Tracy Aviary

This past weekend was gorgeous and so we celebrated by getting out of the house and into the fresh air at Tracy Aviary. We walked down (it's in Liberty Park) and then strolled through the grounds. Hard to believe, but I had never been-in all the years I've lived here, I had never gone to the Aviary. Well, not that hard to believe, I have a love/distrust relationship with birds...dinosaurs anyone??? Anyway, it turned out to be so fun! The birds were amazing, so beautiful. I cannot believe the things that exist in nature-the colors, the forms-all I can say is wow! Miles seemed to enjoy himself. He pondered a few of the exhibits and had a great time running through the paths.

Great expression don't you think? I can't remember what we were looking at, but I love this face!

Flamingos!!

I had to include this bird-a Ground Hornbill. Can you see the eyelashes? Yes, eyelashes! Apparently, they live where it's dry and dusty and this helps, but the look was so incredible I couldn't leave without a photo. It seemed like a cartoon, I actually expected this bird to start talking to us. It didn't help that he/she kept following us around the fence with a very direct/curious gaze. I honestly didn't know what to do with my emotions-it was that bizarre.

Sunday Dinner

Recurring theme

This:

Followed by this:

He's getting pretty fast these days!

What's new?

Well, Miles has a new way to point-finger out and little thumb in the air. I have no idea where he picked it up, but it has become his preferred method!

Growing up

Introducing the new sleeping arrangements around here-a bed for Miles! So far, he loves it. We let him get used to it with naps and then about two weeks ago, moved him in there at night (he had been co-sleeping with us previously). It hasn't been too bad. The first night was a little rough, only because I think we should have verbally prepared him more. When it came time to lay down in there, he was NOT too happy about it. Unfortunately, it was Craig's turn, so he had to deal with the screaming. The next night was fine though and he has adjusted quite well. Granted, he's only solidly slept through the night once, but I have hope. He is currently working on molars, so the teething discomfort has peaked again. Bad timing, but we're just fine going in to comfort him. In fact, that is why we got the full-size mattress. Not only does he scoot all over it, but it allows us to join him if he needs the extra support. And yes, he can get off and on at his will. So far, this hasn't been a problem (knock on wood!). He naps with the door closed during the day, and at night, he's not exactly quiet when he wakes, so I hear him pretty quickly. I really think he prefers this to the crib and play yard. He seems much more comfortable and at ease with sleeping now.

Yep, balls are still his #1 toy

Pouty face

15 months!

Turn it up!

This started as something so cute. Miles discovered he could turn up the volume and actually seemed to prefer it loud (again thinking about the sound proof room for his teenage years-this is becoming a theme). Every time we turned it down, he would zip over and turn it up, do a few dance moves and continue with his business. Flash forward a few days. Somehow, I'm guessing it had to do with knob obsessed little fingers, the loudness button got turned up to it's full capacity. Unfortunately, this means that the next time Miles decided to play DJ and turn up the volume, it went waaaaaaaay louder than previously. I was actually in his bedroom and it scared the poop out of me, so imagine a little guy standing in front of the speaker. Fortunately, Craig was super close and was able to scoop him up and turn it down. He was immediately worried about his ears, which seemed fine then and continue to be so. However, his little spirit was shaken to the core. I have never seen him cry so hard. He was gasping for air and beside himself. This was followed by several days of radio trauma. Weirdly, he still wanted to turn it up and although we were careful to adjust and check the button levels, the slightest rise in volume would set him off. Quivering lip and big tears. Time has worked its magic though and he's made a full recovery. As you can see in the dance video in the following post, he's back to his music loving ways!