20 December 2005 (4 months 10 days)

It's been a month of big changes in our little boy. And I mean big. He weighs nearly 19 pounds now, which is larger than 97% of kids his age. He's also nearly 27 inches tall, which is similarly off the charts. What's really impressive though is his strength and alertness. He's no passive baby, he wants to know what's going on around him and how to get involved. Unless he's asleep, which happens often. At least during the day.

Hanging out with Uncle Chris and Sam.

He really started figuring out his fingers this month, as well as how to kick. Hard.

Playing with the spider -- 5MB

More playing with the spider -- 3MB

At some point early in the month he became strong enough that he can keep his head up indefinitely while arranged in almost any position. He's always been able to do it for a little while, but now it seems like no issue. He's also able to stand for long periods. He doesn't have much balance, but he can do it on his own if you let him hold your fingers, at least for a little while. He's also learned to eat like a big boy. Since birth he's always been interested in food and eager to taste new things; now he can actually crunch on them and get a stomach-ful.

The first week of December we flew down to San Francisco to see some friends and family, as well as attend a large scientific meeting. This would be Turner's third such large meeting, in addition to numerous other talks and small meetings.

Sunrise in the Fairbanks airport. It's 11AM.

Coolest kid on the beach...

We met up with high school friends John Stella (and son Niko) and Jon Roman while there.

10,000 scientists and 1 baby got badges to this meeting.

Across the street was a nice carousel, perfect for playing hookey.

There was also an aquarium across the street. Turner was impressed.

He made lots of friends in the big coral tank.

Saying hi to his friends -- 2MB

Time to go back to work...

We had beautiful weather while there. It was warm enough that his spit didnt even freeze.

The chicks were lined up around the corner to see him, but he only had eyes for his mom's breasts.

Is it over yet?

After the meeting, we went to the zoo with the Robersons, and their dog Spot.

Turner: "Just eight seconds on this thing and I'll be famous"

Dad: "Just eight seconds in that cage and you'll be lunch..."

Uncle Scott, test driving. We should have checked his license first...

After the zoo, we stayed at Scott's place. They had a fancy Christmas party there which we crashed.

Turner: "I look bigger on TV."

Mom: "OK, time to go back up the chimney, see you in next year!"

Alessandro: "Only in America..."

Turner: "Don't even think of taking my fork"

Finally it was time to go back home. It was an adventure and sausage filled trip, but it was nice to be back home again, with concrete sidewalks replaced with snowy trails and skyscrapers replaced by black spruce.

Turner: "I wish I knew how to whistle"

Christmas Tree shopping, Fairbanks style.

Matt: "Move over Turner, I'm getting in"

All that hiking get's him hungry -- 5 MB

And more hungry -- 1.5 MB

A neighborhood confab, at one of the few times we seem to all be in town.

Party mayhem -- 3MB

Finally strong enough to take on Mr. Green Monkey Frog -- after a smash to the head with the toy and kick to the stomach it was all over.

Turner: "Look out Rocky, you're next"