oh, so behind!

sorry, sorry ... it's been TOO long since I've posted. Between work (a big thumbs-down for anyone who is wondering), being sick, and our trip out east - things have been a bit busy.

So we are back from a trip to the east coast for Michael's friend's wedding, a visit with the family, and my 30th birthday. Needless to say, it was a whirlwind trip, but fun nonetheless. The airplane part is an entirely different story, but we'll have to save that for either another day or a "real" conversation (so if you're interested, just ask!). It's a story in itself.

Here are a few highlights from the trip:

Playing with cousin Jacqueline

Having fun with Grandma and Grandpa

The soggy, but fun park

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Happy Birthday, Mommy!

Michael and Luke got me a wonderful birthday present ... a new, fancy camera! I'm so excited! I'm still learning how to use it, but it is already SO evident that it takes absolutely beautiful pictures. Here's a sampling of just a few of my recent photos of my very favorite subject :)!

No sleep till ... french fries!

So, typically when we travel to Tahoe we do our driving during Luke's bedtime. We try to leave aorund 7 or 7:30 at night, get him all ready for bed, and then just strap him in and go. In the past, this has worked beautifully. However, on the way home last night, Luke showed us that he might just be over sleeping in the car ... he was much more interested in talking, singing, looking out the window and pointing at everything, AND ... eating our french fries that we got when we stopped for a snack!





He had a blast sitting back there, signing to us that he wanted more, and kicking his feet in delight. I only had my cell phone camera on hand, so the picture quality isn't great, but here he is french fry in hand!

"Look, Mom, one hand!"

Luke is testing out walking while holding on with only one hand. He's getting braver!

In Tahoe, practicing on the front balcony



And one more, just because he's too cute :)!

Enjoying the beautiful Tahoe scenery

We just returned from another beautiful long weekend in Tahoe. Luke loves exploring when we are up there, so here are a few of his favorite hang-outs at Grammy & Poppy's house in Tahoe.



In the backyard by the fire pit:





Looking out the front windows:





On the front balcony:


In the hammock:

And, last but certainly not least, at the stash of goodies in the bottom drawer!

Cute cheeks

I can't take it!

Halloween is coming!

So, today Mom had me try on my fabulous costume from "Auntie" Sarah, just to be sure that it still fit. You see, last year Auntie Sarah bought me this awesome costume (in honor of my Uncle Todd, obviously), but I was just too small to wear it, plus my Mommy said that it didn't have quite the right effect when I couldn't walk or even crawl on my own. She figured it would be much better if I wore it when I was walking. SO - we saved it for this year.

Here's a sneak peek for all of you faithful readers of my blog. As you can see, it fits and I look darn cute in it as well. Mommy is going to get me some long pants and a matching shirt to go under it, and I'll be all set for the big Halloween night!

Thanks "Auntie" Sarah!

It's been a rough week

I've been sick :( . Mommy and Daddy attributed my bowel issues to teething, but when I started to run a fever of 102 for several days with a runny nose and just general aches (which equal lots of whining and crying in a kid my age), they decided to take me to the Dr. As it turns out, not only am I getting three of my molars, but I also had the flu.


I'm not sure if this whole ordeal was more difficult for me (the one going though it all), my mommy (who is hating the fact that she has to go to work when I'm sick - and is wondering why she even agreed to do this work thing at all), or my Grammy (who I kept up in the middle of the night when she was watching me). I guess it hasn't been too much fun for anyone.


The good news is that I'm finally starting to feel better. After an awful day on Thursday with Grammy (while my Mommy was gone for over 12 hours thanks to "Back to School Night"), a pretty bad day on Friday with my friend Maria, and a very grumpy day on Saturday with Mom and Dad (including a visit to the Dr.) - today, Sunday, I was in much better spirits. I'm still not 100%, but Mom and Dad have me on a special diet while I get rid of this flu bug. All of my teeth are now through the gumline, so I'm feeling better on that front. And I'm basically just dealing with a bad runny nose and cough. I should be better in no time.


Mom and Dad were so happy that I was feeling better today that we spent a really fun afternoon outside playing. Here are a few pictures from our day.


Brooklyn and I hanging out:

Having fun with my new pool (thanks Grammy & Poppy) - I loved drinking from and playing in the sprinkler function!

Driving my awesome car (if you live in the area, you can catch me cruisin' the neighborhood after Mom gets off work - I'll honk and wave to you):


Climbing (of course!):

All of the "kids" getting in on the sand table action:


Linus fully enjoying the afternoon:


And, finally, me enjoying a fabulous cocktail of Pedialyte that the Dr. recommended I have:


What a day!

Standing on his own

He's done it a few times before, but this morning was the first time that he wasn't "tricked" into it (i.e. holding on to my hands and then me letting him go without his knowing). You can see from the video how excited he is about his new ability!

So close

Really, he could probably walk on his own if he tried. Here is Luke taking a walk with Daddy (which he loves to do right now).

Labor Day

What a fun day! Here is a glimpse into our afternoon with the Diskin family.


Luke and Nicolas enjoying a snack (the entire can) of puffs,




followed by a performance - Nicolas' rendition of "The Lion King"


We hope that your Labor Day was as much fun as ours!

Playtime!

Just some pics and video of Luke having FUN!

Playing guitar with Daddy

Peek-a-boo!

Legos!

Climbing and sliding

I'm amazed that he can do this already - didn't take long to figure that out!

Daycare update

Day #1 was borderline ... lots of crying at drop-off time, which made Mommy feel terrible all day long and all she wanted to do was pick Luke up, take him home, and cuddle him. As it turns out, he did pretty well - took two short naps, played, cried only on and off in the morning, and ended up actually having a bit of fun.

Day #2 (today) went even better - again, crying at drop-off, but that stopped before Mommy even made it out the front door. One short nap and one long (he's actually down to one nap a day, but when he is awoken so darn early in the morning, a double nap session is in order!), lots and lots of food consumed, tons of playing (apparently a ball pit and bubbles were on the agenda today), and a happy boy at pick-up.

Whew - Mommy is relieved ... and can't wait to have the next two days off to spend with her favorite boy :)!

As promised, video of kisses

He really lays one on Michael in this clip!

High-fives still to come...