June Pictures

Last day of the month -- finally, time to catch up on pictures!

Back around the first weekend of June, Alex was feeling pretty goofy. We don't know why he does this -- perhaps sometimes he's just in the mood to be a bit weird. Don't worry -- by the next weekend, his head had straightened out and he was smiling as usual. He got plenty of exercise pushing and driving his car in circles around the sun room.

Aunt Mindy & Uncle Joe stopped by on their way home from a Cubs game. They dropped off some clothes and toys. Mindy found out that red wagons don't have brakes. The car seems to be his favorite outdoor toy at the moment. Usually, he drives, but sometimes he pushes. Golf clubs? He'll be practicing with these for a while yet.

The Friday before Father's Day, they threw us a party at day care. We learned he likes small pretzels; he learned to drink root beer through a straw. Saturday, he slept in. Later on, our neighbor had her new septic truck out front. Alex enjoyed the view and knew just what to do with the steering wheel. Looks happy, eh? Probably ought to start with something a bit smaller, perhaps a lawn mower. Before bed, he rode the "mommy ride".

After breakfast last Saturday, we took him to the local splash park (aka sprayground). He loved trying to catch and deflect the water and was in complete awe when it shot straight up out of the ground.

By Monday evening, he had a cough and was wheezing a bit, so we took him to the doctor. Turns out he's got pneumonia! Three days of antibiotics left, but otherwise he seems to be taking it quite well. We're hoping it wasn't due to the water play, but it's hard to say.

Michele's Birthday/Memorial Day Weekend

The following weekend, Uncle Mike & Aunt Helene were in Chicago for a few hours. We met up at Brookfield Zoo. Alex got to eat his snack at a picnic table (in my lap) and was quite content to be pushed around in his stroller. We saw a lot more animals this time, including some huge camels and bison. This completed our visit with Michele's family -- we'd seen everybody within two weekends!

On Sunday, Alex had a colorful meal, then checked on our lilac bushes while waiting for us to take him to the park. He loves the swing, and hasn't tired of it yet (we've always tired of pushing him first!). Occasionally, we swing in pairs. He also climbs around the play equipment at the park. He seems to have no fear of heights (nor concept of railings!) so we have to keep a tight hold on him. He wasn't sure about the slides at first, but we hear he loves the slide at day care.

That afternoon, Grandpa Jim & Granny Susan made a quick stop to check on him. We rigged up the Little Tikes swing Mindy had found at a yardsale in the front tree, but it just wasn't a very good fit for that tree. We're still searching for a good spot to hang it. For dinner, we packed the grill with chicken and corn. Alex got to try corn-on-the-cob, and decided he enjoys gnawing at it.

For breakfast Monday? A bottle of milk, of course, followed by some Cheerios and applesauce. His spoon skills are improving rapidly.

The next weekend (30-31 May) we found a great deal on a bike trailer at a yard sale. Alex has ridden in it once so far, and seemed to enjoy his first (admittedly short) trip around the neighborhood. Perhaps one of these evenings he'll get another chance!

Toronto (Days 3 & 4)

Going back to Toronto:

After the dinner at the Pearl Harbor restaurant (still day 2, actually), Alex needed to wash his hands. So he did -- in the pool in the plaza atrium. Mommy was amused.

On Sunday, we had lunch in Chinatown. Alex demanded we pass him around the table to keep him quiet (here, it's Jo-Anne's turn). Back at the hotel before dinner, he chose Daphne. After dinner, we browsed a local mall. Grandpa Joe carried him through this store.

On Monday, it was back to the airport. Michele's parents dropped us off (thanks again!). The US terminal was pretty quiet, as usual. Alex thought it was one big playground. He was fascinated by the moving sidewalk but ultimately wanted to explore everything. Seen here is a rare shot of Alex with a still-on-his-head hat. Finally back at Ohare, we waited for the parking shuttle to pick us up.

Rome Wasn't Built In a Day...

... but our garden was! After thinking about it for a year (or two), I bought the boards yesterday. This morning, I laid it all out, leveled the boards, bolted them together, and filled it with dirt. This afternoon, I bought some plants from Home Depot (some were even on Michele's list!) and planted them. Hopefully I'll get the fencing up before the rabbits come. How does Alex fit into this? He was outside playing in the dirt as I planted. He really enjoyed dragging the cultivator (small hand-tool) back & forth in the dirt, at a safe distance from the new plants. He tried dragging the rake around, but it was just too big.

Now, to catch up on those pictures....

First Day in Toddler Room

Today was Alex's first day in the toddler room at day care. He was a bit cranky at first (probably sleepy because he was up at 6 AM this morning) but was just fine after a 10-minute mid-morning nap. When I showed up at 4 PM, the kids were all standing by the door in their coats waiting to go play outside. (It started pouring as I took him to the car, so I doubt they were out long if at all!) I didn't hear of any trouble with the toddler-level sink (which he'd discovered & learned to operate even before his first full day). Overall, a great success.

Pictures from the past two weeks will be posted as soon as I get a few bills paid. Priorities, ya know....