Malcolm minute 15

Malcolm has really responded lately to his "friends" who dance, run, tumble, and attack. He interacts with them and gives them high-fives and kisses. It just makes him laugh (and makes us laugh too).

See how Bobo (and Pappa) make Malcolm laugh:

Summertime means...

...hanging out with friends!

Our friends Joe and Bahareh have twice the joy, twice the sweetness, (twice the diaper changes) that we do. Kian and Jobin are twin brothers and best buddies. But for a day this summer the twins let Malcolm into their circle of fun. (And why not, at the time Malcolm could walk and being about 3 months younger, Jobin and Kian were observant admirers of such skill.)





The boys all got along and had much fun. We enjoyed the day with a finely hosted lunch, a trip to the Lincoln Park zoo, and pizza. Somewhere in there the boys were able to nap, and old friends were able to have conversations. Can't wait for our next hang out date!

Auntie Lola and Uncle "Click" visit WI

Laura and Mike visited WI for a good chunk of time in July. Malcolm calls Laura, "Lola" and for Mike, he clicks his tongue.





While they were here, they contemplated their forthcoming roles as parents. They're very reflective about it.






Of course we did some of the Madison "musts:" like the Farmer's Market, restaurants, parks, and




...The Terrace.





We extended our playtime to Milwaukee with a Brewer's game and throwing a shower for Laura and Mike.







The shower was complete with Malcolm giving Poppy some encouragement that things on this side of the womb are a-okay.






And he was a trooper for Uncle "Click," allowing him to change his diaper. Even though what Malcolm produces these days is different than what he produced as a newborn.



And that seems so long ago, as their family of two grew to three as of August 22, with Poppy becoming Charles Mathison Franz ...

Malcolm can't wait to meet you, Charlie, on your family's next visit to Wisconsin!

happy father's day

This is quite belated, but meaningful nonetheless.

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

Or as Malcolm likes to call you, Paul, and sometimes, Dada.

They're two of kind...

Our yearly family camping

Ingredients for this year's Schlomer Camping Adventure:

1 group camp site

19 campers

6 tents

2 seasoned snorers

a gazillion mosquitoes

12 squirt guns

unlimited food

1 blazing fire

camp songs galore

and

DIRT:

Before we left, Malcolm learned a new word that summed up his time, "happy"

Summertime means...

I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream!









...and ice cream mustaches

Summertime means...

no time for the computer and blogging about all our activities (which isn't necessarily a bad thing). But new posts to follow soon.

Summertime also means...










...Laundry on the line

A conversation

Here is a peek at a recent conversation between Mommy, Daddy, and Malcolm.

[Mommy and Daddy enter Malcolm's room after a nap. Malcolm is sitting in his crib. Malcolm hears Mommy call Daddy "Paul."]

Malcolm: Pa-ul?

Daddy: No, DaDa.

Malcolm: Paul?

[Daddy looks at Mommy with a puzzled glare.]

Daddy: Malcolm say, "Erin."

[Malcolm is silent and pauses.]

Daddy: Malcolm, can you say, "Air-in?"

[Malcolm is still silent and sees Mommy over Daddy's shoulder waving her hands and shaking her head. Malcolm smiles.]

Daddy: [Using a sweet voice] Malcolm can you say, "Erin?"

Malcolm: Paul.

[Malcolm grins. Everyone laughs.]

Summertime means...

...hanging out on the front stoop.