A Week of Firsts...

Having just returned from my first trip to Ann Arbor, Michigan -- my soon to be home, my parents tell me -- I am exhausted and in need of a good nap. Catching a 7:25 AM flight home didn't help anything. Before I retire to the crib, though, I thought some photos were in order, given the lack of updates recently. Some pictures are a bit older (the swing, for example), but haven't made their way onto the blog yet. Others are hot off the presses and ready for first viewing (you'll know when you see them below).

Our trip to Ann Arbor was as successful as it was emotionally and physically draining (Mommy's words, but I thought they were appropriate). We looked at 20+ homes and found one that seems to be perfect, although Daddy mentioned something about clothes from the Salvation Army for a while after he came out of the conference room with the realtor. That's OK -- especially since I don't yet understand what he is referring to. In any case, it is a busy two weeks for me, with my seventh plane ride scheduled for tomorrow morning, as we make our way to the Dominican Republic for a week of vacation in the sun with Grandma Sue and Grandpa Irwin. Can't wait!!

My first swing ride ever...with an awesome pusher behind me!

Not sure how obvious it is, but I was a bit ambivalent about the ride...

The slide was awesome, though. I screamed out loud with each fall.

Slide action photo!

My first baby-car ride...again, ambivalent.

Prepping for the beach in the DR with Daddy in my new SPF 50+ UV protected tent.

Daddy and me...trying solid food for the first time ever (Oatmeal, of course)!!!!

It is so much fun to have more than just breast milk for a change (note: the oatmeal is mixed in what else...but...breast milk).

It is fun to make a mess...naked style!

Since the oatmeal thing worked so well, we figured we'd quickly move on to...Fajitas!! Just kidding. But this was my first time ever in a restaurant high chair. Awesome! Now I get to grab at Mommy and Daddy's food...

So much fun to get out of the car seat and into the high chair!! It is a whole new world.

Mommy and me checking out the closet space in an old home on our house hunting tour.

Moving "cautiously" into the pool for the first time ever...

It seems that I like the hot tub far more than the "poorly" heated pool. The bubbles are so much fun!

Here is our new home in Ann Arbor during what else but...snow! It snowed every day we were out there...

A nice picture of the home from last summer time.

That's it for now. Can't wait to post updates after our trip to the Dominican. I hope the only thing I come back with is a tan!!!! Love to all. TSG. XOXOXOXOXO.

The Censored Images: Or, My Imitation of...

...Mommy and Daddy when they found out about me (or me, when I found out about Mommy and Daddy)

...Grandpa IG at the grocery store

...Grandpa David trying Thai-Cambodian food for the first time

...Mommy, when Daddy leaves his dishes in the sink

...Daddy, when his pager goes off at 4 AM

...Aunt LG, when she found out the average home price in Silicon Valley

...Grandma Jo at the registrar's office, when she was informed that calculus was a degree requirement

Love to all. If you weren't mentioned in this one...just wait! We have plenty more "rejected" photos were these came from. BJ...you're up first. TSG. XOXOXOXOXO.

Independence

It has been a while since my last blog entry. That is not an apology, nor will I make excuses, but I have been enjoying some new found autonomy and have been busy. That and "24" was a two-hour special that ran well past my bedtime so I have been "off" my routine ever since. In any case, I can show you a few photos that Mommy and Daddy have shot while I have been off on my own. Take note that I have five teeth now (two lower, three upper) with the sixth on its way through the gums as we speak. I can feed myself (once the substrate is provided to me). I can play by myself. And I can drink by myself (I'm told that since I am referring to breast milk here, and breast milk alone, such a comment should not concern anyone). Take a look!

Hangin' out with Bumble (the giant bear in the photo) and friends...

Taking a well deserved breather with Mommy for a moment.

I am told that I am "still as cute as ever." Rosy cheeks are the best!

Part I of the demonstration of my skills at mastication...

Part II...

And Part III...the grand finale.

Who needs help sitting up these days?

Like Daddy always says, two spoons are better than one!

Gone are the days of Daddy "holding" my bottle. Note that this is 100% organic pear juice to keep me regular.

Love to all. Can't wait for my upcoming trip to Ann Arbor to find a house (Mommy says it's going to be the one I start crawling in) and then to the warmth of the Dominican Republic where I will work on my tan while avoiding acquiring Dengue Fever! Congratulations to Freddy and Isabelle who just found out that there second baby will be a boy! Can't wait for some backyard whiffle ball... TSG. XOXOXOXOXOXO.

Five for Fighting

So, Grandpa David and Grandma Jo gave me this great Minnesota Wild hockey get-up and Mommy thought it would be a great time for me to try it out, now that winter has officially hit Boston. Things went well initially, and I enjoyed the new gear. But then came the on-ice game -- and I got into my first fight. The ref called me for "fisticuffs" so I will have to sit out the next game, but I think I will retain my position as high-scorer on the squad (we get all the girls with this title, unlike my Uncle Brandon who is forced to wear a "golden helmet" during games with a similar title on his team in Denmark). In any case, all I was left with was a bunch of disheveled hair and a small cut over my left eye. My dad the pediatrician (and plastic surgeon?) said it should heal up well. I don't mind. A small scar and a breast milk mustache are all in a day's work. And Mommy was happy because I kept all of my new teeth (all four of them...with two more on the way!). As Uncle Brandon used to say when he came home with a black eye and scratches al over his face -- "You should have seen the other baby!" Here are the pics to prove it:





More soon. Have to get to the whirlpool to recover for now. Love, TSG. XOXOXOXOXO.

My Great-Grandparents Come to Visit

We had a lazy day at home the other day, so we invited Gramma and Grampa (my Great Grandparents from Boston) over to spend some time with Mommy and Daddy and me. They not only came, they brought Tamarind Duck from their favorite Thai restaurant (Daddy's favorite poultry)! I was in an OK mood before they came, but an awesome mood once they arrived. We played and sang and laughed (a lot). Gramma even brought me a gift for when I get a bit older (a few wooden puzzles). I cannot wait for their next visit.









Love as always. Look for some pictures of me after my first hockey "game" soon... XOXOXOXOXOXO.

Splish, Splash, I Was Takin' a Bath!

Bath time with Mommy, Daddy and Nemo! I love bath time with the warm water and fishies -- it is getting me excited for our upcoming trip to the Dominican Republic! Not much new to say, so it'll just be pictures for now...




Love as always. TSG. XOXOXOXOXO.