Natural History Museum!

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!!!

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!

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

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

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!

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...

Then...



Now...



Sigh...How did that happen?