This past weekend I helped mom and dad throw a Welcome-to-the-world shower for cousin Sonia. Even though I’m typically the life of the party, I gladly stepped aside for our little guest of honor. (Although I did try to steal some of the attention while she was sleeping. Tee hee hee.) Everybody showered her with hugs and smiles. Sonia is definitely loved! I mean, you know you’ve made it big when your name appears on a cake. Unfortunately, a bunch of attendees destroyed that evidence, but we all still know Sonia is a beautiful bundle of perfection. Congratulations Uncle Nizam & Aunt Mahruq!

Look who’s 4 months old now… this guy! 

Some researchers believe this is the month that I’ll learn new tricks like grabbing, reaching and rolling over. I say, “been there, done that!” Click the video below to see some other milestones I’m proud of.

Look what we found in my mouth… teeth! (Thanks for the discovery, Patty Bero!) On average, a baby usually gets his first tooth around 7 months, so I guess I’m above average or a genius or something?! I can’t wait to try these chompers out. Momma was pretty excited for me too… until she realized I might accidentally practice on her before I graduate to my steak dinners. Watch out!

This past weekend was spent having fun in the sun at Boot Lake with the Grizzly Beros! It was definitely worth the long drive… we enjoyed fireside chats, delicious meals, scotcharoos (thanks, Grandma!), kiddie cocktails, the best grapes ever, boat rides, kayak trips, nature walks, and conversations with Ms. Patty and Mr. Bill (they tell the best stories)! The only thing missing was the paperwork for me and my parents to become permanent residents at Camp Bero. Life sure is good there!

Camp Bero

Fire roasted vegetables!

Fireside with Aunt Carrie

Me & Dad

Hanging out with Ms. Patty

Lazy morning with Uncle Matt & Aunt Carrie

Checking out the lake with dad

Out for a 4.5 mile walk

Soaking up the sun with the gang

Beach (slumber) party!

Me, dad and my wet suit

Rockin’ the dock with mom

Splish splash, this is not as warm as my bath

Mom & Dad kayaking

Aunt Carrie’s got skills

And Uncle Matt’s pretty good too

Me and the momma

Dad is in the background jumping off a raft

How do you like my turtle hat!?

Booze cruise…

…complete with snacks!

How cute are we?!

Dad’s helping Ms. Patty cut up vegetables

Aunt Carrie & Uncle Matt making a delicious peach crisp!

…with the best Georgia peaches. Yummers!

Dad caught this bass while kayaking!

Cheese!

Mr. Bill

Cuties!

Babysitting Ms. Patty while my parents are on the kayak

Neat gift idea, Aunt Carrie!

Beach buddies

I love my Aunt Carrie!

But I don’t want to go home.

Surprise Happy Birthday, Lisa Heise! It’s always fun to celebrate you! And you’re welcome for the snuggles. Let’s do it again sometime!

Surprise birthday lunch!

Me and Lisa

Me and Sydney

Photo bombers

Photobombers again

Cake time!

The cake’s on fire!!

All smiles

Wonder WoMatt

Me & Patrick

Well, mom and I survived our first day at daycare, and let’s just say one of us did better than the other. Mom lingered a little bit while she dropped me off, but she eventually managed to leave the premises. I heard her come visit me over the lunch hour, but I pretended to be sleeping because it’s not cool to hang out with your mom when you’re trying to make new friends. She got the hint after a while, and reluctantly walked out the door. But 15 minutes later, she was back. Oh boy! (Just call me irresistible.) This time, I threw a blanket over my head so she couldn’t find me. I think it worked because she went back to her office and didn’t return until the end of the day. By 4:30 p.m. I was back in my mom’s arms, safe, unharmed and all in one piece! I greeted her with a smile and then we hugged for a moment, and just like that, all was right with the world. Hopefully she’ll remember that when we do this all over again tomorrow.

Preparing for daycare = frowny face

Making the trip to La Crosse

Arriving at Daycare

Here I am with my teachers!

This doesn’t look like the Babysitters Club

Pretend sleeping – Take 1

Pretend sleeping – Take 2

Tummy time with my teachers

Daycare wasn’t so bad!

Reunited and it feels so good!

I showed mom and dad my first real giggle today! It’s hilarious to let out a deep belly laugh. First I giggled, then mom started, and soon dad was laughing too. It’s contagious! I wish my parents would have captured it on video… you probably would have laughed too. Maybe next time?! Laughter sure is the best medicine!

If you’re looking for me tomorrow, I’ll be at daycare. Please check on mom to make sure she doesn’t have a meltdown.

Mom and Dad took me to UW-Platteville for a walk down memory lane. This is the place where dad fell deeply in love with momma! It’s the best thing that ever happened to him (so the story goes). I hope to find a love so great someday. Thanks, UW-P, for the role you played in creating my loving family!

The big M

Dobson Hall – where mom lived during her 2nd year

This is the place where mom & dad met

This is where mom & Aunt Kowee pretended to lift weights (while the rest of the soccer team actually did)

Bo Ryan (current UW Madison men’s basketball coach) coached here at UW-P first!

The library… where dad studied a lot (while the graphic designers were having fun)

Pioneer Family!

This is the building that mom had most classes in

This building was not around back in the day

Some of the 2014 tornado damage

Mom’s old house!

Visiting Gretchen & Koty’s farm was fun! What a beautiful, peaceful place to call home. We toured their property, went wine tasting, enjoyed the outdoors, and just took advantage of some good, quality family time. Thanks for the memories, Gretchen & Koty. Let’s make this an annual camping adventure?!

Whoa… who is that behind us?

The great room

Me & Gretch!

View from the road

Barns put me to sleep

He looks sheepish!

Me & my dad

Little birdies!

Hangin’ with Aunt Julie & Uncle Cory

Making new friends

Cortney (Miss Piggy!)

Snoozin’ with Grandma

Our campsite (in the driveway)

What’s up?

Me & Ellen

The Goodenough boys!

Cortney’s dragonfly memorial

Reading Consumer Reports with Dad

Happy!

Cheers!

Wine tasting with Krissa

Cortney-assisted nap time