A little catch up via photos

I used to have one camera.  Now I have 3.  And don't download any of them regularly.  Photo documenting isn't working as well as it used to.  And even if I was consistent about the camera use or downloading, I have my hands more full with two kids and don't have another pair of hands for a camera.  That may be why my iPhone takes more photos lately.  And why I don't have as many pictures/videos of Anson just being cute.  Sorry, son, I'm trying!  In any case, here's a sad attempt at a catch up!

Labor Day at the beach with the Haws Family

On Grammy & Papa's last weekend in CA before officially moving completely we spent the day at the beach, of course!  We had a nice lunch in Carmel and played on a couple beaches on the way home.

 Gramma (my mom) is the master fort-builder.  Notice the muli-level creation.  We're so lucky she can watch the kids every morning for us!

Fun stuff with my cousin Haley on her visit to CA (and her sister) for her birthday!  San Francisco, Ghiradelli, Natural Bridges State Beach, and a SJ Sharks game for Raimo's birthday.

 And, of course, a pre-Halloween pumpkin patch!  Train ride, hay tunnel, corn stalk maze, farm animals, finding a perfect pumpkin (there were lots, actually), bumping into old neighbors, lots of fun!

Anson is a Walking Pro

This may be more of a personal journal entry than anything, just to document our little boy at this stage.

Anson has been walking for probably 6 months now, taking a step at a time.  For a long time he was walking everywhere but required a hand to do so.  I was definitely ready for him to just let go so I could walk with a straight back.

One night we had the Mukherjee's over and Anson was showing off his walking skills.  But instead of crashing into them he stopped in front and handed them something gently.  Turning point!

Not too long after that we were practicing walking between Blake and me and this is what we got:

The next day he was walking between Blake and I when we were in separate rooms in the house, just going back and forth.

The next day he was officially walking everywhere.  Yay!  He's been essentially walking for so long that he started with running, walking over things, carrying heavy objects, etc.  I really don't mind.  He was into everything already anyway and at least he's not pulling on me all the time.  I can walk freely now, too. :)

Some more "stats" on Anson at 16 months:

• At our recent checkup our pediatrician told us he's at the 6th percentile for weight and the 90th percentile for height, which has been consistent for his lifetime so far.  He's a tall and lean kid.
• He can say: Mama, Dada, Mama (a little differently for Gramma), Papa, ball, Co (for cup and milk), car, koki (hikoki is Japanese for airplane), bapo (Japanese for belly button), kaka (for cookie/cracker), hah (hot), nana (for banana and string cheese), buh-bow (bubble), uh-huh (for yes) and uh-uh (for no), buh-bye
• He imitates inflection for "Here mama" (handing something over),   "I wan(t) Mama",
• He can sign: dog, ball, more, food, milk, drink, juice, please, diaper, ice-cream, cheese, banana, peas, bread, cereal, car, airplane, train, hot, wash hands and go!
• He also thinks it's funny to pinch his nose and say "Mama"
• He LOVES (and chases) dogs, cats, and cars.  
• He also loves balls and has a pretty good arm.
• He dances to music, claps after every song someone sings or plays, and sometimes conducts the music with both arms.
• He clasps his hands together for prayers.
• Every morning he gives kisses & hugs, blows kisses, waves good-bye, and signs "I Love You" with just his index finger extended.
• His favorite people are Mom, Dad, Claire, Gramma and Amanda but also likes to talk to family on Skype.

 We love this kid!