A Silly Merry Christmas

Watch the Blake Family of Elfs

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We encourage everyone to join in the fun. Post your family's elfs to the comments section so we can all watch!

Long Time... No Post

We fully admit that the busy month of November has slipped away without an single post (well until now), but we plan to do much better in the future and thought it was time to share some of Vincenzo's exciting developmental changes.

• It may be hard to believe but Vincenzo is probably 3-4 weeks away from walking.
• He crawls all over the place (getting into things he shouldn't), cruises around furniture, walls, windows, door or anything he can grab onto and walks behind a pushed chair from one end of the room to the other. We can't believe the way he has changed into a very independent little man.
• We sure are loving him crawling to us; especially when he gets so excited his legs move too quickly for his hands to keep up. Nothing quite like the view of an adorable little man scrambling towards you (as quickly as possible) with a big 2-toothed grin across his face.
  
• When we brought Vincenzo home he was just a bit above 5 lbs but now he is nearing toddlerhood and advancing at things we didn't expect.

• Vincenzo now uses the grown-up bathtub for his baths. He had outgrown his baby-bath long before we were ready to move him into the big bathtub, but him trying to climb out and succeeding, forced our hands.
• Self feeding is something Enzo has been working on for a couple months, but has gotten the hang of and gladly shoves Cheerios into his mouth whenever the opportunity arrives.
• Not only has Vincenzo picked up self feeding, but he loves to eat in general. He especially loves Minestrone, Chicken, Pasta, Pears, Apples, Sweet Potato, and of course Cheerios.
  
• How is it possible that our little one who didn't even fit into the 0-3 mo clothing when we brought him home is now wearing 18 month clothing at 10 months?! It seems unreal. It seems like each day we try an outfit that used to fit him just 3 or 4 days previously that doesn't anymore.
  
• Enzo has an expanded community beyond his Mummy & Daddy - He loves Nonna Noson who comes every Wednesday to play and care for him. He is excited to see Mimi (our nanny Mirit) every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. He remembers Grandpa Baylon, but isn't quite sure about him yet. He knows Uncle Dominic, but is pretty sure he is a bit loud for his liking. And he likes Germaine and knows she has good toys in her sitting room. There are many many more and every day he gets more comfortable with new faces and remembering those he has seen regularly.

• "What was that you said, Vincenzo?" Oh yeah it wasn't said but rather signed. Yes, Enzo now has one clear ASL/Baby Sign, 'MILK' which he uses for 'I WANT,' but it is still a milestone we are excited about. We continue to work on other signs which he knows the meaning of but cannot yet perform himself.
  

We want to share a bit of 'love' for our nanny, Mirit. She has become a valuable member of our family. She is the reason Vincenzo has learned 'Milk' sign as well as responding so well to Spanish vocabulary like Vaca, Pato, Rojo and Azul. After giving Mirit a very hard time in the initial weeks of her joining us, Enzo now is pleased to see her each day and especially loves her singing to him. We, as parents, count our blessings for finding such a loving and expansive nanny who not only cares for our son wonderfully, but works very hard to teach him and expand his mind and motor skills each and every day she spends with him. *Thank you Mirit!*

Minestrone is best when served messy

An Apple a Day...

Enzo loves the retro portion of Daddy's collection too!

At our second Thanksgiving celebration of the day with Grandpa Baylon's family, Vincenzo found out that Great Aunt Cathrin is extremely funny and fun to play with.

Peek-a-Boo!

*Reminder that the pictures shown here can be linked into large 'digital negatives' for those who wish to download them or print them out.*

Happy Halloween from The Dread Pirate Vincenzo

Yo Ho Yo Ho a Pirates Life for me!





Sometimes a Pirates Life is not fun!
Especially when Mummy makes me wear this silly costume!

9 Month Stats

We saw our wonderful family doctor yesterday to have Vincenzo's 9-month "well baby" check up. He showed Dr. Heinen that he was growing and developing well. Not only did Enzo stay a good-boy all through our wait for the doctor but he only cried for a moment when he got his flu shot.

Here are Vincenzo's 9-month Statistics

Length: 29 in.
Length Percentile: 75%
Weight: 19 lbs 8.5 oz
Weight Percentile: 50%
Clothing Sizes: 12m or 18m


For all of you who have been asking here are some of our most recent pictures. We have some video that Daddy and Mummy are trying to get together to post as well.

Now that Vincenzo can stand on his own he is doing it ALL THE TIME :)

Playing with plastic spoons and Mummy's water-bottle is always more fun on the kitchen floor.

Isn't Vincenzo beautiful?!

Can we all guess what picture is going on Mummy's desk ASAP?

Looks like Vincenzo got caught in the act of playing with Daddy's shoe box

Nonna bought Vincenzo this very warm fleece snow-suit which he is not quite sure he likes. She calls it the green caterpillar outfit.

With his new teeth Vincenzo is even more interested in apples and other things he can eat/bite. He loves just about everything we give him with a particular obsession with Cheerios. :)

The Science of Sleep or "To Sleep, Perchance to Dream"

Mummy and Daddy finally broke down and used a modified Ferber (cry it out) technique to help Vincenzo learn how to sleep in his crib and without nursing down.

We are enjoying great success!

Vincenzo has SLEPT through the night since night 4 for the new sleeping strategy. Now he goes to sleep within 8 minutes of bedtime and only cries for a moment (if at all) when we leave the room. On a typical night he sleeps from 7:30 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. through to 4:30 a.m. or even 7:30 a.m. (If he wakes up at 4:30 all he needs is a short feed and back to sleep he goes once in his crib.) How exciting for the whole family to get good sleep in their own beds.




With this new "sleeping" process, Vincenzo is taking two consistent naps a day without nursing, driving, walking, rocking or co-sleeping to get down. Hoo-ray for The Blake Family!

Thanks to all those friends and family who provided support and encouragement during this tough time. We really appreciate it.

I see Europe, I see Greece...

I see Enzo's two front teeth!

Yes we are happy to say with the months and months of non-progressing teething Enzo finally has two lower front teeth peaking through his gums like little white caps on a mild day on Elliot Bay.

This is quite the milestone which has come hand in hand with Enzo's new permanent nanny, Mirit (MEER-EET) joining our family three days a week, Enzo trying to crawl (although it appears to involved pushing his face along the floor while his legs kick him along the floor) and Mummy going back to work full time in the office! All of this in tandum with Mummy and Daddy getting ready for "modified cry-it-out" sleep training technique as soon as some of these major changes slow down a bit.

We are so excited about all these changes we have missed out on posting many more pictures and videos, BUT with these developments will also bring about a new routine which should allow more time to post pictures and share stories.

Life on Fast-Forward

So here it is 8 months after the day Vincenzo joined our lives and we are both struck with the speed at which time has passed. It seems only weeks ago when Enzo could not roll-over, sit or fully vocalize. Now he is a big boy of 8 months old who is sitting up, squirming on the floor (trying without success to crawl), pulling himself up into a stand (with a little help from Mummy or Daddy), drinking out of water bottles and cups and eating 2-3 meals a day of solid food.

Who is this child and where did he come from? Our baby is a little lump of love who snuggles and sleeps all the time and doesn't do much else. This baby is becoming a child with opinions, desires, and isn't afraid to tell you so. Suddenly, we feel like the last months have been set on fast-forward.

With all the "sleep" issues we have been having, the trouble finding a nanny, and the general shift in our lives it funny to look back and see the massive 'sea-change' that is our developing baby. I guess we have just finally realized that our parents were right... time does pass so quickly. We remember sitting our living room talking to Grandma Noson about how we can't wait until he can interact with us, smile, play, and vocalize. This was sometimes in February (again feels like only a couple weeks ago) and Enzo was a bit over 2-months old. She laughed and said that we would long for "these days" again when we had that older Vincenzo. We both knew she was right, but it is even more evident today when here sits our son, blowing raspberries at us, shouting out if Daddy tries to leave the room, grabbing anything we have in our hands, and squealing with glee when he comes upon his favorite toys/books.

The last 8 months of our lives have been the most difficult and yet blissful in our lives. Vincenzo is the most wonderful child we could have wished for and we just wish a little of the time would slow down and not be in fast-forward.

A Better Tomorrow

Vincenzo Francois James Blake for President
(2044)

Anything you can do...

Vincenzo has a "habit" of wanting to do whatever Daddy and Mummy do, no matter how silly it is. He has taken the "Anything you can do, I can do" attitude to nearly every action.

Daddy blames Mummy's obsession with always drinking water that has made Vincenzo want to drink out of every glass, cup, and water-bottle we happen to be drinking from (regardless of what is in it). He especially likes it if he can have his own cold water to drink or spill about as he sees fit. Here are a few pictures of him while playing with a tablespoon of water in a big mug.

Vincenzo hasn't quite gotten the drift of "tipping" so that he can get the water out of his cup.

This is the classic Vincenzo smile which we love to capture on film whenever possible.

We are not quite sure what this look means, but it sure is cute.

Here Are a Few More Adorable Moments of Vincenzo's Adventures in August
Taken in Moments of Pure Art by Daddy

Daddy's Tall but Enzo doesn't mind looking up to see him.

Vincenzo's Reading List

We are sharing Vincenzo's reading list so that you can all see the books that we have now memorized. Even though Enzo can't read and he doesn't totally understand what we are saying to him, he very much enjoys chewing on the board-book corners and watching Mummy & Daddy make funny noises and faces.

We also want to let you know that Vincenzo is in full vocalization mode and we find it infinitely entertaining. We hope to post video in September of his favorite sounds. Keep a look out!

Vital Statistics Updated

So here we are at six months + old and although we haven't shared with you the details I am sure it is obvious to those who check this blog regularly that Vincenzo is growing. We just had our 6-month well baby check up and guess what Vincenzo IS growing and is a "well baby."

We do not plan to update the entire vital statistics shared previously but thought you might enjoy a few.

Gallons of Breast Milk Consumed: Enough to Make Mummy Feel Like a Cow

Number of Bottles Given by Daddy: Not Enough to Make Mummy Feel LESS Like a Cow
Number of Bottles Consumed: About Half of Those Given
Favorite Solid Foods: Sweet Potato and Squash
Most Disliked Solid Food: Rice Cereal and Applesauce


Age: 6 months & 2 Weeks
Length: ~27 Inches
Weight: 17 lbs 12.5 oz
Clothing Size: 6-9 months


Number of Photos Taken: 3400
Favorite Football (Soccer) Team: Liverpool Football Club (LFC)
Favorite Album: “Finding Forever” by Common
Favorite Video Game: Anything that can be played by EATING the controller


Biggest Dislike: Still Injections (especially those Tetanus ones, which hurt for the rest of the day and into the night)

The Science of Sleep or How I realized to appreciate the power of a good night's rest.

By Dr Vincenzo F J Blake

Oh boy, who knew this sleep thing would be so hard to figure out. My parents, bless them, have consulted the world's greatest minds in a desperate attempt to unlock the secrets of infant sleep, so I can achieve a better night's rest. The answer, it seems, still evades them.

Sleep is vitally important. When I sleep well, my day is so much better for it. When I don't, I feel so extremely frustrated. Just thinking about it makes want to burst into tears (and I often do).

It's quite elegantly simple really. I should hope that this information is known to everyone. The thought of people trying to go about their daily lives without a good night rest is frightening.

So I've done my part, I've deduced that sleep is good and I need it. Now all my parents have to do is help me to get a little more of it each night. Not rocket science I know, but I have to leave them something to do.

Sleep well.

Dr Vincenzo F J Blake

July Developments

July has brought many changes and developments in little (not so little now) Vincenzo's life. Read on for a pictures and more information.

On July 2nd Vincenzo had his first taste of "food" (brown rice cereal). Although most of it ended up on his face and bib he appeared to be interested enough to keep trying. The next day he took one full spoonful without spitting any out! Which would have been more exciting if he would have taken ANY more than that. We are currently working on a feeding routine and hope to introduce apple sauce and sweet potatoes soon.

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Auntie Anna and Cousin Sonja came to Seattle for a few days and Vincenzo and Mummy had the privilege of spending the afternoon at Alki Beach with them. Sonja was very interested in checking out Enzo's belly, ears, feet and then showing hers. It was really a wonderful day.

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On the Fourth of July Vincenzo, Daddy and Mummy visited Grandma & Grandpa Noson. Enzo was in fairly good spirits and sat with Grandma for quite a while, showing off standing and giggling.

Auntie Kate sure knows how to woo Vincenzo. (We think her secret is whispering in Italian, but we cannot be sure.)

When Sonja, Auntie Anna and Auntie Kate arrived on the Fourth of July Sonja was asleep in the car. She decided to join us right before Enzo and Family had to leave for bedtime. She very much enjoys getting her picture taken by Daddy (Uncle Alen to her).

She was also very interested in Enzo while he sat in his car seat and tried a few times to teach him about feet and sharing toys with his cousin.

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Uncle Dominic, Grandpa David, Mummy and Vincenzo got to go to the Okanogan Highlands for the wedding of Daven Henze and Elena Hartoonian. The wedding occurred at Daven's parents (Walter and Sarah - Mummy/Petra's God Parents) beautiful home where Petra spent many winter and summer vacations as a younger woman. These two pictures from Roger Rosenblatt's photos which may be found at Roger Rosenblatt’s Photo Gallery: Daven & Elena's Wedding in addition to all the rest of his pictures. The rest of the pictures from this weekend were taken with Mummy & Daddy's camera by various photographers.

This is Andre the 10 month old guest who Vincenzo found to be a good friend (at least the staring contests seemed to point to friendship).

The handsome groom and his parents.

The lovely and beautiful bride with her parents

The Beautiful Couple
~ Daven & Elena ~

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Vincenzo has been growing leaps and bounds. Although his 6-month birthday isn't until tomorrow and his 6-month check up isn't until the 26th we estimate he has grown another two inches and gained another two pounds (27+ inches long and around 18 pounds). He is now the "master" of rolling over and shifting his position on the floor to see things and grab toys. This means Mummy and Daddy are starting to work out childproofing, knowing that crawling can only be around the corner.

Another striking change for Enzo is a major increase in hair both in volume and length. His hair is now curling and sticking up in all directions (we love it). In addition to these changes his little bald patch at the back of his head has diminished and begun to grow peach-fuzz in the middle.

We hope to keep everyone posted as regularly as we can about Vincenzo's developments and recent pictures. Feel free to comment and even make requests as to information you are curious about or pictures you would like to see. We will accommodate as we are able.

We hope all of you are enjoying the summer!