Nana Mira

Papa's mother (Nana Mira) came to visit us this weekend. She had been up in Seattle for a museum show opening for her furniture business. The last time she saw me, about a year ago, I was very small. She didn't recognize me bacause I have changed so much. I didn't recognize her because I am still a baby.

While she was here we visited the San Francisco Zoo. We didn't get to see the whole park because it is so large, but we did manage to visit the Africa section, with tall giraffes and burly gorillas, the penguins who like to swim, and the primate house with all of the funny monkeys and lemurs. I will have to go back again because there are so many animal friends to visit. Eeeee!

I am not a pumpkin

Despite living near the pumpkin patch capital (Half Moon Bay) for the past two years, it was not until this year that my parents actually visited one. Last Halloween I was so small, my parents just had a scary face contest instead.

Surprisingly there is a very good pumpkin patch near our new house in Mountain View. There were all sorts of farm animals, a ride-on train, a straw maze, a tall corn walk, and a big pumpkin patch. I am sitting here in the middle of the patch. I hope they remember which pumpkin is me. I am the one with blue track pants without a stem on top. Over here. Hey, pick me.

Cuesta Park squirrels

There are some squirrels in our local park who have become too friendly. Because of casual human interaction (i.e. feeding), they have become fearless when it comes to human contact. This past week a squirrel attacked and bit a four-year old child in Cuesta Park. There have been additional reports of squirrels entering unattended baby strollers and stealing food from the babies within. I am going keep a vigilant eye out for naughty squirrels when we visit.

Strangely this local park has made the national news because of the squirrels' new fate. The city of Mountain View has decided to trap and humanely euthanize the animals. Relocation was considered initially, but not opted for because of future liability concerns. The local television station has had a constant stream of email in support of, or raging against, the city's actions. Ironically the local courthouse is considering the future of capital punishment in California, yet no email has been received for that story. Squirrels must capture the public's interest. Bring it on, varmints.

Cheerios and (less) milk

Here I sit on the couch eating some Cheerios. They are toasty and oatey and have a hole in the middle just in cast one gets stuck in my throat (one can still breathe through it).

I really like to eat Cheerios as a snack. Cheddar goldfish too, but that's a different story. I have to eat snacks to make up for the reduction in the amount of formula I get during the day. When I was smaller, there was a point where I was drinking 48 oz. of formula each day. Today, I am down to only 16 oz. and it's diluted by half with whole milk. I am on formula restriction so that my nutrition will come mostly from solid food instead of liquids. No worries, I like Cheerios in a two-fisted sort of way.

Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall

I know that this is not the Berlin Wall and Ronald Reagan is no longer the president, but I feel that this Blog title is appropriate for my situation. Papa and Mama sometimes put this barrier up in my bedroom doorway to keep me inside. Sure I have lots of toys, books and blocks inside. But why are they outside? Surely life is more interesting beyond the boundaries of this room. I can hear them. I can see them. I can't get out, but I can stand and ask to be set free. Ba, ba, ba, bah!

The reunification in 1989 was cause célèbre for East and West Germans alike. The Iron Curtain had come down. I feel Mama and Papa should follow suit - tear down this wall.

Clap and smile

Papa went to Boston last week, but he's home now. He was at a scientific conference for his job. I was home alone with Mama. I think she was glad to see Papa come home too. I just have to clap and smile because I am happy. Families are better when they are together - way better. Clap, clap, clap.

I hope that these business trips don't happen too often. I know they are a necessity and good for those involved, but at this point in time I am getting the short end. Mama tends to go on short trips to Idaho or Oregon. Papa will have to step up when that happens. He owes her. Smile.

My language and standing up got better while Papa was away. He said so. He was only gone for five days, but I am still changing rapidly. Hold onto your hat, we are moving fast and getting faster.

Hello bear

Hey Bear, where have you been? I've been growing up. I went to see Doctor Ghaffari on Friday. She says that I am 23 lbs, 31" long, and have a 47.8 cm noggin now. That means I've grown 15 lbs and 10" in my first year. My height and head cirumference are in line (75-90th), but my weight has fallen to the 50th percentile. What about you bear? Still kind of squatty? That's okay. Haven't grown at all this year? That's okay too. I still like that you're my friend. Longtime friends are the best kind.

Ooooo, cake

Okay, for 365 days I have never had any cake. Cake was presented to me today, for my first birthday party. Since I can't use utensils, I was given free rein to eat with my hands. I think I undertand what the fuss about cake might be. Chocolate cake with white icing. Mama's favorite. Mine too, but then again I have no frame of reference. That said, I can honestly say that cake is a good thing.

Happy birthday to me

Hi, I'm Zeke. I am only one year old. September 8th is my birthday. I've been growing steadily and maturing into the boy that I am today. Thank you to Mama and Papa this past year for watching me, feeding me, changing me, bathing me, playing and reading with me. They are a big part of my World. They haven't realized it yet, but as I learn to walk, run, maybe even fly - those actions will be based on the foundation they've laid over the past year. I am both grateful for and humbled by their actions.

This picture was taken out on the back patio during the evening light. Even though I have a shiny new piano that plays four different notes, these monotonal dog bowls are much more interesting. Er, maybe I should say these dog bowls are much more loud.

GrannyM and Pop-Pop Bob are visiting from Southern California. They are staying with us through the weekend and will help with the party on Sunday. Evidently, there will be other babies my age, some older children and everyone's parents. I hear that there will be birthday cake too. What's the big deal with cake?

Labor day weekend

Where's Mama? Wah. I am unhappy because of several things; some new teeth are breaking through my upper gums, I have boogies streaming down my face, the grass is itchy, my diaper is poopy and it's past lunchtime. But first and foremost, where is Mama?

Papa is taking care of me this weekend. Mama is on a girls trip to San Diego with her friends from college. Papa says Mama takes this weekend every year (except last year, because she was having me). Always has and always will. I don't like it when the family is apart. We babies can sense these things. Mama has called several times because she misses me, but I just want her home. She better not miss my first birthday this week. Apparently I get cake - whatever that is.