Alexandra, Ian, Melissa (Alex’s godmother) and I had a wonderful time celebrating our first Mother’s Day at the San Francisco Zoo. Alex’s two favorites were the lions and the goats. (For the record, these were two different exhibits.) My favorite was seeing the new tiger cub…and spending the day with some of my favorite people.
We saw a bear at the zoo!
Actually at the bear exhibit.
Happy mommy and baby (with mommy and baby tiger in the background).
Oooh! Giraffe!
Yay for the zoo!
…one giant leap for Bugsy (the cat) as he runs away.
We’re so excited to tell you Alexandra took her first step on Thursday! While she’s not fully walking (yet), she’s growing up so fast!
Making progress on finger food. Her favorite so far is the chickpeas from my chicken tikka masala. (May 7th)
Swim class with Daddy. (May 4th)
Hanging out with her canine companion. (May 3rd)
Had to include this shot of her (literally) crazy excited expression. (May 3rd)
Hello there! I’m pleased to announced that the plumbing issues have been resolved…and as soon as we get a new bathroom floor installed, we’ll tell you the whole story of the constant joys of home ownership.
In the meantime, here’s a videos of Miss Ally Marie for you to enjoy. After all, who needs music to dance?
Though I find it difficult to believe, Alexandra is now nine months old (and has been for several days now). She’s officially been outside longer than she was inside! Time does fly when you’re sleep deprived having fun.
Most importantly, she continues to be in good health overall (though, ironically, I think she caught a cold at the doctor’s office). The stats from her nine-month appointment:
“I’m nine months old now!”
Alexandra’s first bear picture, back when the bear looked big. (August 19th)
In other Alex news, we’re also cleared to start finger foods, which is off to a slow start. However, Bo seems to be enjoying this latest turn of events.
And, in family news, we get to fix the plumbing in the master bath AND replace part of the main line! Yay for home ownership! (To be clear, by “we,” I mean “the people we’re hiring to take care of it.” Just in case you hallucinated for a second and thought we’d try to do it ourselves or something equally crazy.)
Not sure about this finger food stuff. (April 23rd)
Look! A picture of both of us! (At the park on April 11th)
Last week, Alexandra visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium for the first time. She LOVED it. Her entourage included me, my parents and her godmother, Melissa. We were joined by Linda, her daughter Chris, and Chris’ two kids. Much fun was had by all. Alex’s favorite part was, somewhat ironically, a bird. (There’s an Aviary exhibit as part of the “shoreline.”) Also topping the list of favorites were the sea otters, sea horses, jellyfish and the Open Sea feeding, though we don’t have pictures of those to share. It appears she may have inherited my love of animals. I’m not just projecting…I have the video to prove it!
We now need to find a time to take her to the zoo. I foresee a lot of giggling on that trip. And perhaps another large stuffed animal.
Hello there! I love the Monterey Bay Aquarium! (And the very cool infant/toddler section pictured here.)
Ooooh! Can I eat that?
(Editor’s note…she would have enjoyed the Touch Pool much more if it were a Taste Pool.)
Whoa…pretty fishies!
Hi, Mr. Penguin! I’m Alex! (With her godmother, Melissa.)
Thanks, Grandpa! I love my turtle!
It doesn’t get much cuter than this.
A few hours after I wrote the post about having not heard “mama” from Alex yet, she said it!
She was sitting in Ian’s lap and he was trying to give her a bottle. She kept looking for me and when I walked over, she looked at me and said “mamamama.” I don’t have the words to explain how incredible it was.
Family time at the park this afternoon. (April 10th)
I’m sure you’re all STUNNED to learn that Alexandra is quite the chatterbox. She keeps up a dialogue with me on most days. It’s sort of like talking with someone in a foreign language…I know she’s trying to communicate with me, but I’m not exactly sure what it is she’s saying.
We can say that her “k” sound generally means “cat.” That mostly applies to Bugsy, but she’s also used it for other cats we’ve met. Bo seems to be “guh” (for some reason, the last sound stuck on this one). “Dada” is used extensively in communication, though Ian is included in that broad usage. She’s also made the “mmm” sound, but generally while she’s eating. Nowhere near “mama” yet. Though Ian has reported hearing a “MMMMAAAA!” scream when she wants me. (*Heart melting*)
The big news around here is that we went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium yesterday; pictures and video to come. In the meantime, enjoy some pics from the last few days:
Who’s there?!? (March 28th)
Dinnertime happy face. (March 27th)
My dad used to windsurf at Coyote Point, hence this picture. (April 3rd)
KITTY! Petting a very patient cat while out and about on Burlingame Avenue. (April 4th)
Even the menu at Jack’s Prime is tasty! (April 6th)
Lara does most of the blogging these days, but I figure that I better own up to taking Alex’s penchant for percussion to the next level.
Some background: While we were in Italy on our “baby moon,” we happened to be in the town of Panzano the day they were celebrating the 483rd anniversary of overthrowing the evil lord.* To honor said event, they have an elaborate parade. While I was watching the parade, Alexandra kicked in time with the drummers. This was a sign.
Alex’s Italian inspiration.
Eleven months after that parade, my mom captured this on film:
Ian would like it noted that she could be the next Max Weinberg (of Bruce Springsteen the E Street Band). Or, the next Tico Torres, for you Bon Jovi fans.
Not much else to report here. We’re both still recovering from our colds. Mine has morphed into a sinus infection, complete with a rocking cough and a very sexy voice. Alexandra seems fine, as she is completely nonplussed by her runny nose (though she does protest when I try to wipe said nose).
Also thought you’d enjoy a few more of the pictures from the session we did on the 19th at the Picture People:
Why, hello there, Blue Eyes.
Oooh! These look edible!
I thought it was super cute to have her wear bunny ears. Who doesn’t love babies wearing animal ears? Then, while showing the pictures to Ian, he pointed out that girls in bunny ears can have other connotations. Stupid Hugh Hefner.
*Editor’s note: 483rd is an approximation. But it was a long time ago.
Yes, she’s eight months old already. As promised, here’s the latest bear picture, both at home and “professionally” done at the Picture People. (By the way, hooray for Groupon and their cheap photo portrait deals!)
I’m eight months old today! (March 19th)
Wonder Baby! (March 19th)
Because I can’t get over how fast she’s growing up, here’s the first bear picture:
August 19th