Thatcher Augustus

Snow to Sun

2009-07-31T14:44:00.000-07:00

Hello again, I know it has been awhile. When I started this endeavor I thought it would be a first year kind of thing, but the reception has been favorable and demanding and therefore I will continue. A lot of changes are occurring around here. As you can tell, I'm maturing, my vocabulary is expanding, and so is my mother's waistline. Dad has become more available lately and we go on varied adventures together, unfortunately, usually sans camera. Well, as mentioned, we have a lot to review so let us progress with the pictures. I will try to infuse some of the darling things I've been doing lately amidst the gallery.

Enjoy!

Christmas #2: Grandma and Grandpa Smith came out for another Christmas morning!

Yes, we are going as far back as snow.
Here I am sledding on Mt. Hood.
Enjoy the binkie, it isn't around much longer...

Hence the expanding waistline...
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The ocean rules. I like to look for sharks.

Hike! When my mom asks me what I want to do for the day, I either reply, "hike" or "fun!" Check out Dad's beard!

I love apples. One of my favorite ways to greet people is to say, "Hi! Apples?" You know, everyone loves a good apple.

Day at the farm. I liked chasing the baby chicks.

Grandma Burkart came for a visit over my birthday.
Every day is your birthday when Grandma is here!

We went to the Grotto where I prayed for a little brother. Later that day, Mom and Dad found out that my prayers were answered. Oh boy!

My birthday cupcake, yummmm
When I'm hungry, I like to say, "Eat!"

Park + Presents...could it get any better?

A juice box! It must be my birthday. I just stood in one spot and drank the whole thing down. Deeelicious.

I love my neighbor Rylan! He's like my big brother. We spend a lot of mornings together while our moms drink warm beverages and swap potty training stories. This is one of our morning jam sessions.

Erin came for a visit! Sadly, we only have a picture of my first soda (a gift from Auntie Erin - all natural and organic...of course). I forgot to tell her that I'm not supposed to have carbonated beverages.

Grandma Smith came out next. We went to an old-time carnival on the waterfront. It is open Tuesday and Thursday mornings to toddlers only! How cool is that?

On the train..

I am a very serious driver. Concentration is necessary.

Finally a pilot

Grandma loved to read me Mother Goose rhymes.

Portland summer means:

Playing in a river

Hiking in a cool forest

Or, being carried in a cool forrest - against my will.

Swimming in a mountain lake makes it all worthwhile...

Mom tried to carry all of her boys at once!

Hanna makes a great pillow

We started potty training. I like to watch the bubbles I can make.

Okay, if you get a new shirt, maybe this big brother thing won't be so bad.

Wisconsin Christmas

2009-02-01T14:41:00.000-08:00

6 planes in total. 28 hours of travel time (round trip). But it was all worth it..and I've got the pictures to prove it!

I was a big help at the airports.

All that travel, and I still like planes.

I'm ready for presents!

I love Christmas.

In no particular order...

We went to the aquarium to see sharks.

I rode another kind of horse.

I got to pet a sheep.

Auntie Paffy read me stories.

Oops! How did this one get in here.
This is my blog!

I loved the saddle chair.
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Look how much I've grown!
2007 Thanksgiving:

2008 Christmas: Same chair, same shirt!

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T23:40:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Christmas a little early this year. We are off to Wisconsin on Christmas Eve to celebrate with Grandma and Grandpa Burkart! Love to you all and have a wonderful Christmas!

Dad bought me this Santa hat.
It didn't stay on very long...

Our Very Own Christmas Morning:

We started out with Daddy's tradition of opening stockings in Mommy and Daddy's bed. Mom insisted that I carry my own stocking.

Here I come Daddy!

Dad might reconsider this tradition next year.

Next, we ate cinnamon rolls warm from the oven - this was Mommy's tradition.

You can see, I pretty much dig Mommy's tradition.

Mom and Dad...I'm ready for presents!

We had to make some traditions of our own too.
Christmas dance party...I love it!

Rockin' out to MJ

Check out my disco ball. I wish you could see it with the lights off.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Love,

T

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-02T22:06:00.001-08:00

Trick or Treat!

I started out the day at Wieden+Kennedy's Halloween Bash!
Thanks Nana(Hanna)!

Nana needs to work on her product placement!

I touched eyeballs! They looked (and tasted) like grapes to me...

I bounced in a castle.

I even rode on a pony! W+K Rocks!

Here are a few more. Mom can't help herself!

Top Ten Reasons Why I Loved Summer . . . (and was too busy to write)

2008-10-06T22:32:00.000-07:00

So, I'm back. The leaves have started to turn here in P-town and the rain will soon follow. No worries, I've got my Curious George rain coat and shiny green galoshes at the ready...is there a better time to blog? I'm so sorry that I kept you all in the dark this summer. Walking has proved to be quite thrilling. Thrilling for my parents as well! No more plopping me down on a blanket with some books and blocks. I'm on the move - and so are they. In an effort to catch everyone up, I've decided to share with you my top ten reasons why I loved summer. Take note, these are in chronological order, not by rank. BUT, I have to say, if I had to choose my favorite...well, you be the judge.

Happy Fall Everyone!

Love, Big T.

#1 My Birthday

How old are you Thatcher? One!

Here comes the cake...

Blowing out my candle

What are they laughing about?

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to!

At least everyone else had fun.

#2 My Own Private Idaho

Road soda on our first family road trip -

Even Celty came along

My private pool at the Rock House

First chairlift ride

We went hiking...

it was a lot of work.

We went boating...

it was a lot of work.

Dad and I went rock climbing.

#3 Say Yes to Michigan!

I went to Lake Michigan with Grandma and Grandpa Smith!

Aunt Melissa loves me!

Aunt Kate is crazy!

Finally, we meet!

Washing beans from Grandpie Kempf's Garden

#4 Aunty Cindy Gets Hitched!

Rocky Mountain Wedding

Auntie knit this sweater for my dad!
It matches our eyes...

#6 I Can Feed Myself

What a mess.

Almost there...

Celty loves my new trick.

#7 I Can Reach Counters

#8 I Can Slide.

On your mark, set...

Slide!

Proud Mama

#9 I Love to Swing

Wee!

#10 I sprouted some curls.

Stay tuned. I'll try and blog more now that the weather is changing. Love to all my friends and family!

Love,

Thatcher Augustus

Walk On...

2008-09-12T14:51:00.000-07:00

I'm walking - no time to write. Stay tuned...

Look Who's Turning One!

2008-06-07T22:21:00.000-07:00

Ahhh... June. The birds are chirping, spiders dancing and oh yes, the celebration of my birth. Could anything be better? Once again, I apologize for the break in my blogging. I've been a busy man getting ready for this little shindig my parents are throwing. Since last we spoke, not only am I crawling, but I've perfected two different versions. Yes, most babies do the knee-knee-knee-yawn thing, but I say that is for amateurs. I'm more of a knee, sweep-the-leg-and-hook-the-heel-and-pull-yourself-along kind of guy. It's complicated.

I've been working on some more words lately too. While Mom and Dad are working hard on words like, dog and duck, sometimes I like to try and surprise them and crush out a than-yoo (thank you), or dis (this) - just to keep them guessing. It's all repeating sounds at this point you know, but who's counting (not me by the way). However, Mom has been trying the ole', "How old are you Thatcher?" routine - and I appeased her for a week or two, but seriously, how many times can I remind her. We will see on the 14th if I feel like giving her a break.

Wish me luck on my big day!

The first few here are from a series of photos Mom took for my birthday party announcement. It's kind of a Wild West Theme (you know Mom). Uncle Joel will be playing some bluegrass/blues with some friends, we are getting a keg (whatever that is) and having a campfire. Wish you could be there!

Not having it

Dad loved this one

Why are you sticking grass in my mouth?

The winner!

Uncle Chris is cool

Erin makes me have fists of joy

I feed myself (and Celty)

13.1 miles Phew! I'm her biggest fan.

Mom and T

This is what we call lunch on the trail.

Aloha

2008-05-01T08:15:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has been awhile since I've written.
Hawaii really took it out of me. I'm still recovering.

Cabana Boy

I had to take two ladies out for dinner...each night

Someone has to do it

There was a lot of digging

It's hard to be the Prince

I had a lot of serious business to take care of

I did get to celebrate Easter, Hawaiian Style

I still wore my suit - no shoes!

Happy Easter!

Born with a silver spoon...

Thank You Grandma!

Winter Wonderland!

2008-04-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

Thanks Grandpa Jim and Grandma Mary! I heard that you gave my parents a gift certificate to stay at the Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood a few years back. Of course, my parents didn't get it together enough to go until now... translation: they got to take me along too. We went cross country skiing, snow shoeing, sledding and enjoyed our beautiful room. Sadly, I slept in the tub (in the pack-n-play).

I love Mt. Hood!

Dad's goggles almost fit

Room with a view

Cross country skiing - mom was a little scared, I just laughed!

I'll probably always think this is called, "Slow down!"

More my(or Mom's)speed

Wide open spaces!

Warming by the fire

Snowed in...literally!

A well deserved beer, for Dad.

Surfs up!

2008-03-06T10:19:00.000-08:00

I love swimming!

Thanks Grandma Mary and Grandpa Jim for hosting!

Pool side and chilin'

James and Dre!

Both Dad and I have sensitive eyes...

I'm 8 months old!

2008-02-17T21:58:00.001-08:00

Well, 8 months have flown by. I'm getting big. Real big. It looks like I just might grow into my name someday. For now, I've got a lot of alternatives: Gus, Big T, Gamma Goo, Punks, lil' brother, T. Augustus, Mr. T (or B.A. Barackus) - take your pick. I can't be bothered with all of these names right now though, I've got serious business. I'm about 75% on sitting up these days. My head is the real problem. The second I get steady, the darn thing moves and shifts my center of gravity. My noggin does come in handy though for locomotion. I figured out that if I lay on my stomach and tilt my head far enough to the side, I can get a real good roll going (sometimes 2 in a row). It's so reliable, that I pretty much use this as my main mode of transportation these days. I'm still working on a little number called the rock and creep, but it's not as solid.

You should probably also know that I'm babbling a ton, working on waving goodbye (imitating mom's wild arm motions so that she can say that I'm "advanced"), sleeping in my crib, hating naps, eating solids, taking a music class (my dad bought me a small guitar for Christmas, but right now I just like sucking on the maracas - it's a percussion instrument), holding my own bottle and loving penguins.

But, you are probably just here for the pictures...

Hey there

Peas Please

Watching the game with the guys

State Wins!

I finally like my tummy!

Day at the zoo - I loved the penguins.

Good thing I wasn't driving...

I like to wake up much earlier than Dad does.

Life is good.

The Best Christmas Present Ever....

2008-01-22T13:29:00.000-08:00

No, not the boxes or the wrapping paper.

Family!

B-Bar-C Farm

2007-12-08T15:21:00.000-08:00

Uncle Bruce and Aunt Cathy's Farm is rad.

Even though, I'm not much of a horse fan

I put on my best duds

Bob rode the tractor

Dad rode the dirt bike

And... I got my feet pressed in clay. Mom scares me in this shot.
I'm crying and she doesn't seem to mind...

Catch Up

2007-12-08T14:59:00.000-08:00

Okay, let's catch up. I've been a busy man this fall. Pictures in the pumpkin patch - check.

Then there is the trip to the land of milk and cheese....
Osceola, Wisconsin - here I come!

You have to have a mighty fast shutter speed to catch me without drool these days.

Go Brewers! I mean, go Twins! Come on...we're still Tigers fans.

Thanks Grandma Mary and Grandpa Jim! I had so much fun looking for eagles, eating rice cereal and hiking...but most of all, I loved our mornings on the blue blanket. Love and miss you!

Halloween Pics - Guess Who?

2007-11-10T14:22:00.000-08:00

I'm Elmer Fudd!

God Bless Thatcher

2007-11-02T10:55:00.000-07:00

Fall in Love

2007-10-15T21:06:00.000-07:00

I love fall!

I love my family.

I love bubble mohawks.

I love mom.

I love pockets.

I love the sports section

I love to read.

And...I love neck control.

Happy Birthday Benjamin!

2007-10-14T21:37:00.000-07:00

I'm donning my birthday suit for the occasion. Much love to my new cuz.
Fists up brother.

Beach Baby

2007-09-26T22:39:00.000-07:00

Camping with My Homies

2007-09-20T15:48:00.000-07:00

So here's the crew... Starting on the far left, that's my crazy older brother Celty. Notice how he is clearly the dirtiest dog of the bunch. Then there is my dad - a close second on the dirty scale. Mom and I are next, followed by Mahanna (Matt and Hanna respectively) and their dog Kenai - finally Renee and her dog Satch..rhymes with ?

Yeah, I know that I'm only 3 months old, but how bad can marshmellows really be for you?

After all the excitement of watching the dogs swim in the river and setting up camp, I zonked out in the tent! I slept like, well like a baby. 6 hours straight!! I heard mom and dad discussing setting up the tent in the backyard at home. I'm all for it, but mom is coming with me. Here are some shots from our tent.

The Hillmers Rule

2007-09-08T16:02:00.000-07:00

I know that my mom adores her freinds Erin and Alex, but it wasn't until they visited that I understood why. Man, the Hillmers rule! We spent a lazy afternoon sprawled out on the grass at an outdoor brewery, dined on fresh oysters and sushi and became regulars on the front porch. Basically, every new venue was just another place to lounge about. These are my kind of people. While I know my mom loves Erin best, I have to say that Alex really cracked me up. Every time he came near me I started laughing. California...here I come!

The HIllmers and baby Thatch

Alex must have just cracked one of his hilarious jokes.

Dress you up in my love!

2007-09-08T15:45:00.000-07:00

Grandma Smith made another visit. She just can't stay away! While she was here, I started to really giggle. I wish this thing could show videos...cause man, I'm really cute when I laugh. Grandma had fun looking for clothes for a baby boy. Here's a shot of me dressed from head to toe in Hanna Anderson clothes. Grandma said I could be a baby model for the store - she may be a little biased.

Grandpa Smith even stopped by for a quick visit after climbing with my dad. Don't they look like city slickers!

Grampie Kempf and Nana Jo

2007-09-08T15:23:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are some pics from Grampie Kempf and Nana Jo's visit. We had such a blast! We went to my first outdoor concert (bluegrass of course, I do live in Oregon), had lunch at the Timberline Lodge on top of Mt. Hood, hit the Chinese Gardens and ate like kings! Sadly, it all tastes like milk to me right now. Enjoy the pics!

Here's Grampie Kempf teaching me all about Fox News. Yikes!

Nana Jo and I liked to hang out on the porch. I liked her singing.

The Chinese Gardens were beautiful...so I'm told.
Grampie Kempf would have fallen asleep too if he could have been carried in a sling.

Nana Jo and Grampie Kempf at the concert.

Bad Blogger

2007-08-24T18:19:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay...I'm still here. I'm sorry that I haven't written in awhile. While typing seems to be no problem, I've been busily working on this whole idea of grabbing something - anything. Last week I spent half the day trying to get a hold of my pacifier and the other half trying to get it near my mouth. Success is not mine. I'll keep you posted on my progress. I have managed to learn how to grab my mom's shirt. This trick proves valuable when I fall asleep at the milk bar and Mom tries to put me to sleep. No Way I say. She still can't figure out how to pry my little fingers off of her tank top without waking me from my nap. Translation: Naps in her arms. Score! Here are some recent photos. Stay tuned for some pics from Nana Jo and Grampie Kempf's visit.

Happy Days

2007-07-30T20:57:00.000-07:00

Little Man About Town

2007-07-27T15:15:00.000-07:00

I've been a pretty busy guy while I haven't been sleeping...and sometimes while I have been. During my first weeks outside the amniotic sac, I've been out to eat (more than my parents would like to admit), attended my dad's kickball games, spent the night at the coast and even gone on my first hike. Here are some pics to catch you up.

Gas my a**

2007-07-26T14:28:00.000-07:00

Grandmas rule. The first week I was out Grandma Smith stayed to help us get adjusted. Mom and I slept most of the day, but the house has never looked so clean! Every once in awhile, I would wake up. On one of those rare occasions, I flashed grandma my first smile. They say it's gas, but if you don't think I know what I'm doing, you haven't been paying attention.

Grandma Mary came out a week later and cooked up a storm! Again, mostly I slept, but at lunch one day I overhead Grandma telling my mom that I could have ice cream before I was a year old. I like her already.

My Birthday! June 14th

2007-07-26T13:25:00.000-07:00

The day I was born, everyone in the city raised their flags in my honor...at least that's what I've been told. I've also heard that mom had a three day labor and it was pretty hard. but I think this picture is evidence of another story. Cocktail anyone?

Dad was eager to learn how to give me a bath and change my diaper. Everyone said he looked pretty tired, but he always looks the same to me.

Grandma and Grandpa Smith were the first people to hold me in the hospital, after my parents. Grandma said I looked just like mom when she was a newborn and Grandpa mentioned something about climbing and a tiny harness. Dude, after I can stop my hands from scratching my own face, we'll talk.

So, this is how I came into the world. Man, I was beat.

Hey World!

2007-07-25T16:07:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has taken me so long to get this blog started. I've been mighty busy being a typical newborn. You'd think my mom would have some spare time to help me out, but you know how she is. Anyway, I thought this would be a good way to keep in touch with everyone. Apparently, a lot of people love me. Which is pretty cool.. I'm nearly six weeks old now, so I'll catch you up to speed in my next post. - Thatch