A Visit from Grandma

Liam and Grandma Myers.

Last week my mom came out to California for a visit. Along with many souvenirs from a recent trip to Alaska, she brought lots of toys and clothes for Liam--and a good thing, too, since he keeps outgrowing everything so fast! It was such a luxury to have someone around who was not just willing but eager to help with feedings, bathtime, diaper changes, and generally help entertain and keep tabs on our active little boy. Liam had a ton of fun chasing and being chased by Grandma, and Mommy and Daddy enjoyed the reprieve from constant parental duty for a few days. I took advantage of the opportunity and slept in a little and knocked a couple of chores off of my to-do list while Grandma and Liam played and went for walks in the neighborhood. I even got to go out one afternoon to see "Captain America: The First Avenger." (Two thumbs up. Definitely worth seeing!)

Grandma helps Liam explore during Gymboree.

While she was here, Mom got to come with us to one of Liam's Gymboree classes. Right now the class's activities encourage the babies to explore and climb. Liam is pretty adventurous and is up for playing on most of the equipment, especially if there is an incentive like a brightly colored ball waiting at the goal line. So, "explore time" is pretty fun. He is also a fan of slides, even though he hasn't quite figured out that sliding doesn't require him to use his feet.

Liam stops to admire the shiny surface of the wood during Gymboree.

Weeee!

All told it was a good visit, and in about two weeks we will have more excitement: Aunt Erin and Uncle Ethan are flying out to California to celebrate their first wedding anniversary, and they will be stopping by L.A. to spend some time with us before they head home. We're looking forward to their visit, but I doubt that Aunt Erin will be as willing to take on diaper duty as Grandma was...

A Busy Week

Liam turned eight months old on July 5th.

 The 4th of July weekend came with plenty of California sunshine, chasing the last of the so-called "June gloom" away. Eric, Liam, and I spent the weekend visiting his family in Redondo Beach, enjoying a couple of days off together. In order to cover our child care needs, Eric and I have arranged opposite work schedules, so it is a special treat when we are both off on the same day. Our plans weren't overly ambitious, given Liam's bedtime of 7 p.m. (give or take) and neither of us had any inclination to brave the huge crowds flocking to the beach to see fireworks. A little family time and a little barbecue was just right for our Independence Day holiday this year.

Liam and Daddy getting ready to hit the kiddie pool.

Since the weather was so nice, Liam and his cousins got to spend some playtime in the kiddie pool. On Eric's side of the family, Liam has three cousins: Genevieve (almost 11), Jeffery (almost 3), and Abigail (almost 1 and a half). Since he is the youngest and can't walk yet, Liam's playtime experience with Jeffery and Abigail sometimes resembles that of a hapless chipmunk who has wandered onto a busy freeway. For now, that is. It's only a matter of time before he will be able to hold his own among all of that youthful chaos!

Liam plays around while we wait for the sunscreen
to soak in before hitting the pool.

Liam and Mommy sporting their red, white, and blue
for the 4th of July.

Liam loved the kiddie pool. He's still kind of wobbly, so Daddy got in
with him to make sure a pair of steadying hands were always nearby.

As it turns out, these pictures of toothless smiles will be among the last. These smiles were captured only three days ago, but in that short time Liam's first tooth started to break through. Last night he was particularly restless, and this morning I spotted a definite hint of a pearly white tooth when he smiled. 

Two milestones in a matter of days--it's been a busy week!

Mommy and Daddy are big fans of Liam's toothless, squishy-face smiles.