On the move . . .

After procrastinating for over a month, I guess I'm out of excuses.  I think I've been writing a little more in the last blogs, vice just providing the pictures people want most.  We don't keep much of a journal anywhere else, so this blog has become our place to record milestones, as well.  To that end, I'm particularly remiss in waiting so long this round, since he's changing quickly and I'm probably forgetting some things I wanted to record.

A beautiful gift from Ms. Hiney

Just having fun!

Peas and carrots are very complimentary.

A big first is that, right at 7 months he figured out pulling himself to a standing position.  Thanks to Milisha for suggesting putting the legs on a favorite toy: the Leapfrog music/noise bonanza.  I first witnessed it on May 18th, just before we all flew to Iowa for Jeremy and Jesse's wedding.  With that new skill to work on, he was a handfull on the plane and in the airport!

He didn't get too much visiting at the wedding and reception, since he was pretty behind on sleep by that time.  But through the rest of the trip he finally got to meet his Great Grandparents (Grandpa Tibboel's side), his Great-Great Aunt Catherine, Mr. Donahue, the good Reverend Burkhardt (who wed Laurie and me) and Lois, and all of his Dad's Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and their kids (his 3rd cousins, I think).  For the record, the 1st trip to Iowa counts as a milestone!

Four Tibboel generations

Good Times with Great Grandma Tibboel

Checking out Cousin Dean

Aunt Catherine, teaching another
generation of Tibboels

Some other 1sts during the trip:  22 May - first attempt at licking an electric socket (Mom to the rescue);  22 or 23 May - figured out properly crawling (he still prefers the belly slide when he's in a hurry);  his first Grandpa T takedown (evidence at right);  and finally transitioning off the anti-allergen formula (as the prescription ran out).

With Grandma Tibboel, after the wedding

Since Laurie's still relatively new in her job, she had less time off and headed back early.  Jake stayed with me, trusting to heavy Grandparent support.  So I got to fly solo (w/ little man) coming home.  We survived, despite a 3 hr delay.  The worst of it may have been grabbing a fistful of hair from the lady in front of me while I tried to buckle my seatbelt (she was exceptionally understanding).  The unconsolable crying didn't start until we arrived at the gate in Boston, and no one cared much at that point.

After the Iowa trip, we took him to Drumlin Farm in Lincoln, MA.  The other kids held far more interest for him than the animals.  But since then we've caught him staring down one of Papa Lyle's squirrels.  It may just be that he's holding out for an Iowa farm visit.

As for visiting Papa Lyle's squirrels, Jake finally got his 2d Cape Cod trip this weekend.  Pictures will have to follow!

At 7 months, there was no hope for a posed
lobster shot.  Climbing over the lobster was,
however, fitting.

I'm sorry I only have Tibboel family shots from the Iowa trip.  I forgot about my camera during the wedding and reception.  If you have any to share from those, please let me know!  And, as always, I have higher res versions of these - just ask if you want one to print.





Congratulations, Jeremy and Jesse!