Bath Time

We've had a busy couple of days. Mommy and I are getting together some goodies for daddy for his first Father's Day. Because of the time it takes for mail to get to him we have to stay ahead of the game.

At the end of the day I look forward to one of my favorite things... bath time. My latest is an obsession with the washcloth. Mommy has to be quick to get me wiped down and then it's all mine. I love to suck on the corners!

Memorial Day

We've had a fun weekend! I was able to show off my patriotic outfit at our picnic at the beach. Mommy wasn't able to get too many pictures there because it was so bright so I modeled a bit in the yard. We had a great time visiting with the other wives and kids from Charlie Company.

Saturday we were able to see daddy. 1st LAR worked with a generous, technically-minded man here in Cali to set up a video teleconference so we could see daddy and talk with him for 20 minutes. There was an extreme delay which made the conversation a bit difficult but it was wonderful to see him!

Backyard Fun

I love playing with Max. I don't know that I can say the same for him but he is very patient with me, even if that means getting a finger in the ear or eye. We are in the midst of a patch of overcast days. That's great for me because I can play outside and not have to worry about the sun shining in my eyes.

I went to the gym for the first time today to play in the kids room. Mommy was excited to get some time to herself. I lasted about 15 minutes. I cried the whole time so mommy had to come get me. We've decided I may have to go at a different time in the day. We may try for early morning tomorrow, I'll let you know how it goes.

p.s. I try to be consistent about my blogging but continue to have technical difficulties. The latest was with the camera and the computer seems to be just on the verge of a meltdown again. This is a constant thorn in mommy's side.

6 Months Old

I've come a long way from my first day. It's hard to believe that I was so small and helpless. Now I'm sitting all on my own, starting to babble more every day and should be rolling all over the floor before we know it. I have mommy video these things for daddy as much as she can. Daddy said not to grow too much while he's gone, I think he'll be surprised.

Check Up

I went for my 6 month check up and shots today. I've been battling a cold lately and, come to find out, I have an ear infection. The doctor said it was surprising that I was in such good spirits and gave me some antibiotics. I am 28.5 inches long and 16.5 pounds. I was told I am long and lean for my age. The shots went as well as can be expected. Next appointment is 9 months but there are no shots!

Mommy's camera's acting up again so I'm pulling this picture from our trip to Washington. This is a musical cube that I just loved. Grace and Ian have the best toys. Speaking of that, mommy has treated me to my very own LeapFrog. I love to play with it every day.

Two Months Down

Daddy has been gone for two months, five to go. I'm happy to see that he is making friends over there, it looks like they are glad to meet him. He is doing well as are all of his Marines. They all miss their families as much as daddy does but they remain focused and dedicated to their mission.

I'm gearing up for another round of shots tomorrow. Mommy says that this time we will take some aspirin ahead of time since the last round gave me a fever. I'm not looking forward to it but I suppose I don't have much say in the matter. Say a little prayer for me! Mommy's interested to see how much I weigh and how long I am.

First Mothers Day!

Mommy had a great birthday yesterday, filled with excitement! We all went down to a outlet mall right by the Mexican border. The shopping was wonderful, there were many deals to be had. It was particularly interesting with the Mexican flag flying just over the river and two large border walls. While we were getting out of the car we actually saw three illegals running into the states from the border. Certainly don't see that every day!

Today was mommy's first Mother's Day. We went out for breakfast and then down to 'Antiques on Mission', an antique fair downtown. We didn't find anything worth buying but Poppy did take me on my first visit to Oceanside's finest LLL Reptile store. He said it was my first time to a mini-zoo.

Special Dolls

Miss Rheta made me these very special dolls by hand. Grammy brought them with her in her suitcase and surprised me with them. I love them so much! My favorite thing is to play with their bright red hair. They're just my size and I fit in well with my striped jammies.

We heard from daddy this morning but I was taking my early morning nap. He's doing really well! He wanted us to know that he's thinking of us and wish mommy a happy birthday. I know he wishes he could be here but it's great to know we're always in his thoughts.

Big Girl Carseat

Poppy and mommy went out and got me a new car seat today. The straps are getting pretty tight in my smaller baby seat. I'm being well fed and also am getting longer by the day. This big seat will take me through 100 pounds so it will be nice and worn in by the time I outgrow it.

I was okay about being placed in the seat, even patient to adjust all the straps but when they had been messing around with the headpiece and cup holder I just about had it. Luckily, gram was there to save me from all of the chaos.

Back to Cali

We flew back to Cali today. Me and mommy were so very sad to leave Uncle Scott, Auntie, Grace and Ian. What a fun visit and I was so happy to get to know my cousins. We had a pre-birthday meal for mommy last night, her birthday is Saturday. Auntie made her all time favorite, lemon delight. She was quite delighted.

The flights home went alright but I had started getting the sniffles yesterday and now I'm feeling a bit more under the weather. I am having a bit of trouble getting back in my at home routine. With any luck I will get a good night sleep and be more of myself by tomorrow.

Me and Auntie

We had big fun today and it's only mid-afternoon. We played with the Leap Frog, had some breakfast together, went to the mall, watched Grace play at the indoor playground, did some shopping and had lunch out. Grace had a big day because she had her first trip to the mall without having to sit in the stoller. She did really great, we were all so proud of her.

Grace and Ian are taking a rest now so I have mommy and auntie all to myself. What a lucky girl I am!

Big Cousin Grace

Grace and I got dressed in our Sunday best and had a girly chat on the couch. I was able to stay in a brand new church nursery but decided to sleep my way through the morning. We had a nice barbeque on the back porch for lunch but also decided to sleep about half way through that as well. I'm still trying to figure out what my schedule is here.

I found a toy of Ian's especially exciting. It's a baby Leap Frog and there are all sorts of great buttons and sounds to listen to. Ian has helped to show me how everything works. There are such fun new toys to learn about here. We're having such a great visit!

Fun with My Cousins

Mommy and me flew in two airplanes to get to Washington yesterday to visit Aunt Andrea, Uncle Scott, Grace and Ian. I had a great time on the planes but had a bit of a hard adjustment in the nap routine. I got a good nights sleep last night and am now somewhat back on track.

We had a birthday party for Ian today, he turned 1 on Thursday. He had a lot of friends at his party so I had a lot of kids to look at. He had a great time picking through his cake and Grace helped him blow out his candle. It was so much fun that halfway through the party I was so worn out that I needed a rest.

Play and Pack

I had a lot of fun playing with Pop and Gram today. They got to stay with me while mommy ran out to get some things together for our trip tomorrow. We played on the floor, sang some songs and I took a long nap. I tried to talk a bit but not much came out except squeals and grunts. I'm still practicing.

I've realized that there is a lot that goes into packing for a long trip. It has taken all day to figure out the things that me and mommy will need. We're having to take the biggest suitcase we have and it is packed to the brim. I'm sure cousins Grace and Ian would love to share with me if I just ask!

Gram and Pop

Gram and Pop are here! We picked them up from the airport today. They're going to stay with Max while we go up to Washington and then are going to stay to help celebrate mommy's birthday and Mother's Day. We're so happy to have them here and Max is thrilled to have some company.

We went out for lunch in San Juan Capistrano on our way home. Then we went to the Mission there, it was built in 1776. It was so pretty with all sorts of flowers in bloom. Pop showed mommy around since he had visited there before and Gram was in charge of keeping track of me. We had an exciting day so I've decided to get to bed a little early.

May Day

Now that I'm getting the hang of this sitting thing, I'm really enjoying myself. I was even able to sit and play with some of my toys with mommy this afternoon without tipping over too much. It really wore me out but was tons of fun.

Mommy was sharing with me what fun she used to have on May Day when she was little. The kids in the neighborhood would put flowers on their mommy's doorstep, ring the doorbell and run. The flowers were anything from daffodils picked from someones yard to dandelions. Grandma always put them in a special vase no matter what kind they were and pretended she didn't know who had left them for her.