Nathan's third haircut

If you look at a few of the posts immediately preceeding this one, you'll say Nathan's hair had grown a little long. He was starting to look like a little like a real Californian beach bum. So I took him to get a haircut yesterday.

During the haircut, I don't think you could imagine the volume of screaming, snot and tears that Nathan produced. What is more alarming is the amount of hair that stuck to said snot and tears. It was stunning.

However, the barber and I endured, and with good reason: immediately following the haircut, Nathan looked up at the women who had been apparently inflicting all sorts of unearthly pain on my poor son and said, simply, "hi!" As soon as he realized we were leaving, he said it again.

Ahhhhh Nathan.

Brunch with Charlie, and family

An old colleague of mine invited us to his house to meet his family and break a little (actually, alot of) bread together. His wife, Kay, outdid herself with a beautiful brunch and Nathan had a great time playing with their two children (and their toys). We hope to see them again, soon!

Do not go quietly into that dark night...

So Nathan really had a hard time going to sleep tonight. When he finally did fall asleep, Alex and I went in to check on him.

Exhausted by the hard work he was doing (screaming), he fell asleep still clutching the side of the crib.

Nathan and Papa on the carousel!

The weather today was just TOO beautiful!!! I decided to take Nathan to the "big playground" with a carousel at the Golden Gate Park.

Nathan enjoyed the carousel a lot more this time than last, especially because he recognized a bunch of the animals that we could ride on.... He ended up choosing a puppy.

Nathan after the bath...

That boy's got some BIG hair...

GOAL!

Nathan and Ana often play together with a "soccerball" (a soft rubber ball my sister gave us with a soccer-ball design on it). Ana has taught Nathan all about soccer, and he now knows just what to scream when someone scores a point...

Snow bunny at Heavenly

Max teaches Nathan to bang!!!

In addition to helping Nathan get comfortable in the "big boy bath," Max imparts a very useful skill to Nathan. Banging on things.

Family Vacation: Weekend in Tahoe

We took another long weekend with friends of our family in Tahoe at a gorgeous rental house near the Heavenly ski area.

Eva, Max, Nathan, and Sophia all had a great time lounging, bathing, and playing with each other -- and their parents all had a great time relaxing together and hitting the slopes!

"Down time" in Tahoe

"Down time" is a lot more fun, and tiring, than it sounds.

Nathan and Ana at the park

I came home early today and joined Nathan and Ana on one of their walks to the park today. Nathan really loves hanging out with Ana, and she is a very patient and loving friend and teacher to Nathan.


It was great being able to see them interact.

The best ride in town!

More new words

Lah ni - OR - Lay na = Elena = Nathan's cousin (who came to visit this weekend from Chicago)

pato = zapato = shoe, in spanish

leche = milk, in spanish

pa taay = par terre = "on the ground" in french

Nathan loves Maman's Muffins!

Alex made some special banana muffins as a treat for Nathan and he loved 'em!

Taeyaerts/Sorkins/Wanders/Fells

While my sister was here, we got together with the local Sorkin/Wander families to break bread together at Park Chow. Even though the restaurant was only running at half-capacity because a section was closed, we managed to get a table for 11 people in about 15 minutes. It was amazing.

The company was wonderful, the food was great, and everyone had a nice time (and desert from Arizmendi bakery was a lovely way to end our hike in GGP)

Taeyaerts - Paparazzo photo shoot

While my sister and her family were here, we took the opportunity to do a paparazzo photo session -- we got a lot of great shots (they are a photogenic group -- it must run in our family!)

Steppin' Out, SF Style

We went out to the park today. Nathan had fun playing with his cousin. His aunt had more fun than he did, I think.

Elena reads to Nathan

Elena is a natural with kids, and Nathan just loved hanging out with his big cousin!

Nathan eats with a spoon!

Today Nathan was being a bit of a fussy eater, so we tried giving him his spoon to see if he could "eat by himself."

He definitely enjoyed the experience, although we had to help him get the food on the spoon (but he managed to get most of the food in / around his mouth).

Toddler Tunes

Nathan, Alex and I have signed up for a class at the local community center called "Toddler Tunes." Nathan enjoys it, but we think he may be a little young to really participate in the activities... instead, he seems to just enjoy hanging out and playing his dad's head like a drum!

Valentine's Day Potluck

Nathan

Words

Nathan's new words
abba = "arriba" = up in spanish
pabo = turkey in spanish

Close, but not quite there yet
baho = down in spanish
narana = naranja = "orange" (the fruit) in spanish
good = good

Nathan will also tell you what noises a cat and a dog make... but only if you ask him in Spanish!

Ya Vote!

When I went to my polling place (which was listed as "Garage, 1027 Lincoln Avenue") to participate in the super Tuesday primary election today, I was very surprised that I never had to show any identification in order to cast my vote. All that was required was my stating my name and confirming my address.

Po po

So Nathan and I were hanging out in the living room playing this afternoon when he looked up at me and said, simply, "po po."

Turns out he was right.