B is for Books and Blocks

Back when the weather was so cold (a couple of weeks ago), Isaac and I went to the library one afternoon as an escape from the house.  Our library has a very nice kids' section that includes a large open area stocked with toys.

This is good since Isaac's trips to the library might be less about reading books and more about chewing on things, at least for a while.

He sure puts things in his mouth with gusto!

I am quite pleased that the kids' section is set apart completely from the rest of the library and that play seems to be encouraged.  This way, when Isaac is pounding a wood block on the chair and yelling loudly, I do not feel too guilty that we might be disturbing other patrons.

 

 "Wonder what all these books are about?"

Sometimes the wide-legged stance is the most functional.

And that completes another oh-so-thrilling glimpse into our lives! Love to all you grands, friends, and other family that enjoy soaking up all this baby goodness as much as we do.

P.P.S. Dear grandmothers, see how much he loves wooden blocks?

Ice Ice Baby

The lovely snow day that we had last week turned into the dreadful ice storm of 2012.  After getting 7-12 inches of snow (depending on elevation) in town on Wednesday, we were greeted by freezing rain on Thursday.   All of the fluffy snow became hard-packed ice.

Freezing temps stuck around all day Thursday and through the night.  On Friday everything was a solid sheet of ice, including what was once snow on the ground.  

Many folks lost power during the storm, some for days.  We were fortunate not to lose ours.  Large limbs fell out of trees all over town, in some cases crashing onto cars and houses.  Entire trees came down as well.  The large beautiful tree I use to gaze upon out my kitchen window did not fare so well in the storm.

The tree toppled over at about 11am Friday morning while I was standing in my kitchen.  Somehow, I totally missed the show though!  Less than 30 minutes later, the city was there to clean it up--impressive!  Isaac was quite entertained watching the clean up.  I loved my friend's comment, "And thus begins his fascination with large yellow machines."  This is probably true as he seems to be all boy.

The above picture shows my new view out the kitchen window.  Now I look at the side of a condo building.  I miss the old view.

The icy conditions and overhead falling-limbs hazard made it seemingly dangerous to even go walking outside.  At least, we weren't willing to do so with the baby in tow. So, other than Matt venturing out to get diapers, we were house bound Thursday afternoon until Saturday afternoon.  By the time the thawing began on Saturday, we were so stir crazy that we walked downtown in the rain just to get out of the house!

Being cooped up inside made for lots of time to take baby pictures.  The pictures below are a good representation of just how busy Isaac is these days.  He is usually very intent on playing and exploring and doesn't like to slow down for a bit.  This is why diaper changes have turned into 20 minute play sessions.  Each step of the undressing, undiapering, rediapering, and redressing process has to be squeezed in between some sort of mission.  When I have nothing pressing to do, I just let him play.....

P.S. To Isaac's loving grandmothers who thought that he shouldn't have wooden blocks to play with, please note that the blocks in the pictures that appear to be wooden are actually foam. :)

Where's Daddy?

We are having so much fun with Isaac these days.  He is learning to play through interactions with us.  He loves to play peek-a-boo by holding a cloth over his own face and pulling it down when we ask, "Where's Isaac?"  That one usually gets a good giggle.  He also loves it when we disappear and reappear.  He thinks this is exceptionally funny.  I love watching him crane his neck to see where one of us will pop up next after we've gone from his sight, and then seeing the look of total surprise on his face when we do reappear.  His latest game is crawling out of his room during diaper changes.  When he hears us say, "Isaac, where are you going?", he crawls full speed ahead down the hall, usually laughing all the way.  Finally, he's begun to enjoy the game of looking for one of us when prompted by the other.  It is so gratifying and wonderful watching him learn so much so quickly!


Where's Daddy? from Julie Anderson on Vimeo.

I apologize for the poor focusing in the video.  We are using our digital SLR camera which does not autofocus in video, and maintaining manual focus on a constantly moving subject is not so easy.  I'll keep working on it!

Snow Day

Today we woke up to 7 inches of snow and an unexpected treat...Matt's work was called off for the day!  Having a snow day at home together was a pleasant surprise and quite enjoyable.

Isaac got to experience his first real (substantial) snow.

 The snow was deep enough to bury his legs.

Besides playing in the snow, today was also a good day for . . . 

 helping dad finish his morning coffee...

helping dad change a bike tire...

and most of all, snuggling up and reading books.

We hope your Wednesday was enjoyable also!

Pulling Up

 Look what Isaac can do -- he pulls up to standing!

He's just a little proud of himself.

 "What do you mean you're not as excited as I am about this development, Mom?"

 

Turns out these leg things are pretty functional.  

Now if I could just figure out how to use them to get back down.

Twelve Hours Sleeping

cherishing a rare moment

For his first Christmas, Isaac gave us the best gift he could --  better sleep.  He's been a great night sleeper all along, but napping had become a huge challenge.  I worked diligently for at least two months--keeping a sleep log, spending countless hours rocking in his room during "nap" time, giving up walks for weeks trying to honor a nap schedule, hanging light-blocking curtains, engaging white noise--to force my son into being a good napper.  I was starting to get discouraged and wanted to give up, when Isaac suddenly decided he likes naps.  Maybe he knew mom was just about at wits' end.  For a couple of weeks now, I've been able to count on a good afternoon nap (in addition to his shorter morning nap), about 1.5 hrs.  Some days he surprises us with a real doozy.  In fact, as I write this, he's been asleep for more than 2.5 hours (I'm starting to worry). This is HUGE improvement for us!  The best Christmas gift we could have asked for.

Phew! 12 Days of Isaac, done.  It's been a fun project, but I can't say I'm sad to see it end.  Maybe I'll go sleep now.

Eleven Feats Accomplished

Finally, the video Gran has been waiting for. . . Isaac crawling, or at least belly scooting.  He's been doing this for a while now, but I've just captured it on video. He's become so speedy moving in this way that he doesn't even bother trying to get up on his knees much anymore.  He's starting to push and kick with those feet though, so I think it won't be long before he's crawling on hands and knees.


Crawl Jan 2012 from Julie Anderson on Vimeo.

Getting around on the floor is not enough for Isaac anymore.  He loves climbing up onto low surfaces such as the futon or mom and dad's belly and legs. Some days he sets out to learn a new skill and doesn't give up!  Right now he's really working on pulling up to standing (and did so once in his crib, almost by accident, surprising both himself and us!).  He worked at this problem tirelessly today:


Stool stand from Julie Anderson on Vimeo.
Not to worry, all of the yelling is not Isaac upset but rather the sweet sound of him playing.  Our house is so peaceful these days.

Ten Fingers Splashing

BathTime

 Even in the tub, Isaac's favorite thing to do is put objects in his mouth.  He does splash around also, but I have no picture to prove it.

Nine Flavors Tasting

Isaac has been eating solid foods for almost two months.  We're having fun trying out different foods.  We know he is really enjoying his meal when he grunts all the way through it, which he usually does.

Eating Dec 2011 from Julie Anderson on Vimeo.

Eight Km-a-Riding

Today we test drove our new bike trailer!  It was just a short (cold) ride, but it was wonderful to be out playing as a family.  We look forward to longer rides when Isaac is a bit older and the weather a lot warmer.  With Matthew pulling the trailer, maybe I'll finally be able to outride him!

 Isaac seemed to enjoy the excursion--he called out gleefully as he and dad whizzed downhill. 

Happy 2012 everyone!!!

We wish you peace and love in the new year.