Countdown Begins!

First I'll report on the teething...After a rough two nights it looks like Xavier has a new tooth. It's an upper front (right) and it feels like the other fang is about to break through any day (whatever that means). So he's up to three (in the most random order) and may have four by his first birthday next Thursday. We're so excited and already have a little celebration in the works during his visit to his grandparents in NYS this coming weekend. Can't wait!

New Activities

Xavier has a few new favorite activities (and word). He likes to sit or stand at the bottom step and yell "kitty" up to the cats. It sounds more like "ditty". The hard part about this is that it seems he is a bit of a thrill seeker and hangs on that step in a way that makes his parents very nervous. He stands too close to the edge, hangs from the bars, and tries to climb up the stairs on the outside of the staircase!

Over the weekend Xavier met a new friend. He met three year old Ela, who can eat on her own, talk and jump! He loved her. He, of course, chased her around to hug and kiss her, but he also watched her every move so that he could learn from her...This is what he learned.



C:\Documents and Settings\Daniel\My Documents\My Videos\Jumping on Vimeo

In case you can't tell, he's trying to jump.

Beach, First Words and New Bath Towels

Let's see, where to start? I'll take first words for 100.

There has been ongoing "discussion" in our home on how to call the first word. According to D, the word must be uttered very clearly AND there must be (this is key) abundant evidence of comprehension. By abundant, I mean not one, two or even three times will suffice for this man. Even after four incidents, he is still not fully convinced. I think it's because he is so touched. Xavier's first word is Daddy...yes, meeting all the above criteria. I was convinced it was "mira" (look), but Daniel said that X pointing to everything and saying something that sort of sounded like mira does not count (no evidence of comprehension, according to him). Fine. Xavier now points to his dad when asked "where's daddy?" and will also say "da'y" or "dedy" when pointing to him. This has now happened four or more times...so I've decided to call it. There.

New Bath Towels...A gift from our cousins in California and totally adorable.

Beach Time in Michigan...



Beach on Vimeo

AND I'm working on a new dance video.

Xavier Kisses a Goat.

At the suggestion of Pippi (who now wants a pony), we decided to take a trip to Lamb's Farm on Wednesday. Dylan and his mom, Becky, came along for the adventure. You can see their blog for more pictures. He didn't get to ride on a pony, but he did ride on a train. He didn't love it. If you read Dylan's blog you'll notice that the car ride didn't go so well, but I will add that Xavier didn't help the situation by poking Dylan in the face whenever he tried to go to sleep - sorry. But it was well worth the trip when I saw how much Xavier loved the goats. He hugged and kissed them and I think wanted to bring one home.

Dylan thought kissing a goat was kind of a silly thing to do. I think I would agree.
He also tried to get as close to them as possible. Like here, where he shoved himself in between his favorite two (he spent most of his time petting, hugging and kissing these guys).
Dylan and Becky, thanks for coming along and for taking the pictures! Yes, I actually forgot my camera! The next day we drove to Michigan for a couple of days of beach time. I will post some footage of that later this weekend.