decorating the christmas tree

We love Christmas, so this year we decided to put up our Christmas tree nice and early... promptly after Thanksgiving. After returning to the store to buy shatterproof ornaments, we got started right away! Jared doesn't get alot of it yet, but he definitely likes the fancy 16 function Christmas lights Mommy bought! (Unfortunately you can't see the lights in the photos).

"Mom, can I hang the last ornament, please? I want to put up the little red boot!"

"I found the perfect spot!!! Isn't it pretty?"

"Yay! We are all done! Now what are we supposed to put UNDER the tree?"

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Happy Thanksgiving from me and my family!"

fun new things

Jared is having a blast exploring his world and two of his latest favorite things include looking out our front windows into the yard and climbing our furniture. Both are depicted here as he climbs our couch to look out the window in his Winnie the Pooh pajamas.



"What's wrong, mom? Don't worry-- I'm fine. The view is great from up here!"

some construction work

Playing LEGOS with Jared is alot more fun now that he likes to build as much as he likes to take things apart!

"Okay, mom... hold on, I just have to put on the finishing touches!"

"TA-DA! Here it is! What do you think of my creation?"

festivals and bellydancing

Recently Jared and I went to a an outdoor festival downtown. We were going to watch a friend's bellydancing troupe. We were disappointed to see that the day was rainy and a bit gloomy, but we had fun anyway! :)

"Let's go, Mommy... I think it stopped raining! Or we could go into Dragonfly and get some sushi instead of just standing outside."

"Don't worry, Mom. I don't really mind that you make me eat sliced apple when all the other kids are eating funnel cakes and ice cream!"

One of the places we sought shelter was under this tent with a very interesting circus act. Jared was pretty curious about the dancing caterpillar man....

But the clown scared him and we had to leave before the end of the show!

Soon thereafter, Kate's bellydancing troupe began to perform... they were great!
"Mom, can you help me get on the stage? I think they want me to join them onstage!"

"Okay, Mom, this has been fun, but I am getting sleepy now..."


"But before we go I want to meet the star of the show! Great bellydancing, Miss Kate!"

Happy Halloween 2006!

Although Jared was still fairly oblivious to Halloween itself, he did enjoy dressing up as his favorite fuzzy character, Elmo!

"Wow! I don't know what Halloween is, but if I get to dress like Elmo, can we have it every day?"

(Although this picture turned out fuzzy, I had to post it because it perfectly captured his glee upon seeing his reflection in the mirror! )

"C'mon, Mom and Dad! I am ready to GO!"

"Trick or treat!!!!"
"Do we go in the car for trick or treating?"

"Okay, I am all dressed up... now where do I go?"

"Sorry, Mom--- can't stop for pictures---too busy!"

"Okay-- fine. One picture! But then I really have to go! I don't know where, but I have to go!"

"Okay, I like dressing as Elmo, but I kind of feel like he is eating my whole head!"

" Thanks for a fun Halloween, Mom and Dad! Next time, can we leave our cul-de-sac?"

new friends

Recently, Jared and I went to visit Marisa and her new kitten, Ginger.

At first, Jared and Ginger just sort of looked each other over...

Then slowly, they started to check each other out...

Finally, Jared reached in to pet Ginger, who was fairly receptive to his curiosity.

Overall Ginger was more interested in napping on the chair, but a good time was had by all.

Dress Up

"When I grow up I want to be just like my daddy! Go Gators!"

Sittin' in a Tree

Anyone who has read my blog has seen my numerous references to Jared's girlfriend Jordyn. Jordyn's parents are close friends of ours and Ive been friends with Jordyn's dad for almost 20 years... Since Jared and then Jordyn were born, we have joked about them getting married some day... in that spirit, we decided to have their portaits taken together as babies.

When we were at the mall, another parent actually asked us if they were brother and sister, to which I replied, "No, they are boyfriend and girlfriend." You can imagine the look she gave me. :)




I figure that when they grow up they will either laugh at how silly their parents are or just think we are plain crazy.

Sesame Street Live

Last week, Dalvin and I took Jared to Sesame Street Live: SuperGrover. As can be seen in the photo, everyone was there (Left to Right: Zoe, Elmo, Grover, Telly, Rosita, Baby Bear, Bert).

When I was a kid, Big Bird probably made the biggest impression on me... I am not sure why, but it was fun to see him in person.

Zoe, one of the very few female monsters, was in attendance. Rosita and Prairie Dawn were there too, but I didn't want to post all 200 of the photos I took!

And of course, Elmo-- Jared's favorite-- was a big part of the show.

When the show began, Jared was very focused. He stared in what almost appeared to be disbelief... "Is that really who I think it is?" After staring with rapt attention for awhile, one of the thunderous roars of applause shook him up and he was upset for a moment. I worried that we would have to leave early, but he returned to his fascinated state quickly.

After intermission, Jared quickly became very comfortable. We sat on the center aisle in the floor seats and we had to physically prevent him from running up to the stage every 2 minutes!

Judging by Jared's applause, he enjoyed the show thoroughly! Dalvin and I were surprised at how much we enjoyed the show too-- Good job, Sesame Street!

"Thanks for bringing me to see Elmo, Mom and Dad! I had so much fun!"

Apple Sauce

Jared has been fighting for control over the silverware for awhile, so a few weeks ago we decided to let him feed himself his entire afternoon snack. We were pleased at how easily he managed it-- he was probably motivated by the fact that he was enjoying one of his favorite snacks! :)

"Okay, just give me a second... I can do this by myself... Wait, which hand am I supposed to use?"

"Okay, almost there... just a little more to the right, left, right..."

"Mmmmm... yummy. I think it even tastes better when I do it myself..."


"Haha! You guys didn't think I could do it! Woohoo!"

"Oh, mommy... daddy... never underestimate a boy and his apple sauce..."

Activity Time

I recently set up an activity table and chair for Jared. He loves to sit like a "big boy" so he generally has a blast no matter what he is doing there! We are trying to do some structured activities here and there, and today we were coloring... naturally it was a Sesame Street coloring book...

"Mom-- where is the red crayon? You know I can't color without my red crayon!"

"Um... wait a minute... have you been coloring in my book again? Rosita is already finished!"

"Okay, fine, I will just color a different page... are any of the monsters purple?"

"Oh wait, what was that.... did I just hear Elmo's voice???"

"I DID hear Elmo's voice! MOM! Sesame Street is on!!!"

"Mommy, can I be excused to go watch Sesame Street? We can color together later-- I promise!"