Thursday, February 26

I thought I would post a few videos for today. They are examples of just some of the fun things I am up to, such as playing ball (rather getting hit by the ball) and playing chase through the house. (I love chase! Please bear with shaky cam, Blair Witch effect.)

Tuesday, February 24

I am getting more and more into trucks these days. On Tuesday mornings, I get to watch the noisy trash truck come down our street. And, when I am in the car, I like to see big tractor trailers drive by. I had a treat this morning when a big truck parked itself right outside our front window. This kept me busy for a while--watching the installation of a new guard rail, though they did wake me up from my morning nap with the cutting down of the old guard rail. But, that was okay because there was a chain saw and sparks! More cool boy stuff (that my mom just does not understand)!

Monday, February 23

I am becoming quite the regular at Monkey Business. It is a great way to expend some energy on these cold, wintery days. Moppy and Pop took me today and wore me out playing with balls, crawling through the tunnel and jungle gym, and climbing the mats. And, I made a few new friends like I do most places. I have few inhibitions, such as crawling right up to another mom because I liked the zipper on her sweater. My mom tells me that I will need to be careful in a few years with such bold acts, but for now it is quite cute! Later this evening, we went to Whitlow's to celebrate Pop's birthday, which was last week. I have a new favorite--mac 'n cheese! Happy birthday, Pop!

Saturday, February 21

Before I know it, it is the weekend again! Yipee. Today we took advantage of the last day of DC's Restaurant Week and went to one of Arlington's newer hot spots, Liberty Tavern. While my parents dined on a three-course lunch feast, I enjoyed the nibbles that were thrown my way and flirted with the other customer, at times turning completely around in my high chair to smile at lady diners. My favorite, though, was the tastes of strawberry sorbet, part of my mom's dessert. She told me it tasted like summertime! In that case, I anxiously await summer. Later, during my great afternoon nap (all that eating wore me out), a package arrived for me. My own guitar! I had lots of fun with it, that is until my shoe caught my eye and just like that I was on to the next activity, chewing my shoe, but I got a few guitar licks in and a quick lesson from my dad.

Thursday, February 19

My mom loves Thursdays! It is a wonderful day off from school, the work week is almost done, and playgroup is fun for both babies and moms. Today at playgroup, we celebrated my pal, Conrad's first birthday. There were just four of us boys today. And, while we typically do our own thing, playing with toys and crawling about, when the snacks came out today, we swarmed like ducks to a loaf of bread. Here is an action shot capturing the feeding frenzy. Who knew a few months ago, when we first started meeting, that Cheerios would have such a big impact on our lives. Of course, I had to get my hand right in the bowl.

Wednesday, February 19

Today I had my Kindermusik class; Moppy and Pop took me this week. Notice in this picture I am trying to hold three egg shakers and walk all at the same time! I love music, but even more I love the other kids in my class. While I usually babble or hum most of the day, when I am at music class, I am much quieter as I take in everything, listen, and watch. I was so excited by the drums in class that when I got home I tried my dad's bongos. I think my mom is hoping I take up a quieter instrument!

Monday, February 16

Happy President's Day! I got to spend the day with my dad today, while my mom actually had to work. Too bad for her, because my dad and I had an awesome day! We played lots, including unrolling toilet paper, singing songs and playing the guitar, exploring the clutter of my mom's closet, and petting Desi (our cat, while my dad held her down). Since it was a bit too cold to go outside, we went to Monkey Business for even more fun. If that wasn't enough, we visited our neighbor and met her new cat. And, when my mom got home from work, we went out to dinner. Boy, was I ready for my bath and bedtime (see today's picture). Thanks, Daddy, for a fun day!

Saturday, February 14

Happy Valentine's Day! It was a day of laughs, I love yous and good naps. The Valentine Fairy brought me a book and balloon (and a cigar for my daddy and a pedicure for my mommy). What a happy day! Today was also a culmination of a good week--I started a new music class on Wednesday, returned to my playgroup after being out sick last week, and had a fun coffee house playdate with Gabe and his mommy (my mom tries to trick me into believing that these are playdates, but I know they are really caffeine-infused gab fests for my her!). Finally, we ended today with a nice fire out back, and then I was off to dreamland.

Wednesday, February 11

Today I am ten months old! It has been a quick tenth month. I am certainly faster and stronger than last month, but my mode of movement continues to be crawling. I just love to be on the go (as evident in my picture this month--an official 10 month pose was unsuccessful)! I still just have my two bottom teeth. And, I have tried a few more foods this month, including favorites quiche and cupcake. As long as it is not too chunky, I am liking about anything that I have tried. If I had to characterize this month, it would be through sounds. I babble lots. I even have a monster voice that is husky and low. I usually say DaDaDaDa in that voice. My other favorite sound, of course, is MaMaMaMa. I like to try to imitiate sounds and pitch. And, I have a new insistent call that I use when I want something. I also love funny sounds coming out of others, such as Pop's explosion noises, Moppy's clicking, and Daddy's "DeDeDeDe", which he learned from Grandma. They all make me laugh! In addition, I love my noisy toys and also to make sounds with about anything I can pick up. I do not carry toys around in my mouth that much anymore, instead I clap or push or throw them along on the floor as I crawl. I find this most fun, as I like to hear the difference between clunks on the carpet and on the hardwood floors. Sometimes I get loud! I am a boy--what can I say?

Tuesday, February 10

This morning I was treated to a lovely visit with Elise. After we exchanged Valentine's at her house, we took a walk to a local coffee shop. Elise and I enjoyed drinks out of our sippy cups, while my mom and best pal, Christine, sipped coffee and chai and caught up. Elise (2 yrs and 4 months) is quite charming as she walks and talks and shares. I like hanging out with her!

Sunday, February 8

Wow! What a great day. It started with a good night's sleep--my first one since my cold. I am finally starting to breathe a bit easier at night. Next, it was a beautiful day. As soon as I was up from my morning nap, we headed to the park. After swinging and sliding and walking along the trail, it was time to leave for the big family February birthday party down on the Cove. Happy birthday Pop (age undisclosed), Aunt Annie (age undisclosed), Aunt Lisbeth (age undisclosed), and Ella (age 6)!! I had a wonderful time hanging out with my cousins, crawling around new places, eating ice cream, and getting licks from Jellie (the black lab).

Saturday, February 7

I have been excited all week for our weekend forecast. And, the weatherman did not lie. It is a beautiful Saturday. This afternoon between my naps, we went to Georgetown to walk around and have lunch. However, the real motivation for our outing was to visit and partake in Georgetown Cupcake, which my mom has been raving about since she had a cupcake at playgroup two weeks ago and before that seeing them on the Today Show on Inauguration Day. We all agree; they live up to the hype! I even got a few little tastes--my first cupcake. Yum! Later, it is date night. I get to spend the evening with YaYa, while my parents head out for an evening on the town. I don't know who will have the better time!

Friday, February 6

I am feeling much better though I still have a bit of a crusty nose! And, I am up to my old tricks. Walking is one of my favorite activities. That is walking with assistance. Though, my Friday YaYa says that I kind of took a step today on my own. Now I lean forward as I walk, trying to go faster and faster. And, I am a hellion on wheels in my walker, crashing into walls to only back myself up and head off in another direction in our narrow little house.

Wednesday, February 4

In good times and bad, I must continue to blog. I am suffering from my first full blown cold. My mom took me to the doctor only to be told that yes I indeed I have a cold! The hardest part of this cold is learning to breathe through my mouth, and of course I hate having my nose wiped much less suctioned out. However, it appears that I am over the hump and now on the mend. I had two decent naps today, which hopefully means some decent sleep tonight. I continue to have a good appetite, though drinking and nursing is tricky while trying to breathe as well. Even at my lowest point, my mom finds a photo opportunity. Hopefully next time you see me, my signature smile will have returned.

Sunday, February 1

Happy Super Bowl Sunday! I was awake for kickoff, and then back awake for the end of the game and the Steelers big win. Since my parents were hosting the annual FF (Fitness First) Super Bowl party, I got to enjoy some of the festivities and then heard most of them as I tried to sleep! It was an exciting game. Earlier in the day, we took advantage of some sunshine and blue skies to visit the Iwo Jima Memorial; it was also a good excuse to go down to Rosslyn and try out Ray's Hellburgers (once again a delicacy I can only look forward to eating one day).