X-mas 2010

Christmas was great! Last year I was just a baby and was happy with just the bows. This year I helped mom decorate and learned about Santa Claus and Baby Jesus. I guess I was a good boy becuase I got a lot of great toys. I don't understand why this only happens once a year.

Swim Lessons

I am taking swim lessons now so i can swim like mom and dad. Swimming is fun especially when we get to jump from the side of the pool. Not to brag, but I have been told I have a killer kick.

My 1st Gingerbread Man

A Thanksgiving tradition is decorating gingerbread houses. This year was my 1st year to join in the decorating. Grandma Beth got us gingerbread x-mas trees and gingerbread men. I had to discover on my own that these things mom gave me to decorate with were good to eat. Mom ended up cutting me off decorations, so I decided I did not need to waste them on my gingerbread man.

Thanksgiving with my cousins

I spent a whole week with my cousins that live in Nor Cal. We went hiking, threw rocks in the tide pools and played games (Don't spill the Beans is my favorite - I think spilling the beans is more fun).

Winter Swimwear

Mom and dad swim during the winter so I thought I should too. Luckily the hot tub was warm. I had so much fun my parents signed me up for swim lessons in December.

Hiking at the Madonna Inn

We started our holiday vaction with a night at the Madonna Inn. We took a little hike in the morning and I got to see a lot of animals... a fox (look in the middle of the picture to the right), cows, horses. Mom says see saw a couple of rabbits, but dad and I never saw them. Hiking in a backpack might see a good way to go, but my stroller is definately more comfortable.

Waking up with Friends

Nothing starts my day off better than knowing I have my goods freinds around me.

Another year...another school picture

With this being only my second year going to school, I guess there is a tradition of getting your picture taken. I think I have mastered the "Cheese".

Halloween Turtle

I helped mom put up a spider web and ghosts in the front yard for Halloween this year. Grandma Ver Halen and mommy worked on making my Halloween costume...the cutest turtle you have ever seen, right? I am not sure about walking up to the eerie houses in the neighborhood, but I have learned that I do like candy.

Concerto 2581

While mom cooks in the kitchen, I do my own thing. I have a special drawer with pots and ladels that make beautiful music. Sometimes I like to change it up and sit in the pots too. Unfortunately, I think I am starting to get too big to fit.

Chilling with my boys

Cookie and Elmo are probably my best friends. I try to show them all the things I learn at school. One of the important things is taking a nap. First you have to lay down a blanket. Then everyone lies down on their tummy and gets their back rubbed. For some reason mommy thought this actually meant I was going to take a nap.

A Master at work

Here is a glimpse of how I create my art work. My parents keep telling me I am suppose to keep my artwork on paper they give me, but I never know when inspiration is going to strike. With a crayon in hand, I see many open spaces around the house that could use my design.

Picnic Day

I got to go to my Uncles' company picnic party. I wish every day could be like this. I played catch with grandpa, went down the slide with mommy and daddy and got my 1st tattoo (ok so it was only face paint). Mom was not able to add the video of me on the big slide, but it was fun! I could have rode it all day.

18 Months

I heard 18 is supposed to be a big deal. I don't feel any different, but I was forced to get my picture taken. Obivously 18 does not give me the freedom to make all my own decisions, like if I want my picture taken or not.

Pitching in to do my part

I am very helpful around the house. If mommy is sweeping, then I get the small broom and sweep too. I enjoy kitchen clean up the most. Those bubbles last forever. I do get side tracked sometimes when we are putting dishes away and end up pulling more out than I put away.

Styling Sleep

I can't help it ... I like to look good when I sleep.

Just Hangin

When I get home from school with daddy, I can't wait to get out of my car seat and crawl around his car like a jungle gym. It is not always easy to make it to the back of the car.

Playtime with Friends & Family

Although I love my parents, I have a little more fun playing with people my own size. I took a trip to see my cousins (Jessica, Ellie, Zoey & Sam) up north. They have a lot of great toys to play with and a pond to soak our feet on hot days. I also like playing with my neighbor Rory. He has a fun bounce house and when he comes to my house, we sit on the porch and eat Kumquats.

My 1st trip to the Zoo

We made a full family day out of our trip to the zoo. My parents and grandparents all joined me for the day. I read about these animals in my books but it was nothing like seeing them in person. Giraffes really are tall and monkeys are just silly.

Enjoying the Outdoors

Mom and I have been spending more time outdoors with the great spring weather. I don't think mom is able to relax as much as I do when I am outside, but we both enjoy playtime. I find lots of shinny rocks, but I have not found one that really tastes good.

The Happiest Place on Earth...for some

One of mom's friends was in town to see her husband's high school band play on main street at Disneyland. I did not quite get the idea of having to stand in long lines (next time mom & dad let's not go during Spring break) and go on these dark eerie rides. The band and the parade were fun and worth the trip to see Mickey.

Easter 2010

Easter was more fun this year. I tried coloring easter eggs, but that took to long. I just wanted to put my hands in the dye. I do not understand why my parents kept putting eggs in the cups.

I scored my own basket and got to find colorful eggs. My eggs had my favorite snacks inside.

I joined our neighbor firends for a big hunt. They all found eggs and stuff. Mom brought my basket so I could watch and have my snacks. We had a wonderful meal at Grandma and Grandpa Ver Halen's. I got to show off my keen walking skills and command of the English language.

Splish, Splash... Artist in the Bath

I got to combine 2 of my favorite things...bathtime and painting. Painting on the walls was a great idea my dad had. I am sure this means any wall can be used as my canvas.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN NO MORE BOTTLES!

Ok, I tolerated it as mom and dad substituted sippy cups with milk and juice over the past several weeks, but DON'T MESS WITH MY MORNING BOTTLE! Yeah they tried to give me a sippy cup and pretend nothing was different. I let my parents know that this was not acceptable.

I have to endure getting half undressed in the morning for my diaper change. Let me keep my morning ritual of having my bottle while cuddling with mom and dad with the blanket snuggly around me to keep me warm. I ask you, is that wrong?

Hand - Eye - Spoon coordination

Although I prefer spoons to chew on, mom has put enough spoons in my hand that I finally tried to put some food on one. Don't believe all the hype -- it is still more fun to eat with your fingers. I am having some fun jamming food on a fork though. Check out the video below.

First Steps Surprise

Mom had a little talk with me the other day. She mentioned I only had a couple days left on my 1st year calendar in case I wanted to hit another milestone and add a sticker. Well I warned that I would take my parents by surprise.

Today as mom was in the kitchen and dad on the couch, I wandered over to the gate on my own - no holding or touching anything. Mom caught my last steps as I grabbed the gate to see what she was doing. The rest of the night mom and dad took turns standing me up and making me walk towards them. Check out the video below.

A Global Valentine's Day

For Valentine's Day, dad took us all to go see the Harlem Globetrotters. WOW! They move so quick and do some many tricks I could not keep my eyes off the court. Plus they played a lot of really good music that I could dance to.

I hope you had a happy valentine's day too.

XOXOXOXOXO