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Born 20:10 (8:10 p.m.) Chicago time, Dec 31, 1998: 3.3 kg (7 lb 5 oz), 51 cm (20 1/2")
Philip is a name common to both Bulgaria and America, indeed Toni's
hometown of Plovdiv was formerly known as Philipopolis, after the conqueror
Philip II of Macedonia (340 BC - father of Alexander the Great).
Traditionally in Bulgaria, children's middle names come from their father
(but their last name can come from any parent or grandparent - which in our case was
conveniently my last name), hence Philip Robert Neff.
Recovering, in this big crib -
Jan 3., 1999 
Proud mother and son - with Grandpa, next
Not in such a good mood, altho his mother is
Being held by Dad, and better yet, being fed,
even if it is a bottle this time. 
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OK, so what can I do this summer?
Maybe I can be superman?
Or find out if a sock is tasty?
Grandpa Neff baptized Philip! (May 30, 1999)
He started babbling at the same time he
learned to put his feet in his mouth - a sign of things to come? He enjoys the paper
though...
Toni back home after the trip to northern Minnesota & enjoying it.
Philip & cousin Stoilko after an exhausting
outing. Next - A recent picture of the other cousins, the Jirasko's, celebrating Ian's
birthday.
We traveled to Northome, Minnesota
in August for a week's R&R. While there we toured Voyageurs Nat'l Park, left
(Canada in background), Lost 40, Red Lake, Koochiching Co. Fair, etc. And plenty of
rain, which left a nice double rainbow over Jack's barn at one point.
We had a picnic at Noma Lake after walking
thru the Lost 40 (and if you hafta ask where that is, you'll never know). Philip
enjoyed Andrea's company (a Bulgarian friend nearby in Hoffman Estates, IL).
Thanksgiving, 1999
Philip is introduced (very carefully) to
Grizzly, a Border Terrier. Kris looking on. Then Mom/Grandma has a chance to
amuse Philip. (My camcorder is still set on summer time, we're not keeping him up
past 9:00) 
Grandpa & Karla at the breakfast
table. Later Katie takes Philip for a walk. 
One last walk with the Neff cousins
before going back home. Here he was, happy in September. 
Enjoying the nice weather we had all fall,
and Grandma brought a nice jack o'lantern for Halloween.
Philip enjoying his new-found cousins - Kali,
Ian and Mali. Back in Hendricks shortly after Thanksgiving, we saw Buffalo Ridge,
on the SD-MN border is one of the biggest windmill farms in the world. (The old
windmill is actually in the foreground). 
The Jiraskos and Dad/Grandpa enjoying some time
together in our living room. Kali likes giving Grandpa new hair styles.
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Christmas/New-Year's/First Birthday/New Millenium!
Toni, Philip and I in front of our Christmas
Tree.
A Bulgarian friend, Roumie, always likes to see Philip.
I got rid of my beard (for the summer?)
Here's our wedding present from Mom & Dad
Spring 2000 - Philip starts walking!
Enjoying some sun around the house.
Summer-Fall 2000 - Philip really starts getting around!
On the porch with Dadda, and on the couch
with his Bulgarian cousin Stoilko
Showing off his teeth, and showing off his
muscles!
Philip enjoying the pool, then kicking back
and relaxing.
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