Olympics

We really haven't let Q watch much TV recently. None really. My Dad is probably disappointed he missed the parade of nations at the opening ceremonies in Vancouver. My Dad (Pops) has been an avid Olympic fanatic since before I was Q's age. He is attending the winter games this year and blogging about his trip, a repeat of what he did in Beijing. If you are interested you can read about his experiences (with Nona Stina, of course) here.

The Birthday Recap

We didn't want to make a big deal over Q's first birthday. It was special for us, but we weren't sure he would remember a whole lot. We enjoyed talking with all the grandparents; though thanks to Fossil, he still thinks he can touch the screen of the laptop and get them to respond (ala the iPod touch).

We did have fun with a few presents, see previous post and had a good time with a friend who came over and took photos of Q enjoying his special birthday cupcake. Jenny, who teaches with Katharine, took tons of photos, most of which are way better than what I usually take. She has some of them available to download from her website and says she will place more up, but really, after shooting 204 photos, it is amazing she had time to post any.

I took most of the 204 and clipped them together in a slideshow. It is 6:31 long, so it's not for good for quick viewing, but it is most definitely recommended for commercial breaks and grandparents. If you have a good internet connection, and you are going to watch the full video, it is worth clicking on the little four-way arrow on the bottom to make it full screen.



We love our little guy. He is so wonderfully cute and has so much fun.

They Say It's Your Birthday

Q turned one year old yesterday. It has been an amazing year. Several people have asked how we feel, now that we have been parents for a whole year. Really, there is no way to describe the feelings and changes that have been brought to us by Quin. He is a wonderful addition to our family, so full of joy and happiness - we both love experiencing things fresh through his eyes, as well as just loving on him. We daily experience the love which has no real way of being quantified, described or even understood; the love that a parent feels knowing that child relies on them for everything; the love which makes sleepless nights and fussy meals and messed-up schedules seem like no big deal; the love that is so different than anything else in this world.

We love him. We love you - Happy birthday, Quinlan!

Hmmm....what's this paper for?

Unwrapping on my own

I don't care what's inside, this is fun!

Is there more?

There were new books hidden under that paper!

Testing out the new swing - Dad is hoping sunny weather will prevail,
and the swing can be hung from the tree in the front yard.

The only thing better than new books? Old books!

My food-loving Aunt Elena and Uncle Jason sent me a basket of treats.

It had chocolate strawberries and bananas.....I think I like that stuff.

Okay, I know I like that chocolate stuff.

The one-year birthday shoot. I'm so big now. The doctor said I am almost 23 pounds, 31 inches long, and my head is 19 inches around!

I'm all smiles for the our friend Jenny, who came to take photos of me with her fancy camera.

(Photo by Jenny)
Look, I'm one!

(Photo by Jenny)
Why can't I play with the candle?

(Photo by Jenny)
I guess playing with this part is worth not playing with the candle!
Jay and Elena may be teaching me to love chocolate, but Mom is teaching me to love cake and frosting (or in this case whipped cream on top of the strawberry shortcake cupcake)!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!

A Hat is a Hat, and a New Kitchen Sink!

By the way, just in case you couldn't tell from the Jared third-person reference, this is Katharine. :)

As Quinlan's one-year birthday approaches, we're still trying to revel in each and every precious moment. Poor kid, I'm sure he'll need therapy to suffer with the loss of 100% of Mommy and Daddy attention when the next one comes along. Today was Jared's (and Q's) fascination with a hat. So cute, no?

Gazing at Daddy and the hat

Peek-a-boo!

Here I am!

Also, check out Jared's first plumbing installation--yay, Jared! It looks very nice--if only we had thought about matching the rim of metal around the sink (who thinks of these things?)!

Before--country with handles that turn the wrong way

After--sleek, modern, non-leaky, and non-matching--anyone have a suggestion?

All in all, I have to give Jared props. He's become one heck of a handyman. Okay, so I helped. :) I held the fixture in place while he tightened it. Go me!

Food

Q has never been shy around his food. He eats with great enthusiasm and when given the chance, will stuff as much as he can in his mouth. The eating is fine; we'll have to work on table manners, but he is only 11 months and 3 weeks old, so I think we have some time for that. He does try to use his spoon and sometimes even gets food from the spoon into his mouth. When he misses, he simply grabs the food off of the spoon and then shoves it in.

For my birthday, Katharine got me a book: Hungry Monkey, a tongue-and-cheek, humorous rendering of one family's experiences with food and an infant/toddler. I finally (since my birthday was in November) finished it. I found it very interesting, as well as somewhat reassuring. The overall message was that your baby is a little person, so let them eat what people eat. Separate baby food isn't necessary, just cut everything small. Since reading it, I have been considerably more relaxed about Q's food. I know Katharine did not get me the book in an effort to force relaxation, but I am sure she likes that result.

Here is Q eating steak for the first time.

Notice the concentration and fine motor skills.

After 11 months, we can read his mind. Translation: "Meat! You've been holding out on me!"

In addition to the steak he enjoyed several servings of chicken pot pie this past week. In other food adventures, he has developed a very bad Cheerio habit. When sitting in his highchair, he reaches up to the pantry, pointing and yowling until we grab the giant yellow box.

Sometimes he gets to eat while playing. He has a wonderful smile, but it seems to get larger when he has a bowl full of Cheerios.

Other than food, he is really into his duplo blocks and his books. He uses his mouth as a third hand so he can move around and grab onto whatever he can reach. When allowed, he will empty off his bookshelf and usually grabs one of the two copies of his favorite book, Goodnight Moon. Yes, he is holding both of them.

Learning to answer the phone

Q has enjoyed the past several weeks with several visits from various grandparents. He has also been sick a few times, which is not as fun as the visits. Katharine and I enjoy watching him interact with his grandparents so much. It is a lot of fun to see his personality
and spirit continue to grow.