David at Daddy's work

After the Obama rally, David and I walked Andrew to his office and hung out for awhile. They have a "robot pen" with toys where their robots do some of their learning. David thought it was a perfect play area for him.

Obama rally

Last Monday, we went to see another presidential candidate, Barack Obama. He was on campus at Dartmouth and he drew quite the crowd. There were about 10 times more people there than at the Jon Edwards event. We came a little late, we let David take as long a nap as possible, but heard most of what he had to say. David was on his best behavior, but it was way too crowded to get close. I did see him kiss a baby, too bad ours is way to heavy to hold out for him, he chilled in the stroller with Daddy most of the time. It's such a great experience to be in New Hampshire during a primary year, hopefully this will motivate me to get more involved and help make a difference.

Jen and Annelise visit

This week, we had a wonderful time with our visitors. Jen and Anneliese made the trek up north to hang out with us. It was really great to see our little ones interact and play together. David was so excited to have a real live baby in the house, he would squeal out with excitement just to get her attention. We tried to keep both babies happy and well rested and still managed to do some sight seeing and eating in town, cheese and maple sugar tasting in Vermont, and we even went to see John Edwards speak in the next town over. Although it was nice to have a playmate for David in the house, the best part was having Jen around to talk to, watch TV with and just hang out. We miss you guys, can't wait to see you again.

at the John Edwards rally

Sugarbush farm

a little video of them playing

I love my swing!

The weather has been nicer and we have been out more often. One of my pet peeves here is the lack of playgrounds, so we bought David an early birthday gift, his own swing. He absolutely loved it, I promise this video is much less traumatic.

First Haircut

Last weekend we took David in for his first haircut. His hair was getting scraggly in the back and around his ears and some people even thought he was a girl, strange, but ok I guess, since he usually is wearing navy blue or other boyish colors. Anyways, the whole experience was pretty traumatic, but it all worked out. The people were really nice and one lady entertained him while someone else helped me hold him while the girls cut what she could. Andrew was able to get some of the action before they started his cut, here he is with his big puppy dog tears.

big tears

Daddy knows how to make it all better

Mother's Day

This weekend we traveled south to Massachusetts. Along the way, as we entered civilization we stopped at a Costco, Target and Toys r us. David was such a trooper. When we got to the hotel, he took a nap and we were off to the mall. The next day we planned on exploring Boston, but instead went to Concord, MA and spent the day at Minuteman National Park. We walked across the bridge where the American Revolution first started and listened to a man dressed up with a musket and full garb. After teaching about our nation's history, it was amazing to be at a place like this. The weather was wonderful and Andrew and David were on their best behavior. I really couldn't ask for a better Mother's Day.

the bridge were it all began

they look so much alike!

Happy Mother's Day!

Face plant

I was trying to make a video of David and all of his movement. He goes to all fours from a sitting position, pretty exciting. But like I said, he freezes up whenever the camera comes out. He also gets really excited and blabs a lot. In this clip he starts up, but then takes a little spill :(

Funny face

Lately, I've been trying to take some pictures of David for his birthday invite. It has been quite difficult. Unfortunately he takes after me, David's eyes are closed or looking down or away. When he doesn't do that, he squints his eyes as if he's anticipating the flash. He even does this whenever he sees the camera. It really is a silly face. Here's a few of the mishaps:

cheezy smile

anticipated squinting

great shot, but looking down

silly boy!

David at 10 months

Now that David is almost 11 months, I remembered that we need an update on our little man. At his last appointment he weighed in at 20.5 pounds, he's a solid nugget (which happens to me his latest nickname "nugget"). David loves other kids! If we are shopping and he sees another one in a cart, he just about freaks out, jumping, dancing, laughing, anything to get the other child's attention. He is also quite the eater, some of his favorites are egg yolk, bananas, and boca burgers. I've noticed that he recognizes people pretty well. He responds differently to strangers vs. those he is familiar. As for moving around, he is not officially crawling, but he knows how to scootch and roll all over the floor. Lately we have been spending more time outside, the weather is finally warm enough, going for walks and exploring our neighborhood. His favorite time of day is when Daddy comes home. Nobody can make him smile like him.

out for an afternoon stroll

David partys!

On Saturday we (yes, Andrew actually took some time off) went to David's little friend's 1st birthday. It was really nice weather and lots of fun to meet our friends' family. Most of them made the trek from New York, it made me miss my family too. Dani was a perfect birthday girl, partying so hard until she fell asleep sitting on the couch. David had fun playing with all her toys, especially chicken suit Elmo.

Dani and David with a sit and spin

popular toys

Happy Birthday, Dani!

Lupe and Lauren visit

I was very proud of myself, a week ago I drove through the crazy, windy, rainy Nor'easter to pick up friends from the airport. I wouldn't do it for just anyone, but for Lupe and Lauren, it was a no brainer. We had pretty stormy weather during their stay, but still managed to go on a few adventures. They had just returned from two weeks in Europe, so Hanover was just the right speed for them. It was so nice to relax and catch up with each others' lives. It was really fun to hear all their travel stories and it was really nice to have other adults to talk to during the day. We spent most of our time chatting and eating here at home and around town. On Wednesday, Andrew took a little time off work and we all spent one night out in Boston. We visited Salem, cute little town, witch trials and all. We again spent most of the time relaxing in the hotel, eating and playing cards after David went to sleep. The next day we planned to hit a tour in Boston, but as always there was construction in the city and we never made the tour. Someday we'll figure out this city. Regardless our time with precious friends was wonderful and we miss them dearly. Baby David is awaiting his next set of visitors!

staying warm outside the "cheese place"

cuddling in hotel

all smiles on our only sunny day

we miss you!

Lisa and Tiana visit

We have been so lucky to have several visitors this spring. Unfortunately, they have not been as lucky with the weather. It seems live every time someone is flying in, another snowstorm heads our way. A week and a half ago Lisa, my friend and coworker from Ceres and her friend Tiana stayed with us during their tour of the area. David was excited to have more people at the house and was sad when they left. We braved the snow to go out for breakfast at Lou's before they headed to Vermont, Maine, and later Boston. Hearing about how much they can do in a week reminds me of our travels before David, we move much slower now!

Andrew's Bday and Easter

Being so far from home, birthdays and holidays have become very important family days. I took Andrew out for his birthday and we appreciated all the cards and calls. We partied all weekend and even planned more fun for Easter, unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate. Due to the long winter, snow on Easter, after church we stayed indoors, but were thankful for family nonetheless.

David at 9 months

Yes, I know this is old, but I finally have some time, and my computer back. We have been busy with visitors, more posts to follow, and enduring the long. long winter. David is taking it all in stride. He is loving life, excited about familiar faces and really likes playing with his dad. Andrew is very busy, but always makes time for his little lumpkin. The first picture is on the day we were taking his 9 months old picture and the second he is playing with his rubber ducky. I will also include a video of him playing with his daddy and you can hear him giggling and screaming with delight.

More pictures of family fun

Baby David loved having his family in town, especially Marissa. She always knew how to make him smile. He misses his Grandma and Grandpa, Tios and Tias and Cousin Marissa.

The Valenzuelas do New Hampshire

We had such a wonderful visit with all of my family. As you read in the previous post, we had a lot of snow for Marissa and Andrew to play in at first, but by the middle of the week the thaw began and we saw much nicer weather. Marissa was still out there on whatever patch she could find to slide down. The rest of us stayed warm indoors just catching up and spending fun times together relaxing, celebrating birthdays and of course eating! I miss my mom's food and we got our fill along with all our favorite local food as well as a trip to the Ben and Jerry's factory in Vermont. I miss everyone almost as much as the Baby David misses you.