Damien Takes a Trip Down Daddy's Memory Lane

Papa's college roommate and good friend Philip Stupak came to down for business and was able to stay an extra day to see all his old college friends. So Damien's Daddy Daycare Friday was spent taking a trip down Daddy's memory lane at Cal. First they started off by going to Zachary's pizza, a delicious Berkeley institution, then some walking around campus with some frisbee throwing on Memorial Glade, then a house party at Chez Craig with Top Dog and Crusty Sticks (cheese sticks dipped in Ranch dressing). D loved meeting Stupak and had a blast with everyone who came to see Stupak.

Meeting the infamous Stupak.

Having a fun lunch at Zachary's with the lovely Katie.

Eating his first Crusty stick with ranch - he was a little wary, but liked it in the end.

Playing footsie with Big Guy.

Just love the look of happy wonder on his face - thanks BG!

Hamming it up with Jenny!

Sweet little Ashby (David and Katie's daughter) who was an angel at the party.

The gang - after D finally went to sleep!

Damien and Kellen Play at Cal

It had been a long while since their last playdate, and with Kellen starting daycare soon, one last Monday playdate was arranged for a nice sunny day at Cal. Papa Hoju and Momma Craig packed lunches for the boys and visited an old sandwich place from college days and took to the campus for a picnic. It was about 12:30 pm and it sure felt a little funny to be walking among all the very young kids with babies. We found a nice shady spot (that unfortunately was a little damp) and had a nice lunch. Damien was very nice and shared his fruit with Kellen. Then we let the boys walk/crawl around before hitting Bancroft Clothing Store for some Cal gear. Damien scored a Cal shirt and a mini Cal ball (because Mommy made the rookie mistake of giving it to him to prevent a meltdown while shopping and he was not letting go without a fight. A fun day.

Papa Hoju and Hoju Jr. showing their Cal pride.

Yay, crawling in wet grass and getting muddy is fun!

I love water!

Cute as a button.

This is my skeptical face.

Damien Visits with Fellow Bear Cub Lauren

Damien got the pleasure of meeting fellow bear cub Lauren, who is a year and a half. Thank you Karen for stopping by to visit. Lauren showed off her walking and eating skills. She also had fun reliving her baby days by playing in Damien's bumpo and with other toys. The fact that she is a much older woman didn't seem to deter Damien who was very interested in Lauren. Fearless, that's our guy!

Craig family photo.

Lauren skeptically scopes out Damien.

Hey hot stuff, it's ok I won't bite, I don't have any teeth yet!

OK dude, you seem cool enough, wanna hold my hand?

My dates are still chaperoned at his point, but I still think we can make a connection.

Damien Sends a Panda Gram

To all you Cal friends out there - especially Phil Stupak - "Panda Gram from Damien Craig."

Momma, why do you have this thing for panda bears?

More importantly, why are you taking it out on helpless ole me?

Phil Stupak did what? That's hilarious.

I'm gonna pray for him.

Damien Enjoys the Neighborhood

Damien has been getting out and about in the neighborhood and going for walks. On a few occasions Mommy has walked all the way from home to downtown Berkeley (approx 40 minute walk) and back to meet up with friends for food or more walking. Damien doesn't love his carseat/stroller combo, but he doesn't seem to mind it too much. It doesn't put him to sleep as Mommy thought and hoped it would, but he seems mostly content to sit there and look around. He definately doesn't love the bummpy ride when he is sleeping. Unfortunately the stroller, while uber convenient, doesn't have great shocks so the bumps startle him when he is sleeping. Mommy is digging the exercise and needs to make it an almost daily event!

At the park near our house.

All bundled up, its getting cold here.

Sporting his Cal hat and bear jacket.

Baby Craig Meets Fellow Bear Cub Kellen

The Craigs took a trip to the South Bay to visit with Baby Kellen and his proud parents Jeff and Laura. Jeff is one of our best friends from Cal and we were so excited to meet his adorable 4 week old son Kellen. Lorelei got lots of quality time cuddling with Baby Kellen, Mathias received some good baby calming techniques from Jeff, and both received lots of good advice from Jeff and Laura. We can't wait to get the two bear cubs together.

Baby Craig Meets Oski

Baby Craig is already proud of his daddy, and a golden bear (fan at least) in training. Mathias is honored at the Cal Alumni Gala with the Mark Bingham Young Alumni Award for Excellence.