words and such

Today Theo made linguistic history. I am almost certain that no other child has ever said the following combination of words for the first time in one day:

- Booty
- Turtle
- Burr (as in cold)

No, he didn't use booty in the sexist male way that it is often used - "damn, that's a fine booty." It came out when he was having a nice healthy snack in his high chair at the far end of the kitchen. I walked in at the other end and discreetly opened the bag of Veggie Booty (a salty, veggie seasoned puffed corn snack popular with the kids these days) that was hidden on the counter and took a handful. I looked over at Theo. He smirked and as clear as day said “booty.” Of course he wanted some and so I turned his healthy snack into a not-so-healthy one.

He also showed his comprehension of the word booger for the first time. He had some sweet boogers in his nose today (has been cold and dry). Earlier today I tried to relieve the little guy of his boogers to no avail. He didn’t like it. Then this afternoon when he was having milk I got a big one. I repeatedly used the term at both attempts. Then at dinner Penny asked Theo where he stores boogers and he pointed up his nostril at his nose. Amazing.

He seems to be adding words quickly. Others that he started saying in the past few days:

- Bear (sounds sort of like burr above but you know he’s saying bear because he has the bear Christmas tree ornament in hand)
- Boat (doesn’t say the “t” very well but can point to his toys that are boats and say “boa”)
- Grapes (admittedly doesn’t sounds much like grapes but he says eps)
- Zipp (he likes to make a zipping sound when he sees a zipper)
- Clock (sounds more like dah but he makes that sound when pointing at a clock, will also make a tick – tock type of sound when he sees one)

Overall he seems really comfortable with b words.

Tonight he got back on the walking track too. The past few days he seems to have gotten a little more independent. He’s willing to walk down the kitchen without Penny’s hand and he has also started to stand up from the downward dog position more often. He always seems to make the most progress just before bed. Tonight we moved the ottoman out of the way in the living room and played our usual game with the doggy and kitty stacking donut toy. I sit on the chair, Penny sits on the couch with the donuts stacked on the cart, and Theo brings all the pieces over to me (one or two at a time). Tonight he walked back and forth over a dozen times and did so with lots of confidence. Although he doesn’t always go in a straight line. Penny likened it to a professional bowler who spins the ball such that you think it is gonna be a gutter ball but somehow it curves right into the heart of the pins for a strike.

Two firsts

One big first deserves another. First my first. This is Dad posting his first entry to our favorite blog. So what would bring Dad to take this big leap forward you ask? Well I was inspired by Theo who made his own big leap forward today. You probably know that he has been walking around for months now with our assistance and at the expense of our lower backs. And lately he has been taking a few steps here and there (from the ottoman to the chair or from the step to the ottoman for example). Well today he let loose and just started cruising around all over the place on his own. He walked and then started running (I'm not joking). It wasn't always pretty and the faster he went the more paranoid mom and dad were about a serious face plant. Thankfully no major wipe outs today anyway.

We're not sure what he was waiting for. We have thought for a few weeks that he was capable but maybe not confident enough. Maybe today he finally had the confidence. Maybe he just likes to make us wait. Kind of like he did with his arrival into the world. Or maybe he likes to make sure he knows what he's REALLY doing before trying something. Or maybe he was just motivated by the snazzy new rug that arrived for his bedroom today. Not really sure.

This clip is honestly the tip of the ice berg because we didn't think to get the camera out until the very end of the action.

Anyone know how the term ottoman evloved from an empire into a term for a piece of living furniture?

More UPS Man

At Pinkerton


On the front porchAnd at Peps with Maddie (Cow), Elsa (Bee), Emma (Sweetpea) and Blake (Lion). Crying over some mystery trauma.

Enjoying a papadum, right before we over-spiced him.

Halloween dinner.

Look how much fun this kid's having!

Despite the long face, and the fact that he didn't actually get any candy, Theo had a really fun Halloween. More photos to come (this one is from the KEXP.org blog). Last night we saw his Peps buddies, today we went to KEXP, then to Ballard to walk around with all the little kiddie trick or treaters, and then out for Indian food. Where we gave him too much spicy food, and had to try to soothe his little taste buds with some Mango Lassi.

Also, in between gigs being the cutest UPS man ever, he took some real steps, all by himself, and holding the Swiffer!

The Truth Hurts

Yesterday, at the playground, Theo got called "slobbery." A little kid said to his mom, "That little guy is slobbery." Which is true, he is. His mom told him he used to be slobbery, too, and I said that slobbery was an improvement over barfy.

Whistle While You Eat

Theo thinks he can whistle. And we haven't been telling him otherwise, I kind of like his technique.

Summer's Over, I Guess

Time to post a few photos from this Summer that i never got around to posting earlier. Here's me, John, and Captain Grumpypants on a walk to Greenlake.

Blueberries, fresh picked from your garden. It's a Good Thing.

Less Martha Stewart, more Uncle Pete.

The boys out to dinner.

My, what big lips you have! The better to drool with, my dear.

Theo & Karly

Sharing a slice of bread.

Ok, I am done sharing my bread, now.

Frat guys at storytime.

Matching grins
Theo tries to grab a hand when no one's looking.

I am so behind. Back in September, the Hemmeters came to visit. Theo had so much fun having Karly around, and it was so great to catch up with Scott & Sarah. Karly LOVED John, who she called Johnny all weekend.

Separated at Birth?

Based on the plaid and the blond hair, we think maybe Theo was supposed to be born 30 years ago, into the Clark family.

Vacation, part 3: Vacation in Pixelated Action!

This one is entitled Pop! Theo spent much of his vacation going in and out this doorway to the balcony, over and over and over. Since this was filmed, he's figured out when to say "pop" in Pop Goes the Weasel. And we may have killed that game by overdoing it, we thought it was so entertaining.




This is the super-striped, rapping, bouncing duo of John & Theo, riding the ferry back from San Juan Island. Just chilling out, eating Veggie Booty, checking out babes (babies) across the room.

Seriously, UW Study Finds Cutest, Smartest Baby Living in Seattle

This will come as no surprise to the Grandmas, but Theo was chosen for the UW press release going out Tuesday. Here are some photos they sent, 2-part one with the blindfold is what will be with the article. The blindfold is nicely placed to hide the drool that was running off his chin the whole time. Literally oozing with smarts, this kid.

Here is the link to the press release; I am sure you'll see it when your next issue of The Journal Science arrives.

Vacation, part 2: San Juan Island

Road Trip!!! Gotta check email first though.


Place #1 had a nice view, but was kind of dark and musty and smelly.


So we upgraded. Everybody's happy. Especially Penny.

Around the resort, Roche Harbor.

Theo enjoying the Great Outdoors on a drive around the island. You might have to click on this one to see the misery in his face.

more later...(at the rate of one vacation every 1.5 years, we have to spread this out)

Vacation, part 1: Miscellaneous Theo Pictures

One Year Stats

Theo had his one year check up today. He's plumped up a bit, and his head is officially large:
Length/height: 30.5 inches, 75th percentile
Weight: 24 lbs 5 oz: 75th percentile
Head circumference: 49.25 cm, 95th percentile
He had a bunch of shots and took them like the 24 lb man that he is.

UW Study Finds Cutest, Smartest Baby Living in Seattle

OK, to be honest they didn't say it EXACTLY like that, but I am certain that was the implication when Theo got called to do a photoshoot for the study he took part in. They basically just reinacted a study and took lots of pictures. Unfortunately one of the studies involved a blindfold between Theo and the toys, so his face will be hidden in half the shots. If they get used, the shots will be in the researchers academic presentations and maybe press releases of their findings. here is the lab info: http://ilabs.washington.edu/staff/index.html Theo did not have to wear a swimcap like in some of these photos. No hair/makeup people, no wardrobe, no catering. Just 20 bucks and a new toy ball.

Go shorty, it's your birthday

Yeah, cake time!! let's go, people!


Not sure what to do with the mess.

Little drummer boy.

Video camera from Great Grandma Gray.

Bigger than life gumball machine!


New kicks!Out to dinner, way past bed-time.Theo's favorite thing-- the box! Thanks to Todd & Holland, via Gram-E, for the packing peanuts.