Birthday Bike Seat

My parents had us pick out a bike seat and helmet for Daniel's birthday present. Here we are before taking off on our first ride.

Reading and relaxing.

Just like me, Daniel loves to kick back with a good book to read.

We love you, Grandma!

My Grandma passed away at the age of 93 about a month before Daniel was born. She was born on the 4th of July and the holiday always makes me think of her. Last year, the Kemmerer family had planned to get together at my parent's during the July 4th weekend to celebrate Grandma's life. Because of the situation with the Gap fire, we had to reschedule the celebration for this year. Everyone brought food that Grandma liked to make from their childhood. The day was filled with eating (of course), catching up, playing for the kids, and Grandma trivia and stories about the good ol' days in Allentown and Promised Land Pennsylvania. I was having so much fun that I of course, forgot to take photos of most of the family-sorry guys!

Daniel loved hanging out with my cousin's kids. He and Ruby were entertained by standing around the bucket of ice cold drinks. Daniel couldn't reach in, so Ruby would do it for him and give him ice to eat. What great teamwork!

Oh-and I swear I didn't dress Daniel up like that doll! He was already dressed when my cousin Cris showed up with a doll that was the "mini-Daniel". The doll even had bright blue eyes! I'm not sure whether the photo of Daniel and the doll is cute or borderline creepy.

Happy Independence Day!

As we do every year we are in town, we celebrated the 4th of July at the annual Parejo Drive Block Party. For this special day only, Daniel was allowed to ride his car in the street. He even got his car decorated with festive 4th of July trimmings by the girls in the neighborhood. We decided not to take Daniel to the fireworks this year, but on our drive home that evening we could see the Goleta fireworks lighting up the sky. Happy 4th of July!!

Another day at the beach

Just another summer day spent relaxing at Goleta Beach. I realize the hat is a little dorky on Daniel but it's got something like SPF 100 and his delicate baby skin will thank me one day for preserving its youthfulness!
Who needs to play with sand toys when you can jump on top of your Uncle Jeff?

Daniel and Tai Tai

Daniel had so much fun spending time with his Tai Tai (great-grandma) in Laguna. Her house was filled with lots of new things to explore. She even had a "mini-shrine" of Daniel on the mantle. There is nothing Daniel enjoys more than looking at photos of himself or gazing at his reflection in mirrors. Tai Tai even found a free highchair in prime condition that her neighbors were getting rid of for Daniel to use during his visits. This is especially important because eating is one of the major activities when visiting the Lum Family.

San Clemente Cuzin

During our trip to Laguna we also visited the Wun's in San Clemente. We hadn't seen them in nearly a year and it was so fun to watch Daniel and Mailee interact with each other this time. Brian and Raymi became good friends during their Coast Guard days when they were both stationed in Hawaii on the USS Jarvis. Raymi was the best man in our wedding and now our little groms are growing up together. Best wishes to the Wun's on the upcoming birth of their new son!

Living Large in Laguna

At the end of June we took a quick trip to visit my PoPo and Uncle Allan in Laguna Beach. We took Daniel to the park across the street from my Auntie Nancy and Uncle Herb's house. I have a lot of fun memories playing here with my sister and the park did not disappoint. They had so many play structures and even had a playground for the toddlers. Daniel gladly skipped naptime to cruise around the park with Daddy, Mommy and "Gruncle" Al.

Gotta Wear Shades

Quick, put on your sunglasses- my naked baby is in the yard and his white booty might blind you! Daniel's new favorite activity is playing with water in my parent's backyard.

Solvang

I'd forgotten what a cute, fun little town Solvang is! My favorite part: the coffee and danish at Olsen's Bakery across the street from this dapper soldier.

San Francisco, Here We Come!

Daniel at Golden Gate Park (a.k.a. Disneyland for babies).

Brian and Daniel taking on the super slide.


The glorious cross at the end of our hike...what a beautiful sight!

The hike directly across the street from Jeff and Val's new home- amazing!

Daniel eating berries with Uncle J. Yes, he really did manage to get some in his mouth instead of Jeff's shirt. Berries was one of the thing few things consumed by Daniel that weekend- I think he was just too excited to eat!

Nothing better on a cold San Francisco day than a hot Irish coffee for the grown-ups and a PediaSure for the chubby-challenged baby.



Val and Jeff bought a new house in San Francisco this spring and we have been looking forward to seeing it. However, what I wasn't looking forward to was the drive up north. When my mom and I drove there in November Daniel was not a happy camper in the car. We had to stop so many times along the way that afterwards I vowed I would fly to SF the next time. Six months later I found myself with the minivan packed and ready to embark on what I was sure would be another L-O-N-G car ride. Much to my delight, Daniel was an amazing traveler both there and back (even better than some adults, in my opinion). We had a great trip visiting Val and Jeff. Their new house is beautiful and in a great location. We explored Fisherman's Wharf, sipped Irish coffees, enjoyed Val's cooking at their new pad with friends, went on a beautiful hike to a huge cross right across the street from the house, went to Golden Gate Park and had a Wii competition. Sadly, I just realized I didn't take any photos of their house- oops! Thanks guys, for being such wonderful hosts.

We're One!

(Click on the photo to enlarge)

The PEP group (moms and babies playgroup) Daniel and I belong to had a combined first birthday party for all the babies. This group has been great for Daniel and me. He gets to play with all the kids and I get a built-in mommy support group.

The Best Part of Presents

The best part of getting birthday presents for Daniel is sitting, standing, and playing with the boxes! (The basketball hoop inside the box from Uncle Jeff and Auntie Val is pretty awesome too.)

One Year Later...

Our little snuggle bug a year ago.

At his one year old doctor's appointment. (Trying to open cabinets, of course.)

Happy baby in the bath!

Daniel's most recent stats from his one year old doctor's appointment:
Weight- 17 pounds 10 ounces
Height- 28 inches
Teeth- Two on the top and two on the bottom
Stats at birth:
Weight- 6 pounds 10 ounces
Height- 18 3/4 inches
One Year Old- What He Loves:
Daniel loves playing with cars, balls, opening and closing cabinets/drawers, his dog Charley and exploring. He also loves looking at books and has his "favorite" books he wants us to read to him. His favorite time of day is when Brian gets home from work. As soon as he hears Brian, Daniel books it to the door as fast as he can. He hates staying still for diaper changes and will throw food off his highchair when he is finished. Daniel started walking on his birthday and he looks so cute toddling around. And, finally... (drumroll please) we can put him to sleep at night awake!