Cullen likes blocks

We got Cullen a couple of new toys a few weeks ago, and these plastic blocks in different colors and shapes have been a hit. It's worth celebrating because it can be fairly overwhelming looking in the toy aisles, trying to guess what might keep your little one occupied for more than a few minutes.

Cullen Works the Crowd!

Over Easter weekend, Cullen gave quite a performance. He's been working on a one man show that he might take on the road -- off Broadway, most likely. It might even come to a coffee shop near you. The debut performance was offered to select VIPs, but all generations were represented -- parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

Can you tell which famous story he's acting out here?


Cullen was very, very excited about the laughter and applause he generated. It seems he's learning to enjoy the attention!

After the show he took time to pose for a picture:

Cullens Speaks!

So to speak.

This is how Cullen says, "Daddy, Daddy!" (Alternatively: "Mommy, Mommy!")

First, he grabs the cloth (himself!) and covers his face:


Next, he quickly uncovers his face:

What he expects (and receives) are squeals of delight and something like "I see you!" or "There's Cullen!!"

This might seem like a classic game of peek-a-boo. No, it's more! It was quite amazing to me that Cullen was doing this when I wasn't looking, in order to get my attention. I'm used to being in charge of when and how we interact, but now he's finding ways to tug at the pantleg and say, "Daddy, Daddy! Play with me!"

It's very touching.

I'm calling the local newspaper. I think they'll be interested in this unique and amazing story.

Book Club

Cullen and I like reading together. He's a very hands-on reader. He also likes pictures.

Here's a picture of us reading "Thoughts for Young Men" by 19th century bishop J.C. Ryle. Thanks to Leslie for the book!

Invitation:

Speaking of which: A friend and I are currently recruiting others for our latest reading project, in which we're going to read a well-reviewed book by Jerry Bridges called "Respectable Sins." You can read reviews and order Bridges' book at a little site I've discovered here.

We're going to read two chapters per week and post summaries/thoughts on our church's blog. We're calling the project "Blogging Bridges." If you'd like to read along (and discuss along), please let me know. Cullen and I are already signed up!

UPDATE: Cullen just woke up after sleeping 13 hours. I hope there's a chapter in this book on "sloth"!

Measuring Up, Part Four: Bear With Me

As you may know, we have been measuring Cullen's growth in comparison with his bear. We do this every week...or weeks....or months. We last checked in with the bear in, ummmm, October:

(October 9, 2007)

Notice the bear's quiet confidence in the picture above. But now look at today's picture:

(March 18, 2008)

Now notice the bear's worried expression, in comparison with Cullen's confident smile!

Stay tuned! At this rate, we should have our next "Measuring Up" post sometime around 2013.