Simple Pleasures, Part II

In this video, tearing paper leads to a series of giggles from Little Ted.

Simple Pleasures, Part I

Having a baby around reminds us that you can find enjoyment in the simplest activities. In the video below, Little Ted thoroughly enjoys watching mommy use an empty Sprite bottle as a musical instrument.

What Little Ted Notices . . .

Other babies - he usually bombards them with squeals of delight
TOYS! Daddy discovered this at the grocery store recently when he had to take the cart down the toy aisle to rejoin mommy as she picked out baby food
Trees - a long time favorite
Ice cream - he obviously has his parents' sweet tooth
Escape routes - if there's a small space at the edge of the baby barricade, he'll figure out how to squeeze himself through it

For those of you who are curious . . .

. . . here's a link to Little Ted's birthday wish list. There's not a lot on there because mommy can't really think of too many things he's in need of right now, but I'll add to the list if anything comes to mind.

http://www.amazon.com/Ted-Gonzalez-IV/wishlist/2HM7LMCDN7ULR/ref=cm_wl_search_bin_1

New Skills and the Consequences Thereof

It’s amazing how fast a baby learns how to do things.  In recent weeks, Little Ted has learned a lot.  He learned how to feed himself pieces of cereal and baby yogurt bites in a few days.  He learned how to climb the stairs after being shown how to do it just one time.  He can stand on his own for long periods of time.  He can clap and say a few words like “yay” and “uh oh.”  And the list goes on.

Of course, with all these new skills come new challenges for mom and dad.  Now that he can feed himself, Little Ted is not too fond of his pureed baby food.  He’d much rather eat what is on our plates.  Mom is scrambling to find “real” food that he can enjoy and that is healthy for him.  Also, he’s gotten good at putting things in his mouth that don’t belong there.  Now that he can climb stairs, he is always looking for ways to get around the baby barricade and to the stairwell.  And we have to be careful what we say because he can mimic us really well . . .

Cheap Thrills

Looking for an inexpensive “staycation” that can entertain the entire family?  Take a cue from the Gonzabloggers and purchase a 10 ft inflatable pool for your back patio, back yard, or other outdoor space.  Inflate, fill with water, throw on your suits, and enjoy! 

What’s the only good thing about teething?

Teething Biscuits!

Chomping on his teething biscuits is about the only enjoyment our little guy gets from the 4 (yes, I did say 4) teeth that are currently coming in.

Family Picnic

One of the great things about working for a college is all of the activities that are available to us through the college.  The one we attended this spring was the Family Picnic, open to all faculty and staff.

The picnic was held at the college’s 200 acre horse ranch, just a short drive outside of town.  The setting was absolutely beautiful, and the weather was perfect.  There were a few tell-tale signs, however, of the powerful thunderstorm that had rolled through just before the event, including some fallen trees and a toppled out building.  With that small exception, it was the kind of day that made you believe everyday was perfect in our neck of the woods. 

View Full Album

To the right are some photos we snapped of the day, but they don’t quite do justice to how beautiful a day it was.  We enjoyed good food, country music, and sunshine, making for a relaxing afternoon.

My favorite pics are the ones of Little Ted in his hat.  So cute – though it does make him look a lot like the Gorton’s fisherman.

First Haircut

During an outing to the bank, Little Ted was referred to as a “cute little girl” by the incompetent banker who was assisting us (our experience with her is a story in itself, but I will save it for another time and another place).  Needless to say, daddy was not pleased and decided then and there that his son needed a haircut.  So, a week after his baptism, we chopped off his long locks.  Here is a relatively uneventful video of the day.

Easter Sunday

The day after Little Ted’s baptism, we said goodbye to Ted’s parents, who had driven up for the event, and decided to enjoy a nice Easter breakfast at Cracker Barrel. 

Little Ted expressed his opinion of our outing before we leave the condo.

In the end, he enjoyed the trip.  He got to squeal at all the other guests enjoying their meals, eat breakfast himself, and observe the trees with his daddy (a favorite activity).

When we arrived back home, Little Ted attacked his Easter basket (courtesy of Grandma & Grandpa Gonzalez).

In the basket, he found candy, toys, and some cool shades.

Overall, we had a great Easter.

Baptism

Little Ted was baptized during the Easter Vigil service at our church on April 3rd, 2010. It was a very nice service performed by the same priest who baptized me, confirmed Ted and I, and married us.

Here we are arriving at the church.


And here we are with Fr. John and Little Ted's godparents, Bryan and Amy.


And what celebration is complete without cake?

Who Done It?

Based on the look on his face, it couldn't have been this child . . .