Hiking is exhausting....zzzzz.....

Jeremy enjoyed his first trek through Stonelakes National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary and restoration site for migratory birds and riparian mammals and amphibians. We explored the seasonal and perennial wetlands, saw poofy cattails, strolled through the riparian oak forest, and even saw a 4-foot-long garter snake. What a treat for Jeremy, and for us to see him seem so at home in the natural landscapes that we love. He was so at ease that he just slipped into a convenient nap. He approves of his Kelty!

In addition to training to be a docent for nature hikes, Jeremy is continuing to amaze his Mommies. His latest nickname is Flapjack, given his new found skill of flipping over from front to back. He has mostly preferred flipping counter-clockwise, but this morning he flipped the other way, too! Best of all is the intentionality he is pouring into his flipping and other antics. Even more fun (for him) and tiring (for Moms) is his love of springing up on his feet from a sitting position. He holds onto our hands for leverage, but he does all the pushing himself. The other really fun thing is that he has begun to initiate "peekaboo" by turning his head away and then back again.

Sprinkled all around the daily feats is the mundane stuff of Jeremy's life -- eating, sleeping, giggling, baths, trips to Costco, going to the dogpark with Moms and Dogs, gracing his fan club at Starbucks (the barristas all know him by name), drooling buckets, putting everything in his mouth -- and it is all such a joy and blessing to be a part of.

The Moms are also learning how having such a dang cute baby can be an advantage. Our water heater broke ... on a Sunday of course. When the plumber came to look at the damage, I admit I deliberately waltzed out to greet him with Jeremy in tow. You guessed it. The plumber busted his butt to get the heater replaced that day! He said, "I don't want you to go overnite without hot water." We didn't even have to ask or even intimate! Hmmmm, the possibilities....