what's new at the zoo

Here's a snap of my almost-1-year-old-almost-walker. Jude loves to stand and will sometimes take a tiny step...but he knows how to cheer himself on, clapping with those chubby little hands and shouting "Ay!" for himself, sometimes throwing both hands in the air to celebrate his newfound success. The poor guy is the object of much love and attention around here..sometimes too much for his own good. He currently has two large scabby scars on his big toe knuckles from being dragged in the baby walker--on cement--with Calvin sprinting behind him giving him the ride of his life...not to mention occasionally being dolled up by Big Sis: And Calvin is reaching new heights all the time, doing more and more not-so-well-thought-out experiments, such as the stunt below...and the time he took the same step stool, turned it sideways and got arms, head, and both legs sticking out the holes..which was pretty cool until he fell down the stairs and got completely stuck.

And he still loves his peanut butter. Here's one of Cami's new creations. She still posts her signs around the house, often asking me how to spell certain words. We've all been reprimanded by the don't-pick-your-nose sign. . .

. . .here's another one that you better not even THINK about disobeying: