Six Weeks and Counting

Today I am six weeks old.

Nothing monumental to report...but my mom hasn't posted a batch of pictures in over a week (oh, the horror).

http://gallery.me.com/hannahrae#100104

Baby Einstein

Now, I realize that my son is only 5 1/2 weeks old...but he's quite accomplished.

He can talk.
He can play percussion instruments.
And he can hit the monkey.
Brilliant.


(P.S. What's with the weird, modal version of "Three Blind Mice??")

A Bad Habit

We're so proud.



(Pardon the nudity.)

Yom Kippur-ing

More "firsts." Today Munchkin celebrated his first holiday, and went to Grandma's house for the first time.

If you're interested, you can read about Yom Kippur here. Note: I can't tell you on which day we celebrated, because we didn't do it on the correct day. We also didn't wear white, I was wearing suede (and I'm pretty sure if you can't wear leather, you can't wear suede), bathed that day, AND put on deodorant. I'm a very bad Shiksa. :o)

But we did enjoy a lovely meal prepared by Munchkin's Grandma, played with Melanie (the cat), and listened to some baby lullabies.

Thanks, Grandma!

Weekend Update

This weekend was full of "firsts!" First real date for Bradley and Hannah, first time meeting Grandpa Bob and Grammie Val, first time taking the baby to the bar...I should back up. (For some reason, the "read more" link is missing, so click on "Weekend Update" to see the full post.)

On Friday, Bradley and I went to a schmancy dinner sponsored by WMS. We had been to the Cub game together the previous Wednesday (and yes, you can cue the dirge now), but this was our first "date night" since Munchkin's birth. Sadly, we didn't take any pictures of ourselves or our venue that evening, but suffice it to say that it was the best Patent Award Dinner we've attended so far. Great food, beautiful venue, inspiring speaker, and kickin' band.

The next day, Munchkin was introduced to his Grandpa Bob and Grammie Val for the first time. Dad, if you're reading this, forgive me, but I was shocked to see the two of them interact so seamlessly. I've never seen my father hold an infant--ever--so it cracked me up to watch him wiggle Munchkin's toes, and make "octopus fingers" over his eyes (trying to get him to track?). He didn't change a diaper, but we're visiting in December, so there's still time. :o)

So, on Saturday evening, we all got a hankerin' for a burger. (Pardon all my dropped "g's." I'm practicing my Palin imitation for my SNL debut.) And we thought to ourselves, "Selves: where can you find a good burger in Chicago?" Answer: a bar. Problem: there's a baby. Solution: take the baby to the bar--preferably before 9 PM. So, we did. We all headed out to Cullen's, snuggled into a booth in the back of the smoke-free pub and had ourselves some Irish cookin'. Auntie Abigail and I amused ourselves by repeating, "You have a baby...in a bar," (from Sweet Home Alabama) several times, and she gave Munchkin a bottle. Of milk, that is.

(And for the rest of you grandparents who are reading this thinking, "but she didn't post anything about me!"--don't worry...your time is a-comin'.)

Crafty Comrade

I love my friends.


To complement this bedding our good friend, "Auntie G," made this cross-stitch for the Munchkin. (The blurred out section is his name.) Crafty, eh?


It hangs in a previously naked spot on the wall. Thank you, Auntie G!!!

One Month

Birth Weight/Height: 8 lbs., 3 oz.; 20 inches
Four Weeks: 8 lbs., 10.2 oz.; 21 3/8 inches

Dear Munchkin,
As "10,000 Maniacs" once wrote, "My, how you've grown!" I'd be lying if I said that I was glad this first month is over. I'm not. I so love watching you grow and change each day, but I also feel that each passing day is bittersweet, as you will never be that age ever again. 

Here are some of the changes I see in you:

- The strength you show when you're on your tummy and you lift your head to look at me. 

- The end of the cross-eyed era.

- Our first bath without tears...today! (Your birthday present to me. :o) )

- You no longer fit on the Pack n Play changing table, unless we move the wipes container.

- You consistently smile at me and at your Dad--especially when he makes funny noises! You also enjoy smiling at us through your paci, which we find hysterical.

- Speaking of pacis, you rarely wake up when you've dropped it. Thanks for that.

- You have so much time when you're awake, alert, and happy. 

- You've outgrown the "Newborn" onesies. On to "0-3!"

- You've noticed the mobile above your crib, and love to track those little fishies.

- You have less patience for Oliver's tickly fur when he smells your ears.

- You've started to coo. Your favorite word is "Nn-geh!"

- You've been crowned, "The Spit-up King." We need to work on that one.

- Dad and I love when you "head bang" on our tummies.

- There are actually moments when I swear I can hear you thinking, "I love you, Mom."

Love,

Mom

More photos here.