Cousins

Over Labor Day weekend, we took Chou-chou on a big trip to see his cousins (and auntie and uncle) in Grand Junction, Colorado. We spent five nights and six days there and had a blast! Prior to our trip, Chou-chou had never had a bath with other kids, played for such extended time with other babies, or had "his" toys stolen from him much. These new activities brought out a new Chou-chou! He absolutely loved bath time with his cousins Leah (9 mos.) and Parker (2.5 yrs.), plus all the bubbles and toys. There were slippery babies and laughter all around! It warmed our hearts to see him so happily playing and/or coexisting (still a little young for real play:)) with his cousins, and they were all so cute together... three blue-eyed toe-heads! Chou-chou was spoiled rotten with puff snacks, goldfish, t.v. time, a backyard to play in and tons of toys. Our living room must seem so dull by comparison! One of the coolest moments of out trip was when, shortly after we arrived at their house, we mentioned how Chou-chou has no interest in walking yet and won't even let you "walk him" with your fingers, and then not two minutes later he stands up and starts pushing around a push-toy they had! We didn't have a push-toy at home before, but Grandma gave him an early birthday present this week so he can work on his walking. He looks so proud walking around with his new wagon, but frankly it's very bizarre to see my baby erect and walking around!! Anyway, being in Grand Junction, and in a comfortable home, gave Jarod and I pangs of nostalgia for smaller town life, and motivation to buy a house just as soon as we can! We love Portland, but there's something so relaxing about smaller towns... maybe it was also that we were on a much-needed vacation?

I want to comment on Chou-chou's signing, because he's doing so much of it now and really wants to talk about his world around him. Although many of his signs look very similar:), he has signed the following words: bird, dog, milk, all done, cat, fish, nursing, more... and not sure what else. Certain signs, like dog, obviously mean a lot more to him than just "dog", because he signs them for lots of animals and other times when it's not really appropriate! He's trying to tell us something, I guess. Anyway, gotta run now. Here are some pictures.