At the zoo.

Henry is excited to be at the zoo - he is kicking up his heels in delight.
The primary attraction of our zoo is the Giraffe Feeding. Unfortunately, the giraffes didn't amble over to the feeding platform so we will have that activity to look forward to on our next zoo visit.
We had been hearing wonderful things about our local zoo, and we decided that this was the weekend when we were going to check it out. I wasn't sure what to expect with Henry, but we had been reassured by several people that their babies loved the zoo even at very young ages. And, indeed, Henry seemed to really enjoy himself. He laughed and cooed and remained awake during our entire trip to the zoo. I don't think he actually directly looked at any animals, but he certainly appreciated the professional exhibits and habitats. He also learned quite a bit of information about each of the animals. The zoo exhibits featured well-researched animal bios that provided insight into a creature's native environment, diet, and lifespan. We also learned that in South America, tortoises are classified as fish so "It is appropriate to eat them on Fridays during Lent." (Direct quote from the tortoise information placard).

Jumpin Jacks

Mike hung a jumping contraption from our front tree so that Henry could sway in the breeze and exercise those legs. He loved bouncing up and down in the front yard and playing in the grass. Too bad we spotted that snake while Henry was playing under the tree. 'Cause now Henry is never allowed to go outside again.

First Swim.

Henry is dipping his toes in - he was hesitant at first but then he started kicking and splashing and having a great time in the pool.


Last weekend, Henry went swimming for the first time ever! I thought he would like it considering how much he enjoys bath time. He even has a pair of little swim trunks. He has a rash guard for surfing, too, but he probably needs to stand on land before he can stand on a board. He really enjoyed the pool especially once he discovered that he could kick, kick, kick all he wanted. Between pool time and runs on the beach with Mike, Henry is developing quite a tan. (And, yes, of course, we slather him in baby sun screen to protect him from the FL sun).

The Pigg-o-stat (Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition.)

First of all, the unfortunate baby in this picture is NOT Henry - this picture is merely to illustrate the PIGG-O-STAT. I think it is a testament to the truly shocking and horrific nature of this device that, upon searching Google images, nearly all of the hits to the Pigg-o-stat were links to blogs. Blogs written by parents who witnessed their babies being strapped into, with a leather strap no less, a device developed during the Spanish Inquisition. Although originally used to force babies to denounce their heathenism in the 15th century, the PIGG-O-STAT is currently used as a restraining mechanism so that babies hold still and keep their arms up during a chest x-ray.

Henry was strapped into this device for his follow-up chest x-ray (which was completely clear, by the way). The radiology technician prepared me: Ok, ma'm, don't be alarmed but we are going to put your son into a device that will help hold him still for the x-ray. It looks scary, but don't worry, it doesn't hurt.

I was shocked when they wheeled in a contraption made from plexiglass, leather straps, and a plywood base. It looked like it had been made in some guy's basement. Henry being Henry was, of course, absolutely delighted to be smashed in between two shields with his arms pinned above his head. His little body pressed up against the clear plastic made it look like he had been shoved into a tube. Seriously, though, nothing bothers this kid. He just smiled when they adjusted the strap to a tighter fit. The technicians were stunned by Henry's calm acceptance of having been locked into torture device.

I was torn between my maternal instincts to protect my baby and demand his immediate release and an overwhelming sense of regret of not having my camera.

Easter

Henry is investigating his Easter basket. He is wearing his special custom handmade outfit that I have been saving for a special occasion. It is perfect for Easter. It is a lovely outfit made by Beth's mom.

Henry has learned to mug for the camera already. He will stop whatever he is doing and beam into the camera whenever he has the opportunity. Here, he and Mike are posing together. After the photo session, we went to our neighbors' for Easter dinner, and Henry's first Easter egg hunt. He found three eggs! (with some assistance). He fell asleep tonight while I was putting him in his jammies -all that fresh air, the thrill of the hunt, the Easter couture - it wore him out!

Visit from Abuelita and Grandad

Last weekend, Henry's grandparents came to visit. He loved the visit from Abuelita and Grandad. In fact, he was so excited that he told everyone he met about how happy he was... people in the shoe store, people in the elevator, people in the restaurants... anyone who would listen. Here, he is playing with the new blocks that Abuelita and Grandad gave him. Naturally, Henry was more interested in the plastic bag than the new toys. Everyone was so excited about the visit that we forgot to take any pictures!

Professor Henry

Henry loves eye glasses. He is quite deft at plucking the glasses right off of your face in one fluid motion. Considering the ocular history of both of his parents, it is probably a good thing that Henry likes spectacles. And, let's be honest, he looks damn cute wearing them.