Soap Box

Argh! So, after the "Busted" post, I realized that it was high time to remove those plants from his room. While doing so, Tiago decided to illustrate his climbing capability and speed. (By the time this video was taken, I had already given up trying to pull him back down. Nate heard the ruckus and decided to film for posterity). Not only did Tiago masterfully climb up onto the plant stand but he climbed behind it and removed the foam boarder strips from underneath the rug. He resurfaced from underneath the plant stand, climbed back on top and began his sermon, "You can take away my plants, but you can never take away... (wait for it) ...MY FREEDOM!"

I guess we'll try out this new bedroom configuration and see what damage he does to his books (sigh)...

Busted!

Dipping his fingers in Dog's holy water has become a favorite pastime (see video below for evidence of this new vice):

Below he is caught in the act of bathroom vandalism (see video below for evidence of guiltless crimes of toilet papering).

The toy-chest once served the purpose of blocking Tiago from the plants and CD player. This worked wonderfully, until Tiago realized that he could empty the toy-chest, climb in, and then climb out on the other side. The poor Begonias didn't stand a chance!

The first video demonstrates the psychology of temptation (oh but it's worth it!); the second clip illustrates the appeal of toilet paper that only a nine and a half month old can appreciate!

the food wars

I'm trying really hard to make food interesting for Tiago, since he will eat just about anything for just about ANYone except for mommy! (He even cheerfully ate BEETS for tio Ricardo in Peru.) So, I made some fun, colorful, healthy varieties of purees and fingerfoods:

And this is the look that I got:

Not at all impressed, he first attempted to feed the food to the dog...

...and then he attempted to feed me (so, I ate it--it was good)!

The Peruvian Connection

Karlos, Olenka, Carlos, Teresa, Nate, Ricardo, Maria, Yolanda

Finally, Nate had the opportunity to meet Korah's beloved La Serna Family! It was a whole side of his wife that he had yet to know. And, in such a short visit, he was able to get quite a good taste of the criolla! What a great gesture for her family and a necessary step at making the G-Unit a little stronger! The La Sernas were thrilled to have the Guilars in Peru and welcome them back with open arms--hopefully sooner than later.

Tiago, repeatedly and inexplicably demonstrated Peruvian blood that even Korah could not understand. His love for la musica criolla (not even a favorite for mommy) and the latin chicas was uncanny! He instantly made friends with two other little babies, Cecilia and Javier (both Canadian-Peruvians) and had regular play-dates with them at the baby park on the Malecon.

Here, Tiago plays with a fish-shaped teether while the family enjoys some DELICIOUS Peruvian ceviche. Nate said it was the best he'd ever had (probably because the aji and fish was fresh)!

Valentine's Day

Okay, wait a second! Before you get any ideas that our Valentine's day was romantic, let me remind you that we have a baby! Having said that, it was still a wonderful day and we enjoyed the novelty of celebrating from the 7th story ocean-view property (yes, that's me hanging out of a 7th floor window---no OSHA here) during the middle of SUMMER. Thanks to dear aunt Chelo for lending us her gorgeous townhouse for the weekend!

On February 14th, we were able to hang out on the veranda, drink coffee and mango-smoothies, listen to a live band play music and watch dozens of happy couples get married in "Lover's Park" down below.

There was also a landing pad for paragliders, that proved to be quite entertaining.

Daddy was sad to have to leave so soon, but enjoyed this moment with his family in Peru!

Miraflores, first 2days

During the first couple of days of our stay, Nate and I took a trip to Peru's capitol, Lima. Here we are in the main plaza, Plaza de Armas (the above picture is in front of the capitol building aka: palacio gobierno, where Francisco Pizzaro once resided)

Heavily Spanish influenced, this city has many original churches and buildings from the Spanish conquest era. We visited the franciscan Church and the catacombs beneath the cathedral.

During Nate's brief visit, he was able to check out the "bio-feria" farmer's market and was impressed by the variety and massive size of the organic produce. The aroma of herbs, fresh veggies and coffee was all very intoxicating and inviting!

At the local park near my family's residence. We enjoyed the strong, equatorial sun for only 15 minutes at a time (wow, it is powerful)! In February, the weather is hot and humid (like 85*/65%), yet it never rains in Miraflores.

First Things First

We had a fantastic time visiting family in Miraflores, and Tiago formed an inexplicably tight bond with his tio Ricardo (who does not typically care to spend time with babies but managed to come visit every day and rough-house with his little inquieto sobrino).

We will post more stories and pictures of our trip in the next few days but, first things first,Tiago took his first step just days before leaving to Peru! Mommy was excited and tried tirelessly to capture the first steps on film but was unsuccessful. Not only would Tiago refuse to take a step on film but the little stinker did not even seem interested in the fact that he had accomplished such a major developmental milestone. To him, it seemed that taking a step only served the purpose of making mommy holler and squeal, which he found hilarious and learned to imitate quite well (also not captured on film). So, as the days passed, it seemed that perhaps Tiago might not become a mastered "walker" before his 9 months...until...

...while in Peru, Tiago accidentally began walking (unbeknownst to himself)...This WAS captured on tape. He began taking his steps while distracted by his amusement with Pampers and everyone hushed/froze so as not to break his spell or cause him to stop dead in his tracks...

By 9 months and several hours, Tiago was walking across the floor with water-bottles in hands to greet his tio Ricardo!

Fun with Agua!

In the month of Aquarius, Tiago takes his first swim lesson:

Tiago immediately welcomed the idea of jumping into a great big bath-tub. We were the first of our group to arrive at the pool and Tiago was beside himself with anticipation, kicking his chubby little legs, squaking and waving his hands at the "agua." The pungent smell of chlorine did not seem to faze him at all (although, it left mommy a little light-headed);

He was so excited, he nearly jumped out of mommy's arms and straight into the 90* water. He wore a huge grin almost the entire time and was the only baby to emphatically participate in all of the activities.

He even crawled across the floating foam board towards his mommy (twice!).

At one point his splashing may have even become a nuisance to his playmate, Layla, so we scootched over towards Abbie (who was a pro in the pool and had already visited several facilities). As a result we got some great pictures! *A special thank you to Abbie's daddy and mommy for sharing these pictures with us!