2009-01-05: Obviously, most of these pictures are technically from last month (also, year, but the decade is still right). Why wouldn't I put them in the December '08 section? Why not, indeed. For any pictures you want to print, just right click on them and select "save target as".

Here's Niklas thoroughly enjoying being able to scribble on the bathroom walls using some "you can scribble on bathroom walls with these" type crayons our neighbor Mrs. Clee gave him.

Even when traveling, Niklas is all about the rock.

Niklas and Cuddles make their triumphant return to the United States.

One thing Niklas loves about America is the easy access to doughnuts.

Niklas kicks off the stateside present opening at my Grandparents house.

Here are Niklas and the Godfather doing their best not to look at me. I WILL NOT BE IGNORED!

Niklas performs his rendition of Duke Ellington's "Ring Dem Bells".

Here's Niklas playing with a Little People parking garage that is significantly older than me.

So Niklas absolutely adored this hat which played music as well as lighting up and dancing about wildly. My opinion of the hat was apparently shared by Andrya's Uncle Dan.

Two year olds are similar to cats and dogs in that it is funny to put bows on their heads.

Here's Niklas with an Elmo laptop (thanks, Dan and Marsha!) that will hopefully help my current laptop escape the fate of its predecessor.

Niklas had a fabulous time playing with Andrya's cousin Kendra.

See? Fabulous.

Niklas takes a brief moment to relax before tearing into presents at his Grandma Vennard's house.

Niklas and Grandpa Meeker marker some stuff up but good.

Here's Niklas and his orange coat, who's horrific fate will be relayed later.

This is Andrya, Niklas and me at the Field Museum, which features all kinds of stuff a two year old shouldn't touch.

Niklas enjoys a good laugh despite the fact that he's in clear danger of being devoured by a dinosaur skeleton.

The highlight of the Field for Niklas was this painting of a bus. The man feels strongly about public transportation.

Niklas and Aaron tear some stuff up while Jared and I sit around in an old guy stupor.

At long, long last, this is the end of the present opening.

Here's Niklas looking good in some clothes he got from Dana and Jared. He likes to unzip the pullover and pretend it's 1977.

2009-01-29: My, it's been a while since there's been an update. This would be a good place to quote one of Niklas's favorite songs on the lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely, timeliness of it all, but that's actually I song I like that he doesn't really care for. "Out from the belly of a whale came a prophet, amem", then. For any pictures you want to print, just right click on them and select "save target as".

Here's Niklas waiting for Andrya's ferry to come in.

Niklas displays his mastery over creatures of the sea.

Mr. Potatohead provides boys the opportunity to create what they love the most - hideous mutants.

Do not cross Niklas or he will trample you.

I could've gone for a nap, but nobody asked me. Maybe I'll just go to sleep right now. That'll show 'em.

Here's Niklas dressed like Cully from the Phantoms. You probably don't know him, but yeah, it's dead on.

To my knowledge, Cully doesn't dress like this. To my knowledge.

Here's Niklas showing a bit of love for the local beach and possibly the Hartford Whalers.

Niklas proves himself to literally be the King Of Rock.

His Majesty contemplates his subjects from his lofty perch.