Antonio Meets His Great Grandma

Big news.

Deb's grandma from Saipan came to the States for the first time in 19 years, and she made a trip to Oak Harbor to see a lot of her family. That meant that Deb, Antonio and I packed ourselves up and headed to the island to see everyone. And I mean everyone.

The house was full of people when we got there, and even more showed up after us. Antonio was a little overwhelmed with the activity, but he did a pretty good job getting to know his extended family. I was quite a bit overwhelmed as well, but I hung in there, too.

To show off just how smart he was, Antonio showed everyone just how much he liked to clap and snap -- two of his most favoritest things.

While we were in Oak Harbor, we made a trip down to City Beach so Antonio could see more of our hometown.

Antonio also felt bad for Havana, who had to wear a cone on her head again, so he showed her that she might look as cute wearing it as he does.

Antonio spent most of his time doing what he does best... taking great pictures.

But the most important thing about the whole trip was that Antonio got to meet and spend time with his Great Grandma.

That is something that he might not remember, but it is something that Deb will never forget.

Antonio Sees Some Family

Big family weekend for the youngster. First, Uncle Brandon came by to see Antonio. He enjoyed how much fun Antonio has become, but didn't like that Antonio kept knocking down his pillow forts and tackling him. Sorry, Uncle B, that's just how Antonio rolls.

Then on Saturday, the entire Barge clan packed into the Yukon and headed down to Shelton to see Antonio's Great Grandpa. It had been a while since the two of them last met, but they were both happy to see each other again.





Deb didn't mind so much that she got to spend a little time with Elijah either.

Since Antonio has been such a big boy, and eating so much fruit, Grandma and Grandpa decided to put Antonio to work picking his own fruit to eat. Luckily his Great Grandpa is famous for his fruit trees, so Antonio had plenty to chose from. He didn't mind that so much.

Antonio will be eating well for a while now. He'll be quite regular, too.

We Took Antonio Out to the Ballgame

Antonio went to his first Mariners' game today. Everyone had a good time, except for the home team, because they didn't win and it was a shame, but that didn't put a damper on Antonio's experience. He loved watching the people. He loved dancing to the music. He loved flirting with the girls behind him (he's into older women), and he may have noticed that there were people on the big lawn playing baseball... but probably not.

But it was hot, hot, hot out there today. Antonio needed his hydration.

He also needed to open-mouth kiss mommy, but that's just how he is.

He did like watching the pitchers warm up in the bullpen.

Oh, and he needed to dance. Dance, dance, dance.

Antonio's Teeth Are as Awesome as He Is

Inside this mouth are teeth. These teeth look good according to the dentist. Yep, Antonio went to the dentist, and ALL SIX of his big boy teeth were given a clean bill of health.

It must be because he loves brushing so much. Even though we were told that he shouldn't start brushing until about a year and a half, but Antonio's such an advanced learner.

He won't be back there for a while, but by then, he'll have a bunch more perfect teeth.

His daddy, on the other hand, is going back next week to get a crown put on. Stupid teeth.

Antonio's Week

Antonio was healthy all week. After a week of being under the weather, it was nice to be in good health and good spirits. He was loud and cheerful and on the move all the time.

And surprise, surprise, Grandpa was in town for work and stopped by for a visit. It was great for Antonio, because he got to crawl under one of his favorite people. And then Grandpa stayed the night and helped put Antonio to bed in his fancy camo jammies.Last night, Antonio's cousin stayed the night when his parents went out on a date. He was still very curious about the new baby in the house, but he wasn't as grabby as he has been in the past, but they do seem to get upset at the same time. If Elijah cries, Antonio cries. And if Antonio cries, Elijah cries.

Deb wasn't too upset to get to spend time with her nephew.

Today, Antonio got ready to watch the Seahawks' first preseason game. Now that he fits in his Tatupu jersey... actually he's almost too big for it now. He's growing up way too fast.

And if you're shopping for Antonio's birthday present, you might want to check out a big ice chest. He seems to enjoy those a lot.

He also likes music and dancing. "Banana Splits" always brings a smile to his face.

Antonio's Bare Feet Are Made For Walking

Antonio loves Havana....

Which is a good thing, because she's been getting in all sorts of trouble lately and he might be the only person in this house who still tolerates her, let alone loves her.

But it is cute to see how well the two kids get along.


And then yesterday was a big day because Antonio started taking his first steps. He did it a few times, and here was the best we got on video. It's clear that he's excited mainly because his Mommy and Daddy start yelling and going crazy for some reason.


And then today, you'll see that he's gotten a little braver and a little more skilled at this walking thing. Tomorrow I'm sure he'll be doing wind sprints.

(And I want to make sure you note how much Deb is yelling at me because I don't have the camera turned on. Isn't it amazing how well the camera takes pictures even though it's neither on or pointed at our walking child. Next time, hon, let's do a little research [like say looking at me] before you jump to conclusions that I am not doing something I'm supposed to be doing before you start yelling at me, okay?)

Deb's response: "That's asking way too much."

Antonio is Feeling Better

Finally. He's still got some snot, but for the most part, he's back to being his old self. And happy, what with the smiling and giggling and playing and whatnot.

Oh, and he had a surprise visitor for bath time last night. He liked it quite a bit, although it was a little more difficult for me to get him as clean as he's used to.

Uh-Oh... Where's Antonio?

Can you see Antonio? Because we've misplaced him. He was here just a few minutes ago, but now we can't find him.

Anyway, before we lost our son, we had a few good days. Here are the different ways that Antonio's Mommy and Daddy like to play with him. Mommy throws him up, Daddy drops him down.

But sometimes Antonio likes to play by himself. Especially in toys that he's too big for now. He just has to find new ways to play with... on them.

We also took a bunch of pictures. You can tell that he's still not in the best of health. He just isn't quite himself yet.

And he's got a bunch of snot in his nose, and Mommy and Daddy are both really mean and keep wiping his nose. He doesn't like that. At all.

Then he thought that Havana didn't look good enough to come past the jail door. So he wouldn't let her in until she got a haircut. So she did. And she looks great.

But that got us thinking, Antonio's hair had been getting pretty long too. Maybe it was time for another haircut for him as well. Let's just say that the crying and fussing that comes with the wiping of the nose, it's even louder when he's getting his haircut by a stranger. She was nice, but she was no Auntie Susan.

But you can't argue with the results.