Baby Roth Weekly: 43 weeks - A visit from Kristen Burget

As soon as we got back from Connecticut it was time for my best friend Kristen to come visit us for a week! What a joy to get her all to myself and have her see Cal as a BIG baby, not just a tiny baby (see 4 week old post). We hiked in the Wissahickon, explored the city, went to Morris Arboretum, walked around Manayunk and played at Pretzel Park, took a jaunt to Northern Liberties and ate at Frankford Hall. We also did a good bit of relaxing and talking (two of the things we do best!) Finally we had a girls night out where we went to a fun restaurant down the street and had some yummy drinks on the outdoor patio. The week went by too fast and I know Cal was sad to see Kristen go - he loved copying her noises in the car and singing her sweet songs in a very high voice. Fortunately, this trip we did not get ourselves into any compromising weather situations, and we planned things out a little better, so Cal was able to do well in all the situations we put him in.

As far as Cal's developmental milestones go, he started standing on his own last week! I do not have a picture or video yet, but he throws his hands up in the air and lets go of whatever he is hanging onto and stands and then plops down. We first discovered this when we were in Connecticut. We left him alone in the Pack N Play for a few minutes in the other room and then heard. "Boom! *pause* Boom! *pause* Boom!" Much to our surprise, when we went into the room, he was pulling himself on the side and then standing and then landing on his bottom. Since then he has continued doing it more and more each day. Those little chunky legs are getting so strong! This week, he also started clapping! Yay! Again, no video yet, but he loves to clap for himself and also at random times. I mean really, when is clapping not a good idea? (Ok, I can think of a few times, but when you're a baby, any time is a good time.)

Cal! Watch out! That is so dangerous!

Love that sweet face!

His favorite scrunchy face - he sniffs at the same time.

Just a little view of the friendship gate at Chinatown as we walked around town.

Concrete Jungle.

Walking around Rittenhouse Square - such a beautiful day, love all the trees!

Snoozin' on our walk.

Oh yes it's ladies night, oh what a night (oh what a night).

Cal loved swinging with Auntie Kristen.

My big guy at Morris Arboretum.

The fernery, Matt's favorite building.

Waiting for our food at Frankford Hall.

At Frankford Hall, we sat in a large open area with lots of picnic tables, and Cal kept looking around trying to catch eyes with whoever would pay attention to him. He gave out lots of smiles and little "Sss" noises. That little ham was loving all the atentnion.