Going to bed angry

What a week! Mom and Dad somehow got it in their heads that it was time for me to learn how to go to sleep on my own at night (read: no nursing or rocking to sleep). I did my best to let them know my disapproval, but apparently my opinion in the matter was inconsequential. Harrumpf! Finally tonight, after torturing them for four days, I decided just to go to sleep and not say anything when they put me down. (It was actually kind of peaceful!)

I've been doing lots of socializing, as usual. Last weekend, after suffering the indignity of a haircut (see the picture below), my friend Elijah and his daddy Steve came for an overnight visit. Elijah is one year old and a whole lot bigger than me, and I had a good time watching him and crawling after him. He kept handing me toys and then getting upset when I wouldn't hand them back...well, why did he give them to me in the first place then?

The next day, after crawling around in the grass and tasting some dirt (not too bad), the folks had a cookout over the firepit outside and I got to eat outside, too.

Grandma and Grandpa Newman and Great-Aunt Natalie stopped by for lunch and a quick visit on this past Friday, and boy oh boy did I lay it on thick with Grandma! I have her wrapped around my little finger now (and all my toes, too). For all you other babies out there, here's my foolproof method: Show preference for your grandma above all others, including your mom, by crawling to her repeatedly and reaching up to be picked up. Cry when she tries to hand you off to others or put you down. And (as always) exude charm and give away free smiles. It worked for me!

Bye for now!