Group Photo

Waiting to Leave Daycare

Kicking it Around

We're going to try something new, video link to You Tube. Here's a quick video of Evan showing off his soccer skills in Virginia Beach.  Yes, we're wearing short sleeves and it's Thanksgiving.

http://youtu.be/l9abo_oQbYs

We also taught him how to spike the ball whenever we yell "Touchdown!" (click on the word "TOUCHDOWN!!! below):

TOUCHDOWN!!!

First Haircut

After 15 months, we finally decided Evan's mullet needed its first cut.  Without an appointment, we had a 30+ minute wait (everything is competitive in the city).  Luckily, the kid before us fell to the floor and threw a gigantic fit when they called his name.  Hopefully not a sign of things to come for us.  Whatever, we jumped in line and were ready for business.

Pre-Cut:

First few snips, and things are going okay:

Uh-oh:

Post-cut and looking good.  We already had a compliment at the grocery store on the way home.

 They gave him a sticker, because he was so brave.

Terror

Evan successfully destroying Grammi and Grandpa's house.

The Pooh

Trick or Treat at Daycare Wednesday. The Poo was rockin' the Pooh roaming for some candy.  They had a bunch of activities for the kids to do, so parents could get an idea of what they do all day (besides fending off biters).  Story time in the circle, singing songs, and an art project.  Just like at home, E couldn't be contained and demanded to be the center of attention.  Jen and I were on our best behavior also, hoping the other parents would see how perfect we are.  That lasted about 2 minutes until Evan stole another kids pretzels during snack time and ate them, while the kid cried.  Man, that boy's mom was staring daggers at us.  Well, here were some other highlights:

An art project with his buddy Nate.

Hanging out with Miss Amber during story time:

All the other kids were quietly sitting in their parent's laps.  Evan was wondering around saying "uh-oh" in the middle of the circle cracking up all the other parents.

The skeptical face (of course):

#9

It pains me to see our former #1 pick / franchise savior in the Silver and Black...but wish him well.  Two future number one draft picks are basically like winning the Super Bowl for us lowly Bengal fans, so I guess Carson finally brought the trophy to Cincinnati. 

The Bite

Ahhh, the joys of daycare. We pay more for daycare each month then we pay for mortgage, and what do we get in return? Other kids bite Evan on the face and break open the skin. I know this stuff happens and we need to get used to it, but when we're told that the biter is a repeat offender that strikes "about once a week"...I'd say that's a serious problem. Next on the list; probably search for a new day care, or teach Evan some Kung Fu.

(Off) Balance

Bubbles

Naked Baby Steps

We love letting the little guy run around the house naked.  Maybe it's because Jen really doesn't like when I run around in my birthday suit, but it's pretty stinkin' cute when Evan does.  Of course, when he starts marking his territory on our stereo equipment, it won't be as adorable.  Regardless, here's a video of Evan's new backward stepping (naked) dance move.  Not sure where this came from, but like his father (and Bacca), he's got some serious moves!

A few more

Jen and Evan at the park.

Some pictures

Walking Videos

Evan received a phone call from an old friend, that was (apparently) hilarious.

Daycare

LASIK

My eye ball up close. Flap being pulled back, cornea exposed. Cool.

Feedin' Time

He needs a little more practice feeding himself. We're getting there...slowly.

Walker

Literally, overnight Evan started walking.  The "teachers" at daycare work with him during the day and I guess the light bulb just clicked yesterday.  This video is from tonight, officially his second day of real walking.  We're so excited and equally terrified.

A Privilege, not a Right

Taking his driving very seriously.

Climbing

Not only the fridge, but he also loves climbing into the toy bin at day care. Getting out is a bit more challenging.

Birthday Happiness

Evan was not a huge fan of his birthday hat.

Getting Pushed Around

Although my DC trip didn't exactly work out as planned, we at least had some nice weather in Chicago and were able to take Evan to the beach for the first time (see future blog post).  Before the beach, we made our  weekly 8:00 am Saturday morning trip (after being up for 2 hours) to Target where Evan had the pleasure of riding in a shopping cart for the first time.  After we wiped it down with about 10 wet wipes.

Later in the day, I took him for a walk for his first trip in his new truck (courtesy of birthday present from Aunt Erica/Uncle Adam and Uncle Kelly).  Evan loved it, but I'm 100% sure I was more excited about the truck then he was.

Quite the Helper

House cleaning today, getting ready for a visit from Evan's Mimi, Grammi, and Grandpa.  The kid has become completely obsessed with the CD/DVD player and the refrigerator.  We cannot keep him away from either appliance.  If the door of the fridge opens, Evan will haul tail across the house when he hears the noise.  Usually he just stands in front of the open door and tries to reach for things on the shelves.  However, with today's cleaning and a lot of extra room, he decided to climb right in and really experience the fridge from a different point of view.

A Step Ahead

Playing high school football (more than) a few years was basically the last time I was super competitive with anything.  Although I love my current fantasy football leagues, they still fail to get me all charged up. 

Enter Baby Nate.  Nate is a kid in Evan's daycare class who is about a month older than Evan and started daycare about the same time.  Since day one, Nate has been the anti-Evan.  Nate sleeps 20 hours a day (Evan is awake for 20 hours a day).  Nate has been eating solid foods for several months (Evan won't touch anything that isn't pureed).  Nate has a full head of hair and almost all of his teeth (Evan is bald and has seven teeth).  Don't get me wrong, Nate is a great kid and his parents couldn't be nicer people.  That being said...I want to beat Nate at something.  ANYTHING.  Although he's a bit older than Evan, Nate isn't quite ready to walk yet.  So, you can imagine our excitement when Evan took these unforgettable steps last weekend.

Favorite New Word

We get lots of "mama" and "dada" (okay, more dadas because I'm clearly his favorite), but it's mostly lumped in with a bunch of gibberish.  This video shows his favorite word...the only word where he clearly knows exactly what he's saying.

Photo Dump

Progress

Day one with the new truck...

A few weeks later...

Laundry Basket

Sometimes the laundry basket can be confusing...and delicious.

Happy kid

90 degrees, in the suburbs, sitting in the stroller for 3 straight hours...he's still all smiles.

Really?

Dancing Fool

He's got moves like his old man...

On the Border

We're finally rested after spending a few days at the lake house in Michigan/Indiana with the entire family.  Evan waking up at 5:30 am every day and plenty of other kids under the age of 5 wore us out after three days.  We put the little guy in the lake, for his first open water / non-bath encounter.  I'm not sure if he was reacting to the frigid temperatures, natural "scent" of the lake water, or general confusion over exactly what state he was in...but the result was classic Evan meltdown.

Next time we travel to the lake, hopefully he will be a bit more adventurous...like his older cousin Elise.

Firetruck

Somebody loves their new firetruck, especially when I pull him around the basement. Video to follow on next post