I Love This Age

Our little boy is such a little man sometimes.  He and Ray have already developed this brotherhood sort of bond over "man stuff."  I don't know whether to roll my eyes or laugh hysterically at their antics.

Exhibit #1:
Ray's last day of work was yesterday and he is starting his new job on Monday, so he has 2 whole days off (well 1.5 because he has to go to his new job for awhile tomorrow...).  This means today is boy bonding day while I am at work.  Apparently Ray has been scouring craigslist for just this opportunity because I had been at work no longer than 2 hours when I get sent this photo:

Roscoe's new wheels (notice he is posed in front of Dada's wheels...):

Exhibit #2 (sorry, Ray, I have to document this):
Roscoe has become fascinated with his bodily functions and tells us excitedly when he peepees or poopies (generally after the fact).  He has not yet learned the difference between real poopies and, ahem, "false" poopies (i.e. gas), so we generally check his pants to verify his announcement.  The other day we were getting him ready for bed and Ray farted and Roscoe all-business-like says "poopies?" in his sweet voice and then peeks in Ray's pants to check for evidence.  I didn't verify, but let's all hope that it wasn't the real deal.

Big Boy and his Bug!

We have been debating long and hard about whether we should try and transition Roscoe to a "big boy bed" so the baby can use the crib or whether we should use a second crib for the baby until Roscoe seems more ready to move. 

I am hoping we have found an adorable solution to our dilemma that Roscoe can use as an in-between bed.  I mean...seriously?  How CUTE is this (I love you craigslist!):

Ray picked it up last night and it is not assembled yet, but just seeing the pieces on the side porch makes me smile.  I think with a big boy pillow and big boy blanket Roscoe will be pretty excited when he sees this guy.

Big News and Happy Little Things

Big News
The big news is that Ray has accepted a new job!  He starts in a couple of weeks and we are both excited about the change.  The firm he is joining does more high-voltage work, which is of interest to him and means nothing to me.  Much to his chagrin his first project will be... the Niners new stadium.  (In case you missed it, Ray is a die-hard Raiders fan - the Niners' bitter rival...)  Perhaps this will just be a practice round for when he gets to design for a new Raiders stadium someday (if they ever get their own stadium, that is).

Little Things
We had a great weekend last weekend with no major plans.  During the summer it seems we spend so many (great!) weekends out of town and busy doing things that the lazy days of summer don't feel very lazy.  Last weekend we stayed close to home: we had a midwife appointment (and Ray made us all crepes - our new appointment tradition!); we went to visit Uncie and Patti and meet baby Logan (she was precious!  And I was taking mental notes to remind myself of what life is like with a newborn), we brought Roscoe to church (I think he thought it was his own personal people-watching extravaganza with a dance-able soundtrack - i.e. he loved it); we went for a hike on Water Dog trail and had a picnic by the water (this mostly involved Ray chasing and catching Roscoe before he propelled himself off of the dock while the pregnant lady sat and ate.  And ate); we took a bike ride to the park for Roscoe to play (Ray says I am starting to ride like a fat man with knees out to accommodate the growing belly) AND Roscoe went poopoo on the potty (!!!)  I am pretty sure this was a fluke because we are not really potty training.  He knows what peepee and poopoo are and he likes to sit on the potty and check out the new view.  Generally, though, he hangs out on the pot for 5 minutes, says he is "all done" and then pees on the floor.  You can imagine my absolute shock when he was having a snack and told me "poopoo" (with accompanying poopie face) and I acted like the most fun thing ever would be to go sit on the potty.  He came, he sat, he pooped.  I have rarely been prouder as a mama.  I mean, the sheer intelligence it takes to put that all together awes me!  (I know this is a normal progression, but when it is your kid, it is pretty impressive to watch their brain just develop so quickly).  A wonderful and victorious weekend overall.

Lazy morning with Dada (complete with coffee/milk):

Roscoe loves to gather rocks from the backyard, but he got a little carried away the other day:

Maybe he wised up after pushing off the table and falling backwards.  Breakfast can be a dangerous task:

Eggs and Big Muscles (yeah, I still haven't figured out how to turn the camcorder...):

Roscoe Sure Does Love His Pups:

Summertime!

Summer is officially (and finally) here in the Bay Area.  The last couple of weeks have been warm and sunny with chirping birds and packed weekends - all signs that summer is in full swing.  Our summer festivities have included the county fair, dinner at a food truck gathering down the street, lots of walks and park visits, raking, Father-Son bike rides (Roscoe's favorite - and quite possibly Ray's, too!), swimming, camping, a quick visit from Uncle Joel and Aunt Karen (hooray!), Hog Island Oyster Farm, Father's Day picture frame making and Roo's discovery of the joys of a sandbox.

One of Roscoe's favorite summer activities is to "water" the lawn with the garden hose, complete with a "SSSHHHH" sound effect in place of actual water.  The other day he really put two-and-two together when he was running around diaperless between changes and we heard him going "SSSHHH" while peeing on the floor.  He reacted with a mix of awe and pride at his talent while Ray and I did everything in our power not to die laughing.  He will also now grab the nearest towel / piece of clothing / blanket and start mopping up his own pee.  Very helpful indeed.

He is such a big boy these days.  I just love watching him grow and learn and wish I could capture every single moment in my memory so I never forget this special time.

Waiting for daDA:

He can put on his own Crocs:

Painting a picture frame for Daddy for Father's Day:

Raking:

Resting / Fake Sleeping:

 Swimming at Uncle Chris and Aunt Maria's:

Creative use for his new truck toy:

Playing Doctor to the stuffed horse at his pediatrician's office:

Playing with Daddy:

Watching a 4th of July parade:

A New Friend and A New Cousin

Few things are sweeter than people you love birthing more people to love!

Last week Traci and Tom welcomed their third son - Ryder Thomas!  I have seen some adorable pictures of him (and heard he has already "christened" Traci more than her first two combined...), but I don't have any photos to share.  Maybe we can get some of all of our boys next month when we come visit.  :)

And just Wednesday Uncie and Patti welcomed their baby girl Logan!  I do have one pic and Patti looks pretty great for just having a baby.  Can't wait to meet her!