No no no

Blake has been told "no no no" many times when it comes to touching the dogs food and water. He excitedly runs over to the bowl, smiles, and shakes his finger while saying "no no no." Maybe 1 out of 10 times he actually listens to himself. He just can't seem to help sticking his hand in the water. The other day Blake was eating in his high chair and he saw our dog go over and start eating some food. Blake started shaking his finger at the dog and told her "no no no."



Blake's latest is to ask "where?" by raising one or both hands like this. Here he was watching a movie. He raised his hand whenever a character left the screen. He just wanted to know where they went.

Newport 2009

We just got back from a week of vacation in Newport from my parents' timeshare. The party consisted of myself, Blake, Dad, sister Kim + husband Brett, sister Maggie + husband Bryce, and Grandma. Sadly, Eric couldn't come because he had to work. My mom and sister Amy also couldn't make it because they were in Arizona welcoming cute baby Jill Denise.

I got many comments (not necessarily compliments) on Blake's hat throughout the week.

Playing with toys at the resort. Blake's cheeks are puffed because he is making the "vroom" sound. He has recently loved pushing cars and trains.

We took lots of trips to the swimming pool. Blake had a love/hate relationship with it. He liked it for a while, then squirmed to get out. When he was out he wanted to be in.

Three top teeth are coming in and you can kind of see them in this picture. I was wondering when he was going to get some more.

Looking at fish in a pond at Fashion Island Mall. Never had I felt so white (as opposed to tan), poor, and not in style as I did while shopping in southern California. But I did feel very modest. We also went to another mall called Irvine Spectrum. These malls were so crazy because they had merry-go-rounds, a ferris wheel, train ride, and so many cool fountains. Wow. They don't make malls like that where I come from.

Celebrating Grandma's 84th birthday.

Blake's first time at the beach. He wasn't so sure about sand. Lately, he has been helpful when I say "clean up" and he will put toys away where they go. He had sand all over his shoes and didn't seem to like it so I told him to clean up the sand. He slowly started picking it off his shoes and putting it in the pitcher. And yes his only beach toy was a pitcher from the kitchen. I'll be more prepared next year. He ate sand a few times and then tried to wipe it out of his mouth with sandy hands.

We visited the toy room a few times. I love how he is starting to play more independently.

We went for a walk every morning to the fountains and the fish. Blake learned a few new words this week including "hi" with a hand wave. Here he is saying "hi" to the fishies over and over again. He can also say "eyes" which sounds exactly like "hi" but he uses them in appropriate context. His other new word is "tee" for tree.

A round of bocce ball. I like this game but I'm pretty bad at it.

We played games most nights. We had a great time and it is a fun vacation to look forward to each year.

Birthday Boy

Blake finally turned one. How does it happen? I have been secretly dreading his birthday only because it means he isn't a little baby anymore. But I absolutely love this age and I love watching him learn and grow. Each stage is good--I just can't believe how fast it goes. I kept thinking back to when he was born and was confused because it seemed forever ago and just like yesterday. I love this little boy! We had a fun day which included the park, Gymboree, bubbles, cake, and presents. Get ready for some pictures!

County Fair

Yesterday we went to the fair with a friend from high school and her little boy. It was so fun to watch Blake watch the animals.

Digging through a bunch of corn.

Finally getting to see a real cow after we've talked about them so much.

Riding a tractor. Ok, have you noticed his outfit? It was so hot that I couldn't put shorts or pants on him. Then he needed shoes and of course his crab hat.

Petting a baby turkey.

***Side note*** Blake is officially walking. Today I counted 2 steps, then 8, then 12, then 27!

Summer Fun

Each morning Blake and I go for a walk to the park before his morning nap. We have our routine down. We pass by a cute old couple playing ping pong in their pajamas in their garage. We see people playing tennis. And then we stop for a water show. Blake sits back and enjoys his drink while watching the water.

I signed Blake up for Gymboree class so that he could play with other babies his age and have a good place to crawl around. It is a very cute program with circle time, bubbles, obstacles, and songs. We go almost every day.

Wading in his pool.

Blake is trying to talk like crazy. His first official word was "mmmmmore." This is what his mouth looks like while he says it. Whenever he sees anything edible he points to it and says "mmmore."

Trying on Grandpa's shoes. Check out his tongue. He's concentrating hard!

Fourth of July