Say Cheese!

Is he starting to smile? Perhaps. It sure looks like it here, but our sample set is not substantial yet (and of course it could've been that his GI system was working overtime).







It seems the "play" mat hasn't been much fun thus far.



Simon's room includes a framed photo of one of my favorite jazz musicians, John Coltrane, located above his changing table. Often he's looking at it while trying to get through the pain of the changing; perhaps he needs it for inspiration to persevere through those rough waters.



Yesterday we took the entire family on a road trip to Milwaukee. Theo was his usual frenetic self, and Simon napped the entire ride in both directions.



Here he is with great-aunt Margaret Brauer.



Today is Rachel's last day of maternity leave, so this morning we took it easy.

Get a Little Closer and the Thumsucker Proxy

Today we took Simon to the pediatrician for his one-month appointment. The doc said he looked great. Here's the stats:

Weight: 9lb/11.4 oz -- 25th percentile/gained almost 2lbs since birth.
Height: 22'' -- 75th percentile/grown 2.5'' since birth.
Head circumference: 37cm -- 25th percentile

Conclusion: He's tall and skinny thus far. The next Lew Alcindor? We'll see.

And now for the photos. Theo was especially clingy here.





Dr. Valfer stopped by last night to check on everyone and she didn't come empty handed.





Theo was very appreciative of the gift.

A Month Old...Look Different?

Simon was born four weeks ago today. Ok, so it's not quite a month but pretty darn close.





Yesterday was one of two days during the year in which there is no resident coverage at the hospital. The residents take a day-long test called CREOG, which is followed by an evening out. We brought Simon along and he was passed around.







When in doubt, use the sling!





I had two long days Wednesday and Thursday traveling to Florida for a business trip, and then worked a full day Friday. This was taken as I was about to fall asleep last night. I do love my son very much, I swear!

Lay Off My Bro

It's definitely been a roller coaster ride for Theo. He looks more tired than usual and seems to be growing more gray hairs by the minute. Don't forget, his sleep schedule is all jacked up, too!

But it's also been so heartening to watch how Theo wants to protect the little prince. Here's some evidence.







Look at that swaddle!



And a big thanks to Chad and Dina Blumenfield for the swing. In video two Theo is not quite sure what to think of it.





Early this afternoon Rachel was visited by Holly, Anna, and Ashley -- all terrific labor & delivery nurses at Lutheran General.



Our relatives in the U.K. sent some very nice gifts, including a little buddy for Simon.

Three Weeks and Counting

Last night at 8:10pm CST on Saturday Simon turned three weeks old. Where has the time gone? We celebrated this anniversary by going out downtown and grandma Janet was the babysitter. All went well.

Here are some shots from the last few days...








Rachel gets a sling. I get the Baby Bjorn. Ain't me a natural?







We are not going back in time to Simon's birth here. Mommy wanted to display how good of a swaddler she has become. And I don't disagree.



I think I had just woken up from a nap here. And as you can see Theo still thinks he's a puppy and doesn't realize his size.

We Are Very Lucky

Today I am thinking a lot about the people of Haiti: how awful things are for them, and how fortunate I am to have a healthy and safe family, a roof over my head, and food on the table.

We are also fortunate to have great friends. Our friend Megan Schlesinger stopped by this morning, but she didn't come empty handed. She brought one gift for Simon, and one for our bellies: a Graco Pack 'n Play and eggplant parmesan.



Later in the day great-uncle Scott and cousin Sarah Bosley dropped by.



If "milk coma" had an entry in a visual dictionary it would look like this...

Come On By

Rachel has been receiving visitors the last couple of days, and Simon has enjoyed them. Yesterday Saba and Nana visited from Milwaukee; they brought lunch and even changed a diaper! That's always appreciated.





There's no napping in grandchildren! (Think "A League of Their Own")



We still, and will always, love our first child just as much.



My two sons...oh yeah, and her, too.



GG was very nice to bring over lunch and hang out for a while.

Shower the People

Last night we were blessed to attend a baby shower in Simon's honor. It was hosted by Dr. Brenna McCrummen and many of Rachel's colleagues attended.

This was the only good shot of the cake. It was soon to be consumed.



Two peas in a pod?

Everyone Calm Down!

Ok, the latest chatter in cyberspace is that I haven't posted anything in a while. Well, I can't produce masterpieces all the time! And I am heading back to work on Monday, so we're all going to have to transition together to work on our blog withdrawal :)

Therefore, here's a little fix for all of you out there.

Rachel got a quick tutorial on how to wear a sling, so now she can multitask with baby in tow. I see a second career in baby magazine modeling.



Back Time.



Since we came home Theo's been more attached to me; we think it's because he's basically given up on getting attention from Rachel since she's preoccupied with Simon, so his last hope is me. But for some reason today he was much more connected to mommy. Even dogs can throw curve balls every once in a while.



Here I tried to get Theo and Simon as close to each other as possible. It's not easy trying to force a 75lb dog to stay in one place while simultaneously snapping a photo, but I did my best.



I give up!