Bouncing Back

Does this look like a kid who spent the morning in the ER getting six (!!!) stitches (his first) in his forehead? The only evidence of his ordeal are: his hospital bracelet (he refused to take it off) and two bandages, one on his forehead (the site of the injury) and a decorative one on his arm just because. So much for his modeling career ...

Bathing Beauties

First time taking a bath together. But certainly not the last! Tate laughed through the whole thing - even when West repeatedly doused him with water. I sense a trend here ...

Victory!

At long last, West slept in his Big Kid Bed. He even elected to make his first session a nap so that we could capture it on film - very accommodating of him. Here's hoping he makes a repeat performance tonight at bed time.

Graduation Day

As you know, West started preschool last month and has been having a wonderful time. Unfortunately, this meant saying goodbye to Maggie and Peggy and Kiana and the wonderful gang of women who have become part of our family. Maggie surprised us by sending some incredible photos home with us on West's last day. As part of his graduation ceremony, he even received a "Look Who's Going to Preschool!" certificate.

Operation Big Kid Bed



A Very Full Day

West had a lot of adventures last Saturday and I happened to remember to grab the camera so you know what that means: blog post! We spent the morning at the Bay Area Discovery Museum and West made sure we got our money's worth by squeezing every last bit of stimulation out of those exhibits and activities. The kid is relentless when it comes to playing.

Rainman

It's been raining all weekend, which means fewer photo ops. On the upside, West discovered puddles. He thinks they are the best things ever.

First Two Wheeler

First bike ride - the Pacific Ocean as his backdrop. He fell asleep.

Helmet head!

Slide, Slide, Slippity Slide

West learned how to go down the slide by himself today. Color him happy.

O-N-E!

West had a mighty fine birthday surrounded by lots of adoring fans. It was a day full of new experiences, with lots of likes and dislikes. Underneath his sunny disposition, our little babe has some strong opinions.

Dislike #1: Fancy birthday hat

Dislike #2: Cake
West showed his disdain for cake by throwing it on the ground - and on his father. We captured it all on video but it's too long to post here so you'll just have to use your imagination. Trust me - it was hysterical.

Like #1: Blackberries

He preferred to have a blackberry instead of cake. I'm secretly proud of him.

Like #2: Pushing his new red wagon all over Golden Gate Park

Thanks Mimi & Papa!

Like#3: Bubbles

Especially when blown by his auntie Kate.

Dislike #3: Being taken away from his new red wagon

Like#4: Being reunited with his new red wagon

His present to us (and all of you!) was a 2.5 hour nap after the party, which is the only reason I was able to write this post.

Happy, happy birthday West!

Walking on Sunshine

West was in a walking mood this evening and put on quite the show. I guess he wanted to show everyone that he can do more than just dance! This walking explosion marks the beginning of the end for his parents - and possibly Aaron's beloved coffee table.

I saved the most adorable footage for last. Enjoy!

Tiny Dancer

West is home sick today but you would never know it based on these slick dance moves. And there is plenty more where that came from - this kid is a dancing machine. I have better footage but the files are too big to post here.

P.S. I originally called this post "Why Walk When You Can Dance?" but that no longer applies since Aaron just informed me that West took his first two steps while I was in the other room writing this post! I guess West also subscribes to the philosophy that and is better than or.

Catching Waves

Unfortunately, this is not a post about surfing. West learned to wave Friday and I have finally managed to "catch" this wave on video for your viewing pleasure. West sure is missing his Daddy and I think he has been waving at him way over in Boston.

Stand and Deliver

On film, that is. West just treated me (and our video camera) to a command performance of his new hands-free standing ability. The footage is terrible but it gives you the goods in the end. All the more impressive is that fact that he never stops eating his stalk of asparagus. Quite the multi-tasker!

Look Ma, No Hands!

West decided that today was as good a day as any to stand on his own. He can do it for several minutes and has terrific balance. A future surfer, perhaps?

Four More Years!

Friday was our 4th wedding anniversary and West was kind enough to oblige me with something that has eluded me for weeks: clapping on camera!

The footage isn't all that great but I did manage to get him to do an encore presentation.

Aaron surprised me by coming home early and preparing a fancy schmancy dinner: champagne, peppercorn-crusted filet mignon with a port-cherry reduction, samosa-stuffed potatoes, and roasted broccoli with shallots, parmesan, and lemon. It was delicious! He is also whisking the three of us away to Big Sur next weekend for a family getaway.

I will be sure to bring my camera. :-)

Hold the Applause

We have clapping! On Easter Sunday, West clapped for the first time. I nominate clapping as the cutest thing in the entire world, at least until something cuter comes along. Now we can't get him to stop - he even wakes up clapping. And nothing makes an ordinary breakfast of yogurt and O's (or Aaron coming home late) more special than applause.

Thhhhhhh ...

West learned how to pronounce "Th" today. He doesn't seem to be able to stop. Seriously, multiply this video times a thousand and you have a sense for what my morning has been like. It's pretty darn cute.

Stand and Deliver

West is well on his way to walking. He can pull up to standing and cruise with the best of them. He can even bend down to pick up toys while standing up! I'll try to catch that trick next time.

Cruisin' for a Bruisin'

West has been pulling up to standing for a while now and he is starting to cruise around all sorts of things - his crib, his exersaucer, the coffee table, basically anything he can pull up onto. Here is a photo series of him starting to cruise around his crib. I love how he goes from contemplative and apprehensive to victorious and triumphant!