Soygurt, Puppy Love and My New Career as a Swimsuit Model

It's always an exciting time around here when we find a new "safe food" to add to Liam's repertoire. Anything that doesn't cause itching, hives or a dash to the emergency room qualifies. So we are happy to report Liam's first safe dairy item other than $30/can formula: Soygurt! Mmmmm. Fortunately he's on board but only if he can feed himself.....
Well, it's been a long time coming but Mojo seems to have resigned himself to Liam's presence. In fact, I'd almost say he is enjoying the showering of kisses that Liam bestows on him each day. He could probably do without the crowded-into-a-corner head-lock hugs but hey, it's a start! The only trouble is, as soon as this duo spots me with a camera the love fest is over. So this sneaky shot is my only proof of their new bond...at least for now. :)

And finally, my new career as a swimsuit model. Did you read the rest or just scroll down to this part? :) Well, it might not be quite as glamorous as that. In fact I'm sure it had more to do with Liam's adorableness than mine. But we looked outside at the rain and drizzle this morning and thought it would be way more fun to get wet at the swimming pool than by walking a few metres outside our front door. And while we were splashing about, just being our naturally photogenic selves (wink) we were "scouted" by a photographer and an employee of the city and asked to model for some photos to be used in the city's leisure guide or other promotional material. The whole situation seemed a bit ridiculous to me...anyone who knows me at all would never guess that I would
a) agree to be photographed in a swimsuit of any kind, ESPECIALLY an oh-so-flattering (uh, no) maternity suit, and
b) would appear to be comfortable and enjoying myself in the water. With a slippery baby.
But that's how it went down! We hammed it up for the photographer, splashed in the water, played with a watering can (Liam's idea - the camera loves that kid) and then Liam topped it all off by floating around on a little raft. There was fancy lighting and "extras" in some shots to make it look natural. And we were paid in swim passes. (I love that.) What did YOU do this morning? :)

A place of his own....and some really great hair!

Like all first-time (read: paranoid) Moms I was a bit concerned when Liam recently started retreating to a remote corner under the kitchen table for lengths of time. Regularly. Concerned that this self-imposed time-out was an early sign of antisocial behavior disorder, I overlooked an obvious pattern: poop. Yes, this little corner is where Liam goes for a bit of privacy. And when he's all done he emerges from under the table happy as ever. And a little stinkier than when he crawled in there.

This next picture is exceptionally bad, but it's the only shot I got of that hair before he took a cheek-first tumble into the coffee table. Uncle Mike: if you're reading this....how could Liam pull off this look with the baby buzz cut you've been advocating? Seriously!

And one more, just because....

He Speaks!

Tuesday was a pretty big day for us...we finally witnessed Liam's first real "word"! Now we've waited a long time for this, so a little background to build the suspense here. The last month or so we have noticed huge leaps in what Liam understands. He can point to his nose, ears, eyes, tummy etc. on command, understands phrases such as "find your shoes and sit on the stair" etc. But talking has been a long time coming. Turns out, we just weren't asking the right questions! If I have his undivided attention (not easy), point to myself and say in a particularly animated way: "Who am I?" his answer is....."Mom!" Actually, it's more like "Mmmmmm-umm" but I'll take it! I am a proud Mmmmmm-umm indeed. Unfortunately I don't have a sound file to share so here are a few random pics from the last week or so to celebrate!Nothing like a snack to avoid a meltdown at Ikea (this applies to our whole family)...

Too cool for Smalland...
And while we're on a family-friendly dining theme...yes, this next picture was taken at McDonalds. ***GASP*** But you will notice that he is eating apple slices. And there is no photo of what Matt and I inhaled, but I will admit our apples came in a baked pie format. I'm calling it a craving. Matt's on his own. :)

Some Assembly Required

As it turns out, our expectation that one little wooden gate would contain Liam for the next couple years was a bit naiive. This weekend Matt had the enjoyable task of installing two heavy-duty metal gates on the main floor. Liam oversaw the project and clarified a few of the instructions. He reads the newspaper now, too. :)

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

I have to thank my daughter (so strange to say that!) for leading me to discover this piece of Starbucks goodness. She had me waking up thinking about a Pumpkin Spice Latte this morning. Not only do I not know if this beverage exists, but I am not a fan of pumpkin. But she's a persistent little one so I figured my best bet to satisfy her specialty craving was at Starbucks. (I think we have a diva in the making.) Well, no luck on the PSL, but I did try the oh-so-dreamy Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate. And now you must go see what I'm talking about. Bliss in a paper cup. I think it made her happy. And I think it will make you happy too. :)
But back to why you're here: Liam! Hot chocolate/soy bottle (poor kid) in hand we headed to the park this morning to soak up a bit of fall before we're soaking up....well, rain.
Liam got to shake his sillies out unencumbered by the vice grip I've had on his hand since he left part of his eyebrow on the sidewalk last week. (He's recovering nicely, by the way.)Last stop was a trip to the water park where Liam managed to find the only source of water there: a very small puddle. But a very small puddle = very wet pants for Liam, so it was back home for a change, some lunch and a very long well-deserved nap for the both of us. :) A good day.
And just for fun, here's a rearview window shot. (Yes, we were parked at the time.)

The most exciting thing that happened around here today.....

The recycling truck came by. And some loud guys jumped on and off the truck and dumped all the recycling bins inside. And this was all very interesting to a curious little someone who waved at the crew with every stop.

Little Bruiser

Just when we thought he had the walking thing down, he went and picked up the speed! This weekend saw lots of bumps and bruises for Liam...the ones you see here are courtesy of a sidewalk faceplant. But he's still smiling!