Safe Spot

My Bologna is getting a lot of attention from Dexter lately. He's been very patient with him, letting him pet him and chase him and pull his tail but sometimes that poor puppy needs a break.

New Camera

Santa got us a new digital camera for Christmas. My parents had given us their old one which we have been using since Dexter was born. The digital camera was certainly an improvement on our previous apparatus (35mm film) but it's memory card only held about 15 photos at a time, it was slow to take a photo, and it sometimes turned itself off for no reason. We are still exploring the features of our new camera but it seems like it's got some sort of 3D quality! This photo cracks me up - it's my new screensaver.

Getting to Know His Own Strength

Dexter is learning that he has the power (at least physically) to shape the world around him.

Zen Mommy Reflections

Yesterday afternoon I had a wonderful time with Dexter. I had decided not to turn on the computer or try to do any reading for work. During Dexter's nap, I had sorted through his toys, moving some out of rotation and arranging the room so that his similar toys were grouped together in different parts of the room (blocks, balls, books, musical instruments, farm/people, train, puzzles, etc.). When Dexter got up from his nap, he was so excited exploring this new arrangement and finding (and putting back!) his things. I had a great time playing together and I swear I could see little connections being made in his brain! When I picked up a hat from a table, he patted his head. He was doing the moonwalk - OK, he was just walking backwards but we were both pretty excited about it. No struggles with meals or bathing. He brushed his own teeth with just a little help from me. I feel like Dexter and I are both going through huge developmental phases right now: he is absorbing some understanding of and sense of control of himself in the world around him and I am learning how to experience the joy (and appreciate the importance) of these Dexter and Mommy Zen Moments.

Younger Woman

There is another friend of Dexter on the planet! Audrey Jeannette Bell (daughter of Katie and Nic) arrived very early Thursday morning. Mom and baby are well. Welcome to the world sweet Audrey!

Museum of Science and Industry

More of new year's Day at the museum including model trains in "Seattle", a playhouse, balls in water with Ian, driving a tractor with Daddy, and discovering wind power.

Chick Magnet

Daddy and I took Dexter to the Museum of Science and Industry on New Year's Day where we met up with his friends Ian and Ellerie. Dexter was immediately off and running. We spent some time at the chick hatchery watching two chicks actually break out of their shells (this bit was more fascinating for Mommy than for Dexy). Then Dexter went to the incubator that held the baby chicks. When he pounded on the glass they all came running over to him. He loved it!