From the Mouths of (Our) Babes

Avery and I took an early morning stroll around the park this morning, after which Avery did the breakfast bagel bop to smooth jazz tunes. I wanted to post the video, but am having issues with You Tube, so the still pic will have to do for now. Thanks, Cosi, for opening at 7am on a holiday! Happy Fourth, all.

Love, Avery

Avery attended his first shabbat dinner at Gary, Alyssa and Gabriel's last night. He loved the challah and raisins, and hanging out with his friend, Gabe. However, he seemed scared when Gabe was showing off his jump-head-first-into-the-bean-bag trick. They say children this age cannot be empathetic, but our theory was that he was afraid Gabe was hurting himself jumping head first into anything. Avery also attempted to do the old 'pull the placemat out from under all the food without dumping it all on the floor' trick in this picture. Luckily, we caught him just in time.

Avery and Sophia got a lesson on sidewalk chalk at Avery's b'day party. It was Memorial Day weekend, but these shots are just in, and were too precious not to post. Thanks, Uncle Eric!

The day of Avery's first birthday party was quite busy and quite hot. We spent the morning picking up cupcakes and balloons. With all of the activity, Avery only had one short nap the whole day. That did not stop him, however, from whooping it up during his party. He seemed content the whole time, even as people packed into our tiny house to celebrate. There was sangria for adults, and a kiddie version. Family, neighbors and friends attended, including Kate and her new sister Caroline (only 8 weeks old), Sophia, and Baby Bosco. "Uncle" Gary brought his guitar, and we sang songs, including Old McDonald's Farm, and drew on the sidewalk with chalk. Avery tried both chocolate and vanilla cupcakes. He seemed to like them both equally. After the party, he and his friend Gabriel helped with the dishes.

Avery's tiny and adorable friend, Sophia, also celebrated her birthday this weekend. Sophia looks like a little majorette, mincing around while Avery stomps, both getting their walking down. They seemed to enjoy playing together, but we do still worry about Avery and his tendency to poke other babies in the eye. We know he doesn't mean it, but still. Avery and Sophia are three days apart. Happy First birthday, little ones!

Have a wonderful birthday.

My mom told me that when she was little, she got a report card for pre-school. She was rated on things like "can recognize letters", "can sit quietly at circle time" and "can sing a tune". On the card, the teacher crossed out "can sing a tune" and wrote over it, "She likes to dance!", and she underlined dance. Maybe that's true for me, too. Today, I discovered the head BOP. We headed out in the gorgeous day, 70 degrees and Spring-like, to go to the Mummer's parade. The weather might be unusual for January, but I am a baby, so I don't know that yet. We ran into the Dry family on our way there, and they all peeked in at me to say hello. I thought I was going to take a nap, but NO! Partytime! There were bands and lots of exhuberant Philadelphians at the parade, all yelling and singing and chanting things I didn't quite understand. But I bobbed my head to the music, smiled at everyone, and loved it all. Ch...

A New Year! How exciting. I rang in the new year by waking up for the fireworks at midnight! I admit, the loud bangs were a bit of surprise for me in the middle of the night, but I made up for it by "sleeping in" today. Then, I was all ready to head out to my first Mummer's Parade. Alas, the rain was just coming down too hard and the the Mummers decided to postpone the parade today. Mommy and I decided to put on silly costumes and make our own music at home to celebrate the new year. I loved EATING the drumsticks most. Delicious! Maybe I'm gettin' some new teeth.

Daddy and I took disco naps to prepare for NY Eve tonight. We're going to Laura, Joe and Baby Sophia's house to play and eat good food. Maybe I'll stay up until 8:30 to celebrate the new year!