Where has the Summer Gone?

I can't believe a month has past and we have failed to update the blog. So much to share...just not enough time to actually do that now that we have to follow the little guy around constantly!

Winston is now, officially, smarter than a monkey...he can speak. He says "byebye" (in proper context, with a wave) and "ball" and "dada." We think he is saying "hi" and there are probably other words, we just don't quite get his language yet.

He understands 10 times more (although I can already tell he is developing selective hearing, just like dad). He is standing unassisted for a few seconds, and will even take a step now and then, but for the most part, he is still crawling. He is totally into books now - he wants to be read to, and will turn the pages, very impatient for the next part of the story. He loves to play with all of his toys, but his piggy bank is a true standout right now as are his motorcycle and the little car that he sits in and we can push him. In fact, I have taken him all around Coral Gables in that little car (it is easier to transport than the stroller). Yesterday, a lady was totally charmed by his waving and smiling and said that he could be the next president. Oh boy...if that was all it took...

We had a wonderful visit to California earlier this month - all the photos from the trip are here). It was great to see everyone and Winston continued his positive flying track record. The only time he was fussy was on the 2nd flight home. However, he took time out away from fussing to make eyes with the 4 young sisters sitting in front of us, and despite his tears, he held hands with the 5 year old girl directly in front of us for a few minutes (I kid you not).

For the most part, Winston slept well on the road and we survived sharing a room with him. At my parent's house in Nipomo, the crib is at the foot of the bed in the guest room, and Winston was so happy to wake up every morning to find us RIGHT THERE ready for action! We found his effusive happiness quite contagious...even at 6 am.

Daycare is "on a break" this week, so Dave and I are taking turns with Winston at home. We've decided that caring for Winston is 10 times more exhausting than going to work, so we are very appreciative of our care situation. We're trying to keep him very busy - swim lessons in the morning, and then at least one activity or outing each day (this evening we took a long walk to the park and spent 30 minutes climbing up a slide backward). He crashes at 8 and we stagger into bed not too much later than that. Later this month we are looking forward to a Wisconsin visit.