Obama-mama and baby

Henry and I voted at the Brooklyn Museum this morning. We went straight to the head of the queue and cast our vote. We have old fashioned voting machines in New York, so Henry helped push the switch for Obama. An amazing and emotional experience. I am so proud that my son came with me for my first vote in the U.S.

October visitors

Larry and Jane Harmon came to visit us last week (aka Grandma and Grandpa) we had lots of fun in the park and Children's Museum with them. They read Henry so many stories and played games with him- he really had lots of fun. We can't wait to spend Christmas with all the Harmons at the beach!

Happy Halloween

Henry has been out and about in the neighbourhood this week at Halloween parties dressed as Spidey. We first went to Brooklyn Botanical Garden's Ghouls and Ghosts party and tonight attended a large party in the lobby of our apartment building. Even though he doesn't understand Halloween, Henry likes the costume and enjoys all the sweets too!

Children's Museum

The Children's Museum has just been renovated in Brooklyn so we dropped by on Sunday to take a look. Henry was delighted to play with everything, especially the water area. It is a great place with so many activities for kids (although Bryan seemed to enjoy it even more than Henry!)

Sunday 2

Sunday at brunch and sunny times in the park. Henry is n-e-a-r-l-y walking...he just needs to let go of us and all the furniture he grips on to!!

Sunday Brunch

Henry getting ready for brunch with us all on Sunday...

Finlay

I love this picture that Laura took on Finlay's 2nd birthday. Happy Birthday little fella! xxx

Henry at 15 months

Henry went to the doctor this week for his 15 month appointment. He is now officially 22lbs and 31.5 inches. Not grown too much because he's focussing on moving and talking all the time... His current favourite words are "down" "fan" and today it was "ball" for the first time. He can also do some animal noises, point to his head, mouth, teeth, feet and hands. He's really enjoying our Music Together classes every Thursday and can't wait for Granny to come next week!

Henry's First Haircut

We decided it was about time to tame the mop of crazy blond hair on Henry's head today and headed down to "LuLu's" in Park Slope for a fancy new haircut. Henry watched Bob the Builder and played with a phone while the hairdresser snipped away. He was absolutely brilliant throughout everything- no tears and sat very calmly until she was done. The new haircut looks great- very chic!

Messy Baby

Henry is learning how to use a spoon to feed himself- sometimes with his right hand, sometimes with his left...the results are a little messy though!

Labor Day weekend trip

We took a long trip over Labor Day weekend (bank holiday) to Ithaca and the Catskills. We were really lucky to have found a perfect houseswap in Ithaca and stayed in a beautiful old house by a creek, lake and forest. It was the perfect family holiday! Henry loved hiking (mostly sitting in our hiking backpack but sometimes climbing up the rocky trail paths) and swimming in the lakes and rivers. We caught up with old friends from Cornell, ate some fabulous food at the Farmer's Market and local vineyards and had great fun all together. We also explored the Catskill region on the way home and went for a beautiful hike in a state park near New Paltz.

New York City Boy

Henry and I went to Brooklyn Heights this week where there is a wonderful view of the city from the Promenade. Henry had more fun watching the pigeons and other children though! We went to look at the waterfall installations created by Danish artist Olafur Eliasson. Pretty impressive!

Animal Noises

Bryan has recently taught Henry how to make a fish sound...and whenever he sees a goldfish in a book he smacks his lips together!  Laura started him going a few weeks ago, but he didn't really understand what she was going on about.  He can also moooo like a cow with a little encouragement.  He is definitely getting more expressive.  He loves to touch different parts of his face to encourage us to do the same and brush his hair in the morning.  He is actually quite attached to his hairbrush now even though he always uses the wrong side to brush his hair!  He continues to thrive at daycare and tomorrow meets his new babysitter, Megan from New York University.

Henry's First Bike Ride

Henry enjoyed his first bike ride on Sunday! We just got a bike seat from another family and bought him a little helmet and he was good to go. Bryan went around Prospect Park with him and Henry was laughing, and then sleeping all the way. I'm really looking forward to taking him out with me this week.

Henry is getting on very well at daycare and has made some friends already- Jagger, Sky, Keira and Maud (no comment on the names). He is very chatty when I pick him up from Tiny Steps- wanting to tell me all about his day. "Dadadada!" he yells when I walk in the door. His other words include "Dohhg, uff!" for dog, tat tat tat, rararara, "dow" for down and a long moooooo for cow. He's loves to talk even though we don't have a clue what he says most of the time! He still loves books and can become completely absorbed in them. His other favourite place is the playground with the sprinklers. He charges into the water forgetting quite how cold the water can be and gives a little shake as his head gets wet. More photos soon!

Jones Beach July 2008

Yesterday we decided to head out of the city to escape the heat and went to Jones Beach for the day. Jones Beach is on an island by the Atlantic Ocean, about 1.5 hours from where we live. We took an early morning train there to beat the crowds. When we arrived it was a little hazy (a lot of sea fret for all you Norfolk dumplings) and the sea was wild. Henry and Bryan dashed into the waves and Henry enjoyed picking up the seaweed. He got a little tired of the sand after a while especially when we buried his feet! After lunch we went to the toddler pool where he had lots of fun swimming in between mummy and daddy. We'll try another beach later on in the summer as it was a big hit for all the family!