15 months

Fun at the museum beach party.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art had a "beach party" all summer long in front of the museum. They painted huge game boards on the concrete, had sandboxes with toys, ping pong, bean bag toss, and more. It was very cool and fun to explore. Julian loves to play with other kids, and "yells" when he sees them. He gets very excited to see other toddlers and babies, and goes right up to them to see what they're doing.

cardboard castle at the museum

We had fun at "Art Splash" at the museum. They had kids activities, story time, toys and kid-friendly exhibits all summer long. 

The Free Library had this book house outside that you could take out some of the books and read in the big chairs. 

We all went to Longwood Gardens this month. It was beautiful, with tons of flowers and plants in bloom.

Julian had some crazy dance moves at the Penn State concert.

Julian's cardboard condo

Relaxing at the beach party.

We all went to Penn State University for a few days. Michael was asked to be a juror for a big art show there, so Julian & I went along to hang out and see the show, the campus, and the music. We ate ice cream and watched the ducks in the evenings. And as always, the flowers there were a hit.

Julian & Dad touching the soft plants at Penn State.

Julian and Mom hung out at the hotel room at Penn State and partied!

Julian got a new bean bag chair from his dad. He loves it and sits in it every day during Sesame Street.

Julian's favorite veggie at the grocery store.

Julian is really looking more like a kid, and less like a baby. Unbelievable. When did this happen. He understands a lot of what I say, like "get your shoes", airplane, balloon, up the stairs, eat (you will go to your high chair), more (you do the sign language), milk (you start whining for a bottle or cup), brush our teeth (you go into the bathroom & wait by the sink), and more. Julian's favorite foods right now are red bell peppers, broccoli, cheese, peanut butter toast, pears, peaches, apples, crackers, Morning Star chicken nuggets, and muffins. He hugs me when I come home, and he smiles and kisses me.

Julian started walking backwards, it is very funny and cute. He also spins in a circle and makes himself dizzy. He has a funny personality, and will sometimes talk in a funny voice, like Barney on the Simpsons.

He also has learned how to turn into a limp noodle when he doesn't want me to move him, and he is getting good at throwing tantrums! He gets furious if I take something away from him, or if he can't do something he wants to, and he sometimes yells or screams. Yikes.

It is also getting harder to shop or eat out in a restaurant. Julian doesn't like to sit still for too long, and will demand to get down. We usually pick very casual places to eat out, and either Michael or I will have to follow him around while the other one scarfs down their food. To go grocery shopping, I have to give Julian a whole piece of fruit or a pepper to eat, and that keeps him busy for about 20 minutes. 

Julian says "Dat! Dat!" all the time, he points to things and wants to know what it is or he wants to touch it. He is obsessed with locks and holes, and puts keys or coins in every hole he sees. Or he will touch every hole or dent or crack. 

I often find random things in cupboards (like a cup in the food pantry, or a toy in the spice drawer), or toys or objects under cushions or under boxes. I have to watch him closely, because sometimes my keys or small computer connector will end up in a hiding spot. 

Julian loves books, we read about 15 or more books a day. He loves to bring me books and listens closely and loves pictures. 

He is a happy and loving boy, and I am so glad to have him in my life. 

14 Months

Julian and I went to Wisconsin this summer, and it was a real treat. Julian got to hang out with all of his cousins, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends.  He now thinks that every little kid he sees is his cousin, and he shouts at them and runs right up to them. It was so much fun, and we are grateful to have such a loving and generous family.

Julian loved his personal pool at grammies house. He also loved filling it up with the hose.

We loved watching the amazing clogging Mabrys! They were so awesome!

JC and grandpa Greg hanging out on the patio.

I love ice cream cones, and my grammy!

Enjoying some milk with aunt Julie.

Julian loved his cousin Elyse. He misses her so much.

Auntie JoJo and cousin Louis came to hang out with us, hooray!

Zonked out with my grammy.

Louis read books with me. 

I love my grampa Louie!

Grampa and Julian playing with toys.

Louis carried me around and took care of me.

My cousin Leo shared his toys with me.

Check out this water table Louis!

Julian & Elyse having fun eating noodles.

July 4th was a great day...Grandma's birthday! Aunt Renate and Uncle Jack made delicious food and got an awesome pool for JC to play in. It was a lot of fun!

Happy Birthday Grandma!