Renissance Faire

The summer Max and I experienced a lot of new things together.  One of them was the New York Renissance Faire.  It was a very hot day but Max took it in and enjoyed all of the new experiences.  While we were there Max got to see his Aunt Maria who works at the faire and our friend Lorraine.  We also took a ride on a camel, played some arcade games, watched a bird show and enjoyed ice cream. 

At the bird show, Max loved watching the birds fly.

Max was determined to fish out a duck, success!

Getting ready for a camel ride.

Max wondering why someone else is on our camel....

Here is a link to the Renissance Faire web site for those who might be interested: http://renfair.com/ny/

Family Day

Max attends Strawberry Day Care.  They had a family day which was very similiar to a carnival for the kids.  Some of the kids put in shows, there was food, games and a bouncy house.  Everyone had a lot of fun.  Max loved the performances by the older kids; he was fascinated by them.  At one point he stood up and started to do the dances they were doing, it was great fun to watch. 

Max enjoying the show and joining in.

Max in the bouncy house.

Animals... Up Close

Andrew Simmons, a wildlife expert was doing a show locally so we went to see the animals.  I think Max really enjoyed seeing the animals; we were so close to them that he sat very still and took it all in.   After the show they did a raffle and Max won the 'medium' tiger, good thing he didn't win the big one, it was bigger than him!  

Here's a few pictures from the show.

An eagle.

An owl, I think we woke him!

I don't remember if Mr. Simmons said this was a crocodile or an alligator, I do remember that he said it had a bad attitude!  He was hissing at us.  

This lizard needs a manicure!  He was actually in captivity becasue one of his claws was broken.

 Mr. Simmons holding a big python!  He tried to feed the snake in front of us, but he wouldn't eat.

A four month old lion cub.

Max with his tiger.

Random Thoughts & Pictures

Max is home a little more than 3 ½ months now.  This Sunday when we were in Church I was watching him; he seems to be a completely different child than when we got home. 

To me, Max looks so much healthier now; his hair has come in nicely, I know he’s gained some weight and according to the growth chart in his room he’s grown a little bit too.  We go back to the doctor in the end of September for the official measurements. 

His adjustment has been amazing, he adapts well to every new situation, he loves people and he loves to go places.  He is happy, affectionate and excited to see me and the people in our lives that he has come to know and love. 

That’s not to say that he’s been all fun, remember, Max is 2 ½ years old and the terrible two’s definitely have a place in my house!  Max is very strong willed, he has opinions and he tries to express them often.  I know it’s really good that he is confident enough and trusts me enough to act like a typical two year old; he’s exhausting and challenging at times, as he should be. 

Remember, this post is titled ‘random thoughts….. 

I love thunder storms, I always have.  There is a peacefulness about them that I just love.  Max has given me another reason to love thunder storms, he’s afraid of the noise.  When he hears thunder and lightening, he comes running to me and he stays cuddled up in my arms hugging me tightly until the storm passes, nothing better than that! 

Here are a few pictures from the past few weeks.

In church waiting to be Baptized.

Riding my favorite 'Wiggles' car in the driveway. 

Max in the pool, he's a sytlish guy, he always wears his shades!

We celebrated Max being home for three months with a cake and friends! 

Max's First Trip To The Beach

I had a week off at the end of June before Max started in day care.  We went to the Bronx Zoo one day, Max really liked the children's petting zoo.  He fed the animals and ran from one pen to the next.  Then we went down to the Jersey Shore to spend three days with friends.  There were a lot of new things for Max at the beach; the ocean, the sand, and sleeping in a pack n' play, just to name a few.  He had a great time playing with our friend Matthew.  Here are a few pictures from our first trip to the zoo and the beach. 

P.S.  Thanks to Sara & Julian, I think I may have resolved the problem people were having posting to my blog.  Please let me know if you are still having problems posting, thanks.

What Have We Been Up To?

June has been a very busy month for us, everyday brings something new for us and Max takes on everything new with energy and enthusiasm.  I'll try to recap the month that just passed.

In the beginning of the month, we had to finalize Max' day care.  We visited several day care centers and selected one where I think Max will have fun and learn a lot, he'll start there soon. 

In the middle of the month, I went back to work.  Max was very well taken care of by friends and really enjoyed his days.  He finger painted, colored, and learned many new songs which he tried to show me, I have to learn them too! 

This past weekend Max was baptized. He did very well in church and then we came back to my house for a celebration with family and friends.  Max loved the party and had a great time along with every one else. 

Today was a beautiful sunny day so I decided it was time, time to let Max into the pool.  First we sat on the side and put our feet in, then I put his bathing suit on and we went in.  He liked it but he wasn't totally comfortable.  What he liked most was sitting on the ladder and splashing with his feet, that was fine with me.  I'm sure he'll be much more adventurous in the pool very soon. 

Stay tuned for more summer fun!

One Month With Max

Max is doing great!  He seems to be very comfortable with me, yesterday was the first time he kissed and hugged me without me asking him to do so.   To paraphrase a famous quote, 'He really likes me'!  

He is also very much a two year old, he tests me constantly and then he tests me again and again.  I find myself saying 'no' over and over and over again.  He lets me know when he's not happy with what we are doing or what I tell him he can't do.  Max is a happy, inquisitive and independent little boy. 

He loves his music, especially The Wheels on the Bus, the ABC song and Old McDonald.  You should hear him sing, it's funny!

Max is also very active, he loves to go in the car and he loves to be outside.  Everyday he's looking for many new adventures and experiences.  It's been fun trying to keep up with him.