My First Week of School

Last week was my first week at school (well, Mommy and Daddy call it daycare, but I'm learning so much, I'm calling it school). It's a bit scary each morning, so I make Mommy or Daddy stay with me until I get used to the chaos, then they "sneak" out of the room (I let them think that I don't see them, it makes them feel appreciated).

Below you'll find some pictures that Dad has taken in the mornings. Next week, it's all Daddy dropping me off as Mommy is going to be going to work before I wake up. I'll miss her, but she'll pick me up in the afternoons, which will be nice.

All Things New

Over the summer I've discovered a few new tricks as ways to get what I want. Mommy's been teaching me some baby signs so now I can let her know when I'm hungry or when I want more of something. I also have a sign for Cisco and for duck. Mommy and Daddy think signing is a great alternative to screaming. (Don't tell them but I enjoy the screaming since it makes them move faster.)

I've been working on my walking and dance moves, my latest dance moves are hip wiggles and turning circles until I get dizzy and fall to the ground. I'm pretty good at walking except sometimes walls and corners jump out at me. I don't like that too much. Mommy says if I keep it up I'm going to have to wear a helmet, I hope she's joking.



Monday morning I start school. I think I'm excited to hang out with a whole new group of friends. Mommy is a bit apprehensive but feels like it will be good for me to socialize with kids my own age. Mommy and I went to visit and play with the kids the other day and were a bit overwhelmed at how well they all played and how coordinated some of the kids are.

School of Hard Knocks

Today was a rather dreary day here in Seattle and so for some afternoon excitement Mommy and Daddy took me to the indoor playground at the mall. I guess a lot of other parents had the same idea because the playground was busy!

Needless to say I got a quick lesson in playground etiquette which is the bigger or faster kid has the right away. I got my first bump on the head when I was plowed down but another little boy on the playground. Daddy was "lucky" enough to catch it on video. This video is not for the lighthearted so prepare yourself for some hard hitting action before viewing.



I did enjoy the playground and my battle scar isn't too bad, and of course I now have a healthy respect for bigger and faster kids.

Sizzlin' Summer Fun!

So I'm sure you all have heard about our Seattle heatwave this past week. Boy was it hot around here! Mom said it reminded her of childhood summers in the deep South. We've all appreciated the fact that our house is one of the few houses in the area with air conditioning; even had a few unexpected but much enjoyed visitors because of it.

Mommy and I have been having a somewhat lazy summer together. We've met up with our friends around town, played on my new outdoor playscape in the backyard and even broke out the little pool one day during the heatwave.

Stroller Safari

Today Mommy and I joined my friends Tom and Quincy at the Woodlawn Park Zoo in Seattle. This was my first trip to the zoo and I enjoyed looking at the animals. My favorite animals were the monkeys and gorillas because I could get close to the glass to look at them. We stopped by the petting zoo on the way out and I liked looking at the goats and sheep but wasn't really interested in touching them.

We had such a fun time, I can't wait till Mommy and Daddy take me back to the zoo.

I Can Walk!

The Friday before my surgery I took a few steps for Mommy but tonight while Mommy was teaching I walked our entire upstairs hallway for Daddy. He was smart and caught it on video so Mommy could see it when she got home. I think it's good he got to really see a major milestone present itself for the first time.

Now if I can just figure out how to run I might be able to catch Cisco!

Recovery

This week I am recovering from a little procedure I had to have done on Monday at Children's Hospital in Seattle.

The Pediatric Urologist had to correct my hypospadias. I know you're probably thinking what is a hypospadias? Well hypospadias is one of the most common conditions in the United States. It occurs in 1 in 250 newborns and has increased over the last 10 years. Hypospadias occurs when the opening of the penis is not at the very tip. Surgery is done to move the hole to the correct location.

I was in surgery for 3 hours yesterday and then a 2 hour recovery time. Mommy, Daddy, Grammy, Grandpa and G were all there to support me and keep me company. Mommy helped take me back into the OR, she had to wear a funny suit and was really nervous. She sang "The wheels on the bus" while I sniffed some strawberry gas and went to sleep.

When I woke up I was back with Mommy and Daddy and some nice nurses who fed me apple juice and graham crackers. Mommy said I was going to be spoiled with all the sugar they gave me since she doesn't let me drink too much juice at home.

After we got home I was able to play a little with my toys while Daddy ran all over town to pick up my prescriptions. I had a normal dinner and slept so good last night except for Mommy and Daddy waking me up every 4 hours for medicine and a diaper change. I go back to the Urologist on Tuesday, July 7th and should be good as new in a few weeks.

Wow, I Feel Old!

Yesterday was my first birthday party! Mommy and Daddy were congratulating themselves for surviving a year, they've done pretty good, even survived my sleep torture system. I was so excited for my party that I didn't take an afternoon nap; and hindsight being 20/20 that probably wasn't the best idea.

We had a big turn out and I really made out with the gifts. All of my grandparents were present, also there were Nanny, Uncle Josh and Aunt Loren, my friend Tom and his parents Randy and Jean, my new friend Kaylin and her dad Pat, our friends Paul, Ana and Brian, and Daddy's Aunt and Uncle Goldy and Sam. (I think that's everybody.)

Daddy grilled burgers and Mommy made pasta salad and we had fruit salad supplied by Grammy and potato salad supplied by G. After we all had a late lunch we had birthday cake; I think this was my favorite part. Daddy tried to encourage me to eat my cake with my hands but I decided that was going to take too long and so I dug in face first. That icing was yummy! After I had eaten enough that people said I was going to be sick Mommy took it away; she didn't want to clean up colored vomit, and G fed me some of the cake part. I REALLY LIKE CAKE!

After the cake and festivities I finally got to open my presents with Daddy's help. I got a few cool clothing items; and lots of fun looking toys. I even managed to score some LSU gear, diapers and gift cards to my favorite stores.

Mommy and Daddy say that I am a pretty lucky boy and evidently much loved because everyone is so generous to me. I can't wait until the next party, but mostly just looking forward to the next cake.

Don't forget to click on my new video, showing off my cake-eating skills.

Mommy's Birthday

Today is Mommy's birthday and Aunt Loren's graduation party. I'm excited because a lot of our family is in town. Mommy said this year she is only 29 years old; I'm not sure she's telling the truth but she's the Mommy. Tomorrow is my first birthday party, I get to have a few of my friends over for a BBQ and cake. I'm excited because I have a big pile of presents already to open.

I took some first birthday pictures the other day but I wasn't too happy about the big flash. It's a good thing that Mommy and Daddy had a pictures taken of me a few months ago.

Grooving and Moving

I have recently discovered my love for music. I like to dance to classic rock and 80's music and I enjoy playing the piano. Daddy caught some video of my love of music the other day and posted them here under the video section of the blog.

I've posted two new videos for your enjoyment, "Seated Dancing" and "Learning Piano". Both star your's truly, and Grandpa costars in "Learning Piano".