Monkey See Monkey Do

I immitate almost everything these days, so it was no suprise to my mom and dad that I would want my own baby to play with and take care of. When my mom is feeding Tyler, I often get out my baby and pretend to feed him too. It's lots of fun.

I also have found a new interest in toys that I've outgrown...like rattles, teething rings, and my infant seat.

Once I saw Tyler resting comfortably in this chair, I knew I had to do the same thing. Do you think I will fit?!?

I also love to immitate people, especially my family. I learned my favorite new trick from my Aunt Jackie. The next time you see me, just ask me, "Where is the spider?"

Fall Means Football

What time is it??? GAME TIME!!!!

Whether it's a Syracuse football game or a Buffalo Bills game, we always have a party. Here I am with Grandma B cheering on Paulus.

High fives and hugs are always a favorite of mine when we make a good play.

Even though there's lots of excitement and screaming during the games, Tyler always manages to sleep through it. Sometimes daddy even has to stay calm so he doesn't wake up the baby!!

Home from the Hospital

I was a very happy boy today because my brother, Tyler, and my mom came home from the hospital....YAY!

We had lots of visitors, which was tons of fun.

Everyone took turns holding Tyler. Although it was a little difficult for me to share the spotlight, my mom and dad were proud of the way that I handled it.

One night, Uncle Ted came over to babysit while my dad was in Virginia at a wedding. We had lots of fun playing and watching videos. Here he is taking care of Tyler so my mom could give me a bath.

Grandma B with her "boys."

I love playing with my little bro. My mom and dad say that we are going to be the best of friends and "playmates" for the rest of our lives!

"Love you, Tyler!" Kiss...kiss

Welcome Baby Tyler

Yesterday was a VERY special day, not just because it was my mom's 30th birthday....but because my baby brother, Tyler, was born.

My mom woke up at 6 am with contractions that were only a few minutes apart, so my mom and dad raced to the hospital while I stayed with Nana, Grandma B, and Heather. Of course, G was out of town (surprise, surprise)...although he was not on the golf course this time!

Tyler Ford Dera was born at 2:24 in the afternoon (kind-of a coincidence because my birthday is 2/24). He weighed 6 pounds, 6 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long.

Check out his big feet!!!

Right after Tyler was born, we were all able to go into the hospital room and visit. Here I am with my new baby brother...check out our "family of four."

While we were waiting for Tyler to be born, my grandparents taught me a new word... "PARTY!" And that is exactly what we did!!!! My mom wore her birthday candle headband, and we ate cake. There were also balloons and presents...just like a real party!

Here is Tyler all swaddled - mom kept calling him her "little peanut."

Tyler and Aunt Jackie

Mommy and Tyler

Daddy and Tyler

Mama and Tyler

Aunt Heather and Tyler

....And Nana with Tyler

I really missed my mom while she was in the hospital, and I couldn't wait for her to come home with baby Tyler. Finally, on Friday, they arrived!


WELCOME HOME TYLER!

Apple Picking

Today I went to Beak & Skiff Apple Farm with my mom, my Aunt Jackie, my Uncle Teddy, and Teddy's girlfriend, Kim. It was a beautiful day, and we had lots of fun!

After our tractor ride out to the apple orchard, I was like a crazy man running all over the place. It was like a giant maze of fun.

Of course, I did some apple picking too....

...although I preferred to get the apples right off of the ground.

The grass here was almost as tall as me, but I didn't seem to mind!

"Thanks, Aunt Jackie, for giving me a lift."

All in all, it was a great day at the apple orchard.

"Bye, bye apples....we will be back soon."

Summer Fun

One of my major "loves" this summer has been slides. My mom has been taking me to the park, so I can go down the slide over and over again. Finally, we got a few slides of our own. Here I am in our backyard with my Aunt Heather.

One, two, three....I'm off!

I've also been spending time mowing the lawn like daddy (although I prefer to mow the walkway and the mulch most days).

Since my mom's pregnant belly is getting bigger and bigger as the summer progresses, she can't really chase me around the back yard anymore. Instead, she gated off the deck for a little outdoor playground as you can see.

And even though my sandbox has yet to be filled with sand, I still have a good time playing in it!

We've also made a few trips to the zoo this summer. The first time, I was more interested in running around the zoo than actually looking at the animals, but by the end of the summer, I started to get the hang of things. Here I am petting an elephant...how cool!

And of course, lots of time was spent at my water table....rain or shine.

Even my friends enjoyed my "back deck" playground!

My Grandma B (or "Mama," as I like to call her) got me an outdoor tent for camp, which I love.

"Peek-A-Boo, Aunt Heather!"

And finally, one of my favorite activities of the summer has been getting together with friends for BBQs. Here I am on a date with my favorite girl, Madelyn. I know it's no Scotch and Sirloin, but we had a good time.

Although it's going to be hard to say good-bye to summer, I am looking forward to the fall.... lots of football and the arrival of my baby brother. I can't wait!!!

My First Boat Ride

Today I went for my first boat ride at the lake. I really enjoyed being in the driver's seat, but I wasn't too sure about wearing this lifejacket....

Here I am waving "good-bye" to my mom....she had to stay on shore so that the bumpy ride wouldn't trigger early labor!


"Bye, mom."

We didn't go too far for my first trip....just a quick circle around the neighborhood. Thanks, Grandma and Grampa for taking me out on the boat!