The Memory Game Pt. Deu

We brought the old photo-coasters back out.  If you'll recall, back in October, Tiago was able to demonstrate his receptive language and memory skills...Now, Tiago (23 months) is demonstrating his expressive language and memory skills.  (Also demonstrated:  a little dried-mango sugar high!) 

 

It's funny how much growth we have seen in the past 6 months!  When Tiago was one and a half, I would look at two year old children and wonder how Tiago would be, and tried to imagine him ever looking so grown up.  We cant believe he'll soon be TWO!

Grandpa Josh

 Tiago had a nice visit with his Grandpa Josh last weekend.  And the sun even made an appearance for a day or two!  Above, Tiago is enjoying a lovely "time-out" spot in downtown San Carlos.  That's right, the terrible twos are fast approaching.  Mostly, Tiago is a gem.  He's thoughtful, loving and empathetic.  However, there have been times that call for a little extra "reflection."  Unfortunately for mommy, these moments most often occur when out in public (like, say, at a restaurant).

 In the comforts of our own home, Tiago gets into his weekend routine of taking out ALL of his toys and spreading them across the living-room floor.  As, you can see in the above picture, the men also enjoyed this weekend routine!

 Above, Tiago enjoys a nice post-BBQ dinner with his "Gan-pop."

And, even Grandpa Josh cannot escape the Carlos Vives trance.  Our boy has everyone wrapped around his little finger, "Baila, Gan-pop!"

Grandma's Visit

 Finally!  The sun came out for somebody's visit!  And who better than for the Oregonians--they deserve a little sunshine too, right?  We took mucho advantage of the beautiful sunshine and headed across the bay to the Oakland zoo!  (Tiago loved crawling in and out of the Tortoise shells at the zoo with grandma.)

His most memorable animals?  The Camels (and their dirty teeth) and the Chimpanzees (and their dirty...ehm...well...the chimps are just dirty).  Oh!  AND the elephants, of course, he just LOVES the elefantes! (Below, not so thrilled about leaving the elephants)

 Well, this is about the time when toddlers begin to develop their own sense of self, style and independence.  (Above is how this looks on paper: he puts on his favorite clothes--all at once, and picks his favorite shoes--even if they are not his own.)

We just made a few minor wardrobe adjustments before heading to the local park with grandma and Paul (put a little hoodie over the layered shirts and swap out Paul's shoes for his own).  Voila!  ready to socialize!

Aunt Jennie

OK, so, FYI, you get MAJOR points with Tiago if you time your arrival precisely as the Fire Trucks and Ambulances com screeching to a halt in front of the neighbor's house!  Good job AJ!

 Unfortunately, AJ did not get to appreciate our sunny California weather while visiting San Carlos.  Really, it is almost funny how the weather clears just in between visits from out-of-towners!  Well, at least, if you're going to have cabin fever, have it with family! (Above: Tiago shows Aunt Jennie his train set.  Below: Tiago stomps through a very large rain puddle atop Arguello park.)

(After many days of rain, we decided it was worth braving a little wind and wet, to get out of the house just for a few minutes between torrential downpours.)

Back in the house, Tiago is left to his own devices (aka, indoor hoops and some Skype), and a couple of AJ's devices (aka, sneakers!)

 Then, along came uncle Zac and aunt Megan to the rescue--to break up the monotony--hooray!!!

 While uncle Zac and aunt Megan were brain-washed with requests for Carlos Vives, Mommy and Daddy got to celebrate their anniversary!

Pow! Blam! Kazooey!

Our little crime-fighter in training, in his newest rain gear (bring it on East Coast tropical showers)!

As they say, "baby steps." Soon (God, I really hope not) he'll be leaping from rooftop to rooftop, saving Gotham City.

Broccoli!

Okay, so this blog post is really only meant to evidence that Tiago loves broccoli (and in case this changes in the future, it will be referenced often).

...And the video is to show that the broccoli was working! 

(in case you cant hear his little fiber-induced toots, he calls them out for you "grande pedos."--sure give the dog some too.)

Presidents' Day Weekend

 Welcome Aunt Paula!

 Presidents' weekend we had a nice visit with Aunt Paula and Aunt Karen (who weren't able to go on their Egypt vacation and chose San Carlos instead)!

 Tiago enjoyed all of the attention and a gift to open (for no apparent holiday or birthday--how cool!)

 The sun peeked out for the afternoon, so we took the obligatory hike through Arguello park...

(Down at the bottom, Tiago enjoyed the play-structure...and...da planes!)

 Tiago kept great aunt Paula and great aunt Karen busily climbing on the play-structure and following him down various slides

 After such a nice hike through the canyon...

...it was time to kick back and relax! (of course, Tiago is unfamiliar with the term "relax" but he did enjoy the concept for a couple of seconds.)

"Camion de tio Pepe"

 Tiago contento estar con sus tios Fabio y Enzo

 Tiago nunca para de hablar de su tio Pepe desde recibir su regalo de camión para navidad, entonces fuimos a visitar a la familia para verles en el anio nuevo.  Tiago estuvo tan feliz y cómodo en la casa como si fuera suyo. 

Hasta que tomaba un montón de leche--algo que jamas le hace para sus papis!