daddy's helper

new favorite activity = emptying EVERYTHING.exhibit A: drawers

exhibit B: cabinets

exhibit C: laundry baskets

exhibit D: books (need I go on...)

so when miles became mobile, we began the daunting task of baby-proofing our home. we had put outlet covers in, moved any and all decorations to a minimum height of at least 3 feet, and installed a couple of cabinet locks. the locks we had were the removable type and, while I had a love-hate relationship with them, kyle definitely had a hate-hate relationship! they were a real pain and made it too much of a chore to get the toaster out. we were forced to break out the heavy artillery and install some actual cabinet locks. miles was MORE than happy to assist. I'm sure if you ask his daddy you will discover he was a "real" help :)

he even helped install the new storm door on the front of the house. how does this fit in with the baby proofing you ask? well our old door was nothing short of ridiculous and a true eyesore. in fact, it was the FIRST thing we put on our home improvement list when we moved into our house...5 years ago! somehow renovate the bathrooms, build a bar, buy new appliances, paint every interior square inch, install new carpet, re-finish the hardwoods, and even re-side/shingle the shed beat out the simple "new front storm door" project. go figure. besides it's shabby facade, I was most annoyed by its inability to latch. result? baby falling out the door. this could pose a slight safety risk. my brother marc helped us out last weekend and miles joined in on some final "tweaking" with daddy.

eleven months old

spring has finally sprung - so we ventured outdoors for this month's photo session. miles is busy, busy, busy these days. lots of huffing and puffing can be heard whenever he is awake. he is cruising around everything and getting "braver" everyday. he's starting to let go of furniture and has pretty good balance. he loves to climb up the stairs, chase after daddy, and open/close doors. he eats like a champ...haven't come across a food item he doesn't enjoy, gives the best slobbery kisses, and has mastered the belly laugh. just recently he has discovered the fine art of hollering. it is such fun to hear him experiment with his voice...we're also working on the meaning of "shhh - too loud". the BIG NEWS is that he's started to say a couple of words! we can understand: cheese & keys (those two are about the same), dada, mama (a rarity), dog, woof-woof-woof (when we ask what does the doggie say?), oh-oh, and oodles of other indistinguishable babble! miles is such a happy-go-lucky baby and we truly feel blessed to have him in our lives.

these are for grandpa, uncle clayt, and auntie jess. we hope everyone else enjoys them too!

we finally broke down and bought a flash for our camera - hooray! so here are some of my wannabe professional photographer attempts (which are mediocre at best...I'm learning)

is it on?

although the baby einstein exersaucer was a big hit for many months (click HERE), it's now beginning to collect a little dust. let me break it down for you:

mobile baby + confinement = tantrum

however- it sure does come in handy when I need to leave him in a safe place and get a couple of quick things done (not the least of which is shower!). I know what you're thinking, she leaves him in there screaming while she takes a shower?? silly you. I have a trump card in the shape of a dvd. you got that right... saved by signing time! at first I had prepared to give myself the award for worst mommy of the year. but then I came to the realization that 30 minutes of educational tv will not hurt our baby. he's even learning the signs! he's signing "milk", "more", and "dog". we're working on "please", "thank you", "mommy", "daddy", and "water". I think that's sufficient for this week. next week: "bionuclear science". I'll let you know how it goes. here is a progression of miles' reaction to waiting for his favorite show to start.

are you sure it's coming?

mommy singing the theme song is grrrreat!

ooh...what's that?

YES! I LOVE this show!!

tuckered out

all of this climbing and crawling sure does tire a baby out. this is how we found miles one night. notice his resourceful use of monkey and ducky. we left him all covered up and snug as a bug. and by the way...yes we use a bumper pad and yes we use blankets. all is well.