Happy Birthday, Papa Al!

Lucy, who turned 8 months old today, wants to wish her Papa Al a very Happy 70th Birthday!  We had a great adventure traveling up to Tahoe last weekend to celebrate.  Lucy enjoyed a couple of new "firsts," including snow, and, for approximately 2 minutes before they kicked us out, the sportsbook at Harvey's.

Lucy and Papa Al

Mekkel-sons and Mekkel-daughter

There's a First Time for Everything

(Today's post is courtesy of a special guest blogger - Lucy's Dad, Erik!)

Now at about 7-1/2 months old, the Littlest Warrior is growing up fast and participating in a whole slew of new activities for the first time! Here are a few of some of the most recent milestones...



First Time Foods
Lucy has been trying many different new foods for the first time, including green beans, carrots, peas, and apples. She's been loving eating real food and usually waits patiently with mouth wide open for each bite. Which brings us to #2...

Large & In Charge
Her last weigh-in at 15lbs 12oz is triple her birth weight! This not only shoots her up into the 24th percentile for her age (you may remember she started in the 2nd), but it also officially makes her the largest animal in the house.

Nee-ner Nee-ner, take that kitties!

Maverick is NOT impressed.

First Swing Ride
Lucy is now big enough for swing rides in the local park. It's been clear from early on that she is an unabashed thrill-seeker.

First High Chair at a Restaurant
Rolling the dice that she was old enough to handle it, we took Lucy to the fanciest restaurant we could find...within the Target parking lot. Here is Lucy's first fine dining experience at Sizzler!




"The salad bar here is amazing!"

"Are you going to eat that last shrimp?"

First Piano Lesson

After Lucy's now legendary Friday night DJ performance to a captivated audience of both humans and animals, we realized her amazing raw talent needed to be nurtured, so we began with Lucy's first piano lesson.  Clearly, at this too she is a natural.



Another sick drop lands

Y'all ready for this??



Nocturne in F# minor

First Superbowl

For Lucy's first Superbowl we went to a friend's party to watch the big game.  While I was somewhat afraid it would be a real-life version of the Buffalo Wild Wings commercial, the LW actually behaved very well and proved that even macho football fans cannot resist having their hearts melted by her signature smile. Here she is celebrating after the 49ers scored a last minute touchdown to win the game! WoooooHoooooo!!!!

(this photo not available)

That's It For Now!

Stay tuned for more firsts from the Littlest (& possibly cutest) Warrior!

Belly Pics

It's been a while since I've posted some pictures of Lucy's belly.  Here's how her Special Spot is looking these days.

Amazing, no?!  I won't lie - I beam with pride every time I see her cute little belly.  I find it so amazingly normal-looking, especially considering how big the hole was when she was born.  I don't think it looks that different from an outie belly button.  Not to mention it's a great battle wound with a story of amazing strength and accomplishment behind it.  I hope Lucy feels the same when she gets older.