Miles took his first swim class yesterday. It was less about swimming and more about just getting in the water and splashing around, but by all accounts it was a huge success. Miles instantly loved it and was squealing with delight the entire time. He’s living up to his “Water Dragon” Chinese Zodiac birth year.

Getting in the water.

Forward crawl.

Doggie paddle.

Leg kicks.

Made it to the wall!

Backstroke!

Swimming is fun!
And he didn’t even bother to leave a tip!
Mom and Dad brought me to the coolest place on earth, the Train Shack!
It was trains, trains and more trains. Really, what more could anyone want?

Wow!

This is so cool…

I could play here all day.

Did I mention I could play here all day?

Dad likes trains too!

I wish I had one of these in my room.

Checking out the inventory.

Bonus! This place has cars and trucks too!

Sweet! They got me my first train set!
Miles is usually the smallest and youngest wherever we go. Today was different though, as Miles got to spend time with 4 month old Henry.
Henry was able to make use out of some of Miles’ old things that he’s grown out of.

Meet and greet.

Miles gives Henry tips on how to best whack the toys hanging over him.

Henry gets acquainted with his new ride.

Miles reminisces about the good times he had in that vehicle.

Henry enjoying the ceiling fan.

At one point Henry and Miles had a sing-off competition. Each side claimed to be victorious.

Henry shows Miles his rolling over skills.

Munchkin and munckin.
Miles loves fountains. He has always been fascinated by running water in general.

Fascinated.

Briefly distracted by a pigeon.

Chatting up the locals.

Fountains are cool!

Last touristy shot in Paris, next to the Opera House.

Giving mom a break from her usual role of feeding the munchkin.

Ready to paint the town.

On the streets of Paris near an old church.








Miles getting photobombed by mom in a crepe cafe.

Had to get a shot with “Saint Paul” somewhere in it, to prove we were there.

Mom wouldn’t let me climb up these steps. I can’t imagine why…

At the top of the castle walls.

Nothing like a pint-sized munchkin to make something big look even bigger.
After arriving Miles wasted no time looking around. Lot’s of rooms and steps to explore.

Checking out the grounds.

This place it big!

Testing out his toys on the outdoor coffee table.

Miles thought the floor would look less better with his toys on it.

Dinner time!

Meeting mom’s friend Tara.
We got back from France last night, and lots of pictures to post. These are from Cannes, when Randall and Miles first arrived.

Tired munchkin waking up in France with mom.

Exploring the apartment.

Everything seems to check out fine.

Enjoying some tasty crepes!

Watching Signing Time on the iPad before bedtime.



Now that Miles is 29 inches tall and officially a toddler, we needed to upgrade him to a new car seat. Before we installed it, we wanted to test it out first, so this is the first time in the seat. He looks a little dubious, but I think he’ll like it better than the old one that was getting cramped. The cup holder is a nice touch.

In a shelf full of books Miles singled out the only one on the shelf by Thich Nhat Hanh!
Perhaps he is channeling his Vietnamese heritage?


Miles had his birthday party on Saturday. Lots of friends and kids came to celebrate.
Photos courtesy of Chad Frye.





Miles enjoying the grass

Live music and butt sniffing dogs

The Easter bunny!

Look at those long ears!

And of course the taste test






We went to the 1st birthday party for our friends little boy, Enzo. Despite being in a room full of people, Miles always manages to be in the middle of things.

…..how to crawl, or is it the other way around?

Miles doesn’t have much patience for having his diaper changed. He’s a baby on the move.

When I was in college I was a short order breakfast cook. I did everything from waffles to eggs benedict. I tested my pancake recipe on Miles, and he seems to approve. Gobbled up three mini pancakes with no complaints.


When mom is busy in the kitchen, Miles can feel like part of the action while in the bouncer. He shows off some musical skills also.
Every morning I wake up this is my view. A munchkin with a big grin staring at me. Then he proceeds to pound on my chest and climb on me.


Miles got to spend his first Christmas with the Scerbo family in Georgia.

The family distributes santa’s gifts after breakfast.

Cousin Cody and the other kids check out their loot.

Cousin Aasia is beyond ecstatic to find Justin Beiber tickets.

Poppy and Grandma Peaches love their Miles hand and footprints.
So where is Miles??

Fast asleep through all the gift unwrapping.
So he can…

…be the center of attention when he opens his gifts!
Miles shows off his splashing skills. 



Miles thinks big purple stuffed toys are funny.
Miles was really wiped out after a vigorous play session and grandma and grandpas place.
Miles got acquainted with Stella, our friend Bader’s dog. Stella got very friendly with Miles.

Miles checks out Stella.

Stella checks out Miles.

Stella gives Miles a doggie smooch.
Miles took his first ‘solo’ venture outdoors.

Mental preparation.

On the move.

Wipeout!

Back on track.

I got this outdoor thing conquered!
Miles is managing to get more of the food he picks up into his mouth now. Keeping it in the mouth though… still a work in progress.
Miles is on the move. He’s now a fully operational munchkin.
Miles is usually a rambunctious child, wanting to explore and see new things. Since he’s been sick he just wants comfort though, preferring to be held close and crying when you put him down. The Ergo Carrier has been, because it allows us to keep him close while freeing our hands so we can do other things. Having a sick child is not a pleasant experience, but I’m thankful for all the things we have to make it more bearable.

Miles is now getting up on his knees, presumably the next step toward crawling. He’s still hasn’t quite figured out what to do after that though. Maybe having the pressure of a camera on him is a bit distracting!

