We spent a little time with some of our favorite friends that we walk with almost every morning. Nate was turning two and Bailey is a few months younger (although the same size) than Otto. The two babies were adorable side by side laughing and grabbing at each other.
Having been "home" (Utah) for Christmas just weeks ago, we had no plans to make it back anytime soon. Even knowing that my grandfather was in poor health and didn't have long in this physical world, I was at peace with knowing I had seen him so recently. He passed away on January 9th very peacefully with my parents, my sister, and some of my aunts and uncles around him. My mom, sister, and aunts were gathered in the next room singing a song that has been passed down in my family for generations "Little Boy Blue" by Eugene Field, about a boy child that passes away in his sleep. This moment, my grandfather decided it was time to leave this world and they came into the room as he took his last breath.
This picture shows my grandpa and grandma, their 8 children. My mom is on the far right.
Flying on a plane by myself with a 6.5 month old is one of the most stressful things I have ever done. I need to write a formal apology to my family members if it was all I talked about for the next 3 days. Otto actually did as well as can be expected, but the anticipation of him screaming was just as stressful for me. I was like a juggling, singing, tumbling, circus act in our seat just to keep him happy.
Otto loved meeting his cousin Evelyn, my cousin Lindsay's daughter. She is here held by our cousin (her aunt) Lauren.
He also loved cousin Dan.
The visit with family was actually wonderful considering the sad reason we had gathered. I saw family members I hadn't seen in many years. My grandparents have 8 children, 30 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren. We had an amazingly large number of those in attendance to the service! The picture only shows my grandmother, her grandchildren, their spouses and great-grandchildren at the service. The time together was spent reminiscing about our grandpa Keith Reynolds, who took great consideration to make each and every one of his children, and grandchildren feel loved and special.
My Uncle Larry and his family were thoughtful enough to make these party favors for everyone in honor of him. If there were two things my grandpa lived for, it was a great deal on price, and chocolate.
Unfortunately, the trip did not conclude without a few disasters. I left my phone on the plane getting to Utah and didn't get it back until my return trip home. I also lost my camera. That, along with the few pictures I had taken, were never returned to me. It was a week of losing things for me and my dad and he joked that it was just grandpa Keith's way of getting in a few last pranks.
Of course, we continue to spend time with our favorite friends at All Aboard Charter school. We joined them this month a few Fridays for special assemblies and their 100th day of school celebration. The ladies at the school are always too doting on this spoiled boy.
Sonia fixed up the straps on this donated car seat so he'd have a place to sit and play with toys while I worked on copies.
This month proved a pleasant time to spend outdoors. The weather was nice for walks and trips to the zoo. We spent another lovely sunny day at the zoo with a few good friends. Otto had the same reaction to the cows that he does when Lucy walks by, elated squeaks and screams!
Then, a good nap in the carrier.We spent time with friends at the park where Otto swung on the swings for the first time! We returned over the weekend with Daddy.
We had a fun day with our friend Nate celebrating his second birthday. He had an adorable construction birthday party and Otto got to sit in the sand box for a quick minute. With sand in our shoes and cake on our lips, we had a pleasant afternoon.
I have been promoting my services to teach private art lessons or offer private tutoring from my house. My efforts have paid off as I got my first tutoring student! A former student of mine is going to start in February. I have been so excited to stretch my teaching muscles again and prepare our first lesson.
As for Otto, here are a few things I've learned about him this month:
1. Although he has chewed on the occasional carrot or celery, he is still not quite getting the hang of solid foods, much to my frustration. He is doing well with some milky oatmeal cereal, but carrots, avocado, and banana have only made their way right back up and out. We shall persevere.
2. Teething was easy. . . until the last top one started to push it's way through. It was a rough week.
3. A grown up entering and leaving a room is apparently the most cruel and horrifying thing that could possibly happen to little Otto. Even if he's happily playing with toys, he will suddenly become inconsolable if he's feeling ignored.
4. He has come up with his very own fake laugh. He breaths in heavily with great big guffaws.
5. He has developed an adorable "squishy face" smile when seeing someone he likes. I squinched up my nose at him and said, "Where did you get that face?" (see 8 month picture page for proof)
6. He has just begun sitting up on his bum without falling over for several minutes at a time and with better and better balance. I am not in a hurry to have him crawling.
7. Otto loves to test out materials and textures with a gesture of his hand. He puts all four fingers together and quickly flicks them back and forth over the object. The object can be fabric, plastic, or Matt's face.
8. His hair is most definitely red. Especially in the sun. I hope it stays that way.
9. He is learning to eat with a spoon, but the food usually ends up all over his chin with a great big SMACK.
10. He still only signs for milk but I am teaching him change, more, cereal, and momma.
11. He loves his Olaf and Elsa dolls. I am so proud.
