pair.

Unexpected Weather

2008-05-31T08:02:00.000+02:00

While we were out on the first day, it came a pretty big snowstorm. Good thing we didn't pack warmer clothes.

Vienna's Cold

2008-05-31T08:00:00.000+02:00

One of the things we didn't expect about February in Vienna is that it would be pretty cold. Here is a frozen over fountain. It was so cold you couldn't really face the wind. Lisa and I had to order Lentil soup and pour it into our pockets just to survive.

Charlemagne's Socks

2008-05-31T07:57:00.000+02:00

One of the neat things about Europe is learning about a whole different history of about how things came to be like they are. The first guy to unite Europe and the first king of France was Charlemagne. In a museum we saw his spear tip, gloves, and socks respectively.

Birthday Dinner

2008-05-31T07:53:00.000+02:00

When in a landlocked part of Europe, what better meal, especially on one's birthday, than to eat Sushi.

Budapest, Hungary

2008-04-06T19:26:00.001+02:00

Lisa and I were fortunate enough to get to travel to Budapest, Hungary. Below are chronicled our gastro-political adventures.

American Embassy in Budapest

2008-04-06T19:23:00.001+02:00

We were driving around and looking for parking. We stumbled upon the American Embassy and through hand gestures and french/english/german/hand gestures, we obtained free parking.

You're gonna Pay!

2008-04-06T19:20:00.001+02:00

The tower on the left is a memorial to all the fallen soviet war heroes. The sign on the right instructed us to pay for parking, in three languages.

Botulism never tasted so good.

2008-04-06T19:13:00.001+02:00

We were treated to (at least one) good meal while in Budapest. The prices were really cheap until we realized that we were one decimal place off in our calculations. Then the prices were reasonable. The appetizer we got consisted of some butter and raw bacon. When in Rome......don't eat raw bacon.

Marzipan Map

2008-04-06T19:07:00.001+02:00

While we were in Budapest, we went to the Marzipan Museum. Here is a map of Europe made from Marzipan. Italy was delicious.