Grass

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to let you all know that I really don't like the green stuff called "grass". It feels weird on my hands and feet and I would just rather not have to deal with the stuff.

On Saturday we went to Aunt Debbie and Unlce Jim's house to celebrate Matt's graduation from college. (yay, Matt). While we were there, we played on a blanket on the lawn. Whenever I got near the edge, I felt the "grass". Yucky. It freaked me out. Uncle Sean made me sit on the green stuff and it was all I could do to try and get my feet off the ground!

That is all for now.
Maxers

On the Move

Hi all, Max here.

Guess what? I can crawl now! I have been moving around quite a bit by rolling over and scooting. But a couple of days ago, right before my 8 month birthday in fact, I decided I was going to crawl just like Callie has been showing me. I can get all around the house now! It is so fun; I follow Mommy and Daddy everywhere. Mommy is a bit worried about me getting into things now, but I promised her that I will be good!


Crawling

Mommy and Daddy and I went to the Greek Festival on Thursday. They had yummy food that I wasn't allowed to have yet. Maybe next year! There were quite a few people there. We didn't stay too long since it was getting close to my bed time.

Speaking of bed time: I have a new game that I like to play. It is called "I am going to stay awake and annoy mommy with all my squirming". She tries to hold me still so I will go to sleep, but I just don't want to sleep! I like being awake and seeing everything!

Well that is all for now!

lots of love,
Max

Swimming, kind of

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to share some pictures of me and my daddy in the pool at Grandma and Grandpa's house. These are a couple of weeks old, but Mommy just loaded them up onto the computer.

I wasn't really swimming, in fact, I only liked it when Daddy was holding me. It is kinda like a bath, but no soap and I have clothes on. Mommy called them my swimming trunks.

Hope you enjoy the pictures. I will try to post again very soon!

Love,

Maximillian

Max

Hi, all, Max here.

I am writing to let all of you know that I am well and having a good life so far and looking forward to much more. I have done so many things and seen so many people since my last entry, that I couldn't possibly list them all without forgetting someone, so I am just letting you all know I appreciate all of the love and smiles that you give to me.

I have enjoyed traveling where I have traveled and miss you all when I am not there. If you don't believe me, just ask my mommy and daddy; they will tell you.

Hopefully, this blog will tide you all over until next time.

Thanks, again, and I love you all.

Love,


Max

Visitors and Visiting

Hi All. Max here.

Sorry this post has been a long time coming. I have been a very busy boy! Last Saturday my mommy and daddy's friends, Mikey and Leyla came for a visit. Mikey flies airplanes and Leyla is a kitten doctor! They are both very nice; I can see why they are friends of mommy and daddy. We visited for a while then we went to dinner. Unfortunatley, we had a flat tire on the way to dinner and we had to get it fixed. It was kind of a strange visit, but I hope that Mikey and Leyla didn't mind too much. I know mommy wished their visit wasn't quite so eventful.


Me and Mikey

Then the next day Yia Yia and Papou came to visit! I was so happy to see them! Papou helped Daddy fix the battery in the truck and Mommy and Yia Yia spent time with me. Then we all went to lunch at the Chinese restaurant. Papou got his food spicy and it may have been a bit too spicy.

Then on Thursday Grandma and Grandpa came over and watched me while mommy and daddy cleaned up the basement. Mommy said it was a clean sweep. They got a lot done but there is still more to do. Mommy says it is much better already!

On Saturday we went to visit Uncle Sean, Aunt Megan and Cailyn. I don't think Cailyn likes me much. Everytime I tried to start a conversation, she started to cry. It was kinda funny. I have to say that I didn't like it much when my mommy was playing with her and holding her instead of me. I guess I have to learn to share mommy too, not just my toys!

Mommy also wants me to mention that I can now pull myself up to my knees while in my crib.

Mommy also wants me to mention that I am sorry about how my pictures are posting. They are all out of order!

love to all,
Maximillian

Hi all,

Just wanted to post some pics.

Hope you enjoy them!

love,
Maximillian


Being Silly

Me and Callie 

Saying Hi 

Check-up

Hi All, Max here.

Yesterday was my 6.5 month check up with Doctor Guru. He is a funny man that makes lots of strange noises to get my attention. I showed him, though, I just ignored him. I made it a little hard for him to look at my ears, but mommy asked me to let him take a look, so I decided to let him.

I now weigh 19 pounds and 12 ounces and am 29 inches long. I am becoming a big boy! Overall, my appointment went well!

Last night there was a big thunderstorm here. There was lots of lightening and thunder. The noise scared me and Callie a little bit, but mommy just held us close and told us not to worry. Mommy is so sweet. I love her!

love out to everyone!
until later,
Maximillian

I was Baptized!

On Saturday I was baptized at the Greek Orthodox Church. It was a very stressful day for me and Mommy. Daddy seemed pretty cool the whole day. My Nona Nia did a very good job trying to keep me calm, but I just wanted my mommy to hold me. During the baptism, I had to get undressed and take a bath with olive oil all over me. I really didn't get that part of the whole thing, but my skin is so soft now! I also got to take my first communion on Saturday. By the time it came for communion I was completely worn out; I just went to sleep in Nona Nia's arms! I was so tired the rest of the day! But I decided to put off napping until bedtime. Why waste the day sleeping?

I have to say I had a very good time with my family! It was so good to see my Marion relatives that I don't get to see that often. I hope that I get to see them again real soon. I love them all so much!!


Baptized!

Keepin' Clean

I love bath time!

Mommy and Daddy said I should post this picture beacause I am so cute.

I don't know about that, but I sure know I like the water. I can't wait to go swimming like the fishies.

Callie likes water, too; she always beats me into the tub. She never stays long, though. That's all right, though. More water for me.

Bath time rocks!!!!

Talk to you all soon.

Max

I'm Still Here

Hi, folks, Max here.

I just wanted to let you all know that I am still here but have been really busy helping Mommy and Daddy sell their house and buy a new one. I have had several adventures to Grandma and Grandpa's house and other places around town.

Mommy and Daddy like to drive around a lot and go shopping.

I have to go take a nap now, but never fear, I will have a more exciting entry soon.

Until then, I will be thinking of all of you.


Maximillian

Easter Weekend Part Deux

What up, Homies? Max here.

This past weekend I celebrated my second Easter. This time it was the Orthodox celebration. Mommy and Daddy didn't try to take me to church this time, because Mommy said it was too late to go. She said I am still too little this year to go, but we might try it next year. I can't wait; she said that there is alot of pretty singing and candles to look at. And lots of flowers, too.

What I did get to do is hang out with my Yia Yia and Papou. And my Thea Sophia and Uncle Craigory and Uncle John. I also got to see my Nona Nia and lots of cousins and great aunts and great uncles. I have such a huge family! Boy, am I lucky.

Yia Yia and Mommy gave me a bath in the big person tub. It was lots of fun; I got to splish splash alot. There was a lot more water than there is in my tub here. I am really beginning to love my bathtime.

Mommy wants me to mention, too, how I am now able to sit up on my own! She says it is quite an accomplishment for someone my age. I can roll over too, but now that I can sit up, I don't see much point in that anymore. Mommy says that I will be learning to do all sorts of things in the next few months.

Represent,
Max

Happy Birthday Callie!

Hi All, Max here.

In honor of Callie's first birthday, I am going to list all her special names. Mommy and Daddy call them Nicknames.

Her given name is Callie Gack Ries. (rhymes with "alley cat")

Her nicknames:

Callie Wallie {Wallie rhymes with Callie}
Callie Walliest
Callie Walliest of Them All
Kitten
Kitten Witten
Sweet Sweets
Callipers

Today to celebrate her birthday, Callie is sleeping in my bed. She has left it long enough to eat and go potty. She is a very funny kitten and we love her very much.


me and the birthday girl

In other news...

Mommy and Daddy are trying to find me a new room. They say that I will have one to myself and so will Callie. They said that someone else is going to live in this house now.

We went to see lots of houses so far. There is one very pretty one that Mommy loves, but it isn't in the best location. Daddy says "location, location, location" all the time. I don't know what he means by it, but I think Mommy is a bit sad since the house she likes doesn't have a good one. There is another one that has good location, but a really ugly kitchen. Mommy says she is thinking about it, but she just doesn't know yet. It is a very hard decision because I have to grow up in a new house and it has to be a good and safe place to be.

Mommy and Daddy have some hard thinking to do.

I'll keep you updated on the house.

love to all
Maximillian

To the Doctor

Hi All. Max here.

Today was my 4 month check up with Doctor Guru. Overall, it was a very good appointment. Mommy said I was a trooper.

First, the nurse weighed me (16lbs 12 ozs) and measured me (27 inches). Then, Doctor Guru came to see me and he said that I was such a cutie. He did all these listening things with the thing he had plugged into his ears. He listened to my front and my back and then he did it all over again. He also used a flash light thing to look at my eyes and ears. He said everything looked perfect. He tapped my legs and arms too. Mommy said he was just checking my reflexes. He also tickled my belly and checked my hips. Mommy said that was so he can see if my belly was working right and to make sure that my hips are nice and strong. He was glad, too, that I am trying to rollover and can sit up with a little help from Mommy and Daddy. He said that my back is nice and straight. Doctor Guru said that I have a sweet smile that is just for Mommy. He was right, but I do like to share my smiles.

Next, the nurse came back and she had to give me my shots. Mommy warned me about them all week. Two in one leg and one in the other. Mommy kept really close to me and she had my wormy with me too. The shots were quick so I only cried a little; with Mommy there I knew that it was okay, so I didn't have to cry for long. I just told Mommy that I better not have to have to many of those and she told me just a few more times. Alright, I said. But I will be honest with you all, I would rather they be done sooner than later!

Mommy said that I did a very good job. This evening I have been feeling pretty good, but tired. Mommy said to celebrate my taking my shots so well, I can try some rice cereal in a week or two. I'm not sure what it is, but she said it will be yummy with my milk.

Until next time,
Love,
Maximillian

A Trip to Marion

Hi All, Max here.

Mommy, Daddy and I went to Marion this weekend to visit my Yia Yia and Papou. We had so much fun.

First, we stopped at a place called McDonald Financial, but they didn't sell any hamburgers or chicken mcnuggets. Mommy said she used to work there. It is called an office. All the people there were really nice and excited to see me. Oh yeah, they were happy to see Mommy and Daddy, too. We visited there for a little while, but we had to get to Yia Yia and Papou's! I couldn't wait too much longer to see them.

When we got to Yia Yia and Papou's, Yia Yia gave me big hugs! I loved being there with her. Then Papou came home and he asked me "Where have you been?" He is funny, he forgets, I guess, that I was at home!

Yia Yia, Mommy, Daddy and I went to the mall for a walk on Friday night and a little shopping. Then on Saturday, Uncle Craigory and Thea Sophia came. They are so funny. Uncle Craigory even changed my diape diape. He did a good job. He gets better and better each time.

On Saturday night, there was lots of water in Yia Yia and Papou's basement. Mommy said it wasn't supposed to be there. Papou stayed up most of the night with a pump to get rid of the water. Then on Sunday morning the big men called plumbers came and they worked for a long time to get rid of the clog. It finally came loose. Thank goodness!

Uncle John and Carrie came home too. They brought me a funny lamb that baa baas. Sometimes it even sings "Old McDonald". Old McDonald doesn't sell hamburgers or chicken mcnuggets either. Mommy said just as well, I probably won't get to eat there anyway.

We left Marion with full bellies and clean diape diapes.

When we got home, Callie was so happy to see us. She rubbed her head all over my feet and hands. She missed me that much! She really is the sweetest kitten ever!

With lots of love,
Maximillian


Me, Yia Yia, Thea Sophia, Uncle John and Carrie

Good Road Trip

Yesterday was a good day. Mommy and Daddy and I went to Bob Evans for breakfast and then we went to see my Grammy and Grampy Marsteller. They have a really nice house on a lake that even has a waterfall!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really enjoyed visiting with them. Mommy and Daddy had fun, too. They ate pie with Grammy and Grampy. Grampy is a big guy; bigger even than daddy, and Grammy is sooooo sweet. I look forward to seeing them again soon. I am sooooo lucky to have so many people to visit and who love me.

Take care,

Max

Easter Weekend Part I

What a great weekend I had. First of all, Daddy is home for Spring Break. I don't quite know what he is supposed to be breaking, but as long as he is home with Mommy and me, I am happy.

Friday we went out to lunch as a family to a place called French Street Cafe. It was a nice place. Then we went home where Mommy started to not feel well. She said it wasn't the food but a bug. I don't like bugs then if they make my Mommy feel bad. Mommy made quesadillas and then I went to bed.

Saturday was fun, too. Although Mommy had to go to work. I missed her a lot, though I do like having fun with Daddy. Mommy came home and fed me my lunch; she still wasn't feeling that well. Then Daddy and I played some more Halo2 while we waited for Daddy and Mommy's friends, Felicia and Amanda. After they showed up, we all went to Chef Peng's for lunch. I had a good time there, too. We got home and Mommy was home!!!! She didn't feel well and had come home early from work. She got out of bed to visit with Felicia and Amanda, though. Felicia is funny: she took like 100 pictures of me. I don't know how to count but that number seems right.
After they left, Mommy and Daddy got food from a place called the Outback. It smelled good. Mommy and Daddy seemed to enjoy it. We watched a movie called The Day After Tomorrow. Mommy and I fell asleep before it was over. Daddy said he liked it more than he thought he would. Wow was I tired.

Easter Sunday arrived!!! Yayy, Jesus! Daddy and Mommy told me the Easter bunny stopped by but didn't leave me any eggs to find or chocolate to eat because I can't eat either. Well, that's okay because Grandma Ries had gotten me an Easter basket. take that Easter Bunny. Bock Bock.

I wasn't sad for long, though, because I go to go to church with Daddy since Mommy didn't feel well, she stayed home. We got to the church and I was happy to see that Grandma and Grandpa Ries, Great Aunt Nancy, Great Uncle Bill, and Great Grandma Williams were there. Daddy ate breakfast with them while I had a good time smiling at all the people who came to see me. Then Grandma Ries went to change my diape diape. I started to miss Mommy and couldn't help myself: I started to cry a lot. I even screamed. I know I was in church, but I missed my Mommy sooo much. Daddy ended up taking me home where I was happy to see Mommy and had my second breakfast.

Later, after Daddy got home, we went over to Grandma and Grandpa Ries's house. Where Great Uncle Ray and Great Uncle Bill and Great Aunt Peggy were there as well. Everyone one was there for a Happy Easter. Great Aunt Peggy brought me a stuffed orange Easter Bunny; I love it. Take that Easter Bunny. Bock Bock. I also love Great Grandma Williams's hands. They are fun to chew!!! Yummy. Well, after a big meal and lots of fun, everyone left, including us. I miss everyone and can't wait to see everyone again. I know I will see Grandma and Grandpa Ries soon, so I won't be too sad.

The best thing, though, is that in about four weeks I get to go celebrate Easter again with Yia Yia and Papou!!! Yayyy. How lucky am I that I get to celebrate Easter twice?!? The Easter Bunny has a second chance to bring me eggs and chocolate...Bock Bock.

Take care everyone. See you later. Max out!

Hi all, Max here,

Max's Busy Adventure Weekend:

This past weekend was a busy one for me. First of all, Daddy took me to a thing called Student Congress at a place called Boardman High School. I slept a lot but saw lots of older girls and boys. Then Daddy and I went home to see Mommy who was home from the library where she works. We were only there for a few minutes while I ate lunch before Daddy swept me up and into the car again.

We drove to a place called the Mall where I had a great time cruising around in my stroller. At the Mall it was Daddy's turn to have lunch. He got a piece of pizza and a cream soda. The pizza looked good. I can't wait until I can eat pizza.

Do you think that was enough for one day? Not even close, bud. Daddy then took me to visit Aunt Debbie, Uncle Jim, and cousin Sarah. I had a good time there. Uncle Jim is funny. Aunt Debbie, Sarah and Daddy colored Easter eggs. They were pretty. Then Daddy tried to feed me that evil bottle thing again. I don't know why they do that. I am starting to like the little bottle better, though. Maybe it isn't so evil after all.

If you think that was a big day, you won' t believe what happened next. Daddy took me home which was great because I thought I was going to be able to play in my jungle gym and play with Callie since I hadn't seen her all day, but then Mommy got home, and we were out the door into the car again. Whew.

I was really happy, though, because after a nap, I woke up at Uncle Sean, Aunt Megan, and Cailyn's house!!!! Yayyy. I got to see Jackson and Wiley and play with Cailyn. I got really tired, though, after a long day like that one, so I went to bed early.

The next day I got up and Mommy and Aunt Megan loaded me into Aunt Megan's car and took Cailyn and me to visit Auntie Marsha, and then took all of us to a place called a Baby Expo. I wasn't sure what that was, but it was a big place. I guess I am happy as long as I am with my Mommy.

Well, after a long visit to the Baby Expo and another car ride, I was at Aunt Megan and Uncle Sean's house again. The big people ate dinner, and it was into the car again and home.

I had a really busy weekend, but it was a fun-filled one. I can't wait to visit Cailyn again. She and I had a great time. If you don't believe me, check out the picture below. That's all for now, this bloggin' stuff is hard work. I think I will go take a nap. Good bye for now.

Love, Max


Cailyn and Me just chillin'

Shout out to all my friends and family

Shout out!

Hi all, Max here.

Just wanted to say hi to everyone. I am having a bit of a rough day for some reason. Can't put my finger on it though. Just don't want to sleep and I just feel like crying.

Mommy says that I am a morning person and since it isn't morning anymore, I guess I feel a bit sad. I should probably just go to sleep and that way morning will come quicker!

until next time,
love,
Maximillian