Ho Ho Ho!

I hope that everyone had a fantastic Christmas. It came so quick this year that I didn't get a chance to help mom send out cards. I did learn that Santa isn't so bad after all. He came to visit me the other evening and brought me a few new toys. I'll post a few pictures this weekend. See ya for now!

Santa Who??

We had a Santa breakfast for school this weekend. When it was my turn to sit on Santa's lap and receive my gift I did the old back arch routine and cry. This guy was most definitely an imposture!

More snow please

As you can see it snowed only a little bit so far this year. It was deep enough for me to go sledding in my backyard though. I'll be waiting for the next big storm!

Score--two boys!

It seems like girls are taking over the world--at least in my life. I'm finally happy to report the December birth of Aidan (son of Dad's best friend from Australia) and the upcoming birth of another little fellow (name: TBD).

Gobble Gobble!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

1st Snow

This weekend we had our first snow flakes that actually accumulated on the grass. A few times on Sunday the snow was coming down rather heavy. I was looking forward to the opportunity to finally put on my boots and snow pants and use the cool sled that mom bought in May on clearance. There ended up not being enough snow so I will anxiously await the next snowfall.

Late, I know!

The weather on Halloween eve was perfect for Michigan. No need for a coat or extra thick clothes under my costume. Pictures were rather challenging on Halloween. However, here are two for you to enjoy. As you may remember I was a bumble bee. I was close to stinging a few people this particular night as evidenced by my non-smiling photos!!

Bub Bye Bubbas

The little boy transformation is slowly setting in. At school now I only use a cup to drink my milk. Yep, I'm finally getting used to cow's milk. It is surprisingly much better tasting and smelling than formula! The other neat thing is I've started expressing interest in getting things handed to me using vocalization and hand gestures. I woke up this morning and indicated that I wanted to go and have a look at my birthday cards that were on my dresser top.

Happy B-day to Me!

Wednesday was my birthday. However, on Sunday my friends and family gathered to celebrate turning 1 years old. Enjoy the pics from my big day.

Weekend Fun!

Here I am enjoying myself. I'm just about to go down the slide. What you don't see is me changing my mind not to go feet first and instead slide down head first. Believe it or not I had planned this move, but somehow managed to bump my cheek and eye (I think on Mom's shoe????) and sustained just a tiny bit of swelling. No fear...I'm tough!

Buzzzzzzzzzzz

Yesterday I decided that I want to be a bumble bee for Halloween. Beware--I sting!!

More teeth

It looks as if I am going to have my top incisors poking through my gums in no time. That will be tooth # 5 and #6. I've gotten quite good at brushing my own teeth over the last few months.

In other news....I've become proficient at walking in the last two weeks. It is such a relief to get around without scraping my knees!!

I plan to go trick-or-treating for Halloween with my cousins. I still haven't decided what I want to be this year.

All I want for Christmas is my...

TWO FRONT TEETH!! I have been in extreme pain over the last 3 days because my teeth are starting to come in. As of yesterday, the tooth on the right side emerged past the skin. I had a hard time staying asleep last night because of the pain and hope that the second tooth will appear today. Stay tuned for pictures!

New pics!

This is the before picture of my toy storage unit that we bought on Sunday. I helped daddy put it together. We stained it after it was assembled to a dark cherry to match my bedroom furniture.

This is the after picture of my storage unit on Tuesday. Now I have a great way to store all of my toys and can easily access and clean-up everything all by myself.

Check out the wonderful veggies from my home garden. Warning--Whoa....don't put hot peppers in your mouth.

Check out the tomato and hot pepper yield.


Yummy tomato.....not really so great at first bite

Popsicle

This is me eating my very first popsicle. Red was everywhere this particular day.

My doggy

Sad news for me to report. Yesterday my doggy, Bella, passed away. She had a few hard days until passing away at the vet while they were trying to care for her with antibiotics and hydration. She will be greatly missed!

Scareycrow

As the name scarecrow implies these things are pretty scary. Mom bought one the other day so that she could hang it on the door this fall. However, for one day she hung it from the nail holding up our family calendar. I was terrified every time my eyes landed on this thing. Even though mom tried to introduce me and let me touch the hay-like hands and feet I still thought it was creepy. Who in the world likes scarecrows???

Much Needed Updates

I'm a busy little guy lately. However, over the weekend I ended up with a fever. I even had a bit of food repeat. The good news is after much needed extended sleep I am feeling much more lively and playful today. At least I dodged the chickenpox virus for the time being.

After Labor Day I am moving up to the next classroom at school. Here they are preparing me for the toddler room. I will now have group time, project time, story time and will use a table and chair instead of a highchair. Mom and dad are curious about the whole table/chair thing. They don't think this is going to work really well. We will see!!!

I've finally outgrown my infant car carrier so I'm in what they call a convertible seat. Basically it looks like a big boy car seat although it is seating reversed (facing the seat). I absolutely love my new seat!

I can now stand up from a sitting position without the assistance of furniture and take about a step. It will only be a matter of a couple of weeks now and I will be taking multiple steps. I've come along way baby!!!

Chickenpox

I'm crossing my fingers that I do not get the chickenpox. One of the kids in my class at school has this fabulous illness and I can only hope that I will not be so lucky--well, at least until I'm a bit older.

Hockey eh!

This weekend I got my first hockey stick, puck and ball. I could barely put the stick down on Sunday. Now, if only I could walk....

Collar pop!

Goofing around like usual!

Nothing Much

I thought that I would just check-in and tell you that it has been a slow week. I cannot really think of anything exciting to report. Hope that everyone is having a wonderful week and looking forward to the weekend.

Bye Bye!

sTaNd uP

I'm getting much more steady on my feet these days. I like to get myself up and then let go of whatever I'm holding and hover by myself. You know--just testing the waters out a bit.

PS. I'm sleeping alllllll night long now!

Monkey Boy

I was called a monkey boy today. Can you blame me for not wanting to crawl on hard surfaces? Instead I essentially walk with both of my hands on the ground in front of me. I'm hoping that within the next month I will be walking. I have become very proficient at cruising on furniture and climbing stairs over the last two months. Look out world because here I come!!!

Special delivery ;)

Last week when I turned 9 months I had professional pictures taken. We are going to pick them up next week. Check the mail soon after and you just may find a package from me. We were able to get a sneak peak and I must say they are darn cute!

Get Well Yia Yia

My Yia Yia took a serious tumble this week. I will be thinking of her and hope that you will wish for the best recovery as well.

PS. Even though I wear SPF50 while in the sun I still have gotten a bit of color. Check it out!

Vacation over

I'm back from vacation! For about a week I was enjoying the summer heat on my boat. It feels good to be back in the routine of school again. I missed all of my friends while I was away. The latest and greatest new habit of mine is shaking my head back and forth as if I am telling you "NO"!

Noodles!

More food please!

Have I mentioned how much I love to eat? In addition to normal baby food I now eat big people food. I've actually had meatballs, chicken sloppy joe, graham crackers, cheese, toast, non-mushed vegetables, hummus, and pita bread. These are the only things I can remember at the moment. I'm a lot like my daddy in that I seem to like everything. I'm not sure there is anything I've tried that I haven't ended up eating. I even like to scavenge food that has fallen from other high chairs at daycare while I'm on play time.

Water scape

Tuesday is my day at school to play on the water scape. This was the first week that it was actually open and warm enough for us to put on our bathers and play. I preferred to hang with the big kids which are in the next class up. My teachers had a hard time getting me to leave because I love the water so much. Cannot wait until next week!!

Flashback

Present--trying to escape
Past--snug as a bug!

8 months and two toofusses

Yes, I'm referring to teeth. I now have two perfectly positioned bottom teeth.

Sleeping Soundly

So, things seem to be turning around with the whole waking up at night phase. In the last two weeks I've slept without waking for three of the days and then only woke up once in the night on the other days. This is in great contrast to the 2x/night that I am accustomed to waking up and insisting on filling my belly. I was taking my shower this morning and actually fell asleep for a little bit while dad was holding me under the warm stream of H2O.

The weather is going to really heat up today. I finally get to wear my new shorts and tee to school.

Just goofing around

This weekend I spent the afternoon with Auntie Deb and Uncle Nick so that mom and dad could go to the Red Bull Air Races on the Detroit River. I had so much fun that I missed the Red Wings game due to shear exhaustion!! I think that I'm going through a growth spurt at the moment. I am treasuring every ounce of down-time I can sneak in.

P.S. Don't you just love the scary looking monster pic above?? Mom thought it was hilarious so in-between laughing myself I kept on mushing my nose and sticking my tongue out.

Boater Boy

Trying to climb out of the cabin
Really, I wasn't drinking!!

A couple of firsts for me this weekend. I went to my first bonfire and I went out boating. We spent the whole long weekend enjoying the great outdoors. Here are a few pictures.

My Name Day!

Name Days, not birthdays, are celebrated in Greece. Great significance is attached to the name given a child, and the process of choosing a name follows fairly rigid conventions. The idea of a baby being given a name just because the parents like the sound of it is unknown in Greece. Even naming a child after someone as a mark of respect or admiration is unusual.

Naming conventions in Greece are still followed quite strictly, with the result that certain names are used for many individuals in a generation. In each generation, the eldest grandson in each family will be named for the grandfather, and the eldest granddaughter will be named for the grandmother. If someone had three children, and they all produce a male grandchild, all three of those cousins will have the same name. To top it all off, all those with the same first name will celebrate the same saint's Name Day. Names are usually of religious origin.

Each saint has a special feast day. A person's name day is the feast day of the saint after which they were named. On someone's name day, open house is held and a feast is laid on for the friends and neighbors who call. They will give a small gift to the person whose names day it is, but there is less emphasis on the giving of presents than there is in birthday celebrations. (taken from: http://www.symivisitor.com/greek_name_days.htm)

St. Constantine (the Great)
(d. 337)
The son of St. Helen, who became emperor when his father Constantine Chlorus died in 306 after having defeated his rival Maxentius at the battle of the Milvian bridge.After having seen a vision of a cross in the sky, St. Constantine became Christian, according to legend, but was not baptized until his deathbed.
St. Constantine was very much involved in the church's affairs, and presided in councils, had churches built and made legislations based on Christian beliefs and morals. In the East he his often called the "13th apostle".
On his and his mother's nameday, the tradition of walking across burning is coal is still a custom in northern Greece.
Orthodox nameday: 21/5

Hello or Goodbye

This weekend I surprised everyone with my ability to wave my hand as a greeting for hello or goodbye. I was over at my grandparent's house and as we were leaving I made this hand gesture. I think everyone thought it was a fluke, but I responded back to dad at dinner that evening with a wave in response to his wave and then yet again that evening before I went to sleep.

Tomorrow is my name day. Check back tomorrow so I can tell you more.

Kicked Out

When are the kids at my daycare going to stop bringing contagious stuff with them? I was kicked out of daycare yesterday because of a high temperature. I was the fifth kid in my class to go home. As much as I enjoy the other kids and my teachers it is such a drag to be exposed nonstop to things my immune system has never seen before. Well, maybe this will mean I will have some resistance when I finally enter school. It's time for me to get another nap in before dinner. Take care and I hope to be well next time we meet.

BTW....Welcome Baby Laney. She was born 2 weeks ago. Once she gets past the "new baby stage" she is going to be one of my good buddies. I cannot wait to hang out with her!!

Happy Mother's Day!

Can't sleep--try this

Oh yeah..........this is the best way to catch some Zzzzzzzs.

Greek Easter

Today is Easter--Happy Easter to all! Check out my "Peeps" bunney.

Finally Friday

Mom--when can I have one of these??

I hate this chair, but really like this ball.

Downward Facing Dog

Anyone else familiar with yoga? I've started to do the downward facing dog position in the last few days. Basically the position looks like an upside down letter V. You stand somewhat flat footed with your butt in the air and arms out in front on the floor with your head between looking at your legs. I like to do this intermittently, but as soon as mom brings out the camera I stop....he he ha ha!

Passport already?

You won't believe it, but I'll tell you anyway. My passport came in the mail in only 10 days. Governmental agencies always move at a snail's pace so what a surprise. It will only last me 5 years and then I'll need another one.

Look who is crawling now!

You heard me right. Yesterday evening I started to crawl. Within about an hour I actually started to get pretty good at going after toys on the floor. Mom and dad are lucky to have observed this milestone. No worries though--mom taped everything on the handy dandy recorder so you will not miss out either. Please bug my dad to post the video online. :)

Sooo....ready for summer!

Ok, I've finally got myself a pair of sunglasses. Now I need some sun! And to think the girls already oh and ah at me know---wait till they see how cute I am with these glasses.

Cheerios

Cheerios are yummy! Today at school I tried my first whole cereal. My teachers were impressed that I was picking them up and acting like I'd eaten them before. Who knew solid foods could be so delicious?

International Traveler

Yesterday I went to get my passport application processed. They said 6-8 weeks and I would be ready for travel. Now I just need some place to go!! That shouldn't be a problem as I have relatives around the globe and an abundance of people to be-friend during my travels.

Spring Has Finally Sprung :)

Finally Michigan weather is starting to meet my standards of comfort. The last few days have been beautiful. On Saturday we went and did some boating-related things and on Sunday my family spent more time outside enjoying the weather with the dogs. At school they are taking me on outdoor walks as well, which I enjoy. Mom bought me a pair of sunglasses this weekend and I actually have already worn them. I'll try and get a picture up soon so you can see me wearing them.

Lil Kangaroo!!

Foot in the Mouth

I've become quite the limber gymnast in the last week. Yesterday mom caught me sucking on my bare toes and no, they were not clean; I was just about to have a bath. I'm also rolling both ways, pushing up all of the way with my arms, and getting my knees under me. I cannot yet get the knees and arms coordinated for longer than a second or so. I'm usually a quick learner so it won't be long.

PS. Red is my favorite color.

Huh, I can't hear U!!

Last week I just wasn't myself. Since Easter I have been (as well as the rest of the family) battling yet another cold. This resulted in my first ear infection. I ended up getting diagnosed on Saturday and by Sunday after some tasty pink concoction I was "happy" again. Mom and Dad actually thought I was bordering on hyper yesterday evening.

Thumpety - thump - thump! Easter's on its way!

Anybody remember that song about bunnies?

I've been doing a bit of hopping lately in my new whatchamacallit---jumper/bouncer/exercise saucer. It is pretty cool and provides much enjoyment. The seat spins so that I can gain access to toys all around the contraption. I'll post a picture of me later enjoying some solo play-time.

This bunny has school tomorrow, but I hope everyone else enjoys the day off and has a happy Easter!!

Doctor in Training

Like the scrubs? My cousin, Alex, bought these for me when I was born.

Folding the Laundry....Really

I luv comments :)

The settings have been changed so that comments can be posted without having to log-in or register. I had not realized before today that I could make this change. Who doesn't like to hear how darn cute they are???? Happy posting!

Moving On Up....

It is hard to believe, but I am moving into a new room at school on Monday. I started in the infant room, but will be going to the first baby room. I won't move to the second baby room until I start walking (then it will be off to college!!). I'm going to miss Ms. Kelly! However, Ms. Jill was another one of my favorite caregivers that moved from the infant room a few weeks ago into my new room... so Hurrah!

Case of the Mondays.....or maybe a tooth!

I just may be getting a tooth. I'm making all the tell-tale signs for my parents so hopefully they work with me on this one and give me lots of lovin and excuse my unusual crankiness and wakeful evenings. If you don't hear any news on this in the next couple weeks then it might have been just a cold bugging me.

Proof!

This video shows the day I rolled over and captures my third attempt to roll over. I'm more partial to my left side.

Breaking News!!!!

Last night I rolled from my back to my stomach all by myself. In all I rolled over 4 times. All that hard work had me beat. I slept like a log last night and only woke up once to eat.

Today at school they are taking my fingerprint and creating an ID card for safe keeping....too many "crazies" in this world.

This winter is turning out to be a winter wonderland. So much snow today already. They are predicting 6 inches by the time the storm passes. If only I could walk now so I could go sledding!

Sweet as a Georgia Peach

I'm back!!!! Yesterday evening we returned from ATL. I was a perfect angel on the plane both ways. The altitude changes didn't even bother me. I think the people sitting around us were relieved as well. Southern folks are so friendly. I talked to more strangers than ever in my whole life. It was extremely rainy so it was a good thing that I had a stroller cover to stay dry on the trip.

While on vacation we visited the Underground, which used to be where the trains operated and is now restored and is all shops. We didn't stick around too long since it seemed a bit seedy there. Also, we visited the CNN Center and World of Coca-Cola. Unfortunately I did not get to enjoy the beverage tasting at Coca-Cola. Dad and mom did enjoy trying drinks from all over the world. Asia had the next best tasting soda and Africa had some of the worst. There are a bunch of places that I still would like to see so I'm hoping to go back when I can walk.

"Big ol' jet airliner"

Yes, you read the headline correctly. Tomorrow I am flying for the first time. I'm headed south to Atlanta with my parents for mom's work conference. Just wanted to give you a heads-up that you won't hear from me till next week. I'm sure there will be tons of things to report on when I get back. Have a great week and stay healthy!!

Orange Goop

What is this sweet orange stuff I keep getting forced to eat? I really think I like rice cereal now instead. I'm boycotting any green goop on a spoon also....I mean it...don't even try it!!

My Mommy & I

Mommy and I had fun today. We spent the day goofing off. I even got to help wrap baby Laney's present. See the picture above with the wrapping paper role. Tonight I finally get to try carrots. I'll tell you how that tasting goes tomorrow.

Bumbo Seats Rock!

My Space

Little guys need their own space too. For the last two evenings I have slept in the crib in my bedroom. Now that I am pushing 15lbs this crib is much more spacious and cushy. Mom is even calling me a "big boy". It feels great to show some independence!

On a side note....I came home from school yesterday and I was was able to grab hold of my ankles. So many new discoveries this week for me.

Two New Quirks :)

Sometime last week I started to put just my thumb in my mouth instead of my fist or both fists. Yesterday when the video camera was on me I ended up putting my thumb in my mouth and my index finger up my nose....how silly am I? Daddy says he is going to try and get that video clip up soon. My other new thing is instead of talking with my mouth open wide like I've always done, now I put my lips together and try and make the same sounds. This has yet to be caught on tape.

I Prefer Milk!

I am 4 months old!!!! On Friday I went to see the doctor for my 4 month check-up. Let me just say...that is not my favorite place. Everybody is so nice to me there, but then they have to make the visit miserable by sticking me with a million shots. At this visit my doctor told mom that she could begin feeding me rice cereal initially diluted with milk from a bottle. Yesterday I tried rice cereal and no, I'm not impressed. I'd much rather drink milk straight. Dad tried to slip some more in my bottle in the evening and then again this morning....No and No!

Lazy Super Bowl Sunday

I'm feeling kinda lazy today. This is a picture of me at about 2pm catching some Zzzzzzs. It has been a rather uneventful weekend with the exception of yesteray evening when grandma and grandma came over to watch me. I even got to stay up late with them. Tonight I'm hoping to stay awake long enough to watch the Superbowl with my daddy.