Broccoli is not his fave...

11 months down, 1 to go!

Geoff and I are in denial that next month, we will be the parents of a 1-year-old! We are both excited (and a little saddened) that Liam is becoming a toddler. He's not only about to walk, he's also becoming more independent. He wants to get things for himself and not have things handed to him. He's drinking solely out of sippy cups during the day and eating mostly table food at daycare. His sense of humor has developed, and he loves to be tickled, to chase us or the dog, and to be chased in return. He definitely says Mama when wanting me, and I think he is associating Dada with Geoff and Buh with Bella. I just need someone else to confirm it so I know I am not being biased! Liam is still on the tall end of the spectrum--while he can wear 18 month shirts and pants, 18 month one pieces are very tight on his long little body! And my arms can certainly tell he's getting heavier. He's not fat by any means, but he is solid! Liam also has 2 teeth as of this morning: one central incisor on the bottom, and one side incisor on the top (yes, his vampire teeth are coming in first!). Teething has been hard on Liam (and us--as I write this, I am coming off a solo duty of comfort rocking every 2 hours last night!), but hopefully he will just get a bunch of teeth all in succession so we don't have to suffer over a long period of time!

In the next month, Liam will celebrate his birthday with a small party of family and close friends, he'll be Christened, he'll take his first steps, he'll transition to the toddler room at daycare, and he'll stop drinking from bottles and using his pacifier. In short, he will no longer be a baby. He'll be a big boy! My heart aches a little at that thought! Our love to all!

Training Camp!

Geoff and I took Liam to see the Baltimore Ravens at their annual training camp at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD. We had a gorgeous drive to get there, and the weather was almost perfect to watch a football practice--overcast but not hot and humid! It was so amazing see the players practicing within feet of where we stood. We saw all the big names--Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Michael Oher, among many others. Liam got to get his picture made with some real ravens and some Ravens cheerleaders, and while we were hoping for a photo op of Liam with former AU player Ben Grubbs (since Liam was in his Auburn shirt), we had to make do with some pics of Liam and his Daddy simply watching the players practice. We got Liam some Ravens gear so he can be ready for football season, and then we headed home. It was such an enjoyable outing that we will make this an annual event as long as we're living so close!

Ben Grubbs (66) and Michael Oher (74) prepare for the play (above) and doing their job, protecting #5 Joe Flacco (below).

Here's a great sequence Geoff caught of Joe Flacco practicing with our new receiver, Anquan Boldin (81). Our offense is looking STOUT folks!

And here is something we saw quite a bit, former Alabama player, Terrence "Too Tired" Cody, on his knee while EVERYONE else is up and ready for the next opportunity. I know he's a good player with a lot of heart, but seriously, rookie, STAND UP!!!

More Liam walking

Liam "walking" (with help)

Liam has a lion walker to help build his confidence in walking solo without holding on to Mama or Dada. He does well until he runs into something and can no longer go forward. Here's a video of Liam "walking" as well as his upset face when he cannot get what he wants.

Happy Anniversary!

Geoff and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary (officially on July 16th) the weekend of July 9th-12th. Liam's Gallagher grandparents graciously flew up to DC to keep Liam while Geoff and I escaped back to Hamptom Roads, the area where we met (for the 2nd time--remember we first met at church in 1981), fell in love, and got married. It was nice to be back. We visited old haunts as well as good friends, and we thoroughly enjoyed sleeping as late as 7:30!! While we missed Liam and talked about him constantly (as everyone told us we would), he didn't seem to miss us much! He enjoyed being spoiled by GG and Grandpa and also getting a visit from his great-grandmother, Granny! (We're sure Jim has pictures of the antics during this fun weekend, and we'll share when we get them!)



On a philosophical note, Geoff and I rediscovered many things on our trip, not the least of which is how perfectly well we fit together. This is symbolized by a simple bag of Skittles we shared while driving. We discovered that while I really only like the red and orange ones, Geoff prefers the green and purple ones. (The yellows we both tolerate .) Ahhh---what a harmonious pair we make!

Liam's first trip to the "loveliest village of the plain"

While in Alabama, Liam got to see Auburn for the first time. Mom, Geoff, and I made the trip with him, where we got to have lunch at Momma Goldberg's with Aunt Shannon and Uncle Connor before touring the campus. My, but things have changed since I was a student there! Before we left, we took pictures in front of the famous sign, and we stashed up on some Auburn gear for all three Howards. Hopefully, this was Liam's first trip of many to "Sweet Auburn!"