Friday, February 29, 2008

Ask Julia: Leap Day edition


Happy Leap Day everyone! It's a good thing I'm not leaping yet in the photo above, or I'd have hurt my head! But that's what happens when you like to crawl under things as I do now (my Jumperoo, the table, the highchair), and then sit up, coming dangerously close to bumping my head. I'm sure I'll learn the hard way before long.

Last week's gusher of Ask Julia questions has once again subsided to a mere trickle, with only Aunt Paula providing new ones this week. So here goes:

It sure looks like you had a great time sledding. Did your Mom and Dad make a snowman for you?
No. But it just started snowing right now, and we're supposed to get about six inches, so they can make it up to me.

I understand that you are going to be going on your first plane ride. Do you have any expectations? What are your planning on doing on your first real vacations? I am sure you will have a great time. Do you think that you might get to try out some new types of food?
My trip isn't for another two months, and considering how different things will probably be then (if I'm not walking yet, I'll be pretty darn close!), I haven't even begun to think about that one yet. I will say that since I won't yet be a year old, I doubt I'll be sampling the local cuisine. All the more reason to make a return trip at some point!

While I'm not looking ahead two months, I certainly am thinking about my trip this weekend: Sunday I'll be going up to Connecticut to visit my relatives, and then we're spending the night. I'm hoping we'll get to take a dip in the hotel pool, since there was no time to do so during my last stay up there. I just rediscovered splashing during my baths this week, so I hope I get a chance to splash on a bigger scale in the pool.

In other news, Dad says he's going to make amends for being MIA most of February by spending all of next week at home with me. I just hope he can keep up with me!

I'm off to enjoy the weekend (and hopefully some snow!). In meantime, I hope you make up for your sad lack of Ask Julia questions by filling up my mailbag!

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Bouncing baby girl


Ninety percent of the time, I'm a very happy baby. But I do have my moments when I'm cranky, whether I'm whining or out-and-out crying. Mom and Dad have learned that more often than not, it's just a passing phase and it's easy to have me giggling again in a matter of seconds. Exhibit A:

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Mush, Dad, mush!



Grandma says she doesn't like winter, but I have to side with Dido, who loves it. He hasn't taken me skiing yet, but I was so happy to be able to go sledding again over the weekend thanks to Friday's snowfall. I tired out Mom and Dad making them drag me all around the yard. As you can see, I'm much more animated about it than I was the first time I went sledding!

Monday, February 25, 2008

Hurricane Julia


As a public service announcement, I'm passing along this weather bulletin from the National Weather Service:

HURRICANE WARNING

Hurricane Julia has touched down in the baby's room of a Northern New Jersey home. This is a fast-moving storm system capable of quickly displacing and destroying all objects in its path. Hurricane Julia tends to pick up steam very early on weekend mornings when she is under the care of her mother, who gives her unfettered access to the room's harder-to-reach areas, causing whirlwinds of activity up in excess of 80 aspm (attention shifts per minute). Warning signs include an unquenchable need to pull out objects, discard them and seek out additional objects to upend.

If you find yourself in the presence of Hurricane Julia, please take immediate action. A pacifier is recommended, or perhaps introducing a new object to distract her attention, then ferrying her to a different, calmer corner of the home. In any case, proceed with extreme caution.

Hurricane warning will remain in effect until Hurricane Julia learns to walk; at that point, her potential for destruction will be monitored via the Department of Homeland Security's National Alert Level.

Nude beginnings


I'm nine months old today, which means that I've now spent more time outside Mom's tummy than inside. To celebrate, I'm wearing the same outfit that I had on back on May 25...my birthday suit!

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Ask Julia: Oscars edition


As I mentioned, my Ask Julia mailbox was stuffed to the brim with questions this week. So let's get right to them. First up is Grandpa:

Cutie Pie, you demonstrated a trait over the weekend that you inherited from your mother's side of the family because your dad and grandparents can't twirl their tongues. When do you do it — when you are happy, mad, curious?
I actually forgot to mention this in yesterday's Yes I Can posting. I can twirl my tongue (which means Mom won that particular genetic face-off with Dad, who can't do that), which I started doing last weekend when Grandma and Grandpa visited. But I haven't really done it since. It was just a new facial expression I was learning how to make, and now I've already moved on to new ones.

My Aunt Paula wrote in with her weekly round of questions.

I have a idea for those strawberries that you have been trying. If you dip them in chocolate they would taste alot better. Talk to your parents about trying it.
That's a good idea, but I wouldn't even eat chocolate in that netting. Babcia and Dido tried putting bananas in there, but I had the same reaction. Sorry Mom and Dad, it's time for Plan B.

Are you getting a replacement for Flutterbug, or have you totally outgrown the changing table?
Flutterbug isn't coming back—the reason he left in the first place was that I will reach for and play with anything that's even remotely within my reach. I'm still using the changing table but it's harder and harder for Mom and Dad to change me on it because I'm a tough little girl to pin down.

How are the musics lesson going?
They aren't music lessons; it's kind of a music appreciation class, to get me used to hearing music and interacting with it. It's fun, though the last couple weeks have been rougher because I always want to crawl toward Lindsay, my teacher.


Two of my friends wrote in. Audrey also had a suggestion about the strawberries:

Your parents are messing up the whole “trying new foods” routine. They need to get with the program. Instead of encouraging you to each the strawberries in the safety bag, they should have taken the strawberries and pretended to eat them themselves. They need to say things like “Not for Julia” and “Baby doesn’t like this.” That’s the only way we take any interest in something new. If your parents are going to ENCOURAGE you to do something, it should be something naughty, like tearing up mommy’s important work papers. That way, you won’t have any interest in those things. Once they figure this out, you all can have a more meaningful relationship based on trickery and not really meaning what you say. Works for me.
It's funny you mention this. This week Mom and Dad kept telling me "No!" when I went toward the baseboard, which of course only makes me want to play with it even more. But for now, I'll stick to my current course of action: laughing everytime I hear "no" and then going back to whatever naughty thing I was doing.

Isabella had some interesting thoughts as well:

I figured it out! The word "no." It must be my middle name. Lately we've been playing this new game where Mom or Dad ask, "Where's Isabella?" As soon as I point to myself, they cheer and clap. So now that I'm hearing "Isabella no" (seemingly constantly!), that must be the more advanced version of the game. I used to just wag my finger when they said no, but I guess that wasn't right. Anyway, I thought I'd share that with you since I read in your blog that you were hearing "no" too. Hey, maybe it's your middle name too! How cool would that be if we had the same middle name!!! Gotta run...it's snowing outside and there's a sled with my name on it, "Isabella No."
This is another very interesting theory. But I'm going with the theory that they are actually saying "Julia know" — in other words, Julia, this is something that you should know about, so by all means continue exploring. Thanks Mom and Dad, I'll do exactly as you say!

Isabella wasn't the only one who got to go sledding this snowy weekend, but more on that later. And thanks for all the questions! Now that my mailbox is empty again, let's start refilling it!

My first A-plus!


As you fill out your Oscar pools, I hope you also came up with predictions for my 9-month height and weight. I had my 9-month doctor's appointment on Wednesday, and here are the updated stats: my weight is now 23 lbs. 12 oz., and my height is 30 2/3". Both have me in the 98th percentile for my age group, which means that I am truly an A+ baby!

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Yes I can!


I'm shamefully far behind on updating you about my recent milestones (come on, did you think I was just going to rest on my laurels after I learned to crawl?). So I'm going to kick off a potentially recurring feature—prompted by a certain inspirational campaign-related video that's become a huge internet sensation—called Yes I Can.

YES I CAN...pull myself from a sitting position up to a standing one. I've been doing this for two weeks now can do this holding on to anything my same level, and things a bit taller, like my Learning Playground. And just today I'm finally able to do much taller objects, like while sitting in my pack n play, keeping the top rail and hoisting myself all the way up.

YES I CAN...climb stairs. I did it for the first time last weekend when Grandma and Grandpa were here. The one problem is that after I have climbed one step, I forget that I'm elevated, and I start leaning back a little to take a break. Ooops! Good thing someone is always there to catch me (so far).

YES I CAN...sleep on my stomach, which I've been doing more and more in the past week. I also like sleeping while my head is shoved up against one of the crib corners.

YES I CAN...flip over during diaper changes. Now that Flutterbug isn't around to distract me, I don't stand for laying on my back on the changing table like I used to. Mom is threatening to pull out the changing table strap to keep me steady. I say she's bluffing.

YES I CAN...read books. Well, I pick out a book, flip through some pages, then discard it and move on to another book.


YES I CAN...say "Mama." It's more like "Mamamamama," just like I've been saying "Dadadada" for a while now, but at least Mom doesn't feel left out anymore. And by the way, Mom and Dad haven't decided yet whether either of those counts as a first word yet (probably not).

YES I CAN...slam the bedroom door on Mom and Dad. I've been playing with the door, and on Monday when Mom was a few steps away, I shut the door, leaving me in the bedroom and my Mom outside in the hall. Then I moved up near the door and plopped myself down so Mom couldn't get in. She was telling me to move but I just kept laughing because she was so silly. Then Mom finally got the door open a crack and tossed a new diaper across the room. I couldn't resist—I crawled over to it, allowing Mom to get back in. Dad couldn't quite understand how Mom could be thwarted by an eight-month-old, so I did the same thing to him a few days later (I didn't barricade the door this time, but I still shut him out). I'll be doing a lot more of this when I'm a teenager.

YES I CAN...point at people, with one finger. Dad hasn't gotten this one on video yet, but he'll try this week.

YES I CAN...keep my eye on Dido's Sudoku book and swipe it when he's not looking.


YES I CAN...be incredibly adorable one moment...

but then turn on a dime and pout when I don't get my way.


And that's it for now, but I'm sure I'll be adding to the list soon!

Friday, February 22, 2008

DJ Julia

Look for lots of postings this weekend, including a complete update on all my latest accomplishments (and there are several!), a stuffed-to-the-brim Ask Julia mailbag and a special advisory from the National Weather Service (and no, I'm not referring to today's blizzard). To tide you over, here's a video that somehow fell through the cracks last week, showing my prowess playing with my Learning Playground (or as Dad and Dido call it, my DJ booth).

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

(Laundry) basket case



Since Mom and especially Dad have been so busy this week, I thought I would help out with some of their household chores. So I sorted the laundry after Dad got it out of the dryer.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Happy birthday Mom!



I just made it under the deadline but I wanted to wish Mom a very happy birthday! I left a present for her in my diaper this morning, but Dad ended up changing me so he got to open it up instead.

There wasn't much time for birthday fun today, but Grandma and Grandpa came up over the weekend, and along with Babcia and Dido they celebrated Mom and Dad's birthdays. I'll talk more about their visit later in the week.

Happy birthday Mom, and Mnohaya lita!

Monday, February 18, 2008

Strawberry meals? Never!


I have lots to share about this eventful holiday weekend, but there's no time! My dad/typist is incredibly busy this week at work, so look for a week of posts that are short on words and heavy on photos (he should feel right at home!).

Today I wanted to show you two videos that are so shocking you might not believe your eyes. They are of me actually refusing to eat something: strawberries. Mom put them in a special mesh container so I could suck out the juices without having to chew anything, but I wasn't having any of that. As an added bonus, watch my white clothes slowly change color!



Mom kept trying to get me to eat them, but I wasn't budging. After a few minutes of this, and I started to look like a refugee from a slasher movie. But I just refused to open my mouth (for once!).

Friday, February 15, 2008

Ask Julia: President's Weekend edition


Score! I located Dad's Diet Dr. Pepper stash. But I think I'm doing something wrong...maybe I'm holding it upside down?


Ah yes, much better. And the commercials don't lie, it does taste like regular Dr. Pepper!

My mailbox was stuffed with Ask Julia questions, to my delight. Here's a question from Grandpa, whom I'll be seeing tomorrow:

Li'l Darlin', maybe you can set your grandfather straight on how you react to seeing, let alone hearing, a vacuum cleaner. Is it that you purr like a kitten, or scream like a banshee?
Neither. I wail as if some has lined up all my possessions in front of me and destroyed them one by one. It's not pretty. At this point, however, everyone can spot my warning signs, so they usually whisk me away from "harm" before I get to that emotional state.

What do you make of this little kid named Oscar that is monopolizing your Dad's time? He can't possibly be as endearing and cute as you.
Don't even get me started! I hate that guy! He's the reason I don't get to enjoy the long holiday weekend with Dad, who has to work for much of it. Of course, I know that since an Oscar is the perfect shape and size for me to munch on, if I was ever close to one all would be forgiven and I'd just start chomping away.

Aunt Paula also checked in with her weekly queries:

Did you get to go sledding? Or do you still have the nasal congestion?
I've been feeling much better—still a bit of a runny nose but otherwise I'm much improved. But sadly, I wasn't well enough to go sledding this week, when there was finally an extended snowfall for the first time in 2008. Most of the snow has melted already, so I'm out of luck.

I understand that your grandparents are coming up this weekend. Do you have something special planned?
Not really—I think we're celebrating Mom and Dad's birthday, but unless something revolves around me I don't pay attention. However, I got my new passport last weekend...maybe I can convince Grandma and Grandpa to take me on a trip?


Finally, my best friend Isabella wrote, concerned about the babyproofing that has sprouted up in my home:

I am sorry to hear about the professional babyproofer—what kind of career choice is that?
While personally I agree that it's a horrible and cruel line of work, my parents can't stop raving about the guy and what a great job he did.

We saw your mom in town the other day, but she said you were asleep in the car.
Hey, just to clarify so no one gets on the phone to child services: Dad was in the car with me while I slept. Mom didn't leave me to fend for myself!

I've missed you. Now that you're mobile, want to come over to play? I'll have my mom call your mom. P.S. Just don't tell my parents about this "professional" babyproofing stuff. They've got gates up everywhere too, but Alec said he'd show me how to get around everything.
I'd love to play! As long as you teach me how to walk (now that I've mastered crawling I need a new challenge) and share Alec's tips for outsmarting the babyproofing. And don't worry, my lips are sealed...or at least, I promise that your parents won't be able to decipher my babbling.

I hope you all enjoy the long weekend (I guess that doesn't apply to you, Dad!). And keep sending me Ask Julia questions! As for my part, I'll make sure Mom and Dad document my speedier crawling this weekend.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Oh, "no"


Now that I'm crawling (and boy, if you thought I was fast over the weekend, you should see me now!) and getting into trouble, Mom and Dad have been saying a new word to me: "No." Happily, I have no idea what that means, so it's all good...



Now that I think about it, even when I do find out what "no" means, I'm just going to play dumb and act exactly like I do right now. That has worked out just fine so far. Mom and Dad will never catch on!

My Valentine's treat

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I was so touched to receive cards from several of you, so thank you all. I've been busy writing cards to Mom, Dad, Mom and Dad, and Babcia and Dido (with a little help from, respectively, Dad, Mom, Babcia/Dido and Mom/Dad). I'm too young for chocolate, but I still managed to find myself a sweet Valentine's treat: the card that Mom and Dad gave me.




That was even yummier than a box of chocolates!

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

R.I.P. Flutterbug


We've all seen this moment coming for a long time now. But now it's a reality: Flutterbug is no more. Since the day I came home from the hospital, Flutterbug—who as many of you know was the mobile that Mom and Dad clipped on to my changing table—has been a daily presence in my life. He saw me through thousands of diaper changes and hundreds of clothing changes. He was there at my happiest, my saddest and my stinkiest. And through it all, his music and his rotating, colorful wings kept me entertained and distracted while Mom, Dad, Babcia and Dido changed my diaper and my outfit.

But we've been living on borrowed time for months now. Flutterbug's life expectancy was only four months, or whenever I started grabbing at him. But I showed surprising restraint, and as the months passed, I continued to enjoy Flutterbug's presence in my life. However, this past month I was no longer able to resist the urge to pull on his colorful ribbons, even though Mom and Dad warned me this meant they would soon have to take him away. So tug away I did, and then tragedy struck on Saturday, when I tore off one of his wings. It was designed to snap right back on, so he's in one piece again, but we all knew the moment had come to say farewell.


Dad let me say my final goodbye (I, of course, got in one last good tug, as you can see above), and now he's gone for good. The changing table seems empty, but to Mom and Dad's amazement, I hardly have noticed he's gone.

R.I.P. Flutterbug, you were a good friend, my first-ever favorite toy, and served me—and my parents—well.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Let it snow...until I find something better to look at

In light of today's "wintry mix," I thought you'd enjoy seeing my reaction to a much prettier flurry-fall over the weekend. I was so excited...until I found something even better to focus on. Keep your eyes peeled during this video and you'll see how quickly my troublemaking reflexes kick in. It's very simple: I just distracted Mom and Dad by uttering something they think is an actual word, and then I made my move! It took a few seconds for Mom and Dad to realize what I did, even though it happened right in front of their eyes. Step aside, David Copperfield!

Monday, February 11, 2008

Curious Julia


One advantage of learning to crawl is that it allows me to more fully indulge in my other new hobby: snooping around! Here's a new trick I picked up while on the move last week:



Show of hands: who watched that and expected me to either shut the drawer on my fingers or poke myself on the drawer's edge? Yeah, me too. That's why Mom and Dad can't leave me alone for a moment anymore; there's no telling what kind of mischief I'll get into!

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Life behind bars


Talk about bad luck. Just one day after I have my crawling breakthrough, the professional babyproofer arrives and makes the house completely, well, babyproof. What a buzzkill! It's too bad that Mom and Dad didn't do the babyproofing on their own. I'm sure they wouldn't have been nearly as thorough, and their craftsmanship would have been less than perfect, so I definitely could have exploited a few vulnerable spots. But not this guy, who left no stone unturned, no drawer without a "hook and eye" lock, no sharp corner without padding and no stairwell or dangerous doorway without a babygate!

Not only is the house now babyproof, but it's a little parent-proof too. Mom and Dad have had to learn how to open the gates and the toilet locks, and it could take weeks to get used to having to disengage those "hook and eye" locks while opening the drawers. Dad says he feels like a stranger in his own home. Serves them right!

I already heard from a few of you who loved seeing yesterday's crawling video. I'm happy to say that we've got several more videos to share this week, so be sure to check back soon!

Saturday, February 9, 2008

News crawl

I've been talking about crawling all week now, and I know you're all eager for me to show you my new skill. So without further ado:

Friday, February 8, 2008

Ask Julia: 2/8/08


I have lots to update you on later in the weekend, but first let's go through some new Ask Julia questions.

First up, as always, is Aunt Paula's weekly queries:

I sure hope that you are starting to feel better. Have you ever thought about hiding the aspirator? I know that it is good to clear your little nose out but, I know how annoying that little thing can be.
Happily, they spared me the nasal aspirator this week, though no one seems to have any qualms about sticking their fingers into my nose to picking stuff out. Gross! They also use saline drops in my nostrils, which cleans me right out.

Do you have plans for the weekend other than your music lesson? Hopefully, you will just be resting this weekend.
I don't think I have any big travel plans; perhaps I'll just motor around the house looking for the weak spots in the newly-installed babyproofing (more on that later in the weekend).

It looks like you are crawling now. Do you get into a lot of stuff now? Are you getting pretty fast at crawling? I hope to see a video soon of you just scooting along.
My parents are amazed at what a difference just these past few days have made. I'm not crawling too quickly just yet, but all of a sudden it all seems to have clicked for me. I'll see what I can do about showing off for the camera this weekend so we can post some crawling videos for you all to see.

I also was happy to get a note from my Aunt Christa up in Connecticut:
Since you are an avid Yankee fan, I want to know if you think Roger Clemens is telling the truth. He used to be a Red Sox and I am not too happy about the controversy since the Sox are pretty squeaky clean.
The whole thing is very confusing. First off, I don't understand why anyone would voluntarily get a shot, because those things are no fun! Dad says he believed the trainer since his testimony about some of Roger's teammates was truthful, but in the past few days the trainer is starting to sound crazier and crazier...so who knows?
And I don't want to burst your bubble, but I don't think your Red Sox have been as squeaky clean as you think. Let's just say I know people who know people.

That's it for now. Check back later for a much-anticipated look at my new crawling abilities!

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Julia B.C.: before crawling


I have a video that I was going to save until the weekend, but Dad pointed out even though he shot it less than two weeks ago, it's already a bit of a relic. As in, wow, remember way back at the beginning of the week when I stayed in a sitting position for minutes at a time—and didn't immediately start crawling around and getting into mischief? Because as of this week, the crawling/mischief combo now tops my agenda!

Even though it's not up-to-the-moment, I still love this video because I managed to combine several of my greatest hits: head-tilting, waving, hair-pulling, squealing...it's all in here!

Same old story


Big surprise: I'm sick again. Bigger surprise: it's my usual nasal congestion. Now don't get me wrong, my parents and I are thrilled that when I do get sick it's rarely anything more severe than that. But on the other hand, didn't I just go through this a couple weeks ago? And then a month before that? And so on and so on? I partially blame my Music Together teacher, who was raving on Saturday about what a healthy baby I was. I think she jinxed me!

So hello again to my humidifier and (eek!) nasal aspirator, and goodbye once more to sleeping through the night!

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Back in the saddle again


It's been five days since I asked you guys for advice about my late-night restlessness, and I'm happy to say that I've bee sleeping through the night ever since! Even better, four out of the five nights I made it till nearly 7 am, which is almost an hour longer than I had been sleeping for most of 2008. Yes, I'm still twisting myself into odd positions—today Dad discovered me in my crib on all fours, facing him—but we're hoping that aside from the occasional blip, this latest crisis has passed.

However, I did want to share some of the advice that came in. Grandma said—quite accurately, it turned out—that this was probably just another phase on my way to toddlerhood and hopefully I'd be sleeping through the night again soon. Wow, I should ask her to give me lottery numbers! Then she said something truly terrifying: my Dad didn't sleep through the night until he was 2—talk about a slow learner!

My best friend Isabella also wrote in to say that she goes through the same thing at night. She told me that she turns over every night and if she makes enough noise, her mom or dad takes her back to their bed. She wrote more after that, but once Dad read that last part he deleted the email and tried to convince me that Isabella was just joking. I don't know, it didn't sound like a joke to me...

But thanks Grandma and Isabella for your advice, and perhaps you can help me through my next kiddie crisis!

Monday, February 4, 2008

Rose-y disposition


Babcia wanted me to take time and smell the roses, so I did exactly that.


But then after these pictures were taken, I started thinking: wouldn't it be more fun to pluck out the petals instead? That was much more fun!

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Belated birthday wishes


Two other birthday-related bits to pass along. First, here's a photo of me helping Dad celebrate his birthday. But as you can see, I was too preoccupied by the lit candle to sing "Happy Birthday."

I also wanted to wish Happy Birthday to someone else: Taryn To-Lan Casey, who was born to Mom's friend To-Dao last Tuesday. Mom visited her in the hospital on Friday and said she's a real cutie. So happy birthday to my newest friend!

Happy birthday Dad!

Today would have been a Super day even without that big football game: it's Dad's birthday! Mom helped me write him a birthday card (I addressed it to "Dadadadada...," which as you know is what I call him—and everyone else), and he said that my sleeping through the night for the past three nights and being super-cheery all weekend is the best birthday present he could ever receive. Dad asked me to talk a little more about his birthday celebration today but I reminded him that this is my blog and he should go start his own blog if he wants to write about himself.

So instead, let's talk about how I'm getting older! I already wrote today about how I'm started to self-feed. Last night, I discovered that Dad had lowered my crib once again because I'm getting bigger and getting close to pulling myself to a standing position. So now the crib is at its lowest setting. Yesterday Mom and Dad took me to apply for a passport—can you believe I'm going to have a passport already?—which must mean we're traveling somewhere amazing very soon. Finally, my crawling has been improving by leaps and bounds this weekend. Mom and Dad had better put a rush on those babyproofing plans!

I'd better get back to the Super Bowl, because who knows when Mom and Dad will let me watch TV again!

Self-service


Now that I'm eight months old, Mom says I'm supposed to start learning how to feed myself. I still need to work on my hand-eye coordination (I'm often a little bit off-target when I aim the spoon at my mouth) and also should stop shoving the spoon so far in my mouth (gag!). But I'm starting to get the hang of it. Dad took this video of me yesterday and it wasn't nearly as much of a disaster as they had feared (I was much messier during my first attempts this week with Babcia and Dido). And while you're watching, maybe you can help Mom and Dad determine whether I'm a lefty or a righty!

Call to action


A surefire way to get my attention is to bring a phone (a real one, not my toy one!) in my vicinity.


Hey, that call is for me!


C'mon, Mom, I've got some important things I need to say!

You win this round, Mom, but just wait until I'm older. Then I'll be talking on the phone (or texting, or whatever it is kids are doing then) 24-7!

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Nobody puts baby in the corner...I just kind of end up there on my own

I'm growing more confident in my crawling skills every day, but I still have much to learn. No matter how I try, when I scootch around the kitchen I always end up literally backing myself into a corner.

Then I manage to wedge myself in between large objects. In this instance, Dad says that chair had been pushed all the way under the kitchen table when I started my journey, so I managed to pull it out myself, then get stuck between the chair and the fridge. That takes talent!

Who ya gonna call? Babyproofers!

Mom had some professional babyproofers come by the house this week to tell her exactly how they'd make the house safe for yours truly. I don't know what on earth I could have done to cause them to do something like that...

Friday, February 1, 2008

Good clean fun

During my first two months, Mom and Dad used to dread my bathtime almost as much as I did. I hated being exposed to the elements, and especially being placed on the bath sling that I had to use when I was at my tiniest. But as I became able to hold my head up and sit upright, I began enjoying my baths more and more.

My favorite thing to do during bathtime is gnaw on one of my rubber duckies or other bath toys.


I usually focus intently on whatever I'm eating, but sometimes I'll remember Mom and Dad are there (Mom does the bathing; Dad keeps me from falling and going underwater) and start talking to and playing with them. Dad caught me here as I was in the middle of sticking out my tongue.


Aren't I a bathing beauty? By the way, despite how it looks in the pictures, I assure you that Mom and Dad don't bathe me in filthy water. It must be some weird effect from the flash and the reflection!

Ask Julia: 2/1/08


Happy February! How do you like my outfit? This was actually made for Babcia when she was a baby in Ukraine—she thinks she was a year old when she wore it. Babcia is going to donate it to the Ukrainian Museum in New York City, because they don't have many children's costumes.

Before we get to this week's questions, an update about my sleeping situation. Perhaps yesterday's impassioned plea for help was cathartic in some way, because last night I slept completely through the night for the first time in two weeks. But wait, there's more! I slept until 6:40, well past the 5:30/5:45 wakeup time I've stuck to over the past few weeks. Who knows what tonight will bring, but Mom, Dad and I are at least comforted to know that a good—and full—night's sleep is still possible.

Now on to this week's questions, from Aunt Paula. There was the usual silence from everyone else. Hmm, perhaps I should just start emailing updates to Aunt Paula, Aunt Rebecca and my grandparents instead of posting for everyone else.

Which of those many stuffed animals do you like the best? Do you get to play with all of them?
While I posed with them, I don't actually play with them all too often. Mom doesn't like to hear this, but I do have an affinity for South Park's Cartman, probably because of his big eyes.

You sure have a fun time when you are up on your dad's shoulders. Do you think that you would like to ride on the Top Thrill Dragster? Your dad sure did.
You must be referring to that ride at Cedar Point amusement park that Dad sometimes tells Mom he'll be taking me on. Considering how happy I get when Dad lifts me up, down and all around, I'd say there's a good chance of my liking roller coasters. Then again, Dad was 3 when you and Grandpa dragged him on the wild mouse ride at Cedar Point and he hated it. So we'll have to see. If and when we do go to Cedar Point, I hope you come along with us!

Do you and your mom have a special party planned for your dad's birthday on Sunday? Do you think that they will let you have a piece of cake, or at least a taste of the frosting? I sure hope so. There is nothing like good old sugar.
It's strange, because his birthday is also on the day of the Super Bowl, so I'm not sure what is planned. We'll probably just go out to lunch, and I'm sure Dad would love it if the three of us took a nice long nap together. But I don't think cake is in my future, at least not until my birthday rolls around.

Even though I had a restful night last night, I'm still seeking guidance about how to cope with turning over/sitting up in the middle of the night, so please send advice (or Ask Julia questions)!

Mom and Dad have been taking lots of cute photos this week, so we'll try to post them through the weekend and into next week. Enjoy the weekend!