1st SF Giants Game

June 2011

MOB Playdate

Something was in the water at Experian in 2010, and about 20 babies were born...maybe more. I work with some really smart women who decided "we need to get all these working moms together once a month" and so began the Mothers of Babies group. And like most overachieving women, the MOB group started as a monthly lunch and has quickly grown to much more - we've done a potluck, we've had guest speakers, we have fun ice breakers and questions/advice on all baby-raising topics.

Last month, we had our first MOB play date. It was really great to interact with these women outside of the office, and to meet all the little ones we hear so much about. We're committed to doing "one per quarter" (very formal, this group!).

Since Tyler stays home throughout the week (lucky him, lucky me!) I've been very interested to see how he'll interact with others. He was mellow during the play date, and spent about 10 minutes happily chewing on a Ken doll head that unfortunately became separated from poor Ken's body. It was a fun morning and I look forward to the next one!

Bath time!

We've graduated from the baby tub on the sink to the big, ridiculous (but so cute) duck in the bathtub. Very soon we'll just be in the tub. Until then, some fun bath time shots.

Baby in the laundry basket (we've all done it...)

We couldn't resist putting Tyler in the laundry basket, and dragging him around for an all around good-time Saturday morning. And then again a few weeks later in his laundry basket. Don't judge. I know you've done this. The pictures are priceless!

Tyler and President Obama

Tyler is fascinated by President Obama. You have to admit, regardless of your political party affiliation, he's an excellent speaker. Last month's State of the Union address was the third time Tyler has been in the room when President Obama has been on TV, at a podium, and each time Tyler stops what he's doing to "listen" to what his President has to say.

Before President Obama began his address, Tyler was busy in his jumper...you know, being a baby (see how studious he is!).


When President Obama began his address, Tyler turned around to face the television...


...and continued to watch the State of the Union address.


And just when you thought a 7 month old couldn't possibly watch a non-cartoon any longer, he got a bit more comfortable...


And paid close attention when President Obama talked about the health care reform bill...

Baby wipes are funny...apparently

Auntie Jessee is super fun. Here's a video clip of her making Tyler bust-up laughing...by squeezing a bag of baby wipes. Yes, a $3 bag of baby wipes. Pay no attention to the ottoman filled with toys he could be playing with, inches away from where this video clip was filmed. Warning - this laugh is contagious.

Tyler discovers his twin

Tyler started crawling a couple of weeks ago, which means he's discovering he can access the world he's been viewing from a distance. This past weekend, I was quite entertained by what he found in the mirrored closet.

Adventures in eating

At his 6 month check-up, the pediatrician said it was time to start Tyler on Gerber Stage 1 vegetables and fruits. As a food-lover myself, I've enjoyed watching my little guy try new things. He hasn't spit anything out or refused to eat, but he has shown some initial displeasure with peas, bananas and peaches. He's a trooper and loves pleasing his parents - so with some gentle encouragement he finishes every last drop!

Check me out! I'm 6 months old!

Seriously. Tyler is 6 months old. I can't believe it either. He's healthy and in a big hurry to grow up - sitting up, getting on his hands/knees preparing to crawl, starting on vegetables/fruits...and just so curious about the world around him.

Stats
Weight 17 lbs. 2 oz (45%)
Length 26 1/2" (55%)

Christmas 2010

What a difference a year makes! Christmas 2009 was our first in our new house, and I was nearly 3 months pregnant with Tyler. Here's a quick flashback...



Since this was Tyler's first Christmas, I was trying to pack in all of the traditional Christmas activities. I know. He won't remember any of it. But I will, and I have the pictures to remind me when I am old and can't remember it either.

Thanksgiving 2010

Thanksgiving kicked off Tyler's first holiday season. Jessica hosted Thanksgiving dinner - and her birthday celebration - for our family, and her in-laws. We also celebrated our 5th Annual Cousin's Thanksgiving - the tradition has been expanded to include 8 "little cousins" - children of the first cousins. It was so fun to see Tyler interacting with his cousins - well, as much interaction as one would expect from a 5 month old. He and his cousin Justin were outnumbered 2 to 6.

Another first...rice cereal

I give up trying to play catch up with the blog posts, so I'm just going to jump back in. The latest news...Tyler is now on rice cereal! It's been a little over a week since the first attempt and he's doing great - gobbles it right up.



I know it doesn't seem so in this picture, but we do get most of it in his mouth.



Tyler thinks he's grown, and tries to grab the spoon to feed himself. It's a little bit of a battle, and requires deep concentration and focus.

Jet setter

Tyler turned 3 months old on October 2. Let the games begin! We took Tyler on his first flight, Jet Blue from Long Beach to Oakland, to visit our friends in Northern California. This was a great first trip - the flight was short (Tyler was an angel) and our friends have kids, which means they have all the gear. We packed light and headed up on a Friday afternoon. We had a great time - thanks to the Cecchins for hosting, and for all those who came to visit while we were up. Beck and I have made a trip to Oakland every September/October since we started dating in 2001. It looks like the tradition will continue...as a family.

2 month check-up

Two months marks another trip to the doctor and unfortunately, Tyler's first round of shots. He was a champ - cried for about 10 seconds after getting poked and spiked a fever that night. I watched over him like the paranoid, first-time mother that I am.

Stats:
Length: 23 1/2 inches (60th percentile)
Weight: 9 lbs. 13 oz. (7th percentile)
Head: 38 1/2 cm (15th percentile)

Tyler dropped a bit on his weight curve, so the doctor asked me to work on beefing him up and to return in 3 weeks for a weigh-in. It was at this time that he was sleeping longer stretches during the day and at night, therefore skipping a meal or two. She advised that we wake him from his nap...I did that once and decided that was a bad idea. I've tried a few things to ensure he eats enough throughout the day.

First trip to the beach

Thanks to a visit from Heather and Niko, and a beach day planned by Jen, Tyler had his first beach experience on Sept. 1. I was a typical first time mom - concerned about the sun, the wind and the tiny particles of sand blowing on his little face. We stayed long enough for me to feed him and visit with the girls for about 10 minutes before I packed up and headed home. I consider this a success!

An international affair

My fabulous friend Kate and her new son Luke made an impromptu visit to Southern California all the way from England! We had a great time introducing the boys to each other...I think they really enjoyed themselves. I miss you Kate!

Take a closer look

This scenario will never get old...Tyler asleep in Beck's arms. Even better, Beck asleep with Tyler asleep in his arms. Check out Tyler's pacifier trick.