The Broom

Andy is getting his energy back - and enjoying his favorite new toy ... a broom!

So tired after all that sweeping!

The Flu

Poor Andy has been sick all week with a stomach flu - he was just not keeping food or drink down very well, but he was his normal sweet self all week, just with less energy. On Friday morning, I took Andy to the emergency room at Children's -- he was not able to keep even clear fluids down. He was moderatly dehydrated, so they gave him an IV of saline, and added two doses of sugar water and some anti-nausea medication. After 4 hours, he was hydrated and even interested in small sips of gatorade, and we were able to come back home. It's Saturday now and he's doing much better - eating and drinking in small amounts through the morning, and playing with his toys and Herbie. He's still generally pretty grumpy and probably still feels pretty bad, but overall he seems to be doing so much better.

The Chasing Game

Andy has a new game that he loves playing -- or trying to play -- with Herbie. He learned it when he visited Shawn's work, and a co-worker's dog who loves to be chased taught Andy the fun chasing game: you chase me, I chase you. Unfortunately for Andy, Herbie is not a fan of the chasing game -- or of getting caught! Andy loves hugging Herbie, petting him (i.e., a slap and slide), and kissing him. Herbie is such a patient dog, and always let's Andy yank on his tail and pull up to standing by grabbing on to Herbie's fur. But every once in a while, Herbie just can't take it anymore and simply walks away. Of course, now Andy thinks he just wants to be chased more....

Hail Storm

Hail! We had a huge hailstorm, as you can see. The thunder was incredible. Andy slept right through it, thankfully.

Sunday Walk on Alki

We spent this Sunday morning walking along Alki beach. It was crisp and clear!

We may have to rethink the trucker-style Spartans hat.

Shawn caught a great shot of Herbie shaking off the salt water!

All Andy wanted to do was walk down into the waves -- and he's a strong little guy! I finally had to pick him up and bring him back to the sidwalk because I could not convince him to walk in any direction away from the water.


Andy spent the afternoon and evening at Nonna and Grandpa's, while Shawn and I had an evening out to celebrate Valentine's Day.

Just Walking Around

Andy loves walking now, and he's getting steadier by the day. He's exploring his world from a whole new perspective -- walking right down the driveway and out onto the sidewalk!












With some gentle encouragement, Andy tries out his new skills on the patio.

Discovery Park

A beautiful night at Discovery with Nonna (on Andy's actual birthday).
Andy loves the view from high up on Daddy's back!






Andy loves the high grass at Discovery. Who knows why, but he finds the wheat grass very funny. Since he was just 4 months old, we've taken him here and he giggles when he pulls up long grass stalks.

A beautiful night!

Happy Birthday Andy!

We celebrated Andy's very first birthday on Superbowl Sunday. So many friends and family came to celebrate this amazing first year. Andy is such a lucky little boy!





Andy kept it together when we all sang Happy Birthday, but wasn't quite sure what to do with the big train cake! He ultimately decided to stick his hand right into the green and blue car!

Andy had a great time opening his first birthday presents ever!There were so many presents, Andy had to take a break and just rest among all his great new toys and clothes!

Andy especially loved the billy goat from Uncle Pete and Tita Esther!

Andy had fun practicing dunking with Daddy and his new hoop....

...and walking with his favorite new push toy!

Happy Birthday sweet boy!

Random Photos from Past Months

Andy plays with the huge "1" balloon from his first birthday.
Herbie gets some attention after Andy is in bed for the night!

Andy LOVES pasta.
The Bellevue Botanical Garden christmas lights were incredible!
On Christmas morning, Andy opened his new guitar and started practicing right away!
Christmas Eve at Michelle and Dave's house - so many presents!
Wearing Daddy's hat.
At Discovery Park in December.
Andy is standing at the door, watching me make a wreath on the front porch. My outfit isn't so cool, but my hair sure is.