The Checkletts

New website

2006-04-06T21:25:00.000-06:00

Mommy's been really busy lately, with two of us rugrats to chase after! She hasn't had much time to help Catie and me update here, so she has a new website with just pictures on it. There's a folder for each month (at least, of this year!), where you can see more cuteness than should really be allowed in any one family! Thanks for checking it out!

http://photos.yahoo.com/daborbal

Livin' the Good Life!

2006-02-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm adjusting more and more to life here! This family is a little crazy, but I like them all okay! I'm going to update a little about me this week, and then Noah can update about him next week.

Well, you saw last week that I like to smile now. That's pretty much it for me.... I'm highly entertaining, but mostly just because of the places they put me and the things they dress me in. I don't really do many tricks on my own yet.

I'll be 8 weeks old tomorrow. I've just gotten over my first serious illness. Noah and I both had RSV and bronciolitis (so did Mom and Dad.... The cat was the only one who wasn't sick!). I was on breathing treatments and Noah had to get antibiotics for his very first ear infection. I hope I go that long without an ear infection, too! When we went to the doctor's, I was a little under 7 weeks, and weighed 10 lbs, on the nose. Soon, we'll go back for my 2 month check-up -- I can't wait to see what a big girl I am, then!

Well, I know you're really here for the pictures! In this one, I'm enjoying a nap with Kitty. He likes to cuddle up with me and keep me warm:
Here I am, enjoying a nice look around from the bumbo seat. I like to sit here to watch Daddy and Noah play with legos or watch Mommy cook dinner.

Smiles!

2006-02-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

Catie smiles at me, now! She smiles at other people too, like Mommy and Daddy, but I'm obviously her favoritest person! Every time I play with her, she gives me a big huge grin! I have lots of teeth now, but I used to have a gummy smile just like she does! Here's a picture of my first smile:

And here's a picture of Catie's first smile:

I think we look a lot alike, except that she has girl hair!

Noah loves me lots!

2006-02-02T10:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been living here more than a month already! Not too much to complain about -- food when I want it, diapers when I need them, regular warm baths, and cuddling.... Oh, the cuddling, whether I want it or not.....

Noah loves to cuddle up with me every chance he gets. He helps Mommy all the time with me. Everytime I cry, he brings Mommy my boppy pillow, my blanket, and my pacifier (I secretly think he's just trying to shut me up, but I will be heard!!!). At least Mommy finally got him to start signing "Baby" when he was talking about me, instead of signing "Dog" -- that was getting a little old....

Here's a couple of pictures of Noah giving me loves. He loves to pet me, and rubs my hair every chance he gets:
This is him going in for a kiss -- I don't mind. He's actually very sweet to me!

And this is my favorite -- a nice big hug, just to let me know he loves me!
Thank you, Noah! I love you, too!

Bop-bop Boppy!

2006-01-25T16:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Catie was sleeping on her boppy pillow, and looked really comfy and cozy. Mommy took a picture of her, and said that Catie liked to sleep just like I did!

Well, my memory isn't what it once was, so I asked her if she had any old pictures of me sleeping on the boppy.... what d'ya know! So here I am as a newborn, sleeping on my boppy, too! Like brother, like sister, I guess!

Yawn.....

2006-01-18T18:30:00.000-07:00

Well, good thing this place has comfy beds -- so far, I don't do much but sleep! A couple of my favorite nap places are Mommy and Daddy's bed, curled up in my boppy pillow, the swing, and my very own special bassinet. Noah said it's just a laundry basket, but it feels like home to me, when there's a fluffy blanket in the bottom, and a boppy in there with me! And Mommy takes me with her whereever she goes!

Ju-Ju and Pop-Pop's visit!

2006-01-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

My Ju-Ju and Pop-Pop came to visit me. Mommy said they were coming to help out with Catie, but they barely did anything with her. Instead she hung out with Mommy almost the whole time, so that I could play with Ju-Ju and Pop-Pop!

This is Ju-Ju --We had a lot of fun together (even when Catie was around....)

Here's Pop-Pop. He always teases Daddy because most of our pictures together are us asleep or falling asleep on the lovesac. Now he sees that it just sucks us in -- we can't help it!

Here's Pop-Pop holding Catie:

This was the last day they were here. I was just so sad that Ju-Ju and Pop-Pop were leaving that I couldn't even smile at the camera....

Nice to meet you!

2006-01-16T17:05:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm Catie! I'm Noah's new baby sister. I don't really have much to say, yet -- I'm still just figuring out this whole "world" thing. But I'll introduce myself, and tell you a little bit about me.

My name is Caitlyn Jenny. I was born Thursday, 12/29/05, and I weighed 8 lbs, 14 oz., and I was 21" long. I don't like to brag, but everyone tells me how pretty my hair is! Anyway, you can call me Catie.

I really like my big brother Noah, and he's really sweet to me. He likes to hug me and give me kisses! Here are some pictures of me getting to know my new family!

My last day as an only child!

2005-12-28T17:43:00.000-07:00

We found out today that Mommy is going to have another c-section tomorrow. Today's my last day as an only child! I don't mind getting a new brother or sister, too much, but I'm NOT sharing my Mr. Potato Head, even if I have to sleep with him to protect him!!!

(Mommy won't be home to help me type for a few days, so I probably won't be here to check in with you until Monday!). At least Mom and Dad have it easy when I ask for a refresher course on "Where does the baby come out?"

Mom's answer? "Well, Sweetie, Mommy goes to the doctor, and he cuts a line right across her belly to pull the baby out!" (That makes a LOT more sense than what some of you other people think!!!)

Hi Uncle Jordan!

2005-12-27T15:49:00.000-07:00

This picture is especially for Uncle Jordan! We got to talk to him on Christmas morning, all the way from the Ukraine! I really enjoyed getting to hear his voice again, and hearing about all the good things he's doing there! Here's Grandpa, Grandma, Daddy, and me sitting around the speaker phone to say Hi! (Uncle Jordan gets to come visit my website once a week, so we wanted to send him an extra special holiday message here, too!)

This Christmas is a GREAT idea!

2005-12-26T19:02:00.000-07:00

I think we should do this every month! I had lots of fun opening presents, and Boots (our new kitty that showed up on our doorstep shortly before Christmas) enjoyed helping me with gifts -- I think he figured out the unwrapping part quicker than I did! I'll share more news of Boots and more Christmas stories later this week! I hope everyone else enjoyed Christmas as much as we did!

Merry Christmas!

2005-12-23T10:19:00.000-07:00

I'll be busy over the weekend -- It's Christmas!!! I'm so excited, for lots of reasons! I get to go to dinner tonight with all of Daddy's family to celebrate Uncle Dustin's birthday! And tomorrow, we'll go see some of my great-grandparents to wish them a Merry Christmas, and visit some. And then, Sunday, well, that IS Christmas! And guess what?!? Uncle Jordan is going to talk to us on the telephone from the Ukraine! I hope he doesn't mind holding up his end of the conversation when it's my turn to be on the phone with him......

I'm excited for Santa to visit, but even though he's visiting everyone else on Christmas, Mommy talked him into visiting us two weeks later instead! My Ju-Ju and Pop-Pop will be here then, and so will my little brother or sister! I'm so excited -- I really lucked out, and get 2 Christmases this year!!!

What's hot chocolate......

2005-12-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

Without the whipped cream?!? Well, really, I only get "warm chocolate", but what a yummy treat!!! I get it in my sippy cup, but the whipped cream doesn't really work so well in there, so Mommy gives me my serving separately!

Like father, Like son!

2005-12-21T17:30:00.000-07:00

Daddy and I love relaxing next to each other in our comfy seats. Nothing better than putting our feet up and stretching back for a while! Ahhhh.....

Ahhh, that's comfy!

2005-12-20T15:41:00.000-07:00

I manage to fall asleep in some of the weirdest ways.... Mom is convinced that I can't be comfortable when I fall asleep in positions like this, but do I look uncomfortable to you???

I'm ready to go!

2005-12-19T15:38:00.000-07:00

Mommy wasn't feeling well over the weekend, so Daddy and I let her sleep while we played. We were still in our pajamas, and didn't have any plans to go anywhere, but I love to wear my hat and jacket. I brought them to Daddy, and he helped me put them on -- don't I look cozy?

My new bed

2005-12-16T18:59:00.000-07:00

Since my new baby brother or sister will use my old crib, I got a new big bed to sleep in. I really like it, and sleep well there, all night long. Mommy's favorite part about the new bed is that I can get out of it by myself and come find her, whether it's after my nap, or when I wake up in the morning! She especially likes it when I wake her up in the morning by coming into her room, and grabbing her toes!

Goodbye, Uncle Max.....

2005-11-25T22:50:00.000-07:00

Ju-Ju and Pop-Pop's beloved dog Max died today. I didn't live near enough to know him very well, and except for pictures, I won't even remember him when I grow up, but he taught me how important it is to love animals and to treat them nicely, and that will stay with me my whole life.

Mommy lived at home with Max before she and Daddy got married. Daddy didn't get to meet Max until he came to visit Mommy once:

This is Max making sure that my diaper was changed correctly, when I was just a few days old (Ju-Ju, Pop-Pop, and Max were visiting right after I was born):

This is my first camping trip, when I was about 6 weeks old. Max made sure I was never left alone, and watched over me while I slept:

I also visited Max (and Ju-Ju and Pop-Pop) in August, and had lots of fun learning to pet him right so I didn't hurt him. You can read about that visit in my August 4th and 5th posts.... http://checkletts.blogspot.com/2005_08_01_checkletts_archive.html (there are a couple more pictures of me with Max, there.)

Max, thank you for being such a good friend to me, and to so many. I know that Ju-Ju and Pop-Pop will always miss you.....

Happy Thanksgiving!

2005-11-24T22:49:00.000-07:00

Mommy's been too busy lately with stuff around the house and getting ready for my new baby brother or sister to help me post every day, lately, but we did want to say Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I'm not a big fan of turkey, myself, but I can't get enough ham!!! Yum!

Merry early Christmas!

2005-11-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

Mommy and Daddy said I could have one Christmas present early -- Santa'll bring me other presents, but I don't know if anything can top my fun new chair! It's just the right size for me, and I love to hang out in it to read a book, enjoy a cup of milk, or watch a tv show!

"Babies Don't Keep"

2005-11-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

Mommy made me this cross-stitch for my room before I was even born! We picked out a frame for it this weekend, and Mommy got it all ready to hang up in my room! It has a cool poem on it!

"Cleaning and scrubbing can wait til tomorrow.
For babies grow up, we've learned to our sorrow.
So quiet down, Cobwebs. Dust, go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep."

Mommy, take the night off!

2005-11-11T09:28:00.000-07:00

I'll do the dishes!!!

The doctor recommended Tylenol

2005-11-10T09:50:00.000-07:00

for teething discomfort.... He was right! Nothing makes my sore gums feel better than chewing on the medicine dropper bulb.... Ahhh, relief!

Yeehaw!

2005-11-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

I went on my first hayride yesterday with some friends! I had a great time, and so did Mommy! And for once, she didn't blame the bad smell on me.... The benefits of traveling behind two old horses!

Here is a picture of the scenery along the way, just to show you what we were looking at. In another week, this'll probably have lots of snow on it.

Here's Mommy and me, just enjoying the ride. I might look a little confused -- I was having trouble figuring out why we were moving without me in a carseat....
Mommy looks really goofy in this picture, but she loves my big smile, so we had to share it!
Here I am, riding my first bull! I stayed on LOTS longer than 8 seconds....
Here's just another cute picture of me, in my new Cookie Monster shirt (Mommy got it for me because I'm a Cookie Monster, too!)

Two-fisted drinking....

2005-11-08T11:22:00.000-07:00

Choices are for other people to make! I can have my water and my milk whenever I want!
First some milk.....

Then a little water....
Ahhhh, that's refreshing!

I'm too sweet!

2005-11-07T11:20:00.000-07:00

Mommy made me a candy corn hat for November and Thanksgiving time. It's about time someone realized how sweet I really am!

The Rare Spotted Noah

2005-11-05T18:56:00.000-07:00

Here are my speckles on my face and back. They don't seem to itch or hurt me, so I don't pick at them. Mommy hopes that means I won't get any scars from my spots.

And a little better, still.....

2005-11-04T19:00:00.000-07:00

Here I am, hanging out with Daddy. I'm feeling and acting more like myself, even though I still have the fever. It looks like this whole thing was a reaction to the chicken pox vaccine that I got at my doctor's appt. last week. Maybe tomorrow, I'll show you my spots! I'm a speckled baby, now!

Doing a little better.....

2005-11-03T19:06:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to like hanging out and taking it easy all day with Mommy. I slept almost all day today, but when I was awake, I've been a little more like myself, and not quite so droopy as I was yesterday. I can't wait to kick this!

I'm a sickling....

2005-11-02T13:23:00.000-07:00

I spent the morning at the doctor's today. I have some kind of viral infection, and a fever. I'll be okay, but boy, I don't feel very good right now. I've just been spending the day cuddled up with Mommy. Daddy took this picture of us at lunch time, because he said I looked so pathetic....

Dinner with Grandma and Grandpa!

2005-11-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

Grandpa kindly shared his pie with me! YUMMY! I grabbed onto the fork with my teeth and wouldn't let go, just like any good pit bull! I had lots of fun cuddling with Grandma, too, and Aunt Emily and Uncle Dustin came over to visit, too!

Just hangin' around

2005-10-31T13:16:00.000-07:00

I like pillows! The bigger, the better! This one is just perfect for me!

Nap with Daddy

2005-10-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, Sundays just require a family nap. and nothing like sharing a good nap with Daddy!

Bob the Builder!

2005-10-29T19:02:00.000-06:00

I've never even seen the TV show called "Bob the Builder", but I'm his spitting image in this cute outfit that Ju-Ju found for me! Mommy thought it would be too big on me this morning, when she pulled it out, but it fits perfectly, with enough room to grow through the winter! Thanks again, Ju-Ju!!!

An accident just waiting to happen.....

2005-10-28T10:51:00.000-06:00

I've been sleeping in my big-boy bed, so that the new baby can use my crib, soon. Mommy gave me her special pillow to help keep me from falling out, but sometimes, I manage to find ways around (or over?) it. Good thing she checks on me before she goes to bed, or I probably would have woken up a little after this, and been VERY unhappy!

More Pumpkin Picking!

2005-10-27T09:33:00.000-06:00

Mommy took lots of pictures of me at the pumpkin patch, so we picked out a few more favorites!

Enjoy! As you can tell, I did! Pumpkins are yummy! (But Mommy says she's waiting for the pumpkin pie.....)

Pumpkin Picking!

2005-10-26T09:17:00.000-06:00

We went to the pumpkin patch yesterday, and I got to pick out my own pumpkin! I have great taste in pumpkin-choosing, if I do say so myself. I picked a very artistic non-traditional gourd -- the pumpkin man was impressed with my taste!

"Mom, I think I like this one with the green on the bottom!""Oh, wait, this one is nice, too! I like the roundness of this one!"

"Oh, wait! This one has green on the top, too! This is definitely it!"

I went to the Doctor!

2005-10-25T09:13:00.000-06:00

We had a good time at the doctor! I'm tall -- 34". And I weigh 28 lbs. This was my 15 month appointment, and the doctor said I was a smart, healthy, happy little boy, but we all knew that already, didn't we? I'm too young to really check my reflexes with a reflex hammer, but the doctor let me play with it anyway while he and Mommy were talking. It was lots of fun, but the last time I'll fall for that. Turns out, they were plotting to give me shots, while poor little unsuspecting me was just sitting there playing. But the whole concept of reflexes was pretty cool, so when we got home, I found my own hammer, and kept experimenting!

Look what I can do!

2005-10-24T15:56:00.000-06:00

I figured out that these pretty colored rings go on my sippy cup to help me drink from it. So, if one is good, two must be better, right? I stole an extra ring out of the dishwasher, and figured out how to put it on by myself. It doesn't work quite as well as when Mommy and Daddy do it for me, but I'm sure they appreciate my help!

Nice mohawk!

2005-10-23T19:03:00.000-06:00

This is my wake-up hair. Mommy makes fun of me in the morning, and says I look like a little rooster, with my "comb" sticking up, but I think it's just the mark of a good night's sleep!

Nappin' in the Lovesac

2005-10-22T09:13:00.000-06:00

Come on, admit it, you just wish you had one that was this big, compared to you! My tactic is to stake out the most comfortable seat in the house, and then plant myself right in the middle of it. That way, if anyone else tries to relax, I know about it! Don't thank me.... I consider it my contribution to the daily chores!

I'm walkin', Yes, Indeed!

2005-10-21T13:44:00.000-06:00

Well over a month after my first steps, I finally decided that walking is a pretty cool skill. Check me out -- I'm bipedal! I can get everywhere I want to go -- Mommy and I even walked around the block yesterday, and I actually walked the whole way! (I didn't let go of Mommy's hand, though -- I'm just not ready for that kind of freedom!)

Silly, Willy, Nilly ole' Bear!

2005-10-20T10:15:00.000-06:00

He's Winnie the Pooh, and he's my very bestest friend. Mommy likes Pooh, too, and tried to help me find lots of Pooh friends, but this is my very favorite. Mommy doesn't understand why, because his insides are hard, not huggable, but I like him anyway. He crawls and talks, and he goes everywhere with me....

I'm thinkin' Arby's!

2005-10-19T10:19:00.000-06:00

Mommy and Daddy went to Arby's for a snack. They forgot to order a milkshake for me (the nerve!). So I sweetly asked Mommy for "More Please", after she gave me a sip. And then I asked for More and More, and she finally gave up and gave me the cup.... You can tell how much I like it from my eyes rolled back in my head. And from how happy I was afterwards!

All I need now is the sibling!

2005-10-18T13:41:00.000-06:00

Daddy got me a cool new stroller. It is ready for me and my new brother or sister, and he can take us jogging or walking. Mommy's really excited about it, too! She said this means Daddy can get me out of her hair.... I don't know what she means. I'm hardly ever doing anything in her hair....

Calling Ju-Ju and Pop-Pop!

2005-10-17T12:51:00.000-06:00

Well, that's what I'd like to do, anyway. I like to pretend to talk on the telephone, but Mommy says I don't quite have it down yet..... Something about needing to hold it closer to my ear? Oh well! I'll just say hi here, I guess! Hi Ju-Ju! Hi Pop-Pop!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

2005-10-16T13:36:00.000-06:00

Mommy and I went shopping for new jeans yesterday (Mommy says I just grow TOOO fast!). We found this outfit that has a baseball t-shirt and jacket, that came with jeans, for the same price as jeans by themselves cost! And I got a new pair of shoes! Now that it's fall, I can go for walks to show off my new outfit!

Look what I built!

2005-10-15T12:14:00.000-06:00

Okay, really Daddy did most of the hard work, but I'm sure he couldn't have done it without me! So, now we have a coffee table. I'm sure this will be endless amounts of fun for me... I can already almost climb on it!

Mom worked on my book some more!

2005-09-24T13:36:00.000-06:00

Daddy and I had a boys' night in last night, and Mommy went to work on my special book some more. You can click on these pictures to make them big enough to read them and see the details.

The first two sets of pages are from when I was 1 month old. There is even a special set of pages all about my special boppy pillow -- I still like to sleep with it!

This page is about me, when I was only 2 months old. Gosh, I was a cute baby!

And this is Daddy's favorite. Mommy made a page all about how Daddy loves to spend time with me! I'm a big-time Daddy's boy, so I'll bet more pages like this show up in the future!

We love "The Apprentice"!

2005-09-22T13:33:00.000-06:00

Daddy and I had a great time watching "The Apprentice" season opener tonight! We had popcorn and watched as the Donald made his choice for who got fired.... I'm taking notes. One of these days, I might be the next Apprentice!

Bath time!

2005-09-21T15:05:00.000-06:00

I love taking nice long baths, and Daddy always makes them lots of fun for me! Here I am, playing with Daddy in my bath! And also right after I got out of the tub, and Daddy's drying me off. I love when he snuggles with me and makes me all warm after bath time!

We'll miss you, Uncle Jordan!

2005-09-20T21:03:00.000-06:00

Today, Uncle Jordan flew to the Ukraine to serve a mission for the LDS church. He's been in the Missionary Training Center since July, so we haven't seen him since then, but we're missing him an extra lot today! Since we've all been thinking about Uncle Jordan, I asked Mommy to share a couple of extra-special pictures of him!

This is us on Christmas. After a busy morning opening gifts and eating WAY too much, we both needed a good nap!

Here we are on Superbowl Sunday. We guys had a great time watching the game!

This is the last day we got to hang out with Uncle Jordan before he left. It was a big party for both Grandpa's and my birthday, and for Uncle Jordan, too, and for the 4th of July. We spent lots of time visiting.

And this is the same day, when we were getting ready to leave -- our family with Uncle Jordan!

We wish you safe travels, Uncle Jordan, and we can't wait to see you again! We love you!

Something's growing in there!

2005-09-19T17:49:00.000-06:00

Mommy's belly keeps getting bigger, and something in there kicks me sometimes when I put my head on it. Mommy and Daddy tell me that there is a new baby in there, and that's what kicks me and makes her belly big.... We'll see if that's true... I think they're in for a surprise.... Maybe it's a puppy! I'd like a puppy.....

One thing that always makes Mommy and Daddy happy is that, when they ask me, "Do you love our new baby?", I kiss Mommy's belly. They think that's really sweet and hug and kiss me all over.... I think they're nuts, but I just go along with it for all the lovin' I get!

Family Pictures

2005-09-16T12:35:00.000-06:00

In July, Daddy's family all got together at a really pretty park to take pictures of all of us, before Uncle Jordan left for his mission (he's flying to the Ukraine on Tuesday). Here are pictures of Daddy, Mommy, and me:And here's pictures of all of us! (I'll put everyone's name under the picture, so you can see who's who!)
Uncle Dustin, his wife Aunt Emily, Mommy holding me, Uncle Jordan sitting, Daddy, Aunt Megan, Grandpa Scott, and Grandma Debbie

Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle Jordan, Aunt Megan, Uncle Dustin, Aunt Emily, Mommy, me, and Daddy.

Goats are cool, too!

2005-09-15T12:32:00.000-06:00

Daddy and I liked this little goat. He was a tiny guy, just like me! He was really soft, too!Here we are with Mommy's favorite. This one even talked to us! It talked like I do.... Just kept saying "MMmMmmmaaaaaa, Maaaaaaaa," without really meaning anything. That's okay.... I understood the gist of it!

I really like sheep!

2005-09-14T12:26:00.000-06:00

Mommy loves petting yards and taught Daddy and me how to pet sheep just perfectly.She taught Daddy *too* well! This guy just wandered over to him, and almost knocked Daddy down when he was trying to take that last picture!

Carousel at Lambs Farm

2005-09-13T12:24:00.000-06:00

I went on my first carousel ride (and second and third and fourth!) when Mommy and Daddy brought me to Lambs Farm on Daddy's last day visiting us in Wisconsin. I loved it! What happens is, you sit on a horse, and it gallops around in a circle! Good thing Daddy and Mommy held me on, because it was a wild ride!!!

More fun at the Science Museum

2005-09-12T12:17:00.000-06:00

Here I am, at one end of a crawling tunnel. I *could* crawl through it, but I didn't want to!

Here was a room, just my size, filled with blocks that were just my size, too! I had lots of fun rearranging them and playing!
Daddy and I had lots of fun playing with this cone. It was a magic cone that floated a ball on top! We played with this for a long time!

Mommy's making me a book!

2005-09-10T12:20:00.000-06:00

Last night, Daddy and I let Mommy go out by herself for a few hours, and we stayed home and played lots! Daddy and I had a great time together! And when Mommy came back, she showed us that she'd started making me a book all about my favorite subject: Me! The cover is soft, and I like to rub it! Here's the cover, with a really handsome guy on the front!

This is the first page: You can click on the pictures, and see them full-sized, so you can read what everything says, too! This page, and the next two pages, are all about me wh

(The keys are an artistic touch, so you can't see our real last name -- that was my idea!)
And here are two pages about "Our Day at Lambs Farm", in Libertyville, IL. We went there for a while when Daddy came to visit during our trip to Ju-Ju and Pop-Pop's. We had lots of fun there, and you can see a few of my favorite things from that day!

I hope Mommy goes back there next week, so I can see more cool pictures of me, and so that Daddy and I can have a fun boys' night again! Yay!!!

I went fishing!

2005-09-09T10:45:00.000-06:00

There was a little water play and fishing pond, just for little guys like me, at the science museum! I caught my first fish there!

And ate what I caught!

And also ate the fishing pole!

I dig chicks!

2005-09-08T10:53:00.000-06:00

We went to the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, and I loved looking at the newly hatched chicks! They were so cute, and made such funny noises! I could have stayed and watched them all day!

Tony Bennett Rocks!

2005-09-07T10:17:00.000-06:00

Remember that outdoor concert that Pop-Pop was getting ready for in yesterday's post? Well, it was for Tony Bennett, and we had a great time! Daddy was visiting, too, that weekend, and I had lots of fun watching all the fun with him!

Ravinia is this outdoor concert place, where everyone just sets up on this huge lawn. I'll bet there were 10,000 people watching -- here you can see just a few behind Daddy and me. That's Ju-Ju behind us in the yellow shirt! Hi Ju-Ju! I took a nap before the concert, so I was ready to stay up late and enjoy the music! Pop-Pop even got me my own chair!

My favorite part of the whole concert was that, every time I clapped, everyone else there followed me and clapped, too! It was a big party, and I was the star! I waited until that guy stopped singing to clap, so everyone else could hear me, and they clapped, too! That was LOTS of fun!

We're back!

2005-09-06T22:34:00.000-06:00

After almost a month away, and a long weekend to recharge, Mommy and I are finally back to posting! I'm so happy to be back home with Daddy, even though we had lots of fun with Ju-Ju and Pop-Pop -- Mommy took pictures there, and wanted to share them, but it was just too hard there.... Sorry for the long wait!

Pop-Pop was getting us ready to go to an outdoor concert, and wanted everything that was cool to get into the cooler... I was more than happy to comply!

I went swimming

2005-08-11T10:43:00.000-06:00

at the Toddler Play Pool yesterday! Sooo much fun! Once I figured out water was SUPPOSED to do funny things, I jumped right in! Silly Mommy kept dragging me back to the more shallow water. Guess she didn't realize that I *meant* to crawl in over my head!

Some kids get attached to a Teddy

2005-08-10T10:40:00.000-06:00

or a blankie. Not me! I like to cuddle up with my bulldozer for a good long nap!

They're wearing me out!

2005-08-09T11:38:00.000-06:00

We went to a family picnic for Ju-Ju's work. Our morning started out way too early so we could go bowling (first time in recent history that someone has woken me up, instead of the other way around!) I finally got a chance to catch up a little on sleep in the car after bowling, but the car ride wasn't long enough for my nap to be over. At least this time, they let me keep sleeping. Thank goodness -- I can't just keep being my sweet self if I don't get some rest!

I'm corny!!!

2005-08-08T21:13:00.000-06:00

I have discovered a new favorite food: Corn. But not just any ole' corn. I like mine on the cob, thank you very much!

My Uncle Max!

2005-08-05T18:15:00.000-06:00

My uncle Max *loves* me! At first, he just tried to run away when I came near him, but now he plays with me! His head is at the same height as mine, and I like to reach my hand out to him -- sometimes he licks it! He likes to sniff at me too -- maybe he thinks I'm part puppy! He even likes to nuzzle my back, until I giggle from the tickling!

Hangin' with Pop-Pop

2005-08-04T10:36:00.000-06:00

This is Mommy's Daddy. Don't ask me to explain it to you.... I'm already confused enough. Mommy seems to really like him, so I'm warming up to him, too! He's a nice guy with white and gray fuzz on his face, instead of black fuzz like Daddy has. Hi name is Pop-Pop, and he plays games and chases me! I like him a lot!

He's married to Mommy's Mommy (I know, don't get me started). Her name is Ju-Ju. She's friendly and has a soft voice and likes to cuddle. Maybe I'll show you a picture of her, soon, too!

Mommy also has a brother, my Uncle Max. He crawls like I do, but he's covered in fluffy white hair, and says "Woof". It's nice to know that I'm not the only one around here talking in full sentences! I'm sure I'll be in LOTS of pictures with him over the next few weeks! He's LOTS of fun!!!

Packing sure takes it out of you!

2005-08-03T11:31:00.000-06:00

Mommy and I are going to go visit Ju-Ju and Pop-Pop for 4 weeks! Daddy's coming for a week, too, so I won't be away from him for too long! (I'll still miss you, though, Daddy!)

I've been working hard to "help" Mommy pack. This usually takes the form of me questioning things she's bringing -- Does she really need *that*?!? She thinks I just pull random things out of the suitcase while I'm playing and puts it back without thinking about it.... I must work harder on communicating! This woman is kind of thick!

Well, I worked so hard helping Mommy pack, I could (yawn....) barely stay awake through lunch....

I learned how to stack my rings!

2005-08-02T14:37:00.000-06:00

Before, I thought it was great fun to throw my stacking rings, but all of a sudden, I had a really cool idea. I'll bet no one else could have come up with this neat idea... See, what you do is, put them all on a stick, so they are stacked on top of each other. Try it, sometime! It's fun!

Here is what I can do, with Mommy giving me the colors in the order she likes them in:

And here is my own creation of modern art, when I stack them the way I like!!! Either way, I like to say "Yay!" and clap lots every time I get them all on!!!

And now to show off my Tennis shoes!

2005-08-01T19:13:00.000-06:00

I love my new tennis shoes! So comfy! Anyone want to play ball???

Check out these Kicks!

2005-07-30T18:59:00.000-06:00

We went shopping for new shoes today! Mommy got me cute new sandals -- they're comfy and made for growing feet that are learning to walk! (Much to Mommy's dismay, I will be walking before too long!) My sandals are light brown and dark brown with velcro so I can take them off by myself! I can happily spend half an hour playing with the velcro, so Mommy thinks they're a good investment!

I like to pretend I can walk in my new shoes! Mommy hasn't been able to get a picture yet, but I lift my feet up REALLY high when I take a step -- it's hard to get used to the feeling of something on my feet!

Look at me standing up like a big boy! I've never stood up before without Mommy helping, but I did it for the first time today at the store, as soon as the sandals were on my feet! I think I'm growing up!!!

I love my new shoes! They're so great, I'll clap about them!!!

Yay! New shoes for everyone!!!

Now that his computer is hooked up....

2005-07-29T19:34:00.000-06:00

I can share it! Thanks for letting me get some work done, Dad! My publisher is waiting on this....

Helping Daddy!

2005-07-28T19:27:00.000-06:00

Heaven knows, he wouldn't get anything done around the house without me there to help out! Good thing I'm always by his side when anything important needs to be done!

Elbow Room

2005-07-27T19:59:00.000-06:00

Here's my new room! Mommy finally finished it (except for stuff to go on the walls) this afternoon. The pictures start in the doorway and go around to the other side of the door. I like living here.... LOTS of toys and lots of room in which to scatter them!

Make her stop!

2005-07-26T10:18:00.000-06:00

Mom's experimenting again! Today's experiment is with 5 yds of material, and wrapping it around both of us until I can't move. Good thing I like the woman....

I'm just cute today.

2005-07-25T22:05:00.000-06:00

Well, I am! I'm very, very cute. Enjoy!

If you look closer, you might be able to see my rash, around my nose and mouth. That's called Seborrhea Dermatitis, and it drives Mom crazy. It looks better sometimes, but this is a bad day. Oh, well, I'm cute anyway. It's like a red circle around my smile, in case you have trouble seeing it! :)

"Mom's got my butt in a sling!"

2005-07-22T22:01:00.000-06:00

Heaven help me! Mom's been researching how to use things around the house to strap me to her... Guess our ring sling isn't good enough anymore!

Actually it's because the new baby's taking up more room in the front, so she wants me to hang out on her back, now. Here I am, well, hanging out on her back. Kind of hard to figure out where things are, since she took this herself, but you'll figure it out!

Our budding Star Wars fan....

2005-07-21T20:31:00.000-06:00

So, for Christmas before I was born, Daddy gave Mommy her very own R2-D2 (I tell ya', he's just that kind of romantic guy!) Well, he's always kept watch over my room, but I didn't know he could do anything else! Tonight, Mommy got him down for me, and holy cow! Artoo can sing, dance, talk, and take off down the hallway.

First, we made friends....

And then we played a game of Chase!

Happy Birthday!

2005-07-20T13:46:00.000-06:00

Hi! My name is Noah and I am the first "Checklett" (what Mommy and Daddy call their group of kids and kids-to-be). There's another Checklett on the way, who will probably be here by the end of the year, or maybe the beginning of next year, but for now, at least, it's all about me!

I was born last year today at 9:20 am, and was handsome from the start! I had lots of black hair and Mommy and Daddy fell in love at first sight! So, I'll share a picture of me when I was first born, and one that Mommy took of me this morning at 9:20 (she's a goofball, huh?)

Well, thanks for peeking in on us! I'll try to keep you updated on my little world, and share with you as it gets bigger!