The Voyage: June 2009

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Ian Using His Hands and Chatting It Up

Ian has noticeably started using his hands today, has been chatting up a storm for quite some time and smiles all the time. I caught it all on camera today. The smile and the talking is how he plays with his big sister Jocelyn frequently throughout the day ~ she LOVES it! It always gets a smile from her. This particular video is directed towards Poppa, though...Have a look!

Monday, June 22, 2009

Father's Day 2009

Jocelyn spent Friday and Saturday night at Grammy and Pepere's house in NH so her Poppa was very excited to see her come through the door Father's Day morning (as was Momma).

She is helping Poppa read his card. She is great at ripping envelopes!

Jocelyn had just delivered Pepere's card to him...

while Ian was hanging out with Grammy...

and Nana.

Everyone had a fantastic day as you can tell by Jocelyn's smile!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Happy early Father's Day

I got an early Father's Day gift this morning that will be tough to top as the years go on.

Julie and I are heading out tomorrow night to celebrate things working out with the Manchester house, so Grammy was planning to take Jocelyn home for a couple of days, returning Father's Day morning. I knew I was going to miss her, so after the gym this morning I decided I had a few minutes before catching my train and would pop my head in to say goodbye. When I got there, she was in the highchair eating breakfast. When I told her I would miss her, she motioned like she wanted a hug. I picked her up and she put her head on my shoulder and just rested it there silently for a couple of minutes. She hasn't learned yet how to articulate verbally that she will miss me too, but that was the unmistakable message. It was pretty special. And sent Julie looking for the tissues.

Julie and I have been blessed with a very special little girl who, among other things, is so innately warm and affectionate. She and her brother both make it so much fun to be a Dad.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Jocelyn's Half Birthday Party

We had a "half birthday" party for Jocelyn at the house this past weekend! (Because she was born on Christmas Eve, we celebrate her half birthdays in June rather than have celebrations on her actual birthday end up getting merged with Christmas.) Many friends and family turned out to help us celebrate. Here are a few shots.

Here she is enjoying her birthday presents from Momma and Poppa - a play house and kitchen she can use in the backyard. She loves going through the cabinets in our actual kitchen and pulling out pots and pans to bang on, so we knew she would love the kitchen. The play house has a pretend phone and doorbell that she loves to play with - pretty much anything that makes a noise when you press a button is usually a big hit!

We arranged for Tigger to come and perform, and he was a hit with many of the kids and even some adults...

...but not with the birthday girl, who seemed a little freaked out that her stuffed animal had somehow come to life. Luckily Tigger came as a package deal with someone who made balloon animals for the kids...

...and Jocelyn was much better after she had a balloon flower and her phone to play with.

By the way, Jocelyn's stylist for the day was Momma, who was very excited to pick out her birthday outfit. I have to say I was skeptical when she first showed me the hat, but Jocelyn looked adorable in it.

As did the little man in his (credit for this great shot goes to my Aunt Cathy).

Jocelyn also got a little freaked out when everyone started singing Happy Birthday to her, but a short walk calmed her down, and then a little cake brought the smile back! (Cathy also took this shot.)

Overall it was a great day with family and friends. We hope everyone had as much fun as the birthday girl (and we) did and thank everyone for helping us celebrate!