New Faces in the Big D

Mom and Grandma Kathy keep my dance card full whenever I visit Dallas--so many new people I have not had the chance to meet until recently:

Grandma Kathy and Great Aunt Patty Great Uncle Mike Mom's high school friend Karen's little girl, Marjorie. Love me some older women...

Mom's good friend from law school, Lisa

My Aunt Julie and cousin Olivia

My cousin Olivia is doing a great job holding me--she is such a big girl!

Momma--do your chores!!

Maxin' & Relaxin'

Overstuffed in Overalls

Cups and Crackers, oh my!!

So, over my two trips to Dallas in the last few weeks, I have had a number of firsts--sippy cups and crackers!! It is fun and all, but I much prefer people just feeding me from a spoon...

Not quite sure about this handle thing... Okay..Done. I have had enough! Then it was on to the big wide world of truly solid foods. I have already eaten a rainbow of colors of rice cereal, oatmeal, & fruit and veggie purees, so my next venture was into Baby Mum-Mums, or Rice Rusks, aka "crackers." I am now quite a fan. Granted, most of it ends up slobbered on by my teething gums and not ingested, but fun nonetheless...

The first tentative "bite."

I am liking this (especially how Grandma Kathy is holding it FOR me...)

Okay---she is not doing it right, further in the mouth is better...

Got it.

[ed. note: Gross, sorry viewers!]

Pondering how I have never had such delicacies before...Mom's homemade pea mush doesn't hold a candle to Rice Rusks.

While I am appearing to eat this like a big boy, it is nice doing so in the comforting lap of my amazing Grandma Kathy!!

Dining In Dallas

Although I hear a rumor that my Grandma Kathy is a great cook, so far my gourmet eating experience in Dallas is limited mostly to some fruit puree. Grandpa Bill and Grandma Kathy are quite excited to feed me as you can see from the following photos:

Noah's Arrival

I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new friend, Noah. Noah's mom Neon is a good friend of my mom and the two of them have been promising me a playmate for months now. Granted, he is a little sleepy right now, but I am already plotting our future mischief... Check out what a cutie he is!!

WELCOME NOAH SHINER!!

Happy Mother's Day!

This Mother's Day we celebrated the big day with a late brunch at Sweetwater Country Club with Grandma Betty, Grandpa Len, Uncle Jeff, Dad, and --of course-- Mom. While the adults had their choice of the buffet, I settled for a bottle given to me by my godfather Uncle Jeff and a mashed banana care of the kind men at the waffle bar.

My wonderful Grandma Betty. Relaxing with Dad and Uncle Jeff Uncle Jeff is playing some strange reverse peek a boo game.

Uncle Jeff giving me the "never go to law school" lecture. Again.

Just a guess, but my money is on the fact that Bottle 101 is not a class at Harvard Law.

This straw is looking mighty tasty.

Smiling with my big (blue? green? going brown?) eyes for my mom....

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Missing another dinner party??

Mom had an impromptu dinner party again while I was sleeping. However, I did get to hang out with the guests before I went to bed. Mom and Dad's friends, Russell and Elizabeth came over. Russell had promised he would meet me before my college graduation, so at least I know some adults can keep their promises. Uncle Jeff came over and I heard a rumor that my Aunt Cara made an appearance as well.

Dad, Uncle Jeff, and Russell

Russell even held me before said graduation--amazing!!

Doesn't he look so natural...

Pretty Miss Elizabeth is definitely the more comfortable place to hang out for cocktails and appetizers... Although I successfully blocked out the laughter coming from the dining room in my slumber that evening, I could tell all had a great time. Great to meet you, Mr. Russell!!!

Walker Time

Mom and I went to visit Aunt Nia and my cousin Walker. Aunt Nia made some yummy chicken salad, while Walker and I settled for--believe it or not--milk again. Walker likes to make me feel right at home, so we hung out on my very favorite rainforest play mat.

Walker does not yet understand my underdeveloped game of tag.

Showing Walker how to avoid the dreaded tummy time on your arms...

A (very) belated happy birthday

No real excuses here, but a belated birthday homage to my Dad on his 36th birthday back in (gasp!) March.

Even Dad is not impervious to Mom's taunting age posters. Grandma Betty and Grandpa Len came to watch me while Dad and Mom went out to celebrate the big 3-6.

Dad blowing out his candles--do I see 21 on that cake?

Dad's buddies from MIT who joined him for the night's festivities.

Dad's friend Phil got the award for most miles travelled--from NYC!!

My parents are gross...

..and kind of sweet.

Courtney & Elizabeth

Uncle Jeff and Aunt Brooks, Russell & Elizabeth

Russell, Elizabeth, and Dad

Jud, Aunt Cara, and Dad

Uncle Jeff and Aunt Brooks (at least my parents don't wear matching shirts...)

Courtney Paige and Courtney Paige

Javier and Dad