late winter/early spring

Mason,

These past two months have been busy, but here are some moments we don't want to forget.

the state of our kitchen on a daily basis

helping Mama sow lettuce seeds

helping Mama prep the yard to plant grass seeds

what a hunk (love your shag)

two blondies walking home

feeding the birds at the Capitol reflecting pool with Dada

on a mission

with your glamorous mama:)

frolicking with Dada

fun with Grandmom and Granddad

contemplating being naughty

cooking with Mama

a little snow

You mastered our in-house egg hunt!

Happy Easter!

cherry blossoms

hanging with your pop

blossoms with your peeps

play group at National Arboretum

Real snow! Real mountains! (We're in Colorado.)

You liked it there.

Luke and Kim got married!

Cuddles with Grandma and Grandpa

Auntie survived two flights and a night in a hotel room with you, where you threw up all over your little bed. She's a trooper!

We love you, Cupcake.

recovering from your eight-day stomach virus

Love,

Mommy

baby friends

Mason,

You've seen several baby friends this past month. Davis came over to play while his parents went out to dinner.

You two interacted. Kind of.

We all went over to Nona Lee and Holden's house for dinner. You are two days older than Holden. Nona Lee, Holden's older sister, gave you a ton of attention. You loved her!

We went for a stroll with Caroline and her mommy, and ended up in Lincoln Park. 

Caroline's mommy and I missed capturing the moment with the camera, but you grabbed Caroline's hand and held it for a few seconds. It was so sweet!! Are you ready for your first date, Honey?

Finally, you got to meet Janie, who lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan. 

Janie and her mommy and daddy came to DC for a visit.

Janie's mommy is one of my oldest and dearest friends. May you one day have a true blue friend like Janie's mommy is to me.

Love you and all your little baby friends!

Hugs and kisses,

Mommy

more friends

Mason,

You're not much of a socializer, but you're blessed with a mama who is, so you're always meeting new friends. Baby Wesley and his mommy Susannah came to visit.

Wesley is nearly three months older than you are, but you look bigger than he does!

This week we went to your Auntie's new apartment and you met her other fur babies, Felix and Reagan, Madison's siblings.

You'd never seen kitties before! They were obsessed with your stroller and kept hopping into it.

Somehow I think Madison will be more tolerant of you in future years than the cats will be.

I'll turn you into a social butterfly yet!

Love,

Mommy

week in review

Mason,

We've had quite the week. Besides our shopping excursion, we visited Daddy at his work for lunch, met baby Caroline, and took a family walk on Veterans Day, when Daddy was home with us.

We strolled from our house to Daddy's office this time, and it worked out so much better. It was a beautiful day, and you can't beat the view.

Daddy works long days and doesn't get to see you much during the week, so he appreciated our visit. Plus, you can't beat lunch in the Longworth cafeteria!

You were really good and allowed Daddy and me to finish our lunch before you woke up to eat your own.

On Thursday, we went over to my friend Allison's house to see her and to meet your baby friend, Caroline. You did a great job of being gentle with her.

Today was chilly and windy, but we took you out anyway to get some fresh air. We live within walking distance of some beautiful landmarks. Here you are in front of the Supreme Court building.

And this building should look familiar to you.

Washington, DC is a pretty neat hometown, huh? Not too many babies grow up with the United States Capitol and pretty monuments in their backyards.

Daddy and I relish strolling the city streets with you. It's no wonder you have a love/hate relationship with the car--you hardly ride in it.

Love you!

Mommy

weekend fun

Mason,

Isn't Daddy a great writer? I knew he'd enjoy contributing to your blog once he finally sat down and did it. The Tennessee/LSU game wasn't the only fun you had this weekend. Daddy and I also took you to one of our favorite places in our neighborhood: Eastern Market.

You helped us shop for Honeycrisp apples and vegetables.

We admired the flowers.

And you slept through all of it. Just wait until we take you back for breakfast one Saturday morning, Sweetie. With your appetite, you'll be demanding your own plate of blue bucks before long.

On Sunday morning, we all managed to wake up, eat breakfast, get dressed, and walk the six blocks to church. Even after spending extra time figuring out how to lock up your stroller outside the church, we still made it inside and sat down before the service started. Don't underestimate the major accomplishment that this was.

To our amazement, you slept strapped in your car seat for over three hours and barely made a peep, persevering throughout the walk there, the service, and the walk home. While at church, you met your baby friend Holden, who was born two days after you, and weighed two pounds less than you did at birth.

You're becoming a little more portable, Cupcake, which means we have all sorts of fun outings in store for us!

Love you,
Mommy

Mason and Grayson

Mason,

My friend Kristen and her son Grayson stopped by to visit and meet you. Grayson is almost exactly six months older than you and he's a book club baby, too. Three boys have been born to book club members thus far in 2011. You'll have to start your own little club.

Grayson liked to touch your head.

And although Grayson was very gentle and didn't hurt you at all, you immediately pushed back at him when he invaded your personal space. I'm sad I didn't get a picture of it, but this is a cute picture of the two of you moments later.

Way to stand up for yourself, Honey! Cheers to new baby friends!

XOXO,

Mommy