Happy Birthday Eugene!

Happy 3rd birthday to our crazy, pesky pup.

Thanksgiving in Chicago

Getting caught up on posts…We spent Thanksgiving in Chicago/Lena this year, and it was a trip of firsts: Theo’s first flight (which went great, btw!), James’ parents’ first trip to the midwest, Theo’s first time meeting my parents, Theo’s first time meeting his Great-Grandpa Maedge and the rest of the Laufenberg/Milder gang….it was a wonderful trip!!

We spent the first day sightseeing in Chicago, and then it was off to Lena (my hometown), to show Gill & Andy (and Theo) what a small, rural midwest town is like.

Above: 4 generations! Even though Theo looks like he’s about to make a break for it.

We also celebrated my mom’s birthday while we were there, in Galena, which is a beautiful little touristy town. We had a nice walk around all the shops and dinner afterwards:

Theo enjoyed his first big trip away from home.

Brother from Another Mother

This is Theo and his best buddy, Jacob. They share our nanny, Ivonne, so they spend lots of time together. As you can tell from the photo, we shop at the same clothing stores, so it’s not uncommon for the boys to be dressed the same.

Aren’t they cute together?

Harlem Globetrotters

For Christmas, Ehren, Stacey and Olivia got us tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters! We had killer seats, pretty much courtside, so it was great entertainment. The gift also included babysitting services, so James and I got to enjoy the afternoon out, just the two of us.

Apparently, Olivia was quite the babysitter, holding and feeding Theo. She is very nurturing - always making sure he has his paci or a toy. Melts my heart to see those two together.

Totally Rad 80’s Party

It was a weekend o’ birthday parties last weekend. My boss’ wife, Xochi, turned 40, and they threw her a big 80’s bash at their house, er….castle.

Guests were welcomed with a graffiti mural “Xochi” on the outside of the house, and the inside was totally transformed…they had movers move out a lot of the furniture, and had a big dance floor installed on the top floor, which has 180º views of the bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts, etc. All of the artwork was covered over with 80’s movie posters and/or photos of Xochi in the 80’s. There was a food court with nachos, corn dogs, sliders, etc. and a bartender whipping up Orange Julius. My favorite part? Professional B-boys!!

The Birch’s know how to throw a damn good party!

Olivia’s 4th Birthday

Olivia turned 4 last week! Wow…seems like only yesterday when she was born. Yes, I’m becoming one of those creepy, old people that says to kids, “I remember when you were thiiiiiis tall.” I remember people saying that to me when I was a kid, and thinking, “why does everyone keep saying that? Yes, I’m bigger now…that’s what happens.”

Anyway, Liv’s birthday party was a gymnastics party! They had the kids running various obstacle courses in the gym, to get them good and tired. Then we all had cake, sang “Happy Birthday”, and did a book exchange. No doubt, there were some tired kiddos after all that. Can’t wait until Theo is old enough to participate in such tiring activities.

iPhone Diaries

What we doin’ lately…from the lens of my iPhone:

7 Months Old

Today is Theo’s 7-month birthday, as well as his cousin Olivia’s 4-year birthday! We got up extra early today, just to make a special sign with a birthday message for Olivia (ok, so maybe we were up early because of jetlag, but nevermind)….Happy Birthday Olivia!!!

Changes from last month:
- rolling rolling rolling…always rolling
- first stamp in his passport (yay!)…and first experience of jetlag (oy!)
- gives hugs, which basically amounts to squeezing both sides of my neck - ouch, but cute
- loves holding his sippy cup and trying to drink from it, but mainly chewing on the spout
- the sitting skills are getting more stable
- when there’s a big kid around, he watches their every move
- likes rotating his wrists
- more hair
- more chub, if that’s possible
- more drool, if that’s possible

P.S. I will really try to get this blog updated more often. Currently it should be called TheosMonthlyPhoto.com

First Visit with Santa

Our nanny, Ivonne, took Theo to see Santa last week (love her). Word is, Theo asked for a new Ferrari 458 Italia. Theo’s been a good boy this year, so let’s hope Santa delivers.

6 Months Old

Yesterday, Theo turned 6 months old. He is such a sweet, happy boy, and his smiles and giggles make us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Who knew it would be possible to love him even more than when he was first born.

At his 6-month checkup yesterday, he weighed in at 16lb, 11oz and measured 27″ long.

Changes from last month:
- he makes lots of new sounds, and loves hearing himself “talk” and squeal
- loves eating solid foods - shakes with excitement between each bite
- obsessed with drinking water from your glass
- shakes his head ‘no’
- mimics what we do (if we pat our hand on the table, he does it and then looks up and smiles)
- turns when you call his name
- giggles at Eugene
- puts his feet into his mouth
- he’s starting to cry if he doesn’t get what he wants
- went on his first flight, and did great!!