Leif's First Nature Hike

In desperation to re-connect with nature and in an attempt to feel "more at home" in Los Angeles, we trekked out to Franklin Canyon Park for a 3.5 mile hike/stroll.

We had hopes to go hiking along the coast, but everyone had that idea today because it was 102 degrees!  Rather than combat traffic and risk spending all Saturday in the car, we found ourselves hiking among grasslands and oak woodlands only four miles from our house. We spotted more wildlife than people and found an urban oasis away from the hustle and bustle.  

Leif saw lizards, butterflies, fish, and a giant frog, but seemed most amused by dirt, gravel, and leaves.  Kris and Gretchen are making it a goal to go on a different hike every weekend when in LA (and not in San Diego).  Let us know if you have any suggestions.  

Leif Really is One in a Million, or at least 1000.

Do you know anyone named Jacob? Emily? Michael? Emma? Of course you do! These are some of the most popular names that parents have given to their children, according to the Social Security Administration, which today revealed that the top boy's name is Jacob, followed by Michael and Ethan, and the top girl's name is Emily, followed by Isabella and Emma.



The list is put out every year by the Social Security Administration; their website offers lists of baby names for each year since 1880 . According to the SSA website: LEIF is not in the top 1000 names for any year of birth in the last 15 years. We had hoped to bestow a very unique name on him. Mission accomplished! (By the way, Leif means "heir" and it has a Scandinavian origin.)





The top ten boys and girls names for 2007 are:

Top Boy's Names Top Girl's Names
1. Jacob 1. Emily

2. Michael 2. Isabella

3. Ethan 3. Emma

4. Joshua 4. Ava

5. Daniel 5. Madison

6. Christopher 6. Sophia

7. Anthony 7. Olivia

8. William 8. Abigail

9. Matthew 9. Hannah

10. Andrew 10. Elizabeth

Leif: Week 14

On April 22nd (one day before he turned 3 months), Leif said his first word. Drum roll please....Leif's first word was...."DADDY". And for everyone who doesn't believe a 3-month-old can talk, we have proof on video....and this IS Kris' son after all! The video will be posted later.

Leif continues to babble throughout each day and say "Daddy" here and there. Gretchen continues to sing all words beginning with "Mmmm" with great pronunciation to encourage Leif to say Mama (suggestions are requested...Monkey, Mango, Mischief, and MAMA are used most often). Kris continues to encourage Leif to talk by singing the alphabet song and all songs by the Beatles and Pink Floyd.

Also, Leif can now hold and shake a rattle (much thanks to Tina Thomas for the awesome hand painted, brightly colored, monkey rattle).

Tips we are in need of: how to transition your baby to sleeping sans being swaddled, how to lose the last five pounds of pregnancy weight, and interesting and fun activities to do with Leif.

Caption of the photo: "No Daddy, I didn't stay up all night playing video games!"