talking carl

We are closing up a wonderful week touring Ann Arbor and then seeing family in Illinois. Lots of stories and new experiences for Mr. Bear (first train ride, first dog lick on the face). Perhaps the most dramatic first was an introduction to an app on Gramma's Iphone called Talking Carl. Among other tricks, Talking Carl repeats back everything you say in his own voice. Captured here, is Alden's first true conversation, as Talking Carl is completely fluent in Alden-speak. Enjoy . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gceT4sGfFXk

high chair

Elizabeth found a high chair on criaglist -- turns out to be a versatile tool -- providing the remaining support he needs to fulfill sitting, the much coveted, but rarely achieved, goal of this 6 month old. Above, he and mom get some morning work done from the home office, elizabeth listening to tapes of foster kids getting therapy, Alden chewing on the face of a stuffed turtle. Below, in the front yard on an early spring afternoon. And finally, some wonderous moments sitting across the table from Tom-ate-o/Tom-mot-o (first time ever spelled . . .)

Nanny Sara is the Best!

Sara is fast becoming one of Alden's most favorite people -- he absolutely lights up with smiles and giggles when she walks in the door in the morning. And occasionally, when Sara is over, he gets mohawks after eating rice cereal...

6 months

Alden celebrated his 1/2 year birthday with a visit to wonderful Dr. Krober. He passed the inspection, after nearly disqualifying himself by destroying the exam table paper. His new stats, for those playing fantasy Alden. Height (90%tile) Head (90%tile) Wt (6o%tile) -- growing taller and thinner, with larger dome, like his father.

Also seen in this photo are the flower Fuzzy Bun diapers, special-ordered by mom, likely to be a cause of embarrasment when remembered by teenage Alden down the road.

aquarium

Alden et al tackled the Seattle Aquarium - the kid was excited to see the (larger, more colorful) relatives of his goldfish. He showed true enthusiasm for about 15 minutes, which turned into a combination of exhaustion/thoughfulness/quiet thereafter -- a lot for the 6 month brain to comprehend -- especially 360 degree psychadelic jellyfish (as seen above.)

red diapers / blue crib

napping