Obamadeus

We watched the inauguration today as a family. What a historic day for our country! Spencer didn't really understand what was happening but one day we'll be able to tell him that he watched Obama take the oath of office.

Spencer's favorite part of the ceremony was seeing the quartet of musicians, including Itzhak Perlman on violin and Yo-Yo Ma on cello, play an original composition by John Williams. He acted out the moment later that afternoon at the park with a friend by fashioning two sticks into a violin that he used to play his ABCs and Christmas carols. We captured the moment on video when we returned home.

Sibling Preparation

This morning Mike, Spencer and I attended a Sibling Preparation Class at Santa Monica - UCLA Medical Center. Spencer, using his baby boy doll as a model, learned how to put on a diaper, swaddle and push a baby around in a bassinet. Then it was time for a walk to the maternity ward where we had the chance to peek at a newborn up close through the nursery window. The highlight may well have been the visit to a room where all the children in class had a turn raising and lowering a hospital bed. Spencer was fascinated. One button made the bed go up. Another made the bed go down. The look on his face clearly indicated that his mind had been blown. Let's hope he's gentle on the buttons when his mommy is in one of those beds.

Shake Your Caboose

In the bathtub tonight, Spencer learned the meaning of the phrase "Shake your caboose." While anything involving your butt is inherently funny to a 3-year old (and some adults I know too), he was especially tickled when he learned getting on all fours in the tub and rocking your bottom back and forth could also be called "shakin' your caboose." So that's what he did over and over again, laughing all the while.

Just one of those small, smile-inducing moments. Spencer may not remember it, but I'm sure when we tell him about it when he's six it will still be just as funny (I hear six-year olds think butts are pretty funny too).

Snuggle Time

Now that Spencer is in a twin bed, he has discovered that he can get out himself when he wakes up from his nap. Today I was resting myself when I heard the telltale opening of his bedroom door and the pitter patter of little feet coming down the hallway. He climbed into my bed and proceeded to snuggle next to me for a while. I treasure these moments of affection. It was so nice to cuddle with Spencer and slowly drift back into consciousness. What a great way to wake up from a nap!

I Can Do That!

One of the gifts Spencer received for Christmas is a board game entitled I Can Do That based on the Dr. Seuss story, Cat in the Hat. It quickly became his favorite game, so much so that we played three times in a row. Spencer won every time, the lucky guy. The game involves picking a series of cards and then performing the activity described such as jumping three times while holding a fan or other object from the story. Spencer not only loved seeing me doing the actions but undertaking them himself. Any game that encourages children to move around and be silly is alright in my book.

Sunrise on 2009

Happy New Year! Spencer awoke early this morning, ready to welcome 2009 in with a flourish. Mommy and Daddy could have used a little more rest as we're all still recovering from our travels but who needs rest when there are so many cool floats to admire in the 120th Rose Parade.

The year ahead promises to be filled with new and exciting changes - a new president, a new way to get around in our new Rav4 and for us, a new baby whom we can't wait to meet! We wish you a peaceful, healthy and joyful 2009.