Kicky Chair

But wait...there's more! Leo also digs his "kicky chair", which is really just a glorified hammock that happens to bounce when he kicks his legs (a favorite activity these days). The entertainment value is pretty vast. Not to mention, it's how we got dinner on the table tonight. It's particularly effective when accompanied by some ragtime, which is what we had on the sound system when the picture was taken.

Neck Strength: Improved

Leo and Laura went on a walk today, with the little guy facing outward for the first time. Not only did he look super cute (and kind of like a lawn gnome), but it was a big step forward in our non-stop efforts to keep him occupied and comfortable. Great job, everyone!

The Family Says "Hurrah!"

Family Road Trip: Santa Cruz

We're having a bit of a mid-winter heat wave here in Northern California right now, with day-time temperatures in the low 70's. Laura, Leo and I decided to take a little road trip down to Santa Cruz, 70 miles to our south to have some outdoor beers, change diapers in some beautiful scenery, and generally live the good life. Midwesterners, we are sorry.

Next Stop, Los Jarritos

Leo and Laura successfully returned
from the East Coast to rescue Rob
from the boredom of being family-less.


With this maraca, Leo seems well primed for the neighborhood. It's the first time he hung on to something in his tight little fist, and with his wild flailings, the whole thing seemed to work. Watch out for him next time you're out to brunch, and keep your singles handy.

Fun Visit, New Toys

Holy cow. Florida has new toys. With lots of colors. And stars, and other dangly things.... What a place.

Thanks, Gran and Bob!

Leo's Baptism

Leo was baptized while he was in Florida, with the help of his Gran, and his Uncle Gary. It was a very exciting event, that made the entire family proud.

Lord, Leo is a Travelin' Man

Leo and Laura went to visit Gran (Lana) in Florida after the New Year. This entailed a cross-country flight, including a transfer, amounting to lots of anxiety on the part of Leo's parents. Fortunately, he and Laura arrived safely, without major incident. Way to go, little traveler.

Happy 2009, New Family Style

New Year's Eve had a distinctive feeling this year. We celebrated with our dear friends Jessica, Ernie, Pilar and their new daughter, Camilla. With a 3 year-old, 6 month-old and 2 month-old in tow, the party was...different from previous years. In the end, we ate well, drank well, celebrated our prosperous families and (in the case of Ernie and me) made it past midnight! 2009 is the dawning of a new era, to be sure. All the best to you all in that effort.

Disco Leo

Oma and Babo took little Leo to a great Belgian french fry and beer joint in the Mission the other day. They have this cool mirror-ball wall, which offers the obvious photographic opportunities.











I think they're pretty in to him.

Just plain old cute mom and baby

Non-SF people, you knew it was only a matter of time...

...before we got the tyke into some tie-dye. The overalls are just bonus Bernal Heights-style. He likes it, I swear.

Leo meets more of La Familia

Wow - what fun. In one very big week, Leo got to meet his two tias (Lena and Cara), along with his Babo (Bob), while also spending some QT with Oma (Rosie) and Auntie Em's. Good times indeed.

Merry Christmas, from Leo

Christmas with a new kid
offers many opportunities:
family, memories, and
best of all: great photo
op's. Yes, this is Leo stuffed
into a stocking. Yes, he appears to be enjoying it. Yes, those are Christmas jammies.




















...and, yes, the results were predictable.