A bear named Abble, or is it Aboo, or is it supposed to be Apple?

I have a new bear. He's big and tan and I like him a lot. I hug him very often and he never seems to mind. We were at a little store (Cracker Barrel has a store attached) and the sales lady was holding him. I almost dove out of Daddy's arms to get him because he was irresistible. All the way home, I chattered about "Abble"--kind of like saying apple, but with a "B" instead of a "P" sound. So that is his name.

We are hanging out on the couch, having a good time.


Mama thought I was going to kiss him, but I bit his nose. Fortunately, he didn't mind.


I carry him around the house. I have figured out how to carry him up the stairs. He goes to bed with me and gets hugs from Mama and Daddy. Sometimes I call him "Aboo" instead of "Abble" so they're not sure what his name will be in the end.

He even sat in on our picture session on Saturday. But those pictures will be posted later.

Eighteen months and counting

I went to the doctor yesterday for my visit. Only one vaccination (YEAH!) and one poke for a quick blood test. I was very good. I measured in at 33" tall, and weighed 22 pounds, 3 ounces. My head circumference was 18 3/4."

Then I went to my swimming lesson and got to use a "life jacket" to help me float. Once I figured out that I could stay on top of the water, I took off kicking and splashing. Mama grabbed a tether to keep me from running into people, but I figured out how to go on my own. I had such a good time.

Playing in the leaves

Today Mama and I went down to Oma's house. It was warmer there than at home, and so we went into the back yard to play for a little while. The wind had blown some leaves into one area of the yard, so Mama pushed them into a pile with her feet.

I waded through them. I tossed them in the air. I sat in the pile and Mama and Oma "buried" me in leaves. I ran through the pile a few times. I had a good time and had lots of pieces of leaves all over me.

Mama forgot the camera. So she has no pictures to share with you. Silly mama.

Photo opportunities--missed

I have a habit of rushing towards the camera any time it is pointed at me. I also have a habit of doing things that Mama finds adorable when the camera is not available. Here are a few examples:

I didn't want to wear my socks and shoes, and decided that they looked much better on my teddy bear. Daddy helped me with this project.

Mama and I put my foam blocks in a big "bucket" (think muck bucket, only cleaner) and I DOVE into them. I also knocked the bucket over and sat joyfully in the remaining toys.

I crawled in to a box--head first and then feet--and then couldn't figure out how to get out. It was very traumatic, actually. Daddy helped me out, and then I did the same thing again.

I was trying to shut the bedroom door and kept pinching my fingers. Mama hooked her fingers under the door and pulled it shut. One time was all it took. So I would close the door, stand up and "knock" on it, and Mama would open it for me.

***
I held Mama's hand and we had our first successful walk across a parking lot without her needing to carry me. I think she was pretty happy about that. She keeps telling me that I'm getting too big for her to carry.

My vocabulary has increased dramatically. I'm not always sure that my parents understand what I'm trying to tell them, but I have quite a lot to say these days. Now I just have to get them to listen to me!

Bathroom humor

I slipped away for a minute, and then Mama and Daddy heard a loud CRASH. So they came running.


Has anyone ever mentioned to you how much I like playing in the water?


Proud of myself

Juggling

Uncle Bear was juggling tennis balls to an appreciative, or at least very attentive, audience.

Pardner and I were quite certain that he needed our help.

So I tried to give him an assist.

Pardner would chase the balls when they fell on the floor, but I could tell he was willing to snag one out of the air, too.

Playing like Remus

Who says that cats are the only ones allowed to chase a light on the wall?

Halloween (a little late)

Last year, Aunt June got me a frog costume (mostly because Daddy likes frogs to much) but it was far too big for me. This year, it was a little too small! But I wore it anyway, and so here I am as Russell the FROG!



I did a little trick or treating with Antema