First Day of Gruel

Sloane started on "solids" yesterday. Solids is very loosely defined as one part rice cereal to four parts formula, which is pretty much the definition of gruel (look it up). She also had her six month check-up yesterday, and she's doing great! She's 18 lbs., 3 oz. (90th %); 26.5 inches long (80th %); and has an 18 inch head circumference (>95th %). But, the doc told me not to put too much stock in the percentiles for length and head circumference because, as they squirm around more and more, those measurements become close approximations and are a bit less accurate. Still, she's a big 'un.

Here are some pictures from this morning's breakfast. She has already graduated to two parts rice cereal to four parts formula. She's so funny -- she opens wide for the spoon, but doesn't always get the concept of swallowing, so often most of it comes right back out her milk hole (my new nickname for her pie hole). As you can see from the photos, she already wants to start holding and putting the spoon in her mouth all by herself. She definitely loves sticking stuff in her mouth and I think she digs the texture, so we're off to a good start.

Christmas on Cantaloupe Avenue

We spent Christmas day at my parents house in Van Nuys. You might notice a duck in Dan's stocking in the first photo -- it was a gift for our first born, who very much enjoyed it when we got home that night, as you can see in the last photo. And, yes, he has already destroyed it, but he spent a few good hours enjoying the duck sounds it made as he "killed" it (mercifully -- he told me that the duck had a very painful, terminal disease). It was a balmy and sunny day in the valley, so photos surrounded by orange trees in the bright California sun seemed more appropriate than standard Christmas fare (ha ha east-coasters!). Little Sloane's Christmas best was a bit warm, so no Santa hat for her.

We had a fabulous meal (as usual) and, though exhausted from a strenuous day of turkey and pie eating, made it to a movie that night (Charlie Wilson's War). Seems to be the Ross-Dan-Shane tradition to see a Julia Robert's movie on Christmas (a few years ago it was Mona Lisa Smile), so tune in this time next year to find out what (crap) we see next December. (sigh, you KNOW I love it.) Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Christmas Eve on Skyline Drive

The McKenzies and Mendelsohns had Christmas Eve at our house. Ross flew in from San Francisco and had tons of quality time with his devoted little niece. Mom cooked and brought food over (including her famous latkas!) and we finally got to use our wedding china. Sloane didn't sit at the big table (or any table at all, actually), but she played in her activity center throughout the whole meal (you can see her in the background of the group photo) -- what a good girl! She got her first big Christmas present after lunch -- her very own pony. What a day!

And, if you notice a sudden dramatic increase in the quality (and quantity) of my photos, it's because Dan got me an INCREDIBLE new camera for Christmas. Thanks honey!

Sweet Sunday with My Great Grandpa

Tree Decorating

Sloane and Dizzy "helped" mommy decorate the Christmas tree this weekend. We added a bit of Scottish plaid ribbon, red bows and giant red and gold ornaments -- pretty simple this year! Now we just need some people over to enjoy it. We're all looking forward to Uncle Ross' visit next week!

Hanukkah Fun!

Sloane had tons of fun opening all of her wonderful Hanukkah presents from Maryland Grandpa and Grandma. I don't think she quite got the concept of unwrapping presents just yet (wait, you want me to tear this pretty paper? why?), but, she certainly loved checking out her new book and is going to look super cute in all her new clothes! [Sloane asked me to add: Mooesha wishes everyone Happy Holidays!]

The picture below was actually taken the first week of November, when poor Sloane was forced to pose for at least 100 Chrismukkah photos. She looks so much different already, doesn't she? Hair gets lighter and smile gets brighter every day!

Thanks Grandma!

My first Chanukah present! And it's a . . . book. Well. I wouldn't call myself a huge reader, but I appreciate the thought.

Sloane's 5 month checkup

Sloane is still doing great! She now weighs 17 lbs., 7 ounces, and is 26 1/4 inches long, which bumps her up to "somewhere in between the 90th and 95th percentiles"!! She also has a 17 1/2 inch head circumference, which keeps her solidly in the 95th percentile. She cried for only about 5 seconds after her latest immunity shot -- this kid is pretty tough! Warrior, indeed. Oh yeah, and she also likes to river dance with bunny slippers. Why not?
(could I think this girl is any cuter? I think not!)

Floor cleaning

Turkey Day

Sloane's first Thanksgiving was a hit! She got a little taste of cranberry sauce, an olive and a pickel and didn't turn her nose up at any of it. I'm thinking by next year she'll get a really good taste of everything at Grandma's house. It was a delicious meal, as you can see from the spread below. Thanks Grandma McKenzie!

No Country for Old Mendelsohns

Maryland Grandparents Visit

It was so nice for the whole family to have grandma and grandpa out to visit -- Sloane got to be held whenever she wanted and teddy bears and funny voices on demand; Mommy and Daddy got a nice break (but, still had Sloane close enough to squeeze whenever we needed a fix)!

First Day at Day Care

Today was Sloane's first day at day care. It seemed to be harder on me than it was on her, so that made it a little less hard. She cried for a few seconds in the beginning, as she didn't particularly care for two new ladies and four little girls staring at her, but once they got up outta her grill, she relaxed and even seemed to like watching what everyone else was up to. In fact, Luzmilla (care giver) and Patricia (assistant) didn't want to take her out of her car seat at first because they didn't want to upset her. But, after about 15 minutes, they did and Sloane seemed very content in Luzmilla's arms. At that point, I figured I should leave because I couldn't bear the thought of leaving while she was upset. I called this afternoon and it seems like she's having a good time! She drank 8 oz. (!!) of formula right after I left and had a nice nap. Since she woke up, they tell me she's been "talking" her head off. I think I'm going to take a nap now too! But, I already can't wait to pick her up.

True Love

Starring Disraeli as Kirsten Dunst

Rancho Cucamonga Excursion

McKenzies, Mendelsohns, Selbys and Palmers decended upon Rancho Cucamonga this weekend for a long overdue visit. It was great to see everyone and for Sloane to meet her great-aunt and uncle and cousins (who are also pretty great).

Mendelsohns in Africa

Here are some recent pix of the grandparents in Africa. They spotted 4 of the big 5 (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhinoceros -- they didn't see a leopard, but they did see a cheetah up close and personal). Sounds like they had a great time. Some day, hopefully, Sloane and her parents will go too!

Painted Piggies

This little piggie stayed home. And, wore her cute little "year of the pig" outfit (thanks Auntie Erin!!).
What's the perfect accessory for this adorable little red outfit? RED toenails on her little piggies, of course!!

California Dreamin'

Her future's so bright, she's gotta wear shades.

Happy Halloween!

"Welcome to the Caribbean, love." -- Captain Jack Sparrow

Context

Soulja Boy Sloane

Don't Get it Twisted

Halloween is Two Days Away

And, yet, Sloane somehow found herself dressed as a lion for the movies today. It is her four month birthday, afterall! Grannie, Mommy and Sloane saw Dan in Real Life and really liked it, even though they get Dan in real life every day. (of course, nothing beats the original!)
In other developments, she is about 85% of the way to rolling over and will have her four month check up tomorrow. According to a weigh-in about a week ago, she has already doubled her birth weight. She is grabbing stuff like crazy now, including toys, mobiles and her binky, which she can pick up and try to put in her mouth (her aim ain't that great yet, but she does usually manage to get some part of it in or near her mouth). She loves to stand, and can do it with Dan just holding her hands. Dan has also taught her to do the twist, among other dances. She also spent a bit of time today banging away on the computer keyboard. Perhaps she'll be blogging before long.

Filler

Hey. I haven't posted lately, so here's another one of Sloane with her mother and great-grandfather.

I have some good video of her but I need time to edit, so get off my back. I'm like Coppola on Apocalypse Now over here.