Sunday, September 28, 2008

Daddy Lover

When James isn't around, Dorian always make a beeline straight for any other dads in the room. He does this at his Gymboree classes all the time (when I take him, which isn't as often as James does). He seriously crawls over to whichever dad strikes his fancy and climbs up onto his lap!

So that's another good thing that came out of me going to nursing school this year, if only for a few weeks. Daddy and Dori bonded big time. He is still a Mama's Boy when I'm around but it feels like he dotes on us equally now. It's not ALL about the milk tap anymore.

James couldn't make it to my moms' group 1 year birthday party last week...no matter, Dori certainly charmed his way into the laps and hearts of all the other daddies...


He'll sometimes go for a mommy too, but she has to be young, pretty and smiley. Seriously! That boy already knows what he wants!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Sand & Teeth






Friday, September 19, 2008

Daddy's Boy

The sweetest thing happened this morning! Dorian dissed me and went for his dad instead! He woke up from his nap and was all fussy. I was holding him and he kept fussing. His dad came into the room and he started smiling immediately. He reached out his arms and desperately tried to jump into James' arms. It was the first time he chose James over me. He's learning that Daddy = playtime!!! (I'm just the milk machine.)

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Play time?

I was dozing in bed at 6:45 this morning (Kel let me have a lie in) when my phone rang. Presuming it to be an emergency I started to leap out of bed. There, sitting in the middle of the floor, was Dorian with Kelly's phone open and a big grin! Previous generations would scream or jump on the bed, but today's babies can phone in an alarm call when it's time to play!

Monday, September 15, 2008

Meant to be

Okay, so me not going to nursing school just yet isn't such a bad thing. I get to spend more time with my little son. He has been clinging to me when I'm home. He's just fine when I'm not home, but whenever I'm around, he won't let me go. He's still a baby, really. Still nursing. Still Mama's Boy. It's not such a bad thing I'll be around more than planned for the next 8-12 months (depending on which program I get into). You never get these years back. And he's changing so quickly. He really is. He's standing up on his own now (occasionally), although he doesn't usually realize it yet. He is so eager to learn and interact and play. He is a little shy at his Gymboree classes (particularly when I'm there), but he is venturing out and playing with the other babies. James was a genius for finding that program. Dori goes almost every day and it is so good for him. I am hoping to find a job in a hospital so James will still be the primary caregiver this year. Life is really, really good. Dorian is the cutest little baby ever!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Regime change

We're all getting used to the new set-up. Kel's made a great start at nursing college and exams so far have gone well. She's finding the best approach is to wake when Dorian does (actually, there's no choice in that matter) and go to a coffee shop to study before classes. Dorian and I have been busy with the zoo, the beach, a dad's group (meet in a park and have a beer while the kids play), Gymboree play classes (http://www.gymboreeclasses.com), walks and every park this side of Sacramento. Of course, I haven't yet gotten into the habit of taking pictures while we're out so this blog is not up to Kelly's standards, sorry. While it is hard work and tiring, I've had so much fun these last two weeks. Watching him exploring his world and learning new things daily is just wonderful. His favourite pastime at the moment is 'walking'. That is, he'll come over and reach his arms out for me to hold so he can tear around the house in no particular direction with me saving him from gravity. All the time squealing with delight. He has started to briefly let go when moving from one leaning post to another. It won't be too long until he's walking unaided.

This isn't to say that Kel hasn't been missed. Whenever she returns from college his face lights up, his arms reach out and I'm yesterday's news. How it should be.

Here are some shots I did remember to take:


First haircut! Useless fact: Kelvin used to live in Exeter.



Showing off his new teeth



When he's hungry or thirsty Dori makes his way over to the kitchen and bangs on the gate.


Little monkey

or little chimp! He's supporting his own weight here.

At Gymboree


Always happy to see Mummy

On the beach. For those of you in England, the blue thing at the top of the picture is the sky