6 Month Check Up!

And drumroll.... 8th percentile! What?!?! We think Taffe is getting soooo big and he is only in the 8th percentile for weight, weighing in at 14 lbs 13 ozs. Only 10th percentile for height and 15th for head circumference (big brain!). Taffe just loved Dr. Lee. He held on to her every word, and flirted shamelessly (who does he take after? :) He handled the shots like a man... no tears, just a few whimpers! All in all, Taffe is growing perfectly!

3rd Annual Girl's Trip... plus Taffe!

For our annual girls trip this year we grew in numbers! It was the first trip with Ella and Taffe, but Caroline has been coming along every summer. Taffe was really into Ella (8 months) while Ella was enamored with Caroline (2.5 years). And Caroline was really into being naked! No joke, she did not keep clothes on for longer than 15 minutes. She was also a great helper with entertaining the babies. All in all, it was fun for the mommies and babies alike.

Taffe and his future girlfriend Ella... he is really trying to follow her!

Taffe's model pose on the beach... he really enjoyed the tide pools and grabbing the sand.

Playing on the beach is very fun, but way more fun once you get your suit off, right Caroline?

Caroline playing with Taffe. Look at him just looking at her!

The Big Zucchini

From January 23, 2009

I am feeling a little nostalgic... To think he was tiny enough not to fit into "Newborn" clothing!
And we thought he had a lot of hair back then! Now he has locks that blow in the breeze!

Our baby boy... growing up right before our eyes!

Happy Birthday Baby Taffe!

Six months old already!! To celebrate the big day Mom and Taffe had a date day of fun new activities. Since Taffe loves water in any form, we went out on the docks in Old Town Alexandria. It was a little humid (Virginia in July!) so we went into the Torpedo Factory where Taffe checked out art from local artists. He was very pensive as he admired the art.

To finish up the celebration we got cupcakes for the big day. Of course he didn't get to eat the cupcakes, but he sure did like us singing to him! Mom and dad thoroughly enjoyed the cupcakes too. :)

Remember When

Remember when Taffe was a teeny, tiny baby? I can hardly believe it when looking at my big baby boy! We met Sydney Dell'Orto today, and she is so tiny compared with Taffe. She is just a pretty little peanut! It's hard to believe that Taffe used to be smaller than she is now. Taffe wasn't too sure what to make of Sydney, but he did like to smile at her mama!

Smellin' the Roses

Today we took time to stop and smell the roses, literally. I have lived in Arlington for 8 years and driven past the Bon Air park numerous times, yet I never took the time to check it out. Having Taffe has made me slow down and enjoy everything around us. We leisurely strolled through the park which hosts 3 gardens including a beautiful rose garden, fields, picnic area and trails. Taffe and I chatted, neither one of us quite comprehending the other, and we also reflected on the beauty of all of the flowers. I feel that this is how life should be... walking around realizing how sweet life is.

hi Uncle Jack!

Uncle Jack and Aunt Betsy met Taffe for the first time at the beach. They came all the way from Wisconsin. Uncle Jack was teaching Taffe about fishing. A fishing tv show was a first for Taffe!

The Beach, Take Two

The first trip to the beach... not Taffe's favorite place. Too sunny and bright for him at 4 months old. Now older and wiser... (almost 6 months) Taffe was very interested in everything going on.

He was fascinated by the sound of the waves, and he was curious about the cool water washing over his feet.
He liked feeling the wind blow through his locks...

and he thinks sand feels kind of weird.

Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Betsy and Uncle Jack all came down to see Taffe in his beach outfit. What a great 2nd trip to the beach!

Why I love the Jumpster! ( By Taffe)

One of my favorite centers is the Jumpster! I can jump and twirl all around. I can watch mom make my dinner and clean the kitchen. I love when she runs the water... it sounds so cool. When mom isn't paying attention, I can peek my head into the family room and sometimes I can watch the TV! And let's be honest, don't I look cute jumping in this thing? :)

Thanks Lauren for such a super fun gift! Love you, Taffe

Just Like Dad

Today we learned that Taffe really is his father's child. :) Taffe has been enjoying foods such as rice cereal, apples, pears, and oatmeal. This morning Taffe had his first taste of sweet potatoes mixed in with his oatmeal. Sounds gross, but not to the little guy! This evening Taffe was really enjoying his second serving of sweet potato oatmeal so much that he ate it all and wanted more. On a whim, I gave Taffe the sweet potatoes on their own... and he LOVED them! Just like his dad, sweet potatoes are a favorite.

Mom, You're so Funny!

Or at least that's what Taffe thinks! The past few nights Taffe begins laughing and smiling at me as soon as I lay him down in his crib. It's too irresistible to not engage him for a bit. Mom is such a sucker!

Weekend Events

It's been a very eventful weekend! Taffe finally rolled over... that's what all the fussin' in the crib has been about. Since he successfully rolled over Friday afternoon, we now find him on his tummy. What a strong little guy!

Here is Taffe showing off the gorgeous produce we chose at the Ballston farmer's market. We love walking around and choosing fresh VA veggies.

Auntie Kendra came by for a visit on Saturday afternoon. Taffe loves Kendra! She always finds a way to make him laugh, and provides him with lots of entertaining noises. Thanks for coming over!

Swimming Buddies

Yesterday Taffe and I took Danielle and Charlie to the pool. It was Charlie's very first time! He seemed to like it! Taffe was loving the pool as always and gave Aunt Ceci (Danielle) some big smiles as he showed off his swimming skills. The boys are too cute in their swim outfits together!

Milestones

Taffe has hit some big developmental milestones. This is big stuff and very exciting... just not when it's prohibiting him from sleeping. :) Now Taffe can:
Grab his feet
Roll side to side
Take the pacifier in and out of his mouth
Talk incessantly...
And he cut his first tooth!
Last night Taffe had a party in his crib... rolling around and talking from 4 o'clock till 5 o'clock in the morning. This is a clip of what he sounds like in the wee hours of the morning (and most of the day!)

Baby Beethoven

Introducing... our new Baby Beethoven! Taffe throughly enjoyed banging on the keys of his mom's baby grand piano. Maybe he wasn't doing it intentionally since he hits whatever is in front of him (table, water, you,) but he was making some music! :) The piano was delivered from my parents to the Ricciardiellos who will hold on to it for me until we have a home that can hold a baby grand. Soon enough Taffe will be able to play all he wants.

Nap Time ...or Not

Does it look like he's sleeping in this picture? Nope! But the picture was taken during nap time. In the past few weeks, Taffe has discovered his feet. And boy... Feet are fun! So fun, that instead of sleeping, Taffe would rather be grabbing his feet and rolling from side to side.

First Trip to Kingston

Taffe took his very first trip to Nana and Papa's cabin in Kingston, NY. He experienced his first plane ride, and he was a great flyer! After two days of getting some QT with Nana and Papa, Taffe's cousins Dylan and Gavin came. Needless to say, it was a bit crazy at times with all the kids....9 people sleeping in our cabin alone! Not to mention cabins 1 and 6 were full of McGarrigals, too!

Life at the cabins means...

Bath time in the sink.

Playing cards with Nana.

Singing with Papa.