Peter's New Room

This past weekend, Ben and I went to IKEA in Burbank to pick up a few things for Peter's room. We thought he deserved a bedroom / playroom rather than a guest room with a crib in it.



We found this rug, which seemed like a really cool place for Peter to play with all of his cars, tucks and trains.



It's been fun to have the table and chairs in his room, mostly because Peter doesn't really know how to get down, yet.

This frog holds lots of toys!




The bookcase isn't new, but the location is. It is also the only place in the room that is high enough that Peter can't reach it, which is why all of the electronics in the entire room are on it. Not so attractive. I could use some ideas for another solution. Maybe Peter doesn't have to sleep with a sound machine AND a fan?



Peter has a great time playing computer games in his new room!

Peter Looks in the Mirror

Here's a video of Peter talking, looking and waving to himself in the mirror. A little cute, slightly boring in spots... Check it out if you have an extra 1:30.

Music at the Grove

Today, Peter and I went to the Grove to see this cool band.



We met our friends, Alex and Laura, there.



Peter was really glad to see them.



Is Peter trying to put the moves on Alex? He sure liked putting his arm around her.


Cute kids!

Some More from Michigan

Here are some photos from our time in Michigan. We really wanted to get a good family photo... Darn it.



These were the two best attempts. You probably won't be seeing either of these on our Christmas card.

Peter had fun reading his favorite book, "Pat the Bunny" with Moe.

He loved the park and going down the slide.

It was even better to climb the play structure and look out the cool boat window.

"I'm heading to the beach, guys. See ya later."

Peter and Vivian both spent lots of time on Sandy Beach.

Such cute towels. Thanks, Sarah!

We went out to dinner to celebrate Sarah's birthday. It's the day after Peter's. Here she is sitting next to Nanny opening some gifts.



This is my brother, Sam. He likes Coronas and is very focused when feeding Vivian dinner.

These babies had so much fun going out to dinner together.

More beach time...

My parents came to watch Peter splash around.



He would dive forward into the water to splash.

Here's Peter hanging out in the water with his dad, Posey and her mom and Aunt Ellie.

What a fun trip!

The Best $9 We've Ever Spent

Today, we got back from our week in Northern Michigan. We had a great time, and I'm so glad we celebrated Peter's birthday there. However, the travel there and back was a nightmare. Peter doesn't ever stop moving, and today's flight was no exception. It was also ridiculously early. That, combined with the time change, meant that we were back in LA by noon... An entire day with a little boy in constant motion and two exhausted parents. What to do?

Well... first we tried to find a babysitter to take Peter to the park while we took naps. When that didn't work, we decided to go to an indoor playground near our house called Under the Sea.

Peter loved it! There was so much to do. For a while, he pushed this little cart to practice walking.


Opening and closing the kitchen doors was lots of fun.



Do you think Ben looks tired?

How very LA to have a play food truck.



Is this a weird place for a nap?


I'll post some more pictures from our fun Michigan trip later this week. In the meantime, check out my brother's family's blog to see some of their pics from the trip.

Happy Birthday, Peter!

Wow, wow! Peter is 1 year old today! I can't believe it.

Really wish I hadn't put the number 1 candle on backwards...



For Peter's birthday, we traveled to Northport, Michigan for a week long celebration and vacation.






Peter and his cousin, Vivian, are getting really good at sharing and playing together.





We had a fun party for Peter's birthday. In addition to Vivi, Peter's friend, Posey, came over to play.

Peter got some cool toys to take over to Sandy Beach.

Lots of presents to unwrap.

Time for cake!


Peter's dad helped him out at first...

Then, Peter started to get the hang of it himself...

"I love cake!"

Posey was the only baby who would wear a party hat. Vivi and Peter... not so much...

After cake, we got these three sweet babies to sit still for a few seconds...

How cute are they?

Pre-Birthday Celebration

On Sunday evening, we had an early birthday party for Peter. These two fun and funny cousins, Ted and Mac, came over to celebrate with us.



Peter patiently waited to open presents.



He loved opening the gifts... especially the bows and paper.



He got a couple of cool new toys from Nonnie and Pop. His favorite is this one that makes all sorts of animal noises.



Myshka gave him this book about cats. Maybe it will help him learn to be gentle.



Here's a cool outfit from Nonnie and Pop.



Ted is a musician and is here in LA recording some songs with his band, Mansions on the Moon. I asked him if he needed a back-up singer, but I think they're all set for now. Darn it.



Peter loved hanging out with Mac and wanted to hold his hand while he ate dinner. Cute!