The Boys and Curious George

Curious George remains one of Spencer's favorite characters. Time will tell whether Nico enjoys him just as much. Somehow I have a feeling that these two brothers will have many adventures together.

The Red Tent

While Spencer was taking a quiet moment in his tent, Mike took the opportunity to photograph him. I love the way the light gives him a warm red glow.

Pirate Dance Hour

After music class this past Sunday, Spencer led us to a studio where a group of dancers were rehearsing. He was drawn by the sounds of their feet clopping along to the music on the wooden floor. Mommy suggested that they do some dancing of their own at home. I guess it was Spencer who suggested that it would also be good to dress up as pirates while they dance. And, as you can see, it was. If anything is more fun than dancing the rumba, it is dancing the rumba dressed as a pirate. Take our word for it.

Taking Care of Baby Brother

Today Spencer fed his baby brother his first bottle. He was a little shaky at first and kept moving the nipple around but eventually got the hang of it. He must have been doing something right because Nico finished the entire bottle.

It's great to see Spencer's genuine enthusiasm for taking care of Nico. Like many three-year-olds, he often wants to do much more than he can handle. The prospect of a one-month old being diapered by a three-year old has great comic potential but some real practical problems. So although Spencer won't be putting on a diaper any time soon, we're trying to keep him involved in taking care of his brother as much as we can.

Just like Grandpa

Spencer loves spending time with his grandpa. He also loves to feel like a grown up. By pretending to shave, he had a chance to do both. We've discovered that three is a very independent age. Don't try to help because Spencer wants to do things all by himself.

Grandpa and Spencer have developed quite the morning routine: read stories in bed, fetch the newspaper and make a fresh pot of coffee. Spencer pores in the beans and grinds them. Grandpa pours in the water. Then Spencer flips the switch to brew. Starbucks would be lucky to have these baristas on their team.

Springtime at The Getty Center

Hanging out in the tube room.

Rock climbing.

Family portrait in the garden.

The entire family went up to the Getty Center to see the gardens in springtime. Spencer loved the tram ride up the hillside and had fun exploring the children's room where he played with tubes and listened to mommy read stories in the book nook that resembled a royal boudoir. From there we walked through the spectacular gardens stopped to admire the amazing variety of flora and fauna. Grandma got several good shots for her ever-expanding flower montage. We capped the morning off with a picnic of ham sandwiches on the grounds while we took in the view.

Pat a Cake

Today marked the first day of our Italian cooking class at Piccolo Chef. The teacher, Reba Lawless Berdakin, is young, enthusiastic and has a great way with children. The class enables mommy and Spencer to have some weekly one-on-one time and learn something in the process.

The children made pizza from scratch starting with mixing and kneading the dough to cutting and sprinkling the toppings. While the pizza was cooking, we walked out to the garden to see where some of the ingredients were grown. Chef Reba picked some sugar snap peas off the vine for the kids to sample. So delicious! The pizza turned out excellent. I can't wait until next week!

Happy Easter

This Easter was extra special because we were surrounded by family. Everyone gathered around the table for a delicious meal of honeybaked ham, twice-baked potatoes and sauteed collard greens.

Nana spends some time with her grandsons.

As an Easter gift, Grandma and Grandpa bought Spencer a bubble machine in the shape of an octopus with wands for arms. Spencer named the machine Army. Chasing and popping bubbles is one of Spencer's new favorite pastimes.

Noah's Ark

Spencer spent a fun filled morning with his grandparents at the Skirball Cultural Center taking in the Noah's Ark exhibit. Everything in this exhibit could be touched, handled, and played with by the kids. There were life-size animals made out of found objects and recycled materials, a cool ramp where kids could place pairs of animals and than crank a wheel to drive them into the ark, and even sets of brooms and pans to clean up after the animals. It was amazing how popular that last activity was amongst the kids: they were clamoring over each other to get a broom and sweep up rubber poop. Located at the end of the exhibit was an art room where you could work on such projects as drawing, coloring, or assembling. Spencer made a bumblebee out of pipe cleaners (with a BIG assist from Grandpa) to give to his brother Nico when he got home.

Baking with Grandma

Spencer got lucky: his Grandma agreed to share her chocolate chip cookie recipe with him. They made a formidable baking team and produced some tasty, tasty cookies. One of the individuals in this photo got to lick the spoon. Can you guess which one?

Maternal Instincts

Spencer channeled his maternal instincts today by pretending to nurse his doll. He's using a nursing cover for privacy just like mommy does. It's all part of his adjustment to having a baby in the house.

London Bridge

London Bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down. London bridge is falling down. My fair lady.

Spencer knew the words to the song "London Bridge" but he didn't know that there was a GAME to go along with it. Grandma and Grandpa formed the bridge and Spencer learned what it felt like when that bridge was "falling down."

A Spring Birthday

Today was our friend Kate's third birthday. To celebrate, the children played on the playground, ate a yummy picnic and went on an Easter Egg hunt. Spencer filled his bucket to the brim with eggs. What a fun way to celebrate a spring birthday!

Quality Time with the Grandkids

The grandparents spent much of their second day (and indeed their entire visit) taking turns holding their new grandson. They say you can't spoil a newborn! Nico on occasion finds his fingers and happily and loudly sucks away.

When they were able to hand Nico off for a few moments, Spencer took Grandma and Grandpa out to the backyard to show them how good he's become at teeball.

Here come the Grandparents

The grandparents arrived today to spend spring break with us. The first thing Spencer wanted to do with Grandma and Grandpa was read a story in a "tent" with a flashlight. In an ode to our trip last April, the story was "This is Paris."

Grandpa bonds with his littlest grandson.

Newborn Days

Now in his second week, Nico assumes the classic "en guard" pose while lying in his bouncy seat.


I love the warmth of a newborn cradled against my chest. It's one of the best feelings in the world.

YMCA Healthy Kids Day

Today was Healthy Kids Day at the YMCA. Spencer made his way through a massive inflatable obstacle course, played carnival games, listened to a librarian read a story and devoured a pancake breakfast. Here he is working on his golf game.


Later on Spencer was fitted with a harness...

in order to climb up the rock wall. Look at him go!

Finally he fulfilled Lifelong Dream #22: Drive a fire truck.

Easter Egg Hunt 2009

Spencer met up with his friend Adam for the annual Easter egg hunt in Lindberg Park. This year he moved up to a new age category: the three-to-five year olds. Spencer held his own, carefully placing a half dozen eggs in his sack. It was over in a flash but Spencer loved every minute!

Home with Nico

Nico is gaining better head control by the day. Already he lifts his head off my chest and turns it to the other side. What a strong baby!



Nico loves spending quality time on Daddy's lap.

Our New Family

Daddy and his boys.



Spencer proudly holds his new baby brother.


Nico, awake and alert, enjoys some tummy time.

And Baby Makes Four!

Nico made his grand entrance on March 18th at 6:14 pm. He weighed 8 lbs, 14 oz and measured 21.5 inches in length. We're so thrilled to welcome him to our family!