Houston Zoo

We visited the zoo today! We got there at 10am and it was already HOT! Most of the animals didn't come out. But we did get to see the elephants, giraffes, lions, lemurs, baboons, a red panda, Doc- the orangutan, and a mandrill. And.....we only got one picture before the camera battery died! Mommy won't let that happen again! But that's okay, we are going back in a few weeks to do the other half of the zoo. We are members, so we can go as many times as needed! The other half is more kid-friendly- a petting zoo, farm, train, carousel, paddle boats, etc.

9 Months Old!

Quinn passed his Wellness "exam" with flying colors! His weight has leveled off and should stay steady for the next three months. Dr. Suell gave us the okay for Quinn to eat yogurt and cheese. The doc also said that Quinn may start to dislike formula over the next three months; which is a natural progression to big-boy milk. Doc was impressed with Quinn's speech- the dadas, tatas, and mmms. No vaccines this time! Our next visit will be Septemeber 4- Q will be over a year old! Sniffle!

I promise that I'm just reading to him and not lecturing!

Watchin' Sesame Street

Walking is just around the corner! I'm hoping the new push toy thingy
will inspire Quinn to get moving!

Quinn was possibly pooping when this photo was taken. Not sure though.

Chillaxing

Can't Get Enough

On any given day, at any given time, you can bet one of us is
reading to Quinn. He loves reading. At the moment, some of
his favorite books are by Eric Carle. Another fave is Nemo's
Birthday Party. It's a book with a cd.

It's a Date

Quinn and Abby went on their first date last night- a "romantic" ride around the block. It involved hair-pulling, giggling, crying, nodding-off, and pulling off a hat and throwing it in the street without mom and dad noticing. A great time was had by all. Abby and Quinn behaved exceptionally well, so the four chaperones had little to worry about.

Quinn said, "Daddy" this morning!

The Best Baby Ever

Quinn is down for his first nap of the day. As I walked back downstairs, I started thinking about how incredibly lucky and blessed I am to have Quinn. And I mean Quinn specifically; not just a child. I know that sounds a bit strange, but I do not know a better way to say it. Please read this as me reflecting, not bragging...I really do have the best baby ever. I love that Quinn LOVES to go to sleep. He likes little fuss over the going-to-bed or taking-a-nap routine. Just lay him down and he rolls towards the wall and grabs Sammy all in one motion. By the time I close the door, he's asleep. Not in one instance do I remember him ever fighting me to stay up. I also love that Quinn LOVES to wake up. He is all smiles and never grumpy; even when I have to wake him to go somewhere. It makes me silly happy to walk in his room and see him sitting up (sometimes standing) waiting for me to come get him. He starts rubbing his feet together like he's trying to start a fire and lets out a long "hhhheeeeyyyyy." I know he can not talk yet, but it sounds like the child says "hey" every time! I love that Quinn LOVES to eat and that he can sign it. He giggles and sighs when he sees me get a bib and washcloth or when I go to the cabinet that houses his bowls, spoons, and sippy cups. Never have we fought over what food I feed him or how much I give him. He just eats it all. Q definitely has his favorites and even really dislikes one specific meal- squash and corn with chicken. But he eats it. I love that Quinn LOVES to ride in the car, in the stroller, and in the wagon. I love that Quinn LOVES to play by himself on the floor and I especially love that he sometimes crawls to me and tugs on my pants- as if he's asking me to come play with him. I love that Quinn LOVES to watch Baby Einstein and that he giggles at the puppets. I love that Quinn doesn't really pay attention to cartoons until a song starts. Then he stops what he's doing to listen and watch. Song over, play resumes. I love that Quinn LOVES seeing his dad walk through the door in the evening. That's one of those times when the feet get going trying to start that fire! I love that Quinn LOVES going to Gymboree and that he crawls to ALL the other moms and sits in their laps. I could go on and on. I just plain love Quinn.

It's Been Pimped

Swimming for the First Time

What a great way to spend Mother's Day! Quinn took his first trip to the pool. And just as we imagined, he LOVED it. I have to admit, however, that it is incredibly nerve-racking handling your child in water knowing he can't swim. I need to find a rescue swim class for him. Q loved his float. His little feet paddled away the entire time. After his swim, he enjoyed lounging under the umbrella and sipping apple juice.

The Radio Flyer (aka The Quinnebago) Arrives

A Quinn Fit

I feel awful for taking these photos! But the child was pitching a complete fit over NOTHING! I'm sorry, obviously it was something. I just didn't understand what!
In hindsight, it was a beautiful fit. Feet kicking, arms flailing, and lots of LOUD shrieking and "pig calling."

This Can't End Well...

The Great Escape

Got to remember that we have to actually LOCK the baby gate now!