more from the umpqua

Pumpkin Patch!

Lucy and Theo bond in the back seat

Lucy and Theo got a great chance to bond spending so much time in the back seat together.  Theo was delighted with her furry companionship.  Lucy, of course loves to ride with her head out the window for a time, but when its time to settle in for the long haul, she favors resting her head on the end of Theo's car seat.  I thought Theo's habit of kicking while riding would be a nuisance to her, but she made the best of it, positioning herself for a nice scratch behind the ear with every kick, as you can see in the video.  She has developed into one of those dogs with a saintly patience level, what a good girl.

10-year Anniversary on the North Umpqua

Matt and I celebrated our 10-year wedding anniversary September 25 and spent 4 lovely days on the North Umpqua River.  Matt found us a wonderful house right on the river and we went on waterfall hikes, watched football, hung out on the deck and by the river and generally relaxed.  Theo loves the outdoors and it was fun to hear him giggle with delight whenever we started a new hike through the trees.  We managed to get a nice family portrait via holding the camera away from us (first shot) but Matt's favorite is the foot family portrait (last one).  

Uncle Chris visits!

We're a little behind on the blog, so I'm going back a couple of weeks.  2 weeks ago, Uncle Chris came and stayed with us and finally got to know his nephew via person to person contact instead of just the blog.  Chris will make a great dad some day and is very natural with the little dude.  We had a great visit.  Unfortunately, we didn't think to take any pictures until he was about to leave for the airport and Theo was in full thumb-sucking-ready-for-bed mode, but we got a few cute ones nonetheless.

Warlord Training III

We have been trying to make sure that  Theo doesn't take his training too seriously, even though his chosen profession is quite dangerous.  All of our staff  at PPDCS (Professional Papa Daycare Services) feel that it is important that Theo learn to enjoy everything he does - from warlording to eating mushy rice cereal, yoghurt and applesauce.  After all, even warlords need to have fun once in a while.   Certainly, the joy he experiences here will make him into a more well-rounded and fearless warrior.

Warlord Training II

Here at Professional Papa Daycare Services we provide each child with a series of exercises or projects that will help them develop the skills they need for their chosen profession. Whether it is doctor, lawyer, astronaut, or, in Theo's unique case, warlord, we cultivate every child's inner passion.  In this exercise Theo is practicing instilling both fear and compassion in his loyal followers.

Daddy Daycare and Warlord Training Part I

 

Many of you know that Theo's natural inclination with regards to his future profession is unusual, yet nonetheless worthy of being pursued -  21st century warlord.  He told me through a series of grunts and such that he believes it is a promising industry with much room for growth.  That being said, here at Professional Papa Daycare Services we are trying to meet his every need so he can be the best warlord he can be.  This is a video of his wrestling exercises.  As you can see, other children dare not enter the ring with him, so we had to give him Mr. Froggy to practice.

You Can't Handle the Cuteness

Greatest of Grandpas

Rev. Frank T. Jaggers

March 8, 1919-September 11, 2009

~one of the greatest grandpas there ever was~

Rhododendron Gardens

We went to the beautiful Rhododendron Gardens in southeast Portland last weekend and saw lots of ponds and trees and DUCKS and GEESE!  

Look at me!

Fun with blocks

Swinging

This is the first time Theo really enjoyed flying in the big boy swings at the park.  So sweet.

Big Trees

We have so many photos to share from our California adventure, but for now these few will have to do.  It was really a blast to show Theo the Redwoods, which just happens to be one of the most magical places I've been to.  More to come.  Promise... Oh yeah, ain't mom and baby cute?  :)

Almost 7 months

Bouncy chair revisited

We shared with you Theo's first moments of realizing his chair had bouncing capabilities.  Now that Theo will literally spend an hour bouncing, we thought we'd post another video for comparison's sake.  

First baseball

Matt took Theo to the toy store for the first time, looking for a ball - a simple toy, something to roll to the boy.  Not so easy to find, however.  He did find a large stuffed baseball that made intriguing noises when rolled.  He placed it in Theo's lap and the child lit up with glee.  This is for me?  -he seemed to beam.  All-right!  

6 months old and sitting

Theo turned 6 months old yesterday and is now fulling sitting on his own.  I finally got some pictures where he doesn't have his thumb in his mouth, which is his m.o. these days.  Of course I had to add a couple of sweet ones with the hand in the mouth, too.  And yes, that is sweet potato on his pants.  His favorite new food.  

Recent sweetness

Grandma Betsy's Birthday visit

We had a great visit with Grandma Betsy for her July 1 birthday.  Saturday morning before she left, Theo had 2 big breakthroughs for Grandma Betsy to witness: he sat up for more than 6 seconds, (more like 30!) and splashed in his bath water.  So fun.  

This one's for Aunt Carolyn

Theo loves the birthday balloon that came with Grandma Betsy's birthday flowers from Grand Aunt Carolyn.  Then he got a little distracted by Leroy...