Ooooh! It was a hot day in Silver Spring. We were home early and decided to go for a walk. We decided to try out these shades Auntie Ellen got for us. They are sporty shades with a velcro strap.

Once Steven realized he could open his eyes with the glasses on he felt totally cool. Also in the orange sneaks from cousin Diane, perfect for adventures in the park.
I think it must have gotten too dark for Steven because he eventually fell asleep in his glasses.
But he looked mysterious and too cool for school the whole walk home :)

Excersaucer!

Finally he is tall enough for his feet to reach to the ground. Steven is LOVING this thing. He can pull, grab, push, spin, slide, jump and walk in circles.

He loves moving the pieces of the gator the best while he talks to the monkeys.

Sometimes the conversations get pretty heated. Steven is clearly offended by something in this pic.

Fun with Cereal

1st time with cereal. In the end the bowl was empty although I'm not sure how much actually went to his belly.

The second time was much more successful and the times to follow.

I don't think we quite understood how quickly the diapers would change. If we only knew then what we know now I'm not sure we would have been in such a rush to start solids. Oh well, no turning back now.

Wait a minute?

Steven went to sleep on his belly but woke up on his back. ??

...that means

Uh oh!

Here Comes the Sun

Finally! Winter baby can get some Vitamin D! Yeah :) We busted out the new stroller. Maybe its still a little big for him but does he looks like he's concerned? So much fun just to strap him in and go!

Jose and I felt bad halfway through that we both had shades but poor little guy was blinded by this weird foreign thing shining in his eyes any time we took him out to play.

Also, Mandy and Lucy watched Steven for us the other day, which was also a nice sunny day. Lucy is so good with Steven! When Steven was laying in his playmat Lucy put her babydoll next to him to keep him company. She also likes to get his binky, give it to him, then take it back and put it away over and over and over... Lucy and Steven sported the double stroller. Way to go Mandy! Too cute. Glad I don't need one of those yet ;)

1st St. Patrick's Day!

Steven got an early start to his first St Patrick's. Grandpa came for a visit the night before so we headed down to the Liberty Tree. Steven sat at the bar and poured some guinness.

On the morning of St. Patty's Day Steven started out in outfit number one. Very cute and as expected, it was pooped on very soon after I dropped him off at child care.

Outfit number two was also very cute but he wet that as well by early afternoon.

Luckily I saved a special shamrock onsie for last. He definitely didn't have a shortage of apparel :)

My school has a St. Patrick's Day assembly every year and this year many of my students were performing, so I brought Steven over to watch. One of my colleagues held him in the audience while I was up on stage. The first performance was 50 6th graders playing an Irish American song called Patsy Ory Ory Aye with recorder, drums, sticks, singing and me on guitar. It was so much fun, but I was sure all the drums and cheering would scare Steven. I was wrong, he watched wide eyed the whole time.

Next I played the Kesh jig with another student on violin while my 8th graders played guitar. Again, Steven was content and focused on the entertainment. Not surprising since I play for him all the time at home.

Then I led a singalong of Molly Malone. He was able to hear my voice and watched me intently through the whole thing. Everyone was shocked that he stayed so alert and tolerant of not only the loud music but all the cheering and applauding in the audience. Again, clearly my child.

After the students left there was a faculty party with lots of beer and treats :) Steven passed out within 5 minutes of being there, even with 50-60 people all mingling followed by a singer and Irish dancers.

Great first Patty's day! Can't wait for the next one :)

Aunt Ellen's Visit

Auntie Ellen came to see her nephew because she missed him so much. They got to spend lots of time together. She must have REALLY missed him because Jose and I barely changed a diaper all weekend.

She babysat while we went to the movies (very exciting) and helped give him a bath too :) Steven can't wait for her next visit!

Pocono Family Visit

We had a great time visiting Grandma and Grandpa in the Poconos.

Steven got to sit in front of the fireplace and play with all his favorite toys.

There was time to just sit and relax around the house.

Steven helped Grandpa with some business calls.

A little bonding time with Lady.

And Lots and Lots of "how big's the baby? How big's the baby? Soooooooo big!!!!!!!!!"

Then a big day out to the outlets, church and dinner.

Then on Sunday it was off to Baby Fitch's shower. First Philly trip. No cheese steak this time though!