Wormy Tries Food

Also in celebration of her six month birthday, Wormy was introduced to her first taste of big girl food. For the last several months she had shown serious interest in what mommy and daddy were eating. She grabbed for and gnawed on just about everything, including Coke bottles, Wheat Thins boxes, and daddy's beer bottles. So after dining only on breast milk for six months, Virginia got her chance to sample rice cereal.

Rice cereal is the "gateway drug" of big girl food: once you prove you like it and are capable of handling it, you move on to bigger things. Virginia's immediate reaction was skepticism, but after some coaxing (and allowing her to control the spoon), she found the rice cereal to be worthy of her attention. Frankly, I'm surprised it went as easily as it did, because this food is absolutely unappealing. All of the charm of oatmeal with none of the flavor or nutritional benefits.

The scene was a little like Cookie Monster eating a cookie: a lot of frantic activity without any actual swallowing of food. In the end, though, Virginia did pretty well. At least a few mouthfuls actually went down her throat. A few more days of this and she graduates to the next level. Next up: fruits and vegetables!

VW's Jumperoo!

For Virginia's six month birthday, Leslie and I finally busted out the Fisher-Price jumperoo for her jumping enjoyment. Virginia was easily leaning up in her bouncy seat, which is supposed to be the hallmark of a baby ready for jumperoo action.

Her little legs didn't quite make it down to the floor, even on the lowest setting, so we placed a towel underneath. Now she can swivel around, push off, and jump. She's still sorting out all the entertainment options on it, but seems to be having a good time. It has not been the surprise smash hit that Aunt Meg and Uncle Steve's exersaucer proved to be, but we think it is growing on her.

Daddy is a Yale Man

This weekend, Thomas and I headed to Connecticut with Virginia to celebrate the Whiffenpoofs' Centennial. Virginia made a cameo appearance at the Friday night concert and then spent Saturday night with Uncle Steve and Aunt Meg while Mommy and Daddy had their first overnight outing without her. We had a great time visiting Gram and all the other Macks, and Wormy was well-behaved for her babysitters (or at least we were told she was!).

Virginia sporting her Whiffenpoof gear:

Whiffenbaby meets Whiffenbaby-to-be... Alexa went into labor the afternoon after this picture was taken!:

Visiting with Gram:

Virginia loved her exersaucer:

Sweet Child O' Mine

Virginia has been spending time with Daddy learning the canon of '80s hair band rock. The star that burns brightest in this magnificent constellation is, without a doubt, the incomparable Guns N' Roses.

We've gotten through Appetite for Destruction and parts of the Lies EP and Use Your Illusion albums. So far, Virginia's favorite (no surprise) is Sweet Child O' Mine. She thinks the band kind of went down hill after the death of Steven Adler and especially after Izzy Stradlin recorded that solo album with the JuJu Hounds.

Wormy Likes Food

Anyone else seeing a trend here?

I think someone is ready for solids!

Carolina Girls

This weekend, I traveled with Wormy to Charlotte, North Carolina, to check out Liz and Dave's new house and to visit family. Memaw came from Alabama to meet us and Nanny and Auntie drove in from Wilson as well.

While we were in town, we were treated to a nice dinner by Beau and his new fiancee, Jessica, at Beau's house. I was particularly thrilled to meet Jessica even before her new in-laws had!

Back at Liz's and Dave's place, Virginia was especially taken with the guitar performances of her hosts. She even decided to try her hand at strumming a few chords. We spent the rest of the weekend shopping, hanging out, and generally having a good time in each other's company.

Virginia proved herself to be a true Carolina girl on the trip. She was easy as could be on the trip out, but when it came time to leave, she had to be torn away kicking and screaming. It was a rough six hour return flight.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

We spent most of Saturday lazing around the house and watching college football. Virginia cheered along with us, in her fashion.

August Highlights

Here are some of our favorite photos of Virginia during the month of August.

Wearing a cap knit by Aunt Meg:

Playgroup meeting at a wine bar in North Beach!:

First time in the Bumbo:

Playtime with Daddy:

The bouncy seat - pure joy!

Go Heels!:

Baby Likes Beer

On Labor Day we took Virginia to our neighborhood pizza parlor, Za. This is easily our favorite pizza place in the city. Besides having awesome pizza, Za has all the other elements that we appreciate: friendly and cool staff, a willingness to serve families, an unobtrusive TV for sports, fun stuff on the walls, David Bowie on the stereo, and cold beer on tap. Virginia checked it out with us yesterday.

It has recently become clear that Virginia likes beer as much as me. It doesn't matter if it is a can, a bottle, or a glass. She just seems to sense that it is delicious. Every time, she finds a way to put her hands on it.

Our waiter volunteered to cut up Leslie's pizza into bite-sized pieces so she could enjoy it while holding the baby. And our neighboring tables all thought the world of Virginia. It goes without saying that we will be back.