New York State of Mind

We finally got to take T to the the City where Mommy and Daddy met - New York. T is, without doubt, Mommy's boy. He loved the Big Apple. The first stroll we took from Auntie Kristy and Uncle Bryan's place to K-town (that's Korea Town) for dinner, T was smiling big and kicking his feet in excitement. He continued this throughout the trip.

Here's Daddy and T walking the streets of Manhattan.


The next day, our awesome hosts (Auntie Kristy and Uncle Bryan) made us breakfast. Sadly, we had to bid them farewell as they were leaving for Germany that evening (THANK YOU for lending us your apartment!).

Kristy with T. Bryan had already left for class. =(


Having missed the hustle and bustle, we decided to take a stroll uptown to the Central Park Zoo where we were meeting with friends.

With Mommy (totally being tourists).


Along the way we stopped by Times Square (more tourist pics)...





And got some chicken over rice from the Biryani Cart for lunch.

T getting to smell the spicy chicken.


Mommy devouring the chicken.


We finally made it to the Zoo and met up with the Shah and Nogueira families (Daddy's friend's from med school). The Zoo is one of Mommy's favorite places in the City and she wanted to share it with T. Daddy didn't think that T would appreciate it yet but, he was wrong. =) T loved the penguins as Mommy knew he would (but Daddy loved them too).

T checking out the penguins.




T made sure to get in a nap before entering the zoo.


All the boys.


T saying "hi" to Sebastian.


T saying "hi" to Ravi.


Group shots.




Family shot.



A trip to NY isn't complete without pizza, so after the Zoo (and a stop at FAO Schwarz where Daddy bought (T) a monkey hand puppet) we met up with the Blabey's and Auntie Em and Hillary at Totonno's. Not only did everyone get some yummy pizza (why NY pizza can't be replicated outside of the City, we'll never know), but the ladies got some soft, wet kisses from T.

Kissing Aunties Em, Betty and Hill. Yup, he got lucky.







Group shot.


Having done enough walking for a week, T took his first cab ride (always a scary experience in NY).



The next day, Daddy went off to hang out at Uncle Tiki's for some football and poker while Mommy took T to have brunch with Aunties Wendy and Ashima (friends Mommy used to work with) and Auntie Ashima's daughter Nouri (who's just turning one. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!). At first, Nouri played hard to get, but she warmed up to T and shared her bib, peaches and toys. Thanks, Nouri!

T trying to get Nouri's attention.


With Auntie Wendy (we forgot to get a photo with Auntie Ashima. Boo.)


After brunch, T had his first NYC subway ride downtown to Wall Street to see all the Wellesley Aunties (Mommy went to Wesleyan, but she's honorary. People get the school's mixed up all the time anyway) at Auntie Jeannie's. He also got to meet Auntie Jeannie's kids, Matthew (2 1/2 years) and Lauren (just turned one - HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!).

Future stop, Wall Street?


With Auntie Jen and Uncle John.


With Auntie Sarah and Uncle Chris.


Group shot.


Next stop was another Subway ride back uptown to watch Auntie Em bowl (she's in a bowling league). T was her good luck charm that night and she bowled FIVE STRIKES IN A ROW - CONGRATS!



Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and, after a trip too short, it was time for us to leave and get T on his 10th flight (Daddy thinks that T might be traveling too much... such a thing??). But, we didn't leave without lots of memories, firsts for T, and souvenirs. =) And, we hope this is only the first of annual trips to NYC (Mommy needs her fix).

So, until next time, we leave you with T on the flight home representing NY in his Mets uniform (Thanks Uncle Tiki and Auntie Guna!).

Breaking News (and Gums)

Tyler is popping his first tooth! It's his bottom, left tooth. The only reason we figured it out was because he woke up crying a Sunday night and wouldn't go back to sleep. He had to be teething, right? So, we rubbed our finger along his gums and there it was, a sharp edge just emerging. Not sure how long it will take to sprout, but once it does we'll try to share a photo.

In the meantime, here are some random pictures from the past month.

Needing a Haircut (Sept. 6)


Future Doctor? (Sept. 7)


Meeting Nico (Sept. 18)


Bubble Boy (Sept. 19)


Attempting to Eat Pureed Food (Sept. 22)

Visiting the Sensensey's in St. Louis

Back in early September, Mommy took her first trip by herself with T to St. Louis to visit Auntie Ruko and her family. This was trip number 3 for T and flights number 7 and 8. The last time Mommy saw Auntie Ruko was when she came to visit with Tyson in December 2009 for Mommy's baby shower. A visit was therefore way overdue.

Thankfully, T was a great traveler and didn't give Mommy a hard time at all on the flights (it helped that there was an open seat next to her going to St. Louis and back). And, once there, he had a great time with so many toys and friends to play with. Thanks Tyson, Kayden and Jade! And, thanks Auntie Ruko and Uncle John for being such great hosts!

Here are some pictures from our trip. We can't wait to see everyone again - SOON!

With the Senseney's at the Park


Lots of Toys


Hugged by Jade


Playing at the Park


Mommys and Kids (minus Kayden)


Exhausted After a Great Trip (just off the plane)

Month 8

Ah, we're posting T's 8 month old photo before the month is up! How's that for being on top of things? =) T hung out at Lolo and Lola's all day and then Mommy and Daddy went there for dinner so this photo shoot was in Pacifica. Here are a few shots.

Tyler Waving Surrender with His Sign


Still Lovin' His Toes


"Ha-Ya!"


"Everyone, Stop....



"You Think You Got Me With the Sign, Don't You?"

First Day at Swim Class

Today, T had his first swim class at La Petite Baleen. We have been meaning to start him for a long time and finally got around to it. We decided to join the same class that Ben and William are in. They've been swimming for a couple months now.

T had no problems getting into the water. But, once he was in, he seemed scared, holding onto Mommy TIGHT. It took him at least a good 15 minutes before he got used to the water and started splashing, but I think it'll be a couple more tries before he's as comfortable as the other boys.

Here he is with The Posse (Photo courtesy of Cindy).



And, here he is by himself posing in his new swim diaper (the kids have to wear non-disposables). Next time, Mommy will bring his swim shorts to put on over the Speedos so he can look "cooler". Or, maybe not. =)

"Real" Food

Just a couple days before Tyler turned 6 months old, we started him on solids. His first bite of "solid" food was really breast milk served on a spoon mixed with a little bit of rice cereal. Not at all exciting - it was kind of a letdown after waiting so long. But, quickly, we've progressed onto various fruits and veggies that have more texture and consistency. He hasn't really hated anything, but does make a face when he tries something new. Here's an example (this was taken July 18th. He now likes apples).



His favorite food is banana. We gave it to him as finger food while we gave him a haircut recently and it kept him occupied. Yup - he's also onto finger foods and he seems to enjoy picking them up, shoving them in his mouth, and chewing without teeth. It's quite cute.



It's crazy to think that in a few months, by the time he's one, he'll be eating like a real person. The months really do fly by and our little guy is really growing up fast. But, I'm looking forward to when he turns one. Why? Well, who doesn't love birthday cake? =)

Tyler's Favorite Block Piece

We're not sure why, but regardless of what other block pieces are around him, Tyler always goes for the round block piece and puts it in his mouth. He then proceeds to go about doing whatever he wants with the block in his mouth. Even today, while we were at his friend Ben's house, Tyler proceeded to pick up Ben's round block piece and do the same thing (see picture). We wonder how long this odd, yet funny, behavior will last....