Antonio, the Fish.

Antonio took his first swimming class today. He was the littlest person in the class, but he was fantastic. He knew how to kick and everything.

He wasn't such a big fan of going underwater, but then again, who is?He'll be back next Wednesday for more fun time in the water. And I'm sure, more pictures. I bet the underwater camera will get some use soon.

Guess Who Has Teeth

Antonio has teeth! Two of them. They just showed up yesterday morning. How about that.

So now he's eating corn on the cob and chewing gum. They grow up so fast.

And no, we don't have any good pictures of the teeth yet, but believe me, they're in there. There's always a tongue or lips or feet in the way.

Other than the big teeth excitement, we've been enjoying some good family time since I've been home for a few days since the show is winding down again.

We enjoyed a nice sunny day this weekend, but couldn't get the kids to pose for a good picture together. But having two good separate ones almost makes up for it.

Then there was some laying on the floor. This kid can't get enough of being on his belly.

Then, since he now is a big boy and has teeth, Mommy had to show him the importance of brushing. I tell ya, this kid is cute doing just about anything.

Happy Six Month Birthday, Antonio

I'm out of town as Antonio celebrates his six-month birthday. Remember this?

Happy St. Paddy's Day, Antoni O'Rodgers

Antonio made it through his first St. Patrick's Day without getting pinched once. (Well, except for all the times his mother and I pinched his cheeks, because look at them, how can you not?)

Antonio got all dressed up in his best green outfit and poured Mommy and Daddy some green beer then sat back to celebrate his Irish heritage. (I think he's got a little bit in him somewhere.)

Then he had some fun playing with Daddy. Getting wind blown on your face is just about the best thing ever.Next stop, Easter.

Success!

We did it. Antonio and I made it through a night alone without Debbie. I don't like to brag, but that is quite an accomplishment.

Antonio slept great. He made it though the night waking up for only one feeding. He woke up at 7 and we headed downstairs to do some jumping and watch Antonio's favorite show, The WonderPets. (Okay, it's my favorite show. Really, you've got to check it out, it's fantastic.)

Then we went upstairs for some breakfast.

Then we enjoyed a little time in our saucer.

We made it through today, as well, and Antonio is sound asleep in his bed. I know we'll both be much happier when Debbie gets home, but for a first time, us boys did a pretty good job.

Mommy's First Day Away

So, just to mix things up a little bit, Deb decided to take some work down in Los Angeles, so she's the one heading down for a few days leaving me to take care of Antonio by myself. (As of 9:43 PM, no broken bones, no cuts, no bruises.)

Mommy has no need to worry. Daddy and Antonio (and Laurie [and Havana]) had a great day. We played. We napped. We made a mess while eating. We had some tummy time on the floor with Havana. Everything was fine.

Of course, talk to me again tomorrow after I have my first solo nighttime with Antonio, but for now, I'm optimistic.

More Family Time

Antonio's been a very good boy lately.

He's been eating big boy food in his big boy high chair.

He's been sleeping wonderfully, both at night and during nap time. And he's been just as happy as he's always been.Then Sunday afternoon, we headed over to my sister's house to spend time with the Rodgers side of the family. A good time was had by all, and Antonio was very interested in all the activity his cousins were up to. In a year or two, he'll be following them around, bothering them. He can't wait.

Being sick is no fun.

Antonio is just now getting over his first cold. He's been miserable, and as much as we tried to tell him everything would be better in a few days, that never seemed to make him feel better.

He started being a bit "off" last week. The normally happy boy was fussy and uncomfortable. The coughing and sneezing and wheezing started.

I think we're through the rough stuff now. While he still has some symptoms, he seemed to be his old self again.

So much so, that he is rolling like crazy. This morning when I came into his room to wake him up, he was on his tummy, just smiling and doing push-ups.

And even though Antonio was feeling better and it was really warm and sunny outside, we thought it would be for the best if he still got bundled up for his afternoon walk with Laurie.

Antonio's a Big Boy

Antonio's such a big boy. He is now sitting in a high chair. And he looks so cute doing it.

In other news, Antonio has discovered his junk in the bathtub and he loves playing with it. He looks cute doing that, too.

(Oh, I'm not posting pictures of that on the intranets. So here are some others.)

All Good Things Must Come to an End

Antonio headed home from California. He had a good time, but he was ready to come home. So we boarded the plane and set off for Seattle.

How was his flight home? Wonderful. Just like his flight to California. Only with a bit more crying and more vomit. Lots and lots of vomit. We cleaned ourselves off. (Yes, that's plural. Antonio didn't just vomit on himself, but on Mommy as well. Daddy got a little, too, but not enough to compete with those two.)

Then we got home. Antonio smiled when he saw all his friends and toys in his room. He knew he was home. He also knows he has to get all bundled up in fancy sweatshirts and hats when he goes outside. That's the one thing I know he'll miss about California.

Havana was happy to see Brother. They're getting along beautifully, and Antonio has discovered how soft her hair is and how fun it is to scratch her. She doesn't mind that too much.
Yeah, she had another cone on. The girl just couldn't stop scratching herself. The vet thinks she's got allergies, so she's taking Benadryl just like a regular person. She's feeling better, and it's calming her down, too.

Goodbye, California

Antonio's spending his last night in California. He had a great visit -- going for walks, meeting neighbors, seeing the other house. I think I had it best of all though, because I didn't have to spend more than a day away from my son. It was a good couple weeks.

Antonio got used to his fancy baseball bed.

He got to be a good Catholic boy and go to Ash Wednesday services.

He got to go on plenty of walks in the warm weather with Mom.

But most of all, Antonio spent the last week and a half showing the state of California just how cute a baby can be.

More from Washington tomorrow.

Happy Birthday, William Howard Taft

Antonio's first Presidents' Day. He celebrated by going to his grandparents' favorite Santa Monica dining establishment, Callahan's. It's really good.

We had to drive because the weather was not cooperating, and when we got home, we decided to take a few pictures of Antonio and his grandparents. It's not an easy task. Getting the two of them to smile at the same time and have both sets of eyes open and teeth showing and having them not look scared... it ain't easy. We took a hundred pictures before we had one that we deemed suitable for putting up on the blog. (Okay, I'm exaggerating. We only took 98 pictures. [And about that, I am not exaggerating.])
Then it was Mommy and Daddy's turn. Three pictures. All of 'em winners. Here's one of them.
After I took the in-laws to the airport, wouldn't you know it, but the weather turned and the sun came out. So the three of us took a little walk toward the ocean. Antonio was a cool customer again.
Today, Antonio came into work with me for a little while. He was flirty as always and everybody loved him. But how can you not?
Then it was another walk. Antonio's getting used to those.Oh, and tonight at bedtime, Antonio discovered that he could get his feet in his mouth.
Good times.