A Dix Family Visit

Dayton had a wonderful visit with Nan, Uncle Jim, Aunt Edith, and cousins Kaitlin and Carissa. The pictures and 2 videos speak for themselves. The visit also provided an environment for many firsts. The first time Dayton was in a pool. He went in with no hesitation and was splashing and kicking his legs within minutes. The first time he sat on a horse! Thanks to cuz Kaitlin for bringing the horsey by! Dayton has also begun pointing at what he sees. In the picture with Uncle Jim, Dayton and Uncle Jim are pointing at the birds flying over the deck.

We all had such a great time and were sad to leave Jacksonville, Florida. Thanks for a fun filled weekend filled with laughter.

Loves His Puffs

I just had to post these pictures of Dayton. They were taken while we were at BRC on Saturday (see previous post). Dayton was enjoying feeding himself some puffs (a.k.a. cheerios) while sitting in Luke's lap. Our little boy really looks like a little boy now...not a baby.

A Family Weekend

It has been a VERY VERY long time since we have been a family - - - in the same city for the weekend. This was the first weekend in what feels like months where Mike was over jetlag and not prepping for a business trip, conference or other related work-crisis. The weekend can be summed up in 3 words.

It was wonderful.

Saturday was a rainy day in Houston so we packed up the diaper bag and went to Barnes and Noble. Dayton had a fabulous time in the kids section and beyond. Mike and I enjoyed exploring with Mr. D.

On Saturday night, we had arranged a neighborhood outing to a new restaurant in the 'hood called BRC (see Big Red Chicken pictures below - - - although the name does not stand for 'chicken'...take the 'L' out of 'clock'). Mike knew we were getting together with the 'hoodies but not that it was also for his birthday. There were 12 1/2 of us in all (including Dayton) that greatly enjoyed our meal and drinks at this new locale. We all had a blast, including Dayton, as you can see from all the smiles in the pictures below. Dayton played on the table, under the table, on everyone's laps and a game of peek-a-boo behind chairs (see pics).

Sunday was spent recovering from the night before. I've become a very cheap date post-pregnancy. 'Nuff said.

My FIRST Mother's Day

My first Mother's Day was WONDERFUL. Initially, Mike was supposed to continue travelling. I had expected Mother's Day to be like any other Sunday involving me and Dayton spending quality time together.

My Aunt Sandi was greatly disappointed by our cancellation the weekend prior to go to Florida for my Grandpa's 90th birthday. To protest, she bought a plane ticket using miles to come visit Dayton and me on Mother's Day weekend. We would not be alone afterall for Mother's Day.

A day or so later, Mike called with good news. His Middle East/Europe trip was ending early and he would be home in time for Mother's Day.

Things were quickly shaping up!

Aunt Sandi arrived on Thursday evening and Mike on Saturday afternoon. It was a lovely weekend with great weather, Houston's famous Art Car parade, lots of walks in the neighborhood, Dayton/Aunt Sandi bonding, a Father/Son reunion, Mother's Day brunch at Benjy's, bouquet's of flowers and lovely gestures from friends and family.

Dayton continues to take up to 3 steps on his own and will walk and walk and walk as long as he is holding or pushing ANY object (see video at the bottom of this post). He now loves to walk up and down the stairs...yes, I said 'walk'. He holds our hands and takes the steps up and down with a big smile.

Thank you to Aunt Sandi for the last minute trip to Texas to make sure I was not alone for Mother's Day. Thank you for showing your love by simply being here - - let alone the gifts and cooking (yummy)!

10 Months Old!

We've reached double digits.

In this photo session, Dayton discovered that the glider rocks. He began leaning forward and throwing himself backwards to make the chair go back and forth. There is a series of four pictures below where you see him leaning forward and throwing himself back as his feet go in the air and finally leaning back against the chair.

After a couple minutes of rocking, Dayton discovered the '10 months old' piece of paper and quickly tore it apart.

Luckily, I got two nicely posed pictures before all the activity began.

Thankful for Friends Like Them

I am so thankful for my friends in Houston for treating me like family. This is especially important when Mike is on the road week after week as he has been in 2010.

Ashley, Josh, Faith and Hudson had Dayton and I over on Sunday. Dayton got to put his bathing suit on for the first time to enjoy the splashpad with Faith. Dayton wasn't quite certain about the cold water until Faith started laughing which immediately led him to laugh too. He sat on the edge with his feet submerged and enjoyed splashing in the water.

While Faith could have stayed in for the rest of the day and night, Dayton opted out after 15 minutes or so.

Faith and Dayton get on wonderfully. At the end of the day, they both leaned in for several kisses. Josh joked that he may need to meet Dayton at the door with a shotgun next time as he seems to already be making a play for his daughter!

Full of FUN!

Dayton came down with a fever on Thursday which kept us from going to Florida to help celebrate Great Grandpa Hershey's 90th birthday. His b-day is in June but the party was Saturday. We were soooo disappointed not to go but I suppose these type of last minute changes are expected when a baby is in the house. He is feeling all better today.

Instead of going to the party, Dayton decided to take his first 3 steps on May 1st. Just shy of 10 months old. We were playing the 'standing game' and instead of falling forward into my chest, he took three steps towards me. He has done it one other time since then but we're sure consistent independent walking is just around the corner. Lucky us!

Dayton is full of activity. He only gets more and more active and interactive as each day passes. For example, he climbs stairs, attempts to go down them too, climbs to the highest point of every object, walks easily while pushing a cart, walks next to me when holding onto one of my fingers, loves using Mikki as an object to hold onto when he stands up, and more. He loves to chatter too. We can't wait until we understand what he is saying.

He is so much fun. His newest game is to hold onto my knees when I am sitting down and let go with both hands while he is standing up. Hence, the 'standing game'. He looks up at me with a sparkle in his eye and a big smile while he waits to fall. More recently, he has decided to go from that position to launching himself into my chest. He loves when I chase him on the floor and he loves to climb all over me when I lay on the ground. He giggles and giggles and loves to clap.

He loves music. The daycare reports that he loves to be right next to the stereo when the music plays. I also catch him dancing from time to time. He bops up and down and side to side. He also loves animals...and it is a good thing given that we are an animal friendly home and our neighborhood is crawling with four-legged pets. Dogs are always making him laugh including when Mikki kisses him.

Here are a few pics from the past few weeks. Dayton is getting harder and harder to take a picture of as he is constantly moving. For the first time this morning, he stopped what he was doing 3 times to smile at the camera. Super cute.