Oh Boy!

Okay, this has to be the longest stretch I've gone without writing. The only excuse I have is that I have been busy enjoying the great Fall weather. I have been to birthday parties, weddings, pumpkin patches, libraries and parades.

In my last entry, I mentioned that I went to the MN State Fair. Because Dad was not able to make it we decided to go to Como Zoo the following weekend. It was great and fun to see different animals than the ones at the Fair. In addition to seeing the animals, I got to ride another Merry-Go-Round, but this time with Dad. After the ride with Dad, Mom was able to jump in for a picture.


We also had a family trip to Waterloo for Aiden's birthday party. It was great! We were able to go to Waterloo earlier so I got to spend quite a bit of time with Aiden. I also got to hang out with Grandma Deb and Grandpa Cat. I was able to read a story to Grandpa Cat.

After that trip, Mom and Dad headed back that way for a Brewers game in Milwaukee so I got to spend the weekend with Grandma Peggy. It turned out that River Falls Fire Department was celebrating their 100th or 125th (I cannot remember) anniversary so we went to check it out. I tried driving a truck and also tried on a hat for size...you never know when they may need help.


Now that I'm a great walker and runner I have been going on walks without my stroller. Mom and I had a chance to spend some time together a couple weekends in October while Dad was fishing and hunting. The first weekend together we went to Lynsie and Mark's to have supper and to get my 1st haircut. Yup, 10/2/10 marks my 1st haircut...well, trim I guess.



Mom and I took a walk to see the new library in Roberts. It's really nice, if you like small aisles to run through! We also took a walk downtown Roberts to check out the Oktoberfest parade. It was about 15 minutes, but entertaining.

One of the best things I got to do in October was pick out a pumpkin (or a "ball" as I call them). Mom, Dad, Grandma Peggy and I went to an apple orchard where I got to take my 1st hayride, then headed to pumpkin place down the road. It was great. What I didn't know that shortly after this day I would be dressing up and walking main street collecting candy. I dressed up as a Donkey-Dragon from Shrek 3. I just want to clarify that because I have been mistaken for Eyore.

So that's my last 2 months. It's been busy, but lots of fun. Some other things that I have been doing is learning sign language. I am able to sign more, all done, help, please and eat. I'm doing really well using these signs to get what I want. I will also have you know that this is not my idea. I prefer the traditional screaming and having Mom and Dad grab random things until I smile, but apparently this approach only works so long. I am also eating on my own with my own fork and spoon.

I continue to help Mom and Dad around the house. I can open the dishwasher all by myself so I am able to help with dishes any time I want. I also get to feed Java when I get home from daycare. I still think it's only fair I get some of her food, but Mom is good at catching that so I only get a taste.

That about sums everything up! Today we woke up to snow on the ground so it's time for boots and snow pants. I think I'm going to enjoy my sled more this year than I did last year.

I hope all is well with everyone and I will try to write a little sooner next time.

Love to all,

Simon

A Little Bit of Everything....

I'm going to warn you, I've been busy learning new tricks, training Java, helping with chores and I went to the MN State Fair so this entry is filled with pictures and videos. I should start by sharing the video of Java and I playing since I wasn't able to include that in the last entry.

In addition to playing with Java throwing the ball around, I've been helping Dad fetch with Java in the backyard. Dad has to throw the dummie, but I'm working on telling her "fetch." It doesn't come out very clear, but a yell will do for now.

When I'm not playing with Java I am finding everything and anything to climb on. This video that mom took is one of my first attempts so it's taking a little long, but I have definately mastered the art of climbing onto tables. I've started pulling out drawers and climb them like a rock wall to see what's at the top. Could be a kitchen counter, could be a dresser...it's all a surprise.

Even though I have been doing a great job at making messes, I feel I am starting to do my share of work around the house. My idea of cleaning up my toys is to find "new homes" for them. These homes have included Mom's purse, Java's food container, my diaper champ, the toilet, kitchen drawers and garbages. I guess my love for putting things places landed me with the chores of putting kitchen towels away and sending the laundry downstairs.

Last weekend Grandma Peggy, Mom and I went to the MN State Fair. It was so much fun! Much better than last year. This year I got to ride a ferris wheel and merry-go-round! I'm not going to lie, I threw a fit like a baby when Mom took me off the merry-go-round. I felt the ride was too short.

I also hung out in the animal barns for a couple hours! I met sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, horses, cows and bunnies (I think I got them all). They let me pet them and some were more friendly than others. I thought about sharing my corn dog with a goat, but Mom didn't think it was a good idea.

In addition to the corn dog, I also ate cheese curds and ice cream. I slept through the chance of trying a pickle dog (pickle wrapped in pastrami and cream cheese) and Pig Lickers (chocolate covered bacon strips). I didn't get to enjoy the food last year so what I had was good.

With all that being said, enjoy the pictures and videos we took from the fair. You can also enjoy comparing this year's picture of me above with last year's picture (and Mom thought I was big last year...ha!)

There is a little story behind the bouncy ball. Grandma Peggy bought me this ball to keep me occupied while walking back to the vehicle. After walking about 2-3 blocks, I decided that I had enough walking and decided I needed a little break. I decided that place to take a break was right in the middle of the sidewalk. Most people did not mind and walked around me, but Mom and Grandma thought it would be best that I move somewhere a little less chaotic.

One last thing to share with you is when Dad and visited Mom at work. What most of you may not know, but Mom works at a giant playland. I went into a ball pit, jumped on the trampoline and played with balls. I tried jumping in this cage-thing, but I liked the trampoline much better.

Well, I think I'm finished. I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend. Next week will be heading to Waterloo. My cousin, Aiden, turns 1 next Saturday and is having a party!! I can't wait!

Love to all,

Simon

Fast Times

I cannot speak for my parents, but these summer months are going by fast. Last summer, I know I was outside a lot, but this summer I'm really enjoying it. At daycare we have been spending lots of time outside playing in the pool and the sandbox! The summer has also been filled with baptisms, birthday parties and fairs.

Since my birthday I have been enjoying some of my birthday presents. I have enjoyed my pool from Uncle Adrian and Aunt Jeni. I'm also getting good at my shape sorter, which keeps me occupied for more than 5 minutes. I've recently become interested in my animal puzzle, which talks back! To all my young friends - don't let the puzzle fool you...you can stand on it to make the animals talk rather than place the pieces to the matching animal!! Enjoy!! My favorite toy continues to be a ball. I'm getting really good at throwing them and I can also say, "ball" so now Mom and Dad know what I'm talking about. Java and I have even starting our own chase game, which has been fun. Unfortunately, the video didn't work out so I'll have to try again later.

I've been starting to build the communication gap between my parents and myself. Instead of screaming (which I will do once in awhile) I will point to what I want. At first Mom and Dad would tell me what I was pointing to, but what they didn't know was that I wanted what I was pointing at...I didn't care what it was called. Again...teaching the parents. I have to give them credit, they seem to be catching on quicker.

Recently, I broke my 7th tooth! I've been working really hard at this. There have been many sleepless nights, lots of Tylenol, low-grade fevers and lack of appetite but alas it has surfaced. Now that I have a 7th tooth I can eat corn-on-the-cob! I also see how much Java enjoys her food so I thought I would try it...twice. It's not bad!

I continue to get into everything. I enjoy bookshelves, entertainment centers and going under tables. Recently, I have enjoyed pulling books off my bookshelf in my room and rearrange my closet even though Mom insists I do not have to help with that right now.

One thing I've been doing in the last months is trying to talk more. I really have "ball" down, but I can also say, "hi, daddy and mama." I am also making dog and pig noises. I haven't gotten the monkey sound down, but I can dance like one!

I hope everyone is having a fun and safe summer.

Love to all,

Simon

Rough Start, Happy Ending!

As most of you know, I started walking about a month ago. That being said, June 1st I thought I could go down stairs all by myself, but I was wrong. After a 12-step ride, I landed on my belly at the bottom of the stairs. I was a little startled, but you should have seen Mom and Dad...I don't think they are ready for extreme tricks yet. I still had to go to the ER even though everything seemed to be fine, which is what the Dr. said. I had a little mark on my head and a little rug burn on my belly and my parents say I was lucky...I guess they are right. So, no more tricks until I can get my walking under control.

A great thing about June is that it's my birthday month!! My birthday is June 14th and I had a great party! Balloons, cake, presents, pets, family and friends were all there. I got to see lots of family from Waterloo and Grandma and Grandpa Arians got to see me walk for the first time! They haven't seen me since Christmas so it was great to spend time with them. My cousin Aiden stayed over too and we got to play together. Aiden really enjoyed playing with my toys. One thing he really liked was my 'Johnny Jumper.'

A phrase I've come to learn after my birthday weekend is "All Good Things Come to an End." It was time to say goodbye to my Waterloo family. Fortunately, Mom and Dad plan to take me to Waterloo for 4th of July weekend, which is right around the corner!

Now that I'm 1, I get to eat like a big boy. I have tried lots of different foods, but I'm not really liking crunchy foods. However, I have been getting used to them, but they are not my favorite. I'm also not taking milk very well, but I guess that is normal.
Well, enjoy some pictures. That's all I have for now!

This is me after a long day of festivities! I didn't care where I was for naptime.
Even though I may not be able to go down stairs by myself, Uncle Mark and Aunt Lynsie feel I am ready to drive. I cannot reach the pedals, but we are working on it!

CAKE!! There's nothing left to say!!

Love to all,

Simon

Video Collection

Instead of waiting another month or so, I thought I would drop in and show you a few videos that I have collected over the past few months.


Here I am enjoying my new swing in the backyard.

I seem to do a lot of talking during meal times and this happens to be one of them.

This is typical of Java moving away from me. It doesn't stop me from trying, but usually I have better chances with Buddy.

This is a normal play session with Buddy and myself. Her tail is like a lure and I fall for it everytime. Sometimes she likes it, but this time she didn't want to play...how am I suppose to know?

Another "Ta-Dah" moment!!

My early days of assisted walking.

Just one of the many everyday enjoyments!

I hope you enjoyed the videos.

Love to all,

Simon

Where does the time go?

It has been so long since I've written that I almost forgot my password to update my blog! My Mom always says how "time flies by," which I didn't understand, but I think I'm starting to get it.

Now that the weather is warmer, I've been spending more time outside. I've learned to swing and I really like that! Great grandma Pat bought me my own swing so I don't always have to go to the park. Unfortunately, we don't have the 'perfect' tree to hang it on so Dad is getting something together. I've also spent some time in the grass, but I'm not sure what I think about that yet. I see that Java really enjoys running, rolling and laying in it, but I haven't reach her level of comfort quite yet.

Since the last time I wrote, I had my first Easter and Mother's Day. Easter was great. I found a couple baskets at Grandma Peggy's, which were full of fun toys. I also found eggs in all my favorite spots to get into at Grandma Peggy's. I still have a couple eggs around the house that I enjoy playing with. Mother's Day was fun. I had to keep Mom occupied in house while Dad put our present together outside, which were 2 bird feeders. She was surprised and really liked them. The birds are fun to watch in the morning.

I continue to baby-proof our house everyday. Did you know that the kitchen has many things to open and close? It's amazing! Unfortunately, I wasn't sneaky enough because shortly after I found these cupboards of fun, some white things were put on them and now I cannot get in. Don't worry, though...I found drawers!! One drawer is full of plastic bags, which I like to spread around the floor. Once I think I have them all out, Mom puts them all back in and I start over. It's a pretty fun game. I think Mom enjoys it as well because she's always saying, "At least your staying in 1 spot." I also help Mom with laundry. She puts down the basket and my job is to hand her the clothes to be folded or hung up. I think we've worked out a pretty good system. I try to help unload the dishwasher, but I keep getting taken away from that. I've also learned that "take the trash out" doesn't mean to pull items out of the garbage can...who knew? When it comes to washing windows, I think I have the faster method. Mom uses a spray bottle and paper towel, but I use my tongue...I guess that's my way of saving money.

I have completely mastered the skill of crawling and I have to say...I'm pretty good at it. I've started to walk around, but I'm usually pushing something or Mom and Dad are holding me. There have been times I have been brave and stood without hands, but I usually fall. I think I'm standing a little longer, but I like to hold onto something.

I'm finally over my ear infections, but I also got pink eye last month. I could tell Mom was not happy to be visiting the Dr. again, but we haven't had to go lately. I continue to eat really well and lately I've been sleeping through the night. Sleeping all night has felt good and I can tell it has helped Mom. She seems quicker at getting me ready in the morning!

Well, the next big thing coming is my birthday. To be completely honest with you...I do not know what this means. It must be something fun because that's all Mom and Dad can talk about. I will be sure to let you know how that turns out.

Love to all,

Simon

Goodbye Winter!!

Well, before the snow left I got a chance to enjoy it a bit. Grandma Peggy found a sled for me and we had a chance to try it out. Dad wasted no time to take me to the top of a hill and send me on my way. I didn't go very fast, but Mom thought it was fast enough.

I had to get a real feel of the snow so in I went! I didn't want to move at first, but it didn't take long for me to get comfortable.
Dad was able to get out and enjoy the snow on his snowmobile a few times. He wishes he was able to get out more, but maybe next year. Mom on the other hand chose to stay indoors.

As I mentioned in my last post, my family and I were planning on a trip to WI Dells for a few days. Adrian, Jeni and Aiden came to visit with us on Saturday, which was nice. Grandma Debbie and Grandpa Cat came to hang out with us on Sunday. We had a nice breakfast and did a little shopping. Unfortunately, the one thing I wanted to do with Aiden, I couldn't and that was swim. I got my first ear infection the beginning of March and to this day, I am on my 3rd round of antibiotics...let's just say it hasn't been too bad. Mom feels bad because she didn't even know I had an ear infection at first, but now she has tuned into the signs.

Onto good stuff...I am helping Mom and Dad baby proof the house on a daily basis. The world is pretty neat from ground level. I LOVE to crawl around and pull myself up on everything. I have tested my ability to walk, but I haven't reached that point yet...it's coming, though.

Today was my 9-month check-up and I weigh 21.6 pounds and I am 29 inches long. I have 4 teeth, but 2 more are about to come through. I continue to eat a lot of food that Mom makes, but sweet potatoes and pears are still my favorite. I've started to eat more even though my weight doesn't show it. Dad says I am burning calories with all my crawling around. Java continues to embrace all my annoying habits. I really like her dog dishes, and unfortunately I am prohibiting her from 24-hour access to her water.

Well, I think that's it. I feel like I have much more to share, but it's hard for me to recall over a month of things. Hopefully I'll have a chance to write a little more within a months time. Take care!

Love to all,

Simon

So Big!!

I've heard Mom and Dad say the phrase, "Where does time go?" and I think I'm starting to finally figure out what that means. I feel like I just wrote in my blog, but the last month has whipped right by!

In the last month I have mastered many things and I continue to grow and grow and grow (despite what Mom wants). I have the art of crawling down and have moved on to pulling myself onto things. My favorite thing to climb on is my bouncy chair and my musical tree (thank you Auntie Lynsie). One thing I have learned is the steps to pulling myself up onto things has been (literally) a bumpy road! I have taken my share of falls and bumped my head, but it's getting better!

One thing I have enjoyed since birth has been bathtime. Well, Mom and Dad took me swimming at Mom's work. I have to admit, it was a little scary at first, but I had a great time!










My teeth have increased to 4. I think Mom and Dad wish I would have come with a full set of teeth sometimes. All I have to say to that is, "How do you think I feel?" As much as Mom and Dad have enjoyed me sleeping through the night, they have enjoyed the moments where I want to cuddle to fall asleep. Since I've learned to crawl and like to get into things, I haven't spent much time on Mom and Dad's lap! I thought I would check to see if Aiden has any teeth while he was visiting, but I couldn't find any!

I have my 9-month appointment next month! I continue to eat really well and so far I have enjoyed everything Mom and Dad are serving up! My favorites continue to be sweet potatoes and pears. Dad says I have his taste buds!

Okay, onto some fun stories and pictures. This past weekend Aiden, Adrian and Jeni came to visit. One thing I definately wanted to show Aiden is how to swim! So that's what we did. Aiden was a little scared at first, but he became so comfortable and relaxed we thought he was going to fall asleep.


After swimming, we played around the house. I really enjoyed showing Aiden all my toys. Aiden is big enough that he is able to play in my saucer. He had fun in there!


Because I'm the older one, I thought I would be showing Aiden all the tricks, but he is able to do something that I can't...eat his toes! That's right, he loves eating his toes and I have a picture to prove it!

It was another great time with my cousin! I wasn't sure when I would get to see him again, but we are taking a family trip to Wisconsin Dells in March because Mom has a work seminar. Aiden, Adrian and Jeni are going to join us for the weekend. So, that gives you an idea when I will be writing again :)

Love to all,
Simon

Where to start?

Oh my...so many things to tell you!! So, the last time I wrote I was preparing for my first x-mas! Wow, what a holiday!! I'll start by telling you about that.

My x-mas starting by going to Great Grandma Pat's and Grandma Peggy's. Great Grandma really enjoys feeding me and she likes to talk to me. What she didn't know is that I am learning body parts and the best thing to grab while I'm eating is a nose!!

I spent lots of time showing off my ability to crawl backwards or just spin in a circle. It was my first time opening presents and that was fun. Shiny, crinkly paper that tastes as good as it looks!!

Then it was off to Waterloo for the Arians and Haberman x-mas.

I was happy to see Aiden. Mom felt he needed a hat like me so she made him one. I gotta tell you...we look pretty handsome. After a little visiting, it was time for the x-mas parties.

First stop was at Grandma Arians' and she got to be with all her great grandkids at one time and she took full advantage of it. We managed to get a picture of this.

I can't get over how 'pinchable' Aiden's cheeks are. Even I can't keep my hands off him!! It was tough to get everyone to keep still for one picture, but I guess you take what you can get!
The next day, it was off to Great Grandma and Grandpa Haberman. Great Grandma Anne had a dancing Santa and snowman! I started to feel the holiday spirit and try on a hat for size. It was great to see a couple other little people there. I believe they were 2nd cousins.

It was another night of tasteful wrapping paper, pictures, videos and laughs had by all. I was pretty tired, but I managed to give Great Grandma Anne some one-on-one time before calling it a night.

Just when you think our weekend should be over, we have one more stop. Now we are heading to Milwaukee to see Papa. He was really happy to see me. He was amazed at how big I have gotten! I didn't have the heart to tell him that I was only going to get bigger and bigger.

I thought x-mas was over when we returned home, but we had more family come to our house for one last x-mas. This time it was Dad's family. Grandpa Greg and his dog, Hank along with Uncle Jeff and his kids. Everyone enjoyed a nice meal while I took a nap. Afterwards I helped Mom and Dad open a couple presents. After a few hours of visiting, I was ready to call it a night!

Whew, I'm surprised I remember all that. It was the short version!! Now I can tell you what's going on with me. For the last 3 weeks or so, I have started to sleep through the night, but that also depends on your definition of "sleeping through the night." I will wake up 1-2 times during the night, but if you give me my nuk I will go back to sleep...Mom considers this sleeping through the night. :)

I have 2 teeth! There were some tough days, but we made it. I think Mom and Dad would like to thank Tylenol for their invention of infant pain relief and we can't forget cold teething rings! I continue to eat really well. My newest food is plain yogurt, which goes great with bananas! I am beginning to crawl and Mom and Dad continue to cheer me on. All I can think of when they do this is "I'm only going to move faster and get into more things. Are you sure you want to encourage this behavior?"
We are in a new year and Mom and Dad have been talking about New Year resolutions...I'm not sure what this means. From listening to Mom and Dad it means losing weight. I still don't get it so I'll wait until I get older to figure this one out!

Well, I think that's it! Off to bed! Mom, Dad and I hope you all had a wonderful and safe holiday.

Love to all,

Simon