you lookin' at me?

you lookin' at me?, originally uploaded by Neil Coleman.

Lots more people coming to the site the last few days - where are you all coming from?

day 672

day 672, originally uploaded by Neil Coleman.

Amelia Claire,

You are 22 months old today. Seeing as how I wasn't all that sure we were going to make it through the first 22 hours*, I declare victory.

* Hell, we almost didn't make it through the first 22 seconds. I'll tell you about all that another day. Or maybe your mom will... if she's ready to talk about it.

Your mom and I are still pretty new at this, but I hope that it has been to your liking so far. For what it's worth, we've been having a great time.

To wit, the other day you were wearing those monkey slippers you got for Christmas. We had been playing Rock Band the night before and you went right for the microphone. You, predictably, got tangled in the cord. Despite knowing all the relevant words (stuck, help, shoe, etc.), I think you panicked because it came out "MONKEY! ATTACK!!!"

I didn't even know you knew the word attack.

It is really a wonder how far you have come from that floppy pile or goo from 22 months ago. You talk a lot (your mom is better at translating it than I am). You dance (monkey style seems to be your favorite). You have a goofy smile (see above). You sing (see below).

I don't think we counted on how much fun you would be. One of the joys of being your parents is getting to watch you experience and explore the world for the first time. Maybe because it restores a little bit of the wonder for us too.

Love,

Mom & Dad

weapons-grade cuteness - updated with video

weapons-grade cuteness, originally uploaded by Neil Coleman.

Best not to gaze directly at these two for too long, lest your heart completely melt.

They're still kind of figuring out how to be friends - they often seem to be playing near each other than with each other - but that will come. (Conversation on the way home was centered largely on Eva and "where she go?") In the meantime, you need a quick trigger finger to capture moments like this.

thinking inside the box

, originally uploaded by Neil Coleman.

With all the activities at Rock the Cradle, I think her favorite was hanging out in this box.*

* Not an officially recognized Rock the Cradle event.

rock the cradle ii

rock the cradle ii, originally uploaded by Neil Coleman.

More dancing.

rock the cradle

rock the cradle, originally uploaded by Neil Coleman.

Saturday we went to 89.3 The Current's annual Rock the Cradle event with our friends Nick and Quynh and their daughter Eva.

Here M is in the Kid's Disco. She's only really started dancing in the past month or two, but boyohboy, does she love it now. We may have to get her signed up for some classes.

feeling blue

, originally uploaded by Neil Coleman.