April?

Our dear friend, Andrea, watched Kai during the morning while I was staying with Nonny on her final day here with us. I can't even begin to tell you how nice it is to have a friend who you can call up at moment's notice and who would drop anything to help you out. Thank you Andrea, Randy, and Soren!

As for the snow, I couldn't believe how much snow we had on April 1! I thought the unusual snow was a fitting April Fool's Joke. As you know, April Fool's day is my favorite holiday. Now, with it as the anniversary of my Nonny's death-- it will be even more meaningful, but perhaps less filled with pranks. But, I guess, who am I kidding? Nonny would love the pranks!

Nonny

My dear, sweet Nonny passed away on April 1, 2008. Her love, kindness, and joy will live within us forever. She is missed by all of us. She passed away quickly and quietly. I'm sure this is exactly the way she wanted to go. As most of you know, my friendship with my Nonny was so strong. I cared for her during her final days and feel honored to help usher into the next world.

She had a special bond with her only great-grandchild-- Mr. Kai. Kai was so gentle, attentive, and quiet around Nonny. He loved to snuggle next to her on the couch. During her final days, Kai would lie next to Nonny and stroke her cheek. He seemed very calm and not scared to touch her and kiss her. One of Nonny's last responses was to clap when Kai came to her bed and with her eyes closed, she kissed Kai on the lips. Sweet love to the end....

Lesson 2: Passing

Kai loved swimming with Uncle Joey, who is not shy with encouragement!

Lesson 1: Bubbles

Destructo

Kai's favorite activity at the beach in Florida....

Pops and Nana

We are so lucky! My dad and Kit brought us all down to Florida for 7-night visit. We had a blast! Really-- it was so much fun. We spent tons of time by the beach, swimming in the pool, playing outside (without a jacket), eating, reading, and relaxing. My brother, Joey, came along with John and Megan (Kit's son and his girlfriend). It was so much fun to get away from it all and to have help with Kai. Joe and I came back feeling truly refreshed and relaxed. Plus, we realized how lucky we are to have family in our life who loves us and Kai so much. Thanks again Nana and Pops!

Like Uncle, Like Nephew

First, do you think my brother, Uncle Joey, looks like Kai? (Check out those eyes)
Second, both of them don't usually have curly hair-- look at what happened in Florida with the humidity!

Water

Kai loves to swim! In Florida, he discovered he liked to dunk his head under, blow bubbles, push off of Joe, and play with his Uncle and Grandpa.

More Florida

Kai had a great time with Uncle Joey in Florida! He got swimming lessons, music lessons, soccer lessons and beach-bumming lessons from a true master!

A visit from the Girls

Auntie Sarah and Brini came to town a while back to shower our boy with affection. Kai was thrilled, and could not get enough of them!

Ahh...he's so cute

Story Time

Kai loves his books!! He is particularly fond of the "Lift the Flap" books or as we refer to them "Tear the Flap" books.

Floors

It seems Kai has inherited from his Pops (Grandpa Campe) his need for clean floors. Kai loves putting on his scarf, grabbing the swiffer and making those floors shine! Today, while I was vacuuming, he also started to giggle and climbed on top of the vacuum and was smiling from ear to ear!

Aunt Kiki

Ok, so you know that Aunt Kiki (Kt) will whip out this photo sometime when the appropriate moment comes, years from now, when she really wants to embarrass him. Maybe his first date? Or at his high school graduation party?

Kai's Neighbor Party

We had a neighbor birthday party for Kai even though it was about one month after the real birthday. We just can't stop celebrating. Joe made yummy homemade red velvet cupcakes with peppermint cream cheese frosting-- yum.


You can see that finally Kai understands he is one!! (notice finger)

Kai also says "hot" now-- mainly while running around, grabbing the radiator or putting food in his mouth. He still is too busy moving to talk much more than that, but I just smile when he looks at me and says "hot." What a good boy. He knows when to give his mom a compliment :)

Then and Now

THENAND NOW!

Mondays

On Mondays, I take care of a neighbor boy named Reid. He is a few months older than Kai and it's great to see them playing together. Here is a photo of the boys (including a big one) at their special table. We do snacks at this table. Kai loves the table and chair. He often brings toys over to play with and leans back in the chair, crosses his legs, and looks like he wants to say..."Now, this is the life!"

Rock the Cradle

Kai checking out his favorite instrument-- the tuba



We had a blast on Sunday going to "Rock the Cradle" which was an event put on by our public radio alternative music station at the Children's Theater/Minnesota Institute of Arts. As we walked in (with hundreds of other parents and tots), we both agreed that we truly are parents doing family things. Do you know what I mean? We actually do activities that are listed under "family excursions" in the newspaper. Crazy. And so fun.

We listened to stories, visited a musical instrument "petting zoo," and most importantly, DANCED!!! We joined our friends Andrea, Randy, and Soren. It was Soren and Kai's first dance together. I think they particularly liked the punk music. Joe had a little head banging/jumping going on and we had to stop Randy from starting a mosh pit. I think the boys have to be potty trained before they are mature enough for that type of fun.

But, funky town was my favorite. And, if you ever meet Andrea, you better ask her to show you her baby disco moves. Yeah, the girl can move.

Swimming at the YWCA

Yes, of course, our little guy likes water! Here we are at the YWCA. The same YWCA that Joe worked at-- it's like a full circle. Instead of getting calls about "fecal incidents," Joe and I are worried about Kai and the possibility of us creating a lil' incident. In a way, I think it might be payback time...but, shh, don't tell them I said that.

1st Museum Visit

Ahh...culture, arts, high society. Yes, you know it. This is what Joe and I are all about :)

We went to the Walker Art Museum in Minneapolis on Sat. night for Kai's first art walk. Our friend, Neal, joined us. The plan was to see the Frida Kahlo exhibit, but the line for the exhibit was too long. Such is the life of a new mom and dad. We are learning when it's bed time, it's really bed time. Even if it means missing an art exhibit that I've been dying to see. Ah well..

I can't say that Kai enjoyed walking around and looking at the art in the other galleries. I can say, however, that he LOVED climbing the stairs. That's what he did for the whole visit-- up and down the stairs.

Plus, everyone loves watching him walk. He has the cute waddle of a newly walking little person. He toddles around. Who knew that is why they are called TODDLERS!!??? (ok, maybe everyone else figured this out...)

P.S. We got in trouble for taking the photos. Rebels in high society.