Time Machine Post: Father's Day 2012

I just found these photos on my camera and remembered I took them with the intent to post them to this blog. After all, it was Mario's first bona fide Father's Day.  :)  First, there was breakfast, where I mastered--for the first time--pancakes just like Mario's mom makes them.  They're more like crepecakes.  Very thin yet still light and fluffy.  Also pictured are the huevos estrellados and fresh fruit.

After church, Mario and Windham took a mid-afternoon nap.  That evening, Mario's parents came over for dinner, and afterward Mario staged a mini photo shoot in the backyard.

It was very special to watch Mario photographing Jose Mario and Romilia playing together with Windham on a blanket given to us by Mario's Salvadoran relatives.

Three generations of Mario Ruizes together for Father's Day. 

(These photos were all taken by me. )

Jose Mario has expressed that because he was unable to meet his own first-born son, Mario, until he was 2 years old, being with Windham, his first-born grandson, is all the more special.

Although the day entailed a lot of preparation and work on my part so that everyone else could enjoy themselves, it was important to me to honor Mario as the wonderful husband and father that he is.  Even though we didn't do anything extravagant, I feel like the bar was set high for Father's Day next year.

Lots of Firsts at 7 Months

Windham will be 7 months old tomorrow.  I can't believe how fast time flies!  Here are some firsts he's had lately:

• Saying "Bah, bah, bah."  This is actually a significant communication milestone.  He also does raspberries and lip trills really well (although he's moved on from the raspberry.)
• Singing!!!  He sung his first few notes the other day.  It was **SO** cute. 
• Standing for several seconds without support.  He's been letting go all by himself and is getting better at balancing.
• Pulling himself up to stand!  This includes in his crib and playpen which we've had to lower.
• Asking for his bottle.  We're pretty sure he made the sign for "milk" and will definitely keep up the baby sign language.

Although he likes playing on the floor with his toys and crawling around to explore, his favorite thing to do for the past few months has been standing.  His newest trick is crawl over to me, climb up, turn around, walk to dad, turn around, and walk back.  He's really smart, too.  When he drops a toy and can't reach it, you can see him thinking about how to get it for a minute, then he'll try to get it.

Mario has been home for the week (hallelujah for paid vacation!!) so we've had lots of time to both play and relax together as a family.  He's such an incredible dad.  Fun, supportive; helps with everything.  And I mean everything from diapers to baths to feeding.  He does it all.  It's been so wonderful to have him here for these important milestones.