Month 11

A lot has happened this month, so I'll do my best not to ramble too much. It was all so exciting, and I'm eager to share it!

To start, I had my very first Thanksgiving dinner. It was so delicious. I devoured everything on my plate. I had so much fun watching my dad fry the turkey, and mom bake the traditional cranberry apple crisp. We ate at our neighbor's home, and had such a great time playing games and eating way too much food.

Thanksgiving Dinner!

Afterwards, Daddy, Mommy and I went to the Agana lights to get a little taste of Christmas on Guam. It was nice to have something special with daddy before we were separated by another deployment. I also received my first birthday present early so that daddy could put it together and have some quality time playing together. I love my new tricycle!

Agana Lights

Playing with Daddy

Just one short week later, mommy and I were on an airplane to Hawaii to meet up with Grandpa to fly to Navarre for Christmas and my first birthday. It was hard leaving daddy behind knowing that when we got back, he wouldn't be there, but we've already had plenty of skype dates and he recorded himself reading some of my favorite books. I love watching them and skyping with him, and I always say "dada" over and over again when I see his face.

Jet lag was trouble, but mommy worked really hard to get me back on my usual schedule, so after a few sleepless nights and cranky days, I was back and better than ever! I'm even sleeping better than I did on Guam, but I think that might be because there is just so much to do here in Navarre.

I spent the first couple nights with my Halmoni and had a great time with her. She made me chicken soup, and it is now my favorite meal. She put all the left overs into the freezer, so I can eat it whenever I want (or whenever mommy heats it up for me).

I went to a tree farm to cut down my very first Christmas tree! It was so fun crawling around and picking out a tree. Uncle Keith cut both mine and Wesley's trees down, and then we took some silly pictures and looked at the animals at the farm. We ate some fried pickles afterwards since it was a tradition of my mommy's, and man, the couple bites I got were really tasty!

Tree Farm

I love looking at all the Christmas decorations at Grandma & Aunt Michelle's house and I especially love the lights. We went to the Zoolights in Gulf Breeze and I had so much fun! I was able to pet a bunny, some goats, and see a baby alligator up close. I saw Santa in a helicopter and it made me think of my daddy and how he flies in the helicopters, too! There were so many lights, so I was in awe the entire time I was there.

Zoolights with Mommy

I also met up with some of my old friends from Guam. My friend Leia, and my new friend Brynn flew out to Pensacola to visit their family, so we were able to have lunch together. Mommy had a great time catching up with Auntie Maria, and I had fun playing with Leia. We're sad it was such a short visit, but maybe one day the Navy will bring our families close together again.

Reunion with the Blackwell Family!

The last big thing I did this month was drive to Texas (well, Aunt Michelle & Mommy drove) and surprise my great grandparents. My Pop-pop was turning 85, and I had never met either of them, so we took the opportunity to see them for a few days. The drive wasn't much fun, but once we got there, I had a great time meeting them, and all my 2nd cousins and great Aunts & Uncles. We celebrated Pop-pop's birthday, went to a rose garden to look at the lights, and just spent some great quality time with the families.

Meeting my Great-Grandparents

I cut my sixth tooth this past month, and I took my first step just before we left for Texas. While I was in Texas, though, I took five consecutive steps! I'm getting braver, so it is just a matter of time before I'm off walking full time. I still think crawling is faster, for now, though.

Hanging with Wesley.

Now, I'm anxiously awaiting my first Christmas. I've had so much fun this last month, and I can't wait to see what the LAST month of my first year has in store! I know I'll be seeing some other of my Mommy's friends and the biggest thing will be me turning ONE! I'll make sure to fill you all in on the festivities next month!

Merry Christmas!

Month 10

This last month was a lot of fun!

It started with a family photo session for our Christmas Card, and I was allowed to crawl around the golf course while getting my picture taken. Mommy picked out a really cool outfit with a clip on tie, and Daddy had me put on my Jaguar's jersey for some pictures, too! I even "climbed" a tree! Daddy, mommy & the lady taking the pictures were acting soooo silly, so I laughed and smiled a lot, and the fact that we were outside really put me in a good mood.

Photo Credit: Memory Layne Photos

After the pictures were done, I ate some dinner, and then went to my very first Halloween Party. The FRG for Daddy's squadron hosted it, and there were so many kids there! I even won the costume contest for funniest costume. I shared my prize with some of my older friends because I am still a little too young to appreciate candy and silly straws.

Sumo Squat!

Daddy had to go away for some training after that, so he missed my first time out trick-or-treating. Mommy and I went over to our neighbor's house for a "spooky" dinner of mummy dogs and spider macaroni and cheese. Trick or treating started at 6pm, and my bed time is at 7, so we went about one or two blocks and then went home. I can't eat candy anyway, so it really wasn't a huge loss.

First Pumpkin!

Trick or Treat!

While Daddy was away, Mommy & I had lots of playdates with my friends! We had dinner at a friend's house, went to underwater world, and splashed around at the pool. Mommy didn't realize how exhausting it would be to chase me around all by herself, and she looked forward to naps and bed time every day.

Pool time with Liam!

Sea Star at Underwater World

I'm still crawling all over the place, and I've even stood up on my own a few times (not pulling up, just straight up standing!). I still haven't taken any steps all by myself, but I do walk holding Mommy or Daddy's hand, so I'm still working towards my goal to take my first steps before Daddy deploys.

I have 5 teeth now, and it looks as if the 6th tooth is going to break through any day now. I'm getting lots of bumps and bruises from being adventurous around the house, and my new favorite game is to take my blocks and place them in & out of a bucket. I also love banging on things with my hands, and throwing toys for Luna.

I'm eating more and more finger foods lately. I absolutely love ham, squash, and pasta! I get a little bit of Mommy & Daddy's dinner every night as long as it's not too spicy, but I don't mind the spice! I tried some kimchi at lunch one afternoon and LOVED it! It was more sour than spicy, but man was it yummy!

I Love Food!

I will be in Navarre at my next blog post spending time with my Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles & Cousin to prep for Christmas and my first birthday! I can't believe I'm already 10 months old! Only two more to go until I'm ONE!!!

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, and I will be sure to tell you all about my first turkey day next month!

Month 9

This month has gone by so quickly, but then again, time flies when you're having fun (and boy am I having fun!).

Trying to get in the kitchen

I perfected my crawl, and I move so quickly that sometimes it is difficult for Mommy to catch me when I'm trying to get into trouble. A lot of times, though, I start laughing halfway to my destination, so my parents know they need to move fast to catch me. One of my favorite off limit spots is the dog's water bowl. It is just so much fun to splash around! I also, really like going into my room and pulling all of my books off the book shelf. I keep telling them in my adorable baby babble that I'm just trying to decide which book I want Mommy to read to me at bed time!

Water Bowl Fun!

Picking out my favorite books

I'm also working on standing on my own. I can walk with the assistance of my walker toy and mommy or daddy's fingers, but I've only stood on my own for a few seconds at a time. I know that I'll figure it out soon, though. I really want to take my first steps for daddy before he deploys!

Daddy & I must have seen something very interesting on the TV.

I absolutely LOVE playing with my puppy, Luna. I always take her toys and try to get her to play with me. She runs down the hallway when Mommy & Daddy throw her toys, so I'm figuring out how to do that, too. I climb all over her, and pet her, and sometimes pull on her fur, but she lets me and I'm learning how to pet her correctly so I don't hurt her.

I got the toy!

Here, Luna, now take it back.

I had my 9 month appointment a little early because of some digestive issues, so here are my measurements. I'm in the 77% for length at 29 inches, 81% for weight at 22.5 lbs, and 91% for head circumference at 18.5 inches. I'm definitely starting to trim up with all the moving I'm doing... I'm still pretty chunky, but I don't think I'll be that way for too much longer.

9 months old!

I'm starting to really enjoy eating solid foods. My favorite meals are green beans, carrots, sweet potatoes, and pears, while I'm not really a fan of asparagus or hummus. I haven't really been introduced to meats just yet, but I have had some small tastes of kalua pork and chicken on a stick. Mommy & Daddy wanted to wait until my digestive issues started working themselves out, and it looks like I'll be trying some more this month!

Trying some Kalua Pork at the Islands Festival.

We went to the Micronesian Islands Festival as well. It was a lot of fun walking around all the different vendors and seeing the artwork. There was wood carving, carabao rides (I didn't ride one THIS time), and a mosaic artist that was really neat. I especially enjoyed helping mommy hold the umbrella.

I love hanging out with Mommy!

I now have THREE teeth! You can really see them when I smile, too. Teething is definitely no fun, so I can't wait to get all of them and be done with it.

This upcoming month should be a lot of fun! We have a family photo session, Halloween, and lots of play time with Daddy before he leaves. Until next time, I hope you all have a great month!

Month 8

Well, I am officially crawling... and pulling myself up to standing... and cruising along the furniture... and getting into trouble! It all happened in one week; Mommy and Daddy were shocked and happy all at once. They had to lower the mattress on my crib because they were afraid I would flip over the side and hurt myself. I feel like there is a whole new world in front of me. Mommy definitely has to keep a much closer eye on me. I've had some pretty scary falls, but I always get right back up. I follow her all over the house, now, so they bought some baby gates to close off the kitchen. They keep saying it's easier to do that than it would be to baby proof every drawer and cabinet in there. The oven doesn't lock either... but I think they just want to keep me out of the fridge!

Crawling around my toys to get to Daddy's laptop.

I know this is where you keep the food!

I'm awaaaaaake!

Mommy and I are working on my swimming skills, again. We took a little bit of a break the last couple months because the weather was always so rainy, but now that we get a few sunny days here and there, we go to the pool whenever we have the opportunity. I really love splashing around in the water. I stand up on the side of the pool, and if Mommy puts me on my stomach, I kick my legs. We've even done a few dunks to get me used to going under the water. I never cry, and quickly go back to playing in the water. Pool time is probably one of my favorite things right now. Sometimes I go over to my friend's house and swim in her little pool in the back yard. Mommy says she has one she needs to get out of storage so I can swim in my back yard, too!

Tired out after an afternoon swimming. I pulled the towel over my eyes so I could sleep!

I saw the Imagination Movers here on base, too. They were GOOD! I had never heard of them before, so Mommy put on one of their episodes the day before the concert. I wasn't very interested, but that is probably because I don't watch much TV, so I didn't really understand what was going on. But when I saw them live... man, oh, man, was I impressed. I just sat on Mommy's lap and took it all in. All the other kids around me were up dancing around, but I had never seen anything like that before. The lights and music were mesmerizing, and I took a nice long nap after the concert.

Imagination Movers show!

We also went to the Chamorro Culture Center and took a tour around a replica of a Chamorro Village. It was a lot of fun. We were able to eat dinner and watch the sun set over the ocean. Then the "Chamorro villagers" came out and performed a show for us. I got scared because there was a lot of chanting, clapping, and slapping of legs, but once Daddy handed me over to Mommy, I felt better and was able to enjoy the show. I was a hit among the lady villagers, and they all wanted to hold me after the show!

Chamorro Culture Show

Hanging out with the ladies!

Let's see... what other things have I learned this month? Oh! I started clapping my hands! I was imitating Daddy one night, and now I can do it on my own if I really try. I also talk a lot. I know what I'm saying, but I don't think my Mommy and Daddy quite understand all the priceless knowledge I am passing on.

I'm so cute... even when I'm doing something I'm not supposed to do!

The last few months have gone by so quickly. It seems like just yesterday I was visiting my family in the states, and now we're beginning the fall season. I can't wait to update you all again next month with all I do here on the island of Guam!

8 Months Old!

Month 7

Not too much has happened in the couple weeks that have passed since my delayed 6 month blog, but I will do my best to fill you in.

Firstly, I had my 6 month check up. I weigh 21 lbs, and am in the 94% of weight and head circumference. Apparently, I'm a really big boy. My doctor said I look really healthy and my mom was really happy he answered all the questions she had about my development. I really don't mind seeing him... it's the people that give me shots that I don't like. Luckily, I didn't have any fevers or upset tummies like I did the last time. My Dr. said I get a break now until I turn one. YAY!

Luna and I hanging out during a Thunderstorm. It bothered her more than me!

My first tooth broke through! Only a tiny bit is poking out from the gum line, but it is defintely there. My mom noticed it when I chomped down on her finger and it pinched her. I am teething full force right now, and often have both hands in my mouth to try and sooth my gums. It's hard work growing teeth!

I feel some teeth!

I'm getting closer and closer to crawling. I can sit up on my own, and get on all fours. I move back and forth like I want to crawl, but any time I go to move an arm or a leg, I fall on my belly. I get frustrated sometimes, but my mommy says, "Practice makes perfect," so I'll keep working on it.

Very close to becoming mobile!

Sleep is always frustrating. I fight it so much because I am just so interested in what is going on around me. I fell asleep in my high chair for the first time because I fought my afternoon nap so much that my mom gave up and let me stay awake. Well, my brilliant plan didn't work, because as she was feeding me my delicious dinner of pureed carrots, I passed out. I missed out on my nap, but ended up going to bed very early.

So sleepy

That's about all. Sorry for the lack of pictures as well. We just get busy with our day, that sometimes we forget to stop and take it all in. I will write more next month!

Happy 7 months to me!

Month 6

This month brought a BIG adventure! I took my first airplane ride to Pensacola, Florida. Daddy and Mommy were really impressed with how I behaved on the plane. I cried a little, slept, and Daddy walked me around the plane when I had trouble calming down. I met a lot of people on the airplane and they all said I was very cute.

Once we made it to Pensacola (24 hours later), I met my Halmoni (Grandma Ismay) for the very first time. She was so excited to see me, and I immediately gave her my biggest toothless grin. I was held by her and we went down to the baggage claim to surprise my Grandma Triebold. Grandpa Triebold was in on the surprise, so she practically walked right into my  Mommy before she realized who was in front of her. It was a perfect surprise and she immediately gave Mommy a hug and came over to see me.

Next we drove over to Aunt Michelle's house and surprised her, too! She was so excited, I was shocked that she didn't go into labor right then and there! We all went out to dinner and enjoyed the fact we would be around for almost a whole month.

We spent the first few days adjusting to the time difference, but after a couple nights I was back to my 5-6 hour stretch of sleep, and having Halmoni around to get me from my pack-n-play helped Mommy & Daddy get adjusted faster, too. I loved waking up to her and playing with her every morning before my parents woke up.

I went swimming for the first time during the trip. Grandma Triebold helped me get used to having water splashed on my head, and we eventually even put my entire head under the water! I did so well; I didn't even cry. I like the water a lot, so Mommy says we'll have to keep going so that I learn to love it more and more.

I started moving around a lot, too. When we first got to the states, I only rolled from my belly to my back; now I scoot on my back all over the floor, roll from my back to my belly, and push up on my arms almost to the point where I can put my knees under me. Everyone says I'm really close to crawling.

I started eating solids at my 6 month mark! I've eaten rice cereal, carrots, avocados, squash, and sweet potatoes. I am having so much fun trying all the different flavors real food has to offer!

I met so many people while I was home, too! Some people even came from different states to visit. Besides meeting my Aunt Michelle, I met my Uncle Keith, Aunt Teresa and Uncle David! I had a lot of fun with all of them. My cousin Wesley was born while I was in the states, too, and I'm really excited to get to grow up with him and play when we get older. I met my Great Grandpa Triebold, Great Aunt Sharon, and Nana Triebold. My Great-Aunt Jaymie & Uncle Mike stopped by on their way back to Illinois to see me, and my Great-Aunt Dori, Uncle Glenn, and Aunt Linda came from Texas to see me and my cousin Wesley. They brought along my first cousins Christian, Faith, Nicholas, and second cousins Olivia and Isaac. Finally, my Grandpa Ismay flew all the way from New York to visit me! We spent time at the Gulfarium and the Naval Aviation Museum and had a lot of fun together.

Me & Uncle David

Hanging out with Great Grandpa Triebold

Visiting Aunt Michelle in the Hospital

Mommy holding Wesley before he was put in the nursery.

Needless to say, I was pretty spoiled during my time in Florida. So many people held me and loved on me, it was hard to believe it was time to go back to Guam after the 4 weeks flew by. I know we didn't get the chance to see some of the people that my Daddy & Mommy wanted, but Mommy & I will be back in December for Christmas, so we'll have some more time to visit others.

My 7 month update is fast approaching so I will write more, then!

PS: I'm sorry there aren't many pictures of the trip. My Mommy still needs to upload them to the computer, so if you're on facebook, keep an eye out for them!

Month 5

Hello Family & Friends!

This month started off with getting my first cold. Mommy had a little bit of a cold, so a few days after she felt better, I started feeling sick. It didn't last very long, but I definitely had a stuffy nose, and didn't sleep very well. This was made worse the first couple days by a fever from immunisations. My sleep habits were disrupted for quite a while, though. I'm still not quite back to where I was (8 hours straight), but I'm getting better. I just really like seeing my mommy, and am starting to realise that she's not in my nursery when I wake up. I don't even like it when she is washing dishes in the kitchen and I am bouncing in the living room.

Just chillin'.

I also went through my first tropical storm! The house was really dark because the base made us close all of the shutters, and it was so rainy. Otherwise, nothing else happened. Mommy and I just stayed dry in the house while Daddy was at work.

A friend's photo of the Tropical Storm

I celebrated my first Memorial Day at a BBQ, but slept through a majority of it. My Mommy & Daddy celebrated their 3 year wedding anniversary, and I skyped into my Aunt Michelle's Baby shower. I also helped celebrate Father's Day with my Daddy by taking him out to lunch and buying him a cool Father's Day mug.

Memorial Day Nap

Happy Father's Day!

I rolled over on Memorial Day for the first time! Mommy & Daddy were so excited, you'd have thought they won the lottery or something. I've been rolling over from my belly to my back like a pro ever since, but I still haven't been able to go from my back to my belly. I am starting to push my knees under my belly, though, so I may be in the beginning stages of learning to crawl.

Action Shot!

Daddy & Mommy helped me apply for my passport and hope I can get at least one stamp in it before we leave Guam. There are some fun places we could visit like Japan or Hong Kong that have Disney Land, so we may try and go there once I'm a little bit older. Even if we don't get to go, it will still be good to have a passport for emergency purposes... although, I hope that isn't the case.

Passport photo taken at home before we decided to just go to a professional.

Sorry it's a pretty short update. We've spent a lot of time hanging out with friends on island, and since the summer is getting started, there will be more outings to come! I am certain that I will have a lot to say on my 6 month blog, so stay tuned!

Month 5 was SUPER!