18 months and all is well

We had our 18-Month checkup today. All is well! Doc brought in a book for Marco (we get one at each appointment - love Kaiser). Marco was pointing out all the things on the wall, broccoli, apple, baby, airplane, car... Doc said, "Uh, Marco, I brought you a baby book. Let me go back and pick out a book that's a little more advanced." We beamed.

18-Month Box Score:

Weight: 30 pounds (91%)
Height: 2' 9" (70%)
Head: plateau (75%)
Shoe size: 6
Clothes: 18-24 or 2T

A few of his favorite things:

Black Sheep (stuffed animal that raps and sleeps with Marco)
Dora (He is his father's son! Starting to like TV and except for Kaiser's warnings about brain development, I am fully on board with this.)
Peas (He could literally eat 70+ per meal.)

He continues to be a great eater. Recently, I made Jeff and I a very spicy pasta and made Marco the more mild version. He asked for a bite of mine by saying "Mama, I want bite. Ahhhhhhhh" with his mouth wild open. After he tasted it, he said "Yummy! Mama, I want speeeecy!"

He's fearless and nimble. He easily heaves his 30-pound body up onto just about anything. He walks straight down the slide while I calmly say, "MARCO! SIT AND SCOOT!!" He walks up and down stairs like a man using the wall or the handrail.

He is almost speaking in sentences, which is such a kick! Yesterday he pointed up and told me, "MAMA! Plane in the skyyyyy!" (As opposed to "plane in the book.") At the haircutting place, there was a girl sitting in the car that he normally sits in. He came over, got right in my face and very seriously said, "Mama, bebe in Marco's car." (Pictured here with mango lollipop. Big fan.)

Smile, Wink, Blush

Marco hones his flirtation.

A How-To Guide

When you take summer road trips, try to relax. Kick up your feet and make some calls on your Hello.

Can you feel the altitude?

Ahh, our "summer home." Think 8,000 feet, icy water, no electricity with a little bit of fancy (indoor plumbing). We love the cabin!

(That's Marco in the middle. No oar, boo.)

Zachary who?

Although I'm still in the Jeff-is-out-of-control camp, Jeff made a Chicago, deep dish, Zachary's-style pizza last night. I mean, really, really awesome. And gorgeous! It was so huge, we had to deliver it all over Oakland for it to get eaten.

Baby Rooooooth

Marco got some sort of bite on his ear and woke up looking like Sloth from Goonies. It was horrible. This picture doesn't even do it justice. It was giant, red and sticking straight out from his head!Everyone keeps asking me what the doctor said. Uh, oops. Another nomination for parent of the year...

For the record, he's better now, it wasn't disturbing at all and he was still adorable. (Well, mostly.)

On deck in 80s pop culture references, the truffle shuffle.

The Ratio Factor

Marco showed his smarts by hosting a dinner party of all ladies. Not pictured here, Ashlie and Olive. Not in attendance, their brothers. Phewf.


Arh, ah, arh, ah....
Marrrrrrco.

Arh, ah, arh, ah...
Suaaaaave.

Sippy cups and mac and cheese flowed all night long. Ah yeah.

Needs vs. Wants

I think it's time to teach Marco about needs versus wants. He wants everything!


I want pasta.
I want get out. (of the car)
I want snap it. (do his own buckle)
I want snack.
I want beer.

Alright, just kidding about that last one.

Tuesday Chuckle Alert

Good for a quick laugh... Marco Cecchin

Proud to be an American

Summer... swimming... barbeque... sun... and a pic of the kids that causes endless giggles over here. Why does Marco look so fat? Brooke so happy? And get a load of Niko's stink eye.

Pacifica Country Club

Marco's daycare is closed for the week. Luckily, he has spent his days jet setting and landed at the Pacifica Country Club where he spent time by the pool and on the course. G-pa and G-ma made him his very own golf cart. Ha!