Two steps

Since we've been home baby's started standing for long periods on his own, meaning 15-20 seconds. Then Squeakums took his first steps yesterday, two of 'em during community worship time. I, mom, was sitting on the floor and he came crawling over to me, stood up in front of me, leaning on my legs, then with his arms out to me walked two steps toward me for a hug. He has mastered going down the stairs on his own, and has been eager to do it repeatedly today. Though he has taken one backwards tumble in the attempts. He recovers almost immediately from most falls. Next he has started climbing ladders!

With his top and bottom two teeth in, he is able to chew more solid foods. He has enjoyed pieces of cheese, rice, peas, shredded halibut, crackers, and cheerios by hand and also his fruit bag (peaches and apples in it so far).

Trip to California

Whoah, we're way overdue for a post. Sorry friends. I've been in California for the last two weeks helping my sister with her newborn baby girl. Squeakums has a cousin now! We were both at the hospital during the birth. But due to flu concerns Squeakums was too young to be in the actual room until the last day. So we slept in the waiting room, what an adventure with a ten month old. But we were glad to be in California for the birth, which happened only because my sister delivered over a week late. We also were able to zip over to my in-laws to visit the other aunt and grandparents for the weekend.
Many people we encounter in our travels remark how cute our baby is and what beautiful eyes he has. He is a great traveler, a very happy baby (in general).
Now that we're home again we're re-establishing his sleeping through the night, which went out the window for most of the trip. Without dad's support and not wanting to wake up our hosts it's easier to just nurse him through the night. We loved visisting family and seeing some friends at church, but it's good to be back in Alaska in our own room.