Week 5 - Hey cuz

John had a great week. He was so excited to meet Aunt Lizzie and his cousins, Evie and Cate, who traveled here all the way from Massachusetts.  Lucky guy!  The girls have grown so much and they are even funnier in person – we enjoyed having them. Granny was also back for a visit and we all had a great weekend together goofing around with silly voices, building forts, and just hanging out.  Thank you all so much for making the trip!

John is getting really strong. He is holding his head up with some real conviction these days and his (death) grip is helping along Erica’s already departing post-partum hair. He is flirting with showing us the first smile that is not the result of some passing gas. John’s new-found alertness has him enjoying his play mat and tummy time, while Cooper is starting to chill out a bit and kick-it with his bro.

Some photos from the week…

Aunt Lizzie, Evie + Cate

 

 

 

Cate

Evie with her bud, Cooper

Loveys on the head

Uncle Matthew helping Evie make silly voices

Farmer John

Just kickin' it

Getting so long

Rachel visited from Philly to say "hi" to the little man

G'night

Week 4 – Adventures of a Raisin

It. Fell. Off. That measly little raisin on John’s tummy finally fell off on Friday, 9.16.11. After weeks of avoiding that puppy during diaper changes, we were happy to see it go. We learned that it is good luck to bury the umbilical cord stump, so on Sunday we walked to Memorial Park and found a tree under which to bury it… but not before we collected some additional tokens of good fortune from around our home. With the raisin, we also buried a 50¢ piece (wealth), a one pound sterling coin (travel), a pencil (wisdom), a band-aid (health), a Eucharist pendant (religion), and a seashell (nature); all of which we buried with love (love).

Also this week, John and Erica tested-out the Ergo Baby Carrier. The weather has been taking a turn for Fall (so exciting), so they walked to Drip (local coffee bar) to enjoy the first Chai of the season.  John seems to love it, as he does most wrap/carrier things – he’s a snuggler and not afraid to show it.

John’s eye contact continues to get stronger and more deliberate every day. His eyes seem to be following objects if placed close enough to his face so they are within his range of eye sight. We love to watch him as he grows into his body and are looking forward to learning more about his little (or big?) personality as he develops.

Some photos from the week…

On our way to the park

Resting up for the main event

Digging the hole...

50 cent piece, one pound sterling, band-aid, seashell, Eucharist pendant and pencil

In the hole!

Scene of the crime - Memorial Park, Madison, NJ

We haven't forgotten about you

First walk in the Ergo Baby Carrier

...yup, he's in there!

Busy week - I'm tired!

Week 3 - Easy as 1-2-3.

This week started off with another visit to the pediatrician – she wanted to make sure John was eating, gaining weight, and growing before they let him off the hook for a couple of months. John passed this test with flying colors, gaining almost one full pound (weighing in at 9lbs. 15oz.) in the last week. Way to go, buddy! Let’s hope he slows down a little – we need some time for our arm muscles to catch up so we can lug the little guy around.

John was fortunate to meet lots of new friends this week:  Great Aunt Linda and Great Uncle Paul, Joe Blaney, and Rachel and Liza came to visit bearing gifts. We also had a super fun visit with Kelly, Jake, and JJ Zarah – thank you for all your help!

This week also marked John’s first (and second, and third) walk outside – how fun?!  He loved it so much that he slept the entire time. He was able to see St. Vincent’s church, and we even made a quick stop in the cupcake shop. Mama and John are happy to be mobile again and enjoy the fresh air! Fall is our favorite time of year, so we’re looking forward to many more of these neighborhood jaunts.

Some photos from the week…

Go Blue...

...PSYCHE!

Pop-pop and his favorite guys

"Doesn't anybody love me?"

"Even my tail is plotting against me!"

A little bit of Ann Arbor in Madison

Sandra

Rachel

Liza

Week 2 - Welcome home, Cooper.

This week, we continued getting to know John, his habits, and his routines, and have begun settling into a daily schedule. It’s all about John, and we love it! Papa is back at work full-time now, and Mama and John miss him like crazy, but it has been a very smooth transition.  John is beginning to open his eyes a lot more and making eye contact with us regularly. He is also awake and alert a bit more this week, which we’ve learned is due to his healthy eating habits – good man.

The big event this week was introducing Cooper-the-dog to John for the first time, on Friday. We were pretty anxious about the first meet, but other than Cooper just being very curious, the introduction was a success. Throughout the week, a sniff here and there seem to keep Cooper mostly satisfied, but he’s definitely struggling with a little jealousy – must be tough to not be the “Top Dog” anymore. Last weekend also marked John’s first Notre Dame game. Unfortunately it wasn’t a great season opener for the team, but John was still happy to support them in full ND gear. We’re hoping to see ND beat The University of Michigan this coming weekend – Go Irish!

John expanded his list of visitors this week to include Sandra, who took the train to Madison from NYC, just to meet him. The two of them were instant pals, and we look forward to seeing Sandra again soon. Thanks for visiting!

Some photos from the week...

He found Mama's nose

Cooper's first look

Pouting

Go Irish!

Here's lookin' at you, Mary - we love you!

Sandra

Always looking up at John