Max doesn't really like hats, but he needs them on sunny afternoons, and is darn cute in them nonetheless. He's also mastered tummy time at this point, leaving lots of time for shots like these.

Remember the olden days, back when spring had barely sprung and we had just visited Annapolis and the DC area? We spent one of those days in the DC suburbs visiting a few of my old college friends. I neglected to post the photos at the time but am now remedying the error.

Bert and Gena are great friends of mine -- Bert and I did a comic together in college, and we used to live near each other in Brooklyn. They have two adorable twin daughters too, which for some odd reason I can't find a decent photo of from this visit.


Jon here is another close college friend -- we were in the marching band together. Do not be fooled, we didn't actually march, more tended to run around making fools of ourselves in front of thousands of football fans, and imbibing various quantities of various inebriating substances.




Here is the kind of nonsense that we were so fond of from the band days, and a good example of why you probably not leave Max alone with band alums. Strange things begin to happen. Fortunately Max seems comfortable oblivious.

A couple weekends ago, my cousin Kathy and her husband & sons came up to visit. It was great to see them and we had a fun time having lunch and playing in the back yard. (For the record, Kathy makes an excellent potato salad.) Here are some photos.



Matthew tries to look tough, but reveals his inner softie:


Matthew and Max mug for the camera, with Kathy and Andrew in the background.


Kathy with Max; Max with teether.

All of the above of super entertaining. Case in point:



Why yes, that is the exact same expression on their faces...

and apparently, the cloth dipe is endlessly entertaining


but so is the penguin


and the monkey, well, don't we already know how fascinating the monkey is?

Max is starting to figure out textures a little bit, which is hilarious to watch. The pillow on his glider is both soft and ribbed, so needless to say, it's extremely fascinating

"Why hello Mr. Penguin. Apparently there is to be some picture taking this fine day, do you know."

but from a different angle


"why, hello there mommy! Have you seen my toys?"


"Yay! upupupupupup! UP!"

a few weeks ago, we were at ikea (mmm meatballs!), and couldn't resist the lure of the ikea kids department.

Thus Max's new gym thingie:


I like that we can add toys more easily than the fisher price one that he loves. Plus this is the perfect height for him to nom nom nom on the toys when he's sitting up in the bumpo




And they make neat clacky sounds. Oooh, clacky!


Thus his excited face:


and his "get offa mah toys!" face


(this may or may not have been directed at the cat, who was attracted by the clacky hanging things and darted out of the shot as soon as I took it)

Looking is his favorite.

Milo and Max have come to an understanding. Max will stare at the kitty, and in return, Milo will stay an arms length away, play with Max's toys and get the hell out of Dodge anytime Max starts wailing. It works well for both parties, I think.

And recently, there have been some newer developments. The occasionally petting of Milo with supervision!

Max is very excited:


Milo is a little wary.


Smart kitty.

And of course, Henry is still elusive. But then again, Henry's nuts.