20 Months!! A score!!

coming one day

19 Months!!!

On October 1, Papi picked us up from school, and we went to go see Grupo Fantasma in the park downtown. I got to chill in the lawnchair and eat snacks and dance with Mama, then played in the kids' play area, so I'd say it was pretty fun. I got to visit Aunt Minnie too.
The next day, started saying, "down!!" Mama notices that more and more words emerge from me every day. After my 18 month checkup, Lana and I went to our favorite park and had fun there. I enjoyed doing the tire swing and the slide, the see saw, the jeep, and everything. I went to Mimi's for dinner. When she came to get me, I said "bye bye" when I was ready to go. The next morning, Mama tried to relax in bed, but I brought her my empty bottle and handed her her glasses, telling her, "mo', mo'!" I went with Mama to take Fox to the doctor, then we went to Mexico's deli. Later, we went to Sophie's birthday party, where I had a lot of fun on the gym equipment:


I ate well and got chocolate all over my face to look like Papi. That night, we had a nice dinner at Pradaria, where I was well behaved, but threw in a little hide and seek here and there, and I ate a lot of cheesebread. It is clear that I am going to be an early riser on the weekends, and am consistently awaking at 7 now. But when I go to bed, I am very compliant, say "night night," and brush my hair and teeth without any resistance. The next day, I knocked on the door to get inside, and when Papi answered, I gave him a big hug, and called out to Mama to give her a big hug. I've learned the efficacy of the words up and down.
On Friday, I went to a party at Luz's house. I ran around for a while with a weiner in my hand as I ran up to each of my old friends, Alander, Santiago, Diego, Luca, and Chipis. The next day, I went to get a haircut with Mama. But I acted horribly, and only got my hair half cut. I went shopping and to lunch with mama, although I didn't eat much. When we got home, I took a nap with Mama, and then America came to take care of Me and Lana while Mama and Papi went out. The next morning, we went to brunch. Then we went to a scary Halloween store, and Papi kept scaring me by putting on scary masks and jumping up beside my basket. After that trauma, we went to the park. The next day was a holiday I got to spend with Mimi. I started saying nuueeeeeoooohhh really sweetly. I am trying very hard to put on and take off shoes. I'm saying "shoes" and lots of words with "sh" sounds. A few days later, Colton came over and played with me. On Saturday, I went to a playgroup where we played in a really nice park with scooters, and I got to race Lana on the scooters and play on all sorts of equipment. After that, we had lunch at taco milagro, and I got to play with other kids by the fountain. But before allowing Mommy to even sit down, when we were at the cash register, I kept screaming bloody murder for a cookie, until mama finally broke down to buying it and acquiescing that that would be my lunch. When were sitting out eating, I noticed Mama was a little disappointed in her food. She took a bite of my cookie, and thought, "well, dern if that ain't the best damn cookie I've ever had and I wish I had eaten that for lunch!!" We were late to the playgroup because we had a nice cuddley morning, what Mama didn't know was that these were going to be the waning mornings of cuddliness as Liam would want to set out about his day upon awaking for the day. Mama took lots of pictures of me after I put Lana's headband on:


















The next day, after a brunch we made at home, we went to Juliana's party. I loved playing on the playground there, and Papi rode a zipline over me a bunch of times, freaking out nearby parents. On Monday, Mumsy took me to the doctor for some sores. The next night, we went to a pumpkin carving playgroup at Colton's house, just me and Mommy. I loved that and played with a bunch of other little boys. I was very well behaved and sweet and every so often, I stopped by mama to give her a big squeeze and a ggrrrryyy noise. I also sat on her lap contently and quietly eating animal crackers while she carved an awesome pumpkin. The next day at school, we had a visit from the Fire Department at school. I really enjoyed this a lot, and Lana and I got to see each other at the event. On Saturday, I dressed as a tiger to go to Griffin's fall festival. It was fun and I got to play a bunch of little games. Mama tried to get me to ride a horse but I didn't like that idea at all. From there, I went with Lana to Allison's halloween party at her gym, and after that, went to Siona's birthday party at the gym, where I got to play in my favorite box of balls. I hugged other kids. At dinner that night, I carried on a lot, Mama thinks from her notes anyway. By the way, at this time, I am still loving Lana's orange mermaid hat and am continuing to wear it, sleep in it, and otherwise clutch it.
On Saturday, we took our pumpkin pictures. This has never been my forte. But Mama took a few pictures that make it look like I'm trying to pick up gigantic pumpkins, and that's as about as good as it got in the gourd photography portion of the year. I did participate in the scarecrow and pumpkin cut out picture though. After this, we had a really wonderful lunch and then played outside with Lana. Lana hears me "talking" to her. Then, came Halloween. Mumsy and Papa took care of us while Mama and Papi went to New York. It's probably best that I didn't see their costumes. I was the tiger again, and Lana was a princess, and Mumsy and Papi took us trick or treating in their neighborhood where lots of neighbors were dressed up and putting on a Halloween show. We got candy and then went out to eat for dinner. Sunday we hung out at Mumsy and Papa's house and late that night when Mama came to pick me up and I was sleeping on the couch, I hopped off the couch and toddled her way, saying, "Mama, Mama?!"

18 Months!!! Barely legal!

In the above picture, I am playing around with my toy of the day: the lawn sprinkler. I experimented with this thing every which way for like two hours this day. Mama thinks this age is a turning point-when a kid really starts to be able to show his personality and express his wants and needs, and in my case, affection. I love to hug! I just keep getting sweeter with time the more I am able to show it. I had my 18 month check up and took some shots like a pro. My stats are: 33 1/2 inches tall (80%) and 26 lbs, 4 oz (30 %) and still w/ a 90% noggin. Mama doesn't understand why the stats would seem to indicate I'm thin when I have a nice round belly like Papi and a cute as pie chubby face.

I started this month on a trip to Austin for Labor Day weekend. When we arrived, we got to check out these cool motorized bikes, and one of them was painted like the Dukes of Hazzard. Then we went and hung out on South Congress shopping, while Papi went to watch soccer games. We watched some girls play their violins and sing, and I really was into that. We went into some toy stores, and of course I really enjoyed playing with the toys. Mama bought me a green gun that lights up and makes noise when you shoot it. Then we went to Waterloo, where they also have toys, so I got to play with toys there while Mama shopped for music. Then we went to Bill's house and relaxed until it was time to head to bed. Bill kept watch while Mama went out to join Papi. On Sunday, we went to brunch with a couple who is about to have a baby and I got to give them a preview of what joyous and relaxed experiences eating are out when you have a baby. After that, Mama and went shopping around while I napped in the car. We couldn't figure out what to do; we were supposed to go see Lilah and Finn in San Marcos but they were sick. Mama and Papi decided we'd head down that way anyway and see what was going on. We went to New Braunfels, and we stayed at a hotel that had a cool pool with a chute slide, and we all swam until it was night. This day, I was obsessed with Lana's tinkerbell purse, and carried it with me even into the pool. Meanwhile, Papi cooked sausages and other things for us to eat on the grill. Lana and I played, and there were some other kids there that had glow in the dark necklaces that they shared with us to play with. The area where were playing had some steep hills, and I really liked challenging myself by going rushing up and down the hills. Mama had to come save me from myself a few times. I also played with some tractors I had taken from the Albertson's in town. Finally, it was time for bed, and Lana and I slept on a futon together and watched cartoons while Mama and Papi stayed outside by the grill. They would check on us through the window and see Lana affectionately tending to me. It wasn't long til I passed out. We looked so sweet sleeping together. The next day, we were expecting to see a ton of tubers for labor day, but actually the party had been on Sunday, so it was completely quiet and peaceful on the river. We hung out there for a while. Here is a video of me walking down to the river:

Lana took a bunch of pictures of us, and got some cute ones of me and my rolling stones t-shirt. We decided to go try the new Cooper's, so we went there for some BBQ. After that, we went to San Marcos, where we stopped and played mini golf at Landa Park. It was pretty fun. Then we went to check out Wonderworld, but decided not to go. Instead, we went back to town and took a tube ride down the river. I HATED IT!!! I cried almost the whole time, and I threw one of my precious new tractors, which had become my toy of the day, into the river and it was even worse disaster after that. At the very very end, I started to kind of like it a little bit, or settle down anyway. After we finally made landfall, I got to eat some chips and a popcicle with Lana. We packed up and headed back home. We stopped in Austin to eat at Buenos Aires Cafe but Papi was foiled; it was closed. So we stopped in La Grange at a place Mama and Papi like and they ate sandwiches and I ate a yummy pig in the blanket and was given a cookie to eat. I slept all the rest of the way back.
This month, I decided I was done with the highchair and wanted to sit in a real chair instead, so Mama brought out Lana's recently abandoned booster seat and I climbed up and sat there just pleased as punch! Lana likes the new arrangement too because she is closer to me and able to molestarme during my meal. My favorite cartoon is the Backyardigans, and I love to do the little twirling around dance at the beginning when the show starts. Now Mama wishes she would have kept the decorations from Lana's backyardigan's birthday party!
I had a nice long weekend with mama all to myself, as Lana was busy and with grandparents, Papi was gone, so it was really hard to go back to school! I had thought things were going back to normal, so on Monday I cried and cried when Mama dropped me off. But I was soooooo happy when she picked me up, and I carried Lana's bags for her out to the car and laughed a lot. I love to be a helper and to carry bags and bring people things. However, as far as school goes, in general, I'm starting to do better and got my first "content" rating from the teacher reporting on my demeanor for the day.
One of the cutest things I was doing this month was, well, I am beginning to repeat words, and I'll repeat over and over to get the pronunciation right too, but I'm also repeating the songs that have been sung to me all this time. I am singing "up above the world so high," and "how I wonder what you are." of course, it's more like, "uhh abuh thuh whu so huh," but I can sure carry a tune. I'm saying bye bye, more, please, milk, that, and joooze. I say Hi to people a lot, anyone who passes us in the grocery store or whereever, I say, "hi!" with a perfect texas accent. I'm also shaking and nodding my head when saying yes and no, but my favorite expression of no is a vehement, "uh-uuugh." I say "mmm mmm" to food, especially when Papi is grilling. I also say "nigh nigh" really cute and am quick to give a big affectionate hug to Lana, Mimi, Mama or Papi before heading off to bed, which I still do with relatively minor complaint, compared to Lana.
I've started a spate of waking up every few hours at night. Mama sure hopes this passes, and wonders if it has anything to do with school. So, on Friday night, Mama brought me to bed with her, and in the morning, we woke up together and I looked at her with a loving, beaming smile, and then leaned in to kiss her like a lover. It took Mama a little off guard, but she enjoyed it. I went with her to a doctor appointment, and then to Papa's house. I spent the day as an only child, and we went to Target and played in the toy section with Papi, and then ate dinner at Cafe 101. Sunday was another nice day of hanging out at home. In the afternoon, I went to Isabela's first birthday party, where I enjoyed a sucker. Mama tells me that Lana didn't know what these things were when she was my age because she was so overprotective with her and candy, but has since given up on fighting the endless stream of pinatas cascading candy that we encounter each and every weekend at birthday parties. I hit the pinata myself this time, and really enjoyed getting to do it all by myself. The also had a really cool jumpee thing that was just my size and lana and I were able to play in it together. Mimi came over from next door and watched. Lana wore her orange mermaid outfit to the party, which comes with an orange mermaid hat, and I, first of all, love hats. But I have become obsessed with this particular one, even sleeping in it. It is pretty cute. Lana had all kinds of hats and always refused to wear them. Now I'm a hat lover and Mama needs to get on the ball and get me some hats!! She did get me an Elmo hat for my birthday and I love that one too. I even like to sleep in that one as well. A few days later, I went with Papi to the galleria while Mama went out with her friends, and we ate at the rainforest cafe. we enjoyed that. The next day, I went to a birthday party for one of Lana's friends. On Sunday, we returned to Pico's for our customary brunch. The fountain was broken and there was no water in it, so Lana and I played in it. On Monday, Papi dressed me for school, and he dressed me like a rock star. He put on what Mama considered striped dress pants with a black t-shirt with a Mom tattoo on it and converse. Mama thought the combo was great!! That night, I surprised Mama by identifying all my body parts to her. She doesn't know if I picked this up from the book she read to me every night for over a year or if I've learned it at school, but regardless, Mama was impressed. When Mama asked me where my mouth was, I opened it into a big O and screamed. It was cute. The next day, I was picked up at school by Mumsy. I am learning to ingratiate myself to them through my affection and by complying with listening to Elvis. On Friday night, I had stayed at Mimi's house and gone to bed with her and Lana. When Mama came to pick me up that night, in the dark, she couldn't tell which kid was which because I'm getting so big!! I spent a sweet Saturday morning alone with Mama, and I hugged her really big when we woke up. She made oatmeal raisin cookie bars for our brunch, and we listened to the rock a bye beatles record for old times sake. It was just me and her at home, so it was special. She took lots of pictures of me riding around on the tricycle. I practiced drinking juice from a big kid cup, and did pretty well! Mama and I played with blocks. I would hand Mama the blocks and she would build a tower just so that I could knock it all down! By then, we had started listening to my personal favorite, the Rolling Stones. Mama took a whole bunch of pictures of me on my tricycle, and in some I'm blowing kisses, so here are a bunch of pictures:

On Sunday, Mama dressed me in what she thought was an adorable outfit, but which papi thought was really dorky. I have to wear what Mama says and I don't really express many opinons yet, but this outfit came with a matching hat and so I loved that aspect of it. We went to Tinto's for brunch, and they had a guy playing guitar. We sat right by the stage so I could watch, and he played some songs just for me, including "twinkle twinkle little star." I loved that. Afterward, we stopped by a Halloween store, where Papi repeatedly scared the daylights out of me by putting on scary masks! That night, as it was the 27th, we celebrated my 1 1/2 year birthday with ice cream cones. It was yummy! I haven't quite figured out how to hold it, I kept holding it by the very bottom of the cone and swinging it around, but I'll catch on. It didn't take me long to catch on that the ice cream was delish! At the end of the month, I demonstrated my ever growing self sufficiency to Mama by going to the drawer and getting my own bib and putting it on, crawling into my new booster seat, and dipping my food in the ketchup. I like to lick the ketchup off and continue dipping just to eat the ketchup like that, but eventually I do eat my food. I am a good eater. When Mama's cooking my dinner and I think it's taking too long, I go over to my place at the table, pull out my chair, and start summoning to Mama, like, hurry up! get some food on this table, woman!!

He's only 17!!!!!

On August 1st, I had my first trip to the beach. We went for Colton's 3rd Birthday party!! I really enjoyed and got really dirty. The kids were digging a hole in the sand and I tried to squeeze in there with them. The ice cream truck came by at some point, and Lana got a tweety bird popsicle, which she very graciously shared with me. That was my first ice cream truck experience too. I really enjoyed walking in the water, and was fascinated at how my feet would sink, and the water could come and go. It was very hot and tiring, however, and we were out there quite a while. When we left, someone had to take us in their truck through the sane over to our car, and I was so tired that I fell asleep during that 45 second ride. I slept well all the way back home to Houston too. We stopped at the Galleria, where Papi met us while Mama went to go shopping with Mumsy. He took us around to eat and various things. It was fun.
The next day, I woke up really early, but by the time Mama made brunch, I was so tired that I napped through Mama's blueberry pancakes. After I woke up, we went to Aubrey's birthday party! I loved swimming in the pool, and I loved chasing all the little beach balls they had in the pool. They had some bubble containers out and I tried really hard to blow bubbles like my sister can. I drank lots of juice, ate some yummy hot dogs, and was fascinated by the Scooby Doo pinata. We were the last ones to leave that party, along with Colton, it was so much fun. Mama and her friends were all talking while us kids had a blast playing. That night, I woke up screaming a few times, which reminded Mama of how it was when Lana was little, well, all the way up until age 3, Lana would wake up unconsolable every few hours, and Mama has really taken for granted how lucky she is now that Lana sleeps and I usually sleep through the night. But it also made Mama remember the helplessness in trying to soothe her poor baby in the middle of the night and how awful that feels, and that it's nothing anyone can understand unless they have experienced it. But I only did it a few times this month--I must have sensed a change was in the air, or maybe it was because Mama had let me sleep with her for a few nights in a row and I wasn't taking to well to being back in my crib. As Mama would try to back away, I would stick my foot out and try to touch her and grab her hand and put it on me. The next day, we went to the gym, and the babysitters told Mama that I wave bye bye to everyone who gets picked up by their parents. That night, we read the very busy spider, and I say "boo boo" at the Cow. I also said that a few days later when we were at Chick Fil A and I saw a picture of a cow. The next day, Lana had gotten very upset and was crying in a time out, and I came from across the room, climbed up on the couch with her and embraced her and said little baby words to her to console her and tell her it would be ok. In the afternoon, I took a nap with Mimi, and when Mama came to get me, she watched me and how I ran around so happy and gleeful, and wondered and worried if that would change by my having to start fulltime daycare.
The next day, we went to our last library storytime. I was really engaged this day, and when we did the itsy bitsy spider (my favorite!!) in Mama's lap, Mama just about started bawling. I ran around and had a great time, went up to Miss Leona and pointed at the book, and socialized a bit, including flirting with a girl. Afterward, we went to the water park behind the library and played. Mama was indulging all our wants and desires today. We had fun there but eventually had to cut it short and leave because it was so hot and we still needed to eat. We went for our last Chick Fil A. I ate lots of chicken, and we played for a long time in the play area. Mama even got up and played with us. I was really excited, and the manager gave us each a balloon when we left. I was really tired after this action packed morning, and took a very long nap. When I woke up, I was taken to the gym nursery while Lana had her swim class. We came home after that, and Mama made us blueberry smoothies, which we both love. We also ate spaghettios and watched Wow Wow Wubzy druing dinner. I watched afterward with Lana for a little bit, but became more interested in playing on my scooter. Mama hooked up Lana's computer keyboard, which she had gotten for Christmas (Mama finally trying to get around to everything she had promised for the last 6 months all in one week!!) and I was fascinated by it. It can do drawings and all kinds of stuff. Whenever Lana plays on it now I want to get in on the action and I pull the little desk chair up next to her and try to punch the keys too. Lana is constantly trying to keep me at bay, and sometimes even kicks my chair over but I am never deterred. I just pop back up again. That night, we got a bath together and went to bed. A nice, sweet day, and very packed full of things!
The next day, we went to the beach again! This time, we went to Mama's teacher's beachhouse. We went early in the morning. Mama brought a raft for me and took me out into the water. everything was fine and I loved it until the very end when we were only in ankle deep water, Mama let go of the raft and just then a waved came along and toppled me out of the raft. Luckily I was OK, but that dirty sandy water in my eyes and up my nose was not fun! Mrs. Alsup had a big box of sand toys and I became very attached to 2 of them which I carried around for the rest of the day until Mrs. Alsup let me have them when we left. After we came in from the beach, we went to have lunch, and I had a corndog and fries. Yummy. I was really tired and when we got back to the house, Mama tried to get me to take a nap, but I just started playing peek a boo with her with a quilt that was on the bed. I would say "there!" and squeal when I would pull down the quilt. So then we hung out with Mrs. Alsup and her husband, who has a guitar and various binoculars. I was fascinated with these things, and he let me help him play the guitar and carry around a little empty package of guitar strings that had a picture of a guitar on it. Later, we played with her cat, and Mama didn't see what happened, but I did something to make the cat lash out at me, but I was ok. Later, we went out on the deck, which was nice and shady and breezy, and got in the hammock. Well, it was no time at all before I fell fast asleep and took a nap beside Mama while she talked with her teacher. Soon after that, it was time to go back home. Unfortunately, since I had just had a nice nap, I screamed in the car all the way home. We stopped by Mimi's house so Lana could finally get her presents from Mumsy and Papa and Mimi. Lana received roller skates and knee and elbow pads. I went crazy over these things!! I saw those wheels and I wanted them! And I was in love with the pads too! I took one and put it on my knee, and seemed to know these were boy things and I pranced around the room with the one knee pad on so happy and proud! It was a fight to get it off me. We couldn't stay too late because we had a busy day Friday too.
First thing, we visited my new school to meet my new teacher, Miss Gloria. I didn't know quite what to think. Mama left Lana in my new classroom with me for a little bit and at first I cried like crazy but then I calmed down and did pretty well. When she came back, we were just going on the class walk, where we all hold on to the rope, which was really cute. Then we did the most awesome thing ever! We went to the preschool skate at the roller rink. We had never done this before-mostly because it's during our playgroup and Mama didn't know about it, even though it's just blocks from our house. There was a long line out the door and I rode my scooter at top speed through the parking lot. We finally got in and it was so so so much fun! there were like 100 kids there, and at least half of them were my age and had all brought scooters and trikes, so we all got to trade off. I was busy the whole time and not worried where Mama was at all. I went from scooter to scooter having the absolute time of my life. They had a DJ there playing fun music, and of course they played the Jackson 5 and Mama picked me up and sang "I'll be there" to me. We stayed the whole time, and ate some popcorn and lemonade, and it was really hard for Mama to get us to leave. But we had to get home because Lana was hosting a playdate at our house in the afternoon for Ashley and Hailey, and they brought their little brother Bradley over, but I was more interested in trying to play with the girls. They kicked me out of their room numerous times though, and finally I had to resign myself to playing with baby Brad. Then, Mama had a lot of cleaning up to do as she was hosting a Girls Only Night at our house! There weren't supposed to be any kids, but Colton and Mateo came over so we got to hang out and play, although I didn't really like how I had to be corralled in the playroom. However, Papi was cooking pizza with handmade dough and had the oven open and lot and there was too much going on to watch me around that oven--Papi had to have the dough sit on the open oven door to rise a little bit, it was so enticing! So, a big party was going on, and I didn't really make it much past 10:00, I had already had such a busy day, and Mama put me to bed with no problems, and continued partying.
In the morning, we had to get up early and go to a party at a gym for Gabriel. This was fun and I really enjoyed it. It was at the same place as Isabella's birthday party, and it was a transformers theme, and I got a superhero cape at the end. Again, I was fascinated by the pinata! Then, we went home and we were really supposed to go directly to Allison's birthday party, but I just had to have a nap, and Mama too after the night she had before, so Papi took Lana to the party and Mama and I slept together for a couple of hours. Then we headed over to the party, where I had a great time playing in the kiddie pool and going down the big waterslide with Mama. After the party was over, I came home and then America came over to take care of me. Lana had stayed at Allison's house and Mama and Papi were going out for a samba dinner.
The next day was just for chillaxing. We took thorough baths as tomorrow was my first day of school! Lana was going to Lucas and Adrian's house for the week, but me, I had to start school. I HATED IT. Mama says she'll never forget the look of suffering she saw on my face as she left me there in Miss Gloria's arms and when she returned to pick me up in the evening. I cried all day, and hated hated hated it and missed my mama. The only time I enjoyed myself was when we went to motor skills or played outside. It was this way all week; I acted like I was in a concentration camp. On the night of my first day, I passed out at 8:00, for the first time ever, I was so pooped from getting up so early and crying all day long. However, Mama noticed that when we would get home, I acted extra happy, like, now I didn't take home sweet home for granted. A few mornings, I walked myself to daycare, and tried to be a man, but sniffled all the while up the sidewalk. This week, Papi stayed in town and tried to help Mama make the transition to going to work. He helped get me ready in the mornings and everything. On Wednesday, it was Abuela's birthday, and that night we talked to her over the internet. I tried to talk and was cute as a doll. On Friday night, Griffin came over and we played. Finally, something normal from my past.
The next morning, I woke up early, then took a nap around noon. When I woke up, we went to Dannia's party. I loved the pool, as always. After we got back from the party, I was taken to Griffin's house, and I stayed there while Mama and Papi went out. At first I cried, but then Scott started playing the guitar for me and I calmed down. I only stayed awake for an hour before I crashed. On Sunday, we went to brunch, and I ate really well. Then we went to a gym birthday party for Sofia in Katy, and I loved it!! They had tons of equipment, even more than Biron's, and it was all new and clean. Mama took a lot of videos because it was so cute to watch us play on everthing:


Afterward, Mama had to go get something at Macy's, and I napped while she did that, pooped from my gym adventure! Before going home, we stopped at the Transco fountain and played a while there. Wow, what an incredible place! I crossed the field at one point because I saw a gorda on the other side that had a little ride on toy. But when she saw me coming for it, she jerked it away. I went back over to my parents and Lana helped me do forward rolls down the little hill. That evening, we rod our bikes around, and I super enjoyed that. Lana went to spend the night with Mimi, so I got a private bath. Mama notices that I'm really trying to dress myself now and "talk" using more word like sounds. I am saying Lana and Night Night very clearly, and the rest of my repertoire is still all B words. I am also starting to blow kisses.
The next day, I spent with Mimi. School was closed for the week, and I was a measureably happier person being with her all day. When Mama came to get me, I went running to her, gave her a real hug, and tried to climb as far up into her lap and attach myself to her as I could. That night, my parents decided they didn't want to cook and went to try a new restaurant. I passed out in the car, but luckily they were able to sit on the patio right beside the car-so-they got to have a nice dinner sin chicos and I got to sleep. A win-win situation. Mama and Papi had a nice Mercedes loaner car and I woke up to them doing high speed circles on the Waugh exits off Memorial. I really liked this!
In the evenings during the week, we went on bike rides several times. Mama and Papi would show up at Mimi's house with the bikes and I would squeal with glee and run out to touch the bikes. I just LOVE bikes. On Thursday, I got to accompany Lana to her last swim class, and Mama put my bathing suit on and let me play on the steps. I reached for the rings with my feet like Mama does and was so impressed with myself and would cackle each time I pulled one up. Lana wanted to go change in the women's locker room when we were through, so of course we played hide and seek in the lockers. The next night I spent with Papi while Mama went out shopping. On Saturday, we went test driving some cars. I loved it, and I loved getting in and out of the different cars on display in the show room and pretending to drive.
On Monday, it was back to school. Wait a minute, I thought that harrowing experience was over! But this time, Lana was with me. It was her first day of pre-kindergarten. Nevertheless, I sat down on the sidewalk and cried, refusing to go another step. As I was sitting their yelling my lungs out -- SURPRISE!! Papi showed up and scooped me up into his arms. I was taken back to my daycare room. The rest of the week was just routine, getting up and going to daycare, coming home and eating, playing a little, getting ready for bed, and repeat. Papi wasn't there to help. On Friday, I finally did not cry as much when I was dropped off for daycare. Despite how unhappy I have been there, I do blow my teachers kisses and give them high fives when I leave. On our way home we stopped at Mimi's house, and I was SO EXCITED to see her! That night, I showed Mama I could drink from a regular cup, and Mama realized she has really been underestimating my capabilities and been in denial about how old I really am. But I'm still just an itty bitty baby to her in her mind. I really like feeding myself with a spoon and a fork, but I'm not that good at it because Mama almost never lets me practice!
On Saturday, we went on some more test drives, and I went loco for a motorcycle that was parked inside the showroom. Mama set me on it and a salesman said he'd get me a credit application. Then I ran over to another car that had a bike mounted on the roof. I wanted to touch that bike so badly!! I enjoyed the testdriving. We went in a land rover on an all terrain track where we were suspended on 2 wheels hanging at a 47 degree angle in mid-air! Papi was outside the car watching and I was waving to him with my mouth agape. On our way home, we stopped at one of Papi's dealerships and went through the car wash. This was quite an experience! I didn't know what was going on! I was pointing, with my mouth in an O shape, and I wrung my hands a little bit. Then we got home and Papi went to get Mama a monster torta sandwich before leaving to hang with his friends in Austin and she and I shared it. We spent a nice evening together alone--it was just me and her as Lana was at Mimi's house. In the evening, I got to talk to Lana on the phone for the first time. Mama thought it was so cute to watch us talk to each other over the phone. We watched some Michael Jackson stuff on TV and I danced to it, especially with the Jackson 5 stuff. Mama also put "Off the Wall" on and I am now conditioned to start dancing when she does this. We played and did that for a while and then Mama started cleaning up a bunch of stuff around the house. Our playroom is so disorganized--someone had just thrown all the toys all mixed up in the toyboxes, so Mama started the painstaking task of separating out the blocks and puzzle pieces, shapesorting sets, etc and putting everything back together where it belonged. I even helped and when I found a piece that went with another toy, I replaced it for her. Mama was really impressed. Once we got that done, I was able to finally play with some of my toys with all the pieces. A little before 10, Mama decided I needed to go to bed and I got to spend the night with her. It was really nice to wake up the next morning with her beside me and to crawl all on top of her. She wasn't too enthused about how early I woke up, but we cuddled in bed with milk and cartoons for a little bit until she finally got up and made us blueberry pancakes. I didn't eat much though because I had already requested some costco snacks--I saw the pantry door ajar and jumped at my opportunity to go in there and get them. Mama did some housecleaning, I did some playing and then we watched some more MJ stuff on TV until I started to doze off and Mama put me in bed for a nap. When I woke up, Mama was working on my blog and listening to the Rolling Stones' Beggars Banquet. They are still my favorite. I climbed up in the chair behind her and grooved to the music.
Last month, I also started painting and drawing. Mama gave me my own apron to paint with. While Mama waited on the eternal process that is uploading photos to my blog, I started drawing at my desk with a marker. Here was my first picture, above. The next morning, the 31st, back to school. :( Here I am trying to blow a whistle:

And here I am, in happier days, playing music:

Sweet 16 months!!

Well, I'm just growing growing growing. Mama looks at me and can't believe how much like a little person I look like now, and is wondering, how and when did this happen? My personality is also blooming out more and more which Mama is so delighted to see take place. I am sweet and have a big sense of humor, and am adventurous, like playing, listening, and dancing to music. This month, I dropped my night bottle, moved up to size 4 diapers, and have been eating more with a fork and spoon, drinking out of sippy cups--I want to drink out of regular cups but Mama is clinging to something for me to be a baby about. All that seems to be left is for me to be potty trained and talk. I have added a bunch of new words to my vocabulary this month, and they all start with "b." "Ball," of course, that was my first word, "bottle," bubble," "boat," "bike," "ball" for balloon, and "bird." I started saying "uh-oh" as a two syllable word. I also do things and go, "ta-da!" Whenever I see Papi come in the door, I point and grin and say, "Papa!!" I am really trying to talk in a communicative way, and respond to requests, and even act like I'm chewing somebody out with the hand gestures and everything on occasion, mouthing sounds that I hope sound similar to words! I also shrug my shoulders when I don't know the answer to something and throw out my hands before Mama even has a chance to ask me why on earth did I do something. I have gone running through the house calling for Lana ("Ahna!") when she hasn't been home, and when I go to Mimi's house I run looking for her and calling out for her. I wave good bye to every kid who gets picked up to the nursery, and I walk myself in there now. When they extend their hands to pick me up, then I demurely/defiantly look down pressing my chin to my chest and go, "eeih!" What else--I'm taking longer naps, sometimes just taking one long nap in the day. I have also mastered blowing on my food. Here I am blowing on my pretzels:

And, for what I did this month, which is by the way, my last month to globetrot around Houston with Mama: On July 1st, I went to a playgroup at the Noah's Ark pool, which I loved more than ever before. Mama couldn't even keep up with me, and once she looked up and I had gone up to the rainbow slide and was going down it all by myself! The next morning, Mama had a job interview, and just before we left I spilled all her earrings onto the floor. I am always into her things and like to play by her feet while she gets ready. I stayed with my grandparents and finally charmed them. The next morning, I went to a birthday party for Mama's friend's daughter, and they had a cute water park but a killer park to climb on. We stayed out in the heat playing on this sucker for as long as we could stand it. I also ate some yummy pizza and had a great time. On the 4th, we celebrated Fox's 16th birthday. He got a hamburger cake and a trip to the dogpark to wade in the water. I like Fox and like to pet him and help steer him when he is walking somewhere. I'm sweet to him but we're not quite the buds that Lana and he were--he is very old now. On July 7th, I danced a lot to the Michael Jackson marathon of videos that was on TV and talked for the first time in ages on the webcam to my abuelos. The next day, I went to the library and performed the itsy bitsy spider. I wanted really badly to use the water fountain so Mama held me up to it and I licked it. Mama freaked out when I did that. On Friday, we celebrated Santiago's birthday during the Spanish playgroup, and I got to swing at the pinata. Later that afternoon, I was playing with Lana's computer, and finally figured out how to turn it on!! It made me sooooo happy! Here is a video:

On Saturday morning, I went with Griffin to a farmer's market. That was fun and there were many colorful things to look at. Later that afternoon, I went to Natalia's sister Isabella's birthday party. It was a circus theme and Mama dressed like a clown and drew little circles on Lana and my cheeks and dressed us in polka dots. They had a ball pit in there which I loved to run up the little ramp and dive into:

And a long trampoline thing I enjoyed running up and down on:

Here I am Lassoing a kid with my hula hoop. There really too many cute pics from this day to post them all. There is another one that shows me standing in the circle holding the paracjute like a big kid!Q The next morning, I went to Mateo's second birthday party. When Mama met Mateo, I was in her belly! The party was really fun and there was the Guinness book of world records largest Sundae. It was very yummy. It was at the stomping grounds and Mama and Papi had a hard time persuading me to descend via the slide (that sucker is fast!!)
After that, I took a nap on the way out to the mall in Katy. The mall was fun; this is maybe the second time I've ever been in a mall--Mama doesn't like to wander around in malls much. I got a cool shiny soccer ball at the Nike store, put up with a little clothes shopping, and then we closed with a light dinner at the Rainforest Cafe. That was a really neat place, and I colored for the first time-the first time Mama has observed me coloring anyway. Every 30 minutes, a thunderstorm sweeps through the restaurant, and that kind of freaked me out! When the thunder and lightning started, the elephant next to us started moving its tusk around and looked at me. I got upset and started flailing my arms and crying and reaching my arms out to Mama. Papi's contribution to this blog is to say, "se pego un cagazo." When we left there, I was a little relieved. On the way home, we stopped at Griffin's house. He had his motorized little four wheeler in the driveway and I made a beeline for it. You had to press a button to make it go, and it wasn't too long before I figured that out and was off. I went down the sidewalk, up someone else's driveway, went offroad. I was in absolute heaven! The next day, as we came out of the gym, I saw a motorcycle and I went crazy pointing and going, "eeeeeee!" so Mama took me over to it and let me touch it. I smiled-was so happy just to touch it!
The next morning, I spent playing with Mimi. The next afternoon, I spent with Mimi again and then went to the gym nursery and swam a little bit. We stopped into Petco and when I saw the parakeets, I pointed and said, "bird!" On the 18th, I spent the morning with Papi while Mama took Lana to see a play. We did some guy things. The rest of the day, my parents half prepared for Lana's big party, and partly laid around in denial watching movies. The next day was Lana's big day! Mama took a test shot of me on the surfboard in the morning, but neglected to ever take one of me later on in my bathing suit! Tons and tons of people came over, and there were all kinds of exciting things going on in the backyard, like a pool, a slip and slide, and a big bar b que, which fascinated me. I was really intrigued by the slip and slide and kept wanting to touch the sprouting water. Mimi took care of me and took a little nap with me, and then I was up and running with the big kids again. We partied into the night. The next day, Lana opened her presents. As she was doing so, Papi wheeled in the most awesome present of a lifetime! A super red Haro bicycle! I was all over that! Papi brought me out my own little bike and helmet too, but, that was kids' stuff.

We went on Lana's first bike ride over to Nicky's house, where he had a miniature version of Lana's bike:

Nicky & Isabela's dad, Jorge, said I could borrow the little red matching bike so hip hip hooray! Now I have a red Haro bike to ride too! I can just almost reach the pedals. Grow, legs, Grow!! Mama thinks I'm going to be a better bike rider sooner than Lana! We went for more bike rides in the following days, which I enjoyed very much. On the 22nd, we practiced swimming at the pool, and I wanted to jump off the side like another little boy was doing. So Mama set me up on the side, said 1,2,3 and pulled me down into the water and dunked me under. I loved this and could have done it over and over. Later, Lana and I went to the nursery while Mama exercised, and it was her late yoga night, and when she came to get us, I was passed out on the floor.
On Friday, we went to Playgroup en Espanol, and I really got into watching Adrian play the violin. He even played Star Wars. I wanted to touch his violin really badly, but he wouldn't let me. That night, I had my first ever sleep over with Mimi. It went really well. Mama picked me up in the morning to go play at Noah's Ark pool with Nicky, Lana, and Griffin. That was a blast and I really took off on my own playing in the water and enjoyed going down the slides. That night, Mama and Papi had some friends over, including Griffin, and he and I danced to the music with our Mamas, and I danced with Emily too:

The next day, we were wiped out from our partying. Hillary had stayed over to watch us and let us all stay up late and play into the wee hours. fun fun. Later Lana would squeal that Hillary used my baby toothbrush on Aubrey because she didn't have one with her--after I had already used it for a couple of days. Anyway, on Sunday, we just chillaxed and our big activity was to go on a bike ride. On Tuesday, we went to the Aquarium with a group of friends. We ended up spending most of our time with Sophia and her Mom, Heather. That was really amazing, and I enjoyed seeing all the big fish, but I liked the little placards showing what kind of fish was in the tank as much as seeing the actual fish--except for when I had an opportunity to swim with the real fish-Here I am trying to get a looksee into the open tank stingray exhibit. We went on some rides outside and it was soooo hot that I got pretty miserable and sweaty. We went on a cool trainride where we got to see sharks swimming over our heads, a ferris wheel ride high over downtown Houston, and my first carosel ride. Mama put me on top of sea lion, and I wish I could say I enjoyed it, but honestly I was so hot and sweaty from waiting in a long line, that it was just ok. Later, after waking up from my nap, Lana jumped around on me screaming, rawr!! and I laughed at her game. She said she was a monster giant.
The next night, Mama read me a new book about a busy spider (I just got a bunch of new books from Lana) and at the end when the Owl goes, who? who? I repeated, "who? who?" to the enormous delight of Mama. I tried to imitate a lot of the animal sounds, although most of them came out sounding the same. The next morning, I watched Dora with Lana, and it involved a soccer ball. I pointed and screamed, "ball!" all throughout the episode. Later the Backyardigans came on and I danced to their opening theme. That day, Lana painted at her easel and I painted for the first time with her. Later we went to the park and someone's yard had a dog and a cat. I tried really hard to repeat these words Mama was trying to teach me. Also while we were at the park, I climbed on to the big kid swing and swung on that for a while. I really liked it and was gosh darn tired of the baby swing. Doesn't Mama realize I'm a big kid now? Here I am in my cool underwear that Mama got Papi to buy for me in Wimberley.
And on the final day of the month, I went to a big splash party where they had one of those blow up slides and pools, with lots of balls! I really enjoyed that. That night Joe and his girlfriend came over for dinner, and it was a while before Mama went to get Lana so I got to be the center of attention. I demonstrated how I can jump from the couch to the ottoman and back, and how I laugh when I do something I shouldn't-rather than "testing" like Lana did. If Joe had thought I was anything like Lana, I set him straight this night!

15 Months!! Run don't Walk

The big transition of this month was I quickly began to use walking as my primary form of transportation. Once I got that down, and it didn't take me long: no more crawling, not for anything, not even to reach for something. My secondary form of transportation is still Lana's blue scooter, which I treat like a kamikaze motocross bike. I love to visit Mama's laundry bag and swipe some panties and ride around the house on the scooter with them around my neck. I also like to walk around holding Lana's tinkerbell purse, and try to put on Lana and Mama's shoes, sunglasses, and hats. Hopefully we'll just laugh at these things in the future!
Lets' see, what all did I do this month? Mostly, I just tagged along to Lana's activities. We saw a clown at the library, and I paid a lot of attention to him. After one of Lana's swim lessons, we practiced in the pool and Mama dunked me under the water like 20 times. I loved it, and I love wearing Lana's goggles. On Saturday, I went with Mama to a baby shower, and was remarkably well behaved and charming, aside from falling down the stairs.
The night before, I had been babysat by Chipis' family, and we had a great time and his dad was a great sucker for keeping me in his arms a lot. After the shower, Chipis and his sister came over and Mama babysat them. Chipis was really upset and cried a lot at first. He was sitting in the kiddie rocking chair and his bottle was upside down. I toddled over to him and took his bottle and fixed it for him, and gave him a hug and a kiss. Mama couldn't believe how sweet and compassionate I was being for such a little tyke. The next day, Mama made blueberry waffles, which I loved, and Mimi came over and ate with us. Then Lana went to Mimi's and I got to spend the afternoon alone with Mama. Those are special times when I get to be just with her.
The next day was Monday, and back to what had become a 4 day a week gym routine where we go to the nursery while Mama exercises. I of course did not take kindly to this the first few days but by this day, I had resigned myself to it and actually just waved good-bye to Mama when she dropped me off. It was a sad, longing wave. Later on in the month, however, when Mama would come to pick me up, she caught me in there playing and having fun with the other kids. One night when we came out of the gym, there was an '80 Jeep CJ7 Laredo just like Mama used to have, but had to sell when Lana was born. Mama got all excited and put us in it and photographed us. I absolutely loved it. I took the wheel and howled and cackled. We were crawling all over the jeep when the owner came out. Luckily he was cool about it. Speaking of pictures, Mama sees from the pictures that we went to some parks and waterparks a few times this month. I absolutely love walking up to sprouting water and touching it.
Although I've been sleeping pretty well, I went through a spell of waking up in the night. We have a routine at night: Mama reads me a story in the rocking chair. I like the Dora book with the animals you can touch (I can identify the sun and various animals, and say dog and arrissss at the snake) and the book with real truck wheels on it, but then I don't like to be rocked in the chair after the story. I like for Mama to hold me and rock me beside the bed, sing rock a bye baby, and then after she puts me in bed, I sob and raise my arms up and she picks me up for a little more rocking with my head on her chest. Then she puts me back down and I am satisfied and go to sleep. I don't fight the sleep like Lana does. In the morning, I wake up and she gets me and brings me into her bed and gives me a bottle. We cuddle and have our little "us" time of the day. Mama can't believe how long my body is now laying next to hers. Sometimes I take her hand and show her where on my belly I want her to rub.
We went to the Noah's Ark pool, and I climbed up the ropes to the big slide all by myself, and I loved going down the slide with Mama. I also went through the tunnel, and really enjoyed playing there. The next day we went to the library and I saw my friends, including my novia Natalia, and read some books. This month, after repeatedly trying to open the hot oven, I received my first spanking, and afterward, I made a melodramatic cry, covered my face, and exited the room. That'll teach them to spank sweet little me again! On Friday, my friends Colton and Josh came over for an Asado. All the moms laughed as I slowly expelled a 3/4 wiener from my mouth. They couldn't believe I was able to stick that whole thing in there!
The next day, I went with Mama and Papi to go bike shopping for Lana. I was very enthusiastic about this endeavor. I LOVE real bikes soooo much. I really enjoyed just sitting on some of them. At Toys R Us, we finally went to use my birthday coupon and I got a soccer ball and a shiny Geoffrey balloon-which would loom around my room eerily for several weeks. Mimi made some chocolate pudding and here I am trying to eat it myself. The next day, I went to a paella brunch with my parents at Pico's. YUM YUM, although I didn't eat it, I had my own kid's breakfast. Mama loves that the kids breakfasts are free during brunch, and quite big, so she can snatch bites of bacon, pancakes and english muffin off my plate. Lana had been with grandparents and Mimi all weekend, and when we were reunited, I was so excited!! We smiled at each other and hugged and squealed; we had missed each other so much being apart.
For a few days after that, it was just the usual routine of going to the gym in the late afternoon. One day we went with a bunch of friends including Mason, Zoe, Ashlyn, and Aiden, to Mission Burritos. I loved climbing on everything and shocked everyone by my daredevil antics on chairs and such (or they were shocked by Mama's lax parenting). The next day was library, chick-fil-A, home to play dress up with Lana, then to the gym. Mama has written here that I make a circle shape with my mouth and say "oh" for uh-oh. I also say "raaawrr" and other boy monster like sounds. The next day, I went with Mama to get her hair done, and Ray cut my hair some, trying to shape it into that rock star shag that Mama wants. Papi says it looks more like the incredible hulk's hair, but oh well. I was doted on by the staff and got to eat several chocolate chip cookies while there. I sat perfectly still for my haircut. Mama couldn't believe it. I took it very seriously, and was leaps and bounds better behaved than Lana getting her hair cut. On Friday, I went to Alondra's birthday party, and had a lot of fun playing with all the toys over there and drinking juice and eating cake. On Sunday, we went for a light brunch at Pico's, where Mama and Papi got to raid 2 kids' plates of breakfast food. This time I insisted that I too dip my chips in salsa, and enjoyed doing that, no matter how spicy it was! Then I went to a Father's day pool party at Luca's house. This was so much fun. I was cool as a cucumber in my hat and shades, floating around in a big frog. I love being in the water. They played music and I danced with the other Mamas and their boys. We also danced by ourselves. It was so cute.
The next week, we went to Target, and I threw everything out of the cart. One thing of juice even burst open on the ground. I don't know when Mama will catch on that I DO NOT like to go shopping! I also went to lunch at Raia's with Mama's friends Brian "the baby whisperer" and Jules, and got to eat my favorite gnocchi.
Mama is trying to teach me to do the "hiney up" thing for when she slides my shorts up after a diaper change and I'm starting to kind of do it but not really. Mostly I just stare at her and giggle, knowing what she wants me to do but choosing not to do it. On the 26th, at our morning playgroup, I paid super attention to Arminda playing the violin. All the kids were just running hogwild, but I stood in front of her frozen in a trance. That afternoon, we packed up and headed to Austin. We were late and slid into the Buenos Aires Cafe just in time to get empanadas. Mama's oysters unfortunately took too long and we had to leave without them--she just didn't think they would keep well to go. Then we went to our new home for the weekend, and then Jordan came to babysit us. The next day was awesome. We got up in the morning and drove out to Llano for BBQ at Cooper's. I love going here, the meat is super yummy and we all fight over it. Afterward, I was really full and napped in the car while Mama and Lana went shopping at some little stores in Llano. Then we headed back and I woke up at Willie's golf course in Spicewood. Don't know how that happened! We met Mama's friend Linda there who took lots of cute photos of us. I was not my usual smiley self for some reason, but I did really enjoy driving and climbing around the golf cart and running across the greens. We saw a bunch of deer and it was really fun. When we got back to the pro-shop, I thought the water dispenser was a water fountain and I cupped my lips around the spout and pulled the lever. Well, I was darn thirsty after being out in the hot sun! Lana and I each got a Willie golf ball, and Mama was given and orange Willie koozie. After that, another nap and we headed back to Austin. When we got back, we went for a swim in the pool where we were staying. It's a neat pool with colored lights and everything, and again, I LOVED playing with the goggles. Jordan arrived as we were swimming, and then Mama and Papi were off again. The next day, we went back out to the Willie vicinity to hang out at Paleface. I slept as Mama toured the coves to pick one to hang in, but the water was too low for any of them so we went to the beachy area. I really liked this, and enjoyed hanging with Papi's friends and playing soccer and chilling in the folding chairs. I also antagonized Lana by messing up her towel set up. I liked sitting on my own towel too and sat up really proud and happy on it. We played in the sand and the water and hung out until dark. The next day, after brunching at Buenos Aires Cafe, we spent at Zilker park. On our way there, Mama and Papi took a joyride through the Westlake Hills while I napped. Then, we went swimming in Barton Springs. Wow this was chilly! But I didn't even flinch. I enjoyed it. But, we had to hang out on a hill area, and I wouldn't stay still and Mama kept having to chase after me lest I tumble to my death, so we decided to go do something much safer: a canoe ride to Town Lake. I intermittently enjoyed this adventure. Some of the time I was standing up and looking around, and I really liked it when the swans came up and when I could see turtles, but other times I just writhed in Mama's lap until she figured out the perfect way to hold me-and that wasn't until our ride was almost over. I wanted to help row, so I had my hands on the oar and showed Mama what to do. That made me kind of happy. Mama was really nervous during this trip. When we got back to dry land, we were going to ride the train but the last one had just left out for the day. So we went to play in the park. I ran around and climbed up to drive the fire engine. I really like this park and Mama and Papi enjoyed watching me run around and enjoy it. We stayed there til dusk, and then had to go pack our things and return home. Afterall, it was Monday and we had already stayed an extra day. We stopped on the way out at an Italian restaurant where Lana and I shared chicken fingers, fries and lemonade. Yum Yum. I pretty readily went to sleep for the drive home.
On the 30th, we had a busy day of errands, including shopping for Lana's birthday party. Mama got a pink bucket at Party City, and I enjoyed putting on my head and laughing the whole time. Mama was thrilled that this occupied me. The day culminated in a trip to see my doc, where I had to get a bunch of ouchie shots, but I was tough and handled them well. He said I'm growing like a champ, and here's the stats: I weighed 25 lbs even (53%), was 32.75 inches long (90%) and still have a big ole De Paula head at 90%. Mama has had to start using the 18 month clothes, though she is loathe to leave the 12 month ones behind--I'm growing up so fast!! The doctor asked if I have progressed from mere toddling and was running yet. Mama said yes, that I chase my little sister now but my doc remained skeptical. Mama pointed out a persistent diaper rash that I have had for a few weeks, and my doctor murmured something about an infection and prescribed me some cream. When mama got home, it said it is for jock itch. So maybe this is my first case? At least Mama's not putting that in the title of this month's post--enough's enough after divulging my penchant for pantie banditry, purses, and heels! But aside from that silliness, I'm all boy!

14 Months!! First Steps!!

Well, this was a momentous May. I started off the month at a new Friday afternoon playgroup, and I stood! I was really happy playing with new toys in someone else's house. That night, I enjoyed singing and dancing with the Rolling Stones Mama was watching on TV. They even made me clap. Mama has written that I was showing such sweet baby happiness and innocent, and making my last baby-like movements as I transition from a baby into a standing upright toddler, and then into a little boy, and the she's wondering how her memory of my baby face will be when I become a man. The next day, I shared some yogurt with my sister, and we hung out all afternoon until it was time to go to Luz's birthday party. I danced Cumbia with Mama. On Sunday, I went to Isabela's baptism party. It was really fun. I acted like a rock star, doing things for applause. Isabela is using my walker now and I showed her how to play with the toys. That evening, I stood for 10 seconds for the first time and I accomplished coming down my slide. I can do all kinds of complex climbing maneuvers but still not walking... not yet. I played hide and seek games with Mama and Lana. That is a perennial favortite for me.
The next day, I cried and cried at the gym nursery. That night I ate dinner with Lana at the kids' table. The next day, we went to the Stomping Grounds with some other kids. I played a little, but not that much. That night, when Papi came home, I saw him coming from the window and went to the door and said Papa! That night, Lana went to spend time with Mimi and I accompanied my parents to a Cinco de Mayo celebration at Pico's. Here is a video:

The next day, to the gym again. That night, Mama made pizza and while she usually tries to stay in the kitchen while she's cooking because I'm so fascinated by the oven, she went over to the TV to watch an instant replay in the Rockets game, and when I saw that, I seized my opportunity! I opened the oven, stuck a plastic spoon on the pizza tray, and then fell down crying because I had burnt myself. Mama came running and was relieved I didn't really burn myself that much, and can't believe I managed to insert the spoon into the hot oven without hurting myself. The next day, to the gym again. I finally learned to just fall asleep there. That night, I acted loco at dinner. That's all Mama noted. The next day at lunch, we joined a group of kids at Clay's, where they have a bunch of animals and big sandboxes. I stood alone in the sand box for a long time and reached over to get a ball while standing. My favorite part of this adventure was the gameroom. They had all kinds of video games where you can pretend to drive and I really liked those. At the gym, I walked a little with Adriana holding my shirt. That afternoon, we were hanging in the backyard, and I came out from the inside on the blue scooter, and just careened over the door & the step like nothing. I acted really tough about it. That night, we were all in Mama and Papi's bathroom, and I TOOK MY FIRST STEPS!!! I had a huge proud smile on my face. The next day, I spent the afternoon at Griffin's house while everyone else went to the art car parade. That evening, we all went to the pool and the park, and I practiced taking a few more steps. On Sunday, we went to an asado at Juliana's house, where I got to play with Saylor and another little boy. I ate with the big kids at their table, and I really enjoyed playing with this little tent thing that has a door. I was crawling all around outside and my legs, arm, and face got black stuff all over. Barbie and Mama laughed at me, Mama said I looked like a chimney sweep and Mama and Barbie simultaneously launched into "chim chiminey chim chiminey chim chim chiroo."
The next day, Mama thinks I said thank you when she handed me a ball. The next day, I started saying "Oh" a lot, and I spent a rare evening with Mumsy. She claims she taught me to say Elvis and Uh-oh. That night, I showed my prowess in opening doors. The next day, while Lana was in gymnastics class, I figured out a way to back myself under the gate and into the gym area. After that, we went to Mama's gym, and I finally stopped crying when entering the nursery. That night, Mama caught me trying to put on lipstick.
On Friday, we set out on our big camping trip. The first time I went camping, I hated it. But this time was much better. I started off playing with Francesca, and later Natalia came to play with me too. I slept well and I played with all the other kids, and we went swimming in the nasty lake. I was cool as a cucumber throughout the ordeal. But, when we got back, I sure was happy to back in my house and with my toys and everything. Here is a video of me playing with my ball:

That afternoon, I went all the way over to Mimi's house on my clifford scooter, which is actually a little small for me now, and I wore holes in my socks. I went at rocket speed down the driveway and into the street. I also did some wheelies. Mama was impressed. I am enthralled by real bicycles and trycicles. Don't care too much for the plastic baby stuff. But when Papi brings his bike out, I scamper over just to touch it. The next day, I went to the big park with Papi and Lana, and then we went to the Ragin Cajun for lunch. Later that day, I practiced walking around the house with Mama, and took some more first steps on my own in the kitchen. The next day, Mama saw me practicing all by myself walking from the ottoman to the couch. We went to have lunch with Mama's teacher at Mama's old school, and then went to the gym nursery. After the gym we went to the park and then we stopped by Mimi's on the way home, where I proudly showed off my walking ability. The next day we met some of Lana's friends from ballet at Chilango's. I enjoyed the food there. After Lana's ballet class, Mama took me to a special Mother-Son dinner at Chick Fil A. Each table had a different toy on it. She was dressed up and so was I. They brought my nuggets to the table. I was mesmerized by the balloons they had tied to the ceiling. When I started throwing the blocks that were on my table over the divider to the other row of tables, Mama decided we had better get going. She took me to the park for a spell all by myself. Mama loved taking me just by myself to do something. She hardly ever gets to treat me to something just for me. That night, Mama went to the gym, and when she left me at the gym, she left me standing there. After that we went to Target, and I fell asleep in the car. Big surprise after such a full day. I'm really getting into standing right now. I like to stand in the shopping cart, on the changing table, and in my high chair. The higher the place, the better. The next day, Mama saw me unwittingly run after Lana. I was set to chase her, and without realizing what I was doing, I stood and took off chest first. It was like a cartoon. Then when I realized I was upright, I dropped to all fours and continued after her. That afternoon, Lana had her gym performance, which was nice. I kept trying to run off into the gym area. Then we went with Papi to Chilango's where I kept rocking back and forth in my highchair. When we got back home, we went into the backyard. The pavement out there is rough and I have always hated scratching up my knees out there. But this time, I did something about it and I started prancing around like a marionette. I was really excited and Mama was happy too: her mind flashed to images of a day going by without her having to scrub the floor and scrub my black knees, but it was also tinged with sadness as she realized I was walking off the last vestiges of babyness that I have. Once I walk, I'm not really a baby anymore, but I will always be babied by my Mama anyway, and I will always be Little Baby William to Lana.
The next day, when we got to the gym nursery, as we were standing outside the door and Mama was holding me, I looked at her, furrowed my brows and went, "errrh." That night in the bathtub, I helped to put the toys back up, and I got into the tub alone. Mama started making some videos of me trying to walk... I keep getting a few steps in and then fall down. Here is a compilation video she made:

The next day, we went to Austin. That night, attended my first concert, outside the womb, that is. I enjoyed it a lot. Lana helped to get me to sleep that night. Here is a video of us playing in the apartment we stayed in:

I continue my tottering walks, and each step is accompanied by gleeful shrieks. I went to visit Mama's friend Stacy, who has a 6 month old baby named Bodie. It was a cool restaurant with music and a playground. We didn't have time to stay long enough for me to play, but we went back there a couple of days later and Lana and I got to play together. I really liked climbing and the steering wheel. After hanging with Bodie, we went to Bill's house, but I slept through most of it. Then we caught up with Papi and saw him finish his epic bike ride with his friends. The next morning, we went to a place that had a buffet for lunch, and I really enjoyed the food there, especially the pancakes. Then we went to eat ice cream, but I wasn't really into it. The next morning, we went to the Buenos Aires cafe and I ate migas sandwiches and french fries. Then we went to the lake and went swimming. I was really curious what was under the water, as was Mama because the water was really low and kind of nasty. When we climbed back up the shore, I practically scaled all the rocks myself.
The next night, Rosa came over to take care of us and she left the side of my crib down, so I crawled out! shocking Mama in the middle of the night. And Lana dressed me as a girl in her strawberry shortcake gown! We went to visit Mimi the next day, and I showed off my improved walking skills to her. The next day, I practiced bailing off the scooter, and chased Lana around the house with it a lot. Here is a video:

That night, we went to the gym nursery, and I didn't cry this time. I started trying to give Mama big open mouth kisses. By the end of the month my walking had gotten pretty good, and I would wave good bye as I would walk off. That night in the bathroom, I walking over to the tub like it was no big thang, and I looked at Mama like, "hey, don't clap and scream every time I take a step! I've got it down now, OK, I'm just going to brush my teeth." Sometime around here I was walking and riding on my scooter with a hat and glasses, all of my choosing. I loved playing peek a boo with the hat and covering my face with it. Here are some videos:


And here is one of me dancing. I love to dance:

That night, neither Papi nor Lana were home, so I got to sleep alone with Mama. The next morning, I spent a few hours with Papa while Mama took Lana to see a play and have lunch. I rode my scooter all around, and then when Mama came back, we hung out for a while over there for Mumsy and Papa to get to know me a little better. That afternoon, I rode my scooter down to Christopher's house. And then on the last day of the month, tome mi primer mate con mama. I liked it ok! I put a cd in the radio and danced. That afternoon, we went to an asado at Chipis' house, where he has the coolest playground. I even swung off an overhead bar just holding on with my hands. I greatly enjoyed playing at the playground and swiming in the pool in the new little float Papi bought me. By this time I was walking very well and playing with Chipis like an equal. Toddle on, dude!