Already getting into trouble

I can't leave him alone for a second!
Leaving the scene of the crime....

Just the two of us

Jon left for San Diego today, to help celebrate his sister Catherine's 30th birthday this weekend (Happy Birthday Catherine!). Logan and I decided to stay home -- my back's not up to another road trip this soon after LA, and we also have our buddy Robert's 1st birthday party to attend to this weekend! :)

Though Jon is never one for drawn out goodbyes, I know he will be missing us this weekend. He has these rare Daddy moments that are sometimes out of place for Jon, which just touches my heart. The other evening, Jon came home "early" (10:30pm) from his D&D game night, and of course, Logan was already down for the evening. Still, Jon pulled him out of his crib, laid him in our bed and laid down next to him for awhile, before putting him back in his crib for the rest of the night. Luckily for all of us (mostly Jon), Logan didn't wake the entire time Jon did this.... and as much as I didn't care for him risking waking our little guy up, it really melted my heart to see him bond with our son. I usually give Jon quite a bit of shit (on various things, it doesn't really matter, does it?), but we both know he's taken to being a Number 1 Daddy for Logan from the very start.

Our little guy has been doing great sleeping through the night - usually a full 10 hrs uninterrupted - which has been just wonderful for Jon and I. It started regularly about the time he started crawling, so I'm sure the extra activity is helping him sleep more soundly. At any rate, I hope the trend continues, especially this weekend while I'm on parent duty by myself! *knocks on wood*

We had a nice dinner with a number of our friends tonight (the Hicksons, Jodoins and Chouns) and then watched the 2008 Olympics' Opening Ceremony for a few hours before calling it a night. We're looking forward to the weekend where we can just relax and watch the many summer games that will be playing for the next two weeks! :)

All are outstanding, but here are a few of my fave shots:

Go USA! :)

Relaxed

We've gone from swaddling Logan as tight as possible so he can sleep,
to now this... :)

Separation Anxiety?

I'm pretty proud of the fact that Logan is turning into such a little socialite at such a young age. He has no problem hanging out with any, and every, one and doesn't seem to mind strangers holding him, even if Mom or Dad are out of line of sight.

In fact, I was telling my co-worker Andrea at lunch today what wonderful luck we've had so far, and how we haven't experienced or seen any signs at all of the separation anxiety that usually hits kids around this time. I think it's partly because we started taking Logan to preschool at such an early age. I think it also has something to do with us freely passing him around since he was born, to any sucker friend that will hold him and give us a break for 10 minutes, but that's another story.

Sure, there's the occasional whine, accompanied by the arms that reach out only half-ass at me when I leave. But, c'mon. I know a pathetic whine when I hear one and that's usually it. And then he stops about 30 seconds later because the flower toy that blinks lights and sings songs to him is sooooo much cooler than Mommy ever was.

Mommy who?

So of course, today Murphy's Law decides to prove me wrong (I should have knocked on wood earlier today - damn you fate!).

When I arrived to pick Logan up this afternoon, he was all play and not interested in looking up at Mommy. Not even to say hi. Typical.

So, I got down on my hands and knees so he'd know I was there, gave him a quick kiss and said "Hey kiddo!"

He looked up at me, eyes locked on mine and you could see the wheels turning as the realization hit him that it was time to go home. MOMMY'S HERE. And he gave me that 1000-watt smile that beams straight to my heart.

So, I patted him on the head, said "lemme go get your bottles and bag and we'll be off." And got up to go grab his stuff.

Apparently when I said "lemme go get your bottles and bag and we'll be off", he interpreted it as "Ha! I'm leaving you and never ever coming back you horrible wretched little kid! Who's going to love you now? Huh? Who??"

Because he immediately started crying. Mind you, I'm about 5 ft away and in plain view. But apparently that wasn't good enough. And, when I walked a little farther away, to his cubby (where his bag and bottles were, but still 100% visible from where he sat) he suddenly let out the loudest ear piercing embarrassing SHRIEK a mother has ever heard. Right in front of the New Dad too.

Well. That's new.

It's okay kiddo. I'm right here.

More shrieking.

Seriously? Do you really think you're going to be left alone? I'm right here.

Louder shrieking.

It's okay buddy. I'm. right. here.

And then he was saved from the horrible terrible evil thoughts that were coursing through that little head of his. And immediately he was bouncing and happy and smiley and burying his face into my chest as all those unspeakables vanished into thin air.

*sigh*

I really hope Logan was just having a crappy day and separation anxiety hasn't set in. In fact, that's what I'm going to think. Because, if I believe it was just a crappy day and nothing else...

Then, it was nothing else.

Right?

Summertime

August is the time for laying blankets out on the grass, cutting up lots of fresh fruit, breaking out the bags of chips and munchies, and hanging out in the sun (or in today's case, shade under a big tree).

There was no questioning who's diaper bag this one was (Hi Kim!). I loved the capture so much, I had to showcase it here on the blog. Not one, not two, but THREE bottles of sunblock. :-P


We got together this afternoon with a bunch of our friends, who all have babies close to Logan's age, for a little "family play date" (I suppose?) at the Vasona Lake Park. Logan was pretty content to just SUCK on pretzel sticks all day long and watch the action all around him. About the only time I could get him to crawl was when he was ready for another pretzel stick. I'm beginning to think our little guy is into carbs. Seriously.

As always, great company and all sorts of yummy food to munch on as the kiddos got to play with one another. And yes, we definitely had our hands full with all seven kids.

Starring...

*drum roll please*

Jamie (5 yrs) is one spunky little gal who cannot be contained. By far the eldest, she will be the model that all the little ones look up to. She will do what it takes to gain attention and approval from all, sometimes with a bit of a dramatic flair. She is the entertainer of the crowd, usually a silly little goose, yet is as lovable as they come (using her Aunties' laps as reclining chairs).


Robert (just shy of 1 yr!) is an active go-get-'em crowd pleaser. Loyal to his friends and an avid trendsetter (esp. for Mr. Logan who looks up to the only older boy of the crowd) in fashion, toys, new foods, activities, you name it. In your camera face, loves attention, can't be still and will be famous. Ambitious, stubborn, proud and honest.







Addison (11.5 mths) is kind-hearted and generous and will be a great listener. She loves to nurture and share (although sometimes NOT her chocolate chip cookies). She is caring, creative and shy but a natural helper around the house, and later to the world.


Molly (9.5 mths) is a lover, not a fighter. She is charming, easy-going and loves to please. When she's missing Mommy and Daddy's affection, she tends to be grumpy, having a rare off day (luckily, Mommy and Daddy have plenty of love to give). Balanced, constant, agreeable and polite. And definitely loves her raspberries.


Emily (9 mths): Calm as she may seem, there's a lot going on beneath the surface. Her need for a strong emotional connection (Mommy can never be too far out of sight) drives her intense, creative and magnetic personality. Loves to win and wise beyond her years, she will be a devoted leader.









Logan (7.5 mths) is a born adventurer and free spirit. Tons of fun, he is also impatient and gets into loads of trouble when bored (curiosity killed the cat?). Naturally athletic, which helps burn that excess energy. Loves to travel, particularly head dives off the couch. Optimistic, independent, honest, outgoing and happy.



and last but not least,




Jessie (3.5 mths), our little lamb. She's impulsive yet friendly. Adventurous, always pushing ahead of the pack and loves to rock the boat. She tells it like she sees it, never holding a grudge. Daring, competitive, self-reliant and outgoing. A promising lawyer or doctor, who knows. Bottom line, she's one tough cookie you don't want to mess with.


It's days like today where I really hate going back to work on Monday..... *sigh*

Hope everyone had a great summer weekend!

Company Picnic

This afternoon we went to the Microsoft Silicon Valley Company Picnic at Saratoga Springs Park. We were pretty late and missed the BBQ lunch because Logan had a super long nap (3.5 hrs!) and we didn't want to bother waking him....

So, we got there towards the tail end of the festivities, which was actually just fine since Logan is still too young to appreciate most of the activities anyway. We *did* get him on a swing (his favorite), slide and "bouncy house" before calling it a day.

I can't wait till he's big enough for a few roller coaster rides.

Next year. ;-)

Preppy meets Rocker

Last Sunday we three went up to the city to enjoy a Fiesta Lunch that Catherine and Danny hosted. As we were getting ready, Jon thought the outfit I was dressing Logan in was a little too preppy, so he disappeared for a minute and came back with a handful of gel to spike up Logan's hair. It was actually quite funny, especially the innocent "What's so funny guys?" look on Logan's face. :)

Don't these two bad boys look like they belong in the city?



We had a great time and of course, wonderful food to chow down on!! Logan, as always, was the center of attention and had fun tangling with Aunt Catherine's beautiful long hair. Click on the pics for more.....