Walkieeeee!

As you all know, I've finally started walking. To me it seemed like an over night sensation. To Mom and Pops I'm sure it felt like weeks. I'm really digging this walking thing. It's a lot less rough on the knees and I'm able to carry stuff (i.e. my blanket and roar-roar) place to place. I can't imagine not having roar-roar with me. We have lots of laughs of together and he likes to drink from my sippy cup. I love sharing my water with roar-roar. He makes the funniest slurping noises.

Often times I wrestle with roar-roar just so I can bury my face in his soft, fuzzy fur. He's just the greatest. And you know what really rocks?!!! Roar-roar has a twin brother!!!! Grandmama and I were at Target. I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me when I spotted roar-roar in one of the aisles. Could it be?! Is it he?! Roar-roar! I kept on screaming his name hoping he would look in my direction. Grandmama picked him up and told me to hold onto him. I whispered to him, "Roar- roar, what are you doing here?! I thought you were at home." Then he whispered back, "I'm not the roar-roar you think I am. I'm his twin brother." How shocking is that?!!! It's just like in the soap operas Grandmama watches! What drama! Well, I don't care who he is, I love him just the same.

Out fishing

If I were to have a personal license plate it would say, "Out fishing." I love fishing just as much as Bo Bear likes to play! So Pops found the most brilliant thing at Target. It's a big wooden puzzle with fishes and a fishing pole. I can catch all the fish I want and do it over and over and over and over again! Absolutely fabulous!!!!!!

Sailing the Seas of Leo

Pops has me playing the drums. Got me my own snare drum. Got me my own electronic drums. Got me sticks. Everything.

But..I think I may have a different calling in life Pops.

Pops, you played some funky music for me recently and I really like it. It was done by that Les Claypool guy.






So, Pops...You wouldn't happen to have a bass laying around would you?? I'm just sayin'.

He's my Hobbes

For Christmas, Pops got me a tiger. I named him roar-roar because that's how he talks. Roar-roar and I do everything together. We crawl to places around the house. He helps me fend off Mom when she's trying to change my diaper. Roar-roar is to me as Hobbes is to Calvin.

One of the best things about roar-roar is that he has this really fluffy, fuzzy beard. What I L-O-V-E to do is dive head first into roar-roar's fluffy face and give him big bear hugs. Since roar-roar is half the size of Bo, I like to crawl over him. Then roar-roar tries to tickle me with his tail.

At night, roar-roar sleeps in my crib with me. It's nice to know I'm proctected from the Boogie Monster. So I found this animation that very much resembles roar-roar. If you move your cursor around, he'll follow you. Usually, it's me following roar-roar but that's just a technicality.

adopt your own virtual pet!

End of summer

Most of the time Pops and I are on the go. And then there's the days when Pops and I just kinda hang out at Lago Casa and play.

I'm sad to see summer coming to a close. I wont get to play in the grass while wearing pajamas anymore. BUT...I am looking forward to raking leaves and then playing in the snow. Dad got a sled which I'm really looking forward too. I'm also looking forward to watching Bears games at Pop's friends houses while eating something called "chili". I'll keep ya posted on that one.

The TRAIN! The TRAIN!!!

So.. you guys know that mom teaches me the academics, right? And ya also know that Pops is my go-to source for thrills. Ya see, Pops knows that Mom has the "smarts" in check so he feels it's his gig to make sure I'm "worldly". And let me tell you he's doing a smashing good job, chaps!
This past sunday Pops let me get up close and personal to something that I have only heard in the distance every night as I lay in bed....THE TRAIN!!!!
We got on the Metra and headed into downtown Oak Park! We spent a few hours there walking around, making friends, playing in the park, checking out Frank Lloyd Wright buildings(ok..ok..so he does do the education thing from time to time) AND..Get THIS..he even took me to a place called a "diner" where we shared a cheeseburger and fries while the waitresses hit on me!!
So..people..I ask you...Does life get any better than this? I mean...I'm not even 2 and I do stuff that some people haven't done in their whole lives!!
Next up...my first boat ride!

Next is running

So I heard Jesus walked across water or was it God? Either way, the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit are one in the same. Well, whoever walked across water, I walked across Grandmama's floors. Well, kind of...sort of. What can I say? I know how to walk but I'm still holding out.

I'm on strike like Jimmy Hoffa's guys.

Breakfast at Lago Casa

Breakfast can be quite a hoot. In the mornings, I like to practice my vocab with Mom and Pops. Every week I'm adding a new word to the list. Sometimes they're not always words but sounds of all the animals we look at in my books. I can say, "Done!" when I'm finished with my meal and woof like a puppy. This talking thing is quite exciting. Hopefully, I'll be able to converse in the new language I'm learning.

Mr. Clean

Mom was using this special, magic stick to pick up Bo's hair and my crumbs off the floor. I'm not really sure what drew me to it - the bright, green color or the fur magically sticking to this small white cloth. I begged Mom to let me give it a try. Finally, she caved in and handed the special, magic stick to me. OMG! It was the coolest thing ever. I didn't want to stop. Dad said the Swiffer Wet Jet is even better. Can't wait to try that one out.

Water sports, racing seats and airplanes...a love story.

You guys know I'm all about the things my Pops is into. Water and handling.

Lemme 'splain.

Me and pops were in the backyard yesterday just chillin on the deck. Pops left the hose out from the last time I was in the pool.

Man, I loves me some pool time!!

So anyway..I see the hose is still laying out, and you guys know me...I just HAVE to figure out how this thing works!

"Pops..wat's dis?"

"That's the garden hose Leo. That's where we get the water from. Can you work it?"

"gimme a minute Pops...I'll figure this thing out."

" I have no doubt Leo..I have no doubt."

" HEY POPS!!!"

"Yes Leo?"

"GOT IT!!!"

Ahhhh... good times and cool water on a warm summer day. it just doesn't get any better than this.

And in other news:

Pops drives a race car. So..we both felt that I needed a racing seat. My old seat was cool but it just wasn't race worthy. I mean, it faced backwards for Pete's sake! Do you see Mario Andretti driving backwards?? I think not.

But..then again..I guess Mario doesn't fall asleep at the wheel either. Shhh...don't tell anyone.

Man..that is one comfortable racing seat. Hey!! Driving a race car is hard work!

And finally..this:

Pops wants me to have it better than he did when he was younger. I guess all parents want that. So while at SuperTarget the other night he bought me something.

Ya see...Pops had this thing called a Big Wheel when he was younger. He said it was fun but it broke alot. Plus he was limited by being on the ground. He wanted me to have something that is a step up from a Big Wheel. So..knowing my love of saying "ooooh! ooooh!! oooohh!" and pointing to the sky anytime I hear an airplane go over head....(you guys ready for this?)...

POPS BOUGHT ME A FREAKING AIRPLANE!!!!!!!

Now...If you'll excuse me I have to drive my Ferrari to the airport where I will fly my personal airplane to my very own beach. Ta' ta'.

Ludicrous speed

Pops and I have good times together. One of our favorite activities is to go bikeriding through Fermi Lab. Makes for a great adventure because we get to see all sorts of wildlife (i.e. where the buffaloes roam) and pick pine cones. Pops said Mom used to have a pine cone collection when she was a kid. Anyhoo...So Pops pedals the bike while I get towed in this tent with wheels. It's really cool because the canopy top is removeable for those nice sunny days and I don't have look out of a plastic window. The ride is a bit bumpy, but the exciting views definitely make up for it. I especially love it when we go at mach speed and attempt to go ludicrous speed. You can really feel the G's on your face.

May the schwartz be with you!

Na, na, na, na, naaaa...I'm lovin' it!

Aged like fine wine

As I get a little older each month, I find myself to be quite the babe magnet. I don't want to sound cocky since I do come from a humble background and the parental unit likes to keep it real. But it's really hard for me not to go to a store and get some type of smile from the ladies. One time at Target, I had the cashier and a customer fighting over who I smiled at first. Crazy ain't it?! Mom said it must be the dimples and the way my eyes twinkle when I flash my smiley face. Everyone keeps on telling me I'm going to be a heartbreaker. I really don't want to develop that type of reputation. I would like to think of myself as a good guy like Pops.

This year has been going by like grease lightening. I already had my first haircut, celebrated my birthday, have 8 or 9 teeth going on, and very close to walking. I thought time would have slowed down by now so I can enjoy all these little moments and milestones. Time has gone by too quickly that Mom regrets not taking more pictures. She said that I have changed so much and don't really resemble much of a baby. I guess I'm a boy now. Although, I still have to get my potty book so I can pee like the big boys.

Anyhoo....I'll be posting pics and updating people profiles (especially since Mom isn't my number one and only source of food and Pops is with me all weekend).

A Big Dog

" Pops. Can I have a doggy?"
" Sure Leo... you can have a doggy. What kind?"
" A big one. I want a big dog, Pops."
" Hmmm.. How big?"
" Big as you Pops!"
" Ok Leo. We'll get you a doggy as big as me."





"Thanks Pops!"
" Anytime Leo...anytime."

A big world.

As I started to walk into the bedroom on the 2nd floor I stopped as to try to not disturb the beautiful scene I was witnessing. I was trying to be quiet enough so that maybe he couldn't hear me standing there.
Without turning around to see who was there he said " It's a big world, huh Pops?"
" Yes Leo...It is." I said quietly.
"Am I going to be ok?"
" Yes Leo...You are."
" But I don't know what to do."
" Everything Leo.... Do everything."
" Will I get hurt out there Pops?"
" Yes Leo... You will."
" Will I be happy?"
" Yes Leo...You will be happy. And the hurt wont matter."
Still without turning around he said " But Pops, I can't even walk yet."
" You will Leo. You will. And you'll run and jump and dance."
" How do you know, Pops?"
" I just know, Leo...I just know.

And I walked to the window and sat on the floor beside him as we both looked out the window in pause.
"Wats'dis?"
" That's a bird leo...that's a bird."

Here fishy,fishy,fishy.

So..my pops is a big time fisherman, right? He is even making quite the fisherman out of me. We go to the lake sometimes and have a blast! I also have lots of fish toys , my own little aquarium and even a playpen that has fish on it. We're all about the outdoors, Pops and me.
Last weekend Pops says to me " leo..it's time you learn what it's like to be a fish."
" But Pops, I know all about the fishies. I see them all the time. I play with my fish toys. You and I even go fishing."
" No son..it's time to be a fish."
And off we went to some place called a "pool".
We got there and had the whole place to ourselves. We changed into our swimsuits and got into the big fishtank-looking-thingy full of water.
Three words people: OH. MY. GOD! Talk about FUN!! I never knew water could be this much fun. I mean, the bath tub is great but THIS was AWESOME!! I can't wait to go back again! Pops said that there's a private pool where we live and this thing called a whirlpool too. I think we're going there as soon as it opens!
Pops had a camera with and was able to take a couple pictures. Thanks to a very nice person in the pool who helped us get some shots of Pops and I having fun in the water!
WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Dig it!

Yeah, huh? Check it out! I gots me a new 'do courtesy of Pops and his clippers. I wasn't even scared or nuthin'. I was chillin in my tub ( NO!..there wasn't water in it. What do you think Pops is, crazy!) and playing with some toys while Pops did his thing and made me all slick for the chicks.
Women..watch out! There's a new boss in town. And his name is Kibby!

To Mom and Pops.

Dear Mom and Pops,
Remember, I love you guys with all my heart.
I'm just sayin'.
Ya know.. because sometimes we all need to hear that.
Love,
Kibby.

Rubber ducky, you're the one!

Bath times are a blast! I don't know what makes bath time the best thing E-V-E-R. Ok, I lied. I know what makes bath time awesome - the SPLASHING! Who knew this clear fluid can be sooooo much fun. I mean really? What's better than hearing your hands splash in the water and watching it fly all over the place? Nonna tried to distract me from splashing by giving me a rubber ducky. Didn't work too well. I found out the rubber ducky makes a bigger splash than my own hands.

Lately, there's been much talk of me getting a haircut in the very near future. Pops is always telling me that he will take me to The Barber very soon. Sounds kind of dangerous if you ask me. I'm not really sure how I feel about something that's attached to me getting lopped off. Mom said hair doesn't have feeling so I shouldn't fret. I do find the idea of getting a haircut somewhat appealing since I'm starting to wake up with the Phil Spector hairdo. My curls get all wild and go this way and that. I don't think the ladies really dig that. Next time Pops goes to The Barber, I will make a visit, too.

Do you smell what I'm cooking?

Fun with Pops

I'm calling myself lucky. Lucky because I get to hang out with my Pops alot and bond. Ya see, my pops isn't one of these dads who is afraid to bring me out with him. Nor is he the kind of dad who will sit me in a chair or my Lion's Den (playpen) all day long. Nope..not my Pops. We do stuff! Lots of stuff!

Every weekend we go shopping at places like Super Target, Dominick's and Jewell. I'm always the center of attention at these places. It's great! We also go for walks and see trees, birds, animals and all kinds of other cool stuff. Pops tells me all about everything we see. I learn why trees grow so tall, why birds fly so high, why the sky seems to go on forever.

We also take pictures. Lots of pictures! Pops loves his camera and even when he doesn't have that he always has his cell phone which has a camera built into it! How cool is that? It even shoots videos of me when I do things like open and close doors and crawl across the floor!

Chow time is always a blast too. Pops has this trick. Ya see, I like fruits. So when I get tired of the chicken/vegetable stuff, he coats it with a generous helping of fruit based baby food. Thnik apricot chicken and you'll get the basic idea. Pops is a bit of a chef so he gets the mixture down just right.

Sometimes after chow time we do fun stuff like make faces at each other! Like this!

We also go fishing alot! I'm in the learning phase first. Pops tells me that first I need to observe nature to be able to master it. So I get to watch him and Uncle Mike catch fish and explain what to do and how to put the fish back carefully. They tell me that if I respect nature, nature will be kind to me. I like that.

Here's a picture from one of my fishing trips!

Pops brings me to other cool places to learn about stuff too. This past weekend he took me to a place called Cantigny where we went to a museum to learn histroy. We even got to walk around these things called tanks. Pops said that when I hear the word "INCOMING!" I have to duck and cover. Like this.

Well that's it for now. I better go get some rest. Pops says we have a big weekend planned. He said we may go see my friends the bears and the lions. I'll keep you posted!