Homegrown Blackberries

Between the duck pond and our apartment there are lots and lots of blackberry bushes. On Friday, when Mom and I went for a walk we sampled some delicious fruit. I insisted on holding onto a spare and pointing out the ripe ones (it was a very slow walk). They were delicious! And as a bonus they make pretty stains ALL OVER so I got to get an extra bath when we got home. Hurrah!

So Much To Tell You!

Ok, so sometimes I get a little confused about what I’m trying to “say”. For example, I’ve been known to sign “bird” when what I really want is “milk”. Really though, they’re so close it’s like saying "ran" when what you mean is "ram".

Anywho, I’ve come up with my first two-word sentence: “more food”, “food” being a new word for me today. Here I am snacking with Dad.





I’ve also been using “more” to ask to see more baby pictures, to be spun around again, and to keep Mom singing (!).

In the realm of the spoken word, I seem to be saying “bear” to all my stuffed animals. And I defiantly say “Dad”, especially when Mom tells me he’s coming home soon. The other day he just popped into my mind and I started missing him. I was looking at the door, pointing and asking for him. Mom and I looked at some pictures of him and that tided me over until he came home.

Not Feeling Like Myself

As some of you may have heard, I wasn't feeling too well today. To be more accurate, I wasn't looking well - I felt just great. Anyway, I checked out just fine and will be in semi-quarantine for a few days, but otherwise can resume normal activities. We all went for a nice walk along the Willamette River tonight and I got to hold this pretty flower. I think everyone has recovered well from the days excitement.

Handy with my Hands

I’ve added “more” and “bird” to my signing repertoire in the past two days, much to M & D’s delight. I think they like getting a peek into how my little mind works.

Lest you think I am all brilliant intellect, though, let me assure you I can get down and dirty with the best of them. Put me in a grassy field and I’ll find the one spot of dirt! Here I am digging in the herb pot and tomato plant.





And I’m such a good helper around the house! I can take down laundry for you or empty a cabinet or shelf in no time at all!

wonderful weekend

Just another nice weekend to report on...

We did a little exploring east of the city through the Columbia Gorge and to a town on the river. Here I am with Mom enjoying the Oneonta Gorge. Sadly, a log jam made it too hard to pass through it, say, you have a baby strapped to your back. But I loved dipping my toes in the water anyway.



Today we had a nice picnic. I enjoyed some PB & J, avocado, corn, and zucchini bread Then we went to the zoo. There was a great "Raptor Show". We saw all sorts of hawks, vultures, and a bald eagle. They swooped right over our heads!! As you can see, I couldn't keep my eyes off of them.



At home Dad and I played some guitar. I also practiced standing and sitting, standing and sitting over and over (good thing my bottom's padded by those big cloth diapers!).

A Smattering of Activities

Ok, I’ll admit it, I’m a bit behind in my blogging. In an effort to catch up, I will try to condense the last two weeks of activities, motor and social development into one post. Here it goes…

Last Sunday we had another lovely visit to Portland Mennonite Church. I did my part by enjoying my time in the nursery. After Church (and some swinging) we had Mexican for lunch (I ate chili rellenos and picked up the bill) and visited The Grotto, a beautiful outdoor space.






For the fourth of July, we went on a hike with some great friends of friends who we now call simply “friends”. Talk about breath-taking views – Mts. St. Helen’s, Rainier, Adams, Hood, and Jefferson from one point. And I got to taste me some ice cream! (They’re only slightly spoiling me)





Otherwise it’s been more food adventures (tomatoes, peaches, pesto, red peppers and hummus) and visits to OMSI, Portland’s Science center (I loved the tub of balls, blocks, and water works exhibit). Also, I’ve gotten over the 8-10 mo. old separation anxiety phase and like to socialize with new people. I have three new teeth (eight total), which make me look very old (they also make feeding me a bit perilous at times). Best of all, I’ve learned the sign for “book” and “all done” – very helpful for getting my point across! When that doesn’t work, I just point and make noises like I’m talking. Usually Mom and Dad get it eventually: I want to play with that picture of a baby, please turn on the light, pick me up Dad, etc.

My friend Jerry

This is my pal Jerry the Giraffe.



I get super excited when I see him. I say hello and laugh. Sometimes Jerry helps me relax so I can get my diaper changed. Sometimes he keeps me company while I sleep.

He likes to clap just like me.



Sometimes I give him kisses on the nose.



And I like to give him big cuddles.



Also, I've been communicating with M & D more recently. I can sign milk and am thrilled when Mom obliges. And I indicate what I want to eat, play with, and read.