Here Comes Trouble

Although Alex hates to take a nap, once he finally gives in he has inherited his father’s ability to sleep soundly for three hours and inability to wake up in a good mood. This evening Avery was ready for a playmate, but couldn’t stir her snoozing big brother. And we should probably be glad she didn’t.

Avery and Evan – Part III

Regina was in town this past weekend, giving the long distance love birds (otherwise known as Avery and Evan) a chance to re-unite over beers and hot wings. Well actually, they had peas, formula and potato wedges, and there weren’t too many sparks flying (just a few random socks and cheerios). But as always, it was great to catch up and force the little ones (now 11 months old) to hold hands and smile for the camera. Guess we’ll back off from the match-making until they are no longer confined to high-chairs and separated by a 2 ½ hour plane ride.

Click here to see more pictures of Avery and Evan at BW3s.

Alex and the Bee

So for the most part I try not to use this blog just to brag about my kids (unless you consider remarks about them being the heaviest in their age group a form of boasting), but I have to be a proud parent today and share Alex’s newest skill – spelling.

However, what makes this oh so special is not that fact he is just shy of three, but that spelling is his mother’s Achilles heal. I realize boy geniuses are a dime a doze in the Muse family, but 50 percent of his genetics come from me. And for those that know me well, know that the only “D” I ever received in all my school years was in fifth grade spelling. And for those who work with me on a daily basis, know that the only reason I have stayed employed is due to a $50 an hour copyeditor.

But right now Alex is very into the alphabet. He calls out each letter as will flip through books and he loves trying to spell (or type) names on his Click Start computer. He has mastered a few words, including A-L-E-X, D-A-D-D-Y, D-O-G and M-I-A-M-I, so you can see who is really driving this initiative. I haven’t seen any flashcards yet or a hardbound copy of “Spell like a Champ,” but it looks like the Scripts National Spelling Bee could be our family's ticket to being on ESPN.

Gimmee Three Steps

I could have declared Avery’s first official step last week, but you never know if the initial one is intentional or just an accident while trying to catch their balance. But from that point on, we have all been watching her closely (and doing a fair share of encouraging) for her to let go and take a step again.

Today we were spoiled and got more than we expected.

It happened this morning while I was walking out the door at Dani’s. I turned to see Avery pushing the Little Tikes grocery cart, and then watched her bravely step away and take three tiny shuffles before catching herself on the nearest toy bin. It was an impressive act and she was just excited, giving us two more steps in what could be considered an encore. I guess this is just one of the many great performances to come.

Click here for more photos and video of Avery's first steps.

March is Finally Over!

So what more can I say about March? It was by far the longest and busiest month of the year, packed with holidays and other big events. And in between all these activities, I did take a few more candid pictures of the kids around the house – playing, bathing and eating. I know, one day these will not seem photo worthy to me, but for now our Olympus is getting plenty of use.

Click here to see miscellaneous pictures from March 2008.

Baseball Fever!

Add one more holiday to March this year – Opening Day. And like all other holidays for this family, it was celebrated over a span of days and activities. Our Reds-fest began with a family friendly Opening Day pre-party at Jefferson Hall on Sunday afternoon and finished with shuffle puck at Fries Café on Monday night.

On Sunday, the kids got to enjoy corn hole (or at least the bean bags), dancing to Ten Foot Big, grilled cheese sandwiches and showing off all their new Cincinnati Reds clothing. The next day we got to enjoy brand new rain ponchos, $7.50 Miller Lites and a 4-2 Reds loss to the Diamondbacks. Really, it was a good time! The sun eventually came out, the beers got cheaper (once we left the ball park) and we saw a few baseball highlights worth cheering about.

Andy, Ren Rapp and Julie and John Benham made the CinWeeky photo gallery from the Opening Day pre-party, and you can click here for more pictures from the party and the Red’s game.

A Pre-Season Easter Celebration

Easter was very early this year. Egg hunts had to be cancelled due to cold and rainy weather. Decorations had to be brought out the day after St. Patty’s Day. Short sleeves had to be covered up by sweaters. Sandals had to be replaced by boots. College hoops had to be on in the background. But baskets filled with pastel-colored M&Ms and Reds gear helped make it feel somewhat like spring.

Click here for more pictures from Easter 2008.