Our Littlest Swimmer

Neither of us was all that sure: that water was not particularly warm!  

But for the most part, he was okay.  I think he still prefers the bathtub, but splashing in a pool could eventually be okay.

Our "Baby Seal" (as the class is known), trying to make his escape.

We'll see what the rest of this class brings...

Gratuitous Cheerio Pics

Haven't gotten to our previous record of sticking something like 20 cheerios on Asa's face, but we'll get there.

But I COOK Armenian...

(Thank you to Kelly for the post title...)

Teaching Asa to make stuffed cabbage leaves.  He's going to be a really good cook, once we let him near knives and hot cooking surfaces.

 Take the leaf and spread it out...

Add the stuffing.

Press and roll.

Set in the pan and bake.

Which is great, until Mummy lets them burn a little.  It's probably just as well that we're training my replacement as chef.

Yoga Baby

Plank pose.

Otherwise known as "I'm going to crawl soon", about which Mommy and I have rather different feelings.  Perhaps it's because she didn't stay home with Asa, when he was this age, that she has been encouraging of independent motion for Elias.  As for me?  Well, I'm very proud of our little guy, but am in no hurry to have life become any more complicated.  It's still so nice that he pretty much stays where I leave him.

Of course, that is happening less and less.  Most of his motion is backwards, at the moment, which makes him end up in some strange predicaments - caught on the leg of a table, or the piano - but he always looks totally pleased with himself.

Meanwhile, I have to admire the strength of this little baby body - I don't think I can do this many push-ups, or hold the pose for as long as he can.

Happy Birthday, Mommy!

You know I'm behind with the posting when even this is tremendously late!

The night before Mommy's birthday, we got a surprise visit from Grampa, and opted for dinner out.  

But, perhaps, the best birthday present came from above:

(look above the rainbow: it was a double.)

Happy Birthday, sweetie.  I doubt any decade will ever exceed this past one for the transitions and excitement, but may each one get happier.  I love you.

Only for Katah will he get this messy.

Apples don't fall far from the family tree.

Railroading

I know, it's been forever since I've posted.  And I have the backlog of pictures to prove it!  

Labor Day found us headed north, to a local railway.  Asa's comment: "no pictures, Mummy, I'm riding on the train."  He should know me better than that.

The scenery was beautiful, on an almost perfectly clear day.

Elias might be developing a fondness for trains, as well.

At the end of the track, we got to watch the engine get uncoupled from the train...

Change tracks...

And come back up along the train...

To be recoupled at the other end.

Just like we see on Thomas the Tank Engine.

It was the perfect day for a train picnic.

There are several other routes that leave from the same station, about 90 minutes north of our house.  Somehow, I see a lot of train rides in our future.