Big Time Blake

I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record; in fact, I'm starting to feel like a broken record -- but Blake is getting big! So big, in fact, he's more of a little man. See for yourself.

big enough to try eating with a spoon on his own


big enough to get concerned about the Giants and don his rally cap



even big enough to go down the slide on his own!

We've still got a lot to look forward to, of course. Blake certainly has BIG shoes to fill!

The Great Outdoors

Perhaps I should have called this blog Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

This past weekend, Blake, Ryan and I went to the Sacramento Zoo. Blake and Ryan got us a family pass for Mother's Day. I am not sure who had more fun watching what: Blake watching all the animals, or Ryan and I watching Blake and his big, wide eyes.





A few days before the zoo, I took Blake for his first trip to the local park with the giant playground. Blake was also quite wide-eyed here. You can tell by this first pic, he doesn't know where to start.

It didn't take him long though. Soon, he was crawling all over the jungle gym, touching anything he could reach.







Forget the jungle gym, part of the fun was just watching all the other kids have fun.



There are plenty of playground features Blake is still too little for. The slide for instance.




Then there are the playground features that are just his size!





Check him out now. This hole was Blake's favorite part.





Between the zoo and the park, it was quite the fun week. Good thing we got all that in before the Sunday hail storm.



I hope that's the only picture on this blog that is not a sign of the fun summer still to come.

Mommy Knows Best

Mother's Day 2011 was very low-key. Blake got to see both of his grandmothers the day before.

Here's Blake with his favorite Nana in Stockton. They have matching smiles!


I neglected to take any pictures later that night when Blake got to spend time with both his Gramma and his GG (Great Grandma). But I do have a recent vacation pic of Blake with Grandma Lynne. Aaaaaawww.


As for the actual holiday, we did what I wanted to do most (besides sleep in): we spent the day at home as a family. Here's Blake and me at dinner time, a delicious meal thanks to Dad.



Yes, Mommy definitely knows best. Mother's Day 2011 was perfectly relaxing, and I continue to think how much of an amazing difference a year makes.

Mothers' Day 2010

Swinging Into Spring

No doubt about it, spring has sprung. And thanks to his Aunt Katy, Blake is enjoying this spring with his new swing! As to why I haven't blogged in a while, I'm going to blame all the nice spring weather. And the Beckers have been busy.

As a lot of you may know, we took a family vacation with my parents, sister and one of her friends. The 7 of us went on a cruise to Mexico for a week. As evidenced by the following pictures, Blake thought the whole trip was
muy bueno!



He got to sport some cool shades, and enjoy the sun.



Blake had his first encounter with sand...



... but he wasn't so sure about the ocean.



Blake much preferred to be poolside.


Or even in the pool with his new floatie.


Sometimes he got pretty tired. But no worries, he always found a place to sleep.


Blake slept particularly well overnight, mostly because the Becker cabin didn't have any windows. But Gramma and Papa's cabin did, so Blake stared at the sea from the inside.


Besides looking out the window, Blake also got to try some fine dining.


One time in Puerto Vallarta, he saddled right up to the bar!


Most of all, Blake loved being surrounded by all the people who paid so much attention to him.


El fin

Birthday Cake Walk

If you couldn't tell from the title, this blog has two themes: walking and birthday cake. It's official: Blake walks. In the past two days, this kid has learned to get around on his own two feet. Everywhere.

He also loves to sit and play in his new chair. Yes, his birthday chair.

Oh! And pics from his 1st birthday party:

The Big ONE

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY, BLAKE!

One year ago today, Ryan's and my life changed forever. I suppose Blake's did also. There's a lot about that day I'd like to forget, some of which I already have. But the one thing I do remember is looking into Ryan's eyes as I lay on the operating table, and asking "Is he OK?" and "What's his name?" A few minutes later, I finally met my son, Blake Thomas Becker.

(Remember how he came out with a squishy nose? How cute!)

He's become such a great little kid. I have a hard time even calling him a baby anymore, although I suppose, for fear of sounding trite, he'll always be my baby.

One big announcement -- Blake has officially taken his first steps. He's not really walking yet, but he's definitely taking baby steps, 4 or 5 at a time on his own. I'm sure it won't be long before he's running all over the place. You can tell he definitely loves to try.

Something else he loves? Eating. Especially breakfast (just like his Mom!) So Ryan and I took him to the Pancake Circus this morning for a birthday breakfast. MMMMMmmmmm.





We'll be celebrating more this weekend with family and friends. A party brought to you by the letter B: a Becker Backyard Birthday Bash with Burgers and Beer. And most importantly, of course, Blake. I promise a blog full of pictures.

But for now, a look at the past 12 months as our little baby Blake has turned into an amazing little boy.

One Year


Eleven Months


Ten Months


Nine Months



Eight Months


Seven Months


Six Months


Five Months

















Four Months


Three Months


Two Months


One Month


One Day