Check It...

Though this picture isn't the best....it portrays my new found skill...pulling up and standing. Wow. It's a whole new world. Little did I know Mommy and Daddy were hiding all those toys in this thing. Wow. It's just amazing. Not only do I pull up on this toy box but I also pull up on the couch, Mommy's leg, the kitchen cabinets, the door, the bed, the shower door....and the list goes on. My life has changed forever and it feels good.

"He oinked at me."

You see, a couple of weeks ago Mommy, Grant, and I went to Noah's Ark with my friends Ada and Ellie and their mommies. It proved to be a somewhat crazy trip. We were all a little fussy. But Grant took the prize for the fussiest. I guess he didn't enjoy the smell (there was a lot of poo poo around). But, there was a silver lining in the midst of all that fuss. It was the piggie. Mommy, Grant, and I chased one piggie around. But they're fast fellas. . .don't let their cumbersome bodies fool you. We couldn't get him. . .and Mommy used to be a runner guys. That's how fast these suckers are. But, lo and behold, we spotted one unsuspecting fellow in the distance. So, Mommy pushed us ever so cautiously until we were right next to him. And do you know what that piggy did? "He oinked at me." Yes folks, he did. And I loved it. I loved it so much that two weeks later I'm still talking about how that piggy "oinked at me." I told him all about how I had a Piggy Party for my second birthday. He seemed really impressed that I would celebrate such an occassion piggy style. Mommy says next time we go I can pet him. And guess what? I think I even talked Mommy and Daddy into taking me tomorrow! Oh I hope he's there. I really want to pet that crazy guy.

Oh, Man!

In the middle of my playtime, Mommy wanted me to stop to take a picture with Grant. Don't get me wrong, I love the little guy, but the idea of stopping to pose for a picture just didn't appeal to me at the time. Grant, however, was all for it (even it does appear I have him in a headlock). It seems you show him a camera and that boy is all smiles. Oh, just give him time. When he wises up and sees all the other things he can do, the camera will be the last thing on his mind. Trust me buddy. I'm older and wiser.

Okay, Okay...

I eventually smiled for Mommy. I figured the sooner I flashed a smile (or half smile) the quicker I could get back to playing. The sun was going down and that meant so was my playtime. Cheese!

I am Fearfully and Wonderfully Made (even if I do laugh a little funny)

I have to remind myself that I am "fearfully and wondefully made." (Mommy and Hannah have been trying to memorize that verse from the Bible and it's been a life saver for me as I've contemplated my laugh) You see, they say I have a nerdy laugh. Yes, it's that laugh you hear on the video. I felt a little funny about having a nerdy laugh. But then, I remembered that I am "fearfully and wonderfully made." The Lord gave me that laugh. It's my laugh. It was thought up by God to put into my little body. So, I'm proud of that laugh, nerdy or not. And, if you listen closely to Hannah, she too seems to possess that same laugh. It seems my laugh comes out best while Hannah drives wrecklessly across the kitchen. Mommy is a little worried that this is a foreshadowing of our early driving days. Who knows? All I know is that if you put Hannah and me together, we have a fun time!

Staying Put

Going outside on that warm day was quite the adventure for little ole me. I'm still new to the concept of grass. It's odd. It's pokey. It's not sticky but it still sticks to you. Hmm. I decided to stay put for the most part. . .I need to grow in confidence before I allow myself to let my guard down. Thankfully, Mommy reads minds. At least she did mine. Before I knew it there were balls all around me. My green ball. The pink ball. The Clifford soccer ball. I actually think Hannah helped. She was the mastermind behind bringing them outside. Then Mommy brought them right to my feet. I suppose it was a team effort. Thanks Hanny. I sure can count on you and Mommy to put me at ease and to make life simple. This great big world can be quite intimidating to such a young buck like myself.

Some Not so Wintery Fun to Warm You Up

Hi, as you can tell these pictures were definitely not taken this weekend! But, being the slow folks we are, these are still two or three weekends ago! Our hopes are that these will warm your spirits as you anticipate sunnier and warmer days! On that warm Saturday, in addition to Wheely Bug riding and dog walking...I enjoyed playing with Grant's train, the balls, and just my buddy Grant. I do enjoy Grant a lot. In fact, just today I asked Mommy to see if Grant wanted to play with me in Daddy's closet. Other things we enjoy doing together include crawling, pulling (well actually I am the only one who can pull...but Grant loves watching) his alligator xylephone down the hall, taking stroller rides with me pushing, and playing a very rivoting game of peekaboo. I think we're gonna be best buds. I love you buddy!

So Much To Do

When we went outside a couple of weeks ago (yes, we've been outside since then...but you get the point) I decided to bring out LOTS of toys. Of course my first pick was the Wheely Bug...what I call the "beetle bug." So I took a few spins around the patio on it. Then, I lugged out my doggie aka "goggie." He needed to get out just as much as Mommy, Grant, and I did. So I took him for a walk around the patio. He loved it. I could tell by that smile on his face. Eventually, I moved on to more things. You'll see.

Hooray for The Sun!

Well, as Hannah previously mentioned, a couple of weeks ago it was so sunny and warm. So, while she blew her bubbles, I enjoyed basking in the sun. Mommy gave me this pink ball to play with but I preferred the green one. Mommy, what kind of vibe do you want to give off to passerbys? A new friend could be lurking around the corner. I don't want them to see me with a pink ball. That's not manly. Thank goodness she was feeling my anxiety. She tossed the green ball outside too. I was right on that! Thank goodness. I can't have my style cramped.

Get Those Hands Together...

Everyone, get your hands together and let's hear it for....ME! Yes folks, if we had a Clapper (you know, Clap On...clap clap...Clap Off...clap clap...Clap On, Clap Off) I would be able to use it because I can, and do enjoy...clapping!

Bubble Fun

A couple of weekends ago the weather was absolutely wonderful. Finally, we could break out of the confinement of our house and enjoy the outdoors. And, with any type of outdoor fun comes bubbles. Yes folks, we broke out the bubbles again. Only this time, I actually got to hold the wand and blow them myself (and eat them at times). It was trickier than it looked. It seemed that blowing even the slightest bit hard hampered the bubble making. And so, after some quick lessons from Mommy, I learned to blow gently. Occasionally I was successful and created some bubbles myself. Still, more often than not, only bubble mixture spewed across the sky. . .and often into my mouth (Mommy said that was because I was blowing it too closely too my mouth...well...okay...I had it in my mouth). All in all, it was a profitable time as I begun learning a new skill, bubblemaking. . .one that I am sure I will carry with me all the days of my life.

Why Am I Doing This?

Why in the world is Mommy making me put this in my mouth? It's dry. It's crunchy. It's a little rough. Basically, it's not baby food. I'm a little sensitive to textures. It takes me awhile to warm up to different foods. Try peas for example. I am just now willing to eat peas solo. I refused them at first (I'm talking about baby food peas here). Then, unbeknownst to me, Mommy began mixing my peas with some of my favorites...squash and sweet potatoes. I ate it. Well, I guess my palet got used to it because now I can eat them alone. I think this cracker is going to take some getting used to...just like those peas. It's not as delicious as it looks folks.

Crawling

Yes folks, that time has come where I must spread my wings and become more independent. A few weeks ago (yes we're, as always, a little behind on our postings) I bit the bullet and began to crawl. No longer could I endure sitting in the same place while everyone else didn't. I was frustrated. I needed a change. I took the plunge. And now look at me! I can go wherever I want, whenever I want. My new fascination is with the phone and light cords. I like to pull on them. But Mommy doesn't like me to. I've heard the word "no" more times in the past few weeks than I've ever heard in my life. I thought that with this crawling thing there would be more freedom. Apparently not as much as I had envisioned. But, still, life is good. Crawling is good.

Lost American Idol Audition

American Idol forgot to put me on. I did audition. In fact, here it is. My friend, Ellie, taught me Jingle Bells. I chose to perform it for my audition. The only problem is that I can only remember a few of the words. So, like most American Idol contestants who forget their words, I just make funny sounds to fill it what would be awkward silence. I try to keep with the tune though so as not to be obvious. And, I sing loudly. I think that also helps in covering up my forgetfulness. Please excuse my wet hair and pajamas. We'll just call this one a rehearsal. Next time I'll be better prepared. . .from remembering the words to my get-up. And then I'm sure American Idol will put me on.

Messy

It seems that Mommy enjoys taking pictures of us while we're messy. So, here's some more messy pictures for you to enjoy. I'm actually wondering when Mommy is going to teach Hannah some table manners. Aren't girls supposed to be nice and neat? I'm a boy. I'm supposed to get messy. But Hannah, she's not. She's a girl. And to be honest, it's just gross to look at...all that peanut butter and jelly accompanied by yogurt and strawberries plastered all over her face. Please Hanny, give us a break. Use a napkin will ya?

Cruisin'

Yes, I'm back in the stroller. And I must admit, I'm having a great time. But you know who's having an even better time? Mommy. Yes, Mommy. It seems that she can get a little extra work done in the kitchen while Hannah strolls me around the house. I think making/cleaning up dinner has gotten a bit easier for her. Well, that is as long as Hannah doesn't leave me high and dry. Sometimes she gets distracted and walks off, leaving me here, alone. But most of the time she's a blast. I like to kick back and enjoy the ride. We squeal together as we race around the kitchen. Only once have I fallen out. It was soft landing though because we were on the carpet. What can I say, I like to live on the wild side a little. I'm willing to take that risk in order to experience life's thrills....like riding in a pink stroller pushed by my big sis...who loves me. Did you see her giving me a kiss in that one picture? What can I say, I have that effect on people.

Jasmine

Hey, remeber "Jazum?" Here she is again. If you're unfamiliar with this canine...she's our neighbors' dog.

Hannah, what's that fragrance you're wearing?

"Jazum, you okay? Is somethin' the matter?"

"This is a great view isn't it?"

Let's hear it for Jazum!

Don't Forget Me!

I had to get in on the action when Mommy was taking silly pictures of Hannah. So here I am, being my silliest. It seems Mommy just can't help but take my picture when I flash my killer smile. . .even if I do have leftovers on my face!

Stretchin' It Out

When Daddy asked where I learned such a trick, I told him the truth, from Ellie. For some reason, Mommy and Daddy got a good chuckle out of that. Dinnertime is usually a fun time of day for me. I get to eat with Mommy, Daddy, and Grant! And I can make them all laugh! I was running out of funny things to do so I decided to pull this new trick out of my bag to see what would happened. My desired result occured. Everyone laughed. Thanks Ellie for this awesome new trick. It's a crowd pleaser!

Camo, Wheely Bugs, and Knighthood...a Typical Day in the Harman Hood

These pictures speak millions. Where do I begin? Let's start with the camo. Yes, this is my first, and most definitely not my last, time wearing camo. Daddy is eager to turn me into a hunter by the age of three (just kidding grandparents, no guns yet). Hunting is a must for boys in the Harman Hood. Just ask Daddy. It's not a must, however, for the girls. Just ask Mommy.

Where are the pants, you ask? Well, I pooped on them. Yes, I did. This is typical in our world. Probably every day I have a major accident that requires being stripped of some, if not all, of my clothes. Luckily, for Mommy, it was just my pants. Unluckily for me, it was just my pants. I had to crawl (yes I did say crawl, we are behind these days but I am officially a crawler as of a week or so ago...more of that coming soon) around without pants on for awhile. Do you know how awkward that is? Next time I'll be sure to soil ALL my clothes so then Mommy is forced to put on a new outfit for me.

Where is your other sock, you ask? Well, so typical this is...moreso than the poopy pants. I have quite the knack of taking off ONE of my socks. Yes, just one. Most days I am crawling around with one sock. Who knows where the other one is. This creates an annoying problem for Mommy. You see, there are SEVERAL solo socks sitting in the hamper just waiting for their mate. It's somewhere around the house. I promise. Mommy doesn't believe me though. They still wait, alone, in the hamper.

And then there's the Wheely Bug. Yes, the Wheely Bug, a Harman favorite. I'm enamored by it. I can't take my eyes off of it. And so, Hannah so kindly knighted me with my chew ring as the Wheely Bug Prince. She said she would pass this family heirloom down to me when she tires of it. I'm thinking that may be awhile though. She sure rides it a lot.

And finally, there's our messy floor. Yes, that too drives Mommy crazy. It seems she can't keep it clean and so, often times she gives up and lets it collect the crumbs and drips we give it. Then, when she's just about had enough, she'll give it a good sweeping and mop down only to be confronted with the problem yet again in thirty minutes.

So, there you have it. A typical look into the Harman Hood....camo, Wheely Bugs, missing socks, poopy pants, and dirty floors. Don't we lead a glamorous life?