MLK Weekend

For her first MLK weekend, Bobcat explored the Pacific Northwest in Washington. She spent the weekend in a cabin up near the town of Glacier, WA with her parents and JP's climbing buddies. While dad went snowboarding at Mt. Baker Ski Area, Josie got to hang with another baby, try out cross country-skiiing inside a very warm puffy coat, and enjoy the ferns, firs, and cedars on a hike at Horseshoe Bend. Upon returning to civilization, the family caught up with old Seattle friends and took surprisingly few pictures of the events.

Waking up from a nap mid-hike in the Ergo

A brief stop at Pike's Place Market for a vegan snickerdoodle

Relishing in a post-brunch hug from KP

Bobcat loved meeting all those new old friends in Seattle so much that she made JP and Annie promise they would return soon. Viva Seattle Tacoma!

Trekking and Toothing

Since the passing of her sixth month Bobcat has been given permission to test the vigor of her neck muscles in new ways. Now that she is sitting up with partial support, Annie and JP decided it was high time to take a hike with Josie in her Kelty kid carrier. The whole family rounded up a few friends and set out to climb Cowles Mountain, a popular San Diego hike.

Josie instantly loved being in the catbird seat. She spent most of the walk babbling and taking in the scenery. She cried for the last 30 minutes most likely out of boredom.

This was a common occurrence.

Bobcat has recently gotten the knack of pulling hats off her head, but she had some difficulty removing her sunhat. Instead she would just get it stuck around her eyes. Eventually, Annie gave up and let the kid make some vitamin D.

"Hey, I can see the mall from up here!"

This morning Annie set out to document the appearance of the tooth. Josie keeps her pearly white well-covered, but, after many Bigfoot-esque shots, she gave in.

Bobcat's surprisingly sharp fang

Crying because her lil chopper is lonely

Goodbye, Gummy Grins

Yesterday at the tender age of 7 months 3 days old, Bobcat sprouted her first tooth. She's keeping it very well-hidden so no photo evidence for now.

And Then She Kissed Me!

Every new parent's heart must break a little bit when they find out that those sleepy little newborn grins are "just gas." Egos are quickly assuaged when the little bugger makes eye contact and gives those first big grins. Four months later, the kid has been smiling at strangers in the store, cats, and the ceiling. Ho-hum.

And then you get kissed! Suddenly you and your baby are wearing matching aprons and twirling arm in arm surrounded by wildflowers and green hills and snow-capped mountains and dancing unicorns!

Last month at a Christmas party, a friend's daughter was making kissy faces at Josie when she suddenly grabbed both of the girl's cheeks and planted a big ol' smooch on her nose. Mom caught on very quickly to the 12-year-old's techniques and has been soliciting pecks for a few weeks now.

But, this morning [cue dramatic orchestral crescendo] Annie was the proud recipient of an unsolicited kiss! Annie pulled Josie out of her crib and was about to pass her off to JP when Josie dug her needle-sharp claws into Annie's face and SMACK!

JP continues to be crestfallen each time Josie avoids his kisses, but she did say, "I love Da-Da!" last week. Besides, them whiskers tickle!

Now you non-parents might think a baby smooch looks like this:

About to pucker up?

But in reality, babies have no kissing skills. They are wet, open-mouthed, and expectant like those ewie seventh grade firsts. Unless the kisses are from your own baby. Then they are totally dancing unicorn awesome.

Like this

The Snow Was Over My Head

Bobcat and her parents arrived in Edinboro without incident on Christmas Eve. She continues to be a happy traveler although she is less willing to sleep through the entire flight.

All the Johansen siblings and cousins were present to celebrate the white, then wet, then white again Christmas. Josie experienced her first snowfall and freezing temperatures. The weather didn't phase her. She was happy to stay holed up at the homestead.

Keeping her gums warm on a wintry walk. Note Dad's "Dumb and Dumber" haircut courtesy of the Millcreek Mall.

Josie was very enthusiastic about her furry cousins Louie and Dixie. They are cuddlier than her cat friends in San Diego. Josie couldn't really get into Louie's short coat, but she loved the sniffs he doled out.

"Any squash or apple bits on that face for me?"

Dixie has a much fuzzier, grabable coat and, due to her larger size, was easier to get the grip of.

Scent of a Bobcat

The Steelers beat the Ravens, but Josie isn't convinced they can make it to a wildcard spot. It has been a disappointing season. The yelling will not be missed.

Showcasing her bulging tooth bumps

Josie attended many parties of friends, family, and neighbors. She just loves meeting new people. Mom and Dad are super stoked that the Bobcat still retains her ability to pass out in her car seat while the party rolls on.

Watching the family eat falafel at Moe's in Edinboro

Cousin Avery was happy to be reunited with Josie. They entertain one another despite their different sizes, temperaments, and mobilities. Avery crawls away as fast as anyone will let her, whereas Josie is rewarded for her lack of crawlitude. Rather than athleticism, Bobcat's focus has been on her verbal stylings. It appears that Daddy is the favorite -- or maybe just the letter "D".