Lions & Tinkerbells

ROAR ROAR GROWL ROAR!! I am the king of the jungle!!!! Well- at least the king of my street, that is! Apparently- today is a day called Halloween. I am not too sure what it entails. The details are a fit fuzzy, but mommy did try to explain it to me. Because I don't know what "CANDY" is- the explanation was kinda lost on me. Mommy tried to explain that candy is a lot like my baby food fruit- but sweeter, full of artificial stuff, and with no redeeming value except that it tastes good. I was not too sure if she was trying to sell me on it's value- or if she was trying to dissuade me from ever trying it! Either way- it seems as though this holiday does revolve around the sweet stuff, knocking on neighbors doors saying "trick or treat" and also dressing up in order to get the sweet stuff. From my limited knowledge so far- who would ever pick trick over treat??? Well- this year, no tricks nor treats for me...but I did get to partake in the dress up part! Bummer of all bummers- daddy was out of town for work- but I know that he woulda thought I was one ferocious cat!! I didn't roar or growl- but I did say "Ba" and blow lots of raspberries!! Think mighty lions do that in the wild?? Mommy and I went over to Miss Kathy's and had a nice time. I got too see her granddaughter, Madison, dressed up as Tinkerbell- so cute!! I had to go to bed before a lot of the "trick-or-treaters" came around- but I was happy anyway- because I got to show off my costume to the neighbors and I think they all liked it!! Everyone was shocked that my CiCi made my costume for me. They were all very impressed- especially that my mane had over 100 yards of ribbon!!! Thanks CiCi- for making me a hit on my first Halloween! I can't wait until next year when I might be more of an active participant. I am gonna put my thinking cap on now to try to come up with one heck' uva neat costume...but I will always remember my first year- my mighty, powerful LION!!

The Day Of The Dino!!

This TRICERA is TOPS!!!!! Holy cow (or should I say Dino) this is a cool toy!! CiCi and Bud came to see me today, on their way to the airport to go visit my California Cousins- and check out what they brought me! I fell in love with this ultra cool guy the minute I saw him. I was laughing at him, talking to him, and drooling & clinging to him all at the same time! I am not too sure what I did to deserve this mega-saurus, but I better figure it out so I can do it again!! I did take a 2 hour 15 minute long nap this morning...maybe that was it?? Gosh- I guess I better start sleeping better for mommy & daddy and then maybe there will be more cool things for me in my future! I have a feeling, though- that mommy will say me being happy & well rested is gift enough, for both of us! I guess this guy is neat enough to last me quite a while, huh?? I need to name him. It has to be a way awesome name- so any suggestions are appreciated! Any of you other kiddies out there in blog land who would like to play with him- just come on over any time!! My parents won't mind.

Yo Gabba Gabba!!!

Mommy & daddy do not let me watch a lot of TV- but they do make an exception for my most favorite TV show ever!!!!!!!!!!! Actually- it is really the only kiddie show that I have ever paid attention to- so thus it is my favorite by default!! Mamma saves it up to use when she really needs me to behave. If- for example...it is 4pm and she has not yet had a chance to shower- then she will place me in my exer-saucer and turn on this wonderful television program. There are reports from child psychologists & the like that say TV is not good for kids- but mommy fells that, in moderation, it actually is good for me. Her philosophy is that- when she needs to get something done- it is better for me to be occupied by this "learning type media" than for her to freak out and be a mess because she cannot get a anything accomplished!! It is for my welfare, really!! For the most part, I don't care how she justifies it to herself- I just love the characters, the songs, and the lessons it teaches- such as "Please & Thank-You" the "Importance of Sleeping" and many other cool & useful life lessons! I get so excited when it comes on. I will be playing with my toys, or chasing the cats- and when I hear the intro music- I whip my head around so fast that mommy always thinks I might have whiplash. I then stare at the TV, most intently, and really get into the show. I also kick my feet & screech with joy when something happens that I like. So- I know mommy might get some flack for admitting that she actually lets me watch some (very limited) TV- but I am too cute when I am watching it, so she does not mind! Don't worry too much- she reads me enough books to more than make up for a little time in front of the boob tube!!

**Oh yeah- also...just to clarify the pic above. I am not allowed to sit (stand) this close- mommy just let me do it so she could get a pic with me and my buddy Brobie!!

Do Not Feed The Animal!

I HATE THIS DARNED GATE!!!!!

I cannot believe that mommy and daddy would do this to me. It is seriously an outrage!! What am I, a caged animal???????? I mean- I know that mommy has to get things accomplished during the day when she & I are alone- but was this the only option? They fooled me at first because this gate thingy is a retractable one. When daddy installed it- it just looked like a pole attached to the wall. I had no idea that you could pull it out and it would block me from all other rooms in the house except for the family room. I mean- I even hurried and learned how to crawl so that I would be able to explore the house- and now I am stuck in this one room? I know that I get the run of the house when my mommy and daddy are with me...but the best time to roam around is when I am by myself and can get into some trouble!! Darn it- I guess I under estimated my parents! Maybe there will be something else soon where they will not be more savvy than me and I can get one over on them! Until then, however...send me good thoughts since I have been robbed of my creative exploring skills!!

Hard At Work

As all of you know- I work very hard at updating my blog as often as possible. I think I do a pretty good job of it- but it is no easy task, I tell ya! I mean- I cannot even speak- but I can type! That's pretty impressive, I think! Anyway- I really just wanted to give you a behind the scenes, birds eye view of me hard at work!! So- check me out...just a typin' away!!! Pretty good for a 7 month old, huh?? (Yes...you are indeed correct- today is my 7 month old Birthday!)

Uncle Boog!!!!!!!!!!

I was so excited ALL DAY today! Seriously- Mommy told me this morning that Uncle Sammy was coming- and I could hardly contain myself!!!!!! Yay!! A visit from my uncle!! It has been about 2 months since I have seen him and I missed him horribly!!!!!!!! I guess I got a bit spoiled this summer when I saw him almost every weekend in Avalon! I think I have gone through some withdrawal without even knowing it. He came over right after he was done teaching his kiddies and we got to spend some good quality time together. Mommy even made him dinner-believe it or not! I looked at them longing- as I always do, because I am just stuck eating baby puree! I got to hear about all the fun things going on in Uncle Sammy's life. He decided to move into Bud & CiCi's house with his girlfriend Jenna and her Boxer puppy Ruby. I have never even been to the house in "The Castle"- so I wanna go over there some time soon and see them! I showed Uncle Boog my Phillie's hat that I wore today to give those Phill's some luck in tonight's game. I sure hope it works!!! So good to see you tonight, Unc!! I love ya!

I'm Crafty

OK- So it is not so much that I am crafty as it is that I got to go to a Craft Fair with mommy and Aunt Lisa this weekend. On Sunday- we left our house pretty early and headed to Delaware. Mommy was initially afraid that we would not get to go- because both she and I were a little under the weather on Friday- but on Saturday we both woke up feeling great! I did have an adverse reaction to yogurt on Saturday- but that was also mostly cleared up by Sunday- so we were all set to shop for crafts! We has a nice stroll around, mommy bought me a froggy Christmas ornament for my first Christmas, and then we headed back to Aunt Lisa's house. I was super excited to get to see Elizabeth, Aunt Lisa's daughter, but when we got to the house, Elizabeth's daddy had taken her to the park. I was whooped- and taking a little siesta in my car seat- but totally would have cut my nap short for a chance to meet that cute little Elizabeth. She is an older women- about a year and a half old- so I was looking forward to having her hit me up with some knowledge...maybe next time!! Let's get together again soon, Aunt Lisa- I had a really fun time- but maybe next time we can do something other than shop? I am a boy, you know!! Thank goodness you like sports- can you work on my mommy and get her interested in some, please????

Matthew McConaughey In The Making

I got to spend the WHOLE DAY with my daddy today!! Mommy and Mommom went power shopping to get a jump start on Christmas shopping with a trip to the Outlet Mall. Thank goodness daddy was home to watch me so I did not have to go along!!!! I got to do some fun guy stuff today. One of the things that we did was bang on the couch. I really liked doing it and I gotta say- I am pretty good at it. I know you have heard me previously talk about banging on the brass Asian table in the living room- but this banging was different. Daddy started banging, first with his right hand and then with his left- and he told mommy that I followed suit, even mimicking the hand order of which he hit the ottoman. Mommy got home around bath time (which is why I am nakee here) and daddy and I wanted to show her what we did during our boy day together!! I did not do the hands right tonight, but I think you get the idea!! Mommy laughed pretty hard and said that I better not be a Matthew McConaughey follower. I am not sure who this guy is- but apparently he is a really "hot" actor who once got arrested for loudly playing the bongo drums naked!!! I don't think that I will turn out like this, mommy...and in the future- please refrain from calling anyone but daddy "hot!!"

What's In A Name???

Mommy was reading her "Baby Zone Ages & Stages Newsletter" yesterday- and she stumbled upon this link about what numerology has to say about my name. So, here it is!!

The name Jack Samuel Ryan reflects drive, a pioneering spirit, leadership, independence and originality. The energy behind this name is strong and forceful and promotes an unconventional, innovative, and decisive approach. Highly focused and self-reliant, the name Jack Samuel Ryan carries with it an unmistakable "can do" attitude. It reflects confidence, energy, strength and perseverance. There is a definite sense of danger and risk-taking as well.

The name Jack Samuel Ryan does not inspire patience and sensitivity, and does not promote cooperation or a diplomatic approach to problem solving. Think of this name as a masculine, aggressive, creative force.

Jack Samuel Ryan's most positive characteristics: Strength, originality, courage, imagination, creativity, confidence. Good for competitive, high-risk ventures.

Jack Samuel Ryan's most negative characteristics: Pride, intolerance, excessive aggressiveness. Not good for people-oriented ventures or healing, counseling and retail businesses.

I believe that the description does indeed sound a lot like me. I am only (almost) 7 months in and I do see a lot of myself in this. I do disagree with the sentence about patience and sensitivity- because I do think that I am both of those!!! What I do think is funny about all this info is that a lot of the characteristics and traits (but not all, of course) sound a lot like my mommy and daddy, don't they??

Halloween Preparations

I have been getting ready for the big day by wearing all of my Halloween garb recently. Check out my cool clothes!! Auntie Katie got me the cool orange shirt and mommy bought me the skeleton jammies. They glow in the dark and make bedtime pretty darn fun! I have also been wearing my Halloween costume headpiece once a day so that I get a bit acclimated to it and also so I can strengthen my neck muscles. You see- it is pretty heavy & makes me a bit top heavy. When I wear it I topple right over!! Don't worry, though- it does not hurt! I get right back up. Mommy and I don't really know what our plans are for Halloween yet- but we will miss daddy, because he will be in Florida for his work convention. I guess we might hang out with Miss Kathy next door, since I am too little to go actual "trick or treating" and mommy REALLY does not feel like having to juggle putting me to bed and handing out candy by herself all at the same time! I just hope mommy lets me stay up late enough to see some kiddies in their costumes!

Check me out...Every day I add a second or two to how long I can balance myself sans support!! I am up to about 9 or 10 seconds now! Of course here in this video- it is not so long, mommy had to add commentary and broke my concentration!!

Kitty Fountain Caper

I gotta say- I appreciate how mommy allows me to explore. Yesterday after I ate my breakfast, I insisted on continually trying to crawl into the kitchen. I would start out in the family room- work my way through the living and dining rooms and into the kitchen. I tried it once, twice, three times- and mommy kept taking me back into the family room before I could really explore. Well- then mommy decided to let me roam free and just "do my thing" instead of restricting my exploration. (With her supervising, of course.) It was obvious that I had an agenda, so she gave in to me- because she has indeed learned that once I set my mind on something- I rarely give up without a fight. So- better to just appease me this time and give in to the small fight, so that she can ultimately win the war!!! Well- she does indeed know me so well!! I b-lined right for the kitty water fountain. I must have noticed it when I was grubbing on my breakfast and I just could not shake the desire to see what it was all about! Well- I proceeded to get my hands all wet & I splashed around for quite a bit. So fun!! It was actually a good thing that mommy let me be a little mischievous in the kitty fountain- because she never even though that she would need to keep me away from that when she was "baby proofing" the house. That could have been a disaster if she had let me go into the kitchen without adult supervision. Babies & water are not a good combo! Never fear, mommy...anything that I should not be playing with I will most likely be drawn to- like a moth to a flame...so just watch me and soon enough you will figure out all the "hot spots" that need to be attended to!!! Thanks for the leniency this morning- it was a wet, fun time! Sorry I made extra work for you, though- now you have to clean the fountain out so Bob & Mia do not have baby-grubby-hand water!

Surprise Visitor!!

WOW!!! I got up from my nap today- and guess who was here?? Poppy!!! Apparently he called mamma this morning and asked if we had plans today- which of course we did not- so he drove up from Maryland and surprised me!! Mommy had put me down for a nap before Poppy arrived- but I think I had a "sixth" sense that someone was here to see me because I had only slept for 35 minutes and then, quite omnipotently, woke up to be part of the action. I did the same thing yesterday when CiCi arrived. That is quite indicative of me...always the party boy! We had fun playing and just hanging out. I showed him my many tricks...you know- crawling, babbling, and standing unassisted. He was quite impressed that I stood for about 10 seconds today before toppling over!! He stayed a few hours and then made his way home to take care of Aunt Sadie (yes...she is a dog) since Mommom is out of town at a work conference. After he left, I allowed myself to finally take a good nap. I slept for about 1hr 45 min and still went to bed without fussing at bedtime!! I was exhausted from such a fun day! Come again soon, Poppy!!

Happy Hide

Today was a great day. It started out a bit early- so I was a bit tired and was napping when CiCi arrived, but very quickly bounced to life when I saw that she was here to visit with me today! We played a lot and I even showed CiCi what my daddy likes to call the "Happy Hide." It is when I am just so amused and having so much fun with someone that I just burrow my head into their body when they do something that I like! I did this a bunch with CiCi today.

Not only did I get a chance to show CiCi my "Happy Hide" but I was also the lucky recipient of my Halloween costume today. CiCi picked out a pattern and made it BY HAND!!! She finished working on it the other day and brought it with her- how exciting!!! I am not gonna tell you what it is- because I would like it to be a surprise...but I will give you a few hints/facts...

* It is an animal

* This animal has a "thunderous" voice

* It is the king of it's domain- just like I am the king of the Ryan
household.

* It took over 100 yards of ribbon for the headpiece

* I am top heavy when I wear it- so mommy will have to carry
me around on the 31st!!

Do you think you know what it is??? I think I am gonna look pretty cool & I can't wait until next Friday!!!

Bath Time

This seems like it might be old news by now...but I started using my "bigger boy" bath tub about a week and a half ago! I say "bigger boy" because this is kind of a transition tub from my "baby" one, until I am ready to just sit right in the adult (or "big boy") tub. I gotta be honest- I am not loving this tub, though...because I just wanna stand up in it and mommy does not let me, darnit! Mommy says that water, slippery tubs, & l'il guys who are new to standing, just do not go together well. I used to lay down, splash, play & have fun- but I find it harder to sit & fight the urge to stand now...so it is just not as appealing as it previously was. So- tubby time has gotten a lot shorter! I feel like I am ready to transition into the regular tub- but mommy & daddy are still afraid I might topple over (even though I sit very well & very infrequently fall at all any more) and hit my head. So- I will bide my time in this tub for now...but I am not happy about it!

Road Trip

Mommy, daddy, and I went on a road trip to North Jersey this weekend. We were lucky enough to go see Aunt Andrea as well as Auntie Katie, Tio Flo, Evie, and Greta. We got up (and got a late start due to my precarious sleeping the night before) on Saturday morning and tackled the NJ Turnpike and Parkway. We first stopped and saw my CiCi's sister Andrea. She is such a nice lady and I enjoyed my visit. It was short- but very sweet!!! Aunt Andrea got on the floor and played with me a bit! So much fun.

We then packed in the car again- for a short ride to my God family's house. Once there it was toys & games, loud play, food, fun & utter baby chaos!! I love hanging out with other kids. Mommy is fun & all- but there is nothing quite like having little ones to bop on the head, try to pull up on, crawl over and play with. Mommy and daddy were impressed with my social skills with Evie and Greta. They were a little worried at first, because I do not get a chance to play with other babies/little kids too often...but I was gentle & yet a brute all at the same time!!! Auntie KK said that Greta is used to getting walked on, though- because she is always playing with Evie's older friends- so my actions fit right in!

I got to take my first "multiple person" bath too. It was so fun! Greta is a great splasher...so I was totally amused by her. I pretty much just stayed in my corner, played with a cup, and let mommy clean me- but I observed all the fun and will definitely be splashing around like my older women once I am out of my kiddie tub & am not afraid of falling over and hitting my head in the big boy tub.

Evie and Greta were so kind to share all their toys with me and Greta even let me sleep in her crib! I did not sleep too well...but what do you expect with all that fun & stimulation?? I had such a blast that I did not want to leave. I did pass out in the car on the way home, though...so I was able to recharge my battery after the very tiring, yet fabulous weekend. I can't wait to go see my God family again REAL SOON!!! I love you guys!!!!!

Stubborn Squirrel Saga

The saga is one of squirrels, but also one of "2's." It took 2 "nuisance control" professionals, 2 cages, 2 blankets, and much to my parents dismay- almost $200 to catch 2 squirrels. It also took mommy 2 full days and a lot of hoping and praying that the problem would just go away, before she called in the reinforcements. By waiting that long, though- it seems as though all mommy did was make the squirrels quite angry because it took well over 2 hours and 2 trips back to the house by the nuisance control (again...2 is the favorite number today) to get only one of those l'il guys out of there. Luckily- during all the commotion- I was taking my morning nap (and my afternoon nap during the return visit.) Mommy filled me in on all the details, though- so now I can share with you. Bob and Mia initially tried to handle the problem- along with mommy, who in a panic when she first heard them, shoved the oversized 800lb leather chair against the fireplace screen to keep them contained...but, unfortunately this was not a successful method in getting rid of them. All this did was keep 'em in there, mamma! One of the squirrels was a little devil. He was hissing, squeaking, and trying to bite Greg & Terri...who were trying to help him out of his chimney/fireplace jail cell. The large scary one was a tough one to trap. Many attempts were made with peanut butter and metal traps-and a rope finally had to be hung from the top of the chimney for him to crawl up. Still- that did not get him out. The nice couple left 2 traps in the fireplace and will check back on Sunday night- or mommy and daddy are to call them for removal if we notice a full trap before the end of the weekend! What a hassle. There was more success with the smaller, more mellow one, though- it got out of the fireplace and was scurrying around the family room. My new baby gate came in handy to contain him in the front of the house and then he, very smartly, decided to run out the front door. Mommy will just be glad when she can (hopefully soon) walk through the house without fear that when turning a corner, she will cross paths with one of them. Guess the leather chair will just have to remain in front of the fireplace for the time being. Mommy & daddy are just frustrated that they paid for a chimney cap a few years ago. Does not seem to be working properly, huh?? I am just hoping that I do not have to share my food or toys with our one remaining house guest. What a "nutty" day!!!!!!!
In honor of our furry visitors, mommy and a I read a special book today. I bet that one guy still in there is definitely a scaredy squirrel!!!

A Ryan Family Dinner

We had a very special dinner last night. Nana Carol had not yet met my cuz Owen Knox...so I was the lucky recipient of a wonderful family gathering! Even Auntie Courtney was able to come! The only person that was missing (and I was really bummed about) was my older & way cool cousin Robbie. I was consoled by being able to hang out with Owen. I tried to speak baby talk and explain the ropes to him- but I am not too sure if he is old enough to understand me quite yet. I will keep trying, though. So- instead of talking...I decided to just eat his feet! Not too sure if he liked it- but I sure did!! Daddy was afraid that I would start gnawing and teething on his little piggies- so he made me stop! I would not have hurt small fry, daddy- I just wanted to see what he tasted like!!!! All in all, it was a fun night and I just did not want it to end- so I decided to wake up at 9pm, after only sleeping for 2 hours. Mommy & daddy had the gall to let me cry for 1 whole hour- then at 10pm, decided to bestow some sympathy and let me come back downstairs to spend some more time with Nana & Papa since I was not sleeping anyway. I got to watch some of the Phillie's game as well as some of the Presidential Debate. Both were fun to watch- but I think I prefer the sport involving a ball and a bat- instead of the sport involving one politician bashing the other!! Check me out being a "ham" in the pic of all of us Ryan men. I just did not want to cooperate during the pic and figured it would just be more fun to hang out upside down. I am gonna be trouble, aren't I??

Balancing Act

I just cannot stop learning new things! Yesterday I was not doing this. Today- Voila!!!!! It is only for about 2-3 seconds...but did you just see what I did??? I stood & balanced all by myself without holding on to anything! All morning I have been testing this out. At first- I could only do this for like a thousandth of a second, but I kept trying & trying all day and I finally worked my way up to an amount of time a bit more tangible. This is just so exciting to me. One more "step" towards walking. As you all know- my mommy is not ready for this...but I like making her day a bit more fun! She might say difficult- but I prefer to spin it a bit more positively- so fun it is!!

The day was not without it's failures, though...face planting is all part of the process! Check me out...this one looks like it could have hurt but I did not even cry. Hey- no one can say I am a wimpy boy!!!

Avocad-oh-no-no-no-no-no!!!!!!!

EEEEEEEWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!! What the heck was mommy thinking????? Today she decided that she was going to try homemade baby food. This is not something that she is planning on doing often (thank goodness!!!!) but she really wanted me to try Avocado's and they do not make it in baby food. So- she bought this "fruit" (What?? Fruit?? It sure does not taste like fruit...I mean- apples, pears, mangos...even prunes taste better!) and forced me to eat it for lunch today. In retrospect- she did admit to me that it might have been a bit too ripe. Thanks, ma...that did not save me from nastiness, though!To make it- she added water and some formula and whirled it around in her mini Cuisinart! I was actually excited by the process- until, that is- I had to eat it! YUCK! Notice that even though I think it is vile and putrid- I still ate every bite that she put in my mouth!! Thanks goodness she did not make me eat the whole bowl full and was kind enough to finish me off with some apples and then some green beans & rice! Mommy did read on-line that adding pear juice can make it more appealing- but I do not drink juice yet- so we did not have any in the house. She does want to try it again...so please say some prayers for me that it tastes better next time...PLEASE!!!

YUCK! Avocados are gross! See my grimace?? You would think that with a nickname like Chimi (short for Chimichanga) that I would like avocados- but nope...not me!!

Ahhh...Apples are much better!! Keep shovelin' those in, mamma!

Gift Bag Of Fun

My Nana and Grandpa George came to see me yesterday! They were making their rounds visiting tons of family in & around our area. Auntie Kim had her baby boy last week- so another boy cousin for me!!!! I was hoping to be the ring leader of our new little group (Me, Owen & Michael) since I am the oldest...but I think Michael might just overpower me because he was born 9lbs 7oz!!! His daddy is pretty tall- so he might be the ruler of our little cousin gang, leaving me & Owen to fend for ourselves!!! Who knows, though- because if I turn out like my daddy- I will indeed be the Alpha.

Nana & Grandpa visited baby Michael and then came to our house. I was taking a nap when they got here- so boy was I surprised when I awoke to Nana's wonderful voice coming up the stairs!! Nana & Grandpa came armed with presents- I got a cool outfit, hat, toy and book. The book was really neat. It's pages "popped up" which will be wonderful for me to eat. It also played music...which I adore! The real hit out of the presents, though- was the big, colorful bag that they came in. As much as I loved to see you, Nana & Grandpa...I was really into the bag! Bet you never thought you would be in competition with an inanimate paper product, huh?? I guess you can save some money this Christmas when it comes to my present- just go to the dollar store and get me some gift bags...I sure will be one happy baby!!

Table Top Timpani

I have found another item in the house that is not a toy- but that I play with and have more fun with than most of my toys- much to mommy & daddy's (and their bank accounts) dismay!! Now that I am pulling myself up on EVERYTHING, I am finding that there is a whole new world for me to explore. I discovered the other day that the round, brass, Asian table in our living room makes a beautiful sound when banged upon! It is a deep "pinging" noise that is literally music to my ears. At first to mommy's too...but now (after days & days of constant banging) maybe not so much!!!! I started eyeing the pots & pans in the kitchen- but after this table music (noise??), I know mommy will try to hide those from me...NO FAIR!!!

The Forbidden Fruit

Mommy finally began the baby proofing process in our family room and boy am I glad!!!! Up until today, every time I crawled towards the bookcase, mommy would get this very mean look on her face and sternly say "OFF LIMITS!!" I am not too sure what this phrase means, though- and her face looked pretty goofy- so I always just smiled back at her. This seemed to frustrate mommy to no end...so today she "anchored" the bookshelf to the wall and was no longer concerned if I crawled near it, in it, or even used it to pull myself up to a standing position! I was so excited that when I woke up from my nap...I immediately crawled over to it like I normally do- and did not hear that silly phrase from mommy. How cool- I guess I can finally play in here, huh?? Well- I then proceeded to get myself into quite a predicament. I got all cozy, looking at a picture of my California cousins, but then I could not figure out how to get out!! Mommy just stood there and stared at me laughing...pretty hysterically, I might add!! I guess I had it coming, though. You know how they say "one good turn deserves another?" Well- I guess one good laugh deserves another too!!