Weeks 20-21 - Hungry? Nope.

Last week kicked off with John's 4-month-old doctor's appointment.  John was frustrated even before his shots were administered, but he passed all the "tests" with flying colors!  He weighed in at a whopping 17lbs. 3oz. and measured 26.75".  The nurse commented, "I suppose I don't need to tell you that your son isn't small."  No, he isn't, and we love him for it.  The doctor said we could start John on some rice cereal, so last weekend we tried feeding him solids.  Turns out he isn't ready yet.  It started off well, but he eventually got upset because he couldn't get the food into his mouth fast enough.  We'll try again in a couple of weeks.  This week John also (finally) rolled over for the third, fourth and fifth, time (front, back, front again)...unfortunately, I wasn't quick enough with the camera, so you'll just have to trust I'm not fibbing.

In addition, we made a quick, but enjoyable, family trek in to Brooklyn to have brunch with Granny and the Murillos, who were in town for a wedding.  Cousins Evie and Cate always make us laugh!

Week 21 ended by welcoming John's newest cousins, Anthony and Ben!  Congrats, Cathy and Michael, we're so happy everyone is well.

Some photos and a video from the weeks...

...yes, Cooper is still around.

"Ok, I'll try this..."

"Just kidding."

Welcome, Anthony Kenneth Palamara!

Welcome, Benjamin "Ben" Michael Palamara!

Weeks 17-19½ - Holidaze.

Have we been lazy, or what?! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Happy 4-Month Birthday to John!  Had we waited any longer, we’d be wishing you a Happy 2013… Our sincere apologies for the delay in posting. I can’t tell you why we haven’t found the time to post, but I can say that gone are the days of John sleeping all day – this child has a mind of his own and must be entertained constantly.  Unfortunately, his mind is growing at such a rapid rate that his hair can’t keep up! He loses more hair each day and has officially adopted the style of his bald Irish father. Lucky Mama.

We’ve had a fun few weeks. It all began with an early celebration of Christmas and Mema’s Birthday, with the Griswolds, err, Geiselmanns and Palamaras, in Verona, and then off to Boston to spend Christmas with Granny, The Chi-Bradys, Uncle Will, and The Murillos. John was spoiled (and so were we) with great company and gifts galore. Thank you everyone! We spent a quiet New Year’s Eve at home in Madison and rang in our first new year as a family with tasty treats, Masterpiece Theatre, and an early bedtime. The season was truly special, and we are grateful to have been able to party with both of our families.

John has been making great strides; he is a happy little guy and belly laughs have become the norm. He hasn’t rolled over again, but he is too interested in his hands and feet to care. He is getting stronger (not to mention bigger) and loves to demonstrate his endurance by always wanting to stand. John continues to have a lot to say and we continue to wish we understood what he was babbling about. He is also beginning to adopt a more predictable schedule, and we are grateful for that.

New Year’s Resolution: post more frequently (don’t hold your breath).

Some photos from the past few weeks…