Poki And Ping Pong Have A Blog

Blog Problems!

2011-06-18T08:06:00.001-04:00

I've been trying to post new things on here for more than a month, but blogger wasn't working. I've finally fixed it! Man...do I have some catching up to do! Stay tuned!!!

Birthday Disclaimer

2011-06-10T18:46:00.002-04:00

Poki is having an out-of-this-world party this weekend, so if you are here to see the traditional birthday post, please check back after Mom has been released from her outer space party planning headquarters.

I guess she'll just have to give up on winning mother-of-the-year this year.

The Return of the Poki-isms

2011-05-26T12:36:00.002-04:00

Mom: I DVRed Kung Fu Panda; do you want to watch it sometime?

Poki: I don't think so.

Mom: I don't mean today, but maybe we can watch it another day.

Poki: No thank you.

Mom: Really? Why don't you want to watch it?

Poki: I really like pandas, but I do NOT like when pandas eat with chopsticks.

Busy, Busy!

2011-05-12T15:28:00.000-04:00

Sorry--no time to talk. I've got sooo many emails to answer.

We Haven't Forgotten About You!

2011-05-11T16:17:00.000-04:00

This is just a note to tell you all how sorry we are that we haven't posted anything new in nearly a month! Mom got a virus on her computer, so little Laptop went to live on a nice farm upstate with acres and acres where he can run and play. (Translation: It had to be put down). We have a camera full of fun stuff to show you...and we hope to be able to...someday. In the meantime, she's got to get around to installing her camera software on Dad's desktop.

Soon!

(We hope)

Me and My Shadow

2011-04-15T09:25:00.003-04:00

Ping Pong discovered his shadow today...and immediately started making out with it.

As you can see, Ping Pong isn't the only one who thinks his brother is hilarious. I'd say the feeling is mutual.

Backyard Fun!

2011-04-15T09:06:00.004-04:00

Spring has sprung and that means outdoor play! Since Ping Pong was too small to take advantage of our backyard last spring and summer, Poki has taken it upon himself to show Ping Pong the ropes.

"Robot With Shoes"

2011-04-09T16:16:00.002-04:00

Poki is really becoming quite the artist, if I do say so myself. And I'm certainly not biased.

Happy Food Dance

2011-04-08T15:42:00.002-04:00

When Poki was a baby, he would do a little dance in his high chair when he really liked a certain food. It's how we could tell which were his favorites. Ping Pong does the same thing. The only difference is, in general, Ping Pong likes food much more than Poki ever did...and so his happy food dance is much more...um...enthusuatic. Take last night's dinner for example:

Boys and Their Trucks

2011-04-05T15:52:00.003-04:00

It didn't take long for Ping Pong to discover trucks (since his big brother plays with them all the time), but he suddenly wants to play trucks with Poki. They spend much of the day chasing each other around the house with trucks. The trouble is, Poki doesn't always want to share his trucks with Ping Pong...and Ping Pong doesn't get it. It's like watching a puppy try to play with a grown dog. The grown dog will only let the puppy nip at its nose so many times before it nips back. We're working on it. I did manage to get a couple of good pictures in before things started to turn...

Playing together:

Ping Pong playing peek-a-boo (or as he says: "Ah-Ooooo!") around the corner, trying to get Poki to chase him:

Ping Pong showing his driving-while-crawling skills...until Poki turns a little possessive of his garbage truck:

First Drawing!

2011-04-05T15:46:00.001-04:00

Practice Makes _______ .

2011-04-04T10:08:00.002-04:00

What do you get when you cross an over-due nap with walking practice?

Natural History Museum!

2011-03-28T09:26:00.006-04:00

This weekend, we met up with Aunt La La for a quick visit to the Natural History Museum in NYC. It's hard to believe our last visit was 3 years ago! Here are some pictures from our fun morning!

Daddy and Poki went to a planetarium show so Ping Pong and Mom walked around the museum with Aunt La La and Crazy Uncle Tom.

I love my Aunt La La...even though I look a little terrified here.

After our crew met back up, we went to see some dinosaurs! Mom asked Poki to pose with this guy and we all discovered that Poki now understands the meaning of the word "pose." He was really excited to be there.

Ping Pong was not. (Did I mention Ping Pong did not nap at all on Saturday?)

Poki couldn't get enough of the museum! He wanted to stay all day!

He especially liked all the interactive exhibits with computers--so much that he was confused by the regular signs.

Eventually, Ping Pong's sleep deprivation set in and he just sat in his stroller, waving to every person and fossil he saw.

We had such a nice time! We've been spending all our time grading papers or doing home repairs, so this was a much needed break! Hurray for mornings away from home! And Hip Hip Hurray for visits with family!

First Steps!!!

2011-03-27T13:41:00.003-04:00

That's right, folks! My mom has miraculously been able to capture both of her kids taking their first steps on video!

I've been standing independently for some time and I took one step on Friday, so Mom knew I was ready and has had the camera attached to her hand like 24 hours a day. Her obsession has finally paid off. Check it out!!!

Woo-hoo! Yay me!

Ping Pong's First Birthday Party!

2011-03-15T21:45:00.007-04:00

This weekend was my very first birthday party! We had a great time celebrating with some of my favorite people!

First, my brand new friend, Max stopped by for a little pre-party.

Also, my Aunt Rachey and Uncle Charlie came up from NYC to spend the whole day with us!

After my friends arrived and we all played for a little while...

It was time for cupcakes! Mom made me a very special Very Hungry Caterpillar (cup)Cake!

Here's the big moment on film:

It was as delicious as it was cute! Just like me.

Poki won the fight with Joe and got to eat the caterpillar's face...and then went into sugar shock.

He wasn't the only one.

But I recovered quickly and got back to the party!

Thanks to all our friends for making this such a special party for all of us! We love you!

A Room of One's Own

2011-03-15T21:18:00.004-04:00

Despite his unhappy face here, we are beyond thrilled to announce that Ping Pong's brand new room is complete! He just didn't appreciate his mom interrupting the bedtime routine to document this momentous occasion.

ps
You'll notice this is tagged as a milestone. Heck yes it is! Hooray for privacy!

Movie Star

2011-03-13T21:06:00.004-04:00

Pictures of the first birthday party are coming soon, but at the moment...

We would like to direct your attention to Ping Pong's acting debut. Our friend and neighbor has a new book called "Baby Barbells" and an accompanying website. Ping Pong plays the role of "Baby Barbell" in the demo video. That's right, people. The title role.

Click Here to watch the movie star!

Happy Birthday, Ping Pong!

2011-03-10T10:13:00.003-05:00

My sweet Ping Pong,

When you were born, I felt guilty knowing that I would never be able to give you the attention I gave your brother. I knew you would have something wonderful from the very beginning that he did not—a sibling—but that sibling is a strong-willed, extremely loud, brilliant kid. I knew it would be easy for his shadow to cover you, and so, like all mothers inevitably do, I worried. Boy, did you show me. In the flash of time that has been your first year, you have proven yourself to be even more strong-willed, even louder (that screech!), and just as bright as your big brother. You are a presence all your own, my love. No one, not even your crazy brother, can hide you.

Everyone said I would be amazed that I could love another child as much as I loved my first, but I had no idea how true that was until you got here. I am so in love with you. I am so grateful for you. You have done something amazing to our family. The other day, we were all playing together on the floor, and I stepped back for a minute and just watched my three guys. I couldn’t believe that there was ever a time when you weren’t there. It feels like you were just born a month ago, but I have to work to remember our family without you. From that first cry, you changed us.

I love you, Pork Chop.

Happy Birthday!

Mom

1...

2011-03-09T22:14:00.001-05:00

Then...

Now...

Sigh...How did that happen?

2...

2011-03-09T13:38:00.003-05:00

Today is the day before my birthday! It is also Ash Wednesday, which seems oddly appropriate: A day of repentance right before my new start as a one year old. Well...as much as an almost one year old can repent.

3...

2011-03-08T14:18:00.004-05:00

Today I got my very first birthday card. Boy, the big day is really almost here!

This is also a great opportunity to show you one my new tricks: Pointing! I point at everything and say "da!", which my Mom thinks is my way of asking what something is.

Thanks for the birthday card, Aunt Tata! We'll always remember who gave me the first one!

4...

2011-03-08T14:11:00.003-05:00

Photos by Poki

True Comedy

2011-03-07T10:54:00.003-05:00

We interrupt our birthday countdown to bring you a joke by Poki.

Well, at least we're trying to. After a while it felt like Poki was doing his best impression of Charlie Sheen on set; yet again confirming Mom's suspicions that hanging out with a 3 year old isn't much different than hanging out with a drunk person.

TAKE 1

TAKE 2

TAKE 3

TAKE 4

TAKE 5

TAKE 6

Hahahaha! Okay, fine. At this point it's just a little anticlimactic, huh?

5...

2011-03-06T21:17:00.008-05:00

This weekend, Babi and Babushka came for a pre-birthday birthday party. Babi and Poki even made me a cake!

While they were busy in the big person kitchen, I was hard at work in the little guy kitchen.

Here I am taking my favorite dish out of the oven.

Then, today, we had my party!

Poki thought the cake was delicious!

But what did I think of my very first bite of cake? Chocolate cake?

Mmmmm...What is this stuff?

You need some too!

No seriously, what is this stuff?

Thanks Babushka and Babi! What a fun pre-party!

6...

2011-03-06T16:46:00.002-05:00

Please enjoy the ridiculous cuteness that is me:

7...

2011-03-05T11:01:00.004-05:00

Sorry for the missed post yesterday! Mom had a stomach bug that has been sweeping the city and just wasn't up to it. We'll catch up today though.

For our first of today's countdown, I thought I'd share something awesome about myself that you might not know: I go to sleep really well. I might not stay asleep really well, but I go to sleep really well. For example, this week, we've had a contractor in our house building me a room (Happy Birthday to me!) so I've been napping in a pack-n-play in the kitchen. Mom was a little worried about the quality of my naps because, you know, babies aren't exactly fans of change, but I've done really well. She just stuck to her regular routine of nursing me, then singing a lullaby (my latest favorite is "Great Big Stars"--I even sing the first three notes with her), then putting me in my bed with a board book. I look at my board book until I fall asleep. Pretty awesome, huh? Today, she forgot to grab a book from upstairs, so she gave me my funny blanket to look at instead. It was a gift from my Aunt La La and I think it is pretty much the funniest thing ever. I snuggle with it and kiss all the different decapitated animals. (It's really not as gross as that sounds). About 5 minutes later, Mom peeked into the kitchen and snapped these:

All together now: "Awwwww!"

I know, right?! I'm insanely adorable.

8...

2011-03-03T14:02:00.003-05:00

For today's birthday countdown post, I thought I would share some cool big boy things I've been doing lately.

First of all, this is my favorite toy. I could play with this thing for minutes. (Hey, "minutes" is good for a kid my age!) This is a little long, but honestly, Mom sort of forgot she was even filming.

Now this one is something I can't believe we haven't shown you until now. Shortly after we returned home from our Christmas vacation, I started pulling up and cruising around on furniture. So this is something Mom should have posted about months ago, but, as you all know, I'm the second child. Anyway, here is some video of me on the move. If I wasn't such an expert crawler, Mom would say I should be walking on my own any day now--but I am an expert race car crawler. We'll have to get some video of that up soon too! In the meantime...

9...

2011-03-02T13:19:00.005-05:00

Here is a picture (that stealthy Granny snapped) of me and my mom from March 2, 2010...

And here we are today! (She looks much happier, right?)

I like to lean into my kisses

Okay, enough kisses, Mom! Sheez...

And one of just the soon-to-be birthday boy!

Let The Countdown Begin! 10...

2011-03-01T13:49:00.004-05:00

It is just 10 days until my big day so we're going to celebrate with a post every day until March 10!

One year ago today, Granny arrived in New Haven to meet me. She barely survived the day because she kept trying to take pictures of my mom and her giant belly. She even tried to take pictures of my mom from behind. Anyone want to guess how my mom felt about this? I believe there is a photo floating around somewhere of a very pregnant Mom doing something called "flipping a bird"...whatever that means.

Of course, now Mom is glad to have all those pictures. (Yes, Granny, you were right).

Speaking of pictures, here are a couple of me from this morning! Don't I look good in hats?

Until tomorrow...

Mwah!

2011-02-25T21:58:00.004-05:00

Mom's been trying to catch me saying Poki's name all day, but all she could get on film was this utter adorableness:

A Milestone of Sorts

2011-02-25T13:45:00.003-05:00

Poki woke up this morning and told us he'd had "the most scariest dream ever." The amazing thing is that he actually remembered all of it--every detail. The poor kid. It really does sound awful, but also extremely creative. I just love this kid's mind. This is what he told me:

I dreamed that Mommy and I were sleeping in beds at the Air and Space Museum. Raleigh and Daddy were at home and we were at the Air and Space Museum. We woke up from sleeping and wanted to watch a TV show, so we left the room and went to find the TV. We couldn't find it anywhere and we walked all over the Air and Space Museum looking for the TV. Then we got lost from each other. It was really scary because I couldn't find Mommy and she couldn't find me. I was really sad and she was really sad. Then I found some goggles. When I put on the goggles, I could see Mommy. She was wearing a helmet. When she was wearing the helmet she could see me. So we wore the goggles and helmet and found each other. Then we went to the beds again and the TV was right there in the bedroom.

Ha Ma Ka!

2011-02-22T20:56:00.003-05:00

(You'll understand that title more after you watch the video)

Mom has been trying to catch my latest milestone for days and days, and now...well... she's still not exactly succeeding, but at least you'll get a tiny taste of it. You'll also get to hear my awesome work as Mom's parrot.

Happy (Belated) Valentine's Day!

2011-02-18T21:40:00.005-05:00

Guess who we spent Valentine's Day with! You'll never guess...

Scarlett!!!

Well, duh. Who else would it be?

And guess what we did! We went to the movies! And what did we see? Only the most romantic story ever told...sort of. Gnomeo and Juliet!

Of course Mom had to film our reunion...

And then it was time for the movie. Did I mention it was in 3D?

And after the movie, we had a romantic lunch. We even did something only the most romantic couples do in restaurants: We sat on the same side of the booth.

Oh yeah, and we shared a heart cookie. Come on, people, do I know romance or do I know romance?

But then things started to go a little sour when we began to discuss the film.

Even if you haven't seen the movie, you could probably guess that there were no vacuums in the gnomes' garden, right? Well, if there is one thing I have learned from the scene you are about to see, it's that the woman is always right. No matter what.

Fortunately, we patched things up and even played a couple rounds of Scarlett's new favorite game: Gnomeo and Juliet Reenactment. Guess who I was. Yep. I told you I learned my lesson.

For more on our special date (including the shots the paparazzi took in that second video), Click Here.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Pork Chop

2011-02-18T14:39:00.002-05:00

Somehow I doubt he'll still be in the 15th percentile for weight at his 12 month check-up.

Next Up: Mastering The Eye-Roll.

2011-02-18T14:22:00.003-05:00

Scene: Poki is staring out the window at what appears to be nothing.

Mom: What are you doing, Poki?

Poki: Oh, just looking at Barson's house.

Mom: Barson lives in our neighborhood?

Poki: Yeah, across the street.

Mom: Really? In the brown house?

Poki: No, in the house made of tanks.

Mom: Tanks? Like army vehicles?

Poki: Yeah. Tanks.

Mom: That's odd. I've never seen a house made of tanks across the street.

Poki: Sigh...that's because it's camouflage.

Duh.

Love At First Bite

2011-02-12T13:22:00.003-05:00

Mom has been trying to get me more interested in finger foods, but so far, the only things I've been interested in are bananas, crackers, cereal puffs, and waffles...that is...until today. See, Poki had a very special lunch today and I got hold of some leftovers. It's abundantly clear that Mom just wasn't giving me the right kind of finger food.

(And yes, Mom listed this as a milestone. How could she not?)

Let The Countdown Begin...

2011-02-10T14:50:00.004-05:00

Today is my 11 month birthday! To celebrate, I ate the very same big-boy breakfast as my brother!

And I thoroughly enjoyed every bite!

Just 1 month to the big day! Can you believe it? No one here can. In fact, it's hard to believe it was a year ago that mom was sleeping with a stopwatch next to her bed because her doctors were telling her I could come at any moment!

"Mom With One Sock"

2011-02-07T18:32:00.002-05:00

Pay Back...

2011-02-02T19:43:00.002-05:00

We've been snowed in a little too much lately and I think Mom is finally losing it. Either that or she's getting back at me for all the times I annoy her. Which is your guess?

All Done! (Again).

2011-02-02T16:18:00.004-05:00

You've seen him sign it, now hear him say it!

And aren't you lucky that you were also witness to the growth of Barson (Poki's imaginary friend) from little boy to grown-up policeman? In fact, Poki told me later that Barson is my age now AND he has two little boys named Harson and Haleigh. Hmmm...interesting.

Made in China

2011-01-30T09:36:00.004-05:00

Daddy has just returned from another trip to China, and while we missed him greatly, Poki is always most excited to see the gifts Daddy comes home with. When he sees that big orange suitcase, you can practically smell the anticipation on his breath.

Will it be a robot, perhaps? Please say it's a robot...please say it's a robot...

It's a...

Shoe? Daddy brought me a SHOE?

Ah, but this is no ordinary shoe. All you have to do it read the instruction manual to know that...

and take a closer look inside.

No, folks. This was no ordinary shoe. This was a transformer shoe!

Only in China!

The Loudest Restaurant In Town

2011-01-23T16:30:00.004-05:00

You should take two things away from this video: (1) Never give a 3 year old tongs, and (2) If you're ever unsure of what to get me for my birthday, noise-cancelling headphones are always a good option.

Please, Sir, May I Have Some...

2011-01-23T15:57:00.002-05:00

Gene Pool

2011-01-23T11:12:00.000-05:00

Split-Screen, The Sequel

2011-01-20T10:45:00.004-05:00

As you may remember, my mom posted a split-screen comparing a picture of Ping Pong to one of her own baby pictures. (For a reminder, click here). Well now it's my turn. Check out these two cuties:

Yep. That's my dad on the left and me on the right.

Isn't it funny how my brother and I can look so much like the other parent and still look so much like each other? Weird...

Something New And (Surprise!) Adorable

2011-01-14T20:03:00.003-05:00

(Pay close attention at the 40 second mark)

Unfortunately, Mom took this at bedtime, so things turned cranky pretty quickly, but come on! How cute is that?

SNOW!!!

2011-01-13T17:12:00.004-05:00

And lots of it! Here are some pictures from our big snow yesterday. (And yes, this means I found the camera cord. Updates to come!)

We used to have stairs leading up to our house...

and a picnic table...

and a car...

and a sidewalk...and a street...and garbage cans...

Thank goodness we have child labor to help dig us out. He really earned his hot apple cider.

10 Months???? Seriously?!

2011-01-10T13:12:00.003-05:00

Where has the time gone? And how can I get it back?

Happy 10 Month Birthday, Ping Pong!

I have mountains of videos and photos to post...just as soon as I find that dang camera cord. In the meantime, here are a few things you can look forward to seeing a 10-month-old Ping Pong do:

1)Wave and say "Hi!"
2)Say "Uh-oh!" (His first word)
3)Pull up
4)Walk while holding someone's hand
5)Raise his arms to show "Sooooo BIG!" when someone asks how big he is
6)Dance (And let me tell you, it's the cutest thing you will EVER see)
7)Sing "La la"
8)Flash a four-toofer smile
9)Drink water from a real cup
10)Feed himself with a spoon
11)Blow kisses

And much, much more!

Coming soon!!! (Now where is that camera cord???)

Poki's Christmas Program

2010-12-16T13:03:00.006-05:00

The ham doesn't fall far from the...um...tree? Well, whatever--today I proved this fact by performing beautifully in my preschool Christmas program. Well, except when I announced to everyone that I didn't feel like doing it anymore...or when I sat down while everyone else was standing, explaining to the audience that I was getting tired. Okay, fine. So, I'm not the ham my parents thought I was...at least not in the way they were hoping. Frankly, Mom was a nervous wreck all morning because she knew if any kid was going to change the words to the songs to make it extra silly or take a flying leap off the stage, it was going to be me. Fortunately for her, I sat perfectly the whole time...even when I wasn't supposed to be sitting.

Here are some highlights from the performance. (Don't be fooled by the star on top of the tree--the real star appears around the 50 second mark.)

Truth is, most of the time, I was bored out of my skull.

Or just plain mad...like when they sang The Dreidel Song. I wanted to sing that song, but NOOOO, I had to sing Oh, Christmas Tree.

For those of you who don't already know, I'm so obsessed with dreidels right now, I've asked for one for Christmas AND I've told Mom that I want to be a dreidel for Halloween next year.

Then it was time for our adorable send-off!

Pretty cute, huh? Aren't you amazed by how well behaved I was? I mean, I was like a perfect little angel! Okay, okay...Mom might have left out one small detail. This was her real favorite part of the performance...and the video that will be broadcast on a big screen at my wedding rehearsal dinner. There is really only one way to describe it: Classic.

After our amazing performance, we went downstairs for a reception (aka: fancy snack) where guess who was waiting for us!? You'll never guess. It was none other than Santa's much older and skinnier brother, Feeble Claus!

Whatever. He gave me a candy cane. He's cool.

And that's that, folks! Happy Holidays to you all!

9 Month Stats

2010-12-15T13:09:00.004-05:00

Well, it's official. I'm a peanut. My mom has been suspecting this for a while, but the doctor confirmed it this morning. The baby who looked 6 months old at birth now looks...well, 6 months old.

Here are my stats:
Height: 27 1/4 inches (15th percentile)
Weight: 19 lbs 6 oz (20th percentile)
Head circumference: 45 1/4 cm (40th percentile)

See? Peanut!

This is so strange for my mom to see because Poki was such a chunk. He was always around the 75th percentile for height, 90th for weight, and...well...40th for head circumference. We've got that one thing in common. It just goes to show how different brothers can be!

We did get some pretty fantastic news at the doctor today: I no longer have to take prevacid! No medication for me! Mom's still cutting dairy and soy from her diet, but soon, she should be able to eat some dairy again. Pretty awesome, huh?

In other growing baby news, my first top tooth broke through today and the second is following close behind!

ps
Check back in tomorrow for footage of Poki's first Preschool Christmas Program!

9 Months!

2010-12-10T20:50:00.006-05:00

Yep--can you believe it? I've been out longer than I was in! Well, sort of...I was a bit late. (Don't think my mom has forgotten).

Mom still thinks of me as a tiny baby, but the truth is, I've suddenly been doing a lot of big baby stuff.

I want to stand all the time.

Even without holding onto anything!

I'm still scooting around on my belly when I want to get someplace, but most of my time is spent either rocking on all fours or practicing yoga. No really, just check out my downward dog!

But mostly, I just like doing whatever my big brother is doing. He's pretty much the coolest, funniest guy I know.

Sometimes my mom feels guilty for not being able to give me the attention she gave Poki in his first few years, but then she remembers that I have something he didn't: a sibling right from the start. We have so much fun together--now more than ever! And it's just going to get more fun! This is only the first 9 months, after all!

Brrrrrr!

2010-12-09T12:02:00.001-05:00

It's getting COLD out there!

Greatest Laugh EVER

2010-12-09T11:00:00.002-05:00

His Father's Son...

2010-12-08T12:31:00.002-05:00

Some of you may already know this, but my dad loves George Michael. That would easily have been a big ol' red flag for most girls, but somehow this fact was a bonus for my mom. So, as the kindergarten song/jab goes: "First came love, then came marriage, then came another George Micheal fan in a baby carriage." Or something like that.

See for yourselves...here I am singing the whole family's favorite Christmas song:

(Sorry for the poor sound...it's possible Raleigh had his finger over the microphone.)

Gearing Up...

2010-12-07T12:17:00.003-05:00

As expected, Poki has been extremely excited about Christmas this year. It is THE topic of conversation around these parts...followed closely by numerous impossible questions about God and Jesus, as you will hear for yourselves. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm beginning to miss the questions about how the baby got in my belly...

But what's really enjoyable this holiday season is the impressive list of holiday songs Poki is learning!

Mimic

2010-12-06T10:19:00.003-05:00

(...And you get the added bonus of seeing Ping Pong's reaction when his beloved Poki leaves the room!)

Signature

2010-12-03T20:38:00.003-05:00

Sure, this is a beautiful leaf rubbing...

but look a little closer...

That's right, folks! I wrote my name all by myself! As you can see, I need to work on my S's and N's, but we think it's pretty darn good for a first effort!

Handsome Boy...

2010-12-03T16:11:00.003-05:00

with his big green eyes...

and tiny chiclet teeth.

Giving Thanks For New Tricks

2010-11-29T15:10:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-21T20:48:00.002-05:00

Reason #472 to love preschool: Poki comes home singing adorable songs!

Fun With Mommy's Camera

2010-11-18T20:47:00.006-05:00

"Mommy, I'm going to hold Ping Pong and you can take our picture!"

"Okay, now it's my turn to take the picture. You hold Ping Pong. Make him fly--yeah like that!"

"Now it's Ping Pong's turn to take a picture of us...no, Ping Pong--don't eat Mommy's camera!"

Canada: Land Of The...Wait, What?

2010-11-11T10:07:00.003-05:00

Scene: This morning, Poki comes climbing into bed with Mom and Dad.

Poki: Can we go to Toronto this morning?

Dad: Toronto? Really? Hmm...it's a pretty long drive, kiddo, and I have to work today. Maybe we can go another time.

Poki: Ah, man! I really want to go today!

Dad: Sorry, Poki. I wish we could just pick up and go to Toronto, but we can't.

Poki: whimper...I really want to go to Toronto now.

Mom: What's in Toronto, Poki?

Poki: Toronto is a really big, big factory filled with libraries and toy stores!

Mom (whispering to Dad): Man, is this kid going to be disappointed when we actually take him to Toronto...

Happy Eight Months!

2010-11-10T11:05:00.002-05:00

Today Ping Pong is 8 months old! I wish I had some adorable picture or video to post, but unfortunately, poor Ping Pong is very sick. He's terribly dehydrated following 4 days with the stomach flu. Send healing thoughts our way and hopefully we'll get some cute pictures up before you know it!

Brrrr...

2010-11-02T15:17:00.002-04:00

It's getting cold out there!

Mum-Mums!

2010-11-02T14:54:00.004-04:00

Today marked yet another milestone in our house: My first mum-mum. For those of you who don't know, mum-mums were my brother's favorite snack as a baby. In fact, my folks pretty much kept the company in business for awhile there. Anyway, today I had my first mum-mum and, of course, Mom had to document it.

Now, just to warn you, as adorable as I am eating my mum-mum, my brother Poki really tries to steal the show here...especially when he provides our readers with a little TMI.

And as if my eating the mum-mum wasn't cute enough, just look at what else I've been doing lately during mealtimes...(again, please forgive my brother's 2nd crude announcement).

Yay for mum-mums! (And potty-trained 3-year-olds!)

More Halloween Decorations

2010-11-02T10:26:00.004-04:00

So...we got a little more into our Halloween decorations this year (and by "we," I mean Mom). We showed you some of our decorations in the last Halloween post, but we thought we would post an better picture of the house.

I told Mom I wanted to make our house into a haunted house, but she didn't want to go out and buy a bunch of scary zombies and skeletons for the yard. Instead, she made our house really look like it was haunted.

Peek-a BOO!

It's nothing too fancy, but the UPS man did say it was the best house he's seen this year. And that's saying something!

First Tooth!

2010-11-01T14:37:00.003-04:00

I guess there isn't really more to say after that post title...I got my first tooth! I had a sleepless night last night and Mom just noticed why. It's on the bottom right (my right), and the left one looks like it will be coming in any day!

Yep. I'm turning into a big boy...right before my mother's tear-filled eyes.

A Bouncing Baby Ping Pong!

2010-11-01T13:52:00.003-04:00

Because I could never grow tired of watching Ping Pong jump in his exersaucer, I've decided to treat you guys to 3 whole minutes of adorable (albeit, probably nauseating) video footage of him in action. If you listen carefully, you can hear that he's actually out of breath.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T20:40:00.009-04:00

What a Halloween! Decorations, Jack-o-lanterns, Boo at the Zoo with Scarlett, Trick-or-treating... Whew! There is too much to discuss! We'll just let you see for yourself:

An Accent Only A Babushka Would Love

2010-10-24T09:19:00.003-04:00

Scene: Poki was playing with his matryoshka dolls the other morning when Daddy asked what he was doing.

Poki: "I'm playing with my mumuffin dolls."

Daddy: "Your what?"

Poki: "My um...my mumtufta dolls."

Daddy: "Do you mean your matryoshka dolls? Matryoshka."

Poki: "Sigh...no, Daddy. It's mumkufka. I know my Russian."

Hey! That Looks Like Something!

2010-10-18T13:28:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago (I know, I know...shame on my Mom for waiting to tell you until now), I was drawing on my kid's menu at the Ruby Restaurant (aka: Ruby Tuesdays), when suddenly, my mom realized what I was drawing looked like something. Like...a real something. And not my usual 100 swirls I claim is a tornado. No, this looked like a person! She couldn't believe her eyes!

She asked me what I was drawing and I said, "This way it's a guy with legs..."

"And this way, it's a guy with antennas!"

On The Move!

2010-10-18T13:17:00.004-04:00

As some of you might remember, my Mom predicted that I would be crawling by my 7 month birthday. Surprisingly, I didn't. I mean, I've been scooting around in circles for a while now, but only in circles. Recently though, I started doing this:

Which made my Mom think I was just days away. Then I started moving backwards, like this:

But not really forward...until now.

I believe this is what they call the army crawl? I'm putting those elbow patches on my outfit to good use!

Pathetic Attempt at a Pumpkin Patch Picture

2010-10-13T15:45:00.005-04:00

Mom and Dad: "Poki! Ping Pong! Look here guys! Ping Pong!"

Mom and Dad: "Ping Pong! Poki! Up here!"

Ping Pong: "What's that cool thing? It's awesome!"

Poki: "Dad's shoe..."

Mom and Dad: "Poooookiiii! Piiiiing Poooong!"

Poki: "Oh look--a tractor!"

Ping Pong: "Where??? Wait...what's a tractor?"

Mom and Dad: "Guys! Look at the camera!"

Ping Pong: "Whoa..."

Mom and Dad: "Oh--that's good Poki! Hold it! Ping Pong! Look here!"

Ping Pong: "Hey look--grass!"

Poki: "Bam Bam Bam! I'm playing a punkim drum, yeah yeah! Ba da da! Ba da dum!"

Ping Pong: "Where did all these big orange things come from?..."

Mom and Dad: "Ah hell...forget it."

7 Pictures For 7 Months

2010-10-10T14:50:00.003-04:00

ps
Happy Birthday to me!

Bambino Ping Pong

2010-10-10T09:18:00.002-04:00

Scene: This morning, the family is snuggling together in Mom and Dad's bed.

Ping Pong: A-Gaaaa!

Poki: A-Gaaaa!

Mom: Are you talking to Ping Pong?

Poki: Yep.

Dad: What is he saying?

Poki: I don't know. I think he's speaking Spanish.

Magical

2010-10-09T11:58:00.003-04:00

Scene: Poki is being three-years-old in his bedroom this morning while Dad attempts to help him get dressed.

Dad holds up a shirt with a dump truck on it.

Dad: How about this shirt?

Poki: No, I don't want a shirt with any pictures on it.

Dad holds up a plain, button down shirt.

Dad: Okaaay...how about this one?

Poki: No, I don't like that one because it has buttons.

Dad holds up a traditional Ukrainian tunic Babushka brought back from the Ukraine.

Dad: How about this one?

Poki: No, that one is magical.

All Done!

2010-10-06T12:32:00.004-04:00

Okay, you'll never believe what I'm doing. Mom doesn't even believe it. She thought this was a total coincidence until this morning when I closed my mouth tight and put my hands in the air to tell her I was "all done" with my breakfast. Mom has been signing with me for months, especially signing "more" and "all done" while feeding me solids, but she didn't expect me to start signing back so soon. She immediately ran to get the camera and this is what she caught on film:

Addendum: Aunt La La said she thought Mom was doing the sign while this video was being taken and maybe I was mimicking her. We should have mentioned that Mom was not signing while she was saying "all done"--she was just saying it. Cool, huh?

Småland

2010-10-06T10:29:00.004-04:00

You might think it's strange that my mom felt compelled to document this milestone, and frankly, I agree. But she and Dad have been waiting until I could do this since I began making shopping difficult...which is like...since I was born.

See, there is a little place in Ikea where parents can leave their children while they shop. This glorious place is called "Småland." Children that are fully potty-trained and 37″-54″ tall are welcome to come into this exclusive club. (It's exclusive because parents and their younger siblings are not welcome). After signing a bunch of forms, then getting matching bracelets and hand stamps and one of those electronic pagers chain restaurants give you when waiting for a table (basically everything short of a retina scan and urine sample), parents can leave their little critters and shop in peace. Ahhh...peace. Now do you see why my parents have been waiting for me to reach this milestone?

So, last night, Mom and Dad (with Ping Pong happily bouncing around in the baby bjorn) left me to color, run around, and dive into a ball pit while they sat on every sofa in Ikea.

When I came into my folk's room this morning, the first thing I said was, "Good morning, Mommy. Can we go to Ikea this morning?" Then when Daddy was watching the news (ahem...Saved By the Bell) while we ate our cereal, I asked, "Daddy, when you're finished watching your show, can we find a show to watch about Ikea?" In fact, our excursion was such a success, Mom is thinking of taking me there once a week just for fun. She can leave me in Småland and go sit in the Ikea cafeteria with a cup of coffee, a book, and a sleeping Ping Pong. What? Does that sound bad?

Here are some pictures of this momentous occasion:

Tall/short enough? Check!

Bracelet? Check!

And he's off!

Straight for the ball pit! (Big surprise).

Thank you, Ikea. Not only do you offer inexpensive furnishings and delicious cinnamon rolls, you babysit too. God bless you.

How Babies Are Made

2010-10-03T12:22:00.003-04:00

(According to Poki)

First, there are little seeds with faces that cry. You wash them with the shower and spray them into your belly button. You spray your belly with the shower every day. Then your belly grows bigger and bigger because the babies grow bigger and bigger inside your belly. Then they are born-ed in the hospital and I go every time they are born-ed and get new trucks every time.

Thank Heaven For Grannies

2010-09-27T13:51:00.004-04:00

There has been a lapse in our posting this week because we had a visitor! Granny was here helping Mom take care of us while Dad was out of town. This picture was taken right before she left for the airport, which is probably why she looks to happy.

Thanks for everything, Granny! We love you!

ps
Can you guys believe how much Ping Pong and I look alike here?!

6 Month Check-Up

2010-09-17T14:16:00.003-04:00

I had my 6 month check-up today, which went pretty well...except that I had to have shots and Dr.Blanton said Mom should start letting me "cry it out." Just when I thought I really liked that guy...

For those of you who don't already know, I'm not a great sleeper. In fact, it's my one flaw. On average, I wake 4 times an hour for the first two hours of the night, then I wake every 1-2 hours after that until about 7:00am. Pretty bad, huh? Some nights are better than others, but this is pretty much the norm. We really thought this was caused by my acid reflux, but Dr. Blanton says he doesn't think so. See, I spend alot of time lying down. Tummy time is my favorite time, in fact. It's when I am happiest. So, logically, that must mean I don't feel pain every time I lie down; therefore, it is not pain that wakes me up all night. He thinks I just miss my mom. Thanks, Dr B...now the jig is up.

Even though he doesn't think the reflux is waking me up all night, there is no question that I am still having issues with GERD, and issues that really should have started to improve by now. That's why Dr. B is referring me to a pediatric GI specialist. We'll keep you updated about that.

I know you're all dying to know, so here are my stats from today's visit:

Weight: 17 lbs 7 oz - 50th percentile
Height: 27 inches - 50th percentile
Head Circumference: 50th percentile
Cuteness: 99th percentile (off the charts)

First (Real) Day Of School!

2010-09-14T15:48:00.006-04:00

This morning, I came into my parents room and asked if it was time to go to school yet. Unfortunately I still had a couple of hours. I guess you could say I was pretty excited...

Mom just had to take my picture outside the school.

Mom, can you pleeeease take my picture already? I want to go play!

And boy, did I play!

That last picture was just minutes before my major meltdown because I didn't want to leave. (Insert Mom's sigh here). Hey, at least I wasn't crying when she dropped me off!

Happy Blah Blah Blah Blah...

2010-09-10T14:47:00.002-04:00

Today is my half-birthday! I'm 6 months old! And I've got a lot to say about it.

Reason #849 Mom Likes Having Two Boys

2010-09-10T13:39:00.003-04:00

Favorite clothes make a comeback.

First Day Of School! (Sort Of...)

2010-09-10T13:09:00.005-04:00

Today was orientation at my preschool, which means that my folks and I went to my new school for an hour today to meet my teachers and have a little info session. So while it wasn't really the real first day of real school, it was still a big enough deal for my mom to freak out over. (Big surprise). Here are some pictures!

I woke up this morning and came right into my folks' room, yelling: "It's the first day of schoooooool!" Here I am, yelling again as we were leaving. Hurray!

My school is close enough to walk!

Arriving with the other kids.

Hanging up my down vest in my cubby. (By the way, it was chilly this morning, but was in no way cold enough for a down vest. I just wanted to wear a down vest. Period.)

Ahhhh... (My mom is dying right now).

During the info session for parents (while the kids played in other rooms), there was a long talk about how you can help your kids prepare for separation from their parents. After, the head teacher asked if anyone had any questions. Mom raised her hand and asked what we can do to help our kids leave the school, because she thought I would have no trouble with Mom leaving me, but I would have trouble going home. Sure enough, when my new teachers said it was time to find our parents and go home, I melted down.

I think I'm really going to like school...if only I could live there.

Check back on Tuesday for news about my real first day of school!

Don't Tell You-Know-Who...

2010-09-09T15:08:00.002-04:00

but look what I found while Poki was napping...

Kewpie Doll

2010-09-09T09:49:00.001-04:00

Okay...this is just getting creepy. He's even starting to make the face now.

Bring On The Warm Fuzzies

2010-09-09T09:48:00.002-04:00

Ahhhhhhh...

Little Mudskipper

2010-09-09T09:34:00.002-04:00

I really want to crawl. I mean, I really want to crawl. The trouble is, when I try, I look more like I'm swimming. Mom thinks maybe I'm trying to be like one of those funny walking fish. See for yourselves:

Something was up with the sound on Mom's camera, but you get the idea. What do you think? I turn 6 months tomorrow...will I be crawling within the month?

Presenting...The Lego Fire Station!

2010-09-04T11:07:00.004-04:00

Some of you might remember that, more than a year ago, I saw a Lego fire station in a catalog and my dad told me he would get it for me when I was officially potty-trained. We even tore the picture out of the catalog and hung it up on my bedroom wall. Well, after going #1 AND #2 in the potty for 4 weeks (with NO accidents!), he and Mom agreed it was time to follow through on the promise.

We bought it last Sunday and got to work on it immediately. Dad decided he was going to help direct me, but that I would put it all together myself. The first night, it took me 2 hours to put together the smallest engine (a little bigger than a matchbox car). Keep in mind, these are big kid legos (ages 5-12), not toddler-sized duplo, so they were tiny little pieces. The next night, we built the bigger engine, which took me far less time to finish. We've built a little every day this week (moving faster and faster each time), and this morning, we finally finished! And I built it ALL on my own! Daddy never actually touched a lego, he just supervised and helped keep me from getting frustrated.

Of course, since this project was really a year in the making, Mom had to document its completion. So, ta-da! I give you...(drum roll)...The Lego Fire Station!

ps
You can enlarge the pictures by clicking on them, in case you want to see all the little details. It's pretty cool. The firemen all have accessories and there is even a little coffee pot in the kitchen.

And The Award For Most Patient Kitty Goes To...

2010-09-04T10:57:00.004-04:00

"Mommy, take my picture with Leroy...smile, Leroy..."

"Say cheese, Leroy..."

"No! Let me hug you, Leroy!"

First Veggies

2010-09-04T10:49:00.002-04:00

Today, Ping Pong tried carrots. We'll just let you watch the video to see his reaction...

"Protest" isn't really the word I'd use...I mean, he didn't make a peep, he just wanted no part of it. He was like, "Forget this! I'm taking off my bib and getting the heck out of here!"

For a reminder of Poki's first taste of carrots, click here. (The choice in costume was purely coincidental!)

First Trucks

2010-09-03T17:51:00.004-04:00

It was only a matter of time. Ping Pong has been so interested in my trucks that Mom dug out my old "tiny-boy-safe" trucks. He took to them like a pro...but in all fairness, he has learned from the master.

Growing Pains

2010-09-03T14:47:00.003-04:00

"Show me that smile again...Oooo, show me that smile...don't waste another minute on your crying..."

Yeah, the words "growing pains" used to make the theme song from a certain 1980's sitcom instantly play in my head too...until yesterday. Actually, it all started a couple of weeks ago when Poki came into our room in the middle of the night complaining that his leg hurt. I assumed his leg was asleep or something, and let him come into our bed for a minute. After a while, I asked if he was ready to go back to his room, but he said he didn't want to walk because his leg was still hurting. Andrei carried him back to bed and he was fine. Then yesterday, he woke up from his nap screaming. It look several minutes before he could say anything other than "it hurts!" between sobs. It was actually pretty scary. After about 15 minutes, he had finally calmed down enough to tell me what hurt. Again, it was his leg. We went to the doctor this morning and, much to my surprise, they said it was text book growing pains. I didn't know those were real! I guess this confirms that my little guy really is growing up.

It's All About The "Boom"

2010-08-31T14:28:00.002-04:00

Apparently...

"Daddy, can we read this book before bed tonight?"

2010-08-30T15:36:00.003-04:00

Oh, Babushka, You Kill Me!

2010-08-30T15:32:00.003-04:00

Babushka came to visit this weekend and she really figured out how to get me belly laughing. Check it out:

Believe it or not, Mom got the camera pretty late in the game. I was laughing even harder before she started taping. It's all about the "Boom!"

Bang! Bang! Bang! Oh looook...Bang! Bang! Bang!

2010-08-26T11:28:00.002-04:00

Punkin...

2010-08-24T18:33:00.002-04:00

Bedtime Brothers

2010-08-24T16:49:00.004-04:00

Let's be honest...Mom has been waiting for this photo-op for a year now. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you...The first double bath photo.

Pretty cute, huh?

And as if that was not enough, it was so cool outside last night that she could dress us in cozy jammies. Ahem...matching cozy jammies. (Go Bulldogs! Boola! Boola!)