Walking (Photos)

Hey, everybody! Look at me walk!

Musical Fun, Continued

Well, my musical fun continued into a second concert of the evening. That's right; I enjoyed a double feature of musical fun.

The Funzzies were really fun when they focused on the traditional African song and dance and drumbeats. But we're not that into the tween/kid genre that is popular on the Disney channel. And that's what the other half of their show was.

We didn't mind, though, because Mommy packed a picnic for us all. Plus, we had a few friends there and I played with them.

There was a break in between the kid's show and the regular show. And I took the opportunity to strip down to my diaper in the over-100 degree heat index, eat about half of Mommy's ice cream, and roll around in the grass. I have learned over the past few weeks at the Shell that it is none too easy to walk in any direction on a hill. Rolling around, however, is quite another story.

Cordero, a Latin rock group, was the evening show and they were some kind of fun. I danced and rolled and danced some more. Anyone in Atlanta (um, Aunt Sara) should totally check them out tomorrow at the Corndogorama Festival in East Atlanta Village.

We had to leave early, though. I had a big day, first going swimming and then catching two concerts--and all in the blazing heat. And I stayed out past my bedtime by a good bit.

Musical Fun for All Ages

This is the last week of concerts for the Spring season at the Levitt Shell. And tonight is the last show for kids (but not just kids).

If you can, you should join us for "The Funzzies," presented by Watoto Memphis, which is part of the Watoto De' Afrika (Swahili for 'children of Africa') performing arts program.

This is how tonight's program is described: "The Funzzies tell about a group of children who travel to the musical city of Funzville with high-energy music and dance."

We'll be there. You should be, too!

I can't wait until the Fall season starts up with 25 more free concerts.

1st Painting

I made my very first painting today! I'm now well on my way to being a great artist.

Mr George works in maintenance at our church, where I also go to school. Well, he's been out for medical reasons and some of us kids made him pictures.

My teacher said I really enjoyed myself--and was about the only one in class to like the paint. I thought the paint on my hands was just fantastic. And I knew exactly what to do, which was to wipe it and smear it all over the paper. I had such a blast that I was all in a huff when my teacher washed the paint off my hands. I just wanted to paint some more.

Maybe, if you're lucky, I'll paint something for you soon!

Concert & Picnic

For lunch today, we took Daddy and Grandaddy to Central BBQ for BBQ Nachos. We were going to catch a Redbirds game, an old Father's Day tradition from when Mommy and Daddy last lived in Memphis, and get nachos there. But, alas, the Redbirds were not in town this weekend. We still got nachos, though. Yum, yum!

After lunch, I slept and I slept and I slept some more. I slept the whole day away and wouldn't wake up until about 6. Well, Mommy and Daddy figured I'd probably not want to go to bed on time after all that sleeping, so we went to a concert.

We packed up our stuff, including a little picnic dinner for me, and headed over to the Levitt Shell to hear Andes Manta. They're a group of four brothers originally from Ecuador who play tradition (like, thousands of years old) music from the Andes mountains. And, although they play a few guitars, showing the influence of the European settlers/conquerors, most of their instruments are traditional. And totally neat-o mosquito, too.

Despite the heat and humidity of the Memphis summer (around 90 degrees, but feeling much worse), I had loads of fun. First, I played and ate with Mommy. Then, me and Daddy played and ate some more. It's so nice to have my appetite back. And I danced to the music and had a time.

Then, Mrs Carol came down and played with me. I had been eye-balling her sitting behind us in a lawn chair, until I finally enticed her to come play. She's so nice.

All the excitement and the heat and the fact that I stayed out past my bedtime just tuckered me out. Maybe I'll sleep in tomorrow, but I doubt it!

Daddy Day

Mommy and i got up this morning and made some coffee cake for Daddy. We were planning on waking him up when it was ready. But then we got to playing and I played so hard and so loud that I woke up Daddy before it was all ready.

That's okay, though, because I wanted to play with Daddy anyway and give him his first Father's Day ties and socks. Ties and socks are the standard gifts, sure, but Daddy really needed them. Did you know he wears a tie everyday to teach? It's true. So, we wouldn't him to not have enough, would we?

I am feeling so much better, full of energy. And I actually have an appetite again, which is good since I lost a few ounces while I was sick. Just like the doctor said, I'm as good as new by the weekend. I still have to take my medicine for a few more days, though.

Oh, by the way, I should send a 'Happy Father's Day' to Pa and Grandaddy. I'll see Grandaddy today, but I won't see Pa until my birthday--which is exactly one month away. (Yep, that's right, I am eleven months old today!)

Eating Like A Big Boy

Oh, yeah. I almost forgot. For the past week or two, I have been learning a new skill: feeding myself. And I've gotten pretty good at it. Occassionally, I'll drink from my sippy cup, but only if the stopper is out and only if there's lemonade in there. I'm pretty good at holding my own bottle now, although I regressed in that regard during my sick days. And I can feed myself with a fork, if Mommy or Daddy puts the food on it for me. See?

Feeling Better Already!

I've only had a few doses of the medicine the doctor gave me and already it's having a big impact! I feel lots better. I'm up and about, walking and crawling all over, playing with this and that. It's such a vast improvement from literally sleeping all day--but only if someone was holding me, 'cause otherwise I was crying. I'm also happy to be making squeaks and squeals and words and all sorts of regular noises, rather than the pathetic little whimpers and cries I had been making.

So, thanks, doc! And thanks as well to Mommy for taking such great care of me. And to Grandmommy and Grandaddy for stopping by and sitting with a sick boy.

Ear Infections--Plural

I have been feeling pretty bad of late, getting sick and running a fever. Mommy and I stayed home the past few days together. Yesterday, I didn't even want to play. Several friends said it might be teething issues, but the doctor said to come on in if I still had a fever this morning. I did, so we did.

At the doctor's office, my fever was actually gone. Weird, since I've had a fever for a couple days straight. But one look in my ears confirmed that I had an ear infection--two actually. That's right, the very same ears my doctor was praising just a couple weeks ago are now yucky infected.

So now I have to take some medicine, but it will make me sick if I don't eat with it and I don't want to eat. Such is my dilemma.

On the bright side, I finally rode in my new car seat for the first time. So cool.

Rendezvous!!!

I know you're jealous, 'cause I went to the Rendezvous tonight! It's totally awesome. Mommy and Daddy had friends in town who wanted us to meet them there. (They knew me in utero, but we'd not officially met yet.) So meet them we did and I am so glad, too. Not only did I have fun with them, I also got to savor the flavor of some ribs and beans and bbq nachos! You're jealous now, huh?

Oh, and I also got my Big Boy carseat today in the mail. (Well, it didn't exactly come in the mail, but we do not speak the name of those who brought it in our house.) Aunt Sara told us where to find a super great deal online. And you should see it, 'cause I got the 'Cow-moo-flage' and it's totally rad! You should be so jealous you don't have one. I'll get a photo up soon, but I'm heading to bed. Maybe it will be installed tomorrow when I awake.

Home, Sweet Home

We are back home again, with full power! I was happy to get to visit with Grandmommy and Grandaddy, especially since they never lost power and especially because I got to sleep in Uncle Grant's old room with just me and Daddy. But I am also so glad to be back home in my own bed again and back on my regular routine.

Speaking of, Dylan's Pickle of Wisdom for the day: Never underestimate the power of a routine, of structure--so long as it remains open to change if need be.

Sleepover!

We're having a sleepover at Grandmommy and Grandaddy's house. It's my first ever sleepover and I am so excited. In fact, I was so excited that I jumped up and down and up and down and ... well you get the point. I was very active after dinner.

And, before we knew it, I was going all Exorcist on Grandaddy. It was totally cool, except that it was also a bit scary. Green stuff propelling out just like Linda Blair. It was some kind of gross, let me tell you. But I'm fine now. And me and Grandaddy are all cleaned up.

Anyway, I bet you're wondering why we're having a sleepover. Yesterday, a big storm came through town. It only lasted maybe ten minutes, tops, but it was a violent ten minutes. Trees are down all over town. Fortunately, we didn't have any damage, but the power remains out on our block. And Grandmommy and Grandaddy were gracious enough to invite us out to stay with them. (Thanks for that, by the way!)

Pictures To Prove It

So, I'll bet some of you don't really believe I can walk. During my first week of school, my teachers didn't believe it either. In fact, they didn't even think I could crawl. But now they know better. And now you'll know better, too, because now I have proof.

Or, to quote the Bosstones (of the Mighty, Mighty variety), "I've got pictures to prove it / I'm not just blowing smoke / If you don't believe me, believe them / No, this ain't a joke."

(See that song here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwOrJpzJO-A)

Photos, Finally

Grandma hijacked our camera when they came to visit. Good news, though. She has finally returned it, which means you get to see some photos. And new pics are up on our Flickr site.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dylanpickle/

It also means that Mommy and Daddy can finally start taking pictures of me as I learn to walk. So, be on the lookout for those over the next few days or so.

These are just a few to hold you over.

Feeling Better

I cannot say that I'm no longer sick, but I can tell you that I feel much better.

I went back to school today and had a pretty good day. My teachers didn't believe I could crawl last week, let alone take any steps. Well, I showed them. Mommy heard them clapping and cheering my name today all the way in her room. When she inquired, she found out that I was walking all over the place. They were just amazed. I sure bet they won't underestimate me again.

I still won't take a bottle from my teachers, but at least I ate all my lunch today. And I kept the crying to a minimum. Hooray for me! I'm a big boy!

Sick Boy

Like Social Distortion sings, "I'm a sick boy, na na na na."



I went to the doctor today and had a ball. It was my first time to see my new Memphis doctor and it couldn't have gone better. The whole office was just fun, especially the big fish tank, and the doctor was so cool. And all my snot somehow disappeared while I was there, so they must pump in some kind of special healthy air. Plus, I was just walking everywhere and having a grand ole time.

I'm still a sick boy--the doctor said it was a viral infection--but nothing serious. It will take about a week to clear up all the way.

Sick Day

As could have been predicted, my first week of school made me sick. So, me and Mommy are staying home today. We stayed home from church yesterday, too. I had a cold this weekend and my appetite was not what it usually is. Then, I got sick for real last night. But I'm a trooper, a super trooper, so I didn't even cry. In fact, ever since I got the sick out of me, I've felt much better.

P.S. Daddy begins his Summer Training Institute today.

Ukuleles Rock!

I had a time a the Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele concert last night. The music was fun and I just played and played. I was very active, crawling all around and trying to roll down the hill of the ampitheater. I did not want to stay on the blanket.

I played with Mommy for a while, then Daddy. Then Uncle Grant and Kelly rode up on the bikes. And I played with Uncle Grant for the second time of the day. But then my friend Lockard showed up and we had so much fun. I told him how good cheese is and let him have some of mine, while he tried to teach me to hold my own sippy cup.

After the show at the Shell, Lockard's grandparents had a cookout. And I played some more. Mrs Leigh Ann held me so Mommy and Daddy could eat. She's so nice.

It was such an eventful day that, when we got home, I skipped bathtime and went straight to bed.

Just Keep Swimming...

Thank you, Aunt Cathy, for introducing me to the swimming pool!

That's right. Yesterday, I went swimming for the very first time. Well, for the first time in a grown-up pool. Grandma and Pa got me a kiddie pool and I like to crawl and splash around in it. But Aunt Cathy's pool is much bigger, and a little bit scary.

I wasn't sure what to think, and was acting very clingy, but after a while I relaxed and had a grand time. I'm a natural, already kicking and trying to swim. It must have something to do with the fact that Mommy was constantly at the pool last year when I was in her belly. Whatever the reason, I can't wait to go back.

Maybe you'll want to come with me, too. Ask Uncle Grant and Kelly, ask Aunt Cathy, ask Mommy and Daddy--they will all tell you have much fun it is.

Zoo Days

Now that Daddy's news is out of the way (see the post below if you don't know), let me tell you about my day.

Mommy and I decided it would be a nice day to walk to the zoo. On the way, we stopped at our favorite little neighborhood cafe, Cafe Eclectic, to pick up some snacks to enjoy on our trek to and around the zoo. Oh, the joy of living in Midtown. Anyway, so Mommy let me have some doughnut. And they have the best cinamon and sugar doughnuts ever. Yum-O!

Then, after visiting with some friends we saw, we were approached by zookeeper leading some lambs around. Apparently, the lambs get to roam around on Saturday, supervised of course. She wanted to know if I wanted to pet them. Well, of course Mommy said sure.

But I didn't quite know what to think, especially when one, followed by a few others, began to lick my toes and feet and legs. They were loving me because I am so sweet, which is another way of saying that I had doughnut crumbs all over me. HAHAHA!!!

Mommy was all like, "I'm so sorry. I know they're not supposed to eat doughnuts."

As she tried to shoo them away, the keeper was all like, "No, I'm sorry. I just hope they don't start to nibble on him."

I wasn't really sure what to think, but I think I liked it. Those lambs are a little bit different than Layla.

You never know what will happen at the zoo, which is why we like to go so often. You should come with us sometime. It'll be so much fun.

Daddy

I have some (almost) exciting news, everyone. Daddy may have secured a teaching post for the Fall! He has a signed Staffing Recommendation Form, which is basically a provisional job offer, pending approval from Human Resources. In other words, he has a job as long as HR says they really and truly have a position to offer. How exciting is that!?!

So, everyone say a prayer, cross your fingers, meditate, send out happy thoughts or whatever it is you do. Here's to Daddy (hopefully) finding a job.

Kid-Friendly Ukulele Indie Rock

Does kid-friendly ukulele indie rock sound totally awesome to you? Does it at least sound intriguing, like you don't quite know what it is but you'd like to find out?

If so, and you're anywhere near the Mid-South, you have to come out and join me tomorrow evening at 5.00 at the Levitt Shell in Overton Park. Show up early for some extra kid-friendly activities. Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele are playing a show and it will rock your socks off. It sounds like it should be in a Wes Anderson film.

Still not sure, or just want to know what I'm into? I learned to embed video, so check this out:



Or this:

Learning To Walk

I stayed home with Mommy this evening because Daddy had to umpire his last baseball game of the year.

And guess what. I walked. I totally took, like, twelve steps. Don't believe me? Ask Mommy. She'll tell you what's up.

In case you hadn't heard, I took my first steps over a week ago sometime. This week, I have been taking a few steps per day. Well, today I took a few steps several times, working up my nerves. Then, finally, at the end of the day, I was ready. I'm ready to rule the school now, for sure. Watch out, world; here I come!

Hallelujah!

It is finally Friday. Hallelujah. It is time for the weekend and no school tomorrow. In celebration of that fact, check out this song I've been digging since even before I was born:



Now, before anyone says anything smart, I realize the verses may not express exactly the joy I feel today. But the chorus is so moving and so haunting, you just have to go with it, especially towards the end when he loses all abandon and howls.

Boy's Night, Part the Second

Dear Mommy,

You can rest assured that, while you've been out on the town with the girls, Daddy has taken good care of me. We had fun playing, but I was so tuckered out that Boy's Night did not last long. I perked up for the beginning of my bath, but then started getting sleepy again. It's only been an hour and I'm already going to bed.

Goodnight, Mommy. I'll see you in the morning.

I love you.

New Place To Poo!

This afternoon, I found a new place to poo. It was so exciting. Daddy was unloading the dryer and I was helping him with the socks. Then I got the idea to dry my toy and my favorite picture of me and Mommy. Well, that was all so much fun, I decided I would climb on in myself. So I did. And when Daddy got me out, I had gone poo in my britches.

Huh? What's that? You're jealous? Yeah, I know; I'm so cool!

Boy's Night

Me and Daddy are going to have a boy's night tonight! I am so excited. What should we do? Mommy is having a girl's night with some friends and she says I can't come. Well, that's just fine. Me and Daddy will have more fun than them anyway. We'll show them.

It's Tough

I'll tell you what, it sure is tough being a kid. I like to roam free and they are cramping my style up at school. I'm very independent and like to play by myself, so I don't mind being away from Mommy and Daddy. Well, I do like having them around, even if I ignore them half the time. But I don't know what to do with all those other kids just yet.

On Sundays, there are only a couple other kids with me. Plus, I know my teachers. So I'm still trying to adjust to the larger class and the new people. Grandaddy stopped by and got me at the end of school while Mommy was waiting for all her kids to leave. That made me happy. Thanks, Grandaddy!

I love coming home and playing, though. After school today, Mommy and Daddy took me on a stroll around the 'hood. Layla came with us and we came back home on the Greenline.

I love the Greenline, by the way. It's a great nature trail in the heart of Midtown. And it's runs by just down the street. I love the bumps on the trail, all the trees and flowers, and smiling at all the passerbys. We see joggers, dogs, and other kids like me. It's great. You should stop by sometime and we'll take you on a walk down it!

The Magnificent Ukulele!

I am so excited. Mommy and Daddy are taking me to a concert this weekend. It will be my third ever, but I plan to go to several more this summer. This weekend, we will enjoy the music of Dent May and His Magnificent Ukulele.

What's that? You've never heard of him? Well, we can fix that. He's from Mississippi and you can check him out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iB36ETTlOSM. This one is pretty good, too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eX5VRnbuaRI.

If you are in town, you should meet me at Overton Park this Saturday at the Levitt Shell. That's where Elvis played what many consider the first rock and roll show of all time. I'm not sure if that's really true, but that's what they say anyway.

In case you haven't heard, I have been taking a few steps per day for a few days now. So, who knows, I may just be dancing by the concert on Saturday. Don't you want to join me?

Okay, time to get ready for school. Wish me luck today.

Still Not So Sure

I am still not so sure about this whole school thing. And neither is Mommy. I had fun playing in Mommy's early room, but was a little fussy all day once they made go to my own room. Grandaddy came and played with me, too, and I was so sad to see him leave.

I'll tell you my problem with school, though: I need to be free and those people want to keep me in one room. At home, I get to roam free all through the house. I rule that joint. Pretty soon, maybe I'll rule the school.

First Day of School

Yesterday was my very first day of real school, as opposed to sunday school, which has been good practice for me the last few months. In fact, I am in the exact same classroom for both. How about that!

At first, I wasn't so sure about sunday school much and would cry. But now I'm a big boy. Yesterday, during my first day of school, I cried quite a bit. I think it had something to do with my refusing to take a bottle. Plus, I missed Mommy and Daddy. I had so much fun when my teachers strolled us around, though.

Maybe I'll be a big boy today. What do you think?