The Wild Animal Park

Mommy, Daddy, and I went to the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park in Escondido on Sunday. It was hot that day, but I had lots of fun riding on the tram and watching all the different birds. When we first got there, mommy and daddy showed me these funny pink birds that look like they’re standing on one leg. Flamingos, I think that’s what they called them. Mommy and daddy seem to always be in a rush because I didn’t want to leave them. I could have watched them for hours. Then they showed me some meercats, deer-like animals, gorillas, cheetahs, and lions. I don’t know what the big deal is. The birds were much more interesting to watch! Anytime we left a bird exhibit, I let them (and the rest of the park) know that I wasn’t happy about that. Mommy and daddy said something about my shrieking being some new type of bird call. I guess I should practice some more for the next time we go.

Gansta Baby

Yo Daddy Yo… Jus’ playin’ witcha cap!

I know you ain’t got no prob’m wit dat!

My 2nd Boo Boo

Barely a week has gone by since I got my first boo boo when the second one happened. My first boo boo was healed and the scab has fallen off and then this happened. I didn’t have as much fun getting this boo boo as I did the first one. I was trying to get a toy I dropped next to the TV stand when I slipped off the pillows blocking the way (yes, I was climbing on them when I wasn’t supposed to) and hit the edge of the stand. That hurt a lot! My tears didn’t help my boo boo any either. It stung a lot and I didn’t understand so I kept rubbing and grabbing at my face. Mommy was worried that I hurt my eye, but I can see out of it just fine (as far as Mommy and Daddy can tell). I was walking straight afterwards-straight back to what I was trying to get at. I’m stubborn, you know. I still wanted my toy, but this time, I tried to get to it from the other side. When mommy asked what I wanted I decided to let her get it for me- I didn’t want a matching owwie on the other side. (I’m smart, too.) I pointed to what I was trying to get at and mommy got it for me instead. That made me feel better. Nothing like a good toy to soothe my hurt.

My First (real) Boo Boo

I was having fun when I got my boo boo. Daddy was washing the car and I was running toward mommy down the driveway when my forehead said “hello” to the cement. Mommy watched in slow motion as I ran, tripped, slid on my knees a little and then used my hands and forehead to stop my fall. Nothing else was scrapped. Not even the knees. She swooped me up so quickly I didn’t even have time to turn on the waterworks. She didn’t understand that I just wanted to get to the bubble machine and my toy cars! Mommy insisted on taking a closer look at my head and THAT’s when I turned on the waterworks. She just doesn’t understand- never get between me and my toys! My forehead didn’t even start to tingle until mommy tried to wash it with a towel. I didn’t understand what all the fuss was about. See… I’m just fine.

Happy Easter!

Waiting For The Hunt To Start
Was That It?

We took Nathan to a city-held Easter egg hunt yesterday morning. They sectioned off areas according to age groups so it was nice that he didn’t have to fight the bigger kids for the goodies. Nathan had a good time walking around in the grass, but when it came time to “hunt” for the “eggs” he just didn’t get it. (The goodies were just spread out on the grass and they didn’t have too many plastic filled eggs- there were mostly snack food items and toys). He’d put his goodies into his basket (it was really a beach bucket since his basket was already filled with stuff for Easter) and then he’d try to take them out and put them back on the ground. He didn’t understand that if he did that then he’d lose his goodies to all the other kids (or parents) snagging them up. Parents were allowed in the area for his age group only. We were only allowed to help the kids put stuff in their basket- they had to pick it up for themselves. But, we saw so many overly helpful parents (i.e. “cheaters”)- picking up all the goodies for their kids! The whole thing lasted maybe 5 minutes. We think he’ll understand better next year and will probably end up with more goodies. We had a fun time anyways- the weather was perfect and Nathan had a great time walking around and eating up his goodies!

See All Of My Easter Goodies?

I Found Some Eggs, Mommy!

I Found Lots Of Eggs! Happy Easter!

This morning, Nathan opened up his Easter baskets from Grandma & Grandpa and from Mommy & Daddy. He loved all his toys and treats! Then, after breakfast, we had a little Easter egg hunt in our backyard. This time, Nathan understood that the eggs go into his Easter basket. (Maybe we should have had a trial run before yesterday’s Easter egg hunt?) He loved dragging his Easter basket around the backyard. Eggs would fall out of it and he’d go pick it up, as if there were more eggs popping out of the ground. He had a blast picking up the eggs and we had a blast watching him. It’s been a good day.

We wish you all a wonderful Easter!

 

Our Trip To Wisconsin

We had a wonderful time in Wisconsin! Nathan loved spending time and playing with Grandma and Grandpa. Grandma spoiled him (of course). And Grandpa roughed house with him. Nathan really enjoyed his time with Grandma and Grandpa. He definitely misses them!

Fun With Grandma & Grandpa:

Coming Out? I’m Ready To Go On Our Walk!

There was always so much activity around—there were newborn kitties to play with, doggies to tease, wild turkeys to watch, chickens and rabbits to feed, snow to play in, and visitors who came and went. Nathan discovered the kitties about a week after our arrival—when they started to really explore their area. Nathan was really interested in them, pointing whenever he saw their appearance. Then, he would crawl down onto his belly to look for them under and between the sofa and the recliner. This was when he said his first sentence: “Where kiki cat?” We all heard it. He said it very clearly. We were a bit surprised that Nathan enjoyed the kitties as much as he did since he didn’t seem to like cats. For example, whenever the mama cat, Blackie, would come out Nathan would freeze and immediately be silent. It got to the point where we’d even call out for her whenever he would start throwing tantrums. It was great. She would come out and Nathan would be quiet. We thought of bringing her home with us!

Lots of Kitty Cat Activity:

There You Are! Let’s Play!

Me & My Family!

Nathan also loved being outside. He loved walking around and being among the snow. He didn’t really play in the snow—we don’t think he quite understood what to make of it. He loved being outside so much that he would cry whenever we approached the house, thinking we were going back inside. One time, we brought him out back to play for a little bit and then decided that it would be better if we played out front. We had to bring him through the house in order to get there (it would’ve been too much of a trek to go around in the snow) and he screamed at the top of his lungs going into, through and out of the house. Once outside, it was all right in Nathan’s world and he was happy and quiet again. He’s definitely going to be an outdoorsy kid!

We’ve been home for a few weeks now and are back into the swing of things. It took Nathan a little while to get re-adjusted. He was very clingy for about a week and a half—he definitely misses his grandparents and kitty cat & doggy playmates. We all had such a wonderful time. We miss everyone and we’re definitely going to visit again soon!

Nathan And The Blue Polar Bear

 

A master in the fine art of wilderness survival, Nathan is seen in this photo with two rehabilitation assistants.

In his latest expedition, Nathan had tragically lost both hands to a very rare Blue Polar Bear, thought to be native to the toddler section of apparel stores. During his struggle for survival, Nathan managed to break free and call for help. With one fell swoop, his parents delivered the Blue Polar Bear to its demise. One shot from the bar code scanner gun, and it was over. The only reminder of this horrific incident is the trophy which adorns his head. It not only symbolizes strength and bravery, it also serves as an indicator for increased quarterly profits, and possibly a return of economic stability.

 

(An “editorial” courtesy of “ace” (a.k.a. Nathan’s uncle)

 

UPDATE:

Through the wonders of modern technology and the technical and scientific skills of his rehabilitation assistants, Nathan’s paw reattachment surgery is a success. Here, he is showing off his other prized trophy: the paws of the Blue Polar Bear that took his own hands!

 

After the fierce battle between Nathan and the Blue Polar Bear, it was decided that no matter how difficult the task, being that the Blue Polar Bear paws are a highly coveted prize in these parts and are a one size fits most, Nathan would undergo a tricky paw reattachment surgery. The procedure was long and difficult. Tears were shed. Nathan cried out in protest. Nathan’s rehabilitation assistants cried out from frustration and exhaustion as it turns out that the Blue Polar Bear paws are just a tad small. However, the rehabilitation assistants were creative in their attempts and, in the end, another battle was won. Nathan can once again go out and battle the Wisconsin snow with open hands…er…paws. And, with his trophies in plain sight, any other Blue Polar Bears lurking in the vicinity would be foolish to cross paths with him!

Wisconsin Here I Am!

 I Love Walking In The Snow!

I’m Not So Sure About This…

We arrived to Wisconsin last Thursday night.  We were delayed in LAX for 3 hours due to bad weather coming in from the Midwest and ended up catching a flight directly to Milwaukee instead of stopping at Kansas first.  That worked out since Nathan was able to run around the airport instead of being stuck in an airplane.  He did fairly well on the plane for the first leg (~4 hrs long)- he fell asleep for the first couple of hours, had some dinner when he woke up, and watched a little Ratatouille.

The last leg of the trip was another story.  He did well once we boarded, but we were delayed for 30-40 minutes due to waiting for delayed passengers and an emergency on an incoming flight.  Nathan is patient, but not that patient.  He cried almost the whole flight (40 very long minutes).  Poor little guy was really tired and wanted out of his car seat.  When I was finally able to turn on the DVD player, I almost immediately had to turn it off since the flight wasn’t that long.  He didn’t like that and let everyone on the plane know it.  We finally arrived to Central Wisconsin at 11 pm (CST).

Since arriving, we’ve experienced -20 degree weather, seen lots of wild turkey on the back porch, saw some deer in the woods, played with newborn kittens, visited with lots of family, and have gone for many walks in the snow.  Nathan didn’t know what to think about the cold and the snow at first.  But, he gradually “warmed” up to it.  He stands in front of Grandma and Grandpa’s windows and looks out, wanting to go for a walk.  He really likes the outside despite the cold!  We tried to take him sledding, but as you can see he’s wasn’t too sure about it.

Well, we have another week here and more adventures to look forward to.  Please continue to think warm thoughts for us!

Wisconsin Here I Come!

Like My New Hat & Mittens? I Do!

Do I Really Have To Go Out In The Cold?!

Showing Off My New Winter Duds

We will be making our way to visit family in Wisconsin tomorrow. This will be Nathan’s first time traveling by air and seeing snow! It’s going to be quite the experience for him (and for us, too!). We’ve heard it’s been in the minus double-digits so we’re trying to prepare Nathan for the weather change! He doesn’t really like it when it gets cold out here- he’ll freeze up in shock from the temperature change. He’s going to be in for a big surprise soon. Poor guy. Who knows, maybe he’s really a snow bunny in disguise. Think warm thoughts for us!

College Bound

I’m Ready To Go!

Don’t Worry…I’ll Visit Often

One Sunday afternoon, Nathan decided to pick up an empty backpack and carry it around the house. It was pretty impressive to watch him carry/lug/drag that pack around the house. As you can see, the bag is nearly his size. Several times, he would lift it up over his head and swing it back around so that it’s in front of him. On one of his tours around the house, he headed for the garage door and tried to open it. It was very cute since he was half wearing the pack at the time (with a little help from daddy). It looked like he was running away from home! It’s too soon for that…isn’t it?