standing practice video

As of July 28th, Ariel can stand a few seconds unassisted. She caught on quickly, and now likes to practice it over and over (like 100 times in bed last night!) It's hard to video because A) I don't have the camera handy or B) she's distracted by the camera. But this short video gives you an idea. It's fun for her to balance, and she's proud of herself, too.

Skyping Dad

"Nap's over. Let's call Dad."

"Work, Skype, work!" (sometimes it works, sometimes not, depending on his internet connection.)

"Yeah, there he is!"

"How can I get to him through this magic camera?"

Kissing the screen: it's not as good as the real Jeff, but it'll have to do. We love you, Jeff!

picking grass

Aaah, brother time

handsome Ralph

"Picking grass is my forte."

"It keeps me busy while Dad's gone."

"What do you mean, 'time to go in'?"

Faux-bucks

This is Main Street Coffee at the YCC (Yokota Community Center.) But everyone usually calls it Starbucks, fake Starbucks, Faux-bucks, or just "coffee at the YCC".

I like to sit outside in the main thoroughfare and people watch. We hope to see friends walking by. I always get the iced green tea latte.

Ariel often gets sleepy here. My attempt at a subtle smile just looks serious. Luckily, the smiley guys behind me make up for my seriousness.

Vigorous hand-licking always precedes a nap.

Oh, the exhaustion!

Snoozing away. We did see some friends, and had a good visit with neighbor Tracy (who brought her this cool outfit from Malaysia.) Tracy helped entertain Ariel, and helped us grocery shop for baby food.

Gerber Puff video

Ariel likes to play with Gerber Puffs, but isn't sure about eating them yet:

ongaku

(music)

I knew starting her on John Denver music in the China Hotel would pay off.

This keyboard is a special hand-me-down from neighbor Susie.

Her shaking bell is from Mom's kitchen drawer. I think it's older than me - I always thought it was a cat toy!

extreme closeups

You've seen it before

and it's still super-cute.

Eating at the high chair:

Ralph always makes her smile.

After a fresh shampoo and nap, the mohawk is back temporarily.

"Relax, Mom. I'll feed her!"

When we first tried the water cup, she took to it right away. After she takes a sip, she closes her eyes, smacks her lips, and acts so refreshed.

A+ for enthusiasm

Trying Beechnut Country Vegetable mixed with baby oatmeal and olive oil. The extra fat is good for her nervous system and cell membranes. She likes to experiment with healthy mixtures. That's our girl!

Skyping Dad

Thursday night (and every night and morning), we Skyped Jeff. He's in the States for a month. Ariel is determined to grab the webcam and teletransport herself to him. She likes to Skype, and grabs faces on the screen.

Boxes of toys distract her from crawling under the computer desk, until I put up better barriers. She was sporting the "one-wing" hairstyle.

crawling well now

All on her own, she's practicing standing against this wall.

The smile says it all!

"Hey, let's go for a walk!"

The weather has been hot, so we waited until sunset to walk. She enjoys riding in the BOB.

Ariel & Ralph

A short video of Ariel & Ralph seeing each other through the glass door (Doraemon is in the background):

lounging around

Babies!

The next round of referrals just arrived.
See RQ's Babies!! post.

Congrats to these families!

11 months old

Ariel is 11 months old today!

academics

This Curious George book has textures that she likes.

This toy piano is a sentimental hand-me-down from the Sweeneys. Ariel spends a lot of time at it. It plays songs when she touches the keys, and has another mode like a regular piano. She can push it around the room while she plays and slobbers on it.