Solly's First Beach Vacation

This weekend we took our first official "family vacation" and went to Destin with the Kuklas and Gibsons. We had a beautiful three bedroom condo, though it wasnt child proofed and had dangerous wood and stone stairs - still, we got out of it bump and bruise free! It was Solly's first trip to the beach AND first time in a big pool - and he was great at both! He loves, loves, loves the water. He literally took to it like a fish - he was kicking and trying to get out of my arms to swim. He also didnt mind dipping under or the water in his face. We cant wait for those swim lessons in two weeks! Seeing him, Natalie and Jackson together all weekend was the best part. They are all so loving and sweet to each other. We just cant wait for them to grow up together - we could literally envision the three of them being 5 years old and running around -- my heart swells at the thought! Anyways, here are a few pictures. Zack was the designated picture-taker of the weekend so we'll add the really good shots when he gets us those, but here's a taste of our cute Surfer Dude...

Solly chillin on Mr. Turtle. I went round and round w/him trying to get a good shot w/him smiling cause he really did enjoy being on the float, it just doesnt look it here.

Solly checkin out the pool w/Daddy.

Natalie has this really cool push car thing that we used when we all went to the Wharf for dinner. So here's what happened when she was in it and Solly wanted to get in...we thought there was going to be an "issue" - instead we got this...

"Oh, hi there"

"Ohhhh, long time no see friend!!!"

"Ahhh love you friend"

"No, I love you more"

"We just love each other"

Solly getting Daddy a beer!

Mr. Solomon ready for any sand you bring on!

More photos to come....

Solly Meets a Far-Away Friend

Dominique and Brian were in Tally for Memorial Day and it was the first time we all got to meet little Colin ( 7 months!). The babies seemed to love each other even if they didnt really "play" much together. Still it was a wonderful afternoon just seeing Dom and Brian - they are such great parents - always knew they would be -- it just made me really miss them more and wish we all lived closer.


Solly and Colin meet for the first time!

Solly's already found a new best bud!

My two little guys!

The "hot" mamas: Aunt Chel Chel, Alia & Peyton Lily, Dom & Colin and us.

Just a cute shot of my little guy.

Mr. Big guy has a wagon and he knows how to fill it with his toys!

Ok, seriously, have you EVER seen such a cute tushie??!!! What I was really aiming for was to show you how he walks and stands, but come on, that tush is CUTE!

Happy 10 Month B-day Solly!!

Ten months ago today our little bundle of energy was born. Hard to believe it was that long ago -- we still feel so new at all this parenting stuff. Though I think we're not half bad :)

Everyday Solly is learning new things -- he can clap, wave, do high-fives. He says mama and dada - though dada more which is extremly unfair considering I'm the one who suffered through the morning sickness :). He is close to walking on his own - he can push his toys or tables or chair or basically anything that will move. He pulls himself up and down and up and down - much to our amazement, but also frustration! Keeping his tush in the tub is quite a chore! His two bottom teeth are almost all the way in and I think another is on its way, given the fussiness and drooling of late.

Overall we are blessed to have such a sweet and fun and most of all HAPPY little guy. This kid just smiles and laughs all the time. And boy is he a flirt and he knows how to use that dimple!

But the absolute, without a doubt, cutest thing is watching him and Sammie play and interact. He gets how to play with Sam and her toys and likes sharing his food with her already - he giggles when she runs by him or kisses him and she is starting to understand that when he grabs her, it is out of love. Though we're still working on the concept of the "nice-touch". Oh and Daddy is getting him to work on his hand-motor stills, Solly can now put the shape in the box - you know, the square through the square hole, the circle through the round hole....he LOVES it. He's so proud of himself whenever it drops in there and we cheer and he cheers.

All in all - this is a wonderful time. So far, this is my favorite stage - though I'm told by those here before me that every stage becomes our favorite. But so far, this is my favorite :)

Natalie's 1st B-day & Mother's Day Weekend!

Happy 1st B-day Natalie Kako Gibson!

Solly's first swim - he took to the water like a fish!

Sol was the only one who didnt cry in the pool! And why should he when has tasty Nemo-fish to chew on.

The B-day Girl in her polka-dotted bikini!

I LOVE this pool!

"Uncle Dan, whatcha doin?"

Baby Jackson dips his toe in!

Playing the drums on my big boy chair!

Mommy, Grandma and Solly on Mother's Day

Mommy, Grandma, Solly and that dog that snaps at Solly, hehe, Ditto!

Dr. Grandma meets her toughest challenge since her PhD defense - getting the food in Solly's mouth.

AWWWW!!!

Grandma and Solly !

Solly trying cream cheese and lox on mother's day.

Solly, not liking that lox so much.

Solly's 9 Month Update

I'm a horrible mom - well, a horribly BUSY mom. I didnt get a chance to put a video up for Solly's 9 month B-day. So here's a random collection of pix off of the phone and regular camera taken over the past month ( or two, or three) that may not have been posted before. Enjoy!

Solly at Art in the Park

Solly and his first bagel

Wiped out from playing, Solly literally just fell asleep on the floor like this.

Solly on his first slide - at Holly's b-day at Chucky Cheese

Solly meets Barney at Chucky Cheese.

Solly & Uncle Chris

Solly and Aunt Chel Chel ( this is a pix from Jan 09- but wasn't sure I had posted)

Solly on his "big boy chair" at Grandma and Grandpa M's new house in Tally

Chillin on a Sat.

Solly & Natalie's first dinner date ( taken while babysitting for Nat one night)

Mommy & Solly at the B-Ball Game

Solly & Daddy at the FSU B-ball Game

LALALALA!

Whoohoo bathtime fun!

Chamber baby all the way!

Happy 5th -Bday Sammie !!


Solly & Uncle Tish at Sam's 5th B-day

Solly trying to steal Aunt Corinne's cake - Aunt Corinne trying to frost Solly's nose