Fevers Stink!

I got my first full-blown fever after getting back from Herron Island. Woke up with a 102. Geez, talk about a feeling of uncomfort! I wasn't happy in Daddy's arms, I wasn't happy in Mommy's arms, I wasn't happy not being in Mommy's arms, I wasn't happy eating, I wasn't happy drinking, I wasn't happy, period. (I definitely wasn't happy with Daddy taking pictures of me not being happy, but that is something I will take up with him later) What I finally realized was that if you can't be happy at all, you have to make due with the closest possible scenario to happiness. For me, that was resting my head against Mommy's shoulder.

Herron Island Getaway

I have been working really hard over the past few months. Between the discovery of gravity, the thousands of practice attempts walking (read: falls), and the weight training to reach the 24lb+ weight class, I was in need of some serious relaxation. What better way, than a trip to the one of Puget Sound's private island getaways: Herron Island!

I had my travel agent book me luxury cabin accomodations on a beach front property. (What the agent failed to tell me was that I'd be sleeping in a travel crib in a closet!)

Getting to Herron Island is a bit of a process. First, we had to hit up another plane ride to Seattle. (Side Note: I'm working towards a free voucher on Southwest ... I only need like 3 more trips!) Then, you have some serious driving to the ferry dock where you wait in line to get on a private ferry to take you across to the island. Fortunately, Daddy and I were able to kill some time while waiting in line at the ferry. I learned very important driving and car control funtionality, like honking the horn at the ferry attendant (true story - the attendant was pretty impressed) Once at the cabin, I felt the need to do a full scale inspection of the place. After so many fake plants in doctor's offices Chicago-wide, I was very excited to find out that the cabin owner's furnished the place with real plants!
After I was satisfied that the we were really getting our money's worth, I took an opportunity to explore the beach. It was low tide, and the perfect opportunity for starting out my seashell collection:
Searching for seashells is difficult (to do and to say 3x fast!) and I found that I really just needed to focus on relaxation a bit. A little yoga next to my favorite outdoor fern did the trick. I still haven't mastered the lotus position, but considering I just mastered walking, I'm hoping you will forgive me...
You know how sometimes you just get so into a book that you can't put it down? Well, on this vacation, that was me and the Dr. Seuss book "Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?" ... This Dibble Dibble Dopp stuff is just fascinating.

Branching out into other instruments...

You've seen me play the piano, dabble in guitar, but those are mere indulgences requiring just the rough motor skills my hands provide...

Now, Ladies and Gentlemen, for the first time on video, I give you a feat that will truly dazzle. A feat that required such concentration, I not only had to use my hands but my lungs as well. This multi-talented performance cannot be missed...I walk, I turn, I embrace music...all at once...

Shedd Aquarium

Bebe and Zayde came and visited a few weeks back. One day we all went to the aquarium in Chicago. Here's a few pics from that day:

I got to see all sorts of sea animals...

Turtles:

Tiny Fish:

But my favorite was the big fish! Here's my and Zayde taking a peek:
(I think I may have more hair now than Zayde!)

Lastly, here's a picture of Mommy, Zayde, Bebe, me, and Daddy:

Oh ... by the way, I can walk...

A while back I finally got the hang of this walking thing which, apparently, my parents think is a much bigger deal than I do...

Just a typical Saturday afternoon...

Who doesn't like a little Saturday afternoon dance session while Daddy plays the guitar?

Inspector Austin Laves, at your service

Dad recently installed safety locks on the kitchen cabinets so children (like myself?) couldn't get into anything dangerous. Of course, even Daddy with his high and mighty "Project Management Certification" should know that you have to test what you construct. --> Enter Austin Laves, Senior Quality Inspections Agent for the Infant Safety Division of Laves Inspections Inc. (A subsidiary of AML Media Publications):

Need I say more ... Dad failed inspection, and was reported to the chief immediately (a.k.a Mommy)