Twinkle Toes

Oscar is getting more and more adept at walking, though it has been difficult to capture on film. As soon as he sees the camera, he forgets all about his feet and getting his hands on the camera becomes the focus. Though not yet documented, he is taking pretty long "walks" these days -- between eight and ten steps before falling over in a sometimes-frustrated one year-old heap.

Here's O.K.'s smooth moves:

Birthday Brunch

Even after we postponed this intentionally small gathering, the second snow storm still managed to keep over half of our guests from being able to attend. Regardless, we had a great time talking with friends while munching on egg bake and fruit salad, singing to our new "toddler", and opening a few sweet gifts. No theme is required (O.K. is only ONE, after all), but I like having a direction, so we decided on robots. John painted this sign:

I made from-scratch banana cupcakes with butter-cream frosting, complete with handmade (or at least hand-cut and pasted) robot cupcake toppers.


With the four year-old son of my friend, Christine, in mind, I decided to put together an edible robot craft. Unfortunately, she and her sweet boys were some of the unlucky guests impeded by snow. The guests who did come humored me by making edible robots anyway.

The Robot Assembly station.


Patrick made a pretty impressive quadra-bot.


After coffee, brunch, and robot-building, we sang and ate cake.




Pete and Melissa (with robots)


Sweet sweet Sunny (already 4 and a half months!) and her mom, Susie


Robert and Oscar play with his new "crashing hammer".
(Thank you, Patrick and Robert!)


Many thanks to all of our friends who've supported us as new parents, and helped celebrate Oscar's first birthday with us (even those who could only be there in spirit)!

Our "Toddler" this Week

Turning one is a big deal--it's the FIRST birthday after all, and something of a milestone, if not for Oscar, then for his parents. For this reason and all the snow we've had, Oscar's turning one has stretched itself out over a week. Plus, we decided to postpone the birthday brunch, again because of the SNOW (I'm so tired of this word). I stayed home from work much of the week as well, which was fun, however, we all got a little antsy cooped up in the house most of the time (it has been pretty cold, not to mention treacherously icy).

Chiugo and Leroy braved the snow and ice to come for a visit. Oscar and Leroy did their toddler-best to socialize and share toys.

We took walks through the _ _ _ _. (Did I mention I'm tired of saying it?)

And with the official go-ahead of our pediatrician, we ate our first "family" dinner--all three of us at the table, eating the same food (broccoli, chicken, and cheese over baked potato, if you're curious). It was so fun and we plan to make it the norm, especially on nights when John is home.

SNOW (after 28 + 16 inches)

As you've certainly heard, we've had a little snow around here. We had 28 inches last Sunday, then 16 inches yesterday. John braved the cold to take a few pics. Oscar and I made it to the porch before we opted for warm toes back in the house.

The lump on the left is a car.

More car lumps on our street.

Our rail last night.

Our rail this morning after John shoveled the snow.

Everyone is out today, trying to dig out from under all this snow.

Our street, post-storm. The sun is shining, so we plan to venture out today!

Oh, What Fun When You're One

Oscar is a "cheap date" when it comes to having a good time. He managed to find plenty of entertainment on his birthday, even though he was more or less stuck in the house for the day.

He found his birthday hat to be fun as anything other than a hat.

He scaled Mt. Mama (a few times).

He explored the mysterious cat door.

He tasted new things.

And though he desperately needed a tissue today, he only practiced the first part of "getting a tissue". Clearly, he's got it down--now on to the "using it on your nose" part.

Happy 1st Birthday, O.K.!

Over two feet of snow contributed to a quiet first birthday for Oscar (around the house adventure pics will appear in a future post). One highlight: watching him eat his first cupcake -- a from-scratch carrot cake cupcake with maple cream cheese frosting. O.K. made short work of it, proving he has his mother's sweet tooth.

A year ago...

This picture was taken only a couple of days before Oscar was born. A year ago TODAY, we were too busy and excited (and experiencing contractions) to think to take any pictures. Though picture-less, we won't forget it. Today was the day Oscar started making his big move.

Academy of Natural Sciences

Recently, Oscar and I went to the Academy of Natural Sciences with my dear friend, Christine, and her sons, Jack and Cole. Oscar had such a good time, I bought a membership before we left (surprisingly affordable!), and we look forward to many future visits.

Christine and her sons, Cole (born exactly one week after O.K.!) and Jack (now four!).

This was the perfect place for Oscar to touch EVERYTHING. He even got to touch a turtle!

This time, we only LOOKED at the sand. Maybe next time...

Jack, Cole, and Oscar were pretty fascinated with the fluffy rabbit.

O.K. crawling through a tunnel...

Checking out the dioramas...

Stopping for a snack and some whoa-another-little-person and
look-at-that-big-kid time...

Then off for more exploring...

No doubt, we will be returning soon.