Andy's Birthday...A Little Late!

Well, Julie and I have been back in the Bronx for about a month now, and we're just getting around to posting our updates. I think we'll start with Andy's birthday, since it was his first, was quite a bit of fun, and the pictures are adorable! Here we go:

Julie went all out with Andy's cakes. We were going for a sports theme, had invited quite a few people over, and couldn't decide which sport deserved exclusive representation, so we went with three cupcake cakes! To make it even better, each individual cupcake had an Oreo cookie baked into the middle. Tasty!

Andy knew that something cool was happening, but wasn't quite sure what it all meant. He rapidly discovered, however, that whatever was going on, it was all about him!

He had no problem diving into the cake. He even peeled the cupcake holder off by himself. The promise of food leads to the greatest strides in early childhood development!

People clapping at everything you do + birthday songs + cupcake and frosting goodness = 1 year old heaven!

Andrew got a ton of presents. We actually had to buy a duffle bag to get them all home (thanks to everyone)! This was one of the few times when Andy was still long enough to get a good picture. He was way too excited to stay in one spot!

Andy loves this ABC Turtle. I, on the other hand, often threaten to remove the batteries and throw them across the room.

What can I say? My kid loves his balloons.

We were even able to play some pin the tail on the donkey. Kali was able to march right up to the donkey, place the tail in a near perfect position, and add final adjustments until it was perfect, all while "blindfolded". She'll do well!

Mattox was able to try, too. His attempt was also impressive, particularly since it was a bit more of the "honest try" variety.

One of Andy's favorite toys was this police truck, complete with siren and working lights. All of the little boys' eyes lit up when they saw this toy. Once Andy got ahold of it, there was a never ending cacophony of sirens and self-made truck noises. Yet another toy that is threatened with battery disembowelment on a frequent basis. Thanks, Granddad!

Well, that's it for now. Rest assured we have many more pictures from our trip and Christmas, and will try to get them up over the next few days. Thanks to everyone who made Andy's birthday an amazing time!

Heading West!

For the next wonderful week, Julie, Andy, and I will be soaking up the rays in beautiful California, courtesy of an understanding medical school administration that scheduled strategic week-long breaks throughout our third year. We thought that we would post a few pictures to bring everyone up-to-date before we leave our computer behind and remain blogless until at least December 6. Don't worry; we will have our camera with us and can guarantee at least 150 pictures of Andy doing mundane tasks that only we find adorable!

Andrew with three of his favorite toys; his giraffe, my stethoscope, and his bowl hat. At least the kid is safe. If he falls off his giraffe he'll protect his head and have a stethoscope handy to assess any internal injuries. Brilliant!

Teaching Andy to earn his keep. You gotta start early!

Andy will often climb onto his stacked chairs, but I don't think he really knows how to climb off of them. This is the result. As you can see, our first instinct was not to help our child, it was to grab the camera and document his predicament while chuckling to ourselves. It will be a miracle if he survives his first five years!

On November 26th, Andy received his birthday present from Grandpa and Grammie Scarborough. When we opened the card, Andy found the enclosed money right away, promptly grabbed it and the card, and walked away. The kid is smart. He knows what's important to keep away from his parents!

He actually didn't make it that far before he sat down and inspected his new found wealth. I predict a banking career in his future.

He also received a new shirt and pants. He wanted to put the clothes on right away, and wouldn't wait for Mom and Dad to help. He's already quite independent.

I finally had to help him get the clothes on.

Inspecting the fit...Perfect!

For Thanksgiving we had several friends over. Everyone made some food and we all shared the bounty. It was absolutely delicious! I was stuffed to overflowing. After we ate, we broke out the Guitar Hero and rocked out. Andy wanted his turn, as well, so I obliged. With a little more training I think we could actually form a band. Watch out Osmond's, here come the Scarborough's!

Well, that's it for now. We'll post more in about a week. Take care and enjoy!

Out of Reach...

11/18/09

Andrew push this plastic chair over to the table so he could try and get Pat's book. His arms were still a little too short but I thought it was a good attempted.

It reminds me to keep things out of reach. This Same day we broke a candle holder (found and chucked by andy), a vase (knocked over by Pat, but I believe Andy was his accomplise), and a cup (left too low by pat or me and pulled down by Andy.) I think it is time to switch to plastic!

"What, Mom? I am not doing anything."

I think that if Andy could go everywhere with Pat, he would!

You know you are old when...

1. An egg poacher is an exciting birthday gift. (Especially if it is used to make you breakfast in bed.)

2. The older gentleman in the elevator points to your almost one year old son and asks, "Is he your grandson?" And being caught off guard you answer "yes". ( Sniff, sniff... I didn't think my one gray hair and the lines around my eyes were that noticeable. Maybe it is my round soft looking figure. He also guessed that Andy was 6 months old. )

3. Your husband makes a wonderful dinner and cake, friends come over and the only pictures you manage to get of the day are of your son before and after the party. (Oh, maybe that falls under "You know your a mom when...)

I had a wonderful 31st birthday! Thanks for all the calls, facebook messages, cards and visits!!

Andrew entertaining us with his favorite hats,

he would never take them off if they stayed on better.

Pretending to go to work, just like dad!

Growing up!

As Andrew approaches his first Birthday I find myself getting the camera out a little more. It may be that in the last few weeks he is changing and becoming less baby like and more and more a toddler.

11/13/09

Andrew has discovered that he can climb on his plastic chairs, and does it frequently.

Here he is blowing me a kiss.

He now willingly helps me sweep, oh how I hope it lasts.

He climbed into his Bumbo all by himself.

It was actually quite tricky for him to get his legs in the right place.

11/15/09

Andrew loves wearing Dad's stethoscope around his neck. He puts it on all the time!

"Its MY Stethoscope!!! DON'T TOUCH!!

Our Little Primate

Thought I would post a few more pictures of Andy in his Halloween Costume.

I usually pick up the Family room every night, only to have Andy destroy it every morning.

My Little Sweeper

Andrew has had a fascination with the broom lately, it seems like every time I turn around he has the broom out and is trying to sweep the floor. Although if I am sweeping up the floor he follows me around griping at me as to say. 'Not my stash, Mom! I was saving those Cheerios for later!"

He loves to eat frozen peas!

Playing horse ride with Daddy! Dad makes the best horse noises!