I'll have my dinner outside please

Today I woke up a little after 6am but that was because Daddy woke me up as he was getting up. I took a couple of really good morning naps as we were all just making it a slow and easy morning. But by 11am Mommy was getting restless. She told Daddy that it was way too nice outside today and it was going to be a really long day if we were stuck inside so she and I packed up and headed out.

First, we needed gas. So while we stopped off at the gas station Mommy called her parents to see what they were up to today. They decided to meet up with us at Babies R Us in Waldorf. I know, I know, we were there two days ago. But they were having a sale on diapers. So we got to see Granddaddy and Grandmommy. They just swoon over me and tell me how perfect I am and how I am the most beautiful baby ever. Mommy tells me that they must be telling Kenzie the same thing. Anyway, we shopped there for a little while. Granddaddy and Grandmommy picked out a few new outfits for me. After a quick trip to CVS for wipes it was off to Kohls. Grandmommy bought a pretty new shirt there. And as Grandmommy and Mommy were going to the restroom, Granddaddy walked me over to the mall entrance where there was music playing. But we got too close cause it was too loud and I got scared and cried. So we went back into Kohls and waited for the ladies. Next was Burger King. Mommy sat the carrier in the booth just like at IHOP so that I could see everyone and feel like I was part of the conversation. Granddaddy kept playing with me the whole time and I was so good for him even though I was really really tired. I also still managed to giggle for Grandmommy when she was smothering me with kisses. After all of that it was time to head home so we dropped off the grandparent at their car and I was asleep before we even left the parking lot. I slept all the way home.

Then it was feeding time. Mommy got me ready for my sweet potatoes in my new high chair. And since Daddy was working in the front yard and it was such a nice day Mommy brought the highchair outside. I liked that. I ate about half my little container of sweet potatoes.

We all hung out together for a little while longer until it was bath time. Mommy decided to give me a few bath toys to play with. She gave me a little red tug boat and a fish that moves when you wind it up. I had a good time with them and splashed around for a while. I am enjoying bathtime more and more. After a quick towel off and lotion up it was time for the last feeding. I was sleep by 7:30.

The beach twice in one day

July 30 - Today I woke up around 7am. Everything was normal until about 10am when my old best friend came by for a visit. I hadn't seen Staci in almost 2 whole months! She said that I looked like a completely different baby. We came inside and Mommy changed me into a cute outfit and as I was on the changing table I looked up at Staci and said "Hi" in this cute low voice. She said, "Oh, my God, my heart just melted." She actually teared up a little. She held me for a little while and I tried to pull on her hair. Then I showed her that I can sit up pretty well and I showed her that I am so close to crawling. She even saw my tooth! I just missed her. She used to talk to me all the time. I know Mommy missed her too.

Then the three of us got in the van and after a slight detour to 7-11 and the dump we got to the boardwalk. Staci loved it and Mommy and I were happy to share it with her. We walked a little, then had lunch at Sweet Sue's. Well, they did, but I watched. Then we walked back to the van and headed to Rita's. I was asleep so Staci stayed with me while Mommy ran in. Once we got back to the house and I woke up it was time for Staci to get going. So she held me one more time and told me goodbye.

Daddy got home shortly after that to find Mommy putting together my new highchair. I was getting fussy cause I was hungry but Mommy wanted me to try the new chair. So Daddy distracted me until it was done. It is really cool. I has this big monkey on it and I get to sit so high up now. I felt important eating my sweet potatoes today. And Mommy thought it was easier too.

After that we just hung out a little until about 6pm when it was time to head back to the boardwalk for the farmer's market and to meet Elenore. Daddy actually came with us. Elenore and I (and of course our parents) walked the boardwalk and looked around at all the fruits and veggies they had for sale. David and Ms. Nicole showed up too but by then I was already way past my bedtime and ready to get going. So we all said goodbye and got back home. I was asleep very shortly after that.

Toys, groceries, and one arm crawling

July 29 - This morning I slept a little longer than I have been. I think I got all the way to 7:15am and since Daddy stayed home again today he came and got me out of my crib so Mommy could sleep a little bit longer. It was nice of Daddy and it gave us a few minutes just the two of us. I like spending time with Daddy.

After Mommy woke up and we had breakfast it was time to work out. I made progress. I started to lift my left hand forward but couldn't get my right hand so I would then fall forward and then back up on my knees use my left hand again and fall again.

Since Daddy wasn't up for doing anything Mommy and I went to Babies R Us and the grocery store. I was so good at Babies R Us and helped Mommy pick out my new highchair and a few new toys. Mommy showed me a bunch of toys that were in the store and I would tell her if I really wanted them. We also got me a new clothes hamper for my room because the money one that I have is already ripping. And we got a big baby gate for when I really start moving to keep me in the family room. It started to really pour when it was time to leave so Mommy got a little help from the nice lady that works there. The lady stayed with me and all the stuff Mommy bought so that I didn't get wet while Mommy brought the van up to the door. Once we were all packed up in the van, it was off to the grocery store, but of course I slept on the way there. When I woke up it was time to get strapped into the front carrier and get food with Mommy. Again, I was so calm and sweet and quiet. We got stopped so many times by strangers to tell us how cute I am. Then we got home and Daddy unloaded the van as Mommy brought me inside to change me and feed me.

We were supposed to go over to Grandma's and Chachi's house for Grandma's birthday but she wasn't feeling well so we stayed home. Its ok, I was pretty tired anyway. I was in bed by 7:30. Well almost! At 10pm when Daddy feeds the animals, he accidentally woke me up. So after Daddy took a few minutes to try to get me back to sleep (and he almost did get me back to sleep) he let the pro take over. Mommy got me back to sleep in no time for the rest of the night.

Hi! It's official, I speak now.

Today I woke up a little after 6 again. Mommy brought me back to bed with her and after a short snack we both went back to sleep until 7:30. When we came out to the family room Daddy was there. Apparently Daddy didn't feel well after he got home last night and decided to stay home. So I got to spend time with him today which was nice since I didn't see him yesterday and he was already feeling better. Yay. And I said HI to Daddy today too so I guess I have official said my first word. Since multiple people have heard it now.
Ms. Bridget came by today. She, Mommy, and Daddy all crowded around me to see if today was the day. I tried really hard but not right now. I am lifting my one hand a little but not moving it forward yet.

Today was also group day. We got there and I slept for a little while after we got there but then it was time to show everyone how close I am. I did life one hand and move it forward a little, I also lifted one hand and one leg at the same time, but then I belly flopped. Everyone was really impressed and thought that I would get it by the end of the week. I got to play with James a little too. And I was 14lbs 14.4oz today at weigh in. Here are a bunch of pictures of my friends.

Elenore and James

Elizabeth

Nathan

Aidan

Back home Mommy fed me my sweet potato. I wasn't really in the mood to sit for too long. The rest of the day was just hanging out and playing with my toys and Mommy. I was asleep around 7:45pm.

Am I sweeter when I eat sweet potato?

July 27 - After waking up a little after 6am again (sorry Mom), and hanging out doing the normal workout. Today I actually was able to for just a second lift my left hand and put it down again while I was kneeling. So I am understanding that I have to shift the weight to the back. I'll get it if it kills me!

Mommy and I got in the car and drove up to Aunt Kati's house. Mommy and I were invited to a tea party. Aunt Kati's friend sells different kinds of tea and scone mixes. I wasn't allowed to have any of course but it didn't stop me from reaching for them as Mommy tried to eat or drink them.

Aunt Kati had the baby pool out and even though Mommy didn't bring my suit trunks she decided to let me have some fun anyway. And BOY was it fun. She let me sit in the pool with some of the other younger kids and cousin Ryan and they were splashing so I started to splash too. I got Mommy pretty wet. I even put my face in the water for a second but I forgot that I am not supposed to breath in the water. Oops.

Kasey also gave me a lot of attention. She is dying to be old enough to babysit me. But I really like her. She makes me laugh nonstop. She also thought that I said HI. So after getting into some dry clothes it was time to go cause it was time for my nap. We said our goodbyes and I slept the whole way home.

Mommy and I let the dogs outside when we got home and they were so excited. They were running around and jumping over things, they were chasing each other and pouncing at each other and it was hysterical. I was laughing so loud and hard that Mommy had to look at my face to make sure that I wasn't crying. She had never heard me laugh like that.

Then back inside for some sweet potatoes. I did really, really well. And I probably could have eaten more but Mommy didn't want to over do it. But they were really yummy. I think I liked them more than the squash. Then Mommy and I hung out outside for a while just watching the cars drive up and down the rode and sitting on the back of Mommy's car. We tried waiting for Daddy to get home but his union meeting ran late so Mommy gave me a bath all by herself. I am now big enough to sit up in the infant tub. I enjoyed playing with my duck too. But after the bath, Daddy still wasn't home yet and it was time for bed. I guess I will see him tomorrow. :(

Mail from the President and a visit from Granddaddy and Grandmommy

Today I woke up a little after 6am. That is early for me now and really early for Mommy. So she brought me back to bed with her. We woke up again around 8am to Osiris scratching. I haven't woken up in the same bed as a doggy before.

Mommy and I were doing our regular thing and working out when Mommy called her parents. They talked and they decided to come for a visit. Yay!

When they got here I was all smiles! Granddaddy held me first. Then he put me down on my "runway" so I could show him my skills. Then Grandmommy played with me and put the monkey around my head. She thought that was so funny. Well, I thought it was funny when I held Grandma's finger and bit her with my new tooth. Granddaddy and I went for a walk down to the mailbox to get the mail and I actually held a piece of mail all by myself. I chewed on it of course. When we got inside I gave the piece of mail to Mommy and wouldn't you know it, it was for ME! It was my very first piece of mail and it was from the White House. Shortly after I was born, Mommy wrote the White House telling them that I was born and they wrote back to congratulate me. It is even signed by President and First Lady Obama.

I spent a lot of time with Granddaddy and Grandmommy. They are so easy. They think everything I do is cute. The four of us packed up the van and ran to the dump, then the library, the bank, and then to the Chinese restaurant, and then came back home. Once we got home it was time to eat so Mommy fed me the rest of my squash. I killed the rest of it. Grandmommy was impressed with how I kept opening my mouth for more. After I finished eating Mommy got me cleaned up and tried to put me down for a nap but I would have none of it. Daddy got home and gave me some lovin'. Then as all four watched me, I got down on the floor and got up on all fours and for the first time slid my hand forward with out falling. It was a small step but I am starting to understand how I am going to get forward. I have just got to keep working on it.

It was so great to see Granddaddy and Grandmommy. Mommy said that we will just have to turn this into a weekly thing and next week we will come to see them. But it was time for them to go home. But don't worry, Granddaddy, don't be sad, we will see each other again soon.

Once they left, I crashed. I napped for about an hour. Then I just giggled and played and giggled some more until about 8:30 when I finally crashed for the night. Today was a good day.

Can't I have cheesecake?

July 25 - Today was fun. I spent the morning practicing my attempted crawling with Mommy and Daddy. I love hanging out with them. They cheer me on and try to make me happy again when I get too frustrated about not being about to move forward. I will get it one day.

Also of note, Mommy had me on the changing table and I was practicing my talking and I said something that was really close to "hi" so Mommy said "hi" and then I said "HI." At least that is what Mommy thinks, I don't know what I said. Then she brought me out to Daddy and told him that she was 70% sure that I just said my first word. She spent the rest of the day saying "hi" to me to get me to do it again. I just smiled. Hehehe

This afternoon, we packed into Mommy's car and drove to VA. Tomorrow is Mommy's friend Moe's birthday so a bunch of them got together at the Cheesecake Factory. It was Moe, Shayla, Rashaad, Dominique, Cheri, Shalese, Aidan, and Janiya. It was fun for the most part but it took a while for Mommy to get her food. By the time she did I was getting fussy because I was so tired. Daddy took me outside for a couple minutes so Mommy could eat her food. Then they ordered their cheesecake to go so we could head home. I slept the whole way.
When we got home Daddy decided to feed me my squash today. I didn't eat much for him but he got the gist. That was pretty much it for today.

Pool reunion

July 24 - Today was the big pool reunion that Mommy had been planning. So first Mommy, Daddy, and I had to go to the grocery store to get supplies. Then back to the house for Daddy to make his mac n cheese and Mommy to pack up all of the pool gear. Then it was off to the pool.
The turn out was good. Mommy introduced me to a bunch of different people and I wowed them all with my dazzling smile, sparkling eyes, and ability to scoot backwards. We had so much fun. I played with Grandma H., Mommy and Daddy in the water and I got a bottle from Grandma T. After all that play time in the water I was worn out and took a nice nap on the blanket. After I woke up everyone else was eating so Grandma H took me so Mommy could eat. She tried to feed me watermelon but Daddy stopped her since I haven't graduated from squash yet. Then it was in the water once more before packing up all the stuff and heading home. It was such an exhausting day that I crashed shortly after getting home and after my shower with Daddy.

Its the tooth!

July 23 - This morning I got to play with my doggies for a while. I have been getting more and more curious about them and have started to try to reach out for them when they get close enough. I even got my picture taken with Apollo.

Also this morning as I was playing on the floor, Mommy put a big bag of potato chips by my feet and I just kicked and kicked at it so it would make a crinkly sound. I liked making that sound. Who said that potato chips were bad for you? Not the way I do it.

I guess the big news today was that Mommy discovered that I was in fact finally teething! She put her finger in my mouth to find a tiny sharp hard tooth that she couldn't even see. Mommy got so excited that I was cutting my first tooth that she called Daddy, and then Aunt Lynn, and then Grandmommy Thomas. All were really excited. When Daddy came home from work he felt it too. Overall, I was just a little cranky but not much. I'll tell you one thing, I didn't like that baby Orajel stuff. Mommy put some of that in my mouth and I made a face and then tried to wipe it out of my mouth. The cold washcloths felt nice though.

This evening Mommy had a girls night out so she left me with Daddy. We worked on crawling which Daddy said that I am getting so close. When he fed me the bottle, I gulped it down and then threw him the empty bottle. He got the message that I wanted another one. We seem to work well together. I was asleep by 7:30.

Squash it

This morning Mommy let me play on her computer. I got to bang on the keys and see what popped up on the screen. I also worked out a lot! After working out on the floor for a long time Mommy put me in the jumper and pulled it into the dining room so I could jump and see her while she did the dishes. After all the exercise I crashed.

When I woke up it was just about time for lunch. So today Mommy gave me something different. Today I tried my first veggie and it was squash. Mommy sat me in my bumbo seat and put the bib on me. I have to say that I was sitting much straighter than I did last week. I guess all my trying to sit up on my own is really paying off. So anyway, I was in my seat and the first taste I was like, What is this? But then I really started to like it. Mommy would fill up the spoon and I would open my mouth wide. We still got a little messy like when I slouched forward and Mommy missed my mouth and got my forehead! But overall, we were a good team and my first taste of veggies was a success.

I got to spend a little time with the doggies. When Mommy talks to Apollo she calls me "his baby." He is a bit protective of me. A little later Mommy and I went outside to get a little daylight and to our surprise Ms. Bridget drove up the driveway. She came by to get Mommy's order for the Tastefully Simple party she threw. So as Mommy got the order together I spent a lot of time giggling with Ms. Bridget. She was impressed with how strong my legs were so I decided to get on the floor and show her how close to crawling I am. She liked that. So she got down on the floor with me and tried to help me by showing me what to do with my arms. She told me that she can't wait to see me next Wednesday to see if I am crawling by then. I will do my best.

Daddy came home and I got to play with him for a while. We went back to Mommy and Daddy's bedroom and as they talked about Daddy's day at work, Daddy played with my feet and I sat in his lap chewing on my foot. Then after a quick meal and nap, Grandma Harrington came over to hang out with me. She took me outside and we talked on the porch swing and walked around the yard and even played on the merry-go-round. When we came back in, the house was much cleaner. Mommy was cleaning like a mad woman. By that time it was time to hop in the shower with Daddy and then get ready for bed. I said goodnight to Grandma and thank you for hanging out with me. Then after I ate I decided I wasn't as tired as I let on so I started giggling at Mommy for no reason, which made Mommy and Daddy laugh, which made me laugh again. It was a vicious cycle. But Mommy finally got me calm enough that I realized I was really tired. So off to dreamland I went.

Library visit

Today I didn't wake up till 7:30. I slept for 12.5 hrs! After my workout and three short naps it was time to get moving. There was no group today since Ms. Betty is in Texas for training. But Mommy arranged for Ms. Denise, Elenore, Ms. Tara, and James to meet up with us at the Price Frederick library. We had never been there before. Elenore fell asleep for most of the visit but when she was awake we smiled at each other. I like her. Aunt Lynn and the boys also came to the library and it was a big surprise to see Grandma Harrington with them. She took the day off and joined us. So, of course, I didn't see Mommy for a while cause Grandma doesn't like to share me. Then she and Aunt Lynn took the boys to the kids section while James and I got blanket time. It was fun to play with James; I hadn't seen him in three weeks!

It had gotten late so Mommy and I went home and I ate and did more exercises. I scooted all over the family room floor. Then Daddy picked me up and we pet the doggies for a bit. They are soft.

Then it was shower time with Daddy and then Mommy dressed me for bed. I wasn't in bed as early as last night but I seem to be moving my bedtime back from 8:30 to more like 7:30. Goodnight.

A visit from the starbucks fairy

July 20 - This morning we hung out at the house for a while and did the regular morning workout. Mommy put me in the excersaucer for a while and she removed the stationary feet on the bottom so I could actually rock around on the saucer part. I liked it and actually found the buttons hidden under the alligator.

Anyway, after hanging out at the house for a while, Mommy thought it would be nice to go visit Ms. Teresa from the gallery. So I gave Mommy the idea to stop at Starbucks and pick her up something. Ms. Teresa was really happy to see us and was thrilled that we brought Starbucks. It was so good to see her. She held me for a long time and I flirted with her. Then, Mommy put in my carrier so that she could help Ms. Teresa put a shelf together. Oh, it was so funny to see them work together. But they finally put it together. Shortly after that, I told Mommy I was tired and wanted to go. So we said our goodbyes and went home. I was asleep in the car in no time at all. When I woke up I was inside and Daddy was home. I tried to show Daddy that I am getting so strong and getting so close to crawling but it just tires me out. I was so tired that I fell asleep at 7pm! Man, I work too hard.

Pool with the grandparents

July 19 - This morning after an extensive workout on the exercise mat and in the jumper Mommy got us ready for today's adventure. Mommy called Granddaddy and he had suggested that we go to the pool and he and Grandmommy would come too. So Mommy got all the stuff packed and we got in the van and headed to Granddaddy's school. They were so happy to see us. Grandmommy held me first and talked to me and made me laugh. She is so silly. Then Granddaddy brought over this little springy-head guy with crazy hair. It was so cool. I kept trying to get it in my mouth. Then Granddaddy carrier me around a bit. We were having a really good time but it was time to head to the pool so Granddaddy took orders for Subway and he picked up lunch while Mommy, Grandmommy and I got in the van and went to the pool. Grandmommy sat next to me in the van and I really enjoyed the company. Once we got there, Mommy set up the blanket and I showed Grandmommy all my tricks on the blanket. When Granddaddy got there with the food we all ate. Of course mine was in a bottle. No, I didn't get a sub. After some really fun play time with the grandparents it was time to get in the pool. Mommy and I got in while Granddaddy took pictures. The water was really nice. Very refreshing. And I think I am getting use to this whole pool thing. I started to kick and splash a little. I was having fun but I was so tired that it was time to get out. Grandmommy started to give me another bottle and when she put me up on her shoulder to burp me, I crashed. I slept for awhile. Granddaddy had to head back to school but he gave me a kiss goodbye before he left. We hung out for a little bit longer, and I really enjoyed naked baby time before I got dressed in some dry clothes. But it had to end sometime and eventually we packed up. We went to the grocery store but since it looked like it was going to rain Mommy thought it might be better to have me and Grandma stay in the car while she did the shopping. So Grandma and I had a nice time talking and playing in the car until Mommy got back. By then I wanted out of the car seat! But we still had to drop Grandma off at the school and then drive all the way home. I slept for a little bit but for most of the ride I was yelling at Mommy to let me out. We got home and after eating and a little Daddy time I was ready to go down for the night.

Laundry day

July 18 - This morning was just like every other day. Mommy came and got down next to me and told me that she loves me. Then I started my workout routine. Mommy put on of the excercise mats on the floor so I don't hurt myself when I push myself forward and face plant or if I belly flop. Mommy got a bunch of pictures of me because she doesn't want to miss anything. And she tells me that I am really close to crawling. I think so too. I also spent a little time in the pack n' play. Mommy didn't leave me in there way too long since it is still new to me.

After a few hours inside and resting Mommy decided we had to find a laundromat since our dryer has been broken for a while. She said I don't have very many clean clothes anymore. So Mommy called Aunt Lynn and found out where one was. Aunt Lynn decided to tag along cause she had some laundry to do too.

We got there and Mommy and Aunt Lynn took turns trying to entertain me. But it was really hot in there and we were there for a really long time. But I helped by laying down on the laundry so it didn't blow away. Then Aunt Lynn put me in a basket and I played and then she put me in the cart and rolled me around. Finally Mommy was done with all the laundry and I crashed in Aunt Lynn's arms. Next thing I know we are home!

Mommy and Daddy gave me a bath. I liked playing with my duck and I am even starting to splash a little more. After the bath Mommy put me in Daddy's favorite outfit. It will be the last time that I am in that outfit because I am getting too big for it. But Mommy had to get a picture of me in it with Daddy for the memory book.