Lions & Tigers & Bears & Jack!!!

Who would think that in the middle of a city there would be a zoo?? Well- there is and it even relatively close to my house!! Mommy took me to a playgroup at the Philadelphia Zoo today and I LOVED seeing all of the animals! At first, I was just too overwhelmed by all the people that I did not even notice that there were animals there. I did smell them at certain times- but just thought that we were somewhere stinky!! (We were in Philly, ya know!!) As it turns out, I was surrounded by tons of animals! My favorites of the day ended up being the Flamingos and the Giraffes. Mommy could not get me to be quiet once I spied the flamingos. Their color captured my eye right away and I started making tons of noise! Mommy even took me out of the stroller so I could get a good look at them- and boy was that fun! She later learned that although it was fun for me, the repercussions for her of putting me back in the stroller almost made it not worth while!!! Of course it was worth it, though- and we all know that she would do anything for me!! She even proved this a bit later by letting me go into the kiddie petting zoo and touch/pet a sheep and a goat! She kinda thinks these animals are dirty and gross, so this was a mighty big concession on her part. I was super excited to get so close to animals that were not just dogs & cats. I did have to wash my hands afterwards- but it was worth it! Not only was seeing & touching all of the animals fun, but I also got to see my friend Lily. My mommy met her mommy at our first play date and we have not seen her since. Well- today I got to see that little cutie again! It was fun to see her and I think I might be able to get together with her again soon. I will have to be on my best behavior, though- because mommy says that sometimes I act like a little animal and if I do it too much- she is going to set me up a home right next to the Hippo. He looked kinda scary- so I sure hope she was joking! She did buy a season pass- but lets keep our fingers crossed that next time she does not leave me there and use her pass to come visit me often. Guess I better get my act together, since she might not be bluffing!!

BEFORE ZOO AFTER ZOO

Can I Get A Small Fry With That??

Mommy and Auntie Nina met for lunch yesterday and Owen, AKA "Small Fry" and I got to tag along!! I was very happy to see my little cuz and get to spend some time with him. I was a bit frustrated, though- because we did not get to play with one another!! As always- I just wanted to grab him but since we were both confined to our strollers and then highchairs- we did not get to actually touch one another. I guess that is a lucky thing for little "Small Fry" because I am not the most gentle being out there! I bet mommy and Nina planned for us to be out & about at a restaurant so I was a bit more confined and could not thump on Owen! I know I don't have the softest touch, O- but it is just excitement to be seeing you! How about a play date at my house next time so we can play, babble to each other, and I can show you some really cool toys??

Beat The Heat

Since it is only April- mommy and daddy refuse to turn on the air conditioners, so we have resorted to other measures to beat the heat over the last few days. I have been allowed to play with lots of water!! Yesterday- when mommy and daddy did yard work, I was able to play with the hose and fill my watering can. I did a good job of cooling off the sidewalk and our front porch!! I did also spill some on me and then got in the dirt so I was a muddy little mess! Today, mommy filled up my kiddie pool for me. Only problem was that the hose water was way too cold- so I did not actually get IN the pool. I just stood at it's perimeter and splashed around. I wanted to make sure my paci did not get overheated, though- so I did allow it to swim around in the chilly pool. Anything for my paci!!!! Along with my #1 best friend, paci- my other friend, Maddie, came over and helped me out with getting the water out of the pool and onto the grass. Her daddy and Mommom were smart and they stripped her down to her diaper. My mommy on the other hand, thought I looked too cute in my overalls, so in them I stayed- and wet wet wet they got!! Hey- at least I looked cute, right?? Even on a hot day I am willing to sacrifice for fashion. Talk to me in the middle of the summer, though- I bet I am not going to be quite so accommodating!

Ducky Is A Dog??

I always thought that dogs were supposed to be big and black. All of the dogs that I have seen so far in my life have been Black Labs (& a Rottweiler) who have outweighed me significantly, so I thought this is just what all dogs were like. Well- you know what they say about assuming, right?? (Actually- I am not too sure what they say- but I have heard people say that and I thought it applied.) Ducky is a little bitty doggie that weighs 7X less than me!! (Mommy helped me with the math- so don't be too overly impressed with me!) Mommy, CiCi and I went over the the Keyser's house on Thursday after visiting Bud and were surprised to see that Ben (their son) and Ducky (their grand-dog) were also visiting!! At first I just did not even know what to make of this little ball of fluff. I mean- she was the size of my cat, Mia...but she barked like the Keyser's black lab dog, Flyer! I was slightly perplexed at first, but eventually- using my massive amount of intelligence- figured it out! After that brain teaser- I had fun toddling around, running after Ducky and having her run after me! Mr. Keyser also took more (wonderful) pics of me. Mommy is so thankful that she gets him to snap fabulous photos of me for free since he is a professional photographer. Guess its good to know people in high places, huh? Fun fun fun day! Hope to see you in Avalon again soon, Ducky. I'll try to limit my food intake so I am not 10X bigger than you by then...

Bionic Bud

We have a Bionic Bud in the making!! Phase 1 was completed last week when Bud had his right hip replaced. (Phase 2 is left hip- and Phase 3 is knee replacement.) Wednesday, mommy and I headed down to Avalon to visit Bud as he recuperated from his surgery. He was actually not in the hospital- but in rehab when we got there to visit him. He let me play with some of his cool gadgets that help him to put on his shoes & socks & grab things on the floor so he does not need to bend down too far! They were fun and I walked around the room, acting like they were my toys the whole time. He let me do some pull ups on the triangle above his bed as well. You can tell by my face that I loved that!! I guess playing with those toys has helped him get better quicker, too- because he is doing great!! He actually went home today and I know he has to be super excited to be out of the rehab facility!! He was not supposed to go home until tomorrow- but did so well that they let him leave a day early! Way to go, Bud!! Get that hip all healed up so we can run on the beach this summer!

Kissing Bandit

So if I am going to share with you and talk my about my bad hitting behavior, it is only fair that I talk about some cute stuff too!! I have started giving mommy and daddy huge, open mouthed, extremely spitty, somewhat toothy kisses. At first it started out on the cheek like in the video, but now I have started wanting to give these kisses on the mouth too! Mommy has tried to dissuade me from giving too many of these because they might be repulsive to some people- but I sure do love 'em!! So if you see me coming...watch out- the kissing bandit it on the loose!!!!!

Toddler Tantrums

Like clockwork- the minute I turned 1 and could be considered a legitimate toddler- I started acting like one!! I started hitting and throwing and mommy and daddy are NOT at all happy about these new developments. After a few days of seeing me behave like this- mommy took a poll from grandparents & friends to see what she could do to nip this in the bud immediately. Most said that I was still too young for "time out"- but that a firm "NO" and taking the object of the hitting (mostly faces) out of the picture would be the best way to handle it. Well- it seems to be working...because what had started out to be almost an thrice daily occurrence has whittled it's way down to about once every other day. Even if I do it- once I am told NO, then I do not repeat it nor do I get upset that I have been disciplined. Because of how much my parents love & dote on me, I really thought that I would have mommy and daddy wrapped around my finger and I could get away with a little bit more- but they are tough!!! Ugh...looks like I have some strict parental types to deal with.

***Mommy forced me to add that, although she and daddy are laughing at me here in this video (because we were playing around & they were not expecting me to slap- they were expecting me to kiss), that this is not how they typically discipline me! They were totally taken aback and momentarily stunned silly!!!***

Day Out With Dad

Daddy and I spent the whole day together, without mommy- and we were men about town!! We started our manly bonding first thing in the morning. Daddy let mommy sleep in and he got up with me. Well- I was so happy to be playing with his right from the get go- so I was in a super happy and giggly mood! We had a road trip and went to see daddy's grandmother, Nan! She was super impressed with my walking skills and we had a really nice visit. She shared some of her stuffed animals with me- and I liked exploring all around her room. Our next stop was to see some people a bit more my age. We stopped by daddy's friend Frank's house and I got to play with his kids. Riley is older than me, but so petite that for once, my short stature did not matter! As always- I was a bit rough and pushed her around a bit...but it was only because I was so excited to meet some new fun kids. It was an exhausting day- but one that I really enjoyed...for the mere fact that I got to spend so much quality time with my daddy! Thanks for such a fun day! Let's leave mommy home and do our own thing again soon, OK?

Shorts Weather!!!

What a gorgeous weekend!!! I am getting so excited that the weather is getting nice and I am going to be able to spend more time outside! Well- mommy must have sensed that I would be feeling this way- because she did some research and found a cool park for us to go to & play! So- on Saturday morning we had a family fun outing to this park! The only bad thing is that we cannot walk to it- but no biggie...we just piled into the car and headed out for some fresh air! There were so many things at this park...swings, sandbox, slides, gazebo, butterfly benches, bridges, a tractor vehicle to ride, a wooden maze type piece of architecture, tunnels, wheels and tons more!

After the park I got to visit with Mommom and Poppy!! They came to my house to celebrate mommy's 34th birthday! Mommom took mommy out shopping and I got to spend some quality time with Poppy! Once the ladies returned- armed with many many bags from Macy's (and a bag from Gymboree for me) I showed off a bit and acted cute as a button, then had to go to bed before the monstrous lobster tails were cooked! Hey- guess I can't complain that I did not get to eat the shellfish when I did get the breathe in all that wonderful fresh air and get those "stinks blown of of me" by being outside! What a perfect day!

Play Date

Mommy and I went to our second play date today! We got to go to Bette's Fun Place. As you might remember, I got to go here for my friend Antonella's birthday party and I had a rockin' good time. So, needless to say- this afternoon was a blast as well! Our playgroup basically had the whole venue to ourselves and I was able to run around like I owned the place. Mommy took me into the bouncing "playground" and the giant slide (which I had to go down on mommy's lap because it was so big) both of which kinda freaked me out!! I did, however, love the little slide as well as the play kitchen and wood peg bridge thingy!! Since there were not a lot of people there- I ran around the whole building about 30 times! I was so wiped out that I passed out in the car and did not even wake up when mommy carried me into the house, which is quite unusual. I did not stay asleep when she laid me down in my crib- but her cheek was indeed a comfy pillow for that walk through the house!! What a day...

Sweet Sadie

Well...today is a day for grieving. Mommom and Poppy had to put their dog Sadie to sleep yesterday. We all knew it was coming, because about 2 weeks ago she was diagnosed with Cancer. Over the past few weeks Mommom and Poppy (and even mommy, daddy, and I) have gotten to spend some good quality time with her. I know that I will not first hand remember my special time with Sadie- but she was a great dog and Mommom, Poppy, and mommy will tell me all about her when I am older! Apparently, there are just so many good things to say about her! It was always the joke that Sadie was mommy's sister. Sadie used to sleep with mommy many nights when she was living at home with Mommom and Poppy after she graduated from college. Mommy called Sadie her "Dink" and "Dinky Basetti" after a silly movie she had seen- and as odd a names as these were- they were meant as a term of endearment and every single person who met Sadie fell in love with her. She was a sweet, kind souled animal who was always acting like a puppy!! She was even sympathetic- when anyone was sick or sad, Sadie was right there by your side, looking up at you with utter love and devotion! Now- all of this is what mommy has told me about Sadie- but the one very clear memory I have of her is the licking!!!! First thing she would do when she saw me was to give me massive licks all over my face!!! her tongue would literally attack me and make me run for cover!!! I got very adept at turning my head away from her to avoid the overly spitty licks! Mommy remembers being utterly grossed out by Sadie licking her legs through her panty hose- ick!! Even thought the licks were kinda gross...I will miss them- because I know they meant you loved me! I did not know you that long, dear Sadie...but I loved every second of knowing you and I hope you are licking away at all that you see up there in Doggie Heaven...bye bye, "good girl" we will love you forever!!!!

Easter

Even though this is not my first Easter- it is indeed the first one that I have celebrated!! Last year at this time, mommy and daddy were still newbies with the whole parenting thing, sleep deprived, unbathed, and NOT even thinking about candy and bunnies. This year was a whole different story! We spent the holiday with Mommom and Poppy at the cottage. We got to go to the church mommy joined, where I will be Baptised in a month. I was pretty good during the service, even though I did not get my morning nap. Half way through, daddy took me out of the chapel because I was getting tiny bit fussy- but I probably could have made it all the way through if the service had a couple more songs and I had a couple more puffs to eat! After church- we had a wonderful dinner that mommy and Mommom prepared. Mommy's Aunt Mary Ann, Uncle Barry, and her cousins Katie (and her boyfriend Zack) Ben & Evan all got to come eat with us. They were real fun and kept me busy! It was a very fun day- I just look forward to next year when I can have an Easter Egg Hunt and actually partake in eating some yummy candy!!

Egg-celent Easter Visit

Nana and Grandpa "hopped along the bunny trail" all the way down to my house yesterday to wish me some Easter Cheer!! I was not in the holiday spirit before they got here- so their visit was totally needed to put me in a good mood. The bunny ears that they brought definitely did the trick!! They also brought me a neat hat that Grandpa wore over his own hat...can you believe that?? How funny!! Even with the magical "good mood" bunny ears...I did have a couple moments of weakness and they got to see the beginnings of my toddler tantrums. The little "episodes" have mommy shaking in her boots. She asked for some advice on how to handle these little out busts- but it seems as though there is not too much she can do in the form of discipline as of yet. Apparently I am still too young to understand my actions & repercussions at his point in my young life .Woo Hoo...looks like I have a free pass for a while! Thanks for helping me out there, Nana and Grandpa & staving off "time out" for a few more months! It was REALLY great seeing you- thanks for coming down to us!! I hope you have a Hoppy Easter...just remember- some bunny loves you & it is ME!!!!!

A CiCi And A Chair

CiCi came to visit me yesterday to lift my spirits since it has been a tough week for me. This being sick stuff is just the pitts and it really got me down. Her visit came at the prefect time for me & mommy too since we were both just about on our last leg!! Since we had been cooped up for tmost of the week, fighting off germs & mucus, we decided to go to Ikea. Mommy decided I needed some more storage for my massive amounts of toys, so we got a bookshelf for my new playroom. Along with the bookshelves, while there we found this cute chair for me. It is a kiddie version of Ikea's signature chair and it is super cool!!! I sat in it in the store and LOVED IT!! I was smiling ear to ear, so mommy and CiCi knew it was the chair for me! CiCi bought it for me (Thank you, thank you, thank you, CiCi!!) and she is even going to make a cover for it in some cool fabric that will not only be kid appropriate, but also mommy decorating/family room chic approved! I even got to help put it together. Well- I guess I was not too much of a help- but I think one of those screws needed a little lubrication and my drool came in very handy!! As always, CiCi- thanks for the fun day (and the awesome chair!!!)

All Done

My vocabulary is still a but limited...but I have added a new word- or words, I should say. I am now not only using my sign language and signing "all done"- but I am saying these words too!! It took mommy a while to decipher that I was actually trying to communicate this- but she finally got it!! It is pretty funny- because some times I will say "ah" (all) and then wait what seems like an eternity to say "duh" (done.) So, even though you might have to wait for it...I do always follow up & complete the phrase! Now if I could only say Mamma & Dadda on command...

Summer Chic

Apparently, Crocs are the cool footwear for kids to wear in the summer- and of course mommy had to keep me up to date with the trend, so we bought me a pair of Crocs! I really like how lightweight and airy they are!! Daddy always said that he would never let a son of his wear these shoes because they are ugly...but I think they are cool! Thank goodness mommy has fashion veto and can override daddy's decisions on this matter. I am pretty sure they come in lots of colors...so beware daddy- you might have to look at me wearing Crocs (like my paci's) in all the colors of the rainbow!!!!!

UGH...Again??

For the past few days, I have been (you guessed it) SICK!!!!! I seriously think that this is about my 8th or 9th illness since I was born. It feels like once a month I have come down with something. Mommy assured me that it was not this much- but it is pretty darn ridiculous how often it seems that I am under the weather. Mommy says that this is the worst cold that I have had thus far, too!!! Sometimes it even feels like I cannot breathe because of all the chest congestion. We have been doing a lot of steam bathroom sessions- which I do not like and cry the whole time! I appreciate you trying though, mamma! There is a saying that if babies are introduced to more virus' & illnesses early on then they build up more resistance and immunities and better able to fight off these illnesses later- let's just hope that this is not an old wives tale and it is indeed true! I gotta believe that my whole life is not going to be one big snotty, coughy, throw-uppy, poopy mess!!! The only good thing about my feeling not quite myself is that I have had some super duper daddy cuddle time. That being said, I do not want this to last much longer...so send me good thoughts for a quick recovery!

Sam & Jenna's Wedding

So...it is official- Uncle Sammy is now OFF THE MARKET!! In reality, he has been off the market since the minute he met Jenna- but NOW it is truly indisputable!! My mommy even got to be a witness and sign the marriage license- so it is for sure for real!! Immediate family members gathered today- on a gorgeous sunny (albeit a bit windy) day in Olde New Castle, in the backyard of CiCi & Bud's house, with the Delaware River as the backdrop, to witness the marriage of Uncle Boog to AUNT Jenna!! I can now say that- Aunt Jenna!! How cool.

The ceremony was simple and sweet! Mommy has never been to a wedding this small- but she said that the intimateness of it was very special, and had a lot more meaning than many of the large "over the top" weddings that she has been to. After the vows were exchanged and a tear or two were shed- we headed into the house for a champagne toast (I got sparkling cider and will never want just plain water again) and hors d'oeuvres. Next was a quick walk over to the local Tavern and a nice meal with both our & Jenna's families! What a nice bonding time for us all! Jenna has an ADORABLE niece Maggie & SUPER COOL nephew Will, who I got to hang out with. I sure do hope I get to see them again real soon- because they were fun kids!! After the yummy dinner (of which I only heard was good since I did not eat due to feeling a bit under the weather with teething, a cold, and a little yacking) we headed back to the house for CAKE!! That sure did make me feel a litle less sick! I am getting kinda used to this sugary confection and will soon boycott all other forms of food in hopes of just eating cake morning noon & night. The cake was beautiful and the one bite that I got to eat- pretty darn good!

I think that the day was a huge success and I am so happy for Uncle Sam & Aunt Jenna! We are so glad to have you as part of our family, Jenna!! The addition in July of Luke will only add to that joy and I am SOOOO looking forward to meeting my new little cousin! Thank you for sharing your day with us- CONGRATULATIONS!!!!