We Went to Yellowstone!

... in early August. Here's the evidence. We spent two days, had a wonderful time, saw lots of animals, did some hiking and enjoyed checking out the incredible/beautiful/unearthly/weird scenery.

And not to get all braggy or anything, but I was the only 8-months-pregnant lady I saw on the hiking trails. We did about 10 miles over two days. Not an incredible feat or anything, but c'mon. That's pretty good when you're in my "condition."

I took this photo and was proud, so I had to add it.

Lucas got a wolf, bear and moose toy. He loves them.

Why I was up buying parenting books before 7 a.m. today

#1: Lucas asked for a "treat" (fruit snacks) and I told him he had to wait. He started to throw a tantrum and I gave in. Tantrum stopped instantly. He looked up at me triumphantly and explained his strategy: "I cry."
(Following that: "I happy!")

#2: The "Hot Dawg" song from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse runs through my head constantly due to Lucas's SERIOUS addiction to the show (thanks to a couple vacations [bless you, iPad + headphones], several rainy days, and the laziness of a mom who is scheduled to give birth in ~30 days who doesn't feel like fighting that battle). Time for an intervention/detox.

#3: Several instances in which I've had to literally SPRINT after Lucas in a semi-dangerous situation where he was being defiant and running away. Do you know what an 8-9 months pregnant lady looks like sprinting? Ridiculous. Not to mention the subsequent feeling of needing to keep my legs crossed to hold the baby in.
(This situation occurred at the rental car line at the airport. Daniel turned to the man next to him and said, "He's fast." The guy responded, "No, your wife is fast.")

First Sentences

I think Lucas's first sentences provide a small glimpse into this little one's psyche:

"I'm stronger."
"I am teasing."
"I tickle."
"Hey you."
"I need help."

Lately, he's also really big on saying "No, no, no!" very sternly while emphatically shaking both index fingers. Wonder where he learned that one...

AMNH

I took Lucas to the American Museum of Natural History on Friday, and we had so much fun, we went back the next day. We started in the North American Mammals hall, and it blew Lucas's mind. He ran from one animal exhibit to the next saying, "WHOA!" or "COOL!" He really loved the bears. When we were in the underwater room, he wanted to make sure I saw that the ceiling looked like water. He kept pointing up and saying "water, water!" I wish I had some photos or video, but I've got a bum phone right now. Either way, I'm glad to have such an enthusiastic kid.

Central Park

Living next to Central Park couldn't be more amazing. We spend as much time there as we can. Here's a pic of Lucas and Daddy by the sailboat pond today. Lucas was super excited about the ducks (aka wack wack).

Daniel Parker, MBA

I know this blog is all about bragging about Lucas, but I had to take a moment to brag about Daniel. He just graduated from NYU Stern School of Business with his MBA. Not only that, he was also selected as one of the two student speakers at the graduation ceremony - in RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL. Here it is:

His speech was amazing. Seriously, he had that crowd in the palm of his hand! After he sat down, the dean got up and improvised: "Well Daniel, you certainly have been productive." Of course that got a good laugh from the crowd.

I couldn't be prouder of Daniel. He has worked incredibly hard to get the most out of his business school experience possible. Especially over the past year - with a new, more demanding job - this has meant a lot of sacrifice, but he has continued to be a stellar dad and husband.

And now, after two-and-a-half long years of classes and studying after work on weekends, it is great to have my husband around more.What's also great is that for the first time, Lucas will know a dad who isn't also in school.

Mini-Sternies: Lucas & Ender

We had a great time with all those who made it out to celebrate with us and see the graduation: Jan, McKay, Scott & Jann, Hayley & Cameron, my mom & dad, and Hilary. We're so grateful the were able to come. They made this week incredibly special and fun. We should have gotten a big group photo!

That's Dean Henry to the right, with a big smile on his face. And Maria Bartiromo next to the dean, behind Daniel.

McKay, our talented videographer, and Daniel's proud mom

Special thanks to Scott & Jann, who got to RCMH incredibly early to wait in line and make sure we could get a whole row together.

The First Haircut

I delayed it for so long. I knew it needed to happen. I blamed it on laziness, but the truth was, I was dreading cutting off those sweet little baby curls and admitting my baby is, in fact, a little boy.

But now that Lucas has lived in his short hair for a few weeks, I love it. And he looks great (better?).

I made Daniel bring his camera along so we could document Lucas's first haircut (including the walk to the barber). Here are some of my favorite photos:

Cute Lucas telling us about the "birs" in the trees. Me at a not-so-cute 4 months pregnant.

This kid won't look at the camera...

In order to get any expression out of him, we have to tell him to beat his chest like a gorilla.

Or to act like a monkey.

His hair, in full glory.

Side view of the curls.

This was the expression he had pretty much the whole time. Totally suspicious of what was happening to him. (Although we had watched YouTube videos of kids getting their hair cut the day before.)

Still suspicious.

Check out that expression in the mirror.

P.S. Lucas was perfectly behaved. He didn't wiggle out of his chair. He occasionally would turn his head to see what was going on with the other people getting their hair cut. Everyone in the barber shop commented on how good he was. Love this boy!