Damien Loves His Toy Pit

Thanks to Grandma Linda, Damien is very rich in toys. He's got a mountain of toys. He's got toys all over the house, but they are concentrated in what we call the toy pit. This is where Damien spends most of his free time. He has a lot to keep him busy, but he loves the musical toys the most. He doesn't stay interested in one particular toy for too long, so we are thankful for the many different toys.

In the toy pit with his best friend and babysitter Suri

My empire!

I love my new pop up toy.

I love toys.

I love it when Daddy plays with me. We're missing some clothes due to rapid succession vomit.

Damien Celebrates Katie's Birthday

Damien was invited to Katie's birthday in the park. Damien was the only baby there. He greatly enjoyed all the attention and the dogs that were there - he LOVES dogs. He ate watermelon, and rice cakes. He was a happy camper. Momma and Papa forgot the stroller, so we had to hold him for his nap, which turned out to be a short 30 minute nap, all the little guy needed to keep going.

D loves to ride on Daddy's shoulders.

Getting lots of love from the Andrew family.

Despite the look on his face, enjoying some playtime with Big Guy, who facilitated lots of dog play.

Damien Goes to LA for grandFATHER'S Day

Since Papa was out of the country for Father's day, little D traveled to LA to see his grandpa Richard. Damien was a pretty good traveler, but much harder to keep entertained in mommy's lap. Damien really enjoyed his visit to LA, he loved seeing his family, and loved all the little dogs. Too bad Papa's allergic. Grandma Linda got Damien a deluxe pack n play which we put in the extra room that we made especially dark. Not sure what it was, but that bed induced narcolepsy in Damien. He slept like a champ. On our first day there, after his exhausting travels, Damien took a 3 hour nap, woke to eat dinner and then went to be an hour later for another 10 hours. Momma was quite happy that he took to new sleeping arrangements so well. Damien also loved the many toys that Grandma Linda got him. Thanks for everything Grandma Linda.

Yeah, I'm a jet settin baby, on my jet settin way.

Flying with Grandma Linda is so fun.

I don't know about this, it's super hot out and the water is really cold, I'm confused.

Ahh OK, this is cool, I dig it.

And just like that the fun is over, get me the heck out of here.

I love playing with new toys with Grandpa Richard.

Yes, the garden view is quite nice.

Sushi? No thanks, I'll take the tofu and baby food please.

Mornin snuggles with Grandpa on grandFather's day.

I didn't forget about you pops, Happy Father's day!

I love puppies.

Yep, that's right, the ladies love me.

Oh right there, that's the spot.

Where the dogs at?

There they are, I love puppies, did I mention that pops?

Oh, man, that bed is calling me. Don't worry, you're not boring, it's me, not you.

Happy to be home!

Damien is 8 months old!

Our little baby is growing up so fast. In the blink of an eye, he's already 8 months old. He seems more like a little boy than a baby. Some of his changes in month 8 include sitting up really well on his own, he rarely topples over anymore, and if he does it is usually to get a toy out of reach. He is really into snacks now, he loves his teething biscuits, his rice cakes and most of all his little puffed cereal. He's really into other babies, and loves loves loves play dates. He sleeps like a champion still from about 7:30pm-6:30am. And, he wakes up in such a great mood most of the time. He'll just start babbling to himself. He'll also usually turn his giraffe on, usually the afro beat setting, and kick around. He'll happily play by himself for up to an hour, but Momma usually get's him about a half hour after he firsts wakes up. And when you walk in that room, wow, talk about an enthusiastic reception, he's just giggling and beaming. It melts Momma's heart every time and is the best way to start the day. He also is much more expressive and contemplative with his play. It's so fun to watch him exploring the world around him.

Well, don't I look handsome and mature?

Momma ...... I don't want to do a photo shoot.

OK, fine, here's a smile, good enough?

No? Mom, you are killing me, Ok how about this one?

Seriously Mom, you're driving me crazy, you're bringing me to tears.

You'll let me play on the counter afterwards? OK, I'll give you a few more frames.

Damien and Lucas Go Swimming

Another great playdate with Lucas. On another Monday afternoon the weather in Berkeley was just gorgeous, so Momma got out Damien's pool and sent a message to a few of Damien's friends to come join in the water play. Fortunately, Laura and Lucas were game. The boys had a blast in the water with each other. Both of them cried when their mommies pulled them out of the pools for being to cold (so we projected). Apart from a small fight over the beloved red tower, the boys had so much fun playing together.

Like father like son.

Yes Lucas, I will bless you again.

Arm wrestling, baby style.

Arm wrestling proved dangerous, so we made the boys back up a few paces.

Enjoying the pool side by side. Damien is unaware that Lucas has the precious yellow ring.

Oh wait, it's you again. What's up buddy?

Darn it, I feel for the giraffe trick, now he has the precious yellow ring.

Oh my gosh Damien, I want it back.

Where's Lucas, let's just say he was getting too close to my yellow ring, my precious.

Damien Visits Lucas' House

On another Monday afternoon, Damien made a trip to his buddy Lucas' home. Damien was so excited, and loved playing with Lucas' toys. He's not so great on the sharing part, and wanted whatever toy Lucas was playing with and would grab it out of Lucas' hands. After some mat playtime, the boys were moved to the hardwood floor to work on their crawling. Lucas has mastered the backwards slink, Damien still usually screams when on his stomach. But with Lucas to watch and the beloved red tower, Damien spun around a bit on his tummy without protest. Other babies might be the key!

Welcome to my castle Damien.

Lucas, how did you get way over there?

Mom, why do you keep taking that toy out of my reach, you are going to make me cry.

OK, are you happy now, this is really hard work, I'm about to melt down.

Damien Celebrates Father's Day (A Little Early)

Well, Papa was going to be in Nicaragua for his first Father's day, so Momma wanted to make sure that Papa was celebrated early. For Papa's gift, Momma dressed Damien up in his special blueEnergy sweater Grandma Lo Lo made him, a special bib momma had made and gave him Papa's turbine that auntie Hilary made Papa. He's the new blueEnergy mascot.

Mmmm, turbines taste great.

blueEnergy, it's the future man!

Clean energy makes me so happy, don't you agree monkey?

Viva Nicaragua!

Happy Father's Day Papa - I love you!