Monday, September 21, 2009

He walks!

Look out! Fisher started walking unprovoked on Sunday night. For the last few weeks he'd only take a few steps between me and Derek, and then all of a sudden he pulled himself up to standing and just mosied across the room. He still relies on crawling mostly, but he's definitely testing the waters.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Fisher's 1st Birthday!

We celebrated Fisher's birthday last weekend in Chicago--spent the day strolling through the city and checked out the Shedd Aquarium. On the day of his birthday, some good friends came over to celebrate. He didn't seem all that fazed to have a dozen people singing to him and watching his every move. As of his 1 year check up, he's 32.25 inches (98th percentile) and weighs 23.4 lbs (58th percentile). He's long and lean and one year old! Thanks to everyone who sent a card or a gift.
The morning of his birthday!

Playing with Cole and Burke's toys.

He's so nice to share his cupcake.

Wondering why everyone was watching him eat!

The end of the cupcake.

Thought he'd try to open his gifts with a stick.

He sort of got the hang of it.

Burke showing Fisher how to play with his new toy.

All tuckered out from his big day.

Outside the Shedd Aquarium.

Hans met us for lunch in the city.

This belluga whale seemed to like Fisher.

Checking out the touchable water area.

Splashing! (every kid within a three foot radius stayed clear)

Checking out some fish.

Enjoying the skyline.

Worn out from the day--the first time he ever fell asleep in the stroller.

We had the famous three little pigs sandwich at the Silver Palm with Kristina and Ryan. Delicious, but slow service--not good for a kid who just wants to walk.

We stayed in the beautiful suburb of Oak Park, where Kristina and Ryan just got a new place. It's a block away from Frank Lloyd Wright's home and studio, so we went for a stroll to check out his work. Kristina looks like a natural pushing the stroller!

Chilling on their porch.

Playing in the backyard.

Fisher found the one dirt pile in the backyard and has turned it into his personal sandbox. Here's a dirt clod!

Turning up the stereo so he can get his groove on.

Going for a walk with daddy.

Monday, September 7, 2009

So Long Summer

We've been busy with travels (mostly local). Derek and I took a week off and stuck around home, though we did make a trip to Milwaukee one day. Last weekend we drove to Mankato, MN for a little reunion with my grad school friends. We've been making the most of the nice weather.

We turned Fisher's car seat around before heading to MN--it was much smoother. He hardly fussed at all! Here he's giving us the directions.
We stopped in to see the Hamze's in Mankato--a long overdue visit. (Derek used to do handy work for them and they turned into really good friends).

Nate and Nicole had everyone over for the occasion. Here I am with my old professor Rick Robbins (who had not one but two new books of poetry accepted for publication this year) and his wife and fellow poet Candace Black.

We went out on the town--for a short time any way. Derek and I left early to get back to Fisher (since no matter what time we go to bed, we still have to get up early with Fisher). Times have sure changed--thankfully.

Fisher and Archie make a run for it.

So I don't buy the argument that kids who don't go to daycare aren't as social--Fisher got along famously with Archie and Violette. The minute we walked in the door he started talking and playing.

Fisher with the LeBoutillier gang.

We stopped at Ginelle and Garret's in Minneapolis on our way home to meet their newest bundle Oscar (and see Belen again).

Sleeping in the car after a busy weekend.

Two peas. Neko is so sweet with Fisher.

Took a trip to the zoo and made friends with a goat (easy to do with food).

Peering up at the kitchen table.

Standing on his own--and taking a few steps. He started taking short steps between us two weeks ago, and he's gotten really good at walking while holding on to me with just one hand. We think he'll be walking on his own by week's end.

Cooling off.

We made a stop over at the Art Museum in Milwaukee.

Beautiful view of Lake Michigan.

Watching the seagulls through the window.

Check out that ceiling!

Went to Bay Beach one day to feed the seagulls (since he's always pointing them out and talking to them).

And he took his first pony ride.

He didn't show much emotion, but he wasn't scared either.

Trying out the burley.

He's got some growing to do before the helmet fits!

We checked out some tailgatting action at a Packer's preseason game.

Here he is pointing in front of the statue of the pointing Curly Lambeau.