The day after...

Oops! Didn't quite make it in time to post on papa's birthday yesterday! Yep: 38 big ones for Mark! Happy birthday papa ~ and what a lot to be proud of at this impressive age... an adorable, brilliant son, a fuzzy, warm cat, and of course a talented, beautiful and most of all modest wife.Now then, to compensate for the long delay since my last posting, some bonus material.

First, in the category 'ridiculous toys', a video of Emile on a train we got from a colleague at the US Embassy (where else). Mama cringes when she sees this thing but of course Emile loves it! (And please folks, watch the train, not mama's behind...) The perceptive viewer will note that not just the train is going around in circles- as Emile displays some trademark foot-twirling activity.



Second, in the category 'brilliant baby', a video of Emile making a first, admittedly slightly pathetic attempt to stand up. Still just a bit wobbly... Also, note the yoga move at the end of the video as he attempts to slither away under the stairs. Okay okay, so he's not one of these advanced 10-month old walkers like his cousin Samara, but he's probably just a more cerebral type. ;) Now, a week later, he is much more steady on his legs and can also do the 'downward dog' convincingly, i.e. the first step towards standing up by himself.



Next, Emile looking adorable in the killer sandbox which papa put together this weekend. Even our little friend Kyo, despite not liking dirty hands, seemed quite partial to a little sand action.

What was supposed to be an easy construction kit turned out to be a 4-hour chore, leaving papa with stigmata-resembling blisters in the middle of his hands. Not to mention mama's sore back from schlepping 8x25Kg (ie. 200kg, ie. 440 lbs) of sand from the store to the car. But, as you see, Emile appreciates the sacrifice because he loves his new box.

A big event this month was Grandma Diane's visit after her fancy European cruise. Emile loved all the attention and family time.

The bad weather didn't prevent us from having a good time, with visits to the park, the library, the museum, the farm and the playground.

And last but not least: 3 weeks ago Emile took his first trip to the salon and had his adorable little curls snipped off (but don't worry, they're on their way back).

He went in a baby, and came out a real little boy...