distraction

My latest trick to keep Joaquin occupied for a while it to put him in front of the washer or dryer while it is running. That actually keeps him in place for a good long while. And by 'good long while', I mean long enough to unload the dishwasher or something. On this day, he was really amazed because both the washer and the dryer were going AT THE SAME TIME!

Fresh Air

We had some great spring weather this week so Joaquin actually got to hang out outside for a while! It was so strange to just be able to walk right out the front door with him without having to endure the battle of putting on a hat and coat. He crawled on the sidewalk for the first time and was a little curious about the dirt, but didn't want to get too close. We went for a walk down to the park and he played on the swings and the playground a little bit. I can't wait till we can get outside on a more regular basis. The rotation of family room to Joaquin's bedroom to kitchen is boring me, and Joaquin tells me he feels the same way.

Play date!

Joaquin and I went to one of our first official playdates today. We had fun playing with Jaxon and Ryder who are both around Joaquin's age. It's fun to spend time with kids the same age to see what Joaquin's peers are up to. Joaquin is definitely a toy-stealer. It's official. He's only interested in whatever someone else is playing with, and then he goes after it. This will need to be addressed if we want to have friends!! Here are a couple of pics. From L to R is Ryder, Joaquin and Jaxon. Some handsome kiddos!

Month 8

Dear Joaquin,
This week you turned 8 months old. We were so sleep deprived and overwhelmed to notice for a little while. I think this month may have been the low point of your life so far... You have been sick all month! Mostly it was just a runny nose, but in the last week, you got your first ear infection and just looked miserable. You slept terribly. And at a particular low point, the night after it took me and your dad a couple hours to get you back to sleep at 3 a.m., the furnace broke...and the washing machine. Fortunately you are on the mend now...and everything is back in working order.

In other developments this month, you are so close to crawling...you can get up on your hands and knees, and as soon as you get the coordination to move one of your knees, you will be off! Cheerios are the best babysitter around. We can put you in the highchair and as long as there is a constant supply of Cheerios, you are happy to sit there for a good long while. You've had lots of fun at the babysitters playing with the other kids now that I'm back at work. It's fun to see you playing and watching what the bigger kids can do.

You're starting to look and act like a little boy and once you're on the move we'll really be in trouble!

Lots of Love,
Mama

Fun at the babysitter

I have ended my 'life of leisure' and have started working again 3 days a week from home. And on more than one occasion, I have considered my work days to be a break...so Oprah isn't kidding when she says that being a stay at home mom is the hardest job. Joaquin goes to a babysitter nearby while i'm working. He seems to really enjoy his time at the babysitters--there are other kids there, and he loves watching what they can do. He barely gives me a half-smile when I pick him up at the end of the day. Where's the gratitude, man?? Brandy the babysitter took these pictures of him at her house. Doesn't he look good on the rocking cow?

Christmas with the babies - 2008

Before Christmas, we got all the babies together for a Christmas party! It was a blast to see all the bambinos playing together on the floor. Joaquin was all partied out by the end of the day and slept the whole way home. But he can't wait to see all the ladies again!

My new hat freakin' rocks too!!

One of my favorite things in the whole wide world is Joaquin in a cute hat. Thanks to Auntie Lysa for indulging me!