CRAWLING!!!

Here he goes! He's a little frustrated at the beginning because he's still working on the whole how-do-I-get-down-to-the-floor-when-I'm-standing thing...but he did it! He's also mastered the art of just sliding his knees forward when he has pants on (because yes, our summer weather today requires pants!).  Go Arjen Go!

Happy 9 months (and 2 days) Arjen!

This will be a short post pic/video wise - in the past month, we've celebrated Father's Day at Sherman Island (need to sort thru many pics!), and been to Wisconsin for the 4th (need to sort thru many pics!).  So, photos will be coming soon. 

In the past 2 days however, Arjen has learned a new skill!  HE IS CRAWLING!!!  Like really crawling.  The kid knows what he wants and is now mobile enough to more or less get there.  He's definitely still working on the walking thing too, and sometimes isn't quite sure which style of mobility to use to get where he wants, and this leads to baby frustration.  He's also taken to giggle fits lately, which are my absolute fave!!  Among his other silly baby tricks, he can make noise with his mouth on command - the kind of noise you make when you say "ahhh" and bat your hand on and off your mouth.  I'll be sure to post pics/videos when I a) get them, and b) have a little more time. 

For now, here's a little video of Arjen having too much fun with Aunty Shanny the other day!

Happy Father's Day!

Dear Dad,
I love you!  I really enjoy singing with you and playing the piano with you.  It's fun too when you serenade me with the guitar.  I especially like your singing when I'm taking a bath.  You read to me, play with me, and you know how much I love being outside! You really know how to make me smile. You are very special Dad, and I'm glad I have you as my Dad to help me grow up to be the best I can be! 

Love,
Arjen

 

Happy 8 months Arjen!

I know I sound like every other parent out there when I say this, but where has the time gone?  I can't believe we have an 8 month old son! 

Shana (the nanny/daycare provider) weighed Arjen for us last week, and he is officially heavier than his 6 month older new BFF Devi!  He weighed in at 16 lb 11oz.  We'll get an official measure next month at his 9 month check up.  He seems to be getting longer quickly as his 6-9 mo size pj's seem to already be getting too short! 

Arjen's current tricks:

• He's trying to decide whether he wants to crawl or walk
• when sitting, he's trying to transfer over onto his hands and knees, but can't quite figure out how to roll sideways over the one leg. 
• when standing, he's starting to reach for things that would require him to take a step, but he hasn't quite figured out how to take that step without losing balance
• He's enjoying the new eating thing...so far he's tried sweet potato, avocado, banana (probably the leading fave right now), squash (not a fan), broccoli (also gets the bitter yuck face), and oatmeal. 
• He's pretty self-sufficient with the bottle, but still needing help to tilt it back to get much out
• He really likes his car walker that Andrew proudly found for him - he's getting better each day about controlling where he wants to go
• And he's started sleeping on his stomach - at least when he's really pissed off...
• He really likes eating his toes
• He's a big fan of making raspberries with his mouth, and all sorts of noises.  Sometimes I think he's even blowing kisses (I especially think this as I drop him off at Shana's house in the mornings!)

Some photos and a couple of videos for your viewing pleasure!

having fun with his ATV

"Hanging around" with Gpa Dave

just looking cute!

sometimes we're not sure if it's what's on the spoon, or just the spoon itself that he really likes

just got this toy - after 1 time of watching me pull the yellow knob, he already knew to reach for it!

swing time in the backyard

best buds

Sweet Holy Moly!

The video speaks for itself...

The First Family Portrait!

These were taken just after Arjen turned 6 months. Thank you Aunts Casey and Shannon!

Life as we now know it...

Well, Arjen spent his first week with the nanny this week.  Her name is Shana (pronounced like Shauna).  She has a 1 year old daughter who's name is Devi, who is super cute! (see the proof below).  He seems to have plenty of fun at their house, and adjusted really well after being home with only family for his whole life so far! 

Devi and Arjen - new BFF's

Before Grandma Cherie had to head back home, we spent an afternoon at Crissy Field in SF where it was definitely breezy, but beautifully sunny.  It sure was a treat having her here to help us with my transition back to work.  It's hard to believe that those 5 weeks have already come and gone! 

Gma Cherie and Arjen at Crissy Field

The Fam

With time flying by as it has, Arjen is now 7 months old! We celebrated by flying to LA for Great-Grandpa John's 85th birthday.  Arjen was a big hit with the SoCal family!  Also thrown in was mom's first Mother's Day! The three of us celebrated with a relaxing, lazy morning - a rarity for us these days.  Before heading back north, after saying our goodbyes to the fam, we spent a little QT with dad at the beach.  Andrew has been working in LA, so he had to stay down there while Arjen and I returned home.  

Arjen really enjoyed GGpa's cane! (sorry, this one's from the camera phone - didn't show up well when enlarged like the rest)

Taking a driving lesson with Dad at the Beach

Here are some updates as far as Arjen goes:

• He is definitely sitting up on his own.  He's starting to figure out how to use his hands to support himself if he wobbles, but a big wobble still sends him down

I swear this kid thinks he was born in the summer...doesn't matter the temp, he loves wearing his birthday suit!

• He is starting to pull himself up from sitting to standing!  He did this more than once, so that I can say he really did it, and it wasn't a fluke! 
• He's also finally starting to roll from his back to his belly, but again only once or twice "officially" where he was totally on his tummy (he tends to get there, but has the arm he rolled over stuck under him, so then he rolls back to his back again)  - so it's a toss up if he'll walk or crawl first at this point
• And the big one...drumroll please...he started solid foods! Wo-ah.  We decided to see what he thought of sweet potato, you can see the results for yourself...

This is probably the only time he let me put the spoon to his mouth - every time after he grabbed at it before I could get there!