6.29.2006

The Destruction Begins...

It’s been a while since we’ve updated you on Frankie’s new skillz. No, he’s still not crawling. He’s *rolling* as a preferred method of transportation from Point A (blue plastic key) to Point B (Malcolm). Here’s a run down summarizing a few of his recent developments:

-Putting Cheerios in his mouth (not just on floor)
-Sitting upright from a lying position without assistance
-Holding onto crib slats and peering out as though in federal baby prison
-Lifting up his arms to be held
-Hugging your neck
-Slapping your hands
-Throwing things like cell phones and breaking them
-Pulling out handfuls of cat hair

Because he can now sit up and his mobilization has increased exponentially in the past couple of weeks, we’re transitioning from the co-sleeper to the crib. This will probably be one of the most difficult hurdles we’ll face in his first years. I made an attempt to put him to sleep in his crib last night and endured blood curdling screams like I’ve never hear before for about fifteen minutes before giving in. I entered his room to find he’d managed to stick both legs between the slats of the crib. The smallish, flimsy crib bumper had been flung aside like so many Cheerios and cell phones. It took at least half an hour to calm him from his anger then to wait until he was sleepy enough to move him into the co-sleeper. Either I’m going to have to leave the house at bedtime, or I’m going to have to drink a lot more. Or maybe both.

6.10.2006

In Enemy Territory


In Enemy Territory
Originally uploaded by Critical Mess.
This isn't actually Frankie related, except insofar as it pertains to the ongoing feud with Grandma Joann over Frankie's MLB loyalties. Yes, we went to a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium, but let it be known that I represented my beloved 'stros. And beneath the jersey is a 2005 National League Champions t-shirt, which I only had to show to one Cards' fan in response to a crack about Houston. And yes, it shut him up good.

6.09.2006

Frankie with Great Grandma & Great Grandpa Giuliani

Anna, Frankie and I just got back from a week-long trip to St. Louis. This was a week of firsts: Frankie's first visit with Anna's extended family, his first plane ride, his first swim, and the first time his mother tried to feed him to a goat. We hit up all the St. Louis hotspots, including the Botanical Gardens, Grant's Farm, Busch Stadium, the Budweiser brewery, and of course, Steak-n-Shake.

Our vacation began with a trip to Washington, MO. for a visit with the Giuliani (& O'Connor) side of the family. Here, Frankie wins over his great-grandparents, Art & Kate.

Frankie & Grandma Joann Reading

Sunday was spent with the other half of Frankie's extended family in St. Louis at Grandma Joann's sister Mary Ann's house. Here, Grandma Joann and Frankie read the American classic, "Peekaboo Kisses."

Dad & Frankie watch the fishes

Anna, Frankie, Grandma Joann and I spent an afternoon at the St. Louis Botanical Gardens. Frankie's favorite part was the fish pond, stocked with giant koi.

Frankie's first swim


Frankie's first swim
Originally uploaded by Critical Mess.
Frankie had his first swim with Anna's cousins and their kids. It took him a little time to get used to the water, but after half an hour, he was splashing around and having a good time. Anna enjoyed swimming in her clothes, and getting back to her hoosier roots.

Busch Stadium, Section 158, Row 23, Seat 2

No trip to St. Louis would be complete without a visit to the new Busch Stadium. We watched the Reds throttle the Cardinals, and even though the game was a blowout, the view was spectacular.

Mom tries to feed Frankie to the goats

Our week in St. Louis concluded with a visit to Grant's Farm. A wedding gift to General Ulysses S. Grant from his bride's father, the farm is located in South County, and is now run by Anheuser-Busch, just like everything else in St. Louis. The upside of this is that you can drink beer while you're watching your wife try to feed your baby to a goat. As you can see, the goats were more interested in her pants than in Frankie.