First Steps...

Xavier took his first steps today! Yeah! We are such proud parents! I will try and catch it on video next time.

This kid is so funny. I think all of his major developmental achievements have come about because he was angry. This is no different. Today he was mad because we wouldn't let him in our room and the door was shut. (Spencer was working in there putting up our new bed!!!). Anyway, Xavier was playing with the bed risers and really fussing about the situation. Then suddenly, he stood up, a riser in each hand, and took two steps towards me and landed in my lap! I was so proud! I cheered and cheered. He just fussed and fussed. I guess he doesn't know that he just hit a major milestone.

I have a feeling, though, that he won't really walk proficiently for a while still. I am assuming it will be like his rolling. He rolled two times at 9 weeks, and then not again until nearly 6 months. (He was just mad that we had put him on his back). With walking, he hasn't even walked holding our hands. He has great balance. He stands without pulling up. He stands with objects in his hands. He stands and picks up things. He cruises furniture. Once or twice he has almost "ran" for the door following Spencer, but of course fell flat. (See, I think he thinks he can run). Anyway, I think he will still be a while before he is a proficient walker. I actually think he will skip walking and go straight to running. We have a focused boy!

**Spencer Opines:
Actually, I think Xavier is well on his way to walking. He's got a walking toy and has been pushing it around more frequently and for longer periods of time. While he still loves his speed crawling, I see him getting up more and more and taking more tentative steps. He is going to be a runner!

Chil-laxin'

Our neighbors down the street are moving to Cairo! Now, I didn't really know them, but they just happen to have a toddler and need to get rid of quite a few things. So... Xavier is delighted to be the recipient of a plethora of things we would likely not have purchased for him. This chair is one of those goodies. He loves it! he crawls into it and lounges throughout the day. It even rocks! Yeah for generosity!

I lost my son...

...and found him in daddy's tools!

His grandpa will be proud!

Whole Foods. A Whole Lot of Goodness

A couple of days ago Xavier and I shopped the new Whole Foods in Friendship Heights. I love this store! Just walking in is an experience! I mean, every detail about were the product is from is written on huge signs; most, if not all, of the food is grown using sustainable practices; most is organic; quite a few things are even grown locally; and there is an array of health items.

This particular day I was there to purchase hormone free yogurt, powdered kelp and 100% whole wheat crackers for Xavier. I really just love this store! Anyway, we were in the store and Xavier got a little fussy. He was a bit board. So, I grabbed a banana and handed it to him to hold, thinking this would occupy him. And I was right. He held the banana through our whole trip; and on the way home he started to nibble on it. Soon there was a hole and then he started eating the banana right out of it. It was so funny! By the time we got home he had eaten nearly one third of it.

Oh! He makes me smile!

Drink Up!

Xavier has been learning to drink from a cup. He doesn't do too badly, but the water on the table indicates that he is not quite there yet! He will get it soon enough. He is so determined!

Juicing

Xavier discovers the joys of food... and feeding time just got a lot more, em, colorful.

The Original Dance Party

Xavier learns to dance!