Party Machine

Mateo celebrated his first birthday on Saturday, which included hanging with the big kids and eating two, count 'em, two! cupcakes (okay, they were mini cupcakes, but still...). Fun was had by all.

Vero, Armani, Andre and Lexi made the trip from Spokane for the occasion. Mateo just loves his cousins! We swear Armani is a baby whisperer.

Mateo Is Number ONE!

Today was Mateo's first birthday! No party, since it's a school night. We'll party it up a little on Saturday. Today, Mateo ate steak (effectively chewed it up with his 6 extremely sharp little teeth) and a pint-sized cupcake. He especially liked the frosting...but who doesn't.





We can't believe he's already one! The year went by in a blink. It's been a wild ride! Mateo brings us so much joy...we couldn't imagine life without him! He talks all the time, and has a few distinct words in his repertoire. The little guy crawls super fast, and is just about to walk, we think. He's very good-natured and happy...we love him so much and look forward to many more birthdays to come.

Mateo's First Halloween!

In honor of the occasion, Mateo donned two costumes. While on the outside, he may look like a little monkey...





He's all scary skeleton on the inside! ;-)





He had fun walking around downtown at daycare. On Halloween, we went over to Ambika and Paul's to have some fondue and lamb burgers...yum! Next year, we're all about trick-or-treating.

Obligatory Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Last weekend, we took Mateo for a hike at Priest Point Park in Olympia. He loved it! Mateo definitely likes the outdoors.




On the way back to Seattle, we stopped by a pumpkin patch in Dupont. They had a petting zoo, a hay maze, corn toss, tractor and pony rides...the works. Mateo was not a fan. Let's hope he was just tired, and next year he'll fully appreciate all the patch has to offer.



None of those smiley, demure poses sitting on a pumpkin here at Casa Garcia. Mateo cried every time we set him near a pumpkin. Oh well.

Wedding Guests

We went to Tasha and Cailen's beautiful wedding a couple weeks ago. Mateo did his parents proud - he behaved himself and fell asleep in his stroller so his parents could enjoy themselves!

11 Months Old!

Okay, 11 months and almost one week old! How can it have been almost a year since Mateo was born?

In addition to crawling, pulling up on everything, creeping from his little table to his exersaucer and around the ottoman, and babbling up a storm, Mateo has had a couple episodes of standing without a prop (much to his surprise). He has a few words in his repertoire as well. We determined that "dog" was his first word, most likely learned after hearing mommy and daddy yell at the dogs to stop doing something or other. He also says "dada" and, very occasionally, "mama." The people at daycare inform me that he says "bye bye," but I have yet to hear that one, and I'm still skeptical.

He eats all sorts of solids, including tofu, mango and bagels, and has a love-hate relationship with his sippy cup. He is a joy every single day, even after a rough night of the dreaded teething.

Who Needs 'Em?

Today was a teacher in-service day at Mateo's school, so we stayed home and enjoyed the beautiful weather. We walked up to the Junction for some window-shopping and french pastry. Yum!



Mateo also enjoyed the snack tray on his stroller. Built-in teether!