Luke's First Haircut

It was definitely time.  Yes, it was still very cute.  Yes, strangers in stores would stop us (almost every day) to comment on how much they like the hair.  Everyone loved it.  His hair was becoming his defining feature.  Not in a Donald Trump kind of way, but in a cool James Dean kind of way.  But still it was time.  So today we took Luke to get his first haircut.


Unaware of what was about to happen, Luke waits patiently for his first haircut.

James Dean - Luke's first hair idol 

What's going on here... why am I getting strapped into this chair?

Everything started fine.  There were many interesting things to look at and distract his attention as we buckled him in the chair.  Everything was fine until the electric clippers were turned on (Bzzzzzzzzz) and started trimming the back and side of his hair.  Poor Luke was scared to tears.

I know... it's pitiful.

Luckily the electric trimmers only lasted a minute or so, and Luke was able to calm down with the distraction of some bubbles and the comfort of his binky (which he normally only uses to fall asleep for naps and at night).  Before we knew it, a new - even cuter - hair style emerged.

Almost finished and Luke is feeling better

Now he's sporting a cool new short hair style.  Of course he still looks super cute.  And it didn't take long for his new hair style to catch someone's eye.  Walking out of the haircut store, a stranger passing by noticed his new haircut and stopped us to say... "he's so cute - I love the hair!"

So cute... and still cool!

Luke Turns 8 Months Old

Our little guy has turned 8 months old and he keeps getting cuter every day.  We didn't think it was possible but it's true!  See these pictures taken over the last couple of months...

Enjoying the swing in the backyard

Luke and big sister Maddie enjoying the backyard swing

Luke looking for something to put in his mouth

This smile makes us smile

Having a ball in his bedroom

Luke loves when big sister plays too

Ready for PJs after a bath

Eating time can get messy

Relaxing in a mini man chair

 Fun Luke facts at 8 months old...
Favorite Food: All of them... we haven't found a baby food he doesn't like!
Favorite Pastime: Standing while holding someone's fingers
Least Favority Activity: Learning to crawl - he's almost got it but gets very upset after a few minutes of trying
Longest Continuous Sleep: Sleeps through the night EVERY night now (yipeee)!
Weight: 22 lbs at last doctor visit (at 7 months)

Run, Maddie, Run!

As some of you know, Maddie joined the school running club this past fall.  The running club meets 1/2 hour before school every Tuesday and Thursday.  The children are given 20 minutes to run laps and collect popsicle sticks for each completed 1/4-mile lap.

We weren't certain if Maddie would enjoy this activity or how long she might continue in the club.  Well running club "season" is over next month and Maddie is still running before school every Tuesday and Thursday.  She has shown great determination and desire as she has steadily improved over the past few months.

Maddie and friends from class stay loose before a race

This was evident recently during an after school "race" event with multiple elementary schools participating.  Maddie started the 1 1/2 mile race quickly, running past several of her kindergarten classmates and soon she disappeared out of sight (the race was around a large loop in a local park).  Tom started walking the race course thinking he would meet Maddie on the course.  Well he didn't get very far when Maddie came running into sight.  She was very tired but was determined to continue running until she crossed the finish line.

Maddie passes the 1-mile mark and sees the finish line in the distance

Maddie enjoys a popsicle after the race

She finished the race much faster than we thought she would and she didn't walk at all (that was her goal)!  We couldn't have been more proud of her.  Now she's looking forward to another after school race in February and another 1 1/2 mile fun run with Dad on a weekend, also in February.  Dad's a little nervous that his 6 year old daughter will embarass him during the race... and Maddie has already said that she won't wait for him if he needs to walk!

Run, Maddie, run!

Maddie Rides Her Two-Wheeler

For months Maddie had been trying to ride her bicycle without training wheels.  Several of her neighborhood friends were already riding two-wheelers so she was determined to learn too.  We first tried in a flat open grassy area but it was too difficult to pedal (but falling didn't hurt).  We next tried on the street where Dad would run behind holding the seat and let go when he thought she was balanced.  That didn't work well either and Maddie took a few hard spills.  She didn't try again for a few months - mostly afraid of falling but also not confident that she would ever ride a bike!

Recently Dad found a simple technique online to teach children how to ride a bike.  We tried it over the long MLK weekend and within one hour (spread over three days) Maddie was riding her bike! 

She's been riding her bike every day this week after school and the riding distance (and duration) is increasing each time she rides.  She is now completely steady when she rides and has mastered starting, stopping, and turning.  There's no more fear - in fact we have a hard time getting her off the bike.  This weekend she wants to go for lots of bike rides with her friends... she's really enjoying her new bicycle and it's fun watching her having so much fun.

See the video below from day #4 (she's even better now).

Tooth Fairy Visit Tonight

After weeks of wiggling, Maddie lost another tooth today!  This is her first top tooth to fall out (the other two were on the bottom).  She eagerly anticipates a visit from the tooth fairy tonight!

Maddie smiles with one less tooth

Lola Loves Luke

Lately Luke has really started to take an interest in Lola.  He'll watch Lola walking around and sometimes giggle at her.  When Luke is playing on the floor and Lola is nearby, he will often try to reach out to touch her.  We have to keep a close watch on Lola because she LOVES to lick people.  This time we were too slow!

Luke pets Lola

Lola returns the affection with a quick lick to the face

Luke is not sure if he likes that kind of love

Dog slobber... Yuck!

Maddie's 6th Birthday Party

It wasn't the typical six year old girl birthday party theme... but it was memorable.  As many of you know, Maddie LOVES animals and in particular, she loves reptiles.  So what better party theme for her than"creepy crawly" and the feature entertainment... Reptile Adventures!

Maddie holding a Bearded Dragon lizard

Maddie gets up close with a Bearded Dragon lizard

Maddie holding a Blue-Tongued skink

Maddie holding a Glass Lizard (it's not a snake)

Maddie examines a Rhinoceros Iguana

Maddie pets the Rhinoceros Iguana

A tree snake climbs along the "branches" of the Maddie tree

Maddie models her new snake scarf

Maddie sitting with 16-foot reticualted python

All the girlfriends gather around the pet the python

The party was a huge success (Maddie declared it the best party ever) and none of the guests were eaten!  One final snapshot of all the girls together in the backyard.

All the girlfriends pose for a photo in the backyard