Flower Fields

Every spring in Carlsbad you will find field after field of flowers blooming on the side of a hill. The view is amazing, not only of the flowers but of the ocean in the distance. We went to the Flower Fields today to take advantage of the photo-op as well as walk around the grounds. I didn't last too long because I was extremely hungry but did agree to a few pictures.

We had lunch at a Greek restaurant. I sat up at the table on mommy's lap and practiced grabbing things off the table. The paper placemat was particularly enjoyable. I am starting to examine my hands a lot. I try to scoop up toys within reach but many times end of missing. As always, growing up is a work in progress.

No Cameras Allowed

April 9-

You will have to trust me and what I'm about to tell you. There is no photographic evidence to support my claims and the claims of my mommy.

The day happened as follows:

We got up early to drive to LA to meet up with Auntie L. We picked her up and headed to The Grove for lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. In spite of the large lunch portions, grandpa was still able to enjoy a piece of chocolate-peanut butter-cookie dough cheesecake. The girls helped him with exactly four small bites.

Then we headed back to Auntie L's apartment so mommy, grandma and grandpa could get ready for their night at 'Dancing with the Stars'. The rest of the story is true but undocumented due to ABC's no cameras allowed rule.

When they got to the studio they were shuffled to the VIP entrance to get a special stamp and wrist band for the after-show party in the greenroom. Imagine their surprise! They were seated in 'the zone' and even had their names pre-printed on their seats. The show was extremely exciting and fun, you may have caught the show. They realized that although they had amazing seats, they probably would not end up on camera. They were directly across from the main stage.

After the show they waited for the exclusive green room access and were let in after about 30 minutes. In the meantime, grandma talked with Ian Ziering and let him know that he was her absolute favorite. Grandpa talked with the judges, he let Bruno know that he didn't boo him that night. Bruno, in turn, let him know that he really appreciated that!

Apollo Ohno accompanied them up to the party in the elevator. Grandpa assisted him with putting on his jacket. He was not too appreciative or very friendly. He must have needed a cocktail.

Once at the party the three grabbed some drinks and snacks and headed to a bistro table in the corner for some optimal people watching. They met a new friend named Keith. He was a special guest of Leeza Gibbons. He pointed out some people in the crowd and kept them company.

At the next table sat Lance Bass (N-Sync) and Alfonso Ribeiro (Fresh Prince of Bel Air). Grandma knew who Lance was which really impressed mommy! When Joey Fatone came in grandma let him know that he was the best act of the night and grandpa noted that he really enjoyed him pulling his partner by her hair. Joey said that it was all her idea and thanked grandma.

After their hob-nobbing with the celebrities they came back to see how my night went with Auntie L. We had such fun and it was so nice to visit with her! But we had to get home so we jumped in the car and headed back to Oceanside.

Happy Easter

April 8-

We got up for the early service to celebrate Easter Sunday. I stayed in the nursery and, from all accounts, was a perfect baby. When mommy came in to get me I was relaxing in the arms of one of the older ladies. We were going to go to the Easter brunch at the O-club but decided to call out for pizza instead. A little out of the ordinary but just as enjoyable.

Daddy called last night to wish us a Happy Easter, it was already Easter where he was. He's still looking for bad guys in the desert but there have been none to be found. Let's hope he doesn't run into any!

Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny came early to the Blackford's! Mommy will stop at nothing to get a cute, posed photo. Usually I don't mind the paparazzi but this didn't seem quite so fun. I felt better when mommy decided to put Max through the same ordeal. Needless to say, he was much quicker about fleeing the scene than I was.

I have had so much excitement these last couple of days that I spent a lot of time in my crib today. I needed to regroup and get some zzzzzz's. I had my second helping of cereal and was much more eager to open my mouth wide for the spoon. Although, getting it to stay in my mouth is a work in progress.

First Rice Cereal

Mommy thought it might be fun to give me my first rice cereal while grandma and grandpa were here so it would be extremely well documented. Grandma with the camera and grandpa with the video cam and mommy with the spoon. I wasn't sure about the whole thing but did take a couple of mini-bites. Most of the cereal ended up oozing out of my mouth and on my bib. Mommy's plan is to feed me the cereal once a day to start, until I get used to the idea.

Just when you think I couldn't have had a more exciting day, daddy called this morning! He was riding in one of his vehicles in the middle of the desert and he just wanted to let us know he loved us. The phone cut out quickly but we heard enough to know that he's thinking of us. It was great to hear from him since we hadn't since Sunday.

Grammy, Grandpa and Me

We went to the airport today to pick up Grammy and Grandpa. They had a very long journey to get here, with all sorts of flight excitement along the way. We were so happy to see that they got here safely. Since it was late in the day we decided to have dinner at the Seaport Village in San Diego. I was a bit of a grump but they still thought I was pretty cute.

We plan to do some antiquing, walking by the beach, visiting the Carlsbad Flower Fields and taking a car ride up to LA to see Auntie L. While we're there mommy, Grammy and Grandpa are going to 'Dancing with the Stars'. They'll be in the audience, not dancing! I'll keep you up to date on all the fun we're having in the next few days.

New Friend

I got an Easter package filled with goodies from Gram and Pop. I especially love my big bunny rabbit. I cuddled with it, chewed on it a bit and rolled all over it. It was great fun and kept me occupied between naps today.

Mommy and me are getting ready for a visit from Grandma and Grandpa. I had fun watching mommy vacuuming today while I took it easy in my Bumbo chair. We made sure to get out to the post office to finally send daddy his golf clubs, hope they get to him in one piece. I bet he has a lot of open spaces there to practice his swing with his sand wedge.

Teether Woes

I don't think I'm teething yet but I do love to put everything in my mouth. I especially love to put my hands in my mouth and spread the saliva all over my face. You may notice that my cheeks are especially shiny in this picture.

Mommy got me this teether so my fingers wouldn't turn to raisins. When I try to enjoy my new toy when I'm on my back, I usually end up with it on my face. Then I'm not quite sure how to get it off so I just lay there really still hoping it will find it's way off. Needless to say, mommy thinks this is one of the funniest things she's seen and had to make me lay in my misery while she grabbed the camera. I'm glad that I can keep her laughing.

Nothing But Love

I have learned that as long as you are rubbing Max he will be by your side. I think he also likes me to spend time in my chair because there's someone closer to his level. Plus, he just loves to be close to his sister no matter where we are. I'm so lucky to have him.

Mommy and I had fun over at Miss Maria's tonight for her 'Chili Night'. I loved watching the other kids and wished I could crawl my way over to the action. We got home after my bedtime so I didn't get tucked in until 8:30 and mommy's hoping that I don't wake up a grouch tomorrow. I told her that the fun we had was worth that risk!

Palm Sunday

Without Palm Sunday my life as I know it may be completely different. You see, grandma and grandpa got engaged on Palm Sunday in 1965. Had they not met, not gotten engaged, not gotten married, not had my mommy and mommy did not meet daddy I may not have the family today that loves me so much. Goes to show that everything works together in absolute perfection! Maybe my grandkids will look back to appreciate the same thing in their lives.

Daddy called on the way to Miss Lisa's house this afternoon. Mommy and daddy talked about a lot of bank account business... boring... but he's taking care of himself and sounded good. He said to send him golf balls because mommy will be sending him his sand wedge. Then, us girls went to a street fair in San Marcos. There were a lot of booths with food and crafts. Mommy got me a tank top with a yellow ribbon on the front made out of glitter. Everywhere we go we're thinking of daddy!