Helicopter at the Park

Today we went to a local park where they were doing the first Community Day in memoriam of a fallen police officer 10 years ago.  They brought in some awesome police and sheriff equipment and machinery for the kids to look at.  Then a helicopter also came in and landed right there in front of our eyes!

Didi was completely mesmerized by all things that flashed (lights) and moved (robot from the Bomb Squad).

Here's the 'copter landing just in front of us.

They actually did let kids get inside the helicopter to sit and look around.  Unfortunately, didn't get any good pictures to share.

Bubbles

Didi is learning how to blow bubbles.

 Hmm... maybe I should drink/lick it?

Forget it, I'll just play on the slide instead.  But, I am now a big boy, I am going to go down the steep slide like Jie-Jie does!

This is the beauty of living next door to a park.  As soon as the weather getting a little warmer, the kids are out there during most of their awake time.

Birthday #2

Our Didi has turned 2!  Since he was born in the year of the Tiger, we got him a cake with the tiger face.  Isn't this cute?

Getting a little introspective on becoming a toddler.

Eagerly awaiting to see what's inside the wrapping paper.

Park

On a rare day this season that's warn enough and dry enough to venture outside.  The sun even came out for a bit.

What is that I spot?

Oooh... Look!

Ducks!

Toddler Blanket

Since picking up sewing, a whole world of possibilities have opened up.  There are sooooo many things one can sew for kids and around the home, and of course a whole slew of other things too.  Anyways, I got the idea to make Didi a toddler blanket, because he's been breaking out of his sleepsacks for awhile now; baby blankets are too small, and twin-size blankets are way too big for him, since he's still in his crib.  I was all set to brave the world of making his blanket, complete with a binding around the border.  In case you don't sew, making the binding is a PITA apparently.  I was trying to find ways to short-cut it.  Plus, I didn't find fabric big enough for me to make a backing with enough allowances on the sides for the binding.  ANYHOO, I saw THIS TUTORIAL, and it's like it's made just for me.

Here it is, the final product.  It's roughly 40x55-ish.  The fabric is flannel with Warm&Natural batting inside.  Oh my, this thing is super soft.  Seriously, I was petting the batting as I was sewing.  LOL.

Before I finished the blanket, Didi was happily rolling around in it.  Sadly, I didn't get to take any pictures of that.  When I tried to re-create the moment, of course he wouldn't cooperate.  So I could only take pictures of him walking on and around the blanket.

Here's another look.  These are 8"x8" squares.

Here's the back side.  I used the left over fabric and just put the strips together.  I also sewed around one of the squares through all three layers, just to make sure the batting won't slide around in there.

Spring is Near

Wow, we sure have crazy weather here.  It snowed just a couple of days ago.  And today... beautiful spring-like day!  We were able to take a walk outside before sunset and enjoy the warmth from the sun.

 Yeah!  We get to go outside!

 Checking out neighbor's newly planted garden and fish pond.

 Is that a car I hear coming?

Post-walk snack.

First Haircut!

Didi had his very first haircut at 1yr 9mo.  Almost a whole year older than when his sister had her first haircut.  This is the BEFORE picture.  Didi's hair had gotten so long that he was constantly being mistaken for a girl.

Start of the cut.  Can you see the glistening tears just barely hanging on before they spilled out?

Getting better at this haircut thing.

NO!  Not the pink hair dryer!!!

The reveal.  Didi totally looks like a grown up boy now. *sniff, sniff*

Holiday 2011

Poipu 2011

Whereas his sister took to the beach like fish took to water; Didi was very scared.  He absolutely refused to touch the water.  Well, we hope there'll be other opportunities to bring him back to this awesome beach in the future.

Kauai 2011

So glad there's plenty of pool items at the house.  Because Didi's turtle donut that we brought has a hole in it.  This one is even better, because there's a seat for the baby.  AND it was already inflated.  Double bonus!  Didi seemed to enjoy it.

Video - Vibrate

Halloween 2011

I'm not biased when I say, "isn't he the cutest dinosaur you've seen???" Am I?  LOL.  And a modern dinosaur at that, holding a cell phone.

However, he seems to be happiest when he's at home playing with his sister's toys.

Aquarium Starfish

Despite having taken Didi to the Aquarium several times in the past, this was the first time he really enjoyed himself.  Starting with the Starfish tanks.  He could not get enough of touching these slimy things.

Video - Park Wood Chips

Apparently it's important that the play structure at the park is free of woodchips.  Didi likes to pick them off one by one.

Park Wood Chips from Peanuts' Mom on Vimeo.

Crafty?

Didi loves playing with mommy's crafting supplies, climbing onto the crafting table, aka dining table.
Sorry for the quality of photo.  But his smile is too cute not to share. :)

And He Stands!

Thank goodness, 'cause if we have to go into the next doctor's appointment without him making any progress, there will be a referral to a specialist.  And we KNOW there's nothing wrong with him other than laziness?  Or maybe he just likes cruising on his butt.  What's wrong with that??? :)

Purse

What is it with kids and their mom's purses?  Didi loves to rifle through my purse and take everything out.

Computer

Didi is fascinated by computers.  Every time he gets near one, he has to type on it.  Come to think of it, Peanut was like this, too.

Attempt at Crawling

Oops, forgot to share this video from 5/13/11.
Didi attempting to crawl.  For the record, he has never really crawled.  He's a butt scooter, which I think is much smarter.  More padding on the bottom than the knees.  Gets to look up and see where he's going, rather than the floor.  Smart kid, I tell ya!

Attempt at Crawling from Peanuts' Mom on Vimeo.

Washer

Taken 5/26/11:
What is it with kids and washing machines?  Peanut was also mesmerized by the washing machine when she was little.  She's still fascinated by it.  She will scold me if I do laundry by myself, without her help!

And I don't know why in this picture, Didi looks so weird to me.  I remember having this problem with Peanut.  Somehow when I see the kids' pictures, they don't look like the same baby I know.  Strange.