Sunday, June 8

Wow, the heat! I am beating these hot and humid days by just staying indoors, but I have missed my walks and outside time. Today, I took lots of little cat naps and enjoyed some time in my bouncy seat--see my video.

Friday, June 6

Eight weeks old today! It has been a busy week with Mom back at work, but I have been loving my time with Moppy and Pop. This week has been all about my hands. I move them up close to my eyes to watch them. Or, I try to fit them in my mouth. I am becoming more controlled with my movements; however, I still often end up bonking myself in the eye or head from time to time.

Monday, June 2

A quick review of my sixth week of life--it was a big one! I started smiling and sometimes they are big long grins. I coo and talk a lot. I interact more with those around me, keeping more eye contact for longer. I can follow objects, and this week my favorite was a red block. I enjoy tummy time (see my picture). I am blowing bubbles. I had my longest stretch of sleep at night--four hours, but I only did that once! I still like my stroller and walks, but after a bit, I just want to be held. So, I have been cutting my walks short lately. And, I like to use my legs, kicking and standing. Boy, what a week. I am tired!

Saturday and Sunday, May 31 and June 1

What a beautiful weekend. Even though a crazy storm swept through on Saturday afternoon, we enjoyed a cool evening and more time outside. Our nearby rose garden is in full bloom. The sight and smell of the garden please all of us, especially me. On Sunday, we had a wonderful visit from the Booth family. We enjoyed more time in the park, including a wonderful picnic lunch, treats from the ice cream man, an inventive frisbee game, and Dylan accidently falling into the stream. I slept or ate through most all of that!

Friday, May 30

Happy 7 weeks to me! I had another great time with Moppy and Pop, while my parents were working. My mom was only gone a few hours, so we hosted pals, Christine and Elise, later in the afternoon. Here I am pictured with Elise, who so eloquently called me "baby" and pointed out my body parts. More smiles and grins today, and twice I rolled over (with some slight help from Moppy)!

Thursday, May 29

This week there were some big changes in my life. I am just feeling more comfortable in my skin. Today, Mom had to go back to work (she agreed to finish out the school year). Luckily, Moppy and Pop are available to be my caregivers. They say I was an angel while my mom was away. I did lots of smiling, which is something I just started. In fact, it was Moppy and Pop that really got me going. And, I am doing more cooing, as well as just enjoying my awake time. I spent a lot of time outside with Moppy and Pop, including a short nap taken with Pop. In the evening, Moppy, Mom, and I took a nice walk through the rose garden to finish out our wonderful day. All of this led to a good night's sleep quickly interrupted just three times for a snack.

Monday, May 26

Happy Memorial Day! I think I cooed today!

Saturday, May 24

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! It is a beautiful weekend here in Northern Virginia. We have a variety of activities planned, including a visit from the Shaw family (here I am pictured with Jacob) and lots of outside time. It was fun to take the Shaws to the park and rose garden. However, I think I have had an upset tummy these last few days though getting better. If only I could talk! I have been doing a lot of grunting and making vowel sounds--just want to be heard. I have become quite vocal in the past week. Still no big smiles, but mommy sees the smile in my eyes. And, often as I drift off to sleep dreaming of milk and breasts, I smirk and sideways grin. I am going to have a great smile one of these days. Be patient. I am doing a great job holding my head up--I can do that for quite a few seconds. I am six weeks old!

Tuesday, May 20

I can not deny it--I only like to sleep on my stomach. In fact, today I rolled myself over from my side and settled myself on my stomach and fell right to sleep. This happened all in the matter of minutes while my mom went to the kitchen to get a bowl of cereal. One minute I was fussing because I was left on my back, and then there was silence. I simply propelled myself over and put myself to sleep. I then slept soundly for the next two and half hours, even once my mom moved me to my car seat for a quick trip to Babies 'r Us for a few supplies. Here in this picture, I am once again in my favorite position--this time with Dad for a short evening snooze.

Sunday, May 18

What a big weekend! Grandma and Grandpa Ashley came to visit. Of course, they thought I was cute! And, it was great to spend time with them. We had a cookout and went for a long walk in the park and rose garden. It was a beautiful Saturday. On Sunday, we had to say good bye to Grandma and Grandpa after a took a nap in Grandma's arms. Later this evening we went out to Dad's favorite local restaurant, La Union--my first evening out! The rain cleared so we walked there, and I stayed in my stroller most of the time. Mom and Dad ate quickly once I woke up and got a little restless (when I am in my stroller, I want to move, of course). I think I am going to like that place! I had another "first"--I took a bottle of some breast milk. Mom tried pumping for the first time in preparation for going back to school for a few days to close out the school year. After a few tries with the bottle at inopportune times, I finally settled down with Daddy after a fairly successful bath and eating a bit with Mom. I gulped down the little bit of milk! I think I am ready for bed. Good night!

Friday, May 16

I have enjoyed a few successful outings in the last two days. Last night I went to my first book club. While my mom says that she will usually go without me, I got to tag along last night. I must say it was a bit boring, as all the ladies did was talk and laugh. I just hung out and ate most of the evening. Then today, my mom and I went to our first Starbucks Mommy and Me morning. We met four other moms with their sons. All boys! All of the babies were between three and five months. It was exciting to see what I will be doing in just a short time. All the moms say to enjoy every day!

Wednesday, May 14

Today I had my one month doctor's appointment, and I am happy to report that I am gaining good weight. I weigh 10 lbs. and 4 ozs. My mom is not surprised since I eat all of the time! All else checked out well, and the doctor is pleased with my progress. Then, I had to get my HepB vaccine, which ruined the rest of my day. But, really, I just let out one scream and then started nursing, which soothed me. Mommy then drove around in the car for a while to calm me more. After then sleeping most of the afternoon, that shot is a distant memory. To the right is my official one month; the plan is to take a monthly pic in the same location so we can track my growth.

Sunday, May 11 - My One Month Birthday and Mother's Day!

What a day! It started with breakfast from Starbucks and gifts for my mom. Dad and I treated her especially well today. We then went to the Haarhoff's for another Mother's Day celebration. It was great to see all of my cousins, and I finally got to meet my only other male cousin, Jack. I was passed around and had a lot of awake time as there was so much to see and listen to! I was so wide-eyed and eager to get to know my family better, especially my cousins. However, Ella did not want to have much to do with, but that is okay. Maybe when I can walk and talk, we can play. Here I am pictured with my cousins, Keelyn and Eva. Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms out there!

Saturday, May 10

Well, the weather cleared for a few evening hours. So, I got bundled up for the cool, pleasant evening and took a walk with my parents. Other than that, I spent a lot of quality time with my dad, so mom could sleep in and then go and get a Mother's Day pedicure. We hung out and watched movies and played together. What a fun day!

Thursday, May 8

It rained today for the first time in a week, so we missed our outside time and walks. However, we compromised and walked through Target. My mom says that I will get to know this store well, as it is one of her favorites. Other than that, it was a quiet, peaceful day as we watched the rain fall.

Tuesday, May 6

At 25 days old, I experienced my first earthquake! Pretty exciting. While only registering 1.8, my mom and I definitely heard the boom and then felt the house shake for a few seconds. Little did we know it was an actual earthquake until the news reported it later in the evening. Otherwise, I had a bit of a fussy day until I tired myself out by 6 o'clock and slept the evening away.

Monday, May 5

Happy Cinco de Mayo. We passed on the margaritas this year! Instead, I was 'tortured' with another bath, which my parents insist on every other evening. I continue to find no pleasure in them whatsoever. Otherwise, it was another beautiful spring day here in Arlington, which meant time outside and a trip to Starbucks. My mom also got a new baby product today--the Moby Sling. I tolerated it for about 40 minutes, but I know my mom enjoyed having her hands free. Hopefully, I will grow accustomed to it over time; it is nice to be so close to my mommy.

Sunday, May 4

What another beautiful day! I am clearly a morning person. Mom and I just sat outside this morning on our patio listening to the breezes and birds, sipping coffee, and feeling quite relaxed. We took full advantage of this lovely day with lots more time outside. One of our walks included a trip to Westover for ice cream--a vanilla milk shake, one of my favorites. Today also included fun visitors. Troy and Andrew stopped over at lunchtime, and then three of Mom's book club friends brought over dinner. It is great to meet all of these nice people!

Saturday, May 3

What a beautiful day! We took a long walk this morning, which may be the reason for my very sleepy afternoon. My new favorite sleeping place is my mom's chest (sometimes she is even able to doze off).

Thursday, May 1

What a great day! I am feeling more comfortable in my own skin and becoming more settled. Mom thinks I have grown lots this week. My day's highlights included a trip to the grocery store and Starbucks, a walk to Mace Park, and rappin' with my dad which made me smile!