My First Haircut

It took 14 and 1/2 months, but Mom, after much encouragement from Dad, finally cut my hair.

My hair was so long, people were thinking I was a little girl.  Plus it was too long to support my curls.  I had to use some serious product to keep the curls fresh.  Anyway, she did a great job.  But for some creepy reason she bagged all of my hair and is saving it.  Grandma did that for dad too - who wants 32 year old hair?


Here are a couple of shots


BEFORE:

DURING

AFTER

Check out the rest of the photos, as well as me sitting at my new kitchen table.

St Louis for Thanksgiving 2011

HOLY COW, I haven't posted since I was 14 months old.  I'm now 15 months old.  That's a long delay.

I have been meaning to post about my awesome trip to St Louis for thanksgiving.  I love Thanksgiving.  Lots of food.  Lots of weird people.  Lots of hugs.  Lots of food.  Choo Choos in the Detroit airport (where ever Detroit is).

Mom took me to see Nana, Grandma, Grandpa, and Papa for 8 days.  It was a long but great trip.  I got to see my cousins and go swimming (in the winter no less).  We went to lots of parks.  We rode a purple dinosaur - super cool.  I bet you haven't done that.  I got to meet a new best friend (just my size) - he has a giant light switch in his toy house!  On-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off-on-off...


Back to the story.  Here I am riding the dinosaur with one of my new friend Isaac.  Isaac is an older boy; that's right, I hang out with older kids, so watch out.

Here I am either dancing or sharing, or sharing a dance, or dancing because we are sharing, with my other new friend Ryan Michael (he's the one with the light switch)

Anyway, here's the link to the whole album

Man Stuff - Now that I'm 14 Months Old

I like the new house, but we have been doing some work to make it even better.  We have been changing some outlets so they meet electrical code.  We put up blinds (who wants smokey, broken, painted, 30 year old wood shutters?). We also put on new door knobs throughout the house (so I won't lock myself in the bathroom).

Dad has been letting me help (hence I used 'we' above) as he does the work.  I'm great at shaking all of the screws on to the floor, so he can find them easier.  I like to pick up and move dad's tools - it's a game we play.  I also like to help with the screwdrivers and drill.  The drill is so noisy, so when I use the screw drivers I like to yell like the drill.   AAAAAAAHHHHHH.   I scare the screws into the wood with my yell, just like the drill.  Dad says the neighbors probably love my drilling/yelling too!  Dad and I call doing all of this work 'Man Stuff' (even though our friend Maria helped with the microwave ).  Now that I'm 14 months old, I guess I'm a Man too.  

Anyway, back to Man Stuff.  Oh, Mom took this shot of Dad and I putting on a new door knob this weekend.  As you can tell, it took a lot of screwdrivering to get the knob on.

I Love Mountains!

Mom and dad took me to the mountains to celebrate their first 5 years of being married! We all had so much fun and I was on my best behavior - in the car and at the cabin! We even went for my first long hike - over 6 miles! I passed out on the way down the mountain! I had no clue that hiking was so tiring!

We headed to the Shenandoah's. Dad rented a cabin, we cooked yummy food, hiked, played outside, and mom and dad said that they sat in the hot tub and drank some wine while I was sleeping. Mom and dad said I am too little for a hot tub, but I got to take a bath in a jacuzzi tub! I wasn't sure what the jets did, so I said "no-no", they kind of looked like outlets.

The drive out to the mountains was really fun and I did much better than on our drive to Charlottesville a few months ago - mom and dad learned how to time the drive better so that I was tired when it was time to leave! Last time they took me after a nap. I thought that was lame, so I screamed. I wanted to play. This time I wanted to sleep for a bit. On our way we saw some deer and bears.

Other than some squirrels, birds and some dogs (wo-wo's), we didn't see many other animals. That's okay though, it gives me something to look forward to next time. Here is one more pic, but you can CLICK HERE to see the rest! We had so much fun! I can't wait to go to the mountains again!

Who knew that Fall was so busy!

Wow! Mom and dad usually prep me for everything, but they forgot to tell me how busy Fall is! They kept telling me that in the Fall, leaves fall, but what they forgot to mention is all of the things that we would be doing (I hope that next Fall isn't SO busy)! We went apple picking, packed lots of boxes (although I prefer unpacking), moved to a new house, went to a Halloween Parade, explored new parks and our neighborhood, had tons of play-dates and even went to the mountains where we went on a 6 mile hike (I will write more about this trip later). I have even been learning how to master climbing up and down steps - our new house is 4 stories! Mom and dad said it was time to have a bigger house, that my toys took up a lot of space...I sure didn't notice! Oh well. I like my new room, mom and dad set it up right away and said that soon we will paint it and rehang my tree above my crib. I miss my tree. I am tired thinking about how busy Fall has been, I think I need a nap. So, here are some pics of me, mom and dad at the Halloween Parade in Del Ray. I will write more tomorrow about our trip to the mountains and soon mom says she will take some pics of the new house to post too...she says there are still too many boxes and clutter around. I don't mind, it's like a jungle gym! Oh well, mom says she knows best.

To check out the rest of our pics from the Del Ray Halloween Parade

CLICK HERE

13 Months Old (almost)

I turn 13 months old next week. But, things are busy in my house. Everytime I take a nap things disappear off the wall and new, full cardboard boxes appear. I'm not sure what is happening, but it is crazy. If this keeps going on for a couple more weeks, nothing will be left but the furniture! The boxes will be everywhere!

Because of these boxes, Mom and Dad decided to take me out a few days early for my 13 month photo shoot. For some reason Dad was excited to go to this gazebo in the neighborhood. Evidently, they took me there nearly 1 year ago (I don't remember that photo shoot though - must have been sleeping). Take a look at the photos, you can see how much I've grown! I love walking now, so catch me if you can. Check out my 13 month photo shoot pics.

Peace Out,

Phin

Apple Picking is Fun

This morning, I got to go apple picking for the first time. I am 1, I can do cool things now. I love apples. I loving picking up stuff. It only made sense that I go apple picking. It turns out that my friend Max loves apples too. And he loves picking up (and throwing) stuff too. So I called him up on my little phone and said "Do you want to go out an play?" He said yes. So, he had his mom and dad drive, and I brought my mom, dad, and Elizabeth.

Here I am sampling the goods. My favorite part about apple picking - the many apples on the ground. There are so many I can pick up an apple, take a bite. Then pick up another one, take a bite. Then pick up another one, take a bite... You get the idea. I must have had bites from 20+ apples. Dad said I was feeding the bees and squirrels. I don't know what a squirrel is, but I'm glad to share.

After the picking, we had a picnic and went to play in the pumpkin bin - try doing this at the grocery store. Anyway, check out all of my picking photos here.

Peace Out,

Phin

1-Year Photo Shoot & Museum Day Celebration

You know I'm one.  Everyone knows I'm one.  I'm too cool not to know about.  To celebrate again Mom and Dad took me to museums last weekend.  As if a party was not enough.  I'm so cultural.  We went to the Kreeger Museum and the Hillwood.  Both were cool.  And mom and dad said I was well behaved (not a surprise).  Although they did not let me touch the Van Gogh's. 

Anyway, here are some great photos from our adventures, we even built a pillow fort.

Peace out,
Phin

Guess Who Is One?! Me, It's My Blog.

I've been one minute, one hour, one day, and one month old for a while. Last week I turned one year old. We had a party. This party was much better then the last party the family threw for me (I didn't lose anything). 

We had a great time.  Grandma, Grandpa, Nana, Papa, Aunt M all came in to celebrate.  My friends came.  I got to have cake, but no icing.  I got to play outside all afternoon.  There was a dog.  I got cool new stuff, some of which I am still figuring out.  And I got to take the whole family to the zoo (I haven't been there since I was 6 months old)!  Birthdays are the best.

Here I am enjoying some chocolate cake with Mom and Dad.  Chocolate is good, I can't wait to have more on my 2nd birthday.  Speaking of cake, Mom made a coolio (as the kids say) cake of my favorite book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

I knew my books tasted so good (that's why I am always putting them in my mouth).  But, who knew caterpillars tasted so good in real life!  I can't wait to find my next one...mmm, fresh caterpillar.

Anyway, thanks to all my friends for coming.  Love you all and can't wait to hang again.

Check out all of my birthday party and zoo photos!

Peace Out, 

Phin

Hurricane Irene - The Lost Footage

August was a rough month here - record heats, an earthquake, a hurricane...  I'm glad it's Sepember.  My birthday month!  I am making preparations for my 2nd year of life.  Yesterday, I got a call from CBS (Dad says they are a TV station - I don't know, we don't watch TV).  They have video of me from the hurricane that they just found.  They wanted to share.  Enjoy.

Peace Out,
Phin

Email readers, click here to watch

Who's Ready for a Ho-Down - I Am

I love dancing.  I love music.  I love my mom.  And I love bluegrass music.  This video is from a month ago of me having a ho-down after lunch.  So much fun.

Standing Ovation

As you know, I am a baby.  I require lots of maintenance.  Especially, frequent clothes laundering.  The other day on the way to the laundry room, Mom was walking so slow.  So, I thought I would help.  I crawled around to the back of the basket and started to push.  While we did not go too fast (I am only 22 pounds and the laundry weighed at least 150 pounds), Mom said I was a big help. 

When it was time for the next load, I helped again.  Only this time, my paparazzi Mom was ready with the Flip Camera.  I love the Flip.  It has this wrist cord that comes off the bottom - so great to chew on.  I get so excited when I see the the cord on the Flip.  I got so excited this time I could not help but stand and shriek!!! AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH, FLIP CORD!!!  Then I tried to get the Flip, but Mom did not share.  Check out the quick video my Momma shot.

(Email viewers, click here to see the video)

My First Road Trip - Fun, But A Long Drive

This past weekend, I took my first road trip!  We went to Charlottesville, VA.  While C-ville is only 2-2.5 hours away, it was a very interesting drive.  So interesting that I did not want to fall asleep on the way down there.  Tired, the drive was about an hour longer than I wanted to be in the car.  I let Dad know he should drive faster (or should have picked a closer destination) by doing my loudest, most saddest crying ever.  After an hour of wailing, they still did not get it.  Parents just don't understand. Phsheesh.

Anyway, we made it down to C-ville (eventually).  And that evening went to a concert - a Beatles cover band.  My favorite song ever is Here Comes the Sun (doodoo doodoo).  The band was nice and played the song early, so I would not have to stay up too late (but I stayed up late anyway).  I tried again to let Mom and Dad know that it was too late for me.  I do not think they like it when I yell really really loudly.  But, if they would listen to my quiet complaints, I would not have to escalate the issue.  I should have asked to speak to one of my grandma's - they understand.

Here I am on the dance floor with the big kids:

 They were nice kids; no one stepped on me.  Later on, I sat with my friends J & R, and M & S and sipped some grapes.  That made me a happy camper (although not a sleepy camper). 

 

The next day, among other side trips, we stopped and visited mom's friend from college.  She's a pro photographer.  She took nice pics of me and she has two dogs.  I love dogs.  I like to chase them around, pet them (gently), and get licked.  I also like to chew on sticks (and everything else) like dogs.  

Check out the best of the photos mom's friend, R, took

Peace Out, 

Phin

ps - it is a flying gopher on my shirt.  Props to Aunt L.

My Second Blog Not About Me

July is off to a bang.  There's been lots of lightning in the DC.  It does not scare me.  I sleep through it every time (like a baby).

But enough about me.  As this blog title notes, this blog is not about me.  Dad insisted that I write a follow-up to my earlier note about him.  Specifically, he wanted to share a photo from work (he's in the back center).

Not sure what is so special, its a photo.  Next week, I'm back to blogging about me and only me.

Nine (months) and Feeling Fine

This past weekend, I turned 9 months old.  That means I have been out nearly as long as I was in (I was late arriving).  Because Dad works during the week (playing musical chairs), we celebrated 9 months a day early.  It also happened to be father's day.  Double fun. 

As you may have heard, we were supposed to go camping to celebrate.  I was psyched up (whatever that means).  But, it was supposed to rain.  I wore my happy camper shirt anyway.  And we went hiking.  Mom says hiking is kind of like camping, only you sleep in your own bed.  But, if I didn't sleep in my own bed, whose bed would I sleep in?

Anyway, we went to the Potomac Overlook Park and had a great time.  I even found a hammock.  It was great.  Check out my 9-month photo shoot pictures!

Peace Out,
Phin

Longboat Key to My Heart

This weekend I was supposed to go camping.  It was going to be my first time.  I was turning 9 months old and I am a big guy who likes nature.  But, it was scheduled to rain.  So we didn't go camping.  Don't worry I did not cry (I only cry when I spill my milk and when I fall out of hammocks).  Instead this weekend, we reminisced about when I was only 8 months old and we went to the beach (another first).

Back near Memorial Day, Mom and Dad took me to see Aunt Mimi, Grandma, and Grandpa Sir in Florida.  We had a great time, I went swimming for the first time - it was like a big bath with lots of other people.  Only we wore clothes and there was no soap.

Mom and Dad make me wear a hat, shirt, and shorts in the pool.  They say I will burn, like a campfire.  I don't know what that means (haven't gone camping yet).  But little did they know, I still peed in the pool.  Several times.

Next they took me to the beach.  That was cool too.  It was like swimming only with with a rough entry ramp (they called it a beach) and lots of splashing (they called it waves). 

 Here I am playing on the beach, looking for shells.  For those that have never been to the beach, it does not taste good.  The sand is all scratchy in your mouth (and worse coming out).  But the water, MMMMMMMM.  So salty good.  Mom and Dad do not let me eat salt at home.  So I drank all the waves I could.

My favorite thing about vacation (other than the extra hugs) is that Mom and Dad let me stay up late every night!  Here I am way past my bedtime watching the sunset.  Yes, I go to sleep when the sun is still up.  I'm only 9 months old, phsheesh.   

 The next day I got to meet my Great Great Aunt D (she's on the right in the photo).  She really is that double great.

Also, congrats to my Aunt Stessie, she just got engaged.  I don't know what that means.  But my Dad said it meant he would buy me a suit next year.  Sweet, a suit!  I hope it is an Armani.

Like I said, I love vacations, especially ones to the beach.  Here I am again staying up super late.  I think we took this photos at 7:30 or 8pm.  Whew, I am a party animal.  While I am a tough guy, I'm impressed Mom and Dad are up this late.  I had a great time in Florida and can't wait to go back!

Plus, they even have swings in Florida!  How great a state it is!  Who knew.  Anyway, check out the rest of my Florida pics.

My First Blog Not About Me

Ever since I took the blog over, every blog has been focused on me.  Why not?!  I am cute, cuddly, and just darn good to hear about.  Today was a big day for Dad, he was on the youtube.  He also met some guy from Chicago who lives in a big white house downtown.  Dad says it was okay to visit him, because he's not a cubs fan.  Oh, I went to my first baseball game last night.  Go Cards, even though they lost.  Had a great time at the ballpark, but boy was I sleepy.  My schedule went into extra innings to stay up that late.  Next time I am going to a day game. 

Anyway, enough about me.  Check out Dad in action as he shuffles chairs around.  He says he does research, policy work, strategy consulting, and other stuff that makes no sense.  But so far he has not been seen on the youtube doing any of that.  You will see Dad playing musical chairs at the start of the video (far left), at 1:17 and about 5:45. 

Can't see the video, click here


You can see part 2 here (but I did not see Dad in it)

Peace Out,
Phin

Mr. Stand Man

I have been working on standing for awhile and even had a few days of disruptive sleep while I mastered my new skill, but I can officially pull myself up to stand wherever I want! The entertainment center, the couch, my chair & ottoman, my nightstand, my bookshelves, the bathtub, the toilet (mom and dad tell me that's gross, but I like it...I use it as a drum)! I have even pulled myself up to stand at the stove and in the refrigerator...who knew it was so cool in there! Check out some of my standing pics; I am pretty proud of myself! There are a few pics of my date with my friend J.J. too.

Check out the rest of my pics by clicking HERE!

Eight is so Great (eight months that is)

Last weekend, I turned 8 months old!  Eight is so great!  Now that I am eight, I get to do all sorts of great things I did not get to do before:

• I entered a cutie pageant (Click to vote for me daily - I'm in 10th place on Wednesday, up 12 spots). 
• I go to the playground several times a week (if it's not raining). 
• I get to drive my car around the parking lot.
• I get to go to the beach in Florida for a week
• I get to swim in the swimming pool (rather than just looking at it out the apartment window)
• I will supervise Grandpa and Grandma, while mom and dad escape for a weekend wedding.  Grandpa and Grandma better behave, I don't want to ground them.

I'm not sure why I had to wait so long to do these things  But I'm really looking forward to see what I get to do next!

Here are a couple of preview shots from my Eight is Great Month Photo Shoot (I took half at the park and half in my car):

If You Think I'm Cute, Set Me Free

You know I'm cute.  You think so every time I post pictures or you tell me all the time. 

It is time I show the world just how cute I am.  I entered a cuteness pageant; that's what cuties do.  I am vying for a chance to be on a real magazine cover (not the fake one my Dad made).  Please vote for me everyday for this week - from every computer you own.  I like magazines (they are crinkly).  I also like getting my way (I'm a baby, I don't understand options).  Also, please like me on the facebook thingy and twitter, so all your friends will know. 


Here's the link: http://photos.parents.com/category/vote/photo/870996

Peace Out,

Phin

Vote Today!   Congratulations! Your photo is currently in the running to become one of our weekly Reader's Choice finalists! Each weekly finalist will have a chance to be one of the 10 finalists chosen for the Parents Cover Contest photo shoot.   Come back daily! Voting ends 05/29/2011. Get your friends and family to vote too! Just forward this email to them or share the link. http://photos.parents.com/category/vote/photo/870996

Cherry Blossoms!

In late March, Grandma and Grandpa Sir came to DC to see me, celebrate Mom's bday, and check out the Cherry Blossoms.  Yowzers where they cool (the blossoms and the g-parents).
Check out the photos (sorry for the late post - I was distracted by April).

Peace Out,

Phin

 Grandpa Sir taking a photo of me

April Showers Bring Great Photos

Wowzers, looking back at my April album, I realized just how busy the month was!  Not only did I turn 7 months old, but I went on my first hike (fun).  I went home to St Louis, where I met my extended family.  I also, got my first glimpse of the Capitol at night.  And was visited by my cousin/aunt Lisa. Oh yeah, and I swung in my first (and second) swing!

Don't wait.  Check out my April album now (pheaturing phantastic photos phrom cousin/aunt Lisa).

 

Here I am with Lisa outside the Capitol at night

 Drooling in some Georgetown gardens

All smiles in Old Town Alexandria

Peace Out, 

Phin

Teaching Other Babies to Sit - My First Instructional Video

Thank you "I've Got One" LLC for hiring me to do my first instructional video.  While low budget and featuring the nasal voice of my father, this video will launch my career - since my music video failed to do so.

(email readers, click here)


First you kick your leg and roll to your tummy.  Then you bring your legs in under yourself.  Finally, grunt and lean back slowly.  Tada. 

Phin's Seven Sin's (or Phavorites, but that does not rhyme)

Today I turned seven months old.  Holy cheese!  Mmm cheese, you're my favorite.  Hmm, I sure have a lot of favorites.  Every time I blog, I seem to mention a new one.  So I thought I would celebrate seven months by listing my seven phavorite things.  This will set the record straight, at least for now.

7) Sitting.  So much fun!  I started by learning to sit in my crib when no one was watching.  Now I am making instructional videos for other toddlers (coming soon).

6) Cucumbers.  This was my solid first food.  It is still my go-to for those mid-milk cravings.  Cold, soothing on the gums, and easy to gnaw Cucumbers hit the spot every time.

5) Outdoors/Walks. I liked winter, but being outside in the grass and fresh air is way more fun.  Check out my 7 month pics below, I took them outside.

4) Sock Monkey.  Oh Sock Monkey, we have a special bond.  Once you were bigger, now I am.  You always snuggle up to me at night when I am lonely and tired. You always greet me with a smile in the morning.  Actually, you are always smiling - that's a little creepy.  Either way, I lovey you little guy.

3) Cheese.  Mmm Cheese. 

2) Baths.  I love being naked and I love water.  Baths are really the best of two great things - freedom and nature.  Plus, with baths I get clean and get to play at the same time.  Oh baths... so fun.

1) Jumparoo.  My jumperoo makes me happy when I'm sad.  It makes me happier when I'm already happy.  And it makes me really happier when I'm already really happy.  Jumperoo I love you, you are my favorite (at least for now). 

Now you know.  Now you can see my 7-month photo shoot. But here's a preview:

Peace Out,
Phin

Hiking to the Potomac

Don't let my lack of blogs be an indication to my level of activity.  I have been super busy.  For instance, while I cannot crawl yet (almost there), I went for my first hike over the weekend.  Feeling a little confined by my crib, playroom, and activity center, I needed to get out.

So I told my Mom and Dad to take me on an adventure.  It was an adventure!

Here I am in my hiking backpack.  Dad is my sherpa.   We went to Turkey Run Park off of the George Washington Parkway.  In the above picture we are a couple hundred yards above the Potomac River at the parking lot.

Here we are down at the banks of the Potomac River.  It was a fairly easy ride.  Easy, but not smooth.  My Dad sure shakes and grooves a lot when he walks.  In this photo he is teaching me to skip a rock on the river.  Of course, I do not know what a rock is or what skipping is.  But it was fun.  I know that a river is like a fast moving bath.  Mom and Dad would not let me go swimming though.  Too cold they said.

Here Dad is teaching me about trees and bark.  This was my first time really touching a tree.  It was rough.  But, it was grab-able, with grooves made just for my hands. 

The hike was a lot of fun.   You can see all my pictures from the hike in my April 2011 Album.

Peace Out,

Phin

Zoo Time and 6 Months Old Photoshoot

On Sunday, I turned 6 months old!  This is the oldest I have ever been.  Dad says I'm half way to a year old, but I don't know what that means.  I like being six months old, I get to do cool things.  I went to the zoo for the 1/2 year birthday.  It was really cool, there were big hairy animals that smelled bad (Dad called them other parents).  Plus, there were monkeys, apes, lions, pandas, prarie dogs, and all sorts of other animals.  Unlike my rainforest jumperoo, you do not get to play with the animals at the zoo. 

Here we are at the lion cage, I'm looking at those cool green things called grasses (never seen those before - I was born in the winter)

 After the zoo, we came home and took some photos.  I was tired of being outside.  But, Dad insisted that we take photos outside.  I smiled once, so he would take me in. 

Finally, Mom and Dad brought me inside.  I was back to my smiley self again.  I love to smile, it's my favorite.

Check out all of the photos from my 6 month photo shoot + zoo trip.

Peace Out,

Phin