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.

"Undecided"

I like to consider myself open-minded. Since the Presidential debates have only just begun, and since I have yet to formally hear from the V.P. candidates, I'm officially listing my voter status as "Undecided"....unofficially.

Since this is the case, it would appear slightly partisan for me to include this moving piece of art on a family-centered blog, but--as it happens--it was drawn by a good friend, and I'd like to honor his talent. In case your computer's resolution doesn't do it justice, what you're looking at is an ink rendering of Senator Obama, created exclusively with the words, "Handsome One," a translation of "Hussein," which is Barack's middle name and the title of the piece. In case you're interested, Ian Simmons' work is available for purchase by clicking here.

In the interest of fairness, I probably should have included some McCain art as well, but, darn it all...I just couldn't find any.

Mom's Day Away: Fun With Hair

I had an opportunity to head out of the house today...alone.

My fantabulous husband volunteered to take on solo child care while I went in for a long-overdue hair appointment. Nothing fancy...just my usual cut and color, but today my stylist treated me to some hot rollers and curling iron--just for fun. Results below.



How lovely it would be if I could simply flip the switch and make it look like this without 30 minutes of styling! It was nice to be Curlylocks for a day.

The Three Munchki-teers

Once upon a time, two music teachers and a P.E. teacher found themselves pregnant at the same time.

Four months later, their beautiful babies got together for their first playdate! Here are some pics from the mini photo shoot that took place in Munchkin's crib. (I have new respect for my friend, "Kage," who often wrangles children for professional shoots. You go, girl!)




And they lived happily ever after! :o)

Poop Between the Toes

(Don't worry--no photos with this post).

I would like to pay homage to our first official Diaper Blowout. One day, we will have the opportunity to torture our son with things like pictures of his first bath and dressing up in mommy's high heels (come on, it's bound to happen)...and to those things, I'd like to add the memory of The Blowout.

You know it's bad when there is poop between the toes. And on the hands, therefore, also in the hair. And in (on, soaking through, on the other side of) the pants, therefore, also on the onesie and the thighs and the knees, and therefore, also on the belly--though not IN the newly healed belly button. Whew.

And all of this occurred approximately 12.4 seconds after coming out of the bathtub, and 6.7 seconds before Daddy walked in the door for lunch, to the tune of Mommy yelling, "Oh my! Oh no! Oh....MAN."

At least his digestive track is on track. (Snort.)