Wednesday afternoon

Grandpa sent him maracas! I checked the mail when he was rather fussy, and after receiving his maraca bounty, he was happy for a lot of the afternoon.

Not only can they be shaken individually, but they can be banged together and on every available surface, including the dog's butt.

If you pretend his eyes are open, this is a very good likeness to what he looks like these days.

Wednesday morning

Tuesday morning in his rain jacket

Sunday afternoon

You can't really tell from this picture since, in hurrying to take it, I didn't angle the camera properly, but he's a tiny weight lifter. He'll grab this tiger, hoist it up, and carry it around the room.

Two little monkeys

Grandpa got Alec a slightly sinister clapping monkey, and he's been wrestling with his feelings for it ever since. He is cautious when he first sees it, and prefers to approach at his own pace:

He'll work up to touching it, which I think is very brave and curious:

And now he's rethought that touch:

The thumb suck of safety:

Here it's on, and he's clapping right along with it. As it hopped forward, though, he continued to back up:

In perfect horror movie fashion, he'll cut a wide path around a room to not get close to it, sucking his thumb and keeping a watchful eye on it just in case it springs to life and comes after him.

intermodal buddy

Occasionally, he'll revert back to crawling for a few minutes. I guess it's a little more predictable then legs that can go one way while the buddha belly goes another.

I said to put the A sides forward!

Sometimes our CD organization displeases him and we hear about it.

Buddy is very musical

He knows he needs to listen to something, but isn't sure what.

He finds just the right one.

Distributing the rest across the floor.

Then realizes that actually he wants to read the monkey book.

He carries around the CD for later.

Fists of Fury

His fists will reign down untold terror and misery on you. After a nap.

Michelle!

Thank you for a great time, Michelle! We so appreciate your giving us a little break, and especially for being so good humored about Buddy claiming your earrings as his own.

Sheriff Buddy lives!

Ma'am, please calm down. I'm going to need you to step out of the vehicle.

He was a natural at his first professional photo shoot. The rest can be seen here:
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Finally Earning His Keep

On Thursday he helped me do a few chores. Actually, he protested heartily when he couldn't help, so this became his task. If he hadn't inspected (by mouth and with great detail) the Swiffer's resulting hairball, I might have let him keep it up.

Note Pancho by the door. His tractor beam eyes are persuading you to open the door and let him out. For the love of all that's holy, let him out of this living room with the rabid toddler!

Happy Thirteen Months Old!

Can you believe he's already thirteen months old?? I know I can't.

chocolate exhaustion

After mom and dad's birthday cake.

random cute pictures

He so loves the popper Nana and Baba got him for Christmas. He pushes this around regularly.

He has a symbiotic relationship with Annie. He'll drop Cheerios faster than she can scramble to eat them. You'd think she'd never eaten before. If he's feeling particularly evil, he'll hold them out for her to lick, then yank them away while giggling madly. The new rule (which I never imagined I'd have to make) is, if the dog has licked it, it's hers!

Me and the Bud.

Missing: Farmer Phil

Caught making a break for it in the back yard. When questioned, Farmer Phil said, "He just wouldn't stop sucking on me, and that became degrading."

Snow Day!

Shortly after New Year's we had a small snow. Right after these pictures were taken, he fell over then just lay there displeased as the jacket was too bulky for him to significantly move or help himself. I wish I'd captured a picture of that, but I was laughing too much.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We had a wonderful Christmas made complete with Nana and Grandpa who came bearing many tidings of baby joy.


The morning of Christmas eve as we eagerly awaited their arrival, we were suprised by lovely presents from Jill. Thank you, Jill!


Nana and Grandpa have arrived! And brought with them a popper and western wear among countless other presents. Note the steel tipped boots which will aid in his ongoing and often spontaneous desire to pop a top on a tall can of whoop ass.


Grandpa helping him adjust his swagger.


Long, tall Texans, take note.


Dressed down in his new outfit from Nana and his winter boots from Aunt Jean. Somewhat Yule Brenner and very cozy. Thank you, Aunt Jean!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Part Two

Go, Speed Racer, go! This car was a big hit, not only for him but for us. He was happy to be pushed for a good long time, grabbing at toys along the way. And this morning, I was able to sip coffee while pushing him which can be less taxing than chasing him around the house/ making him stop biting the brick fireplace/ taking the cat's tail out of his mouth.


Telling Grandpa all about it.


With his lovely Nana.


Not wanting to get out of the car.


Thank you for the amazing baby bounty and for your company!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Part Three

Christmas dinner! Buddy kept us quite entertained with impromptu applause and speeches.


New kicks! He's a bit of a high stepper while he gets used to them, but managed admirably while dining at Pappadeaux on New Year's eve.


His latest, more relaxed approach to dining.


Tonight's double helping of lasagna while watching the snow fall.

Best wishes for the New Year!