East Coast buddies

This week we were lucky enough to have visits from two East Coast friends! My friend Alison from high school was out on Tuesday from New York with her son Angelo, who is 16 months old and such a sweet, gentle boy. He's learning some words now and pointing at everything, saying its name, always with a questioning little voice. I didn't get any pictures of this, but he also sniffs things (probably his version of a kiss!) as a sign of affection. He kept sniffing Rosa's stuffed animal bunny, then holding it in front of my nose. So Cute. Angelo also loved getting to pet Judd the cat, and did fake crying whenever Judd left the room.


Then on Thursday my friend Paul from college was out from Philadelphia with his wife Tara and their daughter Anika, who is 15 months, and also a cute sweet girl! She was enamored with Rosa's piano and played it so delicately (quite a contrast to Rosa's bangy style!). Anika also delighted in seeing Judd the cat slink his way around the room. Seeing both Angelo and Anika, who clearly have some basic understanding of langauge now, made me see what a difference a couple months can make. I'm so excited for some real communication to begin with Rosa - I can't wait to be able to start to get some insight into what's going on in her little mind! Here's Anika and Rosa:


Paul made it his mission to teach Rosa how to hold up one finger when asked "How old are you, Rosa?" Rosa didn't quite get it during their 1 hour visit, so I suggested Paul come back for her one-year birthday to do the job for her.


We also had a visit from our friends Cynthis and Juni this week, who came over from Oakland to visit. Here's Juni and Rosa at the swings in Dolores Park.


And here's Miss Rosa in the spinny tea-cups at the Eureka Valley Rec Center. She really got herself spinning, completely by accident I think!


And finally, another cute box picture. Rosa sure loves boxes.