Blake and His Cousin, Lachlan

Blake's cousin, Lachlan, lives in Orgeon, and so they see each other only a handful of times throughout the year. But the time they are able to spend together, they both really enjoy. Here is a sample of their fun times together.

From Age One to Age Two

We have gotten professional portraits taken every three to six months since Blake was born, and we'd like to share some of our favorites from age one to age two.

Blake at age two:

Blake is one happy little boy!

He loves spending time with Daddy!

The extremely proud grandparents!

Both sets of Blake's grandparents . . .

. . . with Great-Grandma -- all in one photo! Amazing!

All Blake's men.
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Blake at age 18 months:

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Blake at age 16 months:

"Don't worry, little cousin, I've got your back."

Grandpa, Grammie, Daddy, Great-Grandma, Uncle Jim and Aunt Shelley all join Blake and Cousin Lachlan for some photos.

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Blake at age one year:

Blake's Two-Year-Birthday Weekend

Has it already been a year since Blake's first birthday? Incredible as it may seem, a full year has indeed flown by since Blake turned one. As our son is now two-years-old, I truly believe what people tell me: After you have a child, the years will seem to move more quickly every year.

Below are some photos of Blake's two "Two-Year-Birthday Parties." As you may have noticed from Blake's first birthday, we like to do "double duty" with back-to-back parties on Saturday/Sunday to accommodate as many guests as possible. Below are some photos from Blake's fun-filled weekend.

Here is Blake having way too much fun with his food at breakfast.

Having nearly mastered his technique at Christmas, Blake is so into opening gifts now, it's scary.

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Blake's Sunday party (on his actual birthday, April 26), began with a rousing game of croquet. The winner again, as last year, was the croquet master, Slava.

Blake's cake, although thoroughly enjoyed by him, did not result in the same facial plastering as Blake's first year's birthday cake.

Only slightly distracted by a streaker at his party, Blake with his friend, Connor, soon return to more important things.

Blake's gifts at his Sunday party included a new potty and a choo-choo train (Thomas, the Train, to be exact).

"Lawn-mow," as Blake now calls it -- a new bubble lawnmower -- was definitely a favorite gift of his. Here is Blake trying it out for the first time, to the envy of all.

In Memory of Sheen

On February 17, 2009, my 17 1/2 year old cat, Sheen, died. He was my pet, my friend, for the past 15 years. Sheen was my first pet of my very own. He was my sole roommate for three years of my life. I have never known a more loving pet, a louder purr, a better face massage, a warmer constant companion. I miss him dearly.

At the little burial service that my family and I had, my sister, Shelley, shared a touchy tale:
A family with a six-year-old son had recently lost their ten-year-old dog to cancer. They sat together one evening, shortly after his death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. The six-year-old, who had been listening quietly, piped up suddenly, "I know why." Startled, the family all turned to him. He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued, "Well, pets already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Indeed, Sheen did love everyone, all the time. His constant company was my parent's dog, Beau. Sheen loved to rub up against Beau, snuggle in close and sleep right next to him. Beau died a few years ago, and it was very evident that Sheen missed Beau greatly. He did not know where to sleep, now that his best bud was gone. Now my first best bud is gone. And even though my now best bud, Blake, may not remember Sheen, I will always have these following pictures of them together, taken during the last few weeks of Sheen's life, and will share them with Blake as he grows up, reminding him of what a wonderful cat his first pet was.

Sheen, we will always love you . . .

Blake's Second & Third 1st Birthday Parties

The weekend of Blake's first birthday, we had two more parties for him in Southern California. Here's a look at the happenings:

Blake tries out Mommy's rocker from when she was a little girl.

Blake listens politely to Grandpa's long tale.

Blake and his Uncle Ken have a great time together!

Blake has learned about party hats, and doesn't think they're all that great. Mommy applies a little pressure to keep Blake's hat in place long enough for the photos.

While Blake contemplates that annoying hat that he just removed from his head, Mommy sneaks on another!

Grandma demonstrates to Blake how this birthday cake deal is done.

"Hmm, now where do I start with this thing?"
(Distracted by his cake, Blake forgets about his hat! Success!!)

"Hey, this thing tastes pretty good!"

(with mouth full of cake) "I need more in my mouth than this little spoon can handle!"

"Wow, how does it stay together like that?"

"OK, I think I'm done."

"Can I have another piece to play with?"

"But why can't I play in the fireplace?"

Blake opens (what turns out to be) his most favorite gift!

After a slow start . . .

. . . Blake picks up speed very quickly . . .

(much to Grandma's dismay)

. . . and learns to drive like Daddy:

One hand on the wheel, and one hand on the manual!

Mommy tries to tell Blake that he doen't have to drive just like Daddy.

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Blake's Third Birthday Party Begins

Blake loves his new keys!

Blake and Linda enjoy each other's wonderful company.

Blake's all ready to try out his new set of wheels!

Daddy teaches Blake how to use his new cell phone.

(Yes, we do start them young, don't we!)

"But you have to keep it open, son, if you want to use it . . ."

"Ahhh, cake again!!! I love birthdays!"

"I think I overdid it. I can't swallow this bite."

How about some up close and personal shots of Blake's yummy face!

"This is my serious cake face."

"I love being one!"

Linda, Grandma, and Beth share the spotlight with our handsome one-year-old.

Blake's First 1st Birthday Party

On April 19, 2008, the weekend before Blake's 1st Birthday, we had the first of Blake's three birthday parties (you can never party enough for turning "1", right!?!). This party was for those family and friends in Northern California that live near where Blake's home is. Here is a look at the fun that ensued:

Blake's first birthday hat. (It didn't stay on for too long, however.)


Blake's first birthday cake.

The hand is well placed into the orange icing.

Into the mouth the orange hand goes.

The results are spectacular!

Blake enjoyed his first cake VERY MUCH!

The cleanup was very arduous. But Blake seems happy about it.

"All clean!" Except for Blake's clothes, that is.


Ah, and the presents!


Blake quickly learns how to play his new toy xylophone.

Blake's 9-month Photo Shoot

On February 17, 2008, three weeks after Blake turned 9-months, we took him, along with his cousin Lachlan, and his Grammie and Grandpa to get some professional photos taken. Here is a sampling of the wonderful results:

New Year's Eve Party

Foosball excitement kicks off the fun on New Year's Eve.

Anton tries out Todd's big shoes.

Blake and Mommy enjoy New Year's Eve together.

Explosive fireworks light up the night to ring in the New Year.

After a Cold Night's Walk

Some self-photos of Daddy and Blake after a cool night's walk on December 27, 2007.

Blake's First Christmas!

We spent Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa Hutchins in Loma Linda. Aunt Kathy and Uncle Ken also came to celebrate Blake's first Christmas! Here are two dozen photos of our wonderful time together:

The play mat at Grandma's and Grandpa's brings a smile to Blake's face.



Blake loves his Aunt Kathy.



Blake's mouth enjoys a tasty tiger as his eyes enjoy a spinning show.


Blake explores Grandma's buttons while Grandma explores Blake's face.


Presents! Or rather, paper!!!


Blake really likes his penguin backpack that he got from Aunt Kathy. Whether wrestling it or sleeping on it, his penguin is just joy!



Our happy boy, Blake!



Ah, the joys of sleep.


Blake with his Grandpa, someone he can always look up to.



Once Blake discovers that there's more to the fun than just the wrapping paper, he really gets into his gifts!




All this excitement has just worn Blake out.


"Oh boy! Ribbon!"



The best gift of all: Blake!



Blake and his Daddy.

"Oh my goodness! What's this on my head?!?"

"Bye-bye Christmas! Until next year!"

Christmas Weekend

The weekend before Christmas, the Peterson side of Blake's family all got together in Angwin to celebrate Blake's Grammie's birthday. Aunt Shelley, Uncle Jim, Cousin Lachlan, and Great-Grandma were all there, too, to help celebrate her big day!

Blake is fascinated by Grandpa's nativity globe.

Grandpa's and Grammie's beautiful Christmas tree.

Grammie and Cousin Lachaln enjoy a few moments together before bed.


Blake has a ball with one of his new toys.

Grandpa teaches Blake the art of talking while lying on one's back.

Jim shows off how his hands can still go all the way around his son's chest.

Sabbath dinner, a.k.a. "The Feast."


Carol and her cake.
(She looks too young to be a grandmother!)

Holiday in the Park, Round 2

Two of Blake's great uncles, Tom & Lowell, came to visit. As a special treat, Daddy took them along with Great-Grandma, Grandpa and Grammie to see Holiday in the Park at Discovery Kingdom on December 16, 2007.

Grandpa, Great Uncles Tom & Lowell, Grammie, and Great-Grandma pose for the camera.

More lights around the park.

The world's tallest Christmas tree.

A parting shot from the parking lot.

Photo Shoot in New Home

On December 13, we moved to our new home in Martinez. Among our first visitors were our friends Amelia and Terry. Terry's cap provided a wonderful prop for Blake's first photo shoot in our new home.

"Hmm, gotta dwell on that one a minute, man."

"Hey man, what gives?"

December Photos

A collection of photos taken on December 12.

"Don't worry, folks, I'll be out before you know it."

"Daddy, when you hold the camera directly above my head like that, it makes me a little nervous."

"This to-go box is even more fun than dinner, Grandpa!"

"I'm all ready for Christmas!"

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

On December 9, 2007, Blake took both of his parents and both sets of grandparents to the Great Dickens Christmas Fair in San Francisco. He had been talking about it for months.

Blake liked being up higher than Grandpa LeRoy.

"Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay . . ."

One of scores of vendors at the fair selling their wares.

What would a Christmas fair be without caroling . . .

Ah, the dancing . . .

Somehow, these men were able to remain airborne for the entire dance.

The Whirl of the Dance . . .

Naked Time

Blake loves his "naked time." Mommy and Daddy aren't brave enough to let him be naked for too long. (Okay, Daddy's not brave enough . . .)

Laundry Boy

Blake had some good fun with a load of freshly washed laundry (although maybe he had more fun with his toes). Take a peek:

Holiday in the Park

Thanksgiving weekend we took Blake and his cousin Lachlan to Discovery Kingdom's "Holiday in the Park." Here are some photos from the wonderful time we had there.

Showing off our little boys in their toasty bundles in front of the world's tallest Christmas tree.

Grandpa tells Blake the story of Christmas.

The very beautiful Christmas Tree Forest.

Blake looks out from within his warm wrappings in Grammie's arms to take a peek at Souka, the Killer Whale.

Toys come to life on stage.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving weekend was spent with Daddy's side of the family. It began with a very special church service on Sabbath, 11/24, which included the dedication of his only first cousin, Lachlan.




Sabbath dinner with Great-Grandma at the head!

On Saturday night, a baby shower for Lachlan was thrown at PUC (a shower, not the baby!)

Good friend, Steve with Blake sitting happily on his leg.

Krista takes in her new nephew, Lachlan.
"Hey Cousin, how can I get myself one of those phones?"

Blake sleeps blissfully in his grandmother's arms.

Blake's First Thanksgiving

Blake had a very special first Thanksgiving. Mommy has very fun and wonderful relatives, and Blake got to meet them all for the very first time.

Katie provides a very nice pillow for her little second cousin, Blake.

Blake is happy to receive a bottle from his second cousin, Victoria.

Thanksgiving dinner!

Blake with his second cousin, Stephanie.

Blake seemed to find Stephanie's chin very tasty.

A truly wonderful dog, Midnight.

Time for bed! Blake loves his warm night attire.

"Hmm, I know I'm supposed to know her, but I can't remember . . ."

"I just love cousin Stephanie!"

"Bye Mommy and Daddy, I'm happy to stay with these fun folk."

1st John Deere

Blake's 1st John Deere:

Happy Faces

There is nothing as wonderful as the happy, laughing face of your child.

G., G. & B

Grandma, Grandpa and Blake had a very special at home photo shoot on November 10 during their special week-long stay. Here are some photos of the happy trio:

7-Steps to the Big Rollover

Blake first rolled over on September 5, 2007 at 19 weeks of age. But because it was a single roll over, no photos of the event were captured. These photos below, demonstrating the 7-step plan for the big rollover, were taken on Halloween Day.

Step 1: Lying full on your stomach, focus for the big move;

Step 2: Move your body into position by raising the leg and the arm of the side that will be moving through the air during the roll;

Step 3: Raise this arm up high into the air, while simultaneously rotating your head in the direction of the roll;

Step 4: Thrust this arm hard behind you as your head continues to turn in that direction; your leg should be higher in the air now, as well;

Step 5: Now kick both legs back hard behind you to give your body the momentum it needs to reach the half-way point;

Step 6: If you have done steps 1-5 correctly, you will find that your body has now flown past the midpoint of the roll, and is now automatically completing the rest of the roll; just enjoy the ride;

Step 7: Your body lands back on solid ground. Congratulations, you have just completed the big rollover.

After successfully achieving these seven steps, you may give a little squeal of delight, if you are so inclined.

6-Month Photos

On October 25, one day before his 6-month birthday, we took Blake for his first professional photo shoot. We loved the results. Here is a sample of the great photos that were taken:

And as a Halloween special, some photos of our curious cat:

Halloween Party

On October 28, we had a Halloween Party for Blake (he really wanted to dress up!). He was the cutest little leopard you ever saw!

Blake is fascinated by Anton's Indian costume.

"Cats."

This pirate is very good with babies.

The Petersons in costume.

Pirates and Indians come in pairs.

Daddy was a pretty crazy Skeleton Zombie . . .

. . . but he didn't scare Blake any.

Blake was a very happy "putty tat!"

Playing Piano

Something else Blake really loves to do is play the piano.

Blowing Raspberries

Something that Blake loves to do, is blow raspberries with his lips. Here are a few choice shots of his vigorously vibrating lips.

Kickin' Back

After visiting the Stanley Lane Pumpkin Patch, Blake decided to just kick it back, and take a cruise in his stroller.

Stanley Lane Pumpkin Patch

On October 21, 2007 we took Blake to the Stanley Lane Pumpkin Patch in Napa.

Daddy and Blake as pumpkins.

The cutest pumpkin of all!

Blake the Ghost.

Blake shares the moment with a new friend.

Blake had a very fun time seeing all the new things to see.

Blake's not too sure about his new pumpkin seat.

Daddy's son shines by a tall sunflower.

Daddy sits with Blake on a tower of hay bails.