Luke's 2nd Birthday Party

The Bouncy Chair

And we thought eating was fun!

Eating is so Cool!

On his return to Italy, Luke dove right in to eating and talking (ok, babbling).  Turns out, they are even more fun to do together.

Observations in Sweden

Luke felt right at home in Sweden.  There were so many things tailored just for him!

We could order a taxi with a car seat for him. 

Then, in the hotel restaurant, he noticed that the adult tables were accompanied by children's tables with low-hanging lamps to match.  Oh, and he also thought the little doggie carvings in the chairs were adorbs.

Luke in Stockholm

Almost immediately after Luke got home to Italy, he headed right out again to Stockholm for Frida and Patrik's wedding.  He did lots of fun stuff in Stockholm:

finally met his girlfriend, Ebba... 

ore his Swedish-themed sweater courtesy of Aunt Marina... 

Took the boat tour around the islands...

Met the Nordins...

and went to a beautiful wedding on an island.

One for the Road

Aunt Les couldn't resist one last hug before she left.

Who could??

Luke Loves the French

Four Generations

In August we brought the little guy to meet Great-grandpa.  Luke sure put a smile on his face!

Verbalization

The Little Guy training up on his verbal skills with Uncle Bob.  

At this point (August) he has worked his way up to Mmmmmm....

Ducky Hair

Why is Aunt Jenn so obsessed with my hair?

The Little Guy

Sittin' on the Dock in the Lake

 looking at Aunt Jenny.

 looking at Mommy.

 

Looking at the loons.

looking serious.

Hammock Fun

After Mom & Grandpa show him the ropes, the LG feels confident enough to give it a try himself.

Eating

Luke takes his first bites, literally with silver spoon in mouth.  

Shopping with Aunt Les

This was a beautiful summer day sitting outside taking a rest at one of our favorite Maine boutiques.

Luke got inspired by the flowers...he loves the northern climate summer blooms.

Expressive Luke

It's great being alive!

Working Out

The Little Guy was not allowed to be 'piggro' while on vacation!  Every day, we have taken turns coaching his workouts in 'the gym.'

After all, Zia Nei-nei will be inspecting him when he gets back to Italy!

With Uncle Bob

With Grandpa

Sing It, Luke!

Luke's accompaniment to 'It's Now or Never.'  Yup, he's an Elvis fan!

Self Affirmation Parenting

After Luke's momentous first time in the wading pool, Mommy practiced the new-style self-affirmation praise parenting technique taught to her by Aunt Jenny. 

Nothing Runs Like a Deere

Luke's family from the Midwest sent him head-to-toe John Deere apparel straight from the heartland which we immediately busted out for a stroll.

Later he skyped with everyone to show off his outfit.  

We can't decide what we liked the most -- the floppy hat, the 'Dirt Makes me Cuter' t-shirt or his overalls (not pictured due to size).

Luke, however, is really excited about the socks.  He still hasn't learned...
http://thenewlittleguy.blogspot.com/2011/07/two-guys-and-their-socks.html

Luke Goes In the Wading Pool!

Kind of like his bath, only bigger and more colorful.

A little hesitant at first...

Warmed up with some kicking action...

Then totally impressed Mommy by splashing on command!