Where for Art Thou, Rodeo?

The rodeo has officially picked up stakes and left town. Dad is happy because he doesn't have to hear that Lady Antebellum song over and over again on the TV. I guess that's some consolation for the fact that he didn't get to go. Luckily one of mom's mommy friends was going and we got to tag along. Thank goodness, because look what I would have missed!

And I learned about a new sport: mutton busting! Mom couldn't get any pictures because we were in stroller exile outside the tent, but we still had a pretty good view. Basically it is like bull riding, except instead of grown men riding bulls, of is little kids riding sheep...And it goes a little something like this:

"Our next rider is Connor. Connor is five years old and hails from Sugar Land, Texas. His favorite food is Hamburger Helper, and when he grows up he wants to be a ninjaaaaa! Connor is riding Lambchop." And then the gates open! Yee haw!

I know, it is a little disturbing. But those kids were so proud of themselves, it was hard not to cheer them on. Tick tock, just four and a half years to go, and I can't wait!

And now, here's a final photo just for you, Pop Pop. It's food on a stick! Can't wait for your next visit!

Put on Your Sunday Clothes

Even as the frost is only beginning to break its winter spell over my Nanna's garden in Baltimore, it is getting HOT HOT HOT here in Houston. My mom says it is "unbelievable," but my dad doesn't seem to be phased at all, so I'm not worried either.


We left the house right after breakfast this morning to take a walk, but first we got in the car. That's kind or weird: getting in the car to go for a walk, but ok. 


We went to this place called The Heights. Mom kept saying there was a "sense of community." I kept looking around trying to find it because it was making my mom really happy, but I don't really know what a sense of community looks like. We walked on the Hike and Bike Trail and then past a lot of houses. People kept saying hi to us and asking questions about me. Next we stopped in a deli had a cold drink--formula for me and tea for my parents. When we walked down the street some more, we found a store that sold lightly used baby clothes. Mom and dad couldn't resist this little number. 

It's Ralph Lauren, no big deal. (I don't actually know who Ralph Lauren is, but I think he's the guy riding the horse that's embroidered under one of my buttons. Buttons!)


It was a good day.

By the Numbers: Seven Months

Mom took me to the pediatrician last week for my sixth month check-up (a little late, mom, seeing as how I'm more than seven months old now). While we were there the nurse took a bunch of measurements, and then she gave me four shots. 


Four shots! It's a lot, I know, but I took them like a champ and didn't cry at all. Mom was super proud and bragged about it to her other mommy friends all last week. So embarrassing. I'm glad she's so happy, but really, I was just distracted by the measuring tape, which the nurse let me take home so I could play with it some more.

Just in case you're wondering, I'm 16 pounds and 7 ounces, my length is 26.5 inches, and my head is a whopping 17 inches around (and mighty hard, too, like a certain lady I know...am I right, Dad?)

Sorry, Elmo

Who needs Sesame Street...

...when you have Suze Orman?

Ooh La La

My mom and dad like food. So as a special treat this weekend, my dad took my mom to dinner at a French brasserie near our house, and I got to go too!

I'm so lucky to be getting out and having all these new experiences, so I knew I had to be on my best behavior.

First I sampled the water. Then I noshed on some bread.

Then I realized that the table felt really neat on my tiny fingers. Breakthrough! I just had to start banging on it, and that made dad’s glass of fancy beer spill over and break. Oops. 

After all that excitement I got really tired that I had to take a nap, so in the end mom and dad got a romantic dinner “alone.” 

You’re welcome, guys.

El Tigre

GRRRR, Baby.

The Way We Were

Today I helped Mom with some chores. We sat on the bed together and sorted through my clothes. I have assembled quite a wardrobe for such a new person. There's a lot I don't fit into anymore, so we put that stuff in bags in the closet. Mom said it was "bittersweet." That’s means your heart is happy and sad at the same time. 


Boy, feelings sure are complicated.

Just for you, mom, here’s a retrospective of some of my outfits through the ages. Ah, memories.

The Smurf

Leaves of Grass

Das Boot (Thanks Auntie Erin)

A Homespun Original 

The Grandpa Sweater

DC Pride (Thanks Auntie Jess)

What's New, Pussycat?

Sometimes you can know someone your whole life and never really see them. And then one day, BAM! When she walks into the room everything else disappears, and all you can see is her, and you smile because you’ve never been so happy, and you get so fluttery on the inside that your whole body shakes. That’s right, I’m talking about my one true love, Nikki Kitty.

My growing maturity has brought with it an awareness of so many things, but all pale in comparison to that wispy grey kitty that haunts my life like a shade. I hear her and turn. I see her and smile. She approaches. I launch my entire body in her general direction, and she slips through my fingers yet again.

Oh elusive feline, when will you be mine?

Today is Brought to You by the Letter P

And P is for Picnic! Today me and mom and some of our friends went to the big Park downtown for a Picnic. We saw lots of cool stuff, including a nutria rat and ducks having sex. Mom and I chased after a flock of Pigeons for fun and then chased off a couple of ducks for our own protection. It was awesome!

I also surprised everyone with my new trick: arching my back and thrusting myself out of the car seat. That yoga class is paying off!

P is also for Peas. I know a lot of you have been concerned about the Parsnip incident. Fear no more, loyal aunties. Mom and Dad have added Peas to my Parsnip Puree, making it far more Palatable. 

An Education: Parsnips

Parsnips. That seemingly innocuous, colorless root vegetable that has made it to the top of my parents' list of favorites even though it really only gets trotted out with our Thanksgiving turkeys and maybe the Christmas goose.

Parsnips. So loved, like me. Why, then, does it make me do this?

...One of us will have to go.