Week 16 - Splish-Splash

John is feeling much better thanks in part to his new bath tub.  He loves soaking and splashing in warm water every night, and we love the smell of a clean baby!  This past weekend we set off for a family trip to Philadelphia, where Erica reunited with the ladies from Ann Arbor and Matt met up with friends from Wellesley and Notre Dame.  Naturally, John was a huge hit!  He has been babbling, smiling, and laughing at anything that catches his attention - as you will see in the video below.  John even struck up a conversation with another baby, Thomas, at his Mommy & Me class; they spent five minutes blathering and smiling at each other.  It was hysterical!
 
Some photos and video from the week...

 

 

 

Weeks 14-15 - Celebrations + Medications

The past two weeks have been filled with holiday celebrations and medications.  We had a great time at the Palamara's for John's first Thanksgiving  - thank you for hosting, Cathy and Michael.  Food, family, and frivolity were abundant ("Mamma mia, pass the gabagool!") in Cedar Grove, and John loved seeing faces old and new.  Later that weekend we took John to his first parade and tree lighting ceremony in Madison.  We couldn't tell you if he enjoyed it because he was sound asleep, but he was there and we have a few photos to prove it.  Phew.  John and Erica have been battling a seasonal cold this past week, but, unlike his mother, John has been smiling like a trooper.  In getting ready for Santa, we put up John's first Christmas Tree (with cousin William's baby sock as our "star" - in keeping with the tradition) and attempted a Christmas card photo shoot (unsuccessfully), but we included the outtakes for a laugh.  To top off the last two weeks, John rolled over for the first time this morning!  Way to go, John! Some photos from the weeks...

John's 1st Thanksgiving!

On our way to the Santa Parade!

John loves Bo-bo the Lovey Bear - Thank you, Lee Family!

Workin' on his rollin' skillz

Sick, but still cute

John's 1st Christmas Tree

Cousin William's baby sock - the "star"!

...here begin the outtakes

Weeks 12-13 - Holy Moly!

It's been a great couple of weeks: John is beginning to acknowledge Cooper, his neck is getting stronger, and we think he is even showing early signs of wanting to roll over - whoa there, John!  This past weekend was a very special as we celebrated John's Baptism; family and friends gathered for the event, so John was sure to put on a show.  He looked angelic in his special garments, originally worn by both his father and Granny, but looks can be deceiving.  For the first half of the ceremony John enjoyed the smells (which were of his own making), sights, and sounds of the church... then came his performance.  It began when Father George anointed him with oil and John spit-up all over the priest's hand. John then proceeded to cry for the entire second half of the ceremony, stopping only when Father George was holding him.  Naturally, he fell asleep as soon as the ceremony ended.  Afterwords, we were all happy to spend time with Mema, Pop-pop, Granny, Aunt Cathy, Uncle Michael, Godmother Kelly, Jake, JJ, and Godfather Tim.  It was a delightful afternoon! Thank you all for sharing in this happy occasion, and congratulations John! Happy Thanksgiving!

Some photos from the week...

He's getting SO big!

Camera one...

...camera two.

Happy bathtime!

Getting ready for his big day

The beautiful garments worn by both his father and Granny

Angel John

...the meltdown begins

Happy with Father George

...meltdown resumes.

Godmother Kelly and Godfather Tim

The whole crew (+Michael behind the camera)!

...annnnd he's out.

So strong!

A walk in the rain!