Florida, Part 4: A dog!

Micah didn't discover his love of dogs in Florida, but the trip presented the first opportunity to document it. Micah and company came across a local golf-cart-riding dog during a walk.


Micah saw a dog up close first at his friend Sierra's birthday party a couple of months ago. He "chased" Indy, a giant lab, all over the place, giggling and grinning as wide as his cheeks would allow.

His response to seeing any dog is quite predictable: giggling, chasing and grinning. And patting/grabbing when he's close enough to do so.

A couple dogs Micah has encountered have also been kind enough to give him licks. Micah seems to appreciate this as well (indicated by, if possible, increased giggling and grinning).

Despite Micah's undying love of dogs, it remains to be seen if Micah's parents will oblige and buy him one of his own.

Florida, Part 3: Swimming

And we're back!

Micah also discovered a love of swimming in Florida. At first, it didn't look promising, and like most things, Micah approached it with grave seriousness.


Then, Micah realized that he was, in fact, sitting in an enormous cup! Joy! Would Gran let him drink from it?


If not Gran, would Granddad let him drink from it?


Woo hoo! This is awesome!


Alas, the large cup isn't for drinking, but it's pretty cool when Granddad blows bubbles.



We've since started Micah on swimming lessons, and he absolutely loves it. Especially the look-mom-and-dad-I'm-in-an-enormous-cup! part. The swimming is nice too.

Florida, Part 2: The Joy of Reading

Micah also likes to read. He has his favorite books, too, which is cute, because he'll walk to the bookshelf and consistently pick them out. One such book, is the Peekaboo book. Each page obscures a picture of a baby with a large flap. Because this book is a favorite, it made it to Florida. Apparently, having books to read on the plane is a great way to distract someone who would otherwise not be contented sitting in the same place for two hours.

The process is:

1. Turn the page.
2. "Where's the baby?"


3. Micah reveals baby.
4. "Peekaboo!"


It's a blast. (Really.)

Incidentally, Micah has recently lost interest in this particular book. He's trying to branch out, but not always with success. For instance, he'll go to the bookshelf and consistently pick out "Big Red Barn," but after a couple pages he remembers that he doesn't quite have the patience for it, and goes back for another.

The attraction "Big Red Barn" could be the cows. Micah is currently obsessed with cows. More on that later ...

Florida, Part 1: Driving

Micah and Sarina went to Florida last month to visit Sarina's parents for a week. They had a wonderful time, and Micah got to experience many things for the first time. The subject of today's post: driving.

Micah likes to drive. And don't you even think about putting your hands on the wheel: he was born for this.

Flashback: Church Retreat, Part 3

And sadly, the adventure in nature comes to and end ...

Micah was quite excited to be outside.


For a while, he had the best seat in the house, and was able to play with the leaves on the trees above. Also, he experimented with how to direct me by pulling on my hair. Go left! Go left!


Micah spent a bit more time on another rock, this one covered with moss. He's trying to decide whether or not to put the acorn in his mouth.

Flashback: Church Retreat, Part 2

The adventure in nature continues!

Do you remember the first stick and rock you played with? No? You mean your obsessive parents didn't take a picture of them? You must be truly dismayed at your misfortune. Micah, however, will experience no such disappointment!


Apparently dried leaves are also very interesting.

Flashback: Church Retreat, Part 1

At the beginning of April our church had its annual church retreat at the Laurelville Menonnite Church Center. The church retreat is always wonderful, as it represents one of the few opportunities to gather as a church family for an extended period of time. It's also in a beautiful part of southwestern PA. One afternoon, we decided to go on a walk and take Micah on his first woodland adventure.

Flashback: Watch out for bed bugs

It's been a while since we've posted a video. I think you'll enjoy this one.

I sometimes play a little game with Micah where he sits on our bed with his legs covered. I create some suspense by moving my hand toward one of his legs, and then, like most games I play with him, he gets tickled. What I love the most about this particular game is his anticipation. Now, I frequently don't even have to touch him before he falls over laughing.

Flashback: Baby faces

I love taking pictures of Micah, in part because of how expressive he is and how quickly his expression can change. Here's an interesting series of pictures we took at the end of February.

Flashback: Brushing teeth

Now that Micah has teeth (one on the top, two on the bottom ... we need a new picture of his teeth to show them all off), we've been trying to get him playing with a toothbrush when we brush our teeth. Here's one of his first times with a "baby" toothbrush.

Flashback: Bear snuggles

Micah started rolling around when falling to sleep, which led to a number of funny and cute scenes. The cute ones are typically along the lines of Micah snuggling a stuffed animal as he falls asleep.