Turn your volume up!
10. Spitting sweet potatoes.
9. When I trick Mom into getting me up from my nap.
8. Gas.
7. Yoooooo Gabba Gabbaaaa!
6. When the dogs give me a bath.
5. Grandma's attempts to speak my baby language.
4. The crazy sound that Aunt Jill makes with her lips.
3. Playing "Bounce the Baby" with Grandpa.
2. Aunt Gretchen's funny face.
1. When I see Fedor Emilianenko kick someone in the diaper.
What else is new??
In addition to being an interstate traveller, and getting to know my extended family, I have made several important discoveries over the past couple of weeks:
One is oatmeal. It's got a little more flavor and a little more texture than rice cereal, so I'm eating a couple bites a day, but my patience is short. Like most things, I prefer to do it my way, not Mom's. I'm perfectly capable of putting the spoon in my mouth by myself, it just might not have any oatmeal on it.
Second, sure enough, I have toes. I entertain myself for minutes upon minutes, just holding my toes in my hands. I talk to them at great length. What I haven't figured out is where the toes go when I have shoes on.
And I got this amazing new activity that makes being on my tummy not so bad, thanks to Grandma's spoilage of me. This week, I rolled from my tummy to my back for the first time. It was shocking and pleasing at the same time. I haven't decided if I will do this again anytime soon, although Mom keeps urging me to do so.
One is oatmeal. It's got a little more flavor and a little more texture than rice cereal, so I'm eating a couple bites a day, but my patience is short. Like most things, I prefer to do it my way, not Mom's. I'm perfectly capable of putting the spoon in my mouth by myself, it just might not have any oatmeal on it.
Second, sure enough, I have toes. I entertain myself for minutes upon minutes, just holding my toes in my hands. I talk to them at great length. What I haven't figured out is where the toes go when I have shoes on.
And I got this amazing new activity that makes being on my tummy not so bad, thanks to Grandma's spoilage of me. This week, I rolled from my tummy to my back for the first time. It was shocking and pleasing at the same time. I haven't decided if I will do this again anytime soon, although Mom keeps urging me to do so.
New Mexico & New People
Last week was fabulous. Grandma & Grandpa Ford, and my Great Uncle John and Great Aunt Kathy visited. I got to show off all my skills and talents, as everyone liked to watch me. Plus, I was constantly entertained by one of them, especially the men--Grandpa danced whenever I played my song, and Uncle John made silly monkey noises and funny faces. As soon as I got tired of one of them, I would let them know, and they'd simply pass me on to the next person! It was great. They all did lots of projects around the house too, which my mom really appreciated. I got to spend lots of "quality time" with my Grandma, while my Mom went horseback riding with John and Kathy, and especially on the train ride.
This train ride that I mentioned... we drove to New Mexico, and rode in a steam train through the mountains. It was pretty, but the best part was the fresh air and the rhythm of the train was perfect for napping, plus I didn't have to sit in my stupid car seat, so I got to sleep almost all day, mostly in Grandma's arms. Awesome. All kinds of firsts too: my first train ride, my first out of state trip, my first time in a hotel, just to name a few. Everyone said I was a good traveller, except for that little car seat issue. I'm ready to get out of there.
My Friend, Chuck
My mother said she was too busy to help with the blog tonight, but I finally convinced her to take a few minutes to tell you all about my day. I had my first trip to Chuck E. Cheese. It was in honor of my friend, Asher's, 3rd birthday. I liked the flashing lights and the sounds. I was suprised that there was not a giant dancing mouse though, as Mom had promised. I was also a little jealous that everyone got pizza and cake, except me. Mom has let me have a little rice cereal, but it's pretty bland. Pizza really looks and smells much better. All in all, an exciting event... got to drive in a car with a mouse. That's definitely a first!
A Day in the Life
I'm so far behind on my blogging! I turned 4 months old last week, and went to my pediatrician a few days ago. Here's my stats: I weigh 13 pounds, 13 ounces, which is the 56th percentile for babies my age. That means I have grown so much that I've caught up to the average 4 month old. (At 2 mos, I was only in the 18th percentile). The doctor seemed very pleased. I'm 24 1/2 inches long, and my giant brain is 41 cm. My eyes are still blue, and I'm still mostly bald. I played a great joke at the doctor's office. Mom had just told him how I always cry within a few seconds of tummy time. So when the doctor put me on my tummy, I looked in the mirror and laughed hysterically, like it was the most fun thing I'd ever done. Dr. G ordered my mother to buy me a full length mirror for tummy time. As if Mom needed an excuse to go to Target! The doctor said I was perfect, and he enjoyed my happiness. Then he told the nurse to poke a needle in each leg. The happiness ended.
We've been keeping busy doing everyday things. Nothing too exciting. Most days, I wake up around 6:30am and demand my breakfast. Mom feeds me and we go back to sleep for a while. When we wake up, she feeds me again, and then it's off to our friends' house. My friend Kendel and I watch our mothers exercise. It's really entertaining... for about 15 minutes. Then we take turns demanding attention. After that, we usually come home and play a little and eat a little. Often my Dad calls around this time. Then I usually give-in to an afternoon nap, so Mom can get a few things done. When I get up, I eat some more. I love eating. We might run some errands or get out of the house for a little while. After dinner, we go for a stroll around the neighborhood. I enjoy that. Then my bedtime snack, my bubble bath, and asleep for the night. A few hours after I go to sleep, Mom comes in and feeds me one more time, but I usually don't even wake-up for it. Being a baby is wonderful!
In my free time, I'm really working on sitting up. I can almost do it by myself. I've also gotten much better with my hands. I enjoy grabbing things, particularly soft things that I can hold onto easier. I like to taste anything that I can get in my mouth, and have been experimenting with the possibility of sucking my thumb. I like to look at the TV, but Mom won't let me watch but for a few minutes. I've been practicing my happy scream A LOT. I cried with tears for the first time a few days ago--that really got me a lot of extra love and attention from Mom!I promise to update you all more often. Next week, my great aunt and uncle, and Grandma and Grandpa Ford are coming, so there should be lots of new activities, including my first train ride and out of town trip. Ciao!
Crazy Aunt Jilly & Uncle Jeff
Last week was super fun and busy. I got to meet another aunt and uncle. Jill made the most shocking noises. It kind of freaked me out. Jeff took about 1000 pictures--literally! I can't wait to see them. I wasn't the most cooperative model. 
We went lots of new places. We went to the zoo, where I smelled lots of unusual smells. Mom let me face-forward in the stroller for the first time, so I could see where we were going, instead of looking at her the whole time! I saw lots of people and trees, but I decided that I wouldn't notice the animals until Dad gets home, since he likes the zoo, too. I'll save that for him. Mom thought it would be funny to let this big bear hold me. I disagreed. We also toured cliff dwellings and watched Native American dances. That was neat. And we went shopping and out to eat a couple of times. 
Aunt Jilly put together this new toy for me, which I LOVE. It's got all kinds of lights and toys that I can reach, and it bounces me up and down, and plays music. My feet don't quite touch the ground yet, but it's awesome. Jill also introduced me to Barney. I was mesmerized by his orange dancing friend. Mom says no more Barney, but she'll let me watch Sesame Street soon.I really enjoyed Aunt Jill & Uncle Jeff. Next month, I get to meet a great aunt & uncle, plus Grandma & Grandpa Ford will be back. After that Dad will be home for a little bit, and I'll finally get to meet Gram Flo too. Can hardly wait!
Daddy's other girls
Mother literally threw me to the wolves. I had taken notice of some larger animals around the house, but I was keeping my distance. From what I understand, my Dad loves these animals a lot. Tonight, before my bath, I got up close and personal. I wasn't sure about it at first, but after a few minutes of adjusting to their aroma, I kind of liked them. I don't know where the smaller, striped animal with the pointy ears was at... probably taking a nap. 
Other than that, I've had a great week. I slept in my own room overnight for the first time this week. It was no big deal to me, since I've been taking naps in there for a while, but Mom liked it better when I was in the bassinet, right next to her all night. I'm still pretty entertained by my hands. I enjoy having my knuckles in my mouth so much that it sometimes distracts me from eating. Of course, I'm going everywhere that Mom goes, and I'm behaving very well. This week we went to an army wife meeting, a memorial service, a boring class,
exercising, and shopping. I was a perfect angel, most of the time.I'm going to meet my Aunt Jill and Uncle Jeff this week. I'll tell you all about it next time!
I have hands!
I have hands, and I (sort of) know how to use them. My friend let me borrow the greatest toy ever (so far) for my car seat. Now I don't sleep during car rides anymore, because I've got cool things to rattle and spin. Look, my hands are moving so fast you can't even see them!
Also, I can suck on my knuckles, grab Mom's glasses, and help hold onto my bedtime bottle. What's next? Feet?
How to Avoid Naps
What a week. Mom and I have both been sick since Monday. I survived my first fever, and am feeling much better. Since there have been no exciting events, and not a lot of photo-taking this week, I thought I would share my wisdom on napping with you. I've been perfecting some new techniques this week.
How to Avoid Naps:
1. Cry. This is the simplest technique. I used it a lot when I was younger. I still use it occasionally. If you cry long enough, often it will be time to eat again before you have to give in to the nap.
2. Fake it. Just as Mom gets out of the rocking chair to put you in your crib, pop your eyes open and give her a whimper. She'll sit back down and rock with you again. Repeat as many times as necessary.
3. Fight it. Open your eyes as wide as you possibly can. If your eyes get dry, that's a good thing, as it will help them stick open. Look around at everything. If Mom turns off the lights, find a little glimmer of something to stare at! If your eyes get heavy and you start to drift off, then cry a little to wake yourself back up. I do this one a lot.
4. Smile. I've recently discovered that avoiding a nap goes more smoothly if I make Mom smile. Go ahead and take a little nap, but no more than 15 minutes. Then start making some obvious noise, to let Mom know you are awake. When she tip-toes in with plans to put you back to sleep, don't cry. Give her your biggest smile with wide eyes, and she'll surely let you get up.
Those are the basic methods. A couple of other pointers: if your Mom swaddles you to "help you sleep," although it may feel safe and cozy, wiggle it for all it's worth! And, if your Mom says something to the effect that she needs to get a few things done, then this is not the time to give in to the nap--you might miss something new and interesting, and Mom might need your help. Good luck!
How to Avoid Naps:
1. Cry. This is the simplest technique. I used it a lot when I was younger. I still use it occasionally. If you cry long enough, often it will be time to eat again before you have to give in to the nap.
2. Fake it. Just as Mom gets out of the rocking chair to put you in your crib, pop your eyes open and give her a whimper. She'll sit back down and rock with you again. Repeat as many times as necessary.
3. Fight it. Open your eyes as wide as you possibly can. If your eyes get dry, that's a good thing, as it will help them stick open. Look around at everything. If Mom turns off the lights, find a little glimmer of something to stare at! If your eyes get heavy and you start to drift off, then cry a little to wake yourself back up. I do this one a lot.
4. Smile. I've recently discovered that avoiding a nap goes more smoothly if I make Mom smile. Go ahead and take a little nap, but no more than 15 minutes. Then start making some obvious noise, to let Mom know you are awake. When she tip-toes in with plans to put you back to sleep, don't cry. Give her your biggest smile with wide eyes, and she'll surely let you get up.
Those are the basic methods. A couple of other pointers: if your Mom swaddles you to "help you sleep," although it may feel safe and cozy, wiggle it for all it's worth! And, if your Mom says something to the effect that she needs to get a few things done, then this is not the time to give in to the nap--you might miss something new and interesting, and Mom might need your help. Good luck!