Tuesday, April 28, 2009

The Joy of Pepsi

If this doesn't get me hired at Pepsi ... seriously, this kid loves his pop cans. And Nana and Pop-Pop are more than happy to oblige.

More photos to come. Just having too much fun with the baby. And my parents.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Editor's Note

My wonderful husband has filled our 180 GB hard drive to capacity (with a little help from me), so I have nowhere to store new photos until we buy additional storage (should be tomorrow). My apologies to my loyal followers. There will be plenty of pictures (and updates) posted as soon as we get this issue resolved.

In the meantime, have a great weekend. See you soon Nana and Pop-Pop! Happy Anniversary rockle and G!

Monday, April 20, 2009

We All Bleed Red

... I mean black. Because if we bled red, then we'd be cheering for the Flames. But you know what I mean. (Pop-Pop, if you want Joey to wear the orange and black of Philadelphia, you're going to have to get him the outfit/sweater. They don't sell them out here.)

Props to the cities of Chicago and Philadelphia. For those who don't know, on Saturday, both the Blackhawks and Bulls won play-off games, and the Cubs and White Sox won their games. Then on Sunday the Flyers and Sixers won their play-off games, rounded out with a win from the Phillies in the top of the ninth. It was a great weekend to be a Philadelphia fan living in Chicago.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Tip-Toe through the Tulips

It was absolutely beautiful today, so I took the opportunity to introduce Joey to nature. We walked all around the backyard, looking at the hydrangeas, the lilacs, the peonies. In the front, we have this little pink tulip growing wild in the grass. I often see tulip leaves growing randomly, but this is the first time I've seen a flower come up, too. Joey thought it was very interesting. And of course tried to eat it.

We also tried using a sippy cup today. Joey's always interested in whatever we're drinking out of, and since I know apples are OK, I figured we'd try a little apple juice in a cup. It was OK. More of Joey just playing with it, but I know he got some juice out (because he was wearing it afterwards). It was only his first time, so I wasn't really expecting much. I just figured we'd keep learning new things, and this was next on the list.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Brain Washers

We went to visit Uncle Joe and Aunt Angie today. This was just too cute to pass up. Sesame Street was on. Annabel and Joey were in a trance. (And yes, that's a cast. Poor Annabel broke her arm! But I secretly think she likes the attention, especially since little Sammy was born.)

Since it was such a beautiful day outside, we went for a walk with the dog. And instead of the stroller, Daddy carried Joey. It was actually a short walk, since Daddy needed to got to work, but Joey loved it. He was looking up at the sky, at all the tress, checking out everything. I realized this was probably the first time he was seeing a lot of this; we usually have his car seat shade up and a blanket covering the rest. He's just like George - curiouser and curiouser. Thanks, Busza, for the hat!

PS - Here's a bonus picture from yesterday. I didn't download it until today, but had to share it with everyone!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Nature Sounds


As promised, here is the video of Joey making zerberts. Or bubbles. Or whatever you'd like to call them. He started trying to do this a few days ago, and has definitely progressed to making lots of noises. And slobber everywhere. The way it should be.

All in the Family

For Easter, we went to Joe's aunt's house for dinner. It was really nice. Everyone was there. (Except Becky, Sergio and Hannah - we hope you're feeling better, Hannah!)

This picture is of the four generations of Araszewskis. My mother-in-law, Joe and Joey, and Joe's grandparents. They're a good looking bunch. And the color-coordinating was just coincidental. Unfortunately, we couldn't get Joey to look at the camera. Next time.

Now this picture is special. It's the oldest and youngest Araszewski in the family. Uncle Matt is Grandpa's brother. He had so much fun holding Joey.

This picture is from yesterday. I'm not sure what's wrong with my camera (it could be just the batteries, but I just changed them a few days ago), but Gloria came over yesterday, so I got to use hers. Joey was having so much fun in his Exersaucer. Blowing bubbles, making zerberts. There will be a video posted.

And this is today's picture. After a lunch of carrots, applesauce, and prunes (which will hopefully help), just chilling on the couch. He was pretty tired and went down for his nap shortly after this. So peaceful. I can't wait for the giant smile that is almost always waiting for me when he wakes up!

Monday, April 13, 2009

My Beloved Monster

Daddy was playing with the camera today. And he got some pretty good shots. I think we've decided that the flash just takes too long when taking a picture, and then takes way too long to recharge after the shot. But we'll manage.

Nothing too exciting going on. Joey still loves to sit up (and still needs a little help with that). We did start applesauce today. His expression was priceless. Seriously, after the first and second bite, he made this face like what are you feeding me, lady? Then I think he realized how yummy applesauce is, and couldn't get enough. He did eat all his peas for dinner, so all seems OK so far in the back and forth. My big sister did remind me that there is Haldaman in him, so he should eat just about anything. So far, so good.

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Joey hopes everybunny had a Happy Easter!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

My Little Suede Shoes

Got Joey dressed this morning, and he looked so cute, I figured I'd better get a picture before he spit up all over himself. Buszia (how did we decide we're spelling this?) bought Joey these sneakers while she was visiting San Antonio. These probably won't last very long either, so enjoy them while they last!

Mighty Mouth

On Thursday, we started carrots. Joey's doing just fine with those. I've mixed them with sweet potatoes and green beans, and he hasn't minded at all. Fruits are up next, and if Joey knew what that meant, I'm sure he'd be excited!

I think yesterday was an especially "bad" day for Joey teething. I mean, he put everything in his mouth, and I know he was biting down (mostly because he bit down on my finger). No teefers yet, but I'll think it'll be any day now. And yes, we did let him chew on the remote. He can't stop staring at it, so we figured we'd just let him try it. Had to take it away from him because he (or I) kept accidentally turning off the White Sox. Last night was a good night to change the channel.

And of course, he still loves playing on his mat. Rolls over to his belly every time. It's so cute. He was in an especially good mood yesterday morning, and I'm so happy I could capture it.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

The Book of Love

I may have mentioned it before; Joey loves his books. Mostly he loves trying to eat them. Occasionally, it does look like he might be trying to read them, but don't be fooled. He's really just trying to figure out how to get that book in his mouth. I especially like this picture because he was also kick-kick-kicking while "reading", and my camera captured the motion. I'm surprised the rest of him is in focus. As my sister would say, reading is fun and mental.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Listen to the Music

I took a ton of pictures of Joey today, and this was definitely not one I was hoping to capture. But after he was done playing with Daddy's can of Pepsi (see below), Daddy started synching his iPod, and Joey grabbed the headphones, so I kept snapping away. He just happened to look over when the flash went off.

This was hilarious as it unfolded ... Daddy grabbed his pop can, and didn't realize Joey was trying to grab it, too. Pepsi all over the couch. Daddy realized Joey was interested, so helped him investigate this new toy. Don't worry, he didn't try any. Yet.

Monday, April 6, 2009

I Want Candy

Joey still loves to put things in his mouth. When I opened up the Easter card from Nana, he couldn't wait to get a hold of it. He wasn't sure exactly what to do with it, but he did get a corner into his mouth. Then, when I was eating M&Ms, I could tell he wanted what Mommy was having. Since that wasn't going to happen, I figured I could give him the bag. He loved it! Just starting him early.

Ginny wasn't exactly thrilled to "pose" for this photo, but I did manage to get a few snaps in before she jumped off the couch. My little girl and baby boy. It'll only be a matter of time before she follows him everywhere waiting for a crumb to drop. They'll be BFFs.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Ain't No Joke

It's snowing. Seriously. Right now. Which is better than rain, according to the dog. At least she goes out in snow without much coaxing. But seriously? I am totally OK with a snowy Easter when Easter is in March. (I mean, I do live in Chicago.) April snow is just cruel.

Family Picture

More sweet potatoes today. But doesn't he look cute? He's actually a really good eater. Opens wide for the spoon and usually eats everything. Occasionally spits a little out, but really most of what is on his mouth is either because Mommy misses or because Joey turns his head right as I'm about to put the spoon in his mouth. The little stinker.

And just because I thought we should have one ... here's a family picture from today. We'll probably get professional ones done at six months, but in the meantime, you'll have to deal with this. Hooray for the timer function on our camera.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Sittin' and Thinkin'

Today was relatively uneventful. Joey and I went food shopping this morning (what else is there to do at 7:30?). Then Mommy got to go to Costco and Kohl's all by herself. (Daddy woke up early to get Phish tickets, only to realize they didn't go on sale until noon. So he obliged and watched Joey.) I figured, since Joey did such a good job sitting up at Joe and Angie's, I'd see how he did at home. He did quite well, as you can see from the picture. Other than that, just plugging away on the sweet potatoes and playing with his usual toys. Ah, the life of a five month old.

My Best Friend

We went to visit Joe and Angie and Annabel and Sammy J yesterday. Sam was born on Valentine's Day. Needless to say, there wasn't too much interaction, but Joey was checking him out. They also have a beagle that Joey was completely enamored with.

I'm not sure what it was about the corner of their couch, but Joey fit in it just perfectly to sit up all by himself. (He mostly just needs support so he doesn't fall over sideways.) My baby's getting so big!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Split Open and Melt

Not too much going on here in Chicago. They're calling for more snow. (Yuck.) Oh, and the tailpipe fell off of the Mazda. (It's already in the shop.) And Joey started on sweet potatoes today. (He seemed to really like them! He didn't mind at all when I mixed them with peas and cereal.) So maybe there's a bit more going on than I thought. It's hard to keep track of it all. Thank goodness for Blogger.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

It's Your Birthday

Joey wishes his favorite cousin a very Happy 2nd Birthday!