Talking

This past week, Owen decided he was finally ready to start saying some real words (I think he heard that his Cousin Kate was talking up a storm, and didn't want to be left in the dust!). He says "mama" (actually, it's usually more like "mom"), "out", "up", "bye" - and a few other words that we've only heard once or twice ("light"). It's clear that his verbal comprehension is picking up, too. We can ask about an object in the room (e.g, Owen, where's the balloon?) and he'll go get it. Owen has also started balancing while standing up more and more - mostly when he's concentrating on holding something in his hands and forgets that he isn't holding onto anything for support. We'll take it as a sure sign that walking isn't far behind.... Unfortunately, video action of all of this is hard to capture, partly because whenever O sees the camera, all he wants to do is reach for it. And he doesn't yet seem keen to speak on cue. (Baby Kate, we're impressed with your skilz!)

The spring peepers started singing here about a week ago. I hope they don't get shocked by a late-spring cold spell, but it seems likely that the warmer weather is here to stay. Over the weekend, Nate filled our raised beds with 4 cubic yards of topsoil and cow manure. They're ready for planting!

We joined a bunch of friends with their kids at the beach on Saturday - here are some photos of our fun.And a parting video of a little bit of cruising action and a "ma-ma-ma" caught on tape!