"I only want a baby SISTER."

Did you ever wonder what it would be like if there was a carbon copy of your best friend? Well, it turns out that it's really cool. Drea came to visit with her daughter Zala, also known as "Cutie McBooty". Zala, who's almost 4, and Kasper got along pretty well with just a few "Clash of the Titans" moments.

We checked out the zoo (we finally saw the baby panda while he was awake!) and the Museum of Natural History (dinosaur bones and sparkly princess jewelry - Zala is a girl of many interests). It was fun to see how our friendship has moved from quarter drafts to kids' meals.

Best line of the trip:
Drea to Zala on Friday, "Remember, how you asked me for a little brother or sister? This is what it would be like. It would be like being with Kasper all the time."
Zala "Unnnhhh, I think I only want a baby SISTER."

Time to toss the snowsuit? Think again...

Well, the powers that be must have heard my comment on the nice weather around here. We got about a foot of snow Saturday night. In Northern Virginia, the first report of the POSSIBILITY of snow means everyone freaks out completely. I spent 15 minutes in line at the grocery store Friday night at 10:30pm (normal waiting time: 30 seconds). Yikes!

Kasper thought the snow was cool, but was primarily interested in the bigger kids who were throwing snow at each other. He also wanted to play in the street, in the storm drain and on other people's patios. There is no place for me to bring this kid where I don't have to say "No!" repeatedly.
Thankfully, Patrick came home from work and Kasper was outnumbered.
P.S. A thirsty Kasper figured out that sucking on your mitten works in a pinch.

13 days until pitchers and catchers report

We're getting his hat broken in anticipation of spring training. We've also found some fun stuff do in the city during the recent stretch of 60+ degree days. During January and February. Some things about this area are worth it...

Is there no end to uses for duct tape?

Who knew a one-year-old can open a trash can and a refrigerator? We've discovered there is only one thing that can stop him - duct tape. Advanced babyproofing at it's finest. No matter how swanky the part of the world we live in, we're still Mainers.

In other news, Kasper has a new favorite toy. Grocery bags. He likes to shake them maniacally, carry them around the house and fill them. How he picks his items is a great mystery. Today it was the kitchen timer, the remote control, a baby spoon, a package of photos from Uncle Adam's high school graduation, a rubber duckie, a Peek-A-Block and a book. He seems a little young to be packing to run away from home, but he was really mad about the duct tape on the refrigerator...



Something else you should know about Kasper - he's always watching. He'll probably be writing his own blog entries next week, after he duct tapes the two of us to our chairs.

Man about town

Kasper just wrapped up a busy weekend around town. We spent Thursday afternoon at the local park, where he re-discovered his love of the swings. He also showed Daddy how he can climb up to the top of any jungle gym by himself. Of course, he's not too picky about how he gets down - a header off the side was attempted multiple times - so Mommy & Daddy are also learning to climb to the top of any jungle gym.

Friday, we visited Frying Pan Park so Kasper could get up close and personal with cows, sheep and the rest of the animals from all of his storybooks.

He liked it (but then again, he likes any chance to do his own thing - wonder where he gets that?).

Happy Birthday Gran!

Kasper's great- grandmother Kasper (confusing but true) is celebrating her birthday today, so our little boy is taking time out of his busy popping schedule to send his best wishes. Gran made the sweater-vest in the picture, too -- looks pretty snazzy, doesn't he?

Happy Birthday, Gran! Best wishes from all the Woodfords here in Virginia!

365 speedy-quick days

Birthday? Birthday? Some of you may be asking, "Didn't Kasper have a birthday recently?" Well, yes, he did. We had a very quiet celebration while visiting my parents in NC since he was getting over his cold/ear infection. We really appreciate all the folks who sent gifts, cards and happy thoughts.
We had his 1-year pediatrician's visit this week (better late than never). He is off all charts, as usual. Almost 29lbs (he needed about 2 more spoonfuls of applesauce to get there) and 33" tall.
Wondering how he got this way? Here's the face he makes when I try to prevent him from setting the world record for most cheese toast bites stuffed into one mouth.We love him and feel so lucky to have all of your support. Thanks for staying tuned in! Here are a few bonus shots of the boy in his Christmas finery...