We're also making use of the coffee table to help him learn to stand. We get him to his feet and then set his hands on it and he can happily stand there on his own for as long as he wants. By the end of the week he had mastered standing with only one hand, which left the other free to grab the tv remote.
He's really manipulating his toys too, playing with them in different ways and exploring what he can do with them. Our friend Nadeen gave him a set of plastic car keys that plays music and he's learned to play the song whenever he wants.
He got a lot of presents this week. Aunt Betsy mailed Zeeke a beautiful knitted blanket (yellow, his favorite color). Our neighbors Mary and Jane gave him a stuffed bear dressed as a skeleton for Halloween. Gina gave him a monkey that lights up and plays music. And Karen's mom sent Zeeke his first piece of personal mail.
Karen and Zeeke did a lot of library storytimes. Zeeke is into them more for the people watching than the storytelling and Karen is learning tricks for her own storytimes. Monday, they picked up Dena and went to Central where they met up with Jen & the twins. Tuesday, they met up with new friends Leah & her son Zack and hiked over to the Santore branch. Wednesday, they went Liz's storytime at Fumo, where Zeeke is always a big hit with the assorted grandmothers.
After lunch on Wednesday, Karen dared to drive Zeeke all the way out to her sister's house in New Jersey. Zeeke cried a bit at first, but then slept for most of the forty minute drive. They had a great time playing and making sushi with Sarah & her girls Riley & Bella, and Sarah's sister-in-law Dawn & her twins Vincent & Dominic. Sadly, the ride home was not as tranquil as the ride there. Zeeke pitched a fit all the way to the bridge, then finally calmed down when he saw he was back in the city.
Thursday, Karen's high school friend Gina visited from Germany. They had lunch at Green Eggs, where he was admired by many, and then went to the park.
Friday, Karen & Zeeke met up with Leah & Zack and Jen & Amelie for coffee at Ultimo. Later that evening, while mommy met up with friends for a much deserved drink, Steve & Zeeke went to the grocery store to stock up on food for the so-called Frankenstorm, slowly making its way toward the city.
There was a lot going on in South Philly Saturday. We took Zeeke to a big flea market in Columbus Square Park. One family of Karen's patrons gave Zeeke a swim vest. And then we went to the East Passyunk Fall Festival to peruse the arts and crafts.
Sunday, Karen and Zeeke met up with Dena for brunch at Miss Rachel's Pantry. And then it was back home to prepare for Hurricane Sandy.