The Pumpkin Patch

Now that the family is settling into LA, we have begun to appreciate the more subtle signs that a season is changing. The air is slightly brisker and a few leaves fall... the days get shorter. It's a little harder to process the change of seasons when you can still hit the beach on an 80 degree afternoon. A day in the pumpkin patch helps set the mood for the fall. We went to the Patch with our neighbors, Sarah Jane, Carey, and Callista. Callista is only 3 months younger then I am. We both fell asleep on the way to the pumpkin patch. Our parents had to tailgate in the parking lot while we napped. When we woke up, we crawled on pumpkins and hay bales. We picked some pumpkins to bring home. Unbeknownst to us at the time, our pumpkins were to be victimized by squirrels and possums. 

Super Charlie

While enjoying lunch at the Grove, we discovered that the Gap was having a casting call. They asked Charlie to come get his picture taken. Here are the pictures. Should he pursue a career as a child model? He is thinking about that during his nap-time today. 

Sweet Potato Charlie

Hmmm, hmmm. Sweet Potatoes are my favorite food. I also love dining al fresco in the summer. 

Summer nights at the Santa Monica Pier

Thursday nights there are free music concerts at the Santa Monica Pier. Charlie & Callista like to ride down to the beach in their Bike Chariots and arrive early to crawl around in the sand and watch the sunset. We brought along a nice picnic. Sarah & Carey live 3 doors down. We like this shot of the Dads in action. Charlie conked out, Callista still in action....

The Swing

When I wake up form my afternoon nap, mom usually takes me for a walk. We always hit the swing on our block. I love this swing! It's in a tree right outside Marson and Arabella's house. Marson (age 6) and Arabella (age 3) usually join me when I'm out here. I let out shrieks of joy while they fawn over me and push me into the stratosphere of the tree. The parents of Marson and Arabella are famous for their margarita's... the bar is usually open by 4:30 or 5 in the summertime

Daddy's Boy

Daddy's little guy

Mom's baby boy

Quintessential Charlie

 This is Charlie. Exploratory, curious, active. He wants to have a tactile report on what is going on in his world, and he will stop at nothing to get the info. Infant swats reveal so much about the boy within ....

Charlie in Spring 2008

Staying hydrated

As summertime rolls in, I'm quenching my thirst with water and mother's milk. They let me hold my own sippy cup which is fun even though I wind up pretty wet after after a drinking session. In this foto, I've decorated my green eggs and ham bib with more delicious avocado. 

First Food

When I turned 6 months, they finally let me have some real food. They first thing they feed me was avocado. I was photographed for the event. It was hard at first, since I didn't know what to do with the food when it was in my mouth. Also, I'm not sure why they wouldn't let me hold the spoon. I was wearing a bib, and I made sure to share the food with the bib. I got the clean plate award on my first feeding. Later into the week, I started to feel like a real pro at feeding time. Maybe one day I'll get my own chair at the table...

Charlie Meets his Godparents

 

On Memorial Day weekend, Charlie's Godparents, Emily Gasner & Greg D'Amico, road-tripped down from San Francisco to meet their godson. They brought the whole crew- Kim, Josh, Caren & Adam. The crew actually managed to bring the San Francisco Fog with them, so our beach day turned into a front yard bonfire. Auntie Kim (pictured above) reminds us to stay hydrated when taking the baby for a walk, even on a cloudy day.  We had a big party on Memorial Day at the house and a pool Party at Greg's childhood home on Sunday, hosted by Sue and Great-GodFather, Dick D'Amico (pictured on the left, reading stories to Jude, Seth, and Veronica). The God Father takes a break from being the star of the party to give his Godson a bottle. Marson and Arabella still ask when Uncle Greg and Uncle Josh are coming back.  Soon we hope. 

My First Easter

I celebrated my first Easter today. I got dressed up in my new Crocodile outfit from MoMa and went to Mass at Santa Monica's Cathedral. It was so crowded that we sat in the auditorium and had a separate mass from the main church- complete with a band and singers. There was another outflow mass in the gym. It was packed! There were 2 other babies my age sitting right by me. We all pretty much behaved. But, I had a blow-out near the end and Daddy had to change my outfit in the parking lot. The priest was really nice and welcomed everyone and thanked us for coming-- no lectures about why a deluge of souls come on the holiday, just a warm welcome. We had a nice brunch on the beach after Mass at Casa Del Mar. Then, we went home and relaxed on a blanket in our front yard. It was a perfect day. We played lots of airplane and said hi to the neighbors walking by. Sophie the cat even hung out with us for awhile.