Babbler

Nobody ever said that Michael was a quiet kid.... He's definitely got places to go, people to see, and things to say lately! He's not close to saying any words yet, but he sure is making his feelings known with lots of BAAs, DAAs, MAAs, and PAAs. And, you can't tell by this video (where he is a little under the weather and reluctant), but he is pulling up to stand on anything and everything in his path. I even saw him use another baby as a lean-to at the mall play yard the other day. He's taking tentative steps left and right while holding on to things, but we wouldn't call him a cruiser just yet. He's more apt to climb than to cruise....hence we now have gated off all of our steps!

Out and About

The humidity has subsided in Virginia, if only for a moment. That being said, we tried to get the whole family outside today and headed out to the Long Branch Nature Center. Katie enjoyed jumping through the creeks and streams and, as you can see, even the little guy got his feet wet. A trip to Baskin Robbins on the way home capped off an afternoon of gorgeous weather.

Construction Zone

It was yet another swampy, hot day in Northern VA, so we piled into the car and headed to the fun, cool Building Museum in DC. This was Michael's first real chance to explore the toddler construction zone since he became mobile. And, boy, did he take advantage of everything: climbing all over blocks, pulling train sets off of their tables, racing around the construction trucks. But, the real props have to go to Katie today. Not only did she build some sweet castles (see picture), but she waited extremely patiently in a long line, walked in and out of the museum store with no purchases and no complaints, and did not break down in a tantrum despite the fact that we ate lunch about an hour and a half late. Kudos to the big girl!

Reflections

What are Katie, Michael and good bud Connor all contemplating:

a.) Will it ever stop raining?

b.) How can we slow global warming while simultaneously boosting the economy?

c.) How many days until Christmas?

d.) How can we get into our next heap of trouble?

You decide.

Little Daredevil

Top Four Reasons Michael is Going to Give Us A Heart Attack Sooner Rather than Later:

1.) He is too willing to try too many things too soon. A relatively tame case in point? This video, where he shows no fear in trying to stand by himself just days after first pulling up to stand. Just look at the smile on his face after he does it....

2.) He seems not to fear consequences, physical or otherwise. For example, he's already trying to find ways to climb out of his crib. We caught him using the bumper for leverage today.

3.) His seemingly insatiable appetite and rather large mouth... The kid can fit his entire pacifier into his mouth. Enough said...

4.) He just loves us too much... Yesterday, while Mommy was trying to take a nice, peaceful shower, Michael pulled back the curtain and dove in headfirst. Needless to say, he did not enjoy getting a bump to his head and a soaking wet shower!

Goofballs!

Finally got our pictures together from our extended weekend in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware! For this and other goofy pics, take a look at the new photo album to the right...

Stand By Me

Michael has definitely entered the era of pulling himself up to standing. Katie has been impacted the most due to this new development. She's quickly learned that no surface is safe for securing her toys! Mom and Dad are learning slowly, too, after a few close calls this weekend (e.g., climbing up 5 steps, chewing on the cord of our window blinds, sticking his head into an open front-load washer). While trouble lies ahead, the new skill also fosters cute moments like this one. This morning, getting ready for church, I walked in to find just a brief moment of dual-play around the old train table. Almost makes all the child proofing worth it...almost.