friday photos: big blue armadillo?

I love seeing my kids play with things in unexpected ways.

Our inflatable swimming pool, for example.

We spent the first two hours of the morning splashing in the pool. When it was time to clean up, we dumped out the water in a huge waterfall (the only acceptable way to say goodbye to swimming is to give the water a grand exit). I turned the pool over to dry out, and instantly Genghis and his playmate turned it into a ... well, it's just more fun to watch.





We should go swimming more often.

friday photos

A few weeks ago it was just snowy enough to go sledding. Genghis loved the "slide". Although his first solo run was a bit rough (see video).

In other news, Genghis gave me what I consider to be a first, real, genuine hug Thursday morning. (He's a bit of a late bloomer on signs of affection.) He had just finished throwing a 10-minute temper tantrum and was laying halfway underneath the dining room table. I went over to him and started rubbing his tummy and talking to him. He talked back to me. I think we were having a conversation about all the crumbs he was finding on the floor. Then I told him that I knew it was hard not to be able to get everything he wanted and not to be able to communicate as well as he wanted, but that I loved him. Then he stood up, held his arms out wide, and leaned in to give me a big hug.

friday photos - video

Typical evening events at our home.

friday photos

I'm glad I caught this on video a few weeks ago, because now Genghis refuses to repeat words on cue.



In case it's not clear from either of us, his words are:
- Arrrrrr
- Bath
- Hot

friday photos

This video captures Genghis's utter excitement every time he hears the bathwater running or sees an open bathroom door.

friday photos

Genghis crawls!

Here's a snapshot of the intensive training program his father put him through while I was out of town. The first video highlights not only his growing mobility but also his range of vocal expression.





(Note here how efficient Genghis is. He crawls just far enough to get the banana in range and then lunges for it. No wasted energy.)

friday photos

Moving picture show!

This week Genghis played the cup game while I tried to make dinner. But it was so much fun we both just ended up playing the cup game.

(Don't feel obliged to watch the whole thing - you get the point in the first 10 seconds.)

friday photos

this week takes us to the picture show!

A few weeks ago when we were enamored with making him smile...


A few days ago when we captured a few rare laughs...keep 'em coming kid.