May 31, 2015 - 10 Months, 17 Days Old

Buck, our fearless protector, stands guard over Kadin while I take pictures of the early Wild Prickly Rose flowers.

May 30, 2015 - 10 Months, 16 Days Old

What a crazy early and hot summer.  It's way too hot out for us to know what to do (in the high 70s to low 80s!) so we got ourselves a baby pool and have been having so much fun! 

The first thing he does now when he sees water is to splash it all over with his hands.  Over and over again!

He's already figured out how to climb up the steps and go down the slide!  (with a bit of support from me, of course…)

May 29, 2015 - 10 Months, 15 Days Old

Woohoo!  The Bullitt is up and running!  We can either have him facing us or facing forward but either way, I love that I can always see him compared to the trailers that are behind me.  

May 28, 2015 - 10 Months, 14 Days Old

We've been spending a lot of time at our new place, ie the construction site, due to gorgeous clear days that are great for building as well as playing with Kadin.  

May 27, 2015 - 10 Months, 13 Days Old

I was still in Anchorage, so here is Kadin at our new place, same as yesterday, asleep in his Playland Emporium.

Gigglefest!  And just to the right, you can see Rivet.  She was trying to lick his face anytime Danial dropped him low enough.

These last two photos are from a different day, but show his more usual behavior during the day — active!

May 26, 2015 - 10 Months, 12 Days Old

I had to go into Anchorage for two days to do some vet work, so I asked Danial to take at least one photo per day.  This is Kadin asleep in his playland tent while Danial tries to get a few things done on the new house. 

Just to have a cute face photo, I decided to add this one too.  During our last Wasilla run, we had lunch at a cute local/organic restaurant which had the best high chair yet.  He's eating potatoes, beet and millet bread, and a bit of sauerkraut!

May 25, 2015 - 10 Months, 11 Days Old

It was sunny all day, we went for a hike in the afternoon and it immediately began to downpour.  Heavily.  We headed back home and within an hour it was sunny again.  Poor timing but it was actually sort of refreshing.  I was drenched, Kadin was cozy in his backpack with the rain cover.

May 24, 2015 - 10 Months, 10 Days Old

The only photos I took today were of a mama bird and her three little fledgelings following her around, watching her pick through the spruce cones.  Poor Kadin didn't get a photo today.  But that's ok, I have more than enough others to fill in for me…
Here are two more from our day in Wasilla…

May 23, 2015 - 10 Months, 9 Days Old

I thought this was going to be just a boring picture of Kadin in the backpack, but then Bucky came over and made it oh so cute!

May 22, 2015 - 10 Months, 8 Days Old

Meals continue to be as fun as ever.  Today was puree of peas, green beans, yogurt, mixed grain cereal, and a splash of prune juice with a little cup of formula on the side.  And fresh mango for dessert.  Yum!

May 21, 2015 - 10 Months, 7 Days Old

Kadin learned all about airplanes at Story Time today, and we got to make a little airplane afterwards to give to MamaD.  Kadin loved hanging out with the other kids!

He still had a lot of energy left after the library so we stopped at the playground, where he could crawl around a bit, watch the other kids, and eat wood chips.  

May 20, 2015 - 10 Months, 6 Days Old

It was our fourth swim class and Danial was able to come so we got photos in the pool!  You can see from the photos, at this stage, he is learning to master the crawl.  Of course, he's already mastered crawling on land!

May 19, 2015 - 10 Months, 5 Days Old

In the afternoon, we biked over to our new place and were busy planting a baby sunflower and working on house projects while Kadin chilled in his comfy outdoor pavillion.  On the way home, we passed a momma moose and her two older calves.

May 18, 2015 - 10 Months, 4 Days Old

Yet again, I didn't get a picture today, but these two are from the next day — just a quiet morning playing at the house.

May 17, 2015 - 10 Months, 3 Days Old

We just got a little wooden walker, on loan from Rachel until her little girl is old enough for it.  Can't wait to try it at home or on something other than grass.  Kadin is starting to try to stand without holding onto something, and I think he's just itching to start walking.  

May 16, 2015 - 10 Months, 2 Days Old

Kadin stays occupied with his usual – dirt – while I get ready for our bike ride.  No iron deficiency in this house! 

This again sums up our night – wired child despite the warm milk and camomile tea, despite the lullabies and massage, despite the covered windows and sleeping parents.  I think it's the long summer nights without darkness.

May 15, 2015 - 10 Months, 1 Day Old

We went on a short hike this evening, and I was planning on getting Kadin out of the backpack to play in the grasses here but he was sound asleep.  Buck had fun though!

May 14, 2015 - 10 Months Old!

Kadin was coming down with a cold today so we laid low at the house and then took a mellow walk in the evening with Danial.  Forgot to snap a photo, but that's ok because I've been wanting an excuse to post these from a few days back…

Guess if I'm hungry, I can just help myself!  Tastes just as good without the water…

Oh, Hi Mama, this is ok with you, right?

May 13, 2015 - 9 Months, 29 Days Old

 If it's not buckles and webbing strapping Kadin into various seats, it's grates and bars keeping him from more interesting things… 

May 12, 2015 - 9 Months, 28 Days Old

Melis had her birthday shindig at the River tonight and Kadin enjoyed the good company and all the yummy sticks and rocks to be found.  He was more than happy to share them too!

May 11, 2015 - 9 Months, 27 Days Old

Another mini-bath in the sink.  He practically jumped in when he saw the sink filling with water and sat contentedly, fiddling with the faucet knobs while I took the photo.

May 10, 2015 - 9 Months, 26 Days Old

Our first Mother's Day!  

The three of us had a lovely brunch at the Flying Squirrel, then Kadin, Buck and I went on a little hike.  Beautiful day.

I am amazed every day that I am actually and officially and truly a mother to such an adorable little boy.  Thank you to all that helped support me through the process and make my dream come true.  Wow.

Looks like Kadin is wondering why he doesn't get any cake!

May 9, 2015 - 9 Months, 25 Days Old

So, we give the empty cat food cans to the dogs to clean out, but Kadin races for them and takes them from the dogs and, of course, immediately puts the can in his mouth.  Vai dieviņas!  Imagine what he'll get into once he can walk!

May 8, 2015 - 9 Months, 24 Days Old

Kadin watches me chop mushrooms for a salad and helps himself to one.  He wasn't sure about it at first, but in the end, he liked it!

May 7, 2015 - 9 Months, 23 Days Old

Leisurely morning wake-up, as Kadin stretches in his little peapod sleeping bag (thanks Mom, for the dual purpose Halloween costume!). 

Hanging out in the tent, listening to raindrops outside, Kadin sports his WMI outfit in perfect style. 

May 6, 2015 - 9 Months, 22 Days Old

Kadin had a blast on our little overnighter out to the Chulitna River.  He chewed on sticks, sucked on rocks, ate pebbles and sand and was a happy little camper!