Month 16, Day 20: Max's Sleepover

Max's first sleepover was a smashing success. Leks came over Friday night (much to Max's surprise) and stayed through late Saturday morning. Aside from the synchronized crying at night, things went pretty smooth (which may be misleading to those thinking of having two kids!). Below, the boys wore themselves out in the play yard (Max's temporary bed) before bedtime.

The two mischief-makers in the morning. They were planning something, we knew, but Leks asked, "Who, us?"

Out on the long-awaited dual-passenger wagon ride.

"Did someone say food? ... or dog? ... or ball?"

The dual-passenger wagon ride could only be followed by the dual slide at the playground.

We wrapped up the outing with some pebble-tasting. The boys don't have pica, but just an overwhelming curiosity of putting rocks in their mouths. They are definitely boys.

"Victory is MINE!"

Month 15 Pictures: Max from the Past

Time goes by fast, and Mom sometimes can't keep up with the posting. Below are some favorites from Max's 15th month. He looks like such a cherub when he sleeps that we can't resist with the picture-taking!

Dad hung a swing from our 3rd floor patio rafters. Clearly against the condo complex regulations, but Dad is not one for rules! Seeing Max's face is worth any annoying reprimands from the office which has a clear view of our patio (they haven't seemed to notice yet!).

Despite all these new playthings, nothing beats exploring the park!

Our favorite park even has a carousel. Max loved to look at it up close, when it wasn't moving...

But when it started turning, he retreated to a safer spot and looked on a little worriedly.

Given his apprenhension of horses and geese and bears going up and down and round and round, it was probably good that we didn't try to ride it.

Month 16, Days 5-7: Over the River and Through the Woods

Road trip! It was Max's second ever, but it ranked as the longest: a 6+ hour drive to Cleveland to visit his Great-Grandma on Dad's side for the first time. We were all pretty tired by the time we arrived Friday night, but Max still managed to get in some Pocoyo before bedtime.

The next morning, we busted Great-Grandma out of the nursing home, took her out to eat, to the museum, and then outside for some dinosaur-climbing. Generations 1, 3, and 4 below.

Max leaning in to give his trademark "cheek" kiss.

Below Max is showing Great-Grandma how much crayons and wooden blocks have changed since "her day."

After the museum, Max stretched his legs at the park across the street. I do think it was the first time he's been able to run around on the grass. Oh, the joys of city living.

Near the museum, there is a stegosaurus that Dad used to climb on when he was a kid. Max did not need much prompting to check it out!

Max giving Great-Grandma another kiss and maybe telling her a secret or two.

Max was determined to climb the stegosaurus with or without our help.

We lucked out with an indoor pool at the hotel. As with the dinosaur, Max needed no encouragement. He was sliding himself into the water even before Dad was in. I think we have a water baby on our hands.

After being held by a cautious Mom for a few minutes, Max was ready to horseplay with Dad again.

Shortly after this picture, Max wiggled from Dad's arms and got behind him so that he could push Dad back into the water. That's how badly he wanted to play.

Sunday morning, we went back to say good-bye to Great-Grandma. It was a long return trip, but it was very much worth seeing the oldest and the youngest of the family together.