A year ago today...

A year ago today (just about this same time of day too) my parents brought me home from the hospital. I remember the nurse saying to my mom and dad "You're first time parents? You don't seem nervous enough." Well, little did she know my parents were just two deer in the headlights and their "calm" attitude was really just exhaustion and abject horror. Just kidding, they weren't too scared back then because really all I did back then was sleep most of the time.
Well, I would like to congratulate my Mommy and Daddy and give them a pat on the back. They survived their rookie year. Good job!

Sometimes they may think like they are old pros by now... but just they wait! Sure, they have some things figured out, but now that I am a full fledged toddler I will present them with a whole new range of terrifying challenges.

Let the toddler games begin!

Happy Birthday To Me!

You think this is a mess? Wait till you see my diaper tomorrow morning!













Hmm, really? You this this bite is too big?



















See, I started out tidy, but mom encouraged me to mush frosting all over my face.













I don't want to grow up! Mom and Dad just told me that now that I'm a toddler that I have to start paying rent, cooking my own meals and doing my own laundry.

New clippings

Cape Weekend

This weekend was the Hoagland/Gruen reunion down in Orleans on the Cape. I missed this get together last year, but just barely. Last year my mom and dad had to leave the Cape early to be closer to the hospital in Boston because I decided to make my highly anticipated arrival. I'm so happy that I was included this year. I had lots of fun, despite the rain. It was great to see so much of my family!

Here are some photos.

Here I am rearranging some furniture our first night at dinner.
Hey, don't think that you can go to the toy store without me!!
Mom, I think it is time for a snack... (yes, as you can see, I'm into EVERYTHING!)
Huh? What? No, I'm not up to anything? No I wasn't just on the phone asking for a pizza delivery.

Happy Daddy's Day

Dear Daddy,

I hope you know how much I love you. Already you are teaching me to play ball (baseball, basketball, football, etc.). I know that someday you'll take me out on the golf course and teach me a few tricks there too.

And I'm so lucky that as your son, I'll also get a full education in tax and financial planning! Can you also teach me the tricks of Texas Hold 'Em?
When I get older we can talk about cars, the stock market, deep-sea fishing, you name it. For now, I love that you are happy watching some Elmo with me on the weekends.
I'm such a lucky boy to have you as my dad. And I think my t-shirt says it all - you are my MVP!

Love Robby

More Partying...

What did I say about not wanting to wear this silly hat? It is interfering with my enjoyment of cake and ice cream.
Why, hello green monster! Would you like some ice cream? No?
Well, if I have to eat it all myself then I will.

Ah, and here is one of my favorite new toys! A fancy top from my Nana and Pop!

Party Time!!!

So, although I'm not officially 1 just yet (only a few more days to go!!), we had a big party this weekend. Here is a picture of my awesome Curious George cake... pictures of me enjoying the cake are included below.
Here I am with my super-cool parents. Thanks mom and dad for such a kickin' party!

Cake: Before and After

And do you really expect me to wear this silly party hat?

What's Up?

Hi everyone out there in the internet. I haven't been up to much posting this week since I've been a little under the weather... and I've shared my illness with my mom and dad. Isn't that thoughtful of me? Anyway, I'll spare you the gruesome details, but hopefully I'll be better in time for the party on Saturday. I 've got to have my appetite back in time for cake and ice cream!!!

Meanwhile, I've been sleeping a bit better now and then, despite feeling sick and cutting a new tooth. Isn't that odd....

Phone Home

Hi, Daddy. I know it is just you and me hanging out tonight. Can you bring home a pizza for us to eat while we watch the Red Sox? Great! You are the best!

"Please sir, I want more."

I would like some more cheerios, and chicken nuggets, and watermelon, and peas, and spaghetti, and pizza, and blueberries, and did I mention cheerios?

Uh oh, spaghetti-o

What do you mean when you say that I will definitely need a bath tonight?

New 'do

As you can see, my hair was getting a little 'shaggy.' I was waking up with messy bed-head and it was getting in my eyes.
So, Sunday I went with mom and dad to get my THIRD haircut. I got a little squirmy at one point, but an animal cracker kept me happy.
And here I am with my mom with my new "summer cut." I've got a few parties coming up in the next couple of weeks (including my own) so I need to look sharp.

Kitty massage

Hi kitty. You work so hard protecting us from spiders, ants and moths that you deserve a massage. We even have a special book titled "How to Massage Your Cat" by Alice M. Brock.
First, arrange the cat on the floor and "press firmly into place." Done.
Then "begin at the rear and work your way around the cat using a vigorous kneading motion." What do you think kitty? Doesn't this feel good? Afterwards you can take a nice long nap!

King of the world

HA HA HA!! Now with these intimidating weapons I can complete my plot for world domination!! Huh? What do you mean that the only person afraid of a squirt of water is the Wicked Witch of the West?

Loudmouth

If I don't get what I want, I will pop your eardrums with my newly found ear-piercing scream!

Zoo - Part Two

Today daddy had the day off of work since it is a holiday, so we went to the Zoo! This time we went to the Stone Zoo. It was really hot so we didn't want to stay at home all day. But unfortunately the heat meant that most of the animals were pretty sleepy and they didn't do much other than hide in the shade. Here I am looking for some of these lazy animals.
Mom wants to hang a sign like this on my bedroom door. Ha ha.
The Stone Zoo recently welcomed three brand new baby jaguar cubs! Aren't they cute?! We got to watch them run around and play. That was the best part of the day. Mommy said that she wanted to take one home, but the zookeeper said no. Apparently these kitties would get too big to live in our house. Bummer.

This baby goes to eleven...

Hello, it's me again. Robby Emens. Well of course, who else would it be? It's my blog right? Anyway, today I turned 11 months old. Do you know what that means? There is limited time to plan my gigantic birthday bash. I wonder if my mom and dad have made reservations for the pony rides yet.

So, as an 11-month-old I'm getting to be quite a big kid. Some may classify me as a toddler even though I'm not walking independently quite yet. I suspect that my parents might sabotage my walking efforts by tying my shoelaces together... I'll be more trouble than ever once I can run around!! And as my t-shirt indicates (a gift from my cool aunt Whit), another month in age and I have gotten louder. I'm particularly vocal when pulled away from one of my important projects like playing with the trashcan in the kitchen. Ug, my parents don't let me have any fun.

"Eleven. Exactly. One Louder." - This Is Spinal Tap

What the?

Mom, when I asked for some watermelon I didn't think you would give me a whole piece. What am I supposed to do with this? It's way too big!

Ah, this is better... more my size. Thank you!

Product Placement

I could do ads for Apple demonstrating how their iPod is indestructible... even in the hands of a drooling toddler. Too bad this is only my mom's really old iPod and it no longer works. Otherwise, I'd be rockin' out to some cool tunes!
And how about this..."Can you hear me now, Mama?" The phone however, is not droolproof. My mom found that out when some water from my bottle spilled on her phone and it broke. In the end it worked out for both of us. She got a new phone and I got her old one! She thinks the spill was an "accident."

you are my sunshine