California Dreamin

Here are pictures from our whirlwind California trip starting in Oakland and ending up in Coronado Island.

Thank you Easter Bunny

Keenan partied at Aunt Kristin and Uncle David's annual Eggstravaganza on Saturday, where he became quite attached to some pink egg tongs (pictured here). He enjoyed posing with the Easter Bunny, hunting for eggs--(actually, mom hunted for his eggs while he obsessed over the tongs), chowing on chocolate fondue, and getting muddy with cousin Zack (below). Our little bunny had a great day.

Keen's Life in Movies

Here is a series of little movies, showing all of you Keen fans what he's been up to as of late. As you can see, he's quite the busy man, developing new skills and smarts every day. Ben and I love watching the wheels turn in his curious noggin as he explores every nook and cranny of the world. . . it's one of the best parts about being a new parent, without a doubt.

In this little clip, Keenan is reading "Halloween Jack" and mimicking Victor the Vampire's "Ah Ah Ah" laugh. Yes, his favorite book just happens to be Halloween-themed. . .which means it's Halloween everyday at the Ulrich abode.



Last weekend was unabashedly warm for early March. It was such an unfair tease for those of us experiencing the winter blues. Despite the now return to coldness, we did take advantage of the weather and met the cousins at the park. Here's Keen getting a good push on the swing from cousin Zack and Aunt Kristin, with cousin Ally sailing high nearby. Please excuse Keen's too-short and non-stylin' pants. . .he "messed" his good ones at lunch, so we had to change him.



Keenan has discovered how to stack and build things now. His hands and fingers are strong and steady, and he uses them for all kinds of off-limits activities--hanging from the stove, throwing food, playing in the garbage can, flushing the toilet, throwing food, messing with the dog dishes, throwing food, etc. Here he is using those nimble fingers for good.



And, here's a video from a few weeks ago. . .Keen's first day really taking steps. He still doesn't really walk, though he is quite capable. It's just more convenient and speedy for him to crawl. For that reason, we have instituted walking practice every night, where we pass the little man back and forth, as in this little snippet.




Lastly, who doesn't love a mini-man in a cowboy hat?

Keen's Overdue Birthday Post

To our most devout blog readers,

Ben and I are very apologetic for the lack of blogging lately. . . life has taken on a whole new brand of busy-ness, leaving less and less time for fun extracurriculars such as updating friends and fam on the progress of our little Keen. We'll try to be better, but can't make any promises!

SO, our little boy turned BIG with his first birthday about a month ago on January 21st. Keenan had a blast with 20 of his closest family members helping him celebrate the big milestone. He met his great-grandparents Prosser for the first time, ate and smeared chocolate bear cake for the first time, and basically had a grand ol' time being super cute for all of his admirers. Love and thanks goes out to everyone who helped make our little boy's birthday so special.

Keenan with his cousins, Grandma Susan, and Great-Grandparents Prosser

The requisite cake shot. . .he sure did enjoy it, until his fingers were too caked with cake.

We also celebrated Keen's birthday with his buddy Will, who just happens to have the same exact birthday! The boys enjoyed their vanilla bear cakes very much. So did their parents.

Holiday Wrap-Up

Okay, Dad here making a post. We need to cover a lot of ground, so we'll start with some rejects during the many attempts to get a Christmas Card picture.

Playing with Santa Potato Head, with the Busy Zoo in the background.

After bathtime, drying off in the puppy dog towel (doggy tail and feet not shown)

Looking pudgy next to his favorite cause and effect toy, the corkscrew. Mom and Dad just wish there were a volume switch. The corkscrew also doubles as a walker, which he can push all around the room.

Rolling around with the cousins at Aunt Kristin and Uncle Dave's house.

Checking out a snow globe with Grammy.

Successfully playing a few new chords without any help.

Playing the right hand melody of Christmas carols with Dad.

A small sampling of the musical treat I gave to everyone in the house. I typically held concerts during Pop's afternoon nap.

Daphne savors the different terrain, critters, soil and generally smell-licious neighborhood of her grandparents. It takes several days of walking until the novelty wears off.

Hanging out in my Christmas jammies. In the background is the coffee table which Mom and Uncle Mark first toddled around when they were munchkins.

The whole family posing before checking out what Santa brought on Christmas morning.

Squeezing into a doll chair that Mom used to play with.

Taking in the view of the Intracoastal Waterway after lunch at the marina.

Grammy savoring her croquet victory. Pop congratulating the winner.

That's all for now! We'll try to update more frequently...especially after the upcoming 1st birthday party extravaganza.