Nanny and Parrain visit Beck

Robbie and Jodie finally made it to Austin this weekend. I was very happy to see them, and even happier for them to see Beck. Plus, after a hideously long week at work, I was relieved to have some family in town for some extra support and help. Rob and Jodie got a full dose of Beck, complete with screeching, biting, and nonstop movement. He really is only that wild on Saturdays, it seems. Or maybe I'm just kidding myself:-)

On Saturday we visited the Austin Zoo. I think Beck was too young to really understand the zoo. He goes crazy over puppy dogs and birds, but seeing the larger animals in the cages just didn't click for him. Still, going on an outing all together was worth the effort. However, I must say that the zoo was very zooish, hot and stinky, and at first seeing the animals in cages depressed me. Then Robbie pointed out that all of the animals were rescue animals. One lion was confiscated from a junk yark in Arkansas, where apparently, it was used as a watch dog! One tiger was confiscated from a drug dealer. One bear was an ex-Baylor mascot- all sorts of stories like this. We did ride the train through the park, besides the cardboard animals propped against cedar trees every 50 feetor so, the highlight was watching Beck react to the sound of the whistle. His whole body would jolt as he wondered "what the heck is that?" The best part about the train was the cool breeze it provided. Dang, it's already getting too hot!

Following the zoo we headed to South Congress to be part of the trendier side of Austin and had lunch at Guerro's. We also had some very strong Margarita's- Yowsa! Guerro's has my favorite salsa and fish tacos, so I was excited to bring Jodie there to test it out since she loves Mexican food so much. Sharing a meal with Rob and Jodie was really nice, even though most of our attention was focused on Beck, who houdinied out of his chair, licked the brick walls, beat on the back of the booth and hollered at our dining neighbors. Yes, our Beck, what a "spirited" child. In all fairness, he was just ready to roam around after spending most of the day in a car seat or stroller. He's a curious baby and the lights, fans, mariachi music, utensils, people, and well just about everything at Guerro's facinated him. Despite the baby wrestling, lunch with Rob and Jodie was great. Food was delicious, and I think Jodie, our Mexican food connoisseur, really enjoyed the meal, too.

After lunch we got our too-full-selves home for some rest. Literally, all five of us (Beck included) took a snooze to aid in the digestion. Ken and Carlotta came over around 7:00. As I made chocolate chip cookies, Carlotta made a ton of hamburgers for bbqing, and Eric fired up our mini-grill for his pork chops. Ken provided the laughs and everyone just hung out and ate their fill again. Of course, I was the first to fall asleep! Wish I could do the night over again just to spend more time with everyone.

On Sunday, Rob and Jodie left right after breakfast. Boohoo. Eric and I went to Target, bought diapers and a bathing suit, and headed to Barton Springs. With a shwarmy 85 degree day, where else would you want to be in Austin? The Springs always brings a little extra relaxation, and reigns as the best place to people watch. All shapes, sizes, colors, ages, and breeds of people can be found there. The water ended up being just too cold for Beck, so we had fun walking around and making flower crowns. After being a wild-man day on Saturday, Beck was quite chilled out on Sunday. He likes nothing more than to be outside and to not be rushed, both of which we provided him on Sunday.

Here are some photos of the weekend.

Playing with Beck during lunch

As most of you know, I work really close to home and my day care, so I use my lunch hour to see Beck, although Session has stolen some of my lunch hours lately. Anyway, I look forward to my lunch hour with Beck- sort of like a big gift is waiting for me. Our usual routine is to throw him on my hip and go for a walk to look for trees, birds, dogs, and trucks. Then I take a picture or two and serve up lunch, which usually consists of broccoli, avocado, chicken, and or some canteloup or mango. Yesterday he was so excited to see me. He clings to me and squeals if I act like I am going to put him down. (or he bites me- yowsa) Here are some pictures and videos from yesterday. One video is sideways! Anyone know a way to fix that?
Gorgeous day to you all:-)

Beck is 11 months old!

Beck has been a busy man lately. He is 11 months! He is almost REALLY walking. He can take about 10 or 11 steps, turn around, clap, and throw his head back- all at the same time. Seriously, yesterday at day care, his teachers said that he does not simply want to walk in a straight line or anything like that. They said Beck likes to jig and jabber when he walks, too funny. Just imagine him stepping and clapping and sticking his booty out while saying "AYEEEEEE!" Also, his teachers are very impressed with his interpretation and hand gesturing of itsy bitsy spider. Very advanced they say. (proud mom)

Let's see, what else does Beck do now? He had his first ear infection- boooooo. He is totally obsessed with dogs. Every evening when I get off of work, I take him outside to see the puppies, or "p" as Beck says. Now he also likes to look for birdies. He points to things and says "EEEEEEE", especially the toilet. Beck has graduated to eating full on eggs, whites included. He bites me ALOT! Finally, he continues to charm us each day, despite the biting.

I'm looking forward to celebrating his 1st birthday. We hope to go to Lafayette to celebrate, but finding a date suitable to everyone is next to impossible. Anyway, I'm sure we'll work out something. Then, we will be in Farmersville the weekend after his birthday. Cousin Novi will be coming in from Denver, so we are looking forward to getting the little ones together. Plus, we are excited for Beck to see all the chickens and cows on the farm- Grandpa and Grandmommie too!

One last picture...We went to our friend April's going away party, and Beck was a very good boy. Here is a picture of us all.

Easter weekend

We finally went camping with Beck! I can't believe it took us 10 months to do it, but we finally did it. Our plan was to spend a nice warm and sunny long weekend at Hueco Tanks over the Easter holiday. Hueco Tanks is usually warm and blooming this time of year. Well on our drive out there, the weather turned cold and icey, and indeed it snowed. So, we detoured to Alpine after a weather check from Stephanie, who confirmed that the nasty weather was going to last at least 24 hours. We welcomed the detour since we have been hearing that Alpine is a nice little city. With a population around 5,200 Alpine offers views of the Davis mountains, relatively cheap real estate, cool summers, a surprisingly progressive community, and old-time rancher types. We mostly spent time in a cafe called Bread and Breakfast where we drank copious amounts of coffee. Eric caught up on some reading and Beck watched me knitt. We found a reasonable hotel and Beck had a great time there, exploring every corner of the room and hamming it up in front of the huge mirror over the sink area.

On Saturday afternoon we headed to Hueco Tanks. We drove through the Davis Mountains, enjoying the view and getting excited to soon be in Hueco Tanks- bouldering mecca of the world. Alas, when we go to Hueco Tanks the weather was still quite cold! Camping with Beck in the cold was quite a chore- not much R&R for me and EB. Oh well, we were happy to be at Hueco! The climbing on Sunday was fantastic. Eric sent some great problems. Here are some slides....

Lyla Clair is Six Months

Lyla Clair is one half of a year today. On October 5th, she made her bold entrance into this world, nearly 5 weeks early. Look at her now, a roly-poly babe with big blue eyes. Mom says she is still an angel- eating and sleeping with no problemos. She is starting to scoot her legs up underneath her, as if to crawl but still taking her sweet time, which seems to suit her disposition. What a lovely little baby you are Lyla! We love you. Love Always, Netty and Beck.
Here is a picture of Lyla at 4 months. Need new pics, Steph;-)


Hope you have a great first Easter, Lyla! Beck is going camping. Tell you about it on Tuesday.

San Antonio and more

Last week Beck and I went to San Antonio with Nanny Peg, Uncle Rabe,and Alex. We met up with Marianne and Drew who had just arrived from Germany the night before. Catching up with the Clawson/Abell crew was so special to Beck and me. Nanny Peg is like my second mother, and I want Beck to know his Grand Nan. I can't wait until they move back to Texas some time in July.

Here are some pictures of our trip. We visited the Alamo, had lunch on the Riverwalk and spent lots of time staring at Marianne's belly! Marianne looked so beautifully preggers. I know she will be a wonderful mother. She is a naturally patient, mature, and loving person. People to be admired like Mari make such wonderful parents.







This weekend Beck and I went for a run. Here he is in his jogger!



We also took pictures in the blooming bluebonnets.



On Saturday afternoon, we helped Eric clean some pools. Eric got behind on the pools last week because of the rain, baby sitting, and picking up extra pools from a co-worker. I don't have any pictures because we were too busy working! Cleaning pools is not an easy job. I can't wait until Eric does not have to do this grueling job any longer.

On Sunday Beck and I went to Reimers for soome climbing, yahoo! Alas, the walls were too wet. However, we did manage to spend some time with Andrew and Phoebe, so we had a good time regardless of being shut out of the climbing.

Look at the water flow at the entrance of the canyon at Reimers.


Phoebe and Beck hanging out at the base of Dr. Seuss Wall.


Hannah and Jeff- Look at the creek! Here are Phoebe and Andrew crossing the ever treacherous Flat Creek.

First Swim