Double the Fun

What a great weekend it's been. I had two, yep two, parties to celebrate my first birthday.

The first party was Friday at daycare. It was a party for both Carli and me. We each got our own birthday cake. All the other kids made us birthday cards, and we got really cool presents.



Notice in this next picture Carli has no cake. She didn't like it very much. Also notice that my cake is now upside down.


I'm getting good at this cake thing. I've learned that the bigger mess you make, the more attention you get.


Carli and I practiced sharing. Here I am playing with her pink cell phone and she is playing with my book.









Today was my big birthday party. Here are some highlights.

Last night I found a present on the floor. I figured I'd get a head start on opening it. Ribbons are so much fun.


I got so many presents. Mommy and Caleigh opened most of them for me, but I sat very patiently and watched it all. Look at my new chair from Mommy and Daddy. Isn't it cool?

Remember to look at the card before you open the presents!

A cake for my guests:


And one just for me!


I ate my cake in, what else, my birthday suit!


Wow...so many awesome presents. Thanks everyone!


A new car! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Marshall!


Just one of my many new toys.

Be sure to check out the rest of my pictures on my photo album!

Jump-A-... Huh?

Folks, there will be no more jumping in the Marshall house. Well, at least not in the jump-a-roo. Mommy and Daddy decided I'm getting a little too big for it and took it apart. To tell you the truth, I hadn't been having as much fun in it as I used to. I like to roam around the house these days. I still had fun playing with the pieces today! Anyway, I heard the bed makes a pretty fun place to jump. Can any of my fellow baby bloggers or cousins verify that?

Fun to be One!

Well, mostly fun...but let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Apparently, yesterday I had something called a birthday. For the most part it was like most other days except all day long people sang "Happy Birthday" to me. I like when people sing with me. I even join in sometimes.

For my birthday, Mom sent me to daycare. Yep! Well, you know, I really like daycare because there are other kids to play with like my girlfriend, Carli. Mom thought I would have more fun there than at home with her (And don't tell her I said so, but she was right).

But what really made me excited was that Mommy didn't come to get me; Grandpa Rick did! And when I got home G.G. and Mommy were waiting for me with more of that Happy Birthday business.

I got a birthday present...a new toy for the bathtub. Mommy says I'll get more presents at my party on Sunday. I also got to eat birthday cake! It's actually my 2nd of 4 birthday cakes! I had one for my 1 year portraits. I had the one yesterday for my birthday. I'm having one tomorrow at daycare because we're having a party to celebrate Carli's and my birthdays (hers is June 19). And I'm having one Sunday at my party! It just doesn't get any better than this! Anyway, the cake was yummy. I made sure to make a big mess, but I don't think G.G. liked it very much.

This morning we left the house bright and early to go see my doctor for my check-up. Here are the official numbers. I weigh 22 pounds and 13 ounces which is in the 50th percentile, and I am 30.5 inches tall which is in the 75th percentile. I am doing just about everything I should be developmentally, although we do need to work on talking a bit more. Don't get me wrong, I talk all the time. However, I'm supposed to start connecting the words and sounds I say with what they mean. The doctor was a little surprised that I didn't know at least two words yet. I've just been busy working on other things. I'll get there.

Of course no check-up would be complete without Mommy letting those nurses poke me with some needles. I got a shot in both legs which included the first round of a vaccine for chicken pox. What do chickens have to do with me?

So, overall, having a birthday is pretty awesome, and I haven't even had my party yet! You are coming, right?

Here are some pictures from yesterday. You can see them all at my photobucket album. In case you can't make it to my party on Sunday, I'll be sure to post a blog all about it.

All ready for bed on the last day of my first year!


The first pic of the day. Happy Birthday to me!


Come on Mom. Let's go already!

Off to daycare.


My first birthday present

Can someone open this for me?

What's the plate for anyway?

I know what it's for: to EAT!

Happy Birthday, Rex!

Mommy here. Has it really been a whole year?! I can't believe I'm now officially the mother of a one-year-old. I'm sure Rex will have a lot to talk about after today and Sunday (his party). I just wanted to wish him a Happy 1st Birthday!

No Blogging Until Dora is Over

Splish Splash

On Wednesday, I had my first wet day at daycare. Carli and I got a whole pool to ourselves! It was so romantic. We splished and splashed around for over an hour. It was so much fun; I can't wait until the next one!

For more pictures of my fun-in-the-sun day, check out my photo album. The link is over there on the right.

Just Around the Corner

Folks, can you believe it's been just about a year! My birthday is next Wednesday, and I'm so excited! To celebrate, I'm having a party on Sunday the 14th. Be there or be square. Nannie Toni made my invitations which should be appearing in your mailbox soon if they haven't already. She did a phenomenal job.

Chomper #5

To kick off the month of June, I sprouted another tooth. It's the one on the top next to my front tooth on the left side.

Busy Bee

So I heard there's been some grumbling about there not being any new blogs lately. Folks, I am a busy person.


I've been working really hard on this whole standing/walking thing. I'm really good at standing; I'm still not sure about the walking. Today, I practiced with my car. Yep, remember my car that G.G. and Grandpa Rick gave me? Well, you can change it from a car that I can sit in to a car that I can stand behind and push! Isn't that cool!

I've also been busy honing my musical skills. I'm thinking of starting a one-man band. I can already play the piano, sing, and play percussion all at the same time!

So as you can see, I keep myself pretty occupied. It's hard work so I make sure I get plenty of rest. In fact, Saturday night I slept from 7 pm to 10:15 am! Even I couldn't believe I was such a sleepy head!

The Very Hungry Dinosaur

This evening, I was playing around in the living room. Then, I felt a little rumbly in my tummy and realized it was dinner time. I looked around for Mommy...Uh-Oh...she had fallen asleep for a little siesta on the sofa. I decided I would take matters into my own hands.



How's that for putting some fiber in your diet?

My Special Pout

So, sometimes, when I don't get my way or I don't want to be put down, I will throw my head down on the floor and roll over. Sometimes I let out a big cry at the same time, but not always. Mommy and Daddy have decided that this is my way of pouting. What do you think?

Step by Step

Folks, I am slowly working my way into this whole bipedalism fad. I don't know. It's pretty hard work, and I can get around much faster on all fours. I figured I better give it a shot, though.

Let's talk about standing first. Getting up on my knees is a piece of cake, but so far I've only been able to accomplish full-fledged standing in the bathtub.

I can't believe Mommy uploaded this picture. How embarrassing!

So, you may think that, since I can only stand in the tub, walking will take a while. Nope. I love to walk! Just grab my hands and watch me go! But don't you dare get tired and put me down...that makes me mad.

Move Over Bob; There's a New Builder in Town

Grandma and Grandpa got me a tool set for Easter. Nannie Toni and Uncle Andy got me a hammer. Well today I thought I'd put my new tools to use. I got my tools out, first. Then I found some directions in the file box Daddy left on the floor! Mommy says most men don't use directions, but I'm not most men.




Well, I better get going. That dresser's not building itself, you know!

Chomper #4

Now I have another reason to get used to that toothbrush. Another tooth broke through today. Now I have all 4 of my front teeth: top and bottom!

Toothbrush Trauma

Well now that's I'm up to 3 pearly whites, Mommy says it's time to get serious about brushing. She had been using this little brush that slips onto her finger to brush my teeth. Well, tonight she tried something new...my very own toothbrush. Are you serious? Now, don't get me wrong, I put a lot of things in my mouth, but this toothbrush can stay out as far as I'm concerned.

Scaredy Cat

But I'm not scared of cats. Or dogs. Or dinosaurs.

Nope, here's what really scares me:

Mommy says it's okay. She doesn't like them either.

Note from Mom: Rex just cried out in his sleep; I wonder if this gave him nightmares!

Totally Tubular

I thought after getting home after my bedtime last night that Mommy would let me sleep in this morning. But at 5:00, she came into my room and woke me up. She put me into some fresh PJs and we all got into the car and headed out.

Mommy told me that I was going to have surgery to make my ears better. She said the doctor was going to put tubes in both of my ears so that all the stuff that makes them feel yucky would drain out.

When we got to the surgery center, it wasn't long before a familiar face walked in the door. Last week I met a baby named Drew at the pediatrician's office. Well, here he was again! It turns out he was having ear surgery too. I had fun playing with him in the waiting room. He crawls really fast. Soon after that, another baby showed up. I was having a blast!

Well, soon after that I had to go back to the surgery room. They put a mask on my face. The next thing I remember is waking up with all these strange people around. I felt really funny, too. I never want to feel like that again. I was so groggy and upset. Mommy told me later it was because of something called "anesthesia". The nurse brought me back to Mommy and Daddy, and they let me have some juice. After a few minutes I started to feel better and calm down.

By the time we made it home (before 8:00AM- that surgery thing was fast!), I was feeling pretty good. I had a big breakfast, and settled down for a much-needed nap. I woke up from that nap feeling better than ever. My ears are feeling great, and I can hear much better, too.

For the rest of the day, I was in a great mood. I got a little cranky once evening hit, but all in all I think this surgery was just what I needed!

Me in my funny hospital shirt...it made my back cold.

My First Vacation- The Conclusion

Well folks, here's the scoop on the rest of my vacation.

On Tuesday, Aunt Lindsey met up with us again, and we ate at Mommy and Daddy's favorite place...The Cheesecake Factory. I got to taste all sorts of food including Mommy and Daddy's favorite appetizer...Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes. Uncle Andy gave me a taste of papaya. Now I've eaten papaya before, but this papaya was so super sweet. When it first hit my mouth, I didn't know what had happened. I thought maybe something was attacking me, and I tried to wipe at my face to get it off. The end of the meal was good though. I shared Uncle Andy's Banana Cream Cheesecake, and I had a cup of coffee. Here's the picture to prove it.

I also met my fur-cousin, Daisy. I even got a hold of her rawhide and chewed on it. Mommy wasn't too happy about that.

Yesterday, we flew back home. We had two plane rides this time. I took a good nap on the first flight. The second flight wasn't bad either.

G.G. and Grandpa Rick were waiting for us when we landed in New Orleans. They took us to eat chinese food. Well, I didn't actually eat chinese food. I had spaghetti. Mommy's sweet and sour sauce looked so good. When she accidentally put it within my reach, I seized the opportunity and grabbed. Oops! My diaper bag is now sweet and sour. Mommy says that's a good way to describe me, too.

I had a great time in Virginia. I will miss my Nannie, Uncle, and cousins, but they said I will see them again at Christmas time.

My First Vacation- Part One

I've experienced a bunch of "firsts" in the past few days. It was my first trip out of state (not counting when I was still in Mommy's belly). It was my first time on a plane. It was my first Easter. It was also my first time meeting my Uncle Andy and cousin Noah. Here are some highlights from my trip so far.

Saturday morning I was woken quite early by Mommy. We headed out to the airport. I learned all about passing through security. Apparently everyone has to take their shoes off...even babies! I didn't enjoy the plane ride too much. My ears were bothering me, my gums were hurting, and I didn't like being cramped up and not able to crawl around. I did the best I could, though.

When we arrived in Virginia, we were greeted by Uncle Andy, Noah, and some very cold, windy, and rainy weather. Aunt Lindsey came over to see me, too. She has been in VA for the past few months.

Easter Sunday was a lot of fun. I got some awesome presents from the Easter Bunny. I had a lot of fun with my cousins. They are kind of loud and quite energetic, but it keeps me entertained. I practiced on the piano, and discovered a brand new way to play it. It will probably be all the rage among musicians very soon. Aunt Lindsey came over again, and we all went to eat at Carraba's. I decided to pass on the baby food for lunch. Instead I shared the appetizer with everyone...fried zucchini! I was feeling so nice that I decided to share quite a bit with the floor, too.

Today, we went shopping at this fun store called Ikea. We also went to the mall where I got to drive my very own car.

My trip caught up with me today, though. I've been so cranky and (I must admit) whiney. I'm so glad it's bedtime. Alexa read me a bedtime story about a cute baby. Now, I'm ready to hit the sack.

Mommy helped me put some pictures into an album for you to see. I put some descriptions on them, so make sure to click on each one and read what I wrote. It was hard work!
http://s303.photobucket.com/albums/nn159/CuteasaurusRex/Virginia-Easter%202009/

I will write another post later this week to let you know how the rest of my trip goes.

I hope you all had as great of an Easter as I did!

Love, Rex

Double Digits

Friday, I turned 10 months old! Here's a pic Mommy snapped to commemorate the occasion.

Chomper #3

Greetings from Virginia! I am having a blast with Nannie Toni, Uncle Andy, and my cousins, Noah and Alexa. I will be blogging soon about the fun I've been having, but keep in mind I'm away from my office and my usual equipment so it may take me a couple of days to get it together. We'll see. Maybe I can rig something up tonight. I just wanted to fill you in on the latest. When I woke up on Easter morning, Mommy discovered that my top front tooth on the left had finally cut through. Boy, that one had been bothering me for the last week. What a relief! My mouth is still hurting a bit so I think the right one is not going to be far behind.

My Sweet Treat

Today was my last day at daycare before Easter vacation. To celebrate we made cupcakes! Mrs. Monica sent one home with me. Mommy let me have some of it, but I shared the rest with her and Daddy. Mommy said it would be good practice since my birthday is coming up in a couple of months. It was so yummy. It had been such a long day that I started to get tired. You can always tell when I'm tired because I start rubbing my face and eyes. Well, I forgot my hands were full of cupcake, and I rubbed it all over my face, eyes, and hair. Oops! When I was done, it was straight to the bathtub for me. Now I can't wait until my birthday!

A Swing Fit For A King

Since we are going out of town this weekend, the Easter Bunny stopped by last weekend. He brought me this really cool swing.

Sorry, Carli

To my dearest girlfriend, Carli,

I want to apologize for my behavior yesterday. I'm sorry I tried to take your toys away. I'm also sorry for pushing you when you wouldn't let go of them. Your toys just looked so much more exciting than mine, but I know that's not an excuse for what I did. I promise to try harder to be nice and share. Thank you for forgiving me. I had fun playing "nice" with you today. I really enjoy crawling with you and chasing you around. And do you remember that conversation we had last week? It was so funny that we both just cracked up laughing at each other. I want to continue having fun times like that. From now on, I'll be on my best behavior.

Love,
your buddy,
Rex

If You're Happy And You Know It

Here's the other trick I've been working on.

Just Say No

Now that I've got crawling down pat, I decided to work on some new tricks.

I told you last week that G.G. taught me a lot about the word "no". Since then when someone tells me no, sometimes I tell them no back by shaking my head.

Here's a video although I saved my best ones for when Mommy's camera wasn't on.

Oops! I Did It Again

I don't know what happened. One minute I was in my crib peering through the rails to see if Mommy was coming back. The next minute I was off in dreamland. I woke up kind of upset. I don't think this is the most comfortable position to sleep in.

Campout

On both Thursday and Saturday I got to spend the night at G.G. and Grandpa Rick's house! I had a blast.

G.G. taught me a new word...NO! I even learned to shake my head back and forth like I'm saying no.

I'm way too tall for my porta-crib so I got to sleep in something called a peapod. It's so cool. It's my very own tent. I "camped out" in the guest room. It was very comfy...so comfy that I slept all night both nights.

I had such a great time. I was full of smiles and giggles all weekend long. I can't wait to go sleep over again!

Now the Real Fun Starts

Hi there, it's Mommy again. While Rex is at daycare, I thought I'd take over his blog again to share an anecdote with you. Since he started crawling, Rex is into everything! Yesterday evening we went to Walmart. I thought with him being in the buggy, I'd have some control. Nope. Rex is only 9 months old, yet he has already learned how to shop. He got his hands on a pack of markers and threw them in the back of the buggy! I thought I had a little more time before I had to worry about that, but apparently not.

Mommy hijacks the blog

Mommy here. The little blogger was getting a bit cranky, so I put him in his crib for a nap. A few minutes later it was pretty quiet so I went to check on him. I was being careful not to let him see me, but I could tell that he was awake and moving around. A few minutes later, I went to check on him again and found this. Luckily, the camera didn't wake him up!

Eating Out

It was such a beautiful day yesterday, that when Mommy and I got home we decided to go sit under the tree outside and have a little picnic. We had a great time. Mommy took the top off of my bottle, and I drank my juice from it like it was a big-person cup. I did pretty good with it! When Mommy wouldn't let me eat the clovers and flowers, I settled for the next best thing...puffs. We didn't stay out too long because the bees were making Mommy nervous. Here's a picture and video for you to enjoy.

Move Over Dora...

...there's a new explorer in town!

I've only been crawling for about a week and a half, but I've really got the hang of it. Now when I see something appealing, I just head straight for it. Why do Mommy and Daddy take everything away when I try to put it in my mouth?

My Very Own Shoes

Aren't they so cool! And my LSU shirt is a hand-me-down from cousin Noah.

My New Ride

I've been getting so tall that I'm just about too tall to fit in my infant carrier. Mommy and Daddy bought me a new car seat. I took my first ride in it today. Boy, is it comfy. Take a look.

Chomper #2

This past weekend I woke up with that nagging pain in my mouth. It hurt so bad that I could do nothing but fuss and fuss all weekend. I wanted Mommy so bad that I would start screaming every time she walked away from me. On Sunday she discovered the reason for my awful mood. Another tooth has broken through. It's on the bottom right next to my other one. Now that it's out, I'm feeling better.

Houston: We Have Forward Motion!

I've been working hard on my crawling skills. I don't quite have the mechanics yet, but I finally figured out how to move forward. I also got from a crawling position to a sitting position and a sitting position to a crawling position all by myself! This is so awesome! I just can't wait to get my hands on all these cool things around the house that I've been looking at for almost nine months now. Here are some highlights from the afternoon.

C is for Crawling

Mission: Slow but Possible

(I had to break the video into 2 clips to upload it)

Tower of Babble

After months of cooing, shrieking, and gurgling, I am moving on to a new set of sounds. I had been putting my lips together and saying "mmmmmm" for quite some time. Then this past Sunday I turned it into "ma ma ma". Since then I've been working on sound after sound. Yesterday, I tried out "ba ba ba" and today I premiered "na na na", "da da da", and "bla bla bla"! How did I not realize sooner all the amazing sounds I could make with my mouth?!

While we're on the subject of new things I'm learning, I'm sure you are all wondering how I'm doing with getting around these days. Well, if I'm sitting down, and I want to get somewhere, I kind of just scoot myself forward with my bottom. I haven't quite figured out this crawling thing yet. I can get onto my knees, but I can't figure out how to go anywhere in that position. Sometimes I just get on my knees and rock back and forth. Mommy says I will be crawling in no time. That is if I don't start walking first. I try to pull up on everything. I still need help to get to that standing position, but that doesn't stop me from trying. Whatever is closest to me I grab onto and pull. Today the closest thing was my girlfriend Carli's head. I'm not sure she appreciated that.

And one more thing before I sign off. Remember that tooth I got last month? We finally got a good picture of it so I thought I'd share. No sign of any other teeth yet.

Bathtime!

I just love taking baths in the big tub! Here's a video for you to enjoy.