A Man on the Run

Walking. Well not quite yet. But this man loves the walker. He came at me full speed this morning - of course full speed for him is about one foot (literally one baby foot) per hour, (but what an hour it was).

He was cruising, at least from his perspective. Just look at that face - Mr. Energy personified.

Of course this posting and picture come to us directly from or at least on the heals of (so to speak) the breakfast ritual. For a more detailed portrait of breakfast as an economically bank breaking ritual, see the posting immediately preceding this one. (I hesitate to share the sneeze while holding a mouthful part of the ritual. I leave that part to your imagination. Anyone got a paper towel?)

After a big breakfast and a long (or at least it seemed like a long) walk to him, it was time to sit back and relax.

Man little David likes his big old leather chair, (not so old really, just compared to him). Oh yes, he has a lot to say about all this, early in the morning. He tends to pontificate about the small things (literally in his case), but I listen intently. He has a lot to say - just up to us to learn how to listen and understand.

Oh yes - he is eating!

This little man is eating. We will be lucky if this pile of baby food lasts us the week. He is eating like crazy - a couple of jars and oatmeal in the morning, sometimes 3 jars for lunch, and then another two for dinner. Never mind the milk. (Time for a second, ok, third job.)

As a social scientist I am obligated to document not only the supply of this baby's sustenance (this pile of jars), but the actual consumption as well. Take a look - this is post-breakfast, this morning.


Judge for yourself - is that an empty oatmeal bowl or what?

Ok - a little compulsive but - here is actual documentation of the feeding ritual. Where is National Geographic when you need them?

A Baby and His Dog or a Dog and his... well you get the idea

David & Bitsy. They really like each other. Bitsy comes over and licks little David any chance she gets. The little guy just stares at first and then decides whether he likes it or not - and then pushes her head away when he is done with all that affection.

But don't worry in case you were thinking: is that safe? Bitsy does not think little David is his baby. She knows the pecking order - in fact she tuned into it the moment he arrived. They really get along great - but rest assured this is highly supervised play.

We make sure we give them opportunities to play (safely with each other), to become familiar with each other, and to minimize jealousy.

Click on the picture above to view a tiny video of them at play. Bitsy has learned to be gentle and little David knows when to enjoy her or push her away.

Sometimes we all just sit around and enjoy each other's company - see the intensive eye contact between little David and Bitsy. I am just looking on - this is quickly becoming a Sunday morning ritual.


However, in spite of the dog (and his licking and intensive eye-to-eye contact) and learning to sit up with dad, there is nothing like his thumb to feel at one with the universe.

Baby's First Book

First Book. Little David is devouring his first book. Ok it is my latest Empowerment Evaluation book but boy he is empowered. Abe my co-author is actually watching over this event (see his tiny picture on the back bottom of the book). Ubiquitous Google is also in the picture - special thanks to mom for locating this historic photo in a special time and place in history (the reign of Google).

Below you will see a few shots of little David and Bitsy (our dog) just hanging out after a really tough morning of eating and drinking and well you get the general picture - a hard life for both of them.





Bitsy and little David really get along well. They play hard. I must say I am impressed with both of them, they doggedly go at it all day.















Just watch. What can you say - its a hard life - and they don't take it lying down either (well sort of).

The Teeth are Coming In - Another Milestone

Two teeth. They came in. Teething was no problem. Really no problem - unless you like sleep and have an aversion to extremely high shrill tones. Actually, it wasn't too bad. But there was a lot of drool.

Eating. This little man is really eating - with or without the new teeth - this guy really likes his food (day and night).



This is a sweet potato man.







Big Smile. At the end of the day (and a good meal) this man is a smiley man.