Communication

Julia is getting so big, so quickly, I can  hardly believe it!  Within the past month, she has learned to wave, which is really cute.  We often do other signs with her as well, but it now appears that she has decided to use her wave as her "word" and way to communicate.  For the past few days, if she wants more food (especially her beloved finger food), she waves at me and then I sign and say "more" and she smiles and is happy when I give her more food.  Tonight she seemed especially proud of her communication ability and was using her wave very consistently.  Darn she is cute!

Blowing Raspberries

The pictures above are a sequence of Julia blowing raspberries tonight after she finished her dinner.  She is quite proud of her raspberry blowing abilities these days and loves to put on a little show, especially when in her high chair.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Gong Xi Fa Cai!!  I wanted to put up this post the other day, but it just didn't happen.  As you can see, the amaryllis cooperated and decided to bloom for Chinese New Year!  We had a nice crab and noodle dinner to celebrate on Sunday night.  Hope that your New Year is a wonderful one.  As you can see, Julia wasn't really into the photo taking the other day when I was taking the photos, but wishes you a Happy New Year, just the same.  The final picture is one of Alex and Julia planting the amaryllis on December 5th.

Finger Food

Mimi is loving feeding herself snacks.  It is very entertaining and satisfying to feed yourself!

7 months

I took some pictures of Julia today while she was crawling around on Alex's bed while I was changing the sheets.  She is a very curious little girl and there aren't many places that she cannot get to these days.  I just love her smile!  Here are some photos of Alex at just about the same age:  http://smaskensbaby.blogspot.com/2008/09/sweetheart.html

Let's Go For a Ride!

Alex taking Julia for a ride on the train, or airplane or whatever mode of transportation the sofa happened to be that day.

Freedom

At the park and on the grass.  Exploring everything these days!

Bedtime Stories

We love bedtime stories around this house.  Even Julia is in on the action now.

Spiderman!!

A photo of Alex pretending to be Spiderman the other day.  I thought it was a clever use of his helmet.  The interesting thing is that he has never seen any of the Spiderman movie, nor has he seen the comic books, so I have no idea where he gets the shooting webs from his fingers part.

A New Doll for Mimi

I finally finished what was supposed to be Julia's Christmas present the other day....a new doll.  She likes it and luckily she is 7 months old and has no concept that I was late in giving the present to her.  She especially likes the grosgrain ribbon hair and the bright colored feet, and those arms taste pretty good too ;-)

A Whole New World

 This tent is cool!  Thanks Uncle Ming and Auntie Fiona!  My brother and I are having fun with it.

 The texture on the floor tiles is very interesting.

 Big brother showing how the gears work.

 Julia trying her hand at it.

 Hi Momma!

 Watch and learn

 Cooperation!

There is a whole new world out there, when you can crawl.  So many things to explore.  So many chances for a big brother to show you things or share new toys.  Alex does a good job of sharing with Julia (most of the time) and he is helpful in making sure that she doesn't find anything that she shouldn't be playing with.

Ladybugs Among the Redwoods: Year 3

We ventured out to see the ladybugs this morning, after having to postpone our original plan on New Year's Day.  The weather has been so gorgeous and today was a lovely day to go and see if we could see the ladybugs.  Sure enough, we did find them.  There weren't as many this year, perhaps because the weather has been so strange and dry.   It was a nice little hike and a great way to spend the morning, followed by a nice lunch of Indian food in Montclair.

Ladybugs: Year 2  http://smaskensbaby.blogspot.com/2011/01/ladybugs-in-redwood-park.html
Ladybugs:  Year 1  http://smaskensbaby.blogspot.com/2010/01/ladybugs.html

On the Move....

Julia is on the move everywhere now.  Army crawling and really trying to get some knee action going too.  She is so proud of herself when she reaches her destination, as you can see.  Look out world, here comes Mimi!

Doctor Chng: A Year Later

Apparently Rodney the Raccoon was in the hospital last night because he swallowed his tooth and he had another large owie as well.  Uff-da, rough way to start out the new year, Rodney.  Still loving that doctor kit! (a year later)  http://smaskensbaby.blogspot.com/2011/02/paging-dr-chng.html

Tilden Carousel

Last week we planned an outing for Alex's Praying Ponies class, so that we could get together during the Christmas break.  We met up at the Tilden Carousel which was open all of last week.  The kiddos had a fun time going on the carousel again and again, probably ten times total.  While they all seemed to enjoy riding the individual animals, they also had a blast riding on the little carriage and spinner car where they could sit together, as well.  It turned out to be a beautiful day and we were able to enjoy a nice picnic lunch outside afterwards.  Thanks to all of the classmates for coming out!  We had a great time!