Month 8 - Frosty the Snowman

This is the outfit Auntie Mandy got me. Aren't I adorable??

Month 7 - My 1st Visit to Santa

I had my first trip to see Santa. Of course, Momma made me take all of these pictures in different outfits prior to us leaving. We met Santa at Wanakah. They had a lot of fun activities there. They had people spraying tattoos on us, clowns making balloon animals, singers and dancers, it was soooo much fun! Next year when I can walk, Momma said I could go play with the big kids! We stood in line for a long time to see this Santa guy. He was pretty nice. He told me that I could ask for anything and I could get it because he KNEW I had been a good little boy!

Month 7 - Thanksgiving in Hilton Head 2008

This was a LONG week. We started driving down to Washington DC for Mom to do some kind of business dinner. So Dad and I went out and hung out together in DC. It was COLD, so we didn't get a chance to really get to go look around. They promised to bring me back when it was warmer and we would be able to see everything.

We then drove down to Hilton Head. These might have been the longest 2 days of my life - I was stuck in the car seat...ICK! We finally made it down to see Grandy Becker and I got to crawl around and explore the space!

I got very mobile in Hilton Head. I learned that I could crawl from room to room to find people. I could crawl under the table. I could pull things off of shelves. I could pull myself up and play in the dishwasher. I had a very good time. I even got to take a bubble bath with Momma in the Jacuzzi tub. It had lots of bubbles! I like bubbles.

We took walks and I watched my parents and grandparents play Wii. I can't wait to be able to play this - it looks like fun! I also got to go on my first boat ride. It was a little cold, but Momma and Daddy kept me close. I even kept my hat on to keep my head warm. I rarely do this! We went to go watch the Bills game at the local Buffalo hang out. I met a really pretty waitress that liked to hold me. This picking up on girls things are easy!

We had a lot of fun, them my Momma and Daddy and Grandpa put me back in the car and we drove home. It was a long day and I didn't like it very much. I did meet some cute waitresses though in West Virginia. We got home really late and we drove thru a really bad snow storm. I was so happy to get to my own bed!

Month 6 - My 1st Halloween Weekend

I had my first Halloween Weekend! Momma said that we don't just celebrate one day - we like to make a holiday last a few days! I'm OK with that! The Halloween Weekend started on Thursday with Momma taking me to her work (Synacor) for trick or treating. It was so much fun! I got to see all my girlfriends and everyone wanted to hold me, play with me and see my new tricks! When I got there I had my cool skull and crossbones shirt like Momma and Big Sis Bars! I like it when we all match! I got to see Ms Kathleen and she told me that I have a new friend coming into the world when I turn 1. I can't wait! Next year I will have a buddy for Halloween Trick or Treating at Synacor! I will be able to show he or she the ropes! Ms Sunny couldn't bring her little boy, so she took a lot of pictures of me on her iPhone. I am soooo handsome...she says! Ms Ginny told me that her little neice is looking for a boyfriend and I am just the right boy for her! Ms Ginny gave the approval! Ms Julia held me too. She has big kids. Her little girl is beautiful!

Daddy and Momma put me in my costume - I was a golfer. They kept calling me Bagger Vance, I think that is a movie we just saw! They took me around to all of the cubes so I could see everyone. Momma always said "Trick or Treat" for me and Daddy ate all the candy. They let me taste a sucker and it was GOOD! But they said I couldn't have anything else. Daddy said he would eat all the bad stuff for me this year. Strange thing was, Daddy said he wasn't feeling so well after we got home that night! I felt fine - the best thing I had was my golf club!

I got to bring my costume to day care the next day. We all dressed up and the big kids got to parade around. I will be there next year leading the group! After school Daddy picked me up and brought me home. Momma wanted to put me in my costume and we realized Daddy left it at day care! You can imagine how that went over! So Daddy got on the phone to start making calls and Momma let me sit by the candy basket and play. She had some really cool balloons that I got to play with. All of the neighbors kept stopping by and I would give them candy. Grandpa and Grandy Becker came over with Daisy. They ate a lot of candy too. Momma said that that is what "Beckers" do. I guess I will be like that! When Daddy finally got back, I got to put on my costume and walk around to the neighbors. It was a lot of fun. I got to play with Peyton at her house for a little while, then we ran into Kaitlyn on the way out. They are both so pretty, I can't possibly choose who should be my girlfriend first. Of course, Peyton was the first girl to kiss me! So after all of the candy, I played with Grandpa and Grandy for a while, then I crashed. I was so tired and it was a very busy day!

On Saturday we went over to Spencers house. Spencer, Caleb and I all played together. Spencer has a lot of cool toys. We all got to show off our costumes again. Spencer is crawling and pulling himself up. Caleb is younger, so he can sit up, but hasn't learned to crawl. We didn't get into too much trouble together. I was getting my second tooth in so Mr and Mrs Puleo gave me some teething tablets. I made a face at first, but it helped soothe my gums and I felt much better after.

So that was my first halloween. It was an action packed weekend!

My 1st Halloween - Photos

Guess what Momma found in Sams - a new tooth!

Momma and I had just gotten back from our visit to Oregon and Daddy made us go out to shop at Sams. Momma put her finger in my mouth and found my first tooth! WOW! She says I am not a baby anymore - I am becoming a little boy! I didn't eat very much over the weekend, so it made sense to Momma after she found the tooth! Now I can really bite on things!

Month 6 - Trip to Oregon and the tricks I learned!

Momma had a business trip in Oregon. Since my Tita Steener hadn't been able to come from San Francisco to see me, she said she would meet us in Portland and watch me while Momma did her work. So, Momma and I flew to Oregon and met Tita Steener. I actually got to go some place that Daddy had never been! Momma did her work on Thursday and Friday, then we drove back to Portland and met Uncle Chad that lives in Seattle. We had a great suite at the Westin in Portland with a great view. It gave me lots of space to play and move around. In fact, I had so much space, I decided to just start crawling in a forward motion! When we got home, our luggage didn't make it, so we were in the luggage office and Daddy had me playing on the floor, this is when I really started showing my new skill of crawling! When we got home, Momma and Daddy gave me a bath, then they put me on the ground and video-taped my new moves! They think it is exciting because they kept clapping for me!

Month 6 - Dr's Visit

I had my 6 month Dr's visit and shots today. Here are my new stats:

Height - 28.5 inches (95%)
Weight - 17.2 lbs (42%)

Momma said I had drank about 5 oz prior to being weighed, so I might be a little lighter than that! Everything was good for me, nothing out of the norm. I passed all of my tests with flying colors!

Watch me Grow!

Pumpkin Patch Day - 10.11.08

Month 5 - Pumpkin Patch Day with Friends

This weekend Daddy and Momma took me to a Pumpkin Patch with my friend Caleb. They also invited Auntie Trish and Caleb's parents Uncle Gary and Auntie Carrie. It was a lot of fun! I loved all the people I got to watch. Momma said that it was an Indian Summer...neither Daddy nor I knew what that was, but we did know we were HOT! There were so many things that big kids got to do. They promised they would take me again next year so I could play on all the cool things. I did get to pet a goat and a llama too. There were so many new things to touch, smell and see. I was so fascinated with everything that I forgot to look at the camera most of the time! We picked out pumpkins for Halloween. Daddy and Momma said we could make jack-o-laterns!

Month 5 - My new trick and other things I did!

I have a new trick! On Oct 5th, I surprised Momma and Daddy by sitting up all by myself! This makes things much easier for me to play with things! It's a whole different experience playing sitting up versus laying on my belly and trying to play! Momma says she likes that I can sit up because it makes me much more independent! I love my music center I play with. I can't wait to get a piano...there is a really cool one that Fisher Price makes...and Christmas is coming up...and have I told you how good I have been??

Santa? Are you listening?

Other things that happened in my 5th month...Momma has had me WORKING! I have been going in to test toys for Fisher Price and I have done an in-home test. I tested out a rocker for 2-weeks and I made $60! Momma says it is going to my 529 account so I will have money for my education. I don't know what that is - but they keep talking about how great college is. Something about "a lot of freedom, not a lot of responsibility??" So I just really sat around in this rocker and watched TV. If I wanted to rock it, Momma or Daddy had to do it for me. I wasn't too interested in the rocker, I need something much more interactive!

I also had my first encounter with a balloon. WOW! They are COOL! I think that might be one of the funniest things I have ever played with. It just makes me giggle. Daddy and Momma took me to Mr Ron and Ms Kristin's house for a party for Caden getting out of the hospital. They had a bounce house and I couldn't get in it, but I did think it was fun to watch the big kids play in it! But the BEST thing at the party was the balloon...and Ms Kristin let me take it home! I can still play with it and it still makes me laugh!!

Month 4 - Labor Day Weekend

Daddy and Momma kept me running this weekend. Friday we started out visiting Daddy's old roommate and friend from college Dr Travis and Ms Erin. They were in town with their two kids, Alana and Nathan. Nathan is 2 months younger than me and he yelled at me! It scared me and I started crying! His sister is a year and a half older than me and she is HOT! But you know...Chicks Dig Me! They kept me out for a long time that night. I slept thru the whole night, which Momma said was a good thing b/c she said she had something called the Irish Flu. I don't know what that is, but it sounds BAD!

On Sat, Momma and Daddy took me to Babies R Us and bought me some warm clothes and a Jolly Jumper. I like to jump when someone holds me and they said this is something new that I needed! When we got home I got to try out my new toy. It was fun, but I didn't get the whole "jumping" thing. It makes a lot of noise and has things that spin, so I am happy! That evening we went to dinner with Caleb's parents, Uncle Gary and Aunt Carrie, Uncle Mike and Aunt Trish and Mr Joey V. It was a long evening with the parents doing a lot of talking. Caleb and I tried our best to distract them, but they kept getting up and walking us around. I don't know why they put us thru this!

On Sunday we went and spent the day at Grandpa and Grandy Beckers. It was our first time there without Akira and we all missed her. Grandpa and Daddy were going to close the pool, so after a very long nap, Daddy, Momma and I went for our last summer swim. It was a lot of fun. At the end Momma let me catch the "last rays of summer" she said. I just know I got NAKED TIME! They grilled and then we went home.

On Monday, Momma and Daddy stayed home with me. They were busy doing things around the house, but I had fun playing in my new toy, the exersaucer and my playmat. That night we took Momma to the airport, she said she was going away for the night and would bring me a gift back. She was gone thru the whole week and Daddy and Grandpa and Grandy helped take care of me. I don't know where she went, but I got 3 books and a stuffed Armadillo. She said she went to Newark, Pennsylvania, Chicago and Dallas. I don't know what that means or where it is, but I hope she takes me someday! Daddy and I had a lot of fun with our boys week at the house. Momma says she can trust us b/c when she got back, I had all my body parts!

Month 4 - In Memory of Akira - 4/18/04 to 8/22/08

Month 4 - Dr Visit

I had my visit with Dr Laura for my second set of shots today for month 4. Momma didn't cry this time when I got the shots. Dr Laura was proud of me for having so many rolls on my legs. She says it helps when she gives me shots. I was rolling all over the place...it was hard for her to keep up with me! After my shots, Momma gave me a bottle and I fell asleep in her lap while Daddy got his physical.

My stats:

Height - 27 inches
Weight - 14.1 and a half lbs

We don't know what percentile I am b/c Dr Laura, Mommy and Daddy were too busy talking that they forgot to ask!

UPDATE - Dr Laura called and I am 95% in height and 33% in weight. Mom and Dad are panicking b/c I need a new car seat already. I am growing out of my infant car seat!

Month 3 - My first trip

I took my first plane ride outside the womb! Momma took Daddy and I to St Louis on her first business trip after she returned to work. I had some major sniffles before we left, so Momma and Daddy took me to the Dr to make sure I could fly. Everything was fine, so I got on my first plane ride. It was a piece of cake! I got on and quickly fell asleep. No one complained about me being the crying baby! And lot's of people said how adorable I am!

When we got to StL, I met Auntie Hedder (Heather) and Jen. They are hoping to have a play partner for me someday soon! On Saturday we did a lot of relaxing b/c Momma wasn't feeling well. The Olympics started so we watched a lot of Olympics.

We went to dinner to celebrate Ms Jill's birthday and I finally got to meet my new buddy Dalton. He is a few months older than me and a little larger and a LOT more active! I also got to meet his nanny Ms Kyleigh. She ended up watching me while Momma worked during the week.

Auntie Hedder hosted a cook out so everyone could meet me. Mr Tom and Mr Jeff got me 2 cute outfits. Mr Tom played with me a lot! He even put me to sleep that night! I also met Ms Susie. She and Mr Tom played with me and made me laugh. While everyone was eating, I decided to show off my vocal abilities and decided to talk. Momma and Daddy said that was the first time I had really talked a lot, but it is definitely not the last. I continued to tell everyone I met all types of things!

I went to Ms Jill's house to play with Dalton and let Ms Kyleigh watch me on Monday. That night Momma and Daddy took me to meet Mr and Mrs Scott Terrill and they introduced me to another new friend Gavin. Gavin is even bigger than Dalton! I could learn a lot from him.

On Tuesday Momma took me to her old office and introduced me around to everyone she used to work with. I had to take a nap in Ms Lynell's arms. Momma said she was a grandma and had the special touch. Her grandchildren sure are lucky! I also met Ms Julie, Ms Danielle, Ms Sheri, Ms Pryal, Mr Mike, Mr Craig, Mr Andy, Ms Debbie, Mr Pete, Mr Bob, Mr Eric, Mr Rodney and many more. That night Momma said she was taking me to one of their favorite restaurants in StL - Olympia. We met Mr JohnnyMac. I tried to be good, but it was a long day and I got tired after a few hours. My parents really messed with my schedule!

Our last day in StL, I went back to play with Dalton. I did well on the plane with one melt down. Momma and Daddy said that it was OK b/c that was the time I always get tired. It was a late night. We didn't get home until after midnight. I was EXHAUSTED! I was so happy to get back to my bed and my bedtime friends that I didn't even fuss when Momma put me down. I just played in my crib and finally fell asleep!

STATE COUNT: New York - home state,
Maryland, Illinois and Missouri

Month 3 - Milestones

Momma finally caught me rolling over! She has known that I have been doing for for over a week, but she has never caught me herself! Daycare told her. Daddy saw me...and even Grandpa Becker saw me! So I did it for her last night! It's a lot of hard work! I still haven't figured out how to get my arm out from underneath me quickly, but after a few minutes, I can squirm myself free!

Momma calls me a "mover and a shaker!" At week 14, she thinks I am pretty advanced!

I am also getting very interested in things I can grab...especially if they can go in my mouth! Jill from StL had bought me a play mat that has lots of cool things for me to grab on to. It also plays music. I have had a lot of fun on that. Especially if Dad or Momma positions me in front of the mirror. I LOVE to watch myself, I am just so fascinating!

Although I am getting more mobile - I still like to be held! But I am getting better about being put somewhere where I can learn and explore!

Month 2 - 4th of July Weekend

Happy 4th of July! It was my first 4th of July and we had a BIG weekend! We started out the weekend with Daddy coming home early so Momma and he could go workout. They took me to go see my girlfriend Chelsea. She takes good care of me when Momma goes to work out. She holds me the entire time, even though her boss says she can't. She will even feed me my bottle if Momma brings one for me. She has learned not to put me in my car seat though because I will cry and she feels bad, so she lets Momma or Daddy do that!
We woke up on the 4th and had breakfast on the patio. It was a perfect morning. I sat in my bumbo as Momma made pancakes for her and Daddy, then we all sat outside for a few hours enjoying the morning. I enjoyed most of my time outside, but there is a fine line with me between happy and unhappy!

Daddy's friend Sean came over to meet me and brought me an outfit and a book. It was so nice that we all sat outside and got some sun for the afternoon. It was a great afternoon - we just kicked back and relaxed...something Sean and Daddy don't do often!

We went to Wanakah for dinner and to watch fireworks. Daddy got to show me off to lots of people!

Everyone wanted to hold me and thought I was adorable! Grandy said I was VERY GOOD!

I had to take a little snooze before the fireworks. It was a late night for me! But Auntie Trish came and held me and I fell right asleep in her arms!

When the fireworks started I was a little alarmed and almost jumped out of Mrs Sullivan's arms, but once I saw the bright lights I really enjoyed it! Daddy tried to hold me for a while, but I really just wanted to be in Momma's arms, so we sat together and watched the bright lights. I didn't quite know what to think of all the loud noises, but Momma kept me safe...and warm!

On Sat, the 5th of July, we found out that my new friend Bubba Occhino - now Kaleb John Occhino was born - what a great day! Daddy and Momma took me to the YMCA again to see my girlfriend Chelsea. For the afternoon, Big Sis Bars came over and went with us to Grandpa and Grandy Becker's pool.

It was a gorgeous afternoon and Daddy and Momma let me get in the pool for the very first time! The pool was much better than my bath and I didn't cry at all!

That night we went to our new neighbors house for a BBQ. I was tired and a little cranky. They had a Wii and Momma and Daddy played Rock Band, they had a LOT of fun...I think they might be buying me one, even though I can't play yet! I just fell asleep in Momma's arms as she sang and Daddy played the drums.

On Sunday, Daddy took me to the YMCA to see my girlfriend Chelsea again while Momma stayed home to clean. She says she can't get anything done around the house with me around! When we got back we went to go see Bubba O. I was asleep at first and then Daddy got us kicked out b/c they said I was too young. Momma said he was really cute and Daddy said I looked like a "bruiser" compared to him. He weighed in at 8 lbs and 20 inches long. I was just a little bit bigger than he was. Momma said that she wondered if they would take me back, but I don't think she meant it! I can't wait for Bubba O to catch up to me so we can play. After the hospital, we went to the grocery store, then back home again. Sean and Auntie Lindsey came over for a cook out. Auntie Lindsey fed me a bottle and said that I was getting so cute. I thought she was cute and kept holding onto her finger very tight. She is so pretty. They didn't let me stay up very long, they put me to bed early and said I had a long weekend. It was pretty busy and I had a great time.