my new best friend:

www.bakerella.com

downward dog

Our 11-month-old has always been quite active. Even in the womb I could tell he was going to be a mover. From the time he wakes up until it's time for bed, he's rarely idle. Today, he decided to try something new in his crib. Instead of the usual twirls, I found him with his head and his feet firmly planted on the mattress with his bottom sticking straight up into the air. All I could do was laugh, which made him laugh proudly in response. I have a feeling he'll do this more frequently knowing the type of reaction he can get from us.

big boy

music class, 0-100 welcome

Our good friends Jen and Will invited us to join them at music class today. It took place at a local nursing home. All the kids, parents and "wise ones" were so into the music and comradery.

Drew thoroughly enjoyed himself! It's yet another sign that we need to make our way down to the Austin Children's Museum for the Monday morning music class.

Thanks for inviting us Will and Jen!

Happy two years, babe!

pals

Our good friends are in town for a visit this week and brought their beautiful daughter today for a play date with Drew. After they first arrived she walked up to Drew in his highchair and it was all smiles between them. A "spark" perhaps? Nah, they're pals. It has been about 6 months since the last encounter and neither one was very mobile at the time. So it was fun to see them play "together" or at least play around each other.

We can't wait for all of them to be back in Austin so we can have more "dates"!

Top ten things about me (in no particular order):

1. appreciate the beauty of faith
2. love and cherish my family and friends
3. need humor in my life - which is why i married a comedian
4. long for more time in overseas
5. enjoy organizing...
6. organized (some) of our books by color
7. addicted to sweets
8. sometimes wish i had (also) studied graphic design
9. hope my son will be musically inclined
10. admire athleticism

Looking back at summer and ahead to a beautiful fall! Drew can't wait to see all 8 of his boy cousins in the next few months.

humor

Someone taught this kid how to be a goofball, but it wasn't me! Thanksfully his dad is a comedian and I love to laugh, so it all works out.

This morning he was playing with his toys. He turned around to make sure I was watching. When he saw that I was, he squinted up his eyes really tight, then opened them up and doubled over in a big smile/laugh. He cracks himself up: Like father, like son.

watermelon chomp

inspiration

It's time for Drew to begin his art education. We will start with Chuck Close at the Austin Museum of Modern Art. This will be the first exposure (in person) for both of us, though I've admired his work since I was in high school.

Then, next Monday we will attend the Austin Children's Museum weekly event "Baby Bloomers." He loves music (can't go to sleep without it), so hopefully we can stay long enough to enjoy both storytime and music.

There may be some protests from his dad on being exposed to art...but I have to balance all the sports that are watched in this house! He needs to be well-rounded, or at least keep me entertained during football season!

blog facelift

The "creative," right side of my brain needed a bit more interest...We'll see if this is enough, or too much. What do you think?

Thanks to the O'Connor Family blog for the lead!

baby talk