Toys-R-Us Moves Showroom to LaCombe Living Room

The LaCombe family is pleased to announce its recent deal with the Toys-R-Us Corporation that places nearly one of every item from the store into the LaCombe living room.

According to Kathryn, "I really am excited about this deal. Until recently, I was able to walk freely about the house without tripping over toys - where's the challenge in that? The amount of toys and their strategic placement everywhere will really make those midnight trips for water much more exciting."

William LaCombe appeared exuberant at the press conference. While declining an interview, LCN reporters did observe him playing in the Baby Einstein Exersaucer with great enthusiasm.

"The Exersaucer has over a dozen activities that are certain to appeal to the inquiring mind of you William," said David. The hardest decision Kathryn and I have to make is choosing what contraption we place Will in - We have the swing, the bouncer, the Exersaucer, and the Jumperoo.

"I think our son actually has more furniture than we do," said Kathryn.

BREAKING NEWS!

This just in to the LaCombe Chronicle News - We're receiving multiple confirmed reports that Prince William of LaCombe is demonstrating acrobatic rolling maneuvers in his bed.

According to eyewitness Kathryn LaCombe, "I heard a noise come from his (William's) room and I went to investigate. When I arrived at the bedside, I immediately noted that William rolled over 180 degrees, without assistance, from his previous position."

William's dad, David, is alleged to have been intensively training with Will at an undisclosed secret training camp. Apparently, the hard work is paying off. A source speaking on the condition of anonymity said, "David wouldn't give up on Will. Each night David would lie on the field and demonstrate rolling to his young student. It's heart-warming really to see the father-son bonding...even during the tough times when drool and diaper changes seemed to slow the training effort. "

LCN is rushing photographers to the scene - We'll post the images as they become available.

NBA Rookie of the Year

Will "Too Tall" LaCombe lays up for game winning score

The LaCombe - Covington genes are finally beginning to pay off. Will's height advantage is clearly setting him apart from other daycare basketball players.

The quick point guard just keeps getting better. Hitting a very solid 44.3% shots. Once he develops a three-pointer, he'll be unguardable.

Parents Dave and Kathryn are very proud and attend every game. When asked about a recent game, Kathryn said, "I don't know much about this game but the concession nachos are really good."

My alphabet blocks taste great

Who knew that learning the letters of the alphabet could be such gastronomical delight?

I overheard Mommy say that Daddy was unsupervised last evening when he shopped for groceries. That's a good thing for me because he usually returns with toys and treats for me.

Last night was like Christmas - Daddy gave me 26 blocks...each with some writing on them. He calls them letters...I call them delicious.

Anyways, I'm really feeling good about this learning thing. I sure hope that numbers taste as good as letters.

Will - over and out!

Update

Oh, what a week. The LaCombe family generously supported the greater Lafayette healthcare community - three doctor visits, a midnight pediatric phone consultation, and countless pharmacy visits.

The kitchen counter is cluttered with pill bottles, ointments, and a vintage bottle of snake oil (actually useless but cool for effect) - I think it's safe to say that cold and flu season is here.

KC and David are now experienced in the managment of Pink Eye - KC enjoyed the experience so much that she decided to contract the infection too - fortunately, the clinic felt sorry for her and gave a bottle of eyedrops at no charge!

Despite the recent drama, we actually had a few positive milestones. Will appears to be experiencing a growth spurt - he's eating sweet potatoes, peas, and rice cereal. He's also wearing infant 6 - 9 month clothing (never mind he's only 5 months). We think he'll rollover soon - the wiggle worm is getting strong - holding his head up and kicking his legs like a wild man.

One of the funniest moments this week is Will's discovery of his tongue.

He amuses himself (and his parents) by sticking his tongue out. He giggles - retracts the tongue - and sticks it out again. As they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Betty (Dave's mom) tells a story where David's grandmother took him to the phone company where she worked. During the visit, David stuck his tongue out to everyone he met. Dave thinks that his Grandmother is getting revenge - encouraging Will to adopt his Daddy's childhood antics.

We're keeping a low profile this weekend - I think some comfort food should help us feel better. We'll probably also play scrabble, nap, watch football, and nap some more.

How many days until Spring?

Breakfast Club Reunited!

KC, Amanda, Will, DML, and Jay enjoyed a

morning complete with Prosciutto Frittata, coffee, and the i-POD.

Aunt Amanda somehow encouraged Will to stick his tongue out - since their visit, he hasn't stopped. Amanda....Help!

No strings attached

Look at me, Grandpoppy! I can feed myself.

Now, if I can only teach my parents how to prepare a good Creme Brulee...

What...no more sweet potatoes?

William Noel's reaction to being told that he's eaten all of his sweet potatoes...

In an apparent ordering blunder, Chez LaCombe received more rice cereal than sweet potato. Restaurant staff, embarrassed by the blunder, offer a free serving of rice cereal to the young connoisseur...a gesture not well received.

William was quoted as saying, "I used to come here before they switched chefs. Since the new management took over, this place has really gone down hill."

Update on Will, KC, and DML

Much to our surprise and delight, the number of people reading our blog is growing. Either you people have nothing to do after work or you've developed an appetite for punishment. In either case - thanks for visiting.

The month of January is nearly half over and we're still talking about the great time we had during the winter holiday. The new year is off to a pretty good start and we have much planned for the coming months.

David resumed class at the University of Phoenix - he has 10 classes remaining before he earns his BS in Business Management. If he maintains his current pace, he'll graduate in December. Then, who knows, probably graduate school. Why stop now?

The quest to purchase a home is progressing. We're still saving and have decided to wait until the housing market in Lafayette cools down a little. Much of the housing stock is already overpriced - we not overly enthusiastic about overpaying for a home but at the same time, renting is really getting old. Oh, and did we mention that our upstairs neighbor raises horses in her living room?

Kathryn is scheming new ideas for upcoming food delights - after mastering biscotti, she's ready for the challenge of making Boston Cream Pie and white chocolate raspberry truffles. Dave's already searching online for expanding pants...perhaps something in a very stretchy - but attractive material.

Will is growing like a summer weed....oh my god, I sound like I grew up in the South...argh..the transformation is nearly complete. So, anyways, Will is almost five months old. His last visit to the doctor was about three weeks ago - at that time, Will weighed 16 1/2 pounds and was 26 yards long (kidding...inches). He's developing quite the personality...pronounced temper...when his father fails to meet his expectations. KC watches Dave and Will battle for supremacy...at last count, Will is fast on his way to assuming the Alpha Dog role.

Grammy Camille gave Will a Baby Einstein - Baby Monet DVD that teaches the seasons. The whole family enjoyed the experience. Will and David enjoyed the Zebra puppets - KC favored the music and paintings. Yet another testimony of who really is the cultured one in the family.

In February, the family heads to Orlando - Dave's speaking at a conference and we're taking advantage of the opportunity to see Amy and Mike, and their new baby boy, Robbie. KC and Amy last saw each other about two years ago - way before the new husbands and baby boys. We're really looking forward to the visit.

Each day, we think about Grandmommy and Grandpoppy Covington. We had plans to visit during Christmas but Will decided to experiment with RSV - all travel was grounded. We so enjoy our time with them in Mississippi - When we see them, we'll introduce them to their grown grandson - I certainly hope that Grandpoppy doesn't throw his back out when he picks up hefty-boy.

Tune in this weekend when we report on the next breakfast club gathering and the latest LaCombe adventures.

Special Report - Infant discovers secret to parental motivation

The National Institutes of Health reacted publicly today as news about the secret to parental motivation was allegedly leaked from the William Noel laboratory.

NIH spokesperson Ima Hoax said governmental scientists are baffled by a cryptic formula that arrived by messenger today. "Preliminary tests of the data indicate a potential breakthrough in the parental-infant communication barrier," said Hoax.

According to sources inside the NIH, the formula is reported to reveal significant meaning to various infant cries and yells. Previously thought to be incomprehensible gobblygook, the infantile "babble" is actually highly evolved patterns of communication

Infant researcher I. M. Loony, III said in a recent interview, "We've suspected for some time that the communication barrier between infants and adults rests more with adults than their newborns." Loony has headed a task-force of scientists charged with breaking the code. Until today, their work was popularly disregarded by mainstream scientists.

Last month, Loony and several of his team were reported to be missing. Coworkers closest to Loony speculate that he was hired by infant entrepreneur William Noel LaCombe (pictured above left). William Noel Laboratory officials were not available for comment. However, network reporters observed increased activity at the lab today.

Stay tuned to this station for additional reports as they become available.

Time to Vote: Who Does Will Look Like?

Besides the obvious family characteristic of full, red lips...who would you say William looks like more...his mother or father?

Breaking News! William Noel Signs Lucrative Parental Contract

We interrupt this broadcast to bring you news of a breaking story...William Noel LaCombe is reported to have signed a multi-year contract with his parents, David and Kathryn.

Spokesman for Will cannot specify the details of the deal but say that both parties are very pleased.

Immediately following the contract signing, Will and his mom were seen relaxing in a trendy living room.

Sources closest to David hint that he's really very proud of his family. Speaking on conditions of anonymity, the source said, "I think this franchise is really fortunate to have such an all-star lineup. Despite rumors that Will was seeking to be an independent agent...he's actually very much committed to the current management. We're going to see a lot more of Will, KC and David in the coming season."

We now return you to regularly scheduled programming.

Academy Challenge Coin

So, what's the story about the coin that David always carries?

It's called a challenge coin. Popular among military and other governmental groups, the coin is a symbol of pride, unity and belonging.

Academy instructors and staff are given a coin by the Director. During the presentation ceremony, the member agrees to possess the coin at all times - it's a sign of mutual dedication to the Academy mission.

The challenge coin dates back to World War I. American volunteers from all parts of the country filled the newly formed flying squadrons. In one squadron, a wealthy lieutenant ordered medallions struck in solid bronze carrying the squadron emblem for every member of his squadron. He himself carried his medallion in a small leather sack around his neck.

Shortly after acquiring the medallions, this pilot's aircraft was severely damaged by ground fire. He was forced to land behind enemy lines and was immediately captured by a German Patrol. In order to discourage his escape, the Germans took all of his personal identification except for the small leather pouch around his neck. In the meantime, he was taken to a small French town near the front. Taking advantage of a bombardment that night he donned civilian clothes and escaped. However, he was without personal identification.

He succeeded in avoiding German patrols and reached the front lines. With great difficulty, he crossed no-man's land. Eventually, he stumbled into a French outpost. Unfortunately, the French in this sector of the front had been plagued by saboteurs. They sometimes masqueraded as civilians and wore civilian clothes. Not recognizing the young pilot's American accent, the French thought him to be a saboteur and prepared to execute him. Just in time, he remembered his leather pouch containing the medallion. He showed the medallion to his would-be executioners. His French captors recognized the squadron insignia on the medallion and delayed long enough for him to confirm his identity. Instead of shooting him, they gave him a bottle of wine.

Back with his squadron, it became a tradition to ensure that all members carried their medallion or coin at all times. This was accomplished through a challenge in the following manner: a challenger would ask to see the coin, if he challenger could not produce his coin, he was required to purchase a drink of choice for the member who had challenged him. If the challenged member produced his coin, then the challenging member was required to pay for the drink. This tradition continued throughout the war and for many years after while surviving members of the squadron were still alive.

Will and his Dad

KC's Boys!

Katrina - Moving On

As part of my personal ritual of moving on after an unpleasant experience, I find it healthy to reflect. I choose to share this reflection with our friends and family who visit this blog.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita really couldn't have arrived at a worse time for our family. Will was one week old when Katrina made landfall. Fortunately, we barely noticed any weather disturbance during Katrina. It was a hot cloudy day with some light wind in Lafayette. Two hours away, chaos reigned.

When asked to assist in the recovery effort, I agreed. The fog of new fatherhood cleared quickly as the rotor blades of our helicopter sped towards the Superdome. Landing at that location (and other locations in following days) still seems surreal.

While caring for people who lost everything (and sometimes everyone), my mind would wander back to Will and Kathryn. For the first time in twenty years of EMS, I selfishly wanted to be home rather than at the side of colleagues or those that would benefit from my care.

Returning home was bittersweet. Seeing KC and Will after my first trip was like nothing I had ever experienced. I really was overwhelmed by the warmth and love of my family. This was where I belonged. At the same time I realized that I would be called again to return to New Orleans. My heart was simply not in that task at hand. Very difficult days followed - just as I wanted to quit - something spoke inside me and pushed (or pulled) me to complete my other responsibilities.

I dedicate this blog to my colleagues who gave so much more than I. I thank you for your understanding. Two sources of inspiration for me came from those storms. The first is the super work ethic of people like Gifford Saravia, Ross Judice, and others like them. You really taught me much during this time of crisis. The next is the power of family and friends. I'm very proud and appreciative of Kathryn, our family, and friends who pulled together while I was away.

Kathryn recently told me that so much in life is seasonal. I think she's right. On the heels of disaster, we moved into the holiday season and life really returned to normal. We had much time together as a family - sharing laughs and good times. As we move into the next season, I think its time to let Katrina go.

DML

When will the Breakfast Club reunite?

L to R - Dave, Kathryn, Guest Mark Pierret, Amanda, Jay, and special guest, the Six Flags Dancing Old Guy (often imitated by Jay)


A little known group of breakfast aficionados gather weekly to participate in a gastronomical bonanza.

What started as a, "hey, what are you guys doing for breakfast next weekend?" has transformed into a social event (pronounced healthy competition) for two couples.

The whole thing started quite innocently enough. We met at the Hilton's restaurant. The food was ok but our server kept rushing us. We were enjoying each other's company and wanted to linger. Mr. Efficiency needed the table for his next mark.

We decided that we should meet at one of our homes next time for a nice meal and plenty of relaxed conversation. The theme music from Jaws could be heard softly playing in the distance. Little did we know what awaited us.

The first few breakfasts were nice. We did the basic egg, potato, coffee and juice thing. Then, a spark of competition arose between the couples.

You could almost detect the ritual size-up as each couple explored opportunities for the next event - secretly they also looked for vulnerabilities. "I bet they don't have a Belgian waffle maker," said one couple. "What if we purchased a panini grill," exclaimed the other couple.

Then...it was on! This was a take no prisoner game.

Some of the most creative and absolutely delicious delights have come from the breakfast club. Some examples include:

• Caramel-soaked baked French toast.
• Breakfast panini.
• Breakfast burritos.
• Country breakfast with world-class Pierret potatoes!
• Steak and eggs served with salsa fresca on sizzling cast iron plates.
• Amanda's ham and portobello breakfast calzone.
• Belgian waffles (regular and pumpkin)

Most meals are accompanied by home made seasonal fruit and coffees from the world.

OK, so now you're thinking...who the hell are these people...the Rockefellers or worse, perhaps Julia Child's secret protegees?

Nope - Dave, Kathryn, Jay and Amanda - great friends who enjoy good times and great meals. Each session concludes with Jay's infamously talented party-pic.

Would you please pass the sticky buns?

EMS Academy Christmas Party

National EMS Academy faculty, staff and spouses gathered to celebrate the holidays

David and Kathryn hosted the Academy's annual Christmas party in mid-December. The evening included tons of great food, games, gift exchange, music, and special ceremony where instructors received an Academy coin.

Becky Landry received the strangest gift...a hot water bottle. Everyone had a good time - we laughed a lot and we ate until we nearly busted.

Thanks to all for a wonderful gathering!

Images from Sedona

We're waiting for the professional photographs to arrive - until they do, here are a few of our favorite images from the Sedona trip. Enjoy!

Biscotti and a Cup of Joe

It's fun to watch Kathryn as she gets an idea for a project. Her latest masterpiece is home made biscotti. With two recipes in hand, it was time to plan our next R and D session. "Are you in," she asked.

"You bet I'm in," I reply.

Until recently, as far as I knew, biscotti was made in some small Italian village nestled along the Mediterranean coastline. Prepared and shipped with care, the product would arrive at cafes worldwide.

Nonsense - anyone can make these delectable treats. And let me tell you, our biscotti taste better than any I've had at gourmet coffee houses.

We researched recipes from both Southern Living and Giada De Laurentiis, author of the book, Everyday Italian.

Once again, Giada is the champion - Her recipes are always delicious and easy to prepare. The biscotti's perfect texture and taste really surprised us. In comparison, the Southern Living recipe produced a moist, cake-like biscotti that crumpled when sliced.

Once cooled, we dipped the biscotti ends into white chocolate and milk chocolate. Move over Starbucks - we've got homemade biscotti to accompany our delicious Guatemalan Antigua Finca La Tacita coffee. By the way, if you want to enjoy a really good cup of coffee, we recommend you try the the Antigua - you can purchase the beans from Counter Culture Coffee - they have great products and deliver excellent customer service.

http://www.counterculturecoffee.com/