A Guys' Weekend on Monday, May 25

Happy Memorial Day! And, welcome to the official start of summer. I especially enjoyed the last two days--it was just Daddy and me. Mom had a relaxing girls' weekend away with friends and returned late last night, while Daddy and I had an awesome guys only weekend. But, now we are all back together to enjoy our holiday.

Friends and Family on Tuesday, May 19

Today was a treat. We were visited by Lily, my cousin from Massachusetts, along with her mom, April (who is my mom's cousin's wife on Moppy's side for those trying to visualize my family tree) and her grandmother, Debbie. It was such a lovely day that we lunched outside and then walked to the park. I got to show Lily my tricks, and she showed me her tricks, like rolling and pushing up. And, then we swung together and just enjoyed the sunshine. What a cutie she is!

Walking Part 2

My walking skills improve every day! Now, I get upset when my mom tries to pick me up to transport. I would much rather walk!

Flying Shrimp on Sunday, May 17

This weekend I am doing lots of walking, making all sorts of "p" words, especially "Pwooosh!" like the shooting star in my Bear on a Bike book, and playing peek-a-boo in my crib when I should be napping. It is as if I know my parents are watching me on the video monitor! But, the best part of the weekend was when Grandma and Grandpa came to visit. We played a lot, went to the park, and then ate at a Japanese Steakhouse. What fun to watch our food being cooked right in front of us. Fire and flying shrimp--cool! Of course, I wouldn't eat any of it. I am still in my picky eating stage (hopefully just a stage, because I sure am missing out). Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for a fun visit.

A Field Trip on Tuesday, May 12

We started looking at the calendar and there is so much I want to do with Moppy and Pop before the end of the school year, yet our days our numbered. So, today we checked off quite a few things from our list, including visiting the Smithsonian's Natural History and American History museums and lunching at the National Gallery Sculpture Garden. And, we threw in there a ride on the Metro, which at first startled me into silence, but by the return trip I was ready to walk up and down the aisle. We joined right in with all of the school groups that are on the Mall! And, we zipped through exhibits like many of the other visiting students (my mom thinks my attention span is actually better than most pubescent middle schoolers). The highlight of the day was spending time outside; I especially enjoyed the magnificent water fountains and greedy ducks at the Sculpture Garden. I can't wait for our next field trip but first I nap!

Saluting Moms on Sunday, May 10

We could not have asked for a prettier day to celebrate Mother's Day. We enjoyed lots of fresh air, yummy food, and lovely times. If I had my way, I would just sit in the grass all day! Happy Mother's Day to my grandmothers, aunts, my mom's friends, and of course, to my mom.

Body Parts on Friday, May 8

I am into body parts these days, especially face parts. See how I can find my eyes, tongue, and ear. I am also good at finding these parts on other people and am quick to grab a nose!

Between Raindrops on Saturday, May 2

Between the raindrops today, we went to Clemyjontri Park, which includes a fabulous playground with lots to do for someone my size. We met an old pal from my first music class, Alessandra along with her parents. I loved climbing, swinging, and see sawing! I plan on going back really soon. In the meantime, I continue to work on my walking, growing more confident but also knowing that crawling still gets me where I want to go. My eating habits have changed a bit this week. I amuse myself by throwing anything that gets put on my tray onto the floor. So, now I have to be fed like a baby again. I am also not so willing to try new foods but am drinking milk like a champ. More and more, I am finding it interesting to assert myself and make my own decisions. Becoming such a little boy, says my mom!

Splashing on Sunday, April 26

More summertime sun, blue skies, and heat! This morning, Dad and I were on our own as my mom headed off before I was even up to her big race. She has been training with a running club for the last four months, and today was their big event--the GW Parkway 10-Miler. Dad and I met her near the finish line and shared her bagel and banana. Though, we did not have much time to bask in her victory (the victory of simply finishing the race) before we were off to my first swim class. Which, I have to say, I just did not like that much. Not sure if it was the cooler water or all the activity in the pool, but I held on tight to my dad and then just wanted to get out. I was much happier on the side of the pool watching all of the other kids splash around. So, we will try the pool a bit more this week and see how next Sunday goes. And, not wanting to say good bye to the weekend, we took a nice walk after dinner and got a treat from the ice cream man!

Made for Walking?

Summertime on Saturday, April 25

And, just like that it is summertime! I got out my shorts and tank top, and we have spent all of my awake time outside. I took my first bike ride today, which I loved except for the helmet. (Check out the quick video that Dad took while he was riding beside us.) Later, we went to Old Town for lunch and to walk about, which was clearly an idea that many others had! I am loving this weather--a favorite of mine is to just sit in the grass and listen to the birds.

More Celebrating on Saturday, April 18

Today we traveled down to Chesapeake, Virginia to celebrate my birthday with my Ashley side of the family. Grandma planned a great party for me. And, it included another cake! I also got to spend time with aunts, uncles, and cousins, including Savannah, who is just a bit younger than me. Sorry to say that my mom left our camera at home, sitting right by the door. Of course, Grandma took lots of pictures, but we just need to get them on our computer and uploaded to this site (...got them, thanks, Grandma!). You will see all of the fun I had at the party and visiting my grandparents. I showed off my walking skills and funny faces. And, while I decided to give up napping and sleeping on my own during this trip, I remained in good spirits and was so excited to continue the birthday celebration. Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa!

Blue Skies on Friday, April 17

YaYa could not wait for me to wake up from my morning nap, so we could go to the park. She had the stroller all packed with our lunch, a blanket, and toys. So, off we went! It was such a beautiful day, and we stayed at the park until it was my afternoon nap time. We played with lots of other kids, and I became the center of attention as I showed off my new, unsteady walking skills to all the moms and nannies! Once my mom and dad were home, we just had to soak up more of the lovely day, so we walked to one of our neighborhood favorites, Lost Dog Cafe, for a spinach and feta pizza pie. Surprisingly, I wasn't too keen on the pizza. I ate some crust, some cheese, some spinach, but I shied away from anything that had the red stuff on it. According to my parents, I am going to love pizza some day soon. Happy Friday!

Raining on Tuesday, April 14

So, for the second day of rain in a row, we needed a rainy day plan. So, we headed to Monkey Business, my favorite indoor playground. I got lots of practice walking around on the soft padded floor. And, Pop even had me on the climbing wall. But, one of favorites continues to be chase. I love the words, "I am going to get you!" I squeal and take off.

Party! on Sunday, April 12

Happy Easter! Today all of my cousins (and respective adult relatives) came over for Easter dinner and birthday celebration. I had such a wonderful time, and all of my cousins are so sweet to me. They play and talk to me, and I just love their attention. As well, I love watching them play. My mom had some fun games planned for my farm-themed birthday party portion of the day, and I just laughed at the farm animal calling contest and the corralling of pigs (rather pink balloons). Of course, I somewhat know how to find Easter eggs with assistance, so I participated in that game. And, then came the cake! I can't say enough about cake--I love it (as one can see in the video below)! Luckily, we are celebrating my birthday again down in Chesapeake, Virginia next weekend, so I hope to get cake again. Many thanks for all of the birthday wishes, presents, and fun times. My first birthday was truly a special event.

Celebrating on Saturday, April 11

I just do not know where to begin. It was such a delightful birthday and Easter weekend. So, I will start with my actual birthday. It was a quiet day in comparison to Sunday and the big party! Though it started rainy, the day improved, and the sun peeked out later in the afternoon. Therefore, it was a good day to stay inside and play our new Wii and Wii Fit. This was my mom's birthday gift (and I hope to enjoy one day soon). So, I mainly watched as my parents bowled, golfed, walked the tightrope... I was able to pull them away for a birthday lunch at Elevation Burger, since I am a big fan of French fries and now hamburgers. We also dyed Easter eggs! And, then I got to spend the last awake hour of my birthday with one of my favorite people, YaYa, while my parents went out to celebrate my mom's birthday. They had a great time at the dueling piano bar, Bobby McKey's, at the National Harbor. The piano guys were even able to play my mom's request of Captain and Tennille's Love Will Keep Us Together!

A Year in Pictures

One Year! on Saturday, April 11

Happy birthday to me (and to Mommy!). I am quite excited for all of my birthday and weekend plans. More about that in another post. But, in the meantime, I am happy to reflect on my first year. Boy, have I come a long way! My mom remembers a time when she thought she would never get a decent night's sleep or a meal uninterrupted. I have since accommodated her quite nicely, and she thanks me. It is amazing what happens in one year. In particular, my communication skills have developed in amazing ways. I was never much of a crier, so I continue to approach getting what I want in a gentler way. I so badly want to talk. I move my mouth but the right sound does not come out. So, I am relying on other ways to communicate. I have turned my wave upside down to say, "Gimme". And, I will hold my hand out, not quite a point yet, to show the direction in which I want to go. And, of course, I show my enjoyment with big smiles. I turn and grin, looking for an audience, when I am pleased with myself for accomplishing such feats, as climbing over the ottoman to reach a toy or opening closet doors. As for getting around, I am a champ. I am fast in the crawling, and I am taking steps, but I have to get my center of balance just right before taking off. And, I love to climb. It has been an amazing first year! I thank my readers for keeping me up with me!

In Motion on Thursday, April 9

Today we hosted playgroup. Since it is spring break time, many of my buddies were off on vacation. So, it was just Trevor, Connor, and me. As soon as they entered my new place space, it was just constant motion. We went from one toy to another, one activity to another. I must admit that I got a bit territorial. At some points, I did not like the boys playing with some of my things! But, my mom explained all about sharing.

Imitations on Wednesday, April 8

I am getting very good at imitating faces and sounds. No words yet, but I crack myself up when I can imitate a sound (especially my own belch :) I try and try to imitate Pop's Donald Duck voice, but I can not get. It makes me chuckle anyway. In today's picture, I am imitating my mom's fish face!