Rollin w/ the Orswells

Today I got to hang out with my buddies Lizzie and Jake, who were in town from Seattle for a wedding. Mama went to college with Lizzie and Jake’s parents (FIGHT ON!) Before heading to the park, our folks pre-funked at the hotel - with the exception of Mama, who is still cooking my sister in utero. On our way to the park we met a nice fireman who showed us around the big fire truck he was driving. BTW - Lizzie is coo-coo for fire trucks!!! While at the park, Lizzie and I played in the sand and on the swings, while Jake kicked it in his smooth ride. I had a wonderful day rollin with my Orswell homies.

Paternity Test

Daddy wants one. Enough said.

Happy Easter

My Grandma’s came over Sunday morning for Easter brunch. It was a beautiful day, and I had my first Easter egg hunt in our back yard. I was very good at finding all the colorful eggs, and DaDai helped me fish out the hidden marshmallow in each one. I hope that all my peeps had as lovely an Easter day celebration w/ their families, as I did w/ mine.

Elmo is King

At the moment, Elmo is all the rage at my house! I love to watch him on Sesame Street and on DVD. A few weekends ago, my folks took me to Explore SDSU to meet Elmo at the KPBS kid zone. We had to wait quite a while for Elmo’s scheduled appearance, which also coincided with my MUCH needed nap time. When Elmo finally emerged, I was deep into melt down status. So, I’ve got puffy face, teary eyes and a finger in the nose during my first picture with Elmo. But it’s pretty cool nonetheless. At the kid zone, I also got play in a jumpy and had a character drawing done. Melt down aside, it was a good time.

Super Tuesday

The Presidential Primaries have almost been as exciting for my folks as football season, and I’ve caught the fever. The early primary states have seen voters come out in record numbers, and I hope the same is true today as people from 24 states have the opportunity to cast their votes and strongly influence, if not determine, the Presidential nominees from both parties.

With our main man Edwards out of the race, we are throwing our support to Obama. His concession speech in New Hampshire and the people’s response moved Mama to tears. Obama’s opposition of the war has been consistent and his fight for lobbyist reform genuine. And if his words and the passion with which he communicates them are any indication of the type of leader he will be, I can rest assured that we will be in safe, intelligent and competent hands with Obama as President.

While I have to wait another 17 years to vote, chances are you can do it right now. So please, regardless of your political affiliation, be sure to get out there and VOTE!

Day at the Park

When I get a bit of freedom, I go WILD! Last week, Mama, Grandma D and I had a lovely day at one of our local parks. Here are a few pictures from our adventure.

Claire Bear

Before the holidays, Mama and I went up to San Juan Capistrano to visit her college friend KP and her two daughters – Haley and Claire. Claire and I are four months apart in age and although we met last year, we were actually able to play together this time around. It was so cool to hang w/ my hoochies, and hopefully it won’t be another year before we do it again.

Santa Freaks Me Out

My folks say that someday I’ll think Santa is really, really cool. But today, he straight up freaked me out. And I don’t care what people say, there is no way that man is gonna fit down our chimney.

I'm Gonna Be a Big Sister

Mama saw the Dr. today and it’s official - we are pregnant! Well, technically it’s Mama who’s pregnant, but with my brother or sister (UPDATE: it's a girl!). Here is the picture of our new baby, which sorta looks like E.T. But don’t worry, that’s what the baby is supposed to look like at 11 weeks. This pregnancy was a BIG surprise to Mama and Papa, but sometimes the best things in life are just that. While they are a bit fearful about having two in diapers and the impending sleep deprivation, I think they’ll do just fine.

So come early June, our family will be complete. Let’s hope Mama doesn’t suffer a postpartum Britney episode. Trust me, the woman would not look good sporting a sheaved head while flashing her baby-making business all over town.

Papa's Soul Ride

Papa gets up at 5 a.m. to go surfing before work. I agree, it’s early and he’s crazy, but a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do. Last month, Surfinside.com featured a picture of Papa doing his thing during a morning session w/ his buddy Erik. BTW, Erik shaped the beautiful board that Papa is riding, and Papa did the artwork featured on the board. For a closer look, check out this post from Erik’s blog.

Papa can’t wait to get me out in the water. While he’s advocating buying me a board NOW, Mama thinks it best we wait a few years :-) Afterall, our garage is only so big…

Vidal Sasson

I know, it’s been a while since I’ve posted to my blog. Did you miss me? I’ve missed you too. Well, I am officially 14 months old today. Time is really flying. My folks say I babble like crazy, but I like to think I have my own language going on. I do have a few actual words in my repertoire – like mama, dada, AB (i.e. Avery), baba (i.e. milk), yeah, ba (i.e. bath), hi, bye, all done, baby and my favorite – No, No, No. Sometimes I’ll use just one “No” with the wave of my finger, which isn’t going to be as cute in the months to come as it is now :-) I still only have seven teeth, but my folks swear another is on its way. My new favorite things are spaghetti, playing soccer in the grass w/ the dog Summer, taking walks in my neighborhood (of which I am the ambassador), string cheese, the good night show, and last but not least - climbing on papa like he’s a jungle gym when he walks in the door from work.

Here are a few recent pictures of me that Mama’s been meaning to post for some time now. They were taken a few weeks ago, and it’s fair to say that my hair is even bigger now! Yep, I am rockin’ the crazy mane – no doubt about it.

Save KLSD 1360

This morning I attended my first protest with Mama and Grandma. We participated in a rally in the Clear Channel parking lot to help save KLSD 1360 – San Diego’s local Air America affiliate. It is rumored that Clear Channel is considering pulling the plug on KLSD and changing the format to sports talk radio (pretty lame, huh?). Auntie Lorraine and Uncle Doogie were also at the rally representing. If you are interested in helping save San Diego’s only progressive talk radio station, please go to www.saveklsd.com to sign the petition, and to learn more about what you can do to help keep KLSD on the airwaves.

Doggie Days

Yesterday morning, Mama captured some sweet pictures of my doggie Summer and me. I have three dogs – Summer, Salamander and Oliver. They are really, really crazy, but they interact very nicely with little ole me. Summer is kind of an old lady now, so she likes to have her quiet time every once in a while. Here are some pictures of us enjoying quiet time together.

Bedtime With Papa

My Papa usually puts me to bed now. Since he’s at work all day making art for video games, this is our special time to spend together at the end of the day. We read a story (actually, he reads and I turn the pages), and then he gives me my warm baba while we cuddle in the rocking chair. I have the best Papa in the world and I love him very much! Everyday he asks me, “Avery, how did you get so beautiful?” I tell him, “It’s genetics.” After all, my Papa is pretty handsome, don’t you think?

Meet My Buddy Segan

Segan and his family were in town last week visiting from Tennessee. Mama and Stephanie used to work together and they were both blessed with adorable babies last year. While Segan is a few months younger than me, we got along splendidly. We played with all my new birthday booty while Mama, Auntie Lorraine, Stephanie and Santiago visited with each other. I’m sad that Segan lives so far away, but hopefully we’ll see each other again soon. He’s a future potential suitor fo shizzle!

Happy 1st Birthday to Me

I’m turned the big ONE last Sunday. My folks threw a birthday party for me on Saturday, and I got to celebrate the occasion with my family and close friends. All my people were so generous – showering me with lots of booty and “she’s sooooo cutes.” I had a great time roaming the house in my party dress, taking a quick dip in my kiddie pool, playing w/ the little peeps and eating my first cupcake ever! Thank you to everyone for your love and birthday wishes. You all made my first birthday a very special one.

You Can't Cage This Monkey!

Last Friday I got to visit the San Diego Zoo for the first time. Mama, Grandma D and I went with Mama’s childhood friend Norell and her boyfriend Pete, both of whom where in town from Chicago for a wedding. I got to see polar bears, elephants and giraffes, and I got a strong whiff of the camels (those guys are pretty stinky!). It was a warm day, and Mama broke a sweat pushing me up the steep hills while I kicked it in my sweet ride. We had a great time, and it was lovely finally getting to hang out with Norell and Pete.

Wedding Bells for Grandma Z

On Sunday, my folks and I went to Grandma Z’s wedding. It was a beautiful day, and my Grandma and new Grandpa are so in love and very happy. I got to celebrate the occasion with my cousins Colin and Xander, and meet the rest of my family from Seattle, Houston and Wyoming. I wore a pretty pink dress and my cousin’s sported handsome, matching pinstriped shorts suits. The three of us were too cute for words! Oh, and I got to stay up a few hours past my bedtime (very cool!). It’s official people - Grandma Z is now Grandma T!

Pool Party East County Style

My folks bought me an inflatable kiddie pool – and now I get pool parties every afternoon! I love to splash around in the water and shriek like a crazy lady when playing in my own private little oasis. It’s actually a play boat with an inflatable fishing pole and fishies. It's so cool! I’m also experiencing some sort of growth spurt, so I kinda look like little Buddha in my swimsuits. But I’m a cute little Buddha, don’t ya think? Oh yeah, I also started walking a few weeks ago. There's no stopping me now!!!