The Scrapper Has A Favorite Song

It's Rubber Ducky. This toy plays just 2 lines from the song, and they get him dancing every time.

Madd Max Shops Awesomely

Since Max is no longer being carried in the Baby Bjorn, some adjustments for supermarket shopping were needed. Maddie now manned the front, and LOVED it.

Max got the seat, and took our shopping list way more seriously.

Madd Max Gets A Visit From The Mountains

Better known as USC. Actually, Great Uncle Chris had driven out from Colorado to pick up Sebastian, who is finishing up his junior year at USC. Before heading off to Las Vegas, they stopped by for a little dinner and game design discussion.

Madd Max Has A Happy Mother's Day - Twice Over

The day before, Sam had taken the kids so that Jess could enjoy some shopping, a massage and a lunch alone. This morning, brunch at Paty's.

With ELF and Aarin.

And an outfit Maddie picked out herself. The hat even trumped her hearing aid.

This Mother's Day was even better with 2 hands full.

Madd Max Has A Busy Last Play Date

With ELF before Jess heads back to work. A serious bath followed.

Madd Max Lunches At Poquito Mas

Ever since Sam went back to work, once a week Jess and the kiddos have been coming here for lunch after Maddie's class. The staff always recognize the kids and greet them warmly, help by bringing us our food (there's a take out counter), and clean up the carpet of rice and food bits that are left behind. It's awesome. Both Maddie and Jess get excited when they drive up to the restaurant. On our last weekday lunch, Aarin and ELF joined us for a final hizzah.

The Scrapper Cuddles Tio Greg

Before he headed back to Cali where he was met by Dad and his sister. There was much excited kicking on his end when they came into view, and a big, hands out, "Mama" from Maddie on the other.

The Scrapper Has A Family Feast

While Max was still sleeping on West Coast time, Jess met Leon for pancakes and kibitzing.

It was a gorgeous afternoon, and Aunt Tara came up with the awesome idea to put Aiden in the backyard's water feature.

Max decided to join, and the cousins shared wet sticks for munching while enjoying soggie diapers.

Which led to some dual changing action.

Mimi who had cooked the entire day before, continued making dish after dish in the kitchen.

To give you an idea, this was just Max's plate, which he finished.

The entire family, the Vielot-Gonzalez clan, Auntie Kerry, and Will's girlfriend, Ally, all reaped the benefits.

Some of which Uncle Ant helped walk off.

And some of which was slept off.

And walked off again, this time with Auntie Kerry's help.

Of course, another baby star was in order. This time it was a race to grab it before the babies headed off on their own agendas. Max had just woken from a nap, and Aiden was just about to go down for one. That said, Lucia probably would have still dominated even if all were in top form. To see past baby stars, head here and here.

The Scrapper Visits A Lady Friend

Safely in Jersey, Max enjoyed some breakfast with 2 devoted followers.

Then, it was down to Hoboken to see Miss Lucia.

Who knows what she wants.

Max also convinced Tante to spend some time walking him around, a favorite activity.

Mateo showed off his awesome pirate box, both babies being incredibly fascinated by it and their attentions not entirely appreciated by the captain of the box.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Maddie found Mom's glasses.

The Scrapper Takes The Red-Eye

But first a little cruising in Burbank Airport. The non-stop flight from Burbank to NYC, became a Burbank-Denver-NYC flight because of refueling due to high winds. Max slept the first leg, and never fully woke up or cried through the second, due to constant patting by Mom. When Jess and Max deplaned, a few of the other passengers commented on what a great baby he was. After a total of maybe 3 hours of sleep, Jess felt the urge to scream, "What a great PARENT, PARENT!!!" She did not.

The Scrapper Persists

Max is not allowed to touch the electronics, which means that all Max wants to do is touch the electronics. And he will not be dissuaded. Jess caught this video after he had repeated these actions 5 times.

The Scrapper Is So Close

And yet so far.

Madd Max Crawls And Gets Attention

Max has finally figured out how to be mobile, impressing his parents as they have never seen this "crawling" in their own home. So as not be ignored, Maddie decided streaking was a sure fire way to get some film time.

Madd Max Dines At The Stand

Al fresco brisket and Findleys.

The Scrapper Snacks

Blackberries. Yum!

Madd Max Has One Last Fivesome

Ok, not the last, but in one week Jess goes back to work, and the Leonhardts are heading east for a visit. These weekday playdates will be missed (by Jess - the kids still get to have them).

The Scrapper Has His Inside-Out Day

9 months have passed since Max came outside into the world, matching his time on the inside. Today he celebrated 9 months plus 1 day with Feldie at Paty's.

This also meant he had his 9 month check-up. Stats as follows:
Weight: 18lbs 12oz (20th percentile)
Height: 27 3/4" (25th percentile)
Head Circumference: 18 1/4" (25th percentile)

Maddie joined her bro at brunch and at the pediatrician's for her 2 year check-up. Stats as follows:
Weight: 28lbs 14oz (75th percentile)
Height: 36" (90th percentile)
Head circumference: 18" (55th percentile)